308 p.
Publisher: DAW
Published: 8/7/12
Source: Library
Isaac Vainio is a Libriomancer, a member of the secret organization founded five centuries ago by Johannes Gutenberg. Libriomancers are gifted with the ability to magically reach into books and draw forth objects. When Isaac is attacked by vampires that leaked from the pages of books into our world, he barely manages to escape. To his horror he discovers that vampires have been attacking other magic-users as well, and Gutenberg has been kidnapped.
With the help of a motorcycle-riding dryad who packs a pair of oak cudgels, Isaac finds himself hunting the unknown dark power that has been manipulating humans and vampires alike. And his search will uncover dangerous secrets about Libriomancy, Gutenberg, and the history of magic...My thoughts:
Well, what better book to get from the library to read? I've been wanting to read this book since it first came out and what I got was a magical adventure. One that was fun and wished I had the magical powers to reach into a book and pull out magical things. Harry Potter anyone? LOL
The worldbuilding here is tricky but I think the author does a pretty good job at explaining things. It seems to cover most of the plot holes that could have occurred. The reason why certain things could and could not be taken from books. Also what it does to the magician taking these things. We are still left with a few minor holes but I think that is to be expected and would be impossible to cover everything in a first book.
I enjoyed the ride and the magic involved but I didn't love the romance in the book. Oddly enough I didn't hate it either. I think if it was solved differently in the end I would feel differently but it was an odd ending to that part of the book. I will not divulge more than that cryptic statement with the exception that I will say that this is the first book that makes a triangle perfectly reasonable for at least one character. *evil laugh* (now you have to figure that one out... )
What surprised me is Smudge. I am a firm believer in arachnophobia so color me surprised when I loved this spider! Granted he isn't real in the sense that he came from a book but then again, that might be the only way I would love a spider like that. Oh and he explodes into flame. :D
I give this book 4 stars. I recommend it to those that love to read and those who love magic. I especially recommend it to those that enjoy the fantasy and sci-fi genres. You will find a lot in common with the hero in this book.
Able to magically reach into books? I wonder how many of us would love to have this power.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one for the wish list, thank you for sharing.
I think you'd have fun with this one.
DeleteThis sounds really interesting! And while I'm not a big fan of spiders(they creep me out), Smudge actually sounds like a character I would like. Thanks for the review :)
ReplyDeleteAsma @ IceyBooks
Hey, I'm quite surprised that I loved that spider. :)
DeleteHow can a love triangle be reasonable? Now that I have to find out. It seems a bit unlikely from my perspective, but I totally believe you and I'm very intrigued. I'm glad the rest worked for you so well, I've been meaning to read this for ages.
ReplyDelete*evil laugh* I knew that would get someone. :)
DeleteScore one for the library. I am headed there today. I think this sounds like fun despite the sticky romance and a spider as a sidekick, well that is different.
ReplyDeleteOh I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
DeleteThe magic and book taking you away sounds nice
ReplyDeleteIt was. :)
DeleteI've been really curious about this one! I'm glad to hear that it's pretty good. I'll have to see if I grabbed it yet. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteCool :D I have wanted to try a Hines book
ReplyDeleteWell you have me curious about the romance bit of it. Hmm!
ReplyDeletelol - All spiders are lovable. I thought that was Paul Walker on the cover when I first glanced at it. It must be nap time.
ReplyDeleteOh it sounds like a nice start for a series, this one is new to me I confess but I like the idea and I'm curious about the world mainly if it's well explained. thanks for the discovery!
ReplyDeleteWell sign me up for being a Libriomancer Melissa! That is an amazing ability and I'm completely jealous of Isaac that he has it and I don't. I'm not loving the sound of the romance in this one, but everything else is a win:)
ReplyDeleteA spider called Smudge...gads you have me wanting to read this one Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI just love fantastical reads period, and I the fact that there is a mythical spider of some sort has certainly piqued my interest! I was immediately reminded of Suzanne Collins' Gregor the Overlander which is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
Claudia @ My Soul Called Life
This is one I've been wanting for a long time too. And cool that it's the one you got from the library. ;)
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I'm happier without romance (or with just a little hint) in a story, especially when it doesn't contribute enough to the story itself.
ReplyDelete