My Five Word TL:DR Review: Treat yourself.  Read this Book

This review is long overdue.  I have had a very strange few months culminating with a slow down in my reading and blogging.  I did eventually get back on board with my reading but I’m still catching up with my write ups. I thought I should clear that up because I would really not want anyone to think my tardiness is a reflection of my feelings.

So, The Book That Wouldn’t Burn, the first book in the Library Trilogy, is without doubt a masterpiece. It blew me away.  It didn’t take me by surprise because to be honest, I expected it to be good.  Lawrence is a master storyteller and I guess I almost take it for granted that he will come up with something staggering and on this occasion he certainly doesn’t disappoint.

In fairness I think it’s taken me a little while to review this book because I don’t really think I’ll be able to do the book justice.  I don’t know if it’s just me but the books that I adore are more often than not the ones I struggle to express myself adequately.  It’s a fine line between putting down coherent thoughts and simply gushing uncontrollably. Therefore, I can’t make any promises, there could be some gushing.

I’m not going to describe the plot here.  Mainly because, being late to the party, I think there are already a number of very well written reviews already out there that more than adequately set out what’s going on. Also, I think, given the complexity of this story, the possibility of me leading things astray is quite likely, and I think Lawrence does a brilliant job of leading us skillfully through the library stacks and the twists and turns.

Instead.  Some thoughts and emotions.

As a fairly avid reader I will say that any book that promises a story with a library, well, you pretty much had my attention at ‘hello’.  I will also say that being promised a library in a story doesn’t always necessary ensure said library is delivered – but, without doubt, the library setting is intrinsic to The Book That Wouldn’t Burn and boy does this setting deliver perfectly.  Not only this, there are so many bookish references in here that the book is a positive treat. I actually started to make notes but I literally couldn’t keep up.

The writing here is everything I’ve come to expect from Lawrence.  The whole story is so overwhelmingly clever and gripping.  The tension is off the charts and the long story in play is just brilliant. I’m constantly banging on about this author’s ability to play the long game and he certainly delivers once again.

The twists in the tale.  Wow, there was one point of the book where I was brought up short.  I had to stop reading.  You could hear the resounding echo as my jaw hit the floor.  I mean, perhaps I’m not the smartest cookie but, my giddy aunt, did this take me by surprise.  I thought I’d missed something, perhaps reading too quickly, but no,I backtracked, and sure as eggs is eggs – there it was – a brilliant shocker. Inspired. I’m sure that different readers will have different take outs on the twists but this particular one was a winner for me.

I’m not sure what else I can really add to this.  This is a fantastic start to a series.  I can’t wait to see what comes next and the only problem now is the wait for the next instalment.  Take my advice and give this a whirl.  Highly recommended.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 5 of 5 stars