This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting, which is a very, very good thing. The world building was much more intense, complex and made me slow down and actually read through certain passages to get what the author was trying to do and trying to tell me the reader. Irene is a librarian for not just a regular library, but the Library. She goes on missions to alternate worlds to capture key works for fiction for storage at the Library. Irene is unique as she comes from Library stock, this is all she has ever known. Her superiors give her an apprentice and what seems to be a relatively easy mission. Course not. From the get go Irene and her apprentice are met with Fae magic, vampire, werewolves and the baddest guy of all, the Librarian who turned evil. I'm not much for steampunk, but I enjoyed the mystery, the characters and the world building. Who couldn't love a book built on the foundation that great fiction works should be cherished? This seems to be the start of an exciting new series.
Thanks FirsttoRead for the opportunity to read this galley in exchange for an honest review.

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I like unusual approaches to fantasy and the idea of an invisible library existing is fascinating. Not certain about stealing rare manuscripts from other universes but that is the core of this tale. Irene is a junior librarian who has been assigned to do just that from a chaos/tech alternate universe. She has been assigned a handsome young man, Kai, to tutor and train about how librarians complete their tasks.

The two reach their location safely but soon discover violence and opposing individuals who are also seeking this manuscript. First, the man/vampire is killed. Second, to make matters worse a rogue librian responsible for missing librarians appears to make the situation even more dangerous. Third, the technical creatures and machines and the choas driven inhabitants provide more challenge than they had hoped. Finally, Irene realizes that Kai is not who she thinks he is but he has gained her trust and watches her back.

There is considerable action and situations from which Irene and Kai must escape before the climax is reached. I did enjoy this read and will look for the next book to see how Kai and Irene manage their next adventure.

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