Smoke and Iron adds a lot to an already jam=packed series, and it's really ramping up to the fifth and final book, which I am beyond stoked to read now! It's hard to review without spoilers, so I'll just say this --- you're going to want to scream more than once and probably punch something a few times. Be prepared so that you don't end up scaring your partner witless when you chuck it across the room and spend a few minutes shouting at it. And THAT ENDING. Didn't see it coming and don't know where it's gonna take me in the next book, but I'm along for the ride.

I LOVED this whole series so much!! From the creative book covers to the characters and atmosphere Rachel Caine created.

The twists and turns surprised me and the magical system was so inventive! I stayed up many nights reading these books back to back. I was genuinely sad when I finished the last book because I loved the family Rachel Caine had created.

The dystopian steam punk theme mixed with old world atmosphere and ideals made way to a world you never wanted to leave. I had my husband read this series too after I finished and he loved it too!

I would love collector editions of these books but without taking the tattered book art away, maybe adding some foiling and UV spotting though.

Truly a hidden treasure for those who dare to peak!

I'm so sad to say this, but this series wasn't for me. People do love this series but I just couldn't connect. When I requested this one I didn't realize it was a 4th book so I gave the first a try and I had to DNF. It just didn't work for me. It is definitely a case of "It's me, not you.".

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles.
I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

Jess goes head to head with the Archivist. He and his friends must band together to defeat the corruption of the Great Librarys leadership.

I really enjoyed this entire series. It was a great concept and kept my attention the entire time. The setting and concept of this series is so fascinating. And come on, it's a series about a library! What bookish person wouldn't want that?

This is the 4th book in the series. It seems as If the writing and plot is slowly going down in quality? While I do love Rachel Caine's writing, I did find I had a harder time with this one than I did the previous 3. I do think this series is definitely under rated. More people need to realize how beautiful it really is.

***Review not posted on blog***

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Rachel Caine. Unfortunately I am unable to post a review of this book on my blog at this time. I am excited to read more by Rachel Caine and this publishing imprint. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

The Eater of Books!

I tired really hard to get into this one. I really wanted to love it but I just couldn't get into the story. I found myself just being so bored and not enjoying the characters. I think it must me a it's not you, it's me situation.

I was really hoping this would be better than the first, but nope. I was still bored to tears, and actually ended up unable to finish this one. I can see where some would love this series, as the premise is really cool, but it's definitely a series that just isn't for me.

Smoke and Iron begins from the aftermath of Jess letting his father's trap close on them, so they all are separated - and this means the series takes a different approach and makes it multi-PoV instead of a single one from Jess (with Ephemera entries filling in the blanks). For most of the book, the main PoVs rotate between Jess, Khalila, Wolfe and Morgan, while in the last part (it has 14) we get to see from Thomas', Santi's and Glain's eyes as well. Jess is under the Artifex's custody, trying to figure out a way to stall while he gathers info, and also to give time to Morgan, who is in the Iron Tower, overthrow the Obscurist Magnus. Wolfe has been confined the cells in Alexandria, along with Khalila's family, with no idea of Jess' plan but assuming there is some plan in place. The others are on Anit's ship, being swiftly carried on the way to Alexandria. And because there are so many moving pieces in this plan, the book is quite expansive in its plot, introducing new threads to a central plot that is shifting slightly from just defeating the Archivist.

The multiple Pov do slow down the pace a bit, but also allows for so much more to be seen. I loved Khalila's PoV the most, because you can see her conviction strengthen as the book moves along - only a Scholar, she is playing the political game, talking to allies, but also aware that some of their plans will involve violence and that she will have to make her peace with it. Morgan's PoV gives us more insight into the alchemy of the Obscurist and the workings of the Iron Tower, and introduces us to Eskander, Wolfe's father, and Annis, Keria's friend; the latter is a delight, by the way! Wolfe's is painful to read through, because being in the cells calls back his memories of torture, and even hallucinations. The point where they all converge is also kind of where the earlier plan starts to crack, but also, who doesn't love a good reunion. This family has had to rely on so many shaky allies, you can almost expect betrayal at every turn and that hold so much of the suspense in this book.

On the plot level, it makes for a good amalgamation of earlier book events into this: while Jess and co are trying to topple the most powerful man in Alexandria, the geopolitical situation is such that major kingdoms around the world had allied themselves (in the last book) which weakens his position. And with a dissatisfied High Garda, the odds are turning in the favor of Jess and his family, but just so. There's the fact that they do need help from allies, and trusting those allies would be foolish, especially when they have Thomas' intellect and his creations on the table. And the conclusion of the book, while a bit chaotic and rushed, still plants the seed for the next book quite well.

Really wonderful, which was no surprise to me because I truly love this series. It is one that everyone should read. I wish there was going to be more from this series!

This is the new series of the decade. I recommend this series to every single middle and high school student looking for a new series to read. My middle school book group adores it, and I cannot cannot cannot wait for the last installment.

The Great Library series first snagged me with its stunning covers, but I stayed reading them for the amazing stories! I really love that as book lovers we find people equal if not more in love with books and preserving them! This series was gold from the moment I laid my eyes on it and has only grown on me with each book!

After the cliff hanger in book 3, I was in dire need of this book! I absolutely love to hate cliff hangers and this time it was no exception! I’m so glad Smoke and Iron picked up right where we left off in Ash and Quill! With everyone being separate we have multiple POVs and while I’ve mentioned I’m not always a fan of this in books, here was an exception! I felt the story was stronger by having them all separated and at different points in grave danger! It brought the story to life and without the multiple POVs, it wouldn’t be as strong! There was so much deception happening and conspiracies it was just perfect!

I felt the story was fast paced, with continued excellent world building and character development! Once again I am on my seat for the next book!

I really enjoyed the first couple books in this series. But sadly I feel like as I have read each subsequent book I liked each one a little less. I still plan to read the next book but I'm not sure.

I loved the book. The series is just getting darker and deeper. I was really thinking the series would end with this book and I was really disappointed that it didn't. I love the series but I'm not sure my heart can take any more of this.

Even better than the last book. I like how the story is progressing and look forward to the next in the series.

I think this series was originally supposed to be a trilogy? I'm not even mad that it's stretched out to be at least five books. There are definitely some series where it feels like the author drags everything out and nothing of consequence happens from book to book, but that is not this series. This series is action-packed and this latest book is no different. We've got all the same characters that we know and love and it's such a joy to watch them continually develop through this fourth book. Jess is such a delightful main character and I really enjoyed the switching perspectives, especially when we got to Khalila's portions. I can't remember if the previous books switched perspectives like this one, but it was definitely necessary with all of our characters separated.

Something I really love about this series is that it has such a wonderfully diverse cast without seeming to try too hard. Sometimes books include diversity for diversity's sake and it's done in a really stiff and obvious way--not the case with this series.

I love books that imagine different iterations of the library and what Caine has come up with is really quite fascinating. The entire world that she's created is so rich and detailed. She really brings her vision of Alexandria to life. I would highly recommend this series to pretty much anyone and those covers are to die for.

Another wonderful instalment in the Great Library series. The series is fun to follow and full of great scenes. Full of action and quick to read, as it draws you in so deep you can't put it down! Highly recommend this series.

I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Why oh WHY?!?! I’m feeling all the emotions right now! Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine is the much anticipated 4th book of The Great Library and picks up right were Ash and Quill left us hanging. Without spoiling that one, I’ll just say that Jess and Dario’s harebrained plan has left the friends split up and being tortured….yeah good going guys 🙄

Jess, Morgan, and KHALILA
Told in multiple POV this time, Smoke and Iron plays out much like I thought it would AND not at all like I expected. Jess is in the hands of the Archivist and pretending to be something he is not. It takes all of his cunning and then some to pull it off. But pull it off he does and it is magnificent. I caught myself holding my breath through most of his chapters.

Morgan is with the Obscurists. I loved her scenes. Not only do we finally get a peek into what they do inside the Iron Tower, but we also meet new characters: Anissa and Eskander. Anissa is kind and sweet, but pulls no punches. She isn’t very powerful, but what she lacks in power she more than makes up for in stealth. Eskander however is scary powerful. That’s all I’ll say about him, because…..



And KHALILA!!! Sheesh does she step up this book or what?! I’ll be honest. The first time Khalila was introduced into the series, I kind of overlooked her. She didn’t seem to be an important character, other than to be smarter than Jess and drive Dario mad with want. Well…she does all that and more. As the reader, you get to be in her head and see the turmoil she is going through along with her resolve. Seriously she makes me want to fight a revolution!

Revolution on the Horizon
The plot of this book is complicated and simple all at the same time. Jess is trying to infiltrate and kill the Archivist. It’s crazy, but if it saves more books and the people that protect them, it’s worth it. While in the previous books, the Archivist was on the outskirts, just out of reach, he is present in this book and within Jess’s grasp. The big bad becomes fully fleshed out and honestly he’s a bit scary because of the power he wields.

Despite being scary, the people are beginning to see through him and question his decisions. As a reader, you realize he’s inferior and his time is coming to end long before the characters. Caine does a fantastic job of foreshadowing and playing into the reader’s anticipation. I seriously couldn’t set the book down because it is SO fast paced.

My Final Thoughts
Overall I really enjoyed Smoke and Iron! It was a quick, fast-paced read that kept me guessing until the very end. And the end 😭 I’m not over it yet. I need the next book. The world-building, the characters, I need to know what happens next. What more could they possibly go through?! If you’ve enjoyed the first three books, don’t wait to read the next one. It’s satisfying and still leaves you wanting more.