The Mortal Word - (Invisible Library Novel) by Genevieve Cogman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In the latest novel in Genevieve Cogman's historical fantasy series, the fate of worlds lies in the balance. When a dragon is murdered at a peace conference, time-travelling Librarian spy Irene must solve the case to keep the balance between order, chaos...and the Library.

When Irene returns to London after a relatively straightforward book theft in Germany, Bradamant informs her that there is a top secret dragon-Fae peace conference in progress that the Library is mediating, and that the second-in-command dragon has been stabbed to death. Tasked with solving the case, Vale and Irene immediately go to 1890s Paris to start their investigation.

Once they arrive, they find evidence suggesting that the murder victim might have uncovered proof of treachery by one or more Librarians. But to ensure the peace of the conference, some Librarians are being held as hostages in the dragon and Fae courts. To save the captives, including her parents, Irene must get to the bottom of this murder--but was it a dragon, a Fae, or even a Librarian who committed the crime?

Review Quotes

Praise for The Mortal Word:

"Yet another delightful romp in the style to which her readers have grown accustomed... It's tense, explosive, full of witty dialogue, and at times laugh-out-loud funny. Chaotic drama and deeply felt emotion combine in ever-increasing stakes, culminating in a tense and revealing standoff."--Locus

"Cogman ably combines sleuthing with politics, magic, and a bit of romance for a satisfying tale."--Publishers Weekly

"Genevieve Cogman's prose in The Mortal Word is characteristically light and witty, and filled with the kind of unexpected literary references one would expect from a book about magical librarians. Even more impressive, however, is Cogman's ability to craft compelling standalone novels, while still using the developing relationships among her characters to tie the entire Invisible Library series together."--Bookpage

Praise for the Invisible Library Novels

"Clever dialogue, time hopping through fun locales, plenty of action, and hints of fresh plotting will have readers looking forward to further Library missions."--Library Journal

"A dazzling bibliophilic debut."--Charles Stross, Hugo Award-winning author of the Laundry Files

"Clever, creepy, elaborate world building and snarky, sexy-smart characters!"--N. K. Jemisin, author of The Fifth Season

"A book in which to wallow."--The Guardian (UK)

"Witty fantasy...a thrilling and deliciously atmospheric adventure."--Locus

"Ms. Cogman has opened a new pathway into our vast heritage of imagined wonderlands. And yet, as her story reminds us, we yearn for still more."--The Wall Street Journal

"Funny, exciting, and oh-so-inspiring, this is the kind of fantasy novel that will have female readers everywhere gearing up for their own adventure."--Bustle

About the Author

Genevieve Cogman is a freelance author who has written for several role-playing game companies. She currently works for the National Health Service in England as a clinical classifications specialist. She is the author of the Invisible Library series, including The Mortal Word, The Lost Plot, The Burning Page, The Masked City, and The Invisible Library.