Genevieve Cogman

The Mortal Word is part of Genevieve Cogman’s witty and wonderful Invisible Library series, which can be enjoyed as part of a sequence or as standalones. A corrupt countess. A spy in danger. And an assassin at large. Peace talks are always tricky . . . especially when a key diplomat gets stabbed. This murder rudely interrupts a top-secret summit between the warring dragons and Fae, so Librarian-spy Irene is summoned to investigate. In a version of 1890s Paris, Irene and her detective friend Vale must track down the killer – before either the peace negotiations or the city go up in flames. Accusations fly thick and fast. Irene soon finds herself in the seedy depths of the Parisian underworld on the trail of a notoriously warlike Fae, the Blood Countess. However, the evidence against the Countess is circumstantial. Could the assassin – or assassins – be closer than anyone suspects? The Mortal Word is perfect for fans of Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes. 'Captivating story with animated characters . . . cracking pace' Guardian

The Mortal Word

Vilde

Kye 

I really like the invisible library series. I love the concept of many different parallel worlds with very small to very big differences. I love the fae with their archetype. I like lord Silver in the way I like Bellatrix from Harry Potter. I don’t like their actions but they are pretty interesting. 
I’ve never thought about how historically accurate the books are but I noticed something in the first chapter. It plays during the witch hunt in Germany (1450-1775) and Irene is wearing a Dirndl which were invented around 1900.

I always take so much time before a pick up another book of that series and then I forget certain stuff about the story or characters. I read the entire book without knowing who exactly Sterrington was. 😅

Sahi K

I was so excited when I got approved for the ARC of this book, especially because I was rejected same time last year for The Lost Plot and it felt like an affirmation that I’m now a capable blogger 😉😉😉 And I’m so glad to have read this book because it has all the wonderful elements that I have loved in the series with an extra dose of politics that I really enjoyed.

Irene is such a strong female character that I’m surprised she is not talked about more in the book community. She fights with the tools she knows best – words, language, knowledge, manipulation and the resilience to seem unaffected even during the most desperate of situations. In this installment, she is called on to use her quick wit even more because she has to deal with the intricacies of politics between the Dragons and the Fae and even a small misstep can have grave consequences for the fate of humankind. She juggles being deferential towards the dragon royalty, trying not to get caught up in the stories of the fae, dealing with the possibility of betrayal from Librarians – all while trying to be an impartial investigator and find the true culprit (even when no seems to want her to do that). She has to fight off the Blood Countess, possessed cats, poisonous apples, gas filled cakes and so much more to ensure that the peace treaty is signed and the Library remains neutral.

I was doubly excited in this book because Vale travels alongwith Irene to investigate the murder and I really wanted to see him again in his element but in an environment he doesn’t know well. We get to see glimpses of his genius, his ability to conduct his investigation with conviction and never swaying in front of the dragons or fae. He also comes to the right conclusions as Irene even if by different methods. However, what disappointed me was the it’s still Irene who takes the lead and after a point, Vale becomes a sidekick who shows up on page when the story needs it. I would have loved to see more of them working together.

The plot is even more action packed in this book because there are always assassination attempts or kidnappings happening and Irene has to think on her feet and get out of all these tricky situations. Her immense talents are on full display and it was truly a delight to read. We also get to know so much more about the court politics of the dragons and how much the dragons and fae can’t stand each other. Every page in the story felt so significant because I was very invested in the outcome of the peace conference and was wondering how Irene’s findings would impact it. The end battle was very intense and on a scale not seen in this series before. The ending really expands the scope of this universe and I can’t wait to see what Irene and Kai will do in their new roles.

If you love books and mysteries and adventures featuring a strong female character, I recommend you leave everything else aside and pick up this series. Every book in the series expands the scope of this universe and it has been a wonderful journey. And I’m very happy to know that there might be a couple more upcoming in this series.

Anastaciya

True to the genre's traditions.
Ahh, still want more info 🙈

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?

So odd - I can barely remember this from my first read... Oh well, glad to continue.

Nona G

I'm giving 4* to this one as I truly think it's the best of the series. It wraps up the whole story nicely and finishes it with a bang. I had a lot of fun reading this volume!

This fifth volume is all about a peace treaty between the different factions in the Invisible Library universe and an event that can put an end to the negotiations. Irene is called to investigate and a lot of characters we have come to love along the way (yes, even Silver!) make a comeback.

I have been enjoying the story, as well as the rhythm of the storytelling. The novel is moving at an alert pace and this volume took me less time to read than the others, despite its length. 

The best thing about this novel, other that the fact that it's action packed, is the development of the mythology, which really goes deeper than in any of the previous volumes. We've got loads of fae and dragons and even librarians, each unique and bringing a new flavour to the story. And I must say that The Countess may just be the best character yet. Plus a new world, which is always great.

I'm thoroughly enjoying Irene's character development and I think she has finally found her calling. I'm not extremely happy about the ending, which leaves too many open doors (and I read there's more volumes to come, something I'm not entirely sure is necessary, as I truly had the feeling of finality when I closed this book). I'm also not happy we don't get to meet Irene's parents even now. But despite all these, I truly enjoyed this one, I feel it's the best of them all.

Jara

Rochelle Butcher

Grace Piper

raven

Alexandra Dawning

Daria Ioana Gheorghica

Susan Forsythe

Lauren Sullivan

Liz Carpenter

Renee K Hopper

Imie Kent-Muller

Jason Becker

Veronica Palacios

Michelle Miller

Pam Sartain

Jennifer Gregory

A corrupt countess. A spy in danger. And an assassin at large. The fifth title in Genevieve Cogman's witty and wonderful Invisible Library series, The Mortal Word is a sparkling bookish adventure. Peace talks are always tricky . . . especially when a key diplomat gets stabbed. This murder rudely interrupts a top-secret summit between the warring dragons and Fae, so Librarian-spy Irene is summoned to investigate. In a version of 1890s Paris, Irene and her detective friend Vale must track down the killer - before either the peace negotiations or the city go up in flames. Accusations fly thick and fast. Irene soon finds herself in the seedy depths of the Parisian underworld on the trail of a notoriously warlike Fae, the Blood Countess. However, the evidence against the Countess is circumstantial. Could the assassin - or assassins - be closer than anyone suspects?

The Mortal Word

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