The Burning Page, by Genevieve Cogman

I recently reviewed the first two books in Genevieve Cogman's Invisible Library series, and was delighted when the third installment, The Burning Page, showed up on my doorstep. It's a fun read, but I don't see any evidence of a fourth book, and I much prefer The Burning Page as a series installment than a series conclusion.

After the events of the second book, Irene—an agent for the Library, a dimension-spanning organization devoted to acquiring important books from various worlds—has been put on probation. Accompanied by her apprentice Kai, Irene is stuck doing the Library equivalent of grunt work. But when their latest assignment goes spectacularly wrong, it becomes obvious that the rogue Library agent Alberich is once again wreaking havoc.

The Burning Page succeeds on most levels. I appreciate Cogman's efforts to expand her mythology, deepen minor characters, and intensify her plot. She writes clear, enthralling action sequences and her heroine remains appealingly resourceful. Unfortunately, the series' biggest weakness is still present: Cogman has introduced enough of a romantic storyline to tantalize, but never bothers to fully develop it. I'm not asking for Irene's love life to be tied up in a tidy bow, but by this point I expect to see more character growth than a halfhearted romantic overture to one love interest, and the promise (unfulfilled, at least in this book) to “discuss the future” with the other. Of course, this could easily be remedied in future installments, so here's hoping Cogman's publishers give her the chance to fully flesh out this extremely entertaining series.

Review based on publisher-provided copy.