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The Invisible Library

The Invisible Library, Book 1

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The Invisible Library

By: Genevieve Cogman
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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About this listen

One spy. One dangerous book. One deadly mission. Discover the first book in this gripping fantasy mystery series – The Invisible Library is the astounding debut from bestselling author Genevieve Cogman.

Perfect for fans of
Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, Jasper Fforde's The Eyre Affair or Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London.

'I absolutely loved this' – N.K. Jemisin, author of
The Fifth Season

Irene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, whose staff are sent to different realities to harvest dangerous and mystical fiction.

Irene has been posted to an alternative steampunk London along with her enigmatic new assistant, Kai. Their mission: to retrieve a dangerous edition of Grimms' Fairy Tales. But it has already been stolen.

In London's underground, the laws of nature have been bent – supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic stalk the land. The city is home to vampires, werewolves – factions that are all prepared to fight to the death for this book.

Irene must face a web of deadly danger, deception and secret societies. Her new assistant is hiding secrets of his own. Yet failure is not an option – the nature of reality itself is at stake . . .

Continue the journey with the adventurous second title in the Invisible Library series, The Masked City.

©2015 Genevieve Cogman (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
Action & Adventure Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy Fiction Historical Mystery Science Fiction City Paranormal Emotionally Gripping Exciting England

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What listeners say about The Invisible Library

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable

I enjoyed this book. Vale’s voice was a bit off- it seemed slightly pantomime-esque - while the others were more serious, and the characterisation was a little uneven. However it’s a good read and the pacy plot pulls you along. I’ll be downloading the next one

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Good story line & characters

I was recommended this book. liked the narrative, the story and the characters. looking forward to thenext one.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An intriguing book

I enjoyed this book. I liked the concept. Also liked the descriptions of the buildings, lands and various magical creatures. Very good narration. Looking forward to listening to the next book in the series.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Interesting concept but bland young adult novel

Listens like this make me wish audible had a 'Young Adult' warning label as this one felt disappointingly teeny... It isn't terrible, but it isn't very gripping either. It has some interesting points which would make it fun for some readers I am sure, but not for me. A fairly original premise but plot and characters just fell short for me. I'm sorry to say I just couldn't be bothered to finish and have given up with a couple of hours left. Narrator is fine. Maybe I just need some time away from gentle fantasy...

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Oscar worthy narration

Well, the storyline is massively far fetched, but the narrator gives it amazing credulity. What a talent. Well done. I know find I must listen to all the stories ( are there any more).

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable easy listen

I found the story unique and the characters easy to relate to.
Enjoyed this book

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow! A wonderful, fun, edge of your seat read/listen 5 stars! TV/ Film Producers please make into a TV show/ Film!

Dear Reader, Wow what an excellent read/listen!So thoroughly good! Love the plot, the key players, running between worlds, the forces of magic, chaos and the library and wonderful dialogue and script. The idiosynractic ensemble cast, not least the key protagonist Irene Winters "Ray". The cast of characters, with their great personalties, special "gifts" and " talents", brought to life by the great and authentic narration was deliciously enjoyable. The nuances of the fascinating plot and sub plots and what the true purpose of the library is are compelling! A could not put down audio book! 5 stars! 7 stars even! 😉

The narration was excellent and the amazing number of people that were portrayed so well, makes a big difference to the enjoyment of the listening experience. Kristen Atherton really well done, top notch! 5 stars!

To Genevieve Cogman: Loved the Invisible Library book an excellent read/listen. Congratulations. Looking forward to reading the next 7 in the series! This has the hallmarks written all over it of an amazing TV series and Films, like another Outlander, Harry Potter and Robin Hobb (The Liveship Traders, Ship of Destiny Triology) and The Assassins Apprentice!

Any TV/Film Producers reading this please make this into a TV show and Film Triology (at least). This will transfer to both small and big screen so well. What are you waiting for! You have millions if not billions of fans of both the books/audio genre of fantasy, magical , syfy, supernatural and not least historical! Nerds united around the world will get such immense pleasure from this development to TV and film as will. Good luck!🤞⏳️🪂🧭🙏😉💜

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Exciting story in believable worlds

I enjoyed this story. The idea of a library set out of time was interesting and the variations of worlds worked. There were parts of the story that were gripping and other parts where I had to reread because I’d phased out. All in all it was an enjoyable story with an excellent performance, and I was left wanted to read a sequel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant story........

Well written. What an imagination. I read this book a long time ago and was hoping there would be more. Excellent writing.
And I am so glad they were re-recorded by Kristin Atherton. However much I enjoyed the story. I could not have listened to the person who recorded the earlier version.
Kristin is excellent. What a vocal range she has. And perfect intonation
The narration had a few too many pauses in the wrong places at first. But then she really relaxes into it. I am definitely a fan of Kristin’s reading.

Looking forward to the next book.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Such imagination

Wow! This book is not my usual genre - I like a good detective story - but it’s really clever, fast paced and would make a cracking movie! Kristin Atherton narrates with a real feel for what’s going on. It’s not a book you have to really plough through, easy to grasp the concepts and is a right good rollicking yarn. Enjoy!!

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