The Book That Wouldn't Burn

De: Mark Lawrence

Narrado por: Jessica Whittaker

Two strangers find themselves connected by a vast and mysterious library containing many wonders and still more secrets, in this powerfully moving first book in a new series from the international bestselling author of Red Sister and Prince of Thorns.

The boy has lived his whole life trapped within a book-choked chamber older than empires and larger than cities.

The girl has been plucked from the outskirts of civilization to be trained as a librarian, studying the mysteries of the great library at the heart of her kingdom.

They were never supposed to meet. But in the library, they did.

Their stories spiral around each other, across worlds and time. This is a tale of truth and lies and hearts, and the blurring of one into another. A journey on which knowledge erodes certainty and on which, though the pen may be mightier than the sword, blood will be spilled and cities burned.

©2023 Mark Lawrence (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“This tale of knowledge and its cost flies by thanks to the gripping mystery and beautiful worldbuilding...Readers will be desperate for more.”–Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A fantastic setting, a feisty heroine, and hints of a deeper mystery that calls to mind the depths of Frank Herbert's Dune and its intertwined cultural and religious issues."–Library Journal

"Lush and intricately plotted, this dense fantasy tale of an aspiring librarian from a village in a backwater known as the Dust and a boy who's lived his whole life trapped in a massive and ancient library is full of surprising twists and turns. With a plot that encompasses everything from romance and political intrigue to time travel and philosophy, this first installment in Mark Lawrence's new Library Trilogy is an often devastating story of the price we pay for knowledge."–Paste Magazine

Keeps the reader guessing

Many feel this is the best book that Mark Lawrence has written. While I enjoyed it, I wouldn't say I liked it as much as I enjoyed the Ancestor Series. The book is much slower-paced and much more introspective. The writing was excellent and entertaining, and the story and the world-building were detailed. The characters were interesting and the narration by Jessica Whittaker was outstanding.

There are lots of twists and turns and many surprises in this book. There were a number of times I was so surprised at a reveal that I went back to listen to the words again. Mark Lawrence definitely keeps readers on their toes. This is a book that the reader must pay close attention to, and not one that you can dose during. The story is told from the eyes of the two main characters, sometimes continuing the story, and sometimes retelling the previous events from a different perspective. I found that both challenging and interesting.

There are also aspects of the story's ending chapters that I am not sure I still fully comprehend. What was the importance of Malar not catching the escape that left the soldier? Why did Carlott jump into the water? Was it simply suicide to avoid being in the company of the enemy? I ended up listening to the ending two times trying to figure out if I had missed something. I have lots of questions and I find that this confusion detracted from my enjoyment of the book.

The pacing of the story starts off slow, but the last dozen chapters move at a rapid pace, so much so that I found the ending a bit abrupt. I would caution any listener of the audio version, and all readers that one must pay close attention to the story, or you will find yourselves lost. Looking forward to figuring out where the story is going.

Another Gem from Mark Lawrence

This book is about The Library that takes multiple days to circumnavigate, has all the books in all the languages that ever existed in this world and all the dimensions the brush up against it. It features two main individuals, one born and raised in the library, and the other, orphaned and brought into the library as a trainee at the age of 10. The story unfolds through alternating narratives that occasionally intertwine but often tell individual stories. The narration by Jessica Whittaker is perfect. If you are looking for a story that is completely different and yet compelling beyond words, here it is.

A book for book lovers

So immersive and unique! I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see what happens.

Fantastically engaging.

It draws you in. Like a good book does. I’m excited to start the next one.

Good chance this might become a movie

There’s a good chance this book might become a movie. Not because of the action - although there’s a lot of action - but because of the story, the world, the characters, and the excellent writing.


Author Mark Lawrence does not waste a word, which is why the story flows so well. I read (and listen) A LOT - and it is harder and harder for me to find a novel that still surprises and teach me something. This book, however, is refreshingly delicious.

Narrator Jessica Whittaker has precisely the right voice and delivery for this kind of story. Probably any story; she’s that good.

Loved it

At times the story got a bit confusing but in the whole it was great, definitely recommend to anyone thinking about listening to it.

An incredible book

I have always been impressed with Mark Lawrence’s ability to create worlds but this time my mind was truly blown. The world and characters gripped me and would not let me go - original in a way I haven’t read in a while. What a ride!

Good book

The book keeps you interested, Kind of an abrupt ending but we’ll worth the credit.

Excellent

Great worldbuilding, helpful narration, and a sequel added to my wishlist. This is the first book I've ever picked up by Lawrence and I loved it.

I was told to really pay attention to the details when a friend recommended it to me and I'm glad I did. The story hands you dozens of questions right off the bat and very carefully answers them as the protagonists uncover the truth.

Rather than hold your hand from beginning to end, the author very quickly tosses you into the deep end and allows you to learn about the world through the experiences of the main characters (which is far more entertaining than 100 pages of setting establishment in the style of a high school history textbook in my opinion).

It might be strange to say, but mystery novel fans might really enjoy this story as so many small details really did feed into the bigger picture - if you're paying attention.

Loved it. Can't wait for the 2nd installment.

Could Not Stop Listening

One night I couldn't seem to sleep having stumbling upon this title and Author I decided to get this book on a whim. Even though it was around 3 in the morning at the time I played it and could not leave it for later. The further along in the story I got the more I just had to know what happened next. About 10 hours later having finally given into exhaustion I slept but immediately after I woke I made my push for towards the end, The lack of adequate sleep was worth it, I can't wait to see where the story progresses to next.

One of the books on a shortlist which Have been so all consuming which It was nearly impossible to put down.