The God of Lost Words

A Novel from Hell's Library, Book 3

By: A. J. Hackwith

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Hackwith's poignant, imaginative series sends readers on an amazing journey, with profound prose that will capture hearts and minds." (Library Journal, starred review)

To save the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, former librarian Claire and her allies may have to destroy it first.

Claire, rakish Hero, angel Rami, and muse-turned-librarian Brevity have accomplished the impossible by discovering the true nature of unwritten books. But now that the secret is out, in its quest for power Hell will be coming for every wing of the Library.

To protect the Unwritten Wing and stave off the insidious reach of Malphas, one of Hell’s most bloodthirsty generals, Claire and her friends will have to decide how much they’re willing to sacrifice to keep their vulnerable corner of the afterlife. Succeeding would mean rewriting the nature of the Library, but losing would mean obliteration. Their only chance at survival lies in outwitting Hell and writing a new chapter for the Library. Luckily, Claire and her friends know how the right story, told well, can start a revolution.

©2021 A. J. Hackwith (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Hackwith literally brings books to life with her layered prose, emotional scenes, slow burns, and powerful connections among found family members." (Library Journal, starred review)

“This book pulls apart what a book is, what a book could be, and gets to the soul of what it means to tell a story, all while delivering queer chemistry and intricate worldbuilding.” (Booklist, starred review) 

"Powerhouse fantasy.... Writing in stirring prose, Hackwith imbues her high-concept, metafictional tale with color, action, and high-flying emotion." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Thank goodness this is better than book2

I almost didn’t read this book after the disappointment of the whining in book2. This one has too much yammering about feelings and some leaps of logic, but it is soooo mich better than the last book. I still enjoyed book1 the best but this one ties up the series well.

Bittersweet

I’m not fond of endings in life, in stories, in general. This book series meant a lot to me. I cried at the ending. And I’m so happy to have been part of the story as a reader.

Loved it!

What a fun concept. I enjoyed the story, but also how imaginative and unique it was

lovely, exciting and sweet

The trilogy of Hell's Library is a love letter to readers. and to those of us whose fondest memories include afternoons curled up with a book. This final chapter wraps up the loose ends and leaves with the perfect moment. For all of you who, like me, savor the memories of wonderful places, smelling like paper and leather binding, as we explore worlds in words, this is a series for you.

Superior Book

This is Book 3 of the trilogy. The entire series is a must read if you love books and stories. The characters are wonderfully developed and come alive. The story is beautiful and one you hope is true. There is total suspension of disbelief because you already half believed it anyway if you love stories, books and THE LIBRARY. I never want it to end and I believe it won't.

i never wanted it to end

so glad i found this book. perfect for this time. every librarian and reader Needs to read this series

A Brilliant series to read and reread!

I’ve loved this series from start to finish. It’s brilliantly written, poetic, adventurous, heartfelt, and epic in scope and nature. Any reader, writer and/or librarian will immerse completely in these pages.

The characters are diverse with a wonderful rendition of anti-heroes and heroes alike. No contemporary topic is shied away from in a divine tale good - evil - good. I can’t recommend it enough!

A series I will read and listen to (thanks to Lisa Flanagan and Bahni Turpin) again and again. Five stars!!!

Well…this story!

Y’all read/listen to this series! What stellar world building and such a wonderful queer found family tale mix with a brilliant fantasy epic. Also the narrator did an exceptional job with telling this story about the power of stories.

The God of Lost Words

The end of an enjoyable trilogy. The story was very inventive and came to a good conclusion. I enjoyed this last book a great deal. However, this particular performer is not very good. She is unable to use different accents as they should be read and she also has a hard time maintaining the integrity of a single character’s voice throughout the story. I rarely write actual reviews on Audible but I thought this warranted it. Again the book is good but wish they had stuck with the performer of the first book who was so much better. I listened because I really liked the story and wanted to see how it concluded.

Love this series

Love, love it. It opens up a whole new view of the world or realm of words!