• The Mortal Word

  • The Invisible Library, Book 5
  • By: Genevieve Cogman
  • Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
  • Length: 15 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (168 ratings)

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The Mortal Word  By  cover art

The Mortal Word

By: Genevieve Cogman
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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Publisher's summary

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. Continue the bookish magic with The Secret Chapter. Genevieve is also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet - which reimagines the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but with vampires, mages and magic...

©2021 Genevieve Cogman (P)2021 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

Critic reviews

"Captivating story with animated characters...cracking pace." (Guardian)

What listeners say about The Mortal Word

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Love Characters and Kristin Atherton

I did not happen upon reviews until after my 5th book in the series. I just came to these books recently. I was so concerned to see reviews of the 6th book bemoaning a new narrator - because I have been soooo enjoying Kristin Atherton’s narration. Her characters are so defined, I seldom have any question which character is speaking. (And if so, it’s occasionally a minor character). I was relieved to realize she is the 2nd narrator and amazed to read or others saying her characters are dull! (Having not heard the others narration). I wonder how much has to do with what you grow accustomed to. Anyhoo - very much enjoying the series as written, and as read by Atherton.

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  • 06-13-21

Love Kristen Atherton’s Narration!

I must have come into the series after the narrator was changed to Kristen Atherton. While I can’t say how good the previous narrator was I can say that Kristen Atherton’s narration has really impressed me and has kept me coming back.

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Once again very, very good

A good story and powerfully yet sensitively read.Fortunately I've already the bought the next one so I don't have to wait long for it.

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  • Overall
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Political Thriller in a Fantasy World

I love the Invisible Library series (some entries more than others) and this is one of the best. It has fantasy, magic, political thriller aspects, and a murder mystery all wrapped in an eloquent package. I highly recommend this series.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Still a fun series...but

Over a few books, Susan Duerdan became the voice of this series to me, especially after multiple readthroughs. Kristin Atherton does a great job, but the switch halfway through a series does not engender a coherent transfer. She does a great job, but the feelings from Mz. Duerdan don't feel as fleshed out, (and this is nothing against Mz. Atherton) because I have spent so much time with the previous narrator.

I will continue this series because the writing is fun, the narration (even if it is different) is great, the stories and characters are engaging, and the worldbuilding is fantastic.

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