Tuesday, March 3, 2015

The Hidden Library - Review


I am so honored to be a part of this blog tour for Heather Lyon's second book in her The Collector's Society series.  Her first book, The Collector's Society was one of my favorite reads from 2014 and I have been anxiously awaiting more from Alice, Finn, and the 'gang'.  Check out my review and enter the awesome giveaway.  Don't forget to click on the links to add it to your TBR pile!


Author: Heather Lyons
Publication Date: February 26, 2015
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Series: The Collector's Society, book 2
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Not YA
Age Recommendation: 17 and up
Rating: 5 Stars


Book Description:

Sometimes, the rabbit hole is deeper than expected . . .

Alice Reeve and Finn Van Brunt have tumbled into a life of secrets. Some secrets they share, such as their employment by the clandestine organization known as The Collectors’ Society. Other secrets they carry within them, fighting to keep buried the things that could change everything they think they know.

On the hunt for an elusive villain who is hell-bent on destroying legacies, Alice, Finn, and the rest of the Society are desperate to unravel the mysteries surrounding them. But the farther they spiral down this rabbit hole, the deeper they fall into secrets that will test their loyalties and pit them against enemies both new and old.

Secrets, they come to find, can reveal the deadliest of truths.

My Review:

 Heather Lyon's blew my mind again.  Where and how she comes up with this story line is beyond me, the creativity that flows from her pen keeps me turning page after page.  



 
 Let me tell you the rabbit hole is deep! The Hidden Library picks up not long after The Collector's Society left off.  Finn and Alice are as strong as ever as a couple, Bram his healing from his wounds at the hands of Todd *Aka Sweeny Todd* and the Society is still on the hunt for a villain of seemingly epic proportions.   Heather takes us on a fast paced ride, full of twists and turns, some epically sweet moments, some anxious, some cringe-worthy, and some worrisome Uh, that ending Heather...Really, just really?  Let's say she leaves us on a bit of a cliff-hanger and needing more and needing it now!  

I loved getting back to all my favorite characters, The AD (Artful Dodger), Wendy (that's an interesting twist you HAVE to read about...sorry I can't share, but you need to know), Brom (Dear Brom), The Librarian (I can not wait to find out more about her.  I mean is she a good person or not, is she a spy, is she just plain evil...who is she and where did she come from, they mystery of her alone could keep me fascinated through an entire series.),    Mary and of course Victor. I really loved that we got a little bit more of Victor this book, a deeper look into his troubles and I am hoping with all that I am that perhaps he and Mary will get their happily ever after, perhaps their own book even.

I want to take a minute to talk about someone who really stood out to me this book.  Jace, The White King! Oh sweet baby Wonderlandians....Jace!  I love Finn you guys, I mean I am a serious FINN-ATIC, but The White King, he tears me up.  This mans heart and courage are beyond comprehension.  His love for Alice, crushes me and brings me joy.  


One of my favorite aspects of this book is that there is no silly love triangle that makes you want to roll your eyes and tell one of the characters to get a freaking grip.  There are no silly games and emo feelings being thrown about.  There is a love that involves 3 people (no, I am not talking about a menage here), but this is a grown-up love, a love of understanding and acceptance.  It is something beautiful and heartfelt and you come away just wanting the happiness of everyone involved.  You walk away knowing that love is not a simple thing, it can be painful, but also beautiful and it can exist on many different levels.  

And talking about Jace leads me to Finn.  I adore Finn.  There has never been any doubt that his life has been challenging, that he doesn't fight daily with his feelings of inadequacy and sorrow.  I loved how so much of this story was about him, not just him and Alice, but of his history and what drives him.  I mentioned The White King's heart and courage but the same two things can be applied to Finn, those to are more alike than I think they would ever want to admit.  Finn, puts everything on his shoulders, but I think with Alice by his side he is truly coming into his own.  Finding his place in the world, other than as the son of Brom, future director of The Society,  and brother of Victor. I adore him for the way he stands behind his beliefs, the way he stands up for those that can not stand up for themselves even when they are gone from this world and for the way that he stands BESIDE Alice.  He accepts her for who she is, a kick as woman who needs a strong man beside her to encourage her and to be her support when needed, but not hinder her from doing what she knows she can do.  

Alice as I mentioned is just as amazing as ever.  I love that there is no doubt in this story that she can and will take care of herself and those she loves.  Things might get difficult and she may not always have the power to do what needs to be done, but she never stops trying.  It is refreshing to see a heroine who is so sure of herself and her capabilities with out coming across vain and high horsed.  She knows her abilities, she knows her worth, but she also (most importantly) knows the abilities and worth of the people around her and she never takes away from them.   

The Hidden Library is bit grittier and dirtier than The Collector's Society I thought.  It felt like there was no holding back from Heather as she went full tilt into this world.  There are some bits where I had to cock an eyebrow, (in my head, because I totally can't do that in real life...shame that) ahem, Mad Hatter...you perv.  We get more 'alone' time with Finn and Alice and those moments never take away from the story, they just add to the relationship that is being built in front of our eyes.  The action and suspense will have your heart pounding while the romance has it melting.  This is a read that will keep you glued to your seat and turning pages until the book is complete and then leave you wanting more right away.  

If you love paranormal, romance, fantasy, fairy tales...this is a great book that I think you will thoroughly enjoy!  Come to the Finn Side, we can always use more FINN-ATICS over here!  *grins*


Don’t miss the first book in this series, THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY!





Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.



5 comments:

  1. Sounds like a series I could get lost in.

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    1. I actually missed the questions! ACK! One should not do these with not having glasses on if one needs them. Ayiyi

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    2. Mariss, I really love this series and I totally know how it is with glasses, haha!

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    3. So many classics, but a modern day version of Wuthering Heights might be interesting.

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