The Untold Story, for fans of Genevieve Cogman’s wonderful series about The Invisible Library it is time for the biggest secret to be revealed – the story of the Library.

This is the culmination of events, the point where all the threads will be pulled together and what better way to to that than by having Librarian Irene and her companions seek out the story which began it all? The Library has been at the heart of everything through the previous seven books and Irene has shown she will do whatever it takes to complete the missions which the elders at the Library will set her. Of late, however, the book retrieval missions which Irene would traditionally undertake appear to have been reduced in number as diplomatic discussions are becoming more numerous – as is the case at the start of The Untold Story.

Irene is tasked with getting a treaty signed, she feels she is being kept out of the The Library but respects the task she has been assigned to complete and is preparing for a prolonged negotiation. She is alone as her dragon partner, Kai, has not been allowed to attend. Fate will not allow Irene to conduct a “normal” negotiation though and soon readers will enjoy another display of Irene’s resourcefulness and blind luck as she tries to wriggle out of a dangerous predicament. It’s a great opening to the story and allows Genevieve Cogman to bring readers back up to speed with recent events in Irene’s life while also getting the players in place for the next chapter in the story.

The Untold Story is the eighth book in the Invisible Library series so it’s not a jumping on point but there is still care taken by the author to ensure readers are aware of enough background information to get full enjoyment from the new story. There are characters returning from previous books who will play key roles but more importantly there are many familiar faces who will seek to aid (or hinder) Irene as she undertakes her most challenging mission to date.

Irene has discovered the truth about Alberich but she needs to keep that infomration to herself if she can. However, he remains the most dangerous enemy of The Library and he wants to meet as he is proposing a peace treaty. Irene, however, is doing her own investigation into Alberich as she tries to understand what made him turn against the Library in the first instance. To fully understand this she begins to dig deeper into the history of the Library and its creation – how did this astonishing force come into being?

The history of the Library is a well kept secret and someone or something does not want Irene to find out anything about its creation. Working on rumour and story Irene finds a storyteller who can fill in some of the gaps in her knowledge. Will the story she hears let her understand what has turned Alberich from faithful Library servant into a dangerous enemy who is hellbent on destroying the Library? If she can get to the truth then perhaps she may finally defeat Alberich and bring a new peace for the Library.

There are no spoilers in my review but I can tell you that this is a wonderful story which shocks, entertains and fully rewards readers as the secrets are revealed. There are some unexpected casualties along the way and I am not sure Irene’s life will be the same after The Untold Story ends. What I do know it that I have loved this sweeping saga of Librarians, Dragon and Fae – the cautious politics and the sneaky deceptions. The Untold Story is an essential acquisition for any fantasy reader and I do hope there may be more stories from the Library one day.

A great final (for now) book in this highly enjoyable series. 4/5 stars.

I've been a fan of this series since I read the first book, The Invisible Library, back in 2015. Over the past six years I've become so attached to the characters I would happily read a story about them going on a non-eventful holiday. A break they have more than earnt but which would no doubt leave them all incredibly bored!

But readers looking forward to more high-stakes Invisible Library adventure from this book needn't worry. As with all the previous books in the series, The Untold Story is packed with intrigue, action and peril. And, as the author has decided this is the last of these books for the foreseeable, it does wrap up most of the over-arching story threads very nicely.

You really do have to have read the earlier books before you pick up The Untold Story. The characters have such detailed back stories and so much has happened over the course of the previous seven books, I'd recommend you go back to the beginning and stick with it. The series gets better with each book as you become more attached to the recurring characters and familiar with the intricacies and quirks of the world that Cogman has created.

Overall: If you're looking for a fantasy adventure series to try, I highly recommend The Invisible Library. And you can embark on the adventure safe in the knowledge that it will all come to a satisfying conclusion in The Untold Story.

To paraphrase a certain Doctor when I think about Genevieve Cogman’s The Invisible Library series ‘It all started as a mild curiosity in stealing books for a library, and now it’s turned out to be quite a great spirit of adventure!’ Eight books detailing the adventure of Irene the Librarian of a immense powerful Library that normally just wants to save books and creates links between worlds but has now become a major power in the multiverse between dragons of Order and fae of Chaos. Eventually there was going to be a reckoning for all the factions and in the newest instalment The Untold Story the secrets of Irene and the Library are finally revealed.

Irene has brought into being a powerful peace treaty between the major Fae and Dragon powers and in the process discovered the most evil renegade Librrian Alberich may actually be her father. She has been parked into some fairly tedious work but the itch to finally work out what is going on is growing. Eventually Irene, her former assistant and now lover Kai a Dragon prince and her newest Apprentice the fae Catherine and her friend the great Detective Vale need to meet old friends, foes and create new alliances to discover the truth. This time even the Library may not be on her side.

If you were to consider joining the series, then don’t enter here this is very much episode of an eight-part series and Cogman is taking no prisoners in wrapping up a number of plotlines. Crucially what is the secret of Alberich and his relationship to Irene and what exactly is the Library for? There have been various hints there is a bigger design at place and Cogman aims fairly high the fates of the universe are on trial and ultimately, it’s Irene who has to make the case for what a Librarian should be. The satisfaction for the fan of the series is finally being able to ay ahhhhh! There is also a theme of can you do great things for bad reasons plus we meet even more powerful archetypes all of whom have differing relationships with the power of story. For a series that has explored the power of genre to trap people in dramatic conventions this feels a fitting ending

It is very nice that Cogman allows various key characters in the series to return for this story and does make you appreciate the size and scale of Cogman’s series. It is also satisfying to see Irene herself accept how far she has come and in particular at a personal level come to a reckoning regards her parents and also her relationship with Kai. Those scenes add the emotional heart to the story. My one reservation was the first half of the book did a lot of scene-setting and in many ways was various charcters discussing pros and cons of any action but it was also rather key to recapping a lot of stories and reminding us what is left to solve. Once out of the way the story really picks up and becomes quite multidimensional as the secrets of the Library get shown.

This is a satisfying end to what Cogman calls the first season of the series. The journey for now is over and I look forward to what Cogman has planned in the near future. It is for the characters that survive a suitable cleaning of the board for fresh adventures and possibly new main characters – we will have to see. What I can say is this series has been a love letter to genre and to have lasted so long a testament to Cogman’s writing ability. This book is ended but the story never ends. Library fans you will want to read this!

This may be the last of this amazing series.
Once again Irene Winters is sent on a mission by the Library but there is something about this mission which seems a little unusual. Meanwhile in the chaotic Fae worlds and those of the ordered Dragons, something else is happening. Some of the parallel worlds are mysteriously vanishing.
Accompanied by (Dragon)Kai, (Fae) Catherine and Vale (the Sherlock Holmes type character) she must find out what is truly going on, but this is more testing than any previous investigation as it tests her loyalty to the Library to its limits. What part will the evil Alberich play ? (Please read the previous book in the series The Dark Archive) for more on this character's significance.

Although the characters are by now firmly established in our imagination, Cogman will always throw in a few surprises to make the characters more complex. When faced by a new crisis, different aspects of their personalities are revealed. The contrasts between the three "worlds" are explored. There is perhaps less sarcastic humour than in others in the series and it's darker in tone (like the end of the Harry Potter series)

I always recommend this series to customers as it balances fantasy, Sherlock Holmes , dragon mythology, libraries (and reading) with wit. The books all have a great pace in the plotting and I love them .

The eighth installment in the brilliant Invisible Library series featuring, my hero, Irene Winters the ninja book-stealing librarian. Trying to keep the peace between the chaotic Fae worlds and the ordered Dragon worlds, Irene walks a fine line. I cannot overstate how superb this set of books is and highly recommend reading them in order to gain most insight (and pleasure) from them. Always a joy to read one of my favourite modern characters.

Worlds are disappearing, both fae and dragon realms, and the Library has no idea why, the books that anchored them are gone too. Irene feels a bit like she is being kept out of trouble, on an assignment in an alternate Russia to get another fae archetype to sign the treaty. Now she, and certain Librarians, know about her true parentage, does that mean they no longer trust her?

The Untold Story wraps up Alberich’s story, after the bombshell dropped in The Dark Archive. When Irene returns to the Library she is encouraged to go after her father, but it can’t be official. As far as everyone else is concerned, she’s gone rogue. With Alberich trapped in a hell of his own making, how is he still able to reach out to Irene?

Lord Silver’s niece, Catherine, has been allowed to attend apprentice classes within the Library, but she’d still just rather be reading. And something doesn’t seem quite right in this liminal space, the other apprentices talk of shadows among the stacks.

This does feel like a conclusion of the series, although Genevieve has said she’s not finished with the Library yet. All the key characters of the series get a part to play, and much is revealed about the history of the Library and some of its mythology. And of course, the core team sticks together to kick shadowy ass, with Kai, Peregrine and even Catherine showing loyalty and helping her to save the world.

The untold story of the title is that of the Library itself. A story that supposedly drove one Librarian mad. Does it hold the answers to the disappearing worlds or is it nothing more than a story?

This has been one of my favourite books in the series, with intrigue, Librarian humour and moving goodbyes. I love the way the Language was used as a sort of magic throughout the series and the fae archetypes allowed her to play with cliched characters and plots.

I do hope there are more Invisible Library books in the future, but if not, this would be a satisfying ending. I am also looking forward to her new series involving vampires, the French Revolution and the Scarlet Pimpernel.

The finale of the <em>Invisible Library</em> series is as stunning as you'd expect from this quirky, inventive set of tales. While I'm sad the series is ended (though the acknowledgements say there is potential for more stories but no plans), it was sent off in the best possible way.

As the lead up of the last few books suggest, THE UNTOLD STORY is all about uncovering the origins of the library - and the power running it. Except that shadowy power is trying to stop Irene from uncovering it. And long-term enemy of the library, Alberich, is trying to help Irene - for his own ends, of course.

I love books about unknown histories, and how they reframe the context of a story. I particularly love it when I can't entirely predict the real history because it's not playing into common tropes but it still feels completely satisfying and set up. I don't want to know from chapter one what the real history will be - I want to have to discover is alongside the characters and empathise with their grappling with the truth as it reframes events. And THE UNTOLD STORY absolutely does that.

I was so glad that Catherine returned to play a large role in this book, and that many members of recurring cast had prominent roles, rather than bringing new characters in. It's a finale, and for those, I like to focus more on known elements, bringing them together in new roles. The same was true for the story mostly taking place in Vale's world and the library.

All the fun of archetypal fae compelled by their chosen stories and the dragons with their strict order came to bear. We see fae storytellers more concerned by good stories than their own lives, politicians spinning webs, and dragons trying to use order to gain their own ways.

I think the language is one of my favourite magic systems out there. The precision of meaning is so much fun to play around with - and puts a lot of constraints on the users so that it's not a "anything goes" magic system.

Whatever Genevieve Cogman writes next, I'm waiting to devour it!

A marvellous conclusion to the Invisible Library series, where we finally get the answers we have been delving for - what are the origins of the Library? what is the Library? what role does it play in anchoring the linked worlds?
Over the series Irene has developed from her original naive state to one of a deft manipulator and first class agent for the Library. Her core friends, Kai and Vale are integral to the journey as are Silver and her Fae library apprentice Catherine.
The Fae, Dragon, Human, Library charter has been agreed and more signatories are coming forward, However Irene has begun to wonder why she has less book retrieval assignments, and now her missions have political dimensions. Adding to this unease is the news that worlds have disappeared, Albriech has survived and making overtures to the library...
This finale is deftly written with loose ends tied leading to a very suitable ending. I would highly recommend this series and I am slightly envious if you are yet to find it as treats are in store.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC, all opinions are my own.

Brilliant. I have read all the previous seven books in the Invisible Library series and loved them all, and this next instalment is as good as expected. Irene is a very strong character; in each book she deals with situations and gets into trouble in equal member. Surrounding Irene are a strong cast of great characters who all have some depth to them. The world the author has created just continues to grow. Suffice to say I loved this very much.

The Untold Story feels like the culmination of the previous seven books. It brings the major plot threads from the previous books together and concludes them in a satisfying and very exciting way.

The story comes to a head with Alberich and why he became a traitor. This, alongside several worlds disappearing, leads Irene to discover something rather world changing about the origins of the Library.

I had so much fun with this book, much like I have with all the others. I will admit that I have been feeling a little slumpy with reading recently and not many books have brought me so much pleasure, but I didn’t want this book to end. It was a joy to read. I know I already love the characters, especially Irene but I really enjoyed them in this one. Irene and Kai are adorable, Catherine is so cute with her book obsession and lack of interest in social situations and Vale is always fun to read.

Cogman tells a fast paced and very enjoyable tale, which moves from set piece to set piece at a breakneck speed but it never feels like it is missing something. Everything ties together perfectly and she gives a very satisfying explanation to the Alberich storyline. We get to find out the answers to so many questions, which we have been waiting so long to find out and I was not disappointed.

The Untold Story is one of the best books I have read recently. It is just as much fun as the previous books in the series but there is also an emotional weight. We have to say goodbye to several of the characters that we have come to know throughout the series which is sad but that is balanced by the adventure. I had so much fun reading this. I adore the characters and the story is well written and paced. I have enjoyed seeing this series grow from strength to strength and I highly recommend it.

This was my favourite installment of this series and it brings together some different threads that have been ongoing to the point where I’m slightly worried she’s not going to write any more in the series. After the intriguing epilogue of the last book, we find Irene starting to wonder whether something strange is going on at the library. She is sent to kill Alberich despite this appearing to be a suicide mission. As Irene starts to find out more about his story and the origins of the library, unseen forces start to work against her. This is as fast paced as normal and I highly recommend it although you should definitely start at book one. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC.

I have been loving the Invisible Library series since the beginning, so I was excited to be offered an ARC of The Untold Story, the final volume of the series (for now at least). It did not disappoint!

I enjoyed reading this so much that a stayed up way past my bedtime. It was wonderful to be back with favourite characters, and to finally find out the truths that have been hinted at throughout the series.

It’s hard to say much about the plot without spoilers, but it really was excellent. It tied up so many loose ends, and there was a happy ending for most. The world building, as always, was excellent.

If you’ve been loving the series like I have, get yourself a copy as soon as possible! It will keep you up past your bedtime, and leave you feeling satisfied and happy. I can’t wait to see what Genevieve Cogman writes next.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

An epic, imaginative, grandiose tour de force! Wonderful!

Genevieve Cogman never ceases to amaze. The secret library series is a fascinating glimpse into worlds where the fae and dragons move among us in human form, occasionally clashing, and kept in balance by the Library, by its strategy of holding a unique book from every literate world.

In this latest story, something has gone wrong, the librarians are acting out of character, books are going uncatalogued, and the Library's greatest enemy is seeking a reconciliation, apparently.

Any fantasy reader will love these books, and this one is equally excellent, though better read as part of the series.

When a much loved series is coming to an end - even a potentially temporary one as in this case - there's a mixture of excitement and sadness as you read. I tried very hard to ration myself and make the book last - but like all those in the 'Invisible Library' series, 'The Untold Story' is incredibly compelling to the point it is near impossible to put down. So I raced through it, like I've raced through the previous seven, and finished sad there'll be no more for some time at least, but ultimately very satisfied.

It's a brave author who wraps up the loose ends in her ongoing story arc. So many fall prey to the natural temptation to keep things open in order to get more books out of it, or because they simply don't have the answers to the 'mysteries' they've hinted at. Cogman is a brave author, and one who respects her readers enough not to play with them, and who knows her world well enough to have the answers. The fact I'd guessed certain elements from much earlier in the series just shows that she planned the whole thing properly and put the clues there. The incredible sense of satisfaction and fulfilment I've got from this conclusion is testament to how worthwhile it is when an author does this, and how rarely they actually do.

The story picks up a short while after book seven ends - and whilst I've seen reviews claim the books can be read as a standalone, I still believe they are best read in order. Otherwise you wouldn't experience the pleasure of getting the pay off from your investment in the previous seven books. Irene, a Librarian with a capital L (or as she more accurately categorises herself, spy and book thief) is still traumatised from discovering the truth about her parentage. Then she is given a secret mission to kill her father - but at the cost of everything she holds dear. What follows is everything you'd expect - a twisting, event filled narrative that is full of humour, drama, and even a bit of heartbreak.

I could list every moment and quote that I particularly loved, but I'd be writing out the text of the entire book. I read a lot of fantasy, but there is something particularly special about these books. Every one of them speaks to me in a way that no other series has. I can usually find something to criticise in any novel I read, but this one, for me is just perfect. Whilst I'm sad not to be getting my annual 'Invisible Library' fix for a few years now (the author is now working on a different project), things are left in a state where I can at least feel happy with the status quo and can continue to imagine the adventures of the remaining characters. Yes - be warned, not all will survive - there are several notable character deaths. One I'd expected, and one I found truly surprising.

Although Cogman has closed down this particular story arc, she has said she may return to the world and characters yet, and she has left herself a great deal of scope. The joy of her concept is that the possibilities are infinite - she has all of history, literature and every available country in the world plus anywhere out of fantasy to play with. There are characters with hints at fascinating backstories that are yet unexplored (Kai's mother remains infuriatingly mysterious, as does Vale's shadowy family), and other characters who it would be great to see more of in future books (Ernst makes a brief, welcome reappearance in this book but many others don't).

If you love this series, you will not be disappointed by this novel and will no doubt join me in hoping Cogman does write more after she completes her new trilogy. If you haven't read them yet, if you enjoy fantasy adventure, then go back and start with book one, and consider yourself very lucky to have eight novels of the finest fantasy series of modern times ahead of you.

And so we come to, if not the end, the for now for Irene, Kai, Vale, Lord Silver and the other assorted (or ill assorted) characters who fill the eight books, many pages and even more worlds of Genevieve Cogman's wildly original, inventive and eminently readable The Invisible Library series. And what a ride it's been...

If you are new to the series then this is not the book for you. But if you a. like books. b. love the idea of a library between worlds staffed by kickass librarians whose job is to maintain stability across worlds by beg, borrowing and stealing original texts then you need to find The Invisible Library book one of the eight part series right now. I promise you won't regret it. Irene is a librarian whose job, as stated earlier, is to collect books by whatever means neccessary. Worlds vary from high order (where dragons rule) to high chaos (fae-ruled) to worlds like our own in the middle. At the start of the series - and for much of it - Irene is stationed in a medium chaos steampunk Victoriana world with her dragon apprentice Kai, working with the Holmesian Vale and dealing with Lord Silver, a Fae whose archetype is that of dangerous seducer whilst facing a libraian gone bad - and there is no more dangerous being. The Lost Library Series manages to combine originality with a deep love of genre and every book is full of gems for the bookworm to enjoy.

As for The Untold Story - it's hard to review without giving spoilers, so all I will say is it's a satisfactory ending-for-now (and please let it be just for now) which takes us right into the heart of the library. Irene is as brave, headstrong and kick ass as ever, Kai as protective and yet supportive (swoon), Vale as delightfully Victorian detective and Lord Silver's alas too brief appearance as dangerously seductive. Being a librarian remains a dangerous job - but still, can I please sign up?