The Archive of the Forgotten

A Novel from Hell's Library

by A.J. Hackwith

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Pub Date 9 Feb 2021 | Archive Date 24 Jan 2021

Sci Fi & Fantasy

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Description

The Library of the Unwritten in Hell was saved from total devastation, but hundreds of potential books were destroyed. Former librarian Claire and Brevity the muse feel the loss of those stories, and are trying to adjust to their new roles within the Arcane Wing and Library, respectively. But when the remains of those books begin to leak a strange ink, Claire realizes that the Library has kept secrets from Hell – and from its own librarians.

Claire and Brevity are immediately at odds in their approach to the ink, and the potential power that it represents has not gone unnoticed. When a representative from the Muses Corps arrives at the Library to advise Brevity, the angel Rami and the erstwhile Hero hunt for answers in other realms. The true nature of the ink could fundamentally alter the afterlife for good or ill, but it entirely depends on who is left to hold the pen.

A Note From the Publisher

We would ask that you hold reviews until publication month.

Advance Praise

Praise for The Archive of the Forgotten:

"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. This imaginative ode to the power of fiction is sure to delight."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Praise for the series

"An enjoyable madcap caper."—The Guardian

"Hackwith’s plotting, her characters and her scenes are each a delight. This book is as rich as chocolate and as refreshing as sherbet."—Morning Star

"Prepare to laugh and to cry, to have your mind bent and your grip on reality loosened as you embark on the wild ride that is The Library of the Unwritten. This is the ultimate novel about the power of storytelling. Librarian Claire, who must deal with the denizens of assorted Afterworld realms, is a stand-out creation, complex and memorable. A novel brimful with imagination, with emotional undertones that run deep. I loved it!"—Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim series

"Clever, charming, full of intricate worldbuilding and delightful characters, The Library of the Unwritten is the first book in your new favorite series."—Christina Henry, author of The Girl in Red

"It's like The Good Place meets Law & Order: Bibliophile Crime Unit. Highly recommended. This book is so much fun, and you should be reading it. Trust me. Stories about story are some of my favorite kinds. This book definitely makes the list. I am so glad I read this."—Seanan McGuire, author of In an Absent Dream

Praise for The Archive of the Forgotten:

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