The Library of Ever
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Book 2: Rebel in the Library of Ever
I am delighted to bring to you my first official sequel review. The Rebel in the Library of Ever is the sequel to Library of Ever. If your reader enjoyed the first book, then he or she will surely be excited to jump into another journey with Lenora.
In this sequel, Lenora has returned to the library. Unfortunately, a lot has happened since she has been gone and the Forces of Darkness have destroyed many sections of the library. Lenora is tasked with finding a particular patron and to take this young lady with her in whatever she does. Not quite understanding the implications of this, Lenora obeys and is off to find the answer to the first big question from a patron, “What is the biggest number?” It is the answer to this question that drives Lenora through various sections of the library and the discovery of a secret area to house the rebel forces of fired librarians. Additionally, Lenora discovers that the special patron she is to keep with her is none other than the daughter of the dreaded director, the one partially responsible for the demise of the library.
One of the many delightful aspects of this story is the narration. Zeno Alexander is a pen name. The name of the actual author is unknown. I’ve done some digging. Nevertheless, there is a character in this particular novel, Zenodotus, who needs courage and strength to continue. Lenora helps restore this in him, but yet he is not to join them in the battle against the Forces of Darkness. He states “‘The best way for me to contribute to the fight against lies, fear, and hate is to tell your story.’ ‘My story?’ said Lenora. She had not realized she had a story. But looking back, she supposed she did. ‘Yes. It has been centuries since I put quill to parchment. But you have inspired many here, Lenora. It is my hope you will now inspire others.’ He took a deep breath. ‘Next, I must decide on a pseudonym. None in the world beyond will believe that Zenodotus, first librarian of Alexandria, still lives’” (163). It is this that you come to realize frames the entire story.
This story is a continuation of a wonderful series on the power of truth and knowledge. As with the first one, you will not find any unsavory talk or precarious situations that you may find questionable for your reader.
As always, some great quotes from this novel:
“I can see now that those were lies. I don’t know why I couldn’t tell at the time” (152).
“Throughout history, that light has at times burned very dimly, and nearly even gone out, as it has for you, while other times it has blazed up gloriously, as it will for you once more” (157).
“But Lenora, you must understand—you are much stronger than me. And though you have given me much, it is your time to defeat the Forces. Even if I had your full strength, which would be extraordinary, I would be doing the Library a disservice by stepping in your way. You represent the future, Lenora. You must now learn to lead the battle on your own. If you do not, there is no future for the Library” (160).
“The lie began to make a certain sort of sense to Lenora. When repeated over and over like that, it seemed to become not a lie, but truth” (199).
“Lenora saw some of the titles. We will not repeat them here, but will only write a very sad thing. Some books exist that are not meant to educated, or entertain, or illuminate. They are meant to spread fear, lies, and hatred, and when read by those who do not understand their true purpose, they can be deadly things indeed” (204).
In short, this is another delightful journey with Lenora that your readers will enjoy. Feel free to use it as a springboard for a family discussion of truth versus lies and the power of knowledge.
