“Have you ever wanted to live inside a book?
For God’s sake.
Why would someone like me ever want to live anywhere else?”
Alix Watson has been dealt a tough hand in life; abandoned by her mother at a tender age and bounced around the foster care system, she was set up for failure in adulthood. Behind on rent and trying to make ends meet, her only sanctuary is the Boston Public Library. Because books have never let her down—and perhaps they can be her salvation.
When 26-year-old Alix stumbles through a secret door, Narnia-style, she finds herself inside the Astral Library, a magical realm filled with every book ever written, past and future. The Librarian who runs the show offers Alix the chance to escape into the pages of a novel of her choosing…but there’s a greater and far more dangerous plot waiting for her, one that threatens the fate of the Library and everyone in it.
The Astral Library is an exciting fantasy adventure that invites you to jump inside the pages of the very books you grew up wishing you could live in. You’ll get thrilling glimpses of some classic fictional worlds along the way, mixed with touching stories of survivors who are simply searching for safety. The Astral Library itself is a beautiful concept, representing the hopes and dreams of every library that’s ever inspired us, with plenty of timely nods towards the current hostile push towards banning books and cutting eduction. While the magical worldbuilding is a little wibbly-wobbly, the idea of it isn’t—it’s heartwarming and fun and takes on a life of its own. And of course there are dragons, dragons are a must!
“It isn’t about profit. A library—and I mean any library, even the most roach-infested underfunded branch in the worst part of the worst town you can imagine—is a sanctuary.”
Alix is a down-on-her-luck yet enthusiastic lead with all the underdog energy that makes you want to root for her, with a side of book-infused banter to make you chuckle. It is also so refreshing to read a fantasy with a heroine who is a grown adult with a full and fabulous figure—perfect for the historical ballgowns she shines in (you’ll see). Experiencing this world from Alix’s perspective gives it a fresh layer of adventure, as her relief and excitement at being able to escape to somewhere new is palpable.
The Librarian is rather awe-inspiring, giving the traditional archetype an otherworldly touch, making her an excellent guide for Alix’s fantastical foray. And Beau, Alix’s charming costume designer friend turned quest companion, adds a certain level of dashing to this escapade; seriously, the descriptions of his historical fashion creations are gorgeous.
The Astral Library asks: Have you ever wanted to live inside a book? And in its answer, it gives us a thousand reasons why libraries are the backbone of our society, and why we should fight to keep them—and the infinite worlds of possibility they contain—alive. So if you’re a fan of reading, of libraries, or simply of dragons, step inside The Astral Library…you might just find everything you need.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn hits shelves on February 17.
“Because every tyrant of the world, from the sacking of the Library of Alexandria until now, cements their rule by targeting knowledge. They do it with guns or they do it with book bans and board meetings, but that is where it starts. And you don’t want to find yourself on that side of history.”
