I went into Library of the Unwritten purely guided by the premise of a library within Hell for books left undeveloped and a librarian tasked with keeping them together. I stayed because A.J. Hackwith is an incredible author with an uncanny ability to create something so cosy and sweet based in the depths of Hell.

Those who are fans of the found-family trope will love this one. Similarly, if you’re wanting a book that’s vibes and light-hearted action rather than dark and heavy this is a great option. As a historical fiction fan and a fantasy fan, I found that both interests easily felt satiated while not being too overbearing in the wider scope of the novel. There are historical elements. There are fantastical elements. There are supernatural elements. They all culminate in a beautiful story where characters heal each other and unite for a common understanding and common goal. Bonus points for the fact there is a library within Hell operated by a human soul and her ex-muse assistant.

Setting and atmosphere is created so wonderfully; the library’s aliveness feels believable and palpable and the dynamics between characters fizzes with energy and possibilities. The pacing is steady and calm which fits with the feelings invoked by the book and the tension rises when it needs to but doesn’t switch over into an intensity that would contrast with the bulk of the story. The stakes get higher and characters must do thing and allow things to happen that they otherwise would flat-out protest and the heartstrings get tugged in all directions.

I tend to be someone who reads fast (roughly 100 pages/hour) but this book made me want to take my time with it. I didn’t feel like rushing through, a compliment to the novel for its wholesome energy, and I found that I could easily set this aside after a few hours and pick something else up, coming back to it later or the next day and continue where I left off without feeling like I’ve ruined the flow or energy of the book. It’s been fantastic getting to read a book like this because it makes the pressure of reading to a schedule lift off my shoulders. I didn’t even care if I was taking days to finish this – it was wholeheartedly worth the time taken.