The Forbidden Library

I think it's official: Wexler excels at pretty much any genre he tries his hand at. I was initially curious and maybe a little skeptical as to how he would handle a children's novel, but this book was truly excellent. The author shows his talent and versatility in The Forbidden Library, creating original worlds filled with all kinds of interesting creatures, bringing them to life with such rich and detailed descriptions. I have no doubt adult fans of his epic fantasy will be enchanted by the wonderful creativity and imagination found in here as well.The story itself is fantastic, and as an avid bibliophile it's hard for me to resist anything to do with libraries or reading about the wonderful books that take us to faraway places. The plot also had enough mystery to keep me constantly guessing; I could never be sure what everybody's motives were. I felt for the main character Alice and her predicament of being suddenly thrust into a strange environment where she couldn't trust anyone, though she was far from helpless and I'm sure she had no need for anyone's sympathy. Courageous and headstrong, Alice is a good role model for young readers, being a take-charge kind of girl who doesn't take obstacles or setbacks lying down.In some ways, The Forbidden Library was more complex than I would have expected from a middle-grade novel. While it had its fair share of levity (Ashes the talking cat will be a joy to many, for example -- and not just to cat-lovers!), it also had its moments of darkness. Sometimes it's both light and dark at once, as evidenced by the "Swarmers", Alice's horde of bizarre bird-like creatures that have the physical appearance and consistency of a rubber ball with legs. I confess, reading this made me want an army of Swarmers of my own -- in spite of the fact they're essentially a black mass of razor-sharp pecking beaks and I'd probably lose an eye. Like I said, the magical creatures found in this book and the sheer imagination behind them are a pure delight.It's moments like that which make me feel this is a book both kids and adults can enjoy. It certainly has that wide appeal! I've been trying to read a lot more children's books/middle-grade books lately, taking note of my favorite titles to share with my daughter one day (who's still a bit too young now, but it's never too early to start her library!) Without a doubt, The Forbidden Library will be one of them.

I am new to Django Wexler’s books after reading a most recent adult book. While waiting for the next adult book to be published, I decided to give this series a try. I am so glad I did! While it may be a children’s or YA book, it was no less captivating! I plan to read this one out loud to my grandchildren the next time they visit. Highly recommend for children and adults alike.

There is such a lack really good fantasy right now, I find myself reading a lot of YA. This is really good, but not great. The magic system is intriguing and very well imagined. I just can’t understand what it’s for. What, exactly, do these Readers do besides fight with each other? There is nothing at stake in the outside world, that I can see. Perhaps more will be revealed. Meanwhile, unending library that changes shape, talking cats, bound creatures, intrigue, there’s a lot to like here. Definitely passes the “would I read this to my grandkids?” test. I’ve never read any of Mr. Wexler’s adult fantasy. I heard it’s very gory. That hasn’t appealed to me. But now that I have a feel for his style, maybe I’ll try it.

Now she has the whole collection I am due to read it next

This is the first book in the series. Daughter loved it and wants the second book. She was really engaged and as a parent I am really glad she is reading.

My granddaughter is quite the bookworm and this book caught her eye when I promised her a book for her birthday. She just got it at the end of last week and her mother texted me today to say she finished it and loved it. Since Nana promised her the next one in the series if she liked it book two is on the way! I imagine book 3 and 4 will soon follow!

This must be one the most creative books that I have read. Alice is perhaps the pluckiest and toughest heroines that I have ever met. The book is filled with memorable lines. The forbidden library is a whole new world, surprising different from almost everything out there. The book celebrates the act of magic as the act of reading. Starting with the first "prison book" where Alice dealt with the swarm of rubber ball birds, then overcoming the TREE that epitomizes the strength of all trees, and then forcing a dragon that is like no other to submit to her, Alice used her incredible imagination to overcome impossible odds. If there were a sixth star, I would give this book the extra star for creativity. Wexler wrote in the acknowledge at the end that he said that he did not know what he gave birth to and thanked his editor and readers for helping him understand his own creation.

The pages and the book itself is in good condition but I am disappointed that the cover is ripped.

Granddaughter loves these books. Hasn't got to this one yet as I bought her 4 of a 7 series packet, but she's enjoyed the rest so far

Buon libro, inventa una magia particolare e risulta meno "infantile" di quanto può sembrare all'inizio. SPOILER Una stella meno per un finale che non è un finale, nemmeno intermedio. Leggerò i prossimi libri ma tirare le fila della trama almeno un po' avrebbe fatto bene al libro.

Amazing book ;buy it

i liked it! A gutsy, smart and self-contained little girl, a progressive, imaginative world-building that doesn't seem to have any holes, believable villains and untrustworthy allies in a pseudo-Victorian setting in New England... But more than anything, the way Alice deals with obstacles is mighty inspiring. She is a wonderful role model and I am as curious about her future development as I am in what this world is hiding. This is an unassuming but very magical piece of writing!

Like many bibliophiles I can't resist books about books, libraries and bookshops whether they are aimed at adults, young adults or as in this case, children. Wexler may have started this project as `a bit of a lark' (his words) but `The Forbidden Library' is one of the best children's fantasy novels I have read in a long time. Alice is the central character who gets drawn into this rather curious world, she is tough, prone to ignoring rules and on a mission. There is Vespidian, a very unpleasant fairy, talking cats, a specific type of wizard knows as a Reader and best of all a dragon, let's face it what fantasy is complete without one? Then of course the Forbidden Library itself which is at the heart of the fun, imaginative and completely enthralling story. Many of the creatures are different from other fantasy I have read with the Swarm - sort of rubber balls with legs and sharp beaks - being incredibly inventive. Yes, the idea of people entering books has been done before but not quite like this.This is only the first novel of what could end up as a must read series for adults as well as children and perfect to read with children/grandchildren/nieces/nephews or any other child you can find who loves a great story well told. I hope that the author had as much fun writing it as I did reading it. The ending is a bit of a cliff hanger and I look forward to finding out what happens next.Unfortunately I can't comment on the illustrations as they are not available in the proof copy, I will just have to buy the hardback I suppose!Go on, be one of the first to discover a future classic!