The Astral Library (Standard Edition): A Fantasy Adventure Where Books Become Doorways to Literary Worlds, Danger, and Escape

This book lives out every book dragon’s fantasy! I could completely put myself into Alix’s shoes and defend the astral library. In the real world I have been a huge advocate for libraries and books being used to further everyone’s knowledge expanding. I hope more people find this book as useful as I have and will be adding to their book collection.

What a great concept! What book would you like to live in?

I heard that this book is divisive and I understand why...in my case, I was not disappointed because this was "different" from Kate Quinn's previous books, far from it! I absolutely loved the setting, characters, and the quirkiness and creativity that went into this plot (*who doesn't want to live in one of their most beloved books of all time?!) + the dark twists and mystery that ensued .. For me, while I adored the protagonist - Alix Watson - (*smart, witty, unconventional in both looks and demeanor) the things that bugged me a bit were (1) Alix got a bit too idealistic and verbally vulgar for me at the end (*just too much swearing); (2) her love tryst with Beau felt more "book fantasy" than real life - I think this could have been better developed; (3) the open wounds regarding Alix's Mom were not tied up nicely - this seemed like such a central/core part of the story and then it just totally fizzled out/was snuffed out ... I will say though, my favorite part of the book was actually the author's note at the end and the rallying cry to save our beautiful sanctuaries aka libraries - and that clawfoot bathtub in the children's section to read and escape in - the author's Mum was very lucky to serve as a librarian in a place that believed in the magic of books :) :)

I went into this with no idea what it was about. I’ve loved some of Kate Quinn’s historical fiction, so I picked this up as soon as I saw she had a new release.

I don’t usually read fantasy or magical-type books, but I found this one really fun and easy to read. It was definitely different from what I expected, but in a good way. The concept was unique, and once I got into it, I really enjoyed the world she created.

Alix was easy to connect with, and I liked seeing her growth. I do wish we had more time in certain moments, especially within the different book worlds, because some parts felt a little rushed. The ending also felt a bit quick, and I wish there had been a little more to it.

Overall, not what I expected, but still a creative and enjoyable read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A little different Kate Quinn offering. The author explores the question, if you could escape into a book, what book would you escape to? Alex is a 26 year old who came through the foster care system after her mother abandons her at age 8 to follow a man. The man, a ‘tech bro’, has made it clear he’s no a fan of kids. So Alex endures multiple foster homes by burying herself in a world of her favorite books. Life is going particularly badly one day. Alex gets fired for losing her cool with a customer at the coffee bar where she works. She gets kicked out of her roommate situation because her roommate, a guy, has a very jealous girlfriend and wants her gone. And to top it all off, her already low balance in her bank account is wiped out by a bad actor hacker named Libby Bibb. She goes to the Boston Public Library to try to get an extra shift with a supervisor she sometimes works part-time for, Elizabeth. But while there shelving books, a whole new world opens up to her - literally. A mystical passageway opens up to a place called The Astral Library. And upon arrival, Alex meets the head librarian who can facilitate a new life as a patron of The Astral Library. Only the library can invite a patron in. And patrons are usually those who are at their wit’s end and need to shed their current existence, for a variety of of reasons. Many classic works were referenced in the story, into which patrons could escape as non-primary characters. Think Pride and Prejudice, with Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. One of the patrons escaped into the story to become his wife. A little bit of mysticism and danger, with villains and dragons. As well as unexpected heroes emerging along the way.