The Secret Chapter

By: Genevieve Cogman

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

The trans-dimensional library teeters on the brink of catastrophe – and only one book can save it. The Secret Chapter is the sixth instalment in the Invisible Library series from Genevieve Cogman.

As Irene tries to manage a fraught truce between the warring Fae and dragon factions – not to mention her overbearing parents – she’s given a new mission. The world where she grew up is in danger, and only one book can save it. A book owned by a secretive Fae antiques dealer named Mr Nemo.

In 21st century Vienna, a painting holds an extraordinary secret from the past – and Mr Nemo wants it. To acquire the book and save the library, Irene and her assistant Kai must team up with an unlikely band of scheming dragons, Fae gamblers and outright thieves. Together, they must pull off an amazing art heist – and trade the painting for that book.

But some will kill to protect this painting. If Irene wants to save her world from disaster, it isn't going to be easy . . .

The spectacularly bookish fantasy continues in The Dark Archive.

©Genevieve Cogman 2019 (P)2019 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd

Critic reviews

The ensuing shenanigans are wittily told, with some great one-liners and comic set pieces, and the resourceful Irene is a delightful protagonist. This is light-hearted fantasy at its page-turning best (Guardian)

Another Exciting Chapter

Loved it! New exciting dangers for Irene and Kai. Dragons, Fae and getting a rare book to save a world favored by Irene, and a highly desired rare painting. All in a days work!

Thrilling adventure for Irene, less for listener

Firstly, the story is very much on par for this series. We have our usual hijinks, Irene is clever as always and there's a lot of plot development for the overall series. I think I can see where it's going, but it's still a really fun ride.

Now for the elephant... They changed the narrator. This is the 6th book. For 5 books we had an awesome narrator that really brought the characters and series to life. Did they learn nothing from the Dresden Files?

The narrator isn't necessarily BAD, she's just not Irene. Her whole tone is very different for most things and it's especially off-putting when Kai and Irene interact. Something about the way she brings them across just changes the whole dynamic for me. Irene seems more flirtatious and coy, Kai seems less mysterious and brooding and more... I dunno, human?

From posts and comments on the author's own blog, she seems to be taking the "I'm sorry you don't like it" position, which is indeed most unfortunate. The change won't stop me from checking out the next book, but the story is going to have to pick it up a few notches to keep things in balance IMO.

Dragons, Fae and Librarians, Oh My!

Once again, Ms Cogman has kept me enthralled with her tale of adventure. She never disappoints. In addition, the narrator does a great job of keeping the characters easy to identify and provides the appropriate emotional ambience. I highly recommend this Audible book.

A delight!

The reading of this book was a delight! The reader was absolutely fabulous, bringing each character to life with great individuality!

Amazing!

This is the best book in the series so far! It was a little jarring at first to not hear Susan Duerdan narrating but Kristin Atherton was excellent. This is everything I want from an Invisible Library novel: Stealing, new worlds, unpredictable fae that you like even though you know you can’t trust them, and Irene and Kai. Wonderful.

New Narrator

Love the story but, like others have said, the new narrator takes some time getting use to.
Story line is fun and what I have come to expect from the series.

Excellent series continuation

I read a lot of reviews about this narrator which were less than flattering. I stridently disagree with the negative comments.

I find her voice equally suited to the content and story as the previous voice artist in earlier books.

Love the story and characters — lots of fun.

Binge listening

I've bought each next book in the series immediately upon finishing the one before - it is that good! Each book has a completely unique plot with a growing set of rich characters. Kristin Atherton as narrator is amazing. when done with these I'll seek other books she has narrated.

Don't change narrator mid series.

This is a great series but I am struggling with the narrator change on this book. Even my co-pilot, who doesn't really pay attention, noticed everything just felt dull compared to any of the other books we have listened to together. I think I will be making a trip to the library to finish this one the old fashioned way.

A little off from Ms Cogman's previous in series

Please note, some might consider my comments spoilers.

Although I was so glad to be back in the world of the Library, Dragons, and Fae, I was disappointed in some plot aspects and the capitalization of skimpy clothing foisted upon on one our favorite main characters. So wrong in these #metoo times. I also thought Irene's premise for the undertaking was weak. It was not compelling enough for me to believe her obsession to get the job done and the more she fretted over it, the shallower it became. And I missed having more of Vale in the story. But there is a significant and rewarding twist. And the promise of a new tale. I only hope Ms. Cognman can get the wardrobe right next time!