The Library of the Unwritten

A Novel from Hell's Library, Book 1

By: A. J. Hackwith

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

In the first book in a brilliant new fantasy series, books that aren't finished by their authors reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and it is up to the Librarian to track down any restless characters who emerge from those unfinished stories.

Many years ago, Claire was named Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing - a neutral space in Hell where all the stories unfinished by their authors reside. Her job consists mainly of repairing and organizing books, but also of keeping an eye on restless stories that risk materializing as characters and escaping the library. When a Hero escapes from his book and goes in search of his author, Claire must track and capture him with the help of former muse and current assistant Brevity and nervous demon courier Leto.

But what should have been a simple retrieval goes horrifyingly wrong when the terrifyingly angelic Ramiel attacks them, convinced that they hold the Devil's Bible. The text of the Devil's Bible is a powerful weapon in the power struggle between Heaven and Hell, so it falls to the librarians to find a book with the power to reshape the boundaries between Heaven, Hell...and Earth.

©2019 A. J. Hackwith (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"It's like The Good Place meets Law & Order: Bibliophile Crime Unit. Highly recommended. This book is so much fun, and you should be reading it. Trust me. Stories about story are some of my favorite kinds. This book definitely makes the list. I am so glad I read this." (Seanan McGuire, author of In an Absent Dream)

“Clever, charming, full of intricate worldbuilding and delightful characters, The Library of the Unwritten is the first book in your new favorite series.” (Christina Henry, author of The Girl in Red)

“The Library of the Unwritten is a tiered dark chocolate cake of a book. The read is rich and robust, the prose has layers upon layers, and the characters melt like ganache upon the tongue.” (Meg Elison, Philip K. Dick Award Winner)

not for me

I really tried to get into it, but just couldn't. I didn't even finish it.

not sold on the premise of Good and Evil

the author could have taken out the Heaven and Hell aspects of the story and still come to the same climax and ending so I'm not sure it added anything to the story. Hero is definitely an interesting character. I like him much better than I can relate to Claire. For her to be the main character she was rather 1 dimensional, while the characters had more depth and likability.

A great listen!!!!

A really great read! The audio performance I thoroughly enjoyed! I highly recommend this book.

Captivating

Imaginative and well written, the author created eclectic characters with inclusive backgrounds and a plot that kept me hooked. I just finished the book and am now starting the sequel, I hope it doesn't disappoint!
The narrator also did a fine job in providing different voices to each of the characters and expressing the appropriate emotions to the story and words :)

Intelligently entertaining SF! Nicely Done ✅

So, nothing from Rothfrus. Abercrombie is a year out. Butcher...still waiting. Sullivan, Mancour, Hobb,, Taylor, Gaiman- I was running out of all my favorite series and couldn’t face my dreary paperwork without a new alternate world. So I went looking & couldn’t pass this irreverent gem by. The title alone made me smile. I was pleased with .the transitions between Book 1 & 2, it made for a solid foundation. I loved the pace the concept & the characters. I am waiting for this series to grow. I am ready for the next adventure. A.J. Hackwith has a new fan. 👍🏿

mind tingling

I enjoyed this story very much with all of its twists and turns. You must listen closely at times or you'll end up rewinding cause you missed something.

Enjoyed it

Really interesting take on hell, diverse characters, and strong protagonist. Looking forward to the sequel.

Well worth the listen

Loved the characters and the cleverly crafted tale. Unique twist on Heaven, Hell, Angels, Demons, Muses and Writers and their books. The plot takes completely unpredictable turns but maintains traction in the story.

The trouble with librarians

Everyone has a story. Truly well written, fast moving tale. Unique in its characters bringing in myth and mythos.
Hells library only called that because of its location, houses all the works of writers who can’t or couldn’t finish their tales. Unfinished characters thirst to be completed, escape their pages to encourage their Authors to tidy up their writing. God is missing and her angels are trying to keep heaven together without her.
Colorful, gender sensitive and charmingly romantic.
The narrator does this book a fine turn.
Worth the read

Every Readers’ and Writers’ Dream!

I loved this book not just for the beautiful writing, surprise twists and heartfelt connections. They were all there, yes, but the fiction within the fiction was spectacular. I can’t get enough of this series.

The narration made it even more engaging.

If you love books, read this story, and then read it again.

Five out of five stars!