The second instalment in this series made the alternate worlds seems much more like book worlds, which has fuelled the comparisons to Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next books. This time Irene finds herself in a version of Venice ruled by the Fae and whilst Lord Silver isn’t exactly her friend, he’s not the enemy he once seemed. Though one has never entirely trust a Fae.

This alternate Venice is a high chaos alternate; the kind that are padlocked and barred from the Library. To travel there risk becoming contaminated. The narrative of this world bends itself around the most powerful, in this case the Fae in charge. Irene must avoid becoming noticed by the main players of this story and remain a background character. If it’s not her story, then surely she’ll be killed if she crosses the protagonist.

I really enjoyed the way storytelling was portrayed. There are narratives so strong that they can’t fail to play out in this world, unless you are powerful enough to bend them. Or, of course, avoid the scenarios that trigger them.

This version of Venice is the romanticised city of our imaginations. Irene notes how it doesn’t smell of sewerage and of course it is Carnival, where the city is flooded by masks and masquerade balls. A handy disguise for any good Librarian. The gondoliers still seem eager to take advantage from out of towners in this alternate.

I found the ending a bit abrupt. It’s definitely left at a place for there to be another book. I don’t think I’m too worried about Irene though. I think she did good by the Library, even if she did bend a few rules.

Review copy provided by publisher.