The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman (The Invisible Library Series #6)

There had to be a heist at some time in the narrative, didn’t there, as Genevieve Cogman stated in the opening Acknowledgements of The Secret Chapter? It was inevitable that Cogman’s superb “The Invisible Library” series would go on a “Ocean’s 11” style heist after all the detective genre, spy, and theft books. The people, though, are what elevate any decent heist movie above the ensemble, and when your heist crew consists of two dragons, four Fae, and a Librarian… So Michael Caine or George Clooney, eat your heart out!

The developing complexity of the interactions between the Librarian, Fae, and dragon has been one of Cogman’s “The Invisible Library” series’ best features. The continuous ties between the Librarian and the Fae, as well as the foundational relationships between the Fae and dragon that were established in The Mortal Word, are all brought together in The Secret Chapter in a way that calls for intimate communication and trust. Naturally, bad things happen, but that’s the whole point! The unusual alliances, the twists and turns of the robbery, and the gradually developing wider plot that the author is beginning to weave behind the scenes all contribute to making this even better.

Because of the surrounding family conflict between Irene and her parents as well as the major heist-style cliches that were spun on their heads, I absolutely adored The Secret Chapter. Given how genuinely the three personalities (Mother, Father, and Daughter) seem to irritate one another like three magnets, one wonders about the author’s own familial relationships. When combined with her drive to rescue her childhood home, this small side plot that functioned as the series’ bookend helped to humanise Irene and gave the series’ depictions of her maturity more depth.

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I thought that some of the best moments were between Irene and the other Fae members of the heist squad. While the archetypal criminal mastermind in his secret island lair was a fantastic touch and the shocking backstabbing from left field gave this book the flavour of an Ian Fleming “James Bond” novel. Ernst was so expertly and convincingly written that the way his character ends the book is of no real surprise, and it was beautiful. Jerome was very likeable, and I hope for some sort of surprising reprieve for his character. I have no doubt that Ernst and Felix will be making return appearances in the future – or at least, I hope so – and I hope we get to see more of Tina, pronto.

Although the author’s bigger intention for the “The Invisible Library” series was revealed in the last quarter of the book, it never felt as like the main plot was being neglected. The plot was able to progress beyond where a successful heist movie can go, such as standing around the Bellagio Fountains, thanks to the steady revelations and intrigue surrounding the true purpose for the heist, and spilled into the resolution of the main plot, secondary character development, and overarching backstory revelations. I’m eager to see what worldbuilding and historical revelations Cogman has in store for the future.

However, I am most interested in the newest character Cogman is incorporating into the narrative because it is a cliché that I absolutely adore and can’t wait to watch grow. I can’t wait for The Dark Archive, the second book in the series, to be released in January. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that The Secret Chapter was yet another fantastic entry in Genevieve Cogman’s “The Invisible Library” series. The Secret Chapter had it all: quick-paced action, exhilarating robbery sequences, excellent character development for both main and supporting cast members, and a tantalising mystery that will be revealed in subsequent books.