Where the library hides by Isabel Ibanez

What a romp! Ibanez's novel opens with a marriage proposal: Inez is obviously in love with Whit, but at the same time unsure if she can truly trust him. I hadn’t read the first novel in this duology, but quickly realised there was some history between them. I didn’t need to know exactly what had happened because Ibanez launches into this new episode without complicated reminders. Readers can immerse themselves in this fantasy world and enjoy the book as a stand-alone. We know that Inez’s father is missing and her mother is involved in black market trading in Egyptian antiquities. There is a treasure, the Chrysopoeia of Cleopatra, the recipe for the transmutation of lead into gold, which everyone seeks, Whit included. This sets the scene for the dramas that ensue.

The characters are clearly stereotypes. Inez is the impetuous heroine determined to solve the mystery, whilst Whit is the handsome, steely jawed hero who, despite his disreputable persona, forever comes to her rescue. How can Inez doubt that he loves her? I enjoyed Ibanez’s depiction of these two people. I am sure that there is more than a little humour involved in their characterisation, particularly as she occasionally inserts Whit’s point of view into the narrative. We know that he has a secret plan, something hidden from Inez, but it is obvious to every reader that he will come good in the end.

For the reader who, like me, is drawn to this book because of ‘library’ in the title, alas, no library features until past two thirds of the way into the narrative, despite the exotic setting of Alexandria, location of one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. But the plot leads all the actors there and everything comes to an exciting climax in the Serapeum, the daughter library of the Great Library of Alexandria. Ibanez has clearly researched the background to this novel. Her ‘Author’s note’ reveals the depth of her historical research, something the fantasy reader might just take for granted in this light-hearted depiction of a past world.

‘Where the library hides’ offers a historical setting, a gripping romance, and a bit of magic for the lovers of fantasy. It has it all. Furthermore, I am sure there is a twist of wicked humour as the author creates her dance of deceit, trust and deception. I found it all highly engaging.

Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Egypt, Archaeology, Magic.

Helen Eddy