The Bookbinder's Daughter

Trigger warning: emotionally abusive relationship

Sophie returns to the library where her mother disappeared years earlier.

Sophie's story begins when her uncle arrives and offers her a job at the Ayredale Library -- a famous and respected collection in her industry. Sophie's mother Elizabeth also worked at the library and disappeared years ago. Sophie leaves an emotionally abusive relationship in London to flee to the country and the library.

What's odd is that Sophie doesn't remember many of the people and events that happened while she lived at the library, including her mother's disappearance. Her memories begin to return to her once she is within the library's walls once more.

This is part of the magic of the library, which is controlled by the Axis Mundi, a giant tree at the center of the building. As the story progresses, more about the magic of the library and the circumstances surrounding Elizabeth's disappearance are revealed. Sophie also falls for Will, her childhood friend and crush who is still at the library.

This was a hard book to get into because the fantasy elements were only revealed little by little as if the fantasy was a mystery. Sophie and Will's relationship just happens without any buildup or emotions involved, which seems more unrealistic than the magical tree.

Recommended only for fans of bookish contemporary fantasy.

Jessica Thorne is the pen name of Ruth Frances Long. She writes science fiction and fantasy novels for both teens and adults. She lives in Ireland.

Publisher: Bookouture (print); Bookouture Audio

Narrator: Charlie Norfolk

Running Time: 10 hours, 34 minutes

Length: 332 pages

Release Date: September 20, 2021

I received an electronic audio recording of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.