Library Journal: Hell’s Library has survived, but not without the loss of hundreds of books from the Unwritten Wing. Now the muse Brevity has stepped up to become Librarian, as Claire takes over the Arcane Wing. As they try to find their footing in their new roles, they discover that the remains of the destroyed books are leaking curious ink. The fractures in their former camaraderie widen as Claire and Brevity choose to approach the mystery in different ways. When a representative from the Muse Corps arrives, one who has a past with Brevity, Claire’s brusque manner and actions intensify. As the angel Rami and devilish Hero head to other realms to find answers, the true power of the ink manifests, revealing secrets that could once again change the power structure in Hell. Hackwith literally brings books to life with her layered prose, emotional scenes, slow burns, and powerful connections among found family members.
VERDICT The sequel to The Library of the Unwritten will not disappoint as the prickly Claire, brash Hero, bubbly Brevity, and composed Rami build their story lines into solidity.
Booklist: This mind-bending sequel focuses on Harrow, the leader and last child of the Ninth House, who became a Lyctor at great cost in Gideon the Ninth (2019). But the course of Lyctorhood does not run smoothly for Harrow, who often hallucinates and remembers the events of Gideon much differently than the reader will; also, she may be haunted. Meanwhile, learning to use her new, almost unlimited necromantic power proves difficult given her mental instability, the unwillingness of her near-immortal tutors to impart their wisdom, and the imminent destruction of the Empire by vengeful, ghostly forces. Secreted on an isolated space station waiting for their doom to arrive, Harrow’s frenemy and fellow new Lyctor Ianthe offers precious little in the way of support, while the Emperor cuts a disturbingly paternal figure. Muir presents a series of enigmas and revels in gory detail before bringing everything to a riveting, no-holds-barred conclusion that will leave readers both satisfied and gnashing their teeth for the finale. Fans of a blend of horror, mystery, dark humor, and the uncanny found in books like Daniel O’Malley’s The Rook (2012) will want to start with the first Ninth House book, then devour this one.
Congratulations to our DMLA authors for their 
Kirkus: Johnson’s world-hopping debut uses science fictional tools and an exciting plot to address urgent questions of privilege and position. Johnson employs Cara’s situation to forthrightly examine questions of privilege, trauma, assimilation, colonialism, and upbringing. The characters, voice, and twists all demand the reader’s attention. A compelling stand-alone debut that will leave readers thrilled, thoughtful, and anticipating the author’s next book.
