Title: The Archived
Author: Victoria Schwab
Pages: 328
Publisher: Hyperion
Publication date: January 22nd 2013
Rating: 5/ 5
The dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life in pictures only Librarians can read. The dead, called 'Histories', rest in the Archive.
Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often—violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a tool for staying alive.
Being a Keeper is dangerous and a constant reminder of those she lost, Da and her little brother. Mac wonders about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. Yet someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.
Review:
If there is one thing I regret, its definitely not reading any Victoria Schawb sooner. This book will always hold a special place in my heart because it was truly mesmerizing and had me compelled and intriguied at all times. The story starts with our main character Mackenzie, who is now moving into The Coronado, a hotel-turned-apatment building. With the hear-shattering memory of their son's death, Mac's parents decide that a move is the closest thing they can get to a new fresh start. Everything gets interesting really early in the book when we learn that Mac forms part of what is known as the Archived. This is the place were people's histories (their bodies) are kept after they die. There are also the Narrows, which are like halls were sometimes histories escape to when they accidentally wake up- they're like an "inbetween" . These histories ares sent back to the Archived by a Keeper. Which is the position that our main character holds.
The originality of this book is outstanding. I have never read a book like this one before, much less one that had me so engrossed. All of the fantasy-esque and paranormal elements were on point. And i just loved how it read kind of like a contemporary but with all of these crazy twists. Sometime when reading books that feature such elements, they sometimes tend to feel a bit too unbelievable. I mean, it is obviously fiction, but it is possible to create/write about fictional characters and their worlds, while still giving them some present credibility. Not many authors, I find, can do that. Or at least not many that I know about. Victoria Schwab, however, seems to have that talent. Every single page in this book is proof of that. Her writing is somewhat magical and it will have you glued to the pages. Every single aspect of this book - and it's plot- was exquisitely written. Nothing felt out of place nor rushed, hence the pacing was just right.
As for the characters, I couldn't have asked for more. They were all so intricate and fascinating. Especially those who formed part of the Archived. Like I said, this book had me mesmerized. Also, the main character is one of the most kick-ass female leads that i have ever read about. I admired both her personality and her strength. Wesley, who is like the main male character, was so cool! He was also very cute and swoon-worthy.
Lastly, I want to mention the amazing imagery in this book. Everything was described so vividly without being overly detailed. I truly resent not having read any of Victoria Schwab's work sooner This book became an instant-favorite!
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