C. A. Pack

The Third Chronicles of Illumination picks up right after book two. Johanna and Jackson have almost caught the shapeshifter who wishes to take over the world along with Nero 51, another Library Curator who simply wishes to control all of the Libraries of Illumination. Johanna and Jackson's Library is right in the middle of the whole debacle and the two are under immense stress trying to save several worlds and their relationship is put to the test.

This was another great adventure in the Library of Illumination! I have always loved the idea of a library where the books come to life, and that aspect is still delivered. I love that Johanna and Jackson get to talk to Stephen Hawking about time travel. Now that the two curators are embroiled in a plot with the Libraries on other worlds, we get to explore the beings and ways of life on those planets even deeper. I really like to women of Romantica and the children of Juvenailia. Even with all of the different worlds, each one is well thought out and complete; it is obvious that a lot of imagination and planning went into the creation of each. The situation between Jackson and Johanna left me on edge as much as the potential destruction oft he worlds, but I will have to wait to see how that plays out. Overall, an exciting and magical adventure!… (más)

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review***

Pack’s Second Chronicles of Illumination is, as the name suggests, the second book in the series. However, it is readable as a stand-alone, as there’s enough recap to give a good grounding. I found the concept of various realms connected via portals quite nifty, and the descriptions wonderful.. Some of the realms are Dramatis, Terroria, Fantasia, and Lamina. The main characters, Johanna and Jackson who work in one of the portal libraries, travel amongst the realms, having adventures. This pair complement one another nicely, balancing flaws and strengths.

Pack’s writing is imaginative. The stories are easy to get into. I did need to put myself in the mindset of looking at the stories, or Books, as serials, so there wasn't the expectation of full resolution to things. That's the biggest caution I offer, and it is not a bad thing if you are expecting it, which you should be given the very first words. It certainly makes the next set something to look forward to!

If you enjoy dimension-travelling, and meeting all kinds of beings in true fantasy fashion,be sure to check out C A Pack’s Second Chronicles of Illumination, and it's predecessor!… (más)