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Tales from the Library

A series of stories written by Silbrith based on The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman. For those familiar with the novels, the series takes place shortly after Irene assumes the Librarian-in-Residence position in London at the end of The Invisible Library and before the second novel, The Masked City.
Stories

  1. On the Outside: Lord Silver is not a happy Fae, an intolerable state of affairs. The question is what should he do about it? Set shortly after the conclusion of The Invisible Library, the first novel in the series. Written as a standalone but can be read as a prologue to the series.

  2. Scandal in Montmartre: When a routine assignment in Paris turns deadly, Irene suspects there may be a hidden connection to Kai. Introduction of Count Lecerf.

  3. The Red Chamber: Peregrine Vale asks for Irene and Kai's help with a case involving the Hong Triad. Lord Silver has disturbing news for Irene. An attempt is made on Kai's life.

  4. Thrushfield Hall: Irene, Kai, and Vale travel to Yorkshire to investigate a Fae with a penchant for Wuthering Heights.

  5. Olmstead Manor: Events in the Lake Country force Kai to confront an unpleasant truth.

  6. Rue Saint-Martin: Paris during the French Revolution isn't a friendly place for Irene and Kai.

  7. Merlin's Cave: Irene and Kai confront their elusive nemesis in a remote fortress in Cornwall.

  8. The Iron Brotherhood: Irene and Kai face new challenges from Alberich's allies.

  9. The Woman in Violet: Irene and Kai discover that the trail to Alberich leads through Arkham. Fusion of Tales from the Library with Arkham Files.

  10. Valley of the Sorcerer: Irene feels like she's been dropped into a Gothic horror novel when a new foe surfaces. WIP. To be posted in March 2025.

Main Characters. See the Tales from the Library Pinterest board for visuals.
  • Irene, Librarian. Human.
  • Kai: Irene's student assistant. Dragon.
  • Coppelia: Senior Librarian. Irene's supervisor. Human.
  • Melusine: Head of Security in the Library
  • Peregrine Vale: Sherlock Holmesian detective residing in London. Human.
  • Mrs. Cavendish: Vale's housekeeper
  • Inspectory Singh: Chief of the London constabulary
  • Lord Silver: Unofficial leader of the Fae in London.
  • Bradamant: Librarian, with a few years seniority to Irene. Human.
  • Count Lecerf: Rogue Fae
  • Alberich: Rogue Librarian

Background information about the Invisible Library series

The main character is a young Librarian named Irene. She works at a mysterious interdimensional entity that exists at the nexus between a multitude of alternate worlds. The worlds present skewed versions of Earth at different periods of its history, either in the past or future. Two dominant forces are at play in the multiverse of the Invisible Library—order and chaos. Alternates that are governed by high levels of order rely more on science and technology. In worlds governed by chaos, magic plays an important role. Most alternates are blends.

The Library is a repository of books from all the alternates. Certain books are of special significance. They may possess a chapter that is missing in all other alternates or have some other unique quality. These key books help the Library maintain balanced connections between the various worlds. Key books are powerful objects. If misused, they can cause a world to lose stability. The role of Librarians like Irene consists primarily in locating these unique treasures and bringing them to the safety of the Library by whatever means necessary.

Assisting Irene in her assignments is Kai. He's just finished several years of basic training and is performing his first fieldwork under her supervision. The dynamic between Irene and Kai is a key ingredient in the adventures. Irene is funny, self-effacing, and a pragmatist. Kai is her first assistant. She worries about maintaining her professionalism while feeling herself attracted to him. Kai is also drawn to Irene, but his initial attempts at pursuing a romantic relationship are rebuffed.

In the world of the Invisible Library, not all who appear human actually are. Dragons rule over worlds rich in technology. They have the ability to pass themselves off as human. At the other end of the spectrum are the Fae. Although they appear human, their psyches are quite different. Rather like emotional vampires, they can affect human perceptions and emotionally manipulate us. The Fae have abilities that we'd consider magical and are masters of chaos. They are also sworn enemies of dragons.

Librarians have a unique ability to help them accomplish their missions, and that is the Language. It is a skill that can force inanimate and animate objects to act according to their will. For instance, by use of the Language, Irene can make locks open, creatures freeze in place, and humans change their perceptions.

Since Kai has not yet achieved Librarian status, he is unable to use the Language, but he has other abilities. Irene discovers in the first novel that Kai has been keeping a secret from her—he's a dragon. It's highly unusual for a dragon to serve the Library. Irene knows of none who are Librarians although a few others have been students. Why Kai's family permitted him to become a trainee is a mystery. The Library strives to remain strict neutrality. It refuses to become involved in the disputes between dragons and the Fae. Having a dragon for an assistant is bound to cause difficulties.

As the stories progress, Kai becomes very protective of Irene just as she is of him. Irene has many mysteries in her past, and Kai even more.

For further reading:
Genevieve Cogman's website
Checking out The Invisible Library from Genevieve Cogman
The Invisible Library Series Reminds Us Reading Can Be Ridiculously Fun


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