The Book That Wouldn't Burn cover art

The Book That Wouldn't Burn

 Preview

Audible Standard 1-month free trial

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo + applicable tax after 30-day trial. Cancel Anytime
Try for $0.00
More purchase options

The Book That Wouldn't Burn

Written by: Mark Lawrence
Narrated by: Jessica Whittaker
Try for $0.00

$8.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $34.87

Buy Now for $34.87

About this listen

 Two strangers find themselves connected by a vast and mysterious library containing many wonders and still more secrets, in this powerfully moving first book in a new series from the international bestselling author of Red Sister and Prince of Thorns.

The boy has lived his whole life trapped within a book-choked chamber older than empires and larger than cities.

The girl has been plucked from the outskirts of civilization to be trained as a librarian, studying the mysteries of the great library at the heart of her kingdom.

They were never supposed to meet. But in the library, they did.

Their stories spiral around each other, across worlds and time. This is a tale of truth and lies and hearts, and the blurring of one into another. A journey on which knowledge erodes certainty and on which, though the pen may be mightier than the sword, blood will be spilled and cities burned. Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Heartfelt Royalty

What the critics say

“The most tightly plotted novel I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading…it’s truly magnificent.” – BookRiot

“This tale of knowledge and its cost flies by thanks to the gripping mystery and beautiful worldbuilding...Readers will be desperate for more.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Gripping, earnest, and impeccably plotted." – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A fantastic setting, a feisty heroine, and hints of a deeper mystery that calls to mind the depths of Frank Herbert's Dune and its intertwined cultural and religious issues." – Library Journal

"Lush and intricately plotted, this dense fantasy tale of an aspiring librarian from a village in a backwater known as the Dust and a boy who's lived his whole life trapped in a massive and ancient library is full of surprising twists and turns. With a plot that encompasses everything from romance and political intrigue to time travel and philosophy, this first installment in Mark Lawrence's new Library Trilogy is an often devastating story of the price we pay for knowledge." – Paste Magazine

"Reading Mark Lawrence's latest novel, The Book that Wouldn't Burn, feels like having your mind blown in slow motion." - Grimdark Magazine

"This book is a tour-de-force that pushes the boundaries of the genre, a true page turner and a must read for anyone who appreciates great literature." - FanFi Addict


Praise for the novels of Mark Lawrence

“An excellent writer.”—George R. R. Martin, New York Times bestselling author

“Different than anything I have ever read.”—Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author

“An amazing series, and I eagerly anticipate Lawrence’s next literary effort, whatever it may be.”—Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author

“It’s not like anything I’ve ever read before.”—Rick Riordan, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Dark and relentless...A two-in-the-morning page-turner.”—Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author

“Epic fantasy on a George R. R. Martin scale but on speed.”—Fixed on Fantasy

“Mark Lawrence’s growing army of fans will relish this rollicking new adventure and look forward to the next one.”—Daily Mail
All stars
Most Relevant
Trash main character. All violence with no driving need to find out more. Normally data at books are violent but there’s a reason or some way to stop it. This is a trigger warning written into a book with no let up.

Bad main character

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
narrator was great, story was engaging, well worth a listen for people who like long fantasy stories

Amazing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Extremely tight and riveting story with great dialogue driven characters. It is like soneone dares him to write a Fantasy series that takes place almost completely within a library. Challenge accepted. Success.

Dare you to write about a Library...

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Couldn't stop listening! Both the book and the narrator were amazing! Thanks for such a great adventure into another world!

Wow, just an excellent book!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Lots to like in this one. Good characters, interesting setting, good narration. I haven’t heard much discussion of this book, but it’s really good.

Very Enjoyable

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews