Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “The Secret Chapter (The Invisible Library #6)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

The Secret Chapter

(The Invisible Library #6)

Genevieve Cogman (Goodreads Author)

4.34 · Rating details · 416 ratings · 63 reviews

Time-travelling, dimension-jumping, Librarian-spy Irene and dragon-prince Kai will have to team up with an unlikely band of misfits to pull off an amazing art heist--or risk the wrath of a dangerous villain with a secret island lair.

A Librarian's work is never done, and Irene is summoned to the Library. The world where she grew up is in danger of veering deep into chaos, ...more

Get A Copy

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: January 7th 2020 by Ace Books (first published November 12th 2019)

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Secret Chapter, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.34 ·

Rating details

· 416 ratings · 63 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of The Secret Chapter (The Invisible Library #6)

Apr 14, 2019 Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede marked it as arcs · review of another edition

Can't wait for this book to be released. Although, I do hope detective Vale is in the story...

flag 21 likes · Like · see review

Nov 02, 2019 K B rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.75 Stars

The Secret Chapter, by Genevieve Cogman is a delightfully fun read with absolutely wonderful descriptions and portrayals of Fae, Dragons, and Librarians. The perfect choice for a feel-good and exciting read!

Irene, a Librarian, has been tasked with securing a specific edition of a very specific book. There is just one catch. The book is held by a Mr Nemo, a mysterious Fae, who is hidden away on a private island. Being the only copy of this book, Irene has to go and see Mr Nemo and hope ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Nov 10, 2019 Maja Ingrid rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: the-faves, urban-fantasy

This was a blast to read as usual. Fast-paced, fae, dragons. A heist. A way more interesting outcome of Brexit mentioned (it was half a paragraph where politicians was discouraged from such ideas by public beheadings).

So without spoilering anything, this book brings out on yet another adventures with Irene and Kai. This time to 21st century Europe to steal a painting in order to obtain a book. And they have to work with other fae and a dragon in order to do that and all the obstacles that comes ...more

flag 10 likes · Like · see review

Nov 25, 2019 Steven rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2019, tt7-tower-of-sin, urban-fantasy-paranormal, netgalley-or-publisher, to-review

Review to come upon release

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Nov 14, 2019 Lou rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Secret Chapter is the sixth book in the magical, alluring Invisible Library series but each instalment can be read independently without any an issue although it is preferable to have read the previous instalments. It is the perfect time to release the book as the nights draw in and the cold returns; curling up of the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate and reading this feels very comforting. This is effectively a heist novel and Irene and Kai team up with a group of shady individuals in an ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Aug 24, 2019 Rina marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Why does this sound like Six of Crows

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Jun 24, 2019 Sarah Loves Books and tea marked it as to-read · review of another edition

I can't wait for this to come out, I absolutely adore this series.

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 02, 2019 Carol rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I had this book on pre-order, so when I got the chance of reading it earlier via an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review, I could only say "yes, please!"

From the first book in the series, I've loved the adventures of Librarian Irene and Kai the dragon as they travel between alternate worlds collecting rare and unusual books for the Library in order to maintain the balance between Order and Chaos.

This time, the quest is more personal - they must retrieve a book from the world where Irene ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 12, 2019 thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I adored this, the first I have read and didn’t realise it was a series when I requested, but it’s so well written and the world building so well done I didn’t feel lost in this world at all. In fact I felt welcomed from the first page, the characters are so well developed and three dimensional, each twist and turn in the story is a delightful journey, I can’t wait to read more and so happy I can go back at find more while I wait.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 19, 2019 Mrs. Morningstar rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I keep worrying that the next book will be less good than the previous but I keep getting proved wrong every single time.

I loved this one.
And I'm probably the only one who'll say this but I'd give anything to see some Silver and Irene action. Even if it's just for once. Kai doesn't have to know..... ;)

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 13, 2019 Roberta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

It was wonderful to return to a favourite world - or universe, I should say, or possibly even multiverse! I have been looking forward to the next Invisible Library adventure, and it didn’t disappoint.

I really enjoyed the heist theme of this book, it was a marvellous adventure. It was fun to see Irene and Kai teaming up with new people - though obviously not trusting them. And the bits of information about the true history of the dragons were interesting - I hope that we will learn more in future ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 17, 2019 Jessica Gilmore rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

When I first discovered The Invisible Library, pretty much on the first one's publication date. I had that rare but amazing sensation of coming home, the sensation we all get when we find an author and concept that speaks to us. Any bookworm is going to love the idea of an invisible library connecting multiple worlds housing multiple versions of books, each of their world and staffed by dangerous kick ass librarians. Love it and immediately apply for a job there. The first book introduced us to When I first discovered The Invisible Library, pretty much on the first one's publication date. I had that rare but amazing sensation of coming home, the sensation we all get when we find an author and concept that speaks to us. Any bookworm is going to love the idea of an invisible library connecting multiple worlds housing multiple versions of books, each of their world and staffed by dangerous kick ass librarians. Love it and immediately apply for a job there. The first book introduced us to librarian Irene and her apprentice Kai who are sent to a steampunk Victorian world where they befriend Holmesque detective Vale (sadly barely present in this book) and dangerous fae vampire Lord Silver (description: His shoulders and build - and overly tight trousers - were enough to make anyone think of sin).

The multiple worlds the library serves/manipulates tend to be either on the side of order or chaos. The ones with the most order are those run by dragons, immortal, logical and very powerful, the chaos worlds by the fae, whose propensity to take on a role and run with it can suck all in their vicinity into whatever plot they see themselves as the protagonist of. The more chaotic the world, the more stereotypical - or archetypal - the fae in it. Needless to say, fae and dragons do not get on with humans often the ones to suffer. Worlds with little of either's influence are the safest.

Although you probably don't have to read the prequels to enjoy this I suggest you do, because the world building and plotting are superb and each book is an absolute joy. In The Secret Chapter Irene has to retrieve a unique book in order to stabilise the world where she was sent to school, a world she is very fond of. But the book is held by a fae whose archetype is Bond Villain - shark tanks, bikini clad girls and all - and he won't hand it over unless Irene and Kai join his newly assembled team of villains to pull of an audacious heist on a high tech world where anything magical is suspect. Every detail, every plot twist, every character is absolute perfection in this clever, knowing and hilarious romp through 1980s Vienna, a super-baddy's lair and the library itself. If you haven't read this series do so at once. It's an absolute treat and The Secret Chapter is an example of it at its five star best. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Nov 12, 2019 Nikki rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: net-galley-review, arcs-and-review-copies

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really do love this series. They’re such amazing fun. And this had the delights of going back to the core of being a librarian - trading for books to stabilise worlds. In this case though, Irene has to go thieving. Eeeeeeexcellent

I do love a good heist. This had just the right amount of complications, threats and fun to be practically perfect. I really loved the world the heist was on, and want to know more about how it ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 20, 2019 Karen Rós rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-science-fiction

Listen, I LOVE this series and I have been waiting a whole year for this book and I don't know what I'll do when this series eventually ENDS because I don't think I will be able to cope. These books are so much FUN and a staple highlight of my winter every year - I love seeing what Irene and Kai get up to THIS time, and also!! THIS BOOK! HAS A HEIST!! I love heists, just saying.

I've probably said it before in previous reviews of these books, but I love how this series plays with archetypes and ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 10, 2019 Shaylyn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wonderful, as always. The ending, though! I'll just say, we probably have something huge coming for us in the next book.
Also, absolutely stunning cover design. The metalic effect of the blue colour is amazing!
(No, I did not receive a special pre-release edition. The book just arrived a bit early.)

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 08, 2019 Helen White rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, historical, series, action

Hmmm dragons are complicated. There's a big hint of James Bond in this with villains, casinos and a shark infested pool to kill your enemies in.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 30, 2019 Megan rated it it was amazing

These books are perfection. Probably the only books I intentionally read slowly because I don’t want to miss anything and I want to spend more time in the story

...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 01, 2019 Gemma F rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A wonderfully, epic and spectacular fast-paced addition to the Invisible Library Series!

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 25, 2019 Beth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This was fun, but the series is getting to that "too long" range.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 19, 2019 Amelia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Yum 4 stars exactly

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 06, 2019 The Tattooed Book Geek (Drew). rated it really liked it · review of another edition

As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...

The Secret Chapter is the sixth book in The Invisible Library series. I will admit that I haven’t read any of the previous books. Of course, starting a series late means that I have missed out on the past stories, character backstories, previous events and the history/relationships that have developed between the characters throughout the series. However, the story in The Secret As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...

The Secret Chapter is the sixth book in The Invisible Library series. I will admit that I haven’t read any of the previous books. Of course, starting a series late means that I have missed out on the past stories, character backstories, previous events and the history/relationships that have developed between the characters throughout the series. However, the story in The Secret Chapter is self-contained. As such, I was easily able to pick up, read and thoroughly enjoy my time spent with The Secret Chapter devouring it in a couple of days and finding it to be the perfect slice of escapist fun.

Irene Winters works for the Library as a Librarian. Librarians are, in fact, actual Librarians but are also highly-trained spies. The Library has multiple doorways that lead onto multiple worlds, some with in-world Librarians (like Irene) and others without. Librarians and the Library are neutral and try to keep the balance on worlds, the equilibrium and the status quo between chaos (Fae) and order (dragons) who claim and rule over various worlds. Librarians maintain the stability by collecting books (sometimes through purchasing the books and at other times through less legal and more illicit ways) and housing them in the Library.

For her latest mission, things take a personal turn for Irene and she has only ten days to find a very rare book to save the world that she grew up on, a world that has meaning to her and is close to her heart.

The book in question is in the possession of Mr Nemo, a Fae and a villain in the grandest sense. Mr Nemo’s hi-tech lair is an isolated and remote Caribbean island retreat on his own private island. He has shark tanks and feeds people to sharks, wears white clothes and a Panama hat, communicates with people seated behind his desk and through screens and he positively screams a charismatic but nefarious 1980’s Bond villain.

Mr Nemo puts together a team of skilled individuals (who are more like an untrustworthy crew with questionable ethics and morality) to steal a painting from a high-tech museum in 21st century alternate Vienna. Each individual is chosen for their own specific talent and particular skill (the driver, the tech expert, the gambler, the thief and the muscle). On the successful completion of the heist, there will be a reward for each member of the team, any artefact in Mr Nemo’s own vast collection, a service that he can immediately render to the individual or, a favour that he can grant.

In exchange for the book, Mr Nemo wants something in return, for Irene to be part of the team, that is the offer and with no other choice, Irene accepts the only deal available to her and becomes entangled in a heist to steal a painting with a hidden secret.

There’s magic in The Secret Chapter, the ‘Language‘ that Librarians use, spoken words and sentences that have power and that helps Irene to get out of some sticky situations (possibly with her ending up in some even stickier situations) during the course of the story.

As the main character, Irene is tough, clever, resilient, resourceful and intelligent. Along with Price Kai, Mr Nemo, the team involved in the heist and a few other characters she is ably supported by a secondary cast of varied characters that were all a joy to read about and who all added something to the overall story.

The story has plenty of action, moments of suspense and moves along at a fast pace. There’s a depth to the story with it going beyond being just a heist. There has been a recent peace treaty signed between the dragons and the Fae but it is a fractious peace and the team which consists of both dragons and Fae is plagued by animosity and mistrust. There are also some interesting revelations about the true history of the race of dragons added to the mix.

The Secret Chapter includes many tropes that are commonly found in heist movies including, as I have already mentioned the criminal mastermind Mr Nemo who I must say is a marvellous character and then, also, a casino scene, a high-stakes gambling scene, a high-speed pursuit through the city streets, a shoot-out, the team falling foul of the local crime boss, double-crosses galore and they are all executed brilliantly. The Secret Chapter wears those tropes like a badge of honour and I found myself relishing their inclusion in the story. Their addition along with Cogman’s impressive storytelling, wit, likeable characters, clever world-building and the lively story gives you a rollicking good mix of action-adventure and a magical heist that make for a criminally good read. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 18, 2019 S.J. Higbee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This latest slice of Irene’s adventures is essentially a heist story. Irene and Kai find themselves having to work alongside a team of rather dodgy characters – something she is far too used to doing. However, this crew are every bit as dangerous as the task they have been set by the shadowy Mr Nemo. I love the way Cogman plays with stereotypes – imagine a James Bond villain, complete with the Caribbean island setting and hungry sharks lurking in a hidden tank beneath their feet.

I am not going ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 19, 2019 Gemma McGee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Secret Chapter is Ocean 11 and James Bond in an alternative universe, working was it a team of people you can not trust.

I love that even in an alternative universe, that Brexit is still in a problem the UK is dealing with. When I read the below quote I couldn't help but laugh.
"It did attempt to leave the European Union last year, but apparently was prompted by demonic interference. A lot of politicians were subsequently tried for treason and beheaded at the Tower of London."

One of my ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 01, 2019 Raj rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

The world in which Irene grew up is in danger of turning towards chaos, and she must retrieve a book from another world to stabilise it. However, that book is owned by a Fae who demands that she steal a painting for him in exchange for the book. Irene and Kai now have to work as part of a larger team to steal the painting, as long as they don't kill each other first.

I do love a good heist story, so I enjoyed the painting theft. It involved a classic trope of collecting experts in different ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 23, 2019 The Book Sheelf rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The latest addition to a series that has very much enveloped me in a warm and comforting hug.

I love these books. On the surface they are light-hearted and easy to read, full of characters to root for and enjoyable little mysteries and twists. Beneath that lies the rich and complex multiverse that Genevieve Cogman has created for us to enjoy with each book peeling back another layer, revealing more nuance, more depth and more intrigue with every addition to the series.

I’ve described these books ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 04, 2019 Bron rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourite-universes, in-the-kindle

The Invisible Library series is sheer fun, it's the Faraway Tree for grown ups. The scenario is that there are multiple versions of the earth, many developing in similar but not identical ways. Their historical periods are not always aligned either. The Invisible Library allows access from one world to another. The powers are dragons who stand for order and the fae who stand for chaos. Some worlds are tilted more to order, some more to chaos, some are more or less in balance. The humans have to ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 28, 2019 Rachel added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-anticipated-releases

All libraries are a gateway into other worlds, including the past — and the future.

We are six books into Genevieve Cogman’s Invisible Library series and I’m loving the fact that we always get to embark on the wildest adventures that constantly delivers something new about this whimsical world. The Secret Chapter takes Irene and Kai on a mission where they have to team up with a band of misfits to pull off an art heist or risk the wrath of a dangerous villain with a secret lair.

For me, this is ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 27, 2019 Meha rated it liked it · review of another edition

The first book in the series of Invisible Library was a delight. esp for a book lover. it was imaginative fantasy, fun, great mystery and with great characters esp a kickass librarian heroine. The 2nd n 3rd ones I liked v much too, the world of faes and dragons; order and chaos were so interesting. But by the time I reached the 4th and 5th one I realised they all followed the same pattern. Irene, the dashing super hero librarian got an assignment for a book; during which she realised there was ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 26, 2019 Meghan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: library

This book was received as an ARC from Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a huge fan of the Invisible Library series and I was thrilled to see the release of the secret chapter. I do believe that I am actually one of the few that think of Irene as a superhero. Being a librarian myself, I could appreciate the power and trust Irene had in all of her missions especially this one forming a band of ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 30, 2019 Daisy Twizell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I knew I was going to love this book because this is unequivocally my favourite series of all time, but I was absolutely blown away. Both the treaty and Irene's relationship manage to remain relevant and influential without becoming plot tumours for the actual story - which in turn, offers a host of new and very colourful characters.

Ernest and Jerome were both intriguing in different ways, and I loved seeing Irene play off them both. Indigo also provided a very interesting angle on one of the ...more

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Fantasy Buddy Reads: Cogman - The Secret Chapter [Jan 7, 2020]	3	14	Aug 30, 2019 07:44AM

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Fantasy

68 users

Fiction

13 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

8 users

Fantasy > Dragons

6 users

Science Fiction > Steampunk

5 users

Science Fiction

5 users

Adult

5 users

Fantasy > Magic

5 users

Writing > Books About Books

5 users

Young Adult

3 users

See top shelves…

About Genevieve Cogman

Genevieve Cogman

2,630 followers

Genevieve Cogman got started on Tolkien and Sherlock Holmes at an early age, and has never looked back. But on a perhaps more prosaic note, she has an MSC in Statistics with Medical Applications and has wielded this in an assortment of jobs: clinical coder, data analyst and classifications specialist. Although The Invisible Library is her debut novel, she has also previously worked as a freelance ...more

Other books in the series

The Invisible Library (7 books)

Books by Genevieve Cogman

The Invisible Library (The Invisible Library, #1)

The Masked City (The Invisible Library, #2)

The Burning Page (The Invisible Library, #3)

The Lost Plot (The Invisible Library, #4)

The Mortal Word (The Invisible Library, #5)

More…

Trivia About The Secret Chapte...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from The Secret Chapter

“That instead of running directly back to your assigned world and your work – and your prince – you’re staying in the Library for long enough to have coffee. And not just a cup, but a whole pot. Has it been a bad few days?” — 1 likes

“The United Kingdom?’ ‘Very strongly tied to Europe, which is why CENSOR has an English name and acronym. It did attempt to leave the European Union last year, but apparently that was prompted by demonic interference. A lot of politicians were subsequently tried for treason and beheaded at the Tower of London.” — 1 likes

More quotes…