The Burning Page (The Invisible Library, #3)

by Genevieve Cogman

‘There have been times when I had detailed plans,’ Irene said wistfully. ‘I look back at them and wonder why I never realized how lucky I was.’

He was in full evening dress, a gardenia in his buttonhole, and looked as if he’d just come from some disreputable party. (Well, perhaps the disreputability wasn’t immediately obvious, but it was Silver. Irene assumed immorality on principle.)

People do keep on talking about wanting a war, so that their side will win. But ultimately all they really want is for their side to be a bit better off. Nobody wishes for their side to triumph completely.