Close

Login

Lost Password     Register

Close

Register

Lost Password     Login

Close

Lost Password

Login     Register

Book Review

Publisher's Note:

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was: a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive. Being a Keeper isn’t just dangerous—it’s a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da’s death was hard enough, but now that her little brother is gone too, Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall. In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hardwon redemption.…

This review may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase using these links, then Compass Book Ratings may earn a small commission.

The Archived

by Victoria Schwab

Reviewer: Jackson
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+

Overall Book Review:

The Archived is a supernatural thriller/mystery, and it doesn’t disappoint.  The concept is fresh and is accompanied by an intriguing mystery, plentiful action, and a deeper emotional side.  The main character is very easy to relate to on an emotional level, and is fascinating to watch as she lives and makes mistakes.  The setting, while not entirely original for this type of novel, is perfect for the story and all its elements.  The action continues right up to the end of the novel, which has a wonderful finish that delivers on almost all levels, only falling a teensy bit flat on the emotional aspect of the story.  A nice change from the standard young adult supernatural romance love triangles that have plagued the market in recent years, The Archived is an engaging and exciting read!


Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  6 religious exclamations, 15 mild obscenities, 2 religious profanities, 1 derogatory name, and 2 anatomical terms.

Violence/Gore:  There are several fights involving fists and knives that result in severe injury with some blood and gore, but no deaths.  There is a scene of murder with blood and gore.  There are recounts of murders that happened in the past, and the novel in general deals with scary or creepy scenes.

Sex/Nudity:  Characters kiss passionately on multiple occasions and cuddle.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death, losing loved ones, responsibility.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

There is a drunk man who murders a character.

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
3
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
5
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
2
10

Share This Post

About the Reviewer

Jackson
I enjoy reading adventure books like Gary Paulsen’s The Hatchet, probably because I like to lead an active life. Outside of reading, I camp, hike, run cross country and work on a farm, and a lot of these experiences let me appreciate the content of a good book, as well as the unlimited possibilities that can happen between its covers.

Share Compass Book Ratings