This is a truly beautiful book to read. I read it on and off at first but I couldn't put it down after reaching halfway through. Who knew fighting books could be so fun to read haha! ( )

3.5 stars

The first thing you need know - Alex is obnoxious. He must truly have some Great Destiny, because I'm not sure how he managed to survive as long as he did. That said, he does grow on you - like moss or fungi. Quite an impressive character, really. Dedicated, focused and all about the books. I do wish he would learn to take care of himself a little better.

- Kennie is awesome and admirable, and as long as she does not try to burn down the library (or do a turn-about to become stupid) I will adore her forever.
- Charlie is interesting and quite impressive in his own right. Strong spirit and good humour. Intelligent and observant.

The story kept me hooked (books! alive! library!), the occasional "how are you still alive?" aside.

I'm very much looking forward to more books!
There ought to be at least one more book. It would be too cruel to leave us hanging like this.

VERDICT : RECOMMEDED ( )

Slow start, with unnecessary background. A young apprentice librarian named Alex bluffs his way into a tryout as the Royal Librarian of the kingdom of Aethel by impersonating his deceased mentor. The very young queen of Aethel, Kenneret gives him only a month to whip her neglected library into shape as she is having problems of her own, foremost with her uncle and former Regent, Lord Patchedren, subtly sabotaging her confidence as she yearns to be a good queen as well as her loneliness surrounded by sycophants. Also, her young brother Charley has been expelled from school again and she has to figure out what to do with him. Alex immediately knows that something is very wrong with the books in the Royal Library, and has to solve the mystery.

I liked the parallels with Queen Kenneret using "we" to represent her kingdom and Alex using the term to represent his library. I also liked the pages, which multiply and flutter to Alex's aid. On the other hand, Alex's outspoken, disrespectful discussions with the Queen and her staff is ludicrous. And yet, the story works as he, Kennie and Charley become friends, especially so for bibliophiles as Alex's singular devotion to his job is admirable.
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Full of fun and adventure, THE LOST BOOKS: The Scroll of Kings by Sarah Prineas is a fun, fast-paced read, all ages can enjoy. Full of magical books, dangerous books, and a boy who is ready to handle it all.
I enjoyed how the protagonist was trained in sword fighting, but yearned to be a librarian. Little did he know his training would come in handy as he took over the queens dusty, dilapidated, large and mysterious library. A great book for grades three and up. ( )