Knowledge is power and power can corrupt. The purpose of the Great Library is that everyone has access to all the worlds information. Thus, spreading knowledge and power. Unless the Library is corrupt. In a world where books are the most precious things, and to own them is to put your life in mortal danger, there lies a boy named Jess. He thought the most disturbing thing in his life was to see a rich man eat pages from a rare book, but his life is to be turned upside down. His book smuggler father has decided that Jess should work for the great library, as only the best and brightest people can. It will be an advantage to the smuggling business. However, library initiation is as tough, if not tougher than the current US military. This book is the same but also opposite of the classic Fahrenheit 451. Instead of burning books to keep them hidden, this culture burns them to keep them free. While the story takes place in 2030, it feels like reading steampunk with its steam carriages and automaton guard cats. The worst part of this book is the non-existent ending. Thank goodness I have a galley of book #2 Paper and Fire, and here is hoping I do not have to wait a year for book 3.