Get Lost in A Wonderfully Crafty and Oh So Unique World <3 | Book Review: The Dark Vault (The Archived #1 – #2.5) by V. E. Schwab

The two novels from The Archived Series appearing together for the first time.

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Mackenzie Bishop’s grandfather first brought her here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now her grandfather 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.

Every time I read V.E. Schwab, I understand EXACTLY why she has such a huge and quite loyal fanbase – her ability to create such unique plots with vivid and absolutely breath-taking worlds and characters you can’t help but root for; even if they are some of the greyest characters ever to grace our fictional lives!

THE DARK VAULT is a binded copy of the two novels – The Archived and The Unbound – marvellously written and easily peaking the interest of the readers right from the start – easily evoking immense versatile emotions – fear, apprehension, heart pounding excitement, intrigue, anxiety, and a whole lot of bittersweet happiness throughout the reading of the book!

Mac, our protagonist, a teenager and her family is reeling from the unexpected death of her younger brother – move to a new place, to be able to move on and a relationship with her parents that is as fragile as it is lost. The only thing that is keeping Mac sane is working as a KEEPER at the Archived; someone whose job it is keep History (what a dead person is called at the Archive) where it belongs – a job she inherited from her grandfather after he passes away!

What she doesn’t expect is to cross paths with another Keeper (ah! Wes, you adorable little muffin!) as well as a History that will challenge not only what she has learnt 7 been told about the Archive; but her own wants and needs!

Like always, its easy to get lost in the wonderfully crafty and so unique world that Schwab has created and I, so thoroughly relished getting lost in it – though there were some plot twists (like, the whole school business & their classmates!) I honestly did not think or even understand why the plot actually needed! Yet still, like other books by Schwab, it’s still an engaging and an atmospheric read!