Step into the enchanting world of The Forbidden Library, where books are portals to adventure and a young girl named Alice holds the key to unlocking their magic! Django Wexler’s middle-grade fantasy series blends classic storytelling with a fresh, thrilling twist, captivating readers with its mix of talking cats, dangerous creatures, and a library that’s anything but ordinary. Perfect for fans of Coraline and Inkheart, this series invites you to explore a world where reading is literally magical.
Centered on Alice, a rule-following 12-year-old who discovers she’s a Reader with the power to enter magical books, The Forbidden Library delivers heart-pounding action and mystery. Set in a vaguely 1920s-inspired world with gas lamps and sprawling manors, the series hooks readers with its unique magic system and Alice’s journey from obedient orphan to resourceful heroine.
How The Forbidden Library Began
Django Wexler, a self-proclaimed fantasy geek with a background in computer science and creative writing, launched The Forbidden Library in 2014 as his first foray into middle-grade fiction. Already known for his adult epic fantasy series The Shadow Campaigns, Wexler drew inspiration from classics like Alice in Wonderland and Narnia, aiming to craft a story that celebrated the magic of books. His love for libraries and imaginative world-building shaped a series that feels both nostalgic and innovative, earning praise for its originality and charm.
The Heart of The Forbidden Library
The series spans four main books, each building on Alice’s adventures as a Reader. The Forbidden Library (2014) introduces Alice, who, after her father’s mysterious death, is sent to live with her secretive uncle Geryon. A talking cat named Ashes leads her to a forbidden library, where she enters a book and battles a creature to escape. The Mad Apprentice (2015) sees Alice teaming up with other apprentice Readers to face a rogue apprentice in a deadly labyrinth. The Palace of Glass (2016) deepens the stakes as Alice seeks revenge against Geryon, uncovering truths about her father. The Fall of the Readers (2017) concludes the saga with Alice leading her allies against the tyrannical Old Readers in a thrilling, bittersweet finale.
Themes of bravery, trust, and the power of knowledge weave through the series, set against a backdrop of shifting library shelves and magical creatures like fire sprites and ice giants. Wexler’s magic system, where Readers bind creatures from books to gain their powers, is both inventive and balanced, avoiding brute-force solutions. The series’ darker, more mature tone compared to typical middle-grade fare appeals to readers seeking depth, while Alice’s growth into a leader resonates with fans of strong, relatable heroines.
Why The Forbidden Library Resonates
The Forbidden Library has carved a niche among fantasy fans for its celebration of books as gateways to adventure. Its blend of whimsy and danger, paired with Alice’s compelling arc, draws comparisons to Harry Potter and Inkheart, yet its unique magic system and historical setting set it apart. Reviews praise Wexler’s witty prose and imaginative creatures, with readers on Goodreads noting the series’ sense of wonder and Alice’s plucky determination. Though not a cultural juggernaut, the series has a dedicated following, especially among young readers and parents seeking smart, adventurous stories.
Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to make reading feel like a heroic act. By turning books into literal battlegrounds, Wexler taps into the joy of storytelling, inspiring readers to see libraries as places of infinite possibility. The series’ mix of humor, heart, and high stakes ensures it remains a hidden gem for fantasy lovers.
- Publication Years: 2014–2017
- Number of Books: 4
- Target Audience: Middle Grade (10 and up)
- Key Themes: Bravery, trust, the power of reading
Grab The Forbidden Library and dive into a world where books hold secrets, cats talk, and a young heroine proves that reading is the ultimate adventure!