The Dark Vault

This is two books in one. The Dark Vault collects The Archived & The Unbound in one volume.
Well, when I started this I did not realise that this was a book for young adults. Did it put me off. No! I don't know what the demographic is for this for this book, but the story appeals to a fifty year old man because of the fact that VE Schwab's writing is for all ages and the story that she tells is one that transcends age because it is so bloody good.

I mean, I couldn't tell that the story is meant for young adults and really enjoyed the story. The characters are well rounded and each one is relatable to whatever age.

One of the reasons that I like her so much, is that she has a really good aesthetic of show don't tell and this helps the story move at a rapid pace dragging the reader along with it.

The characters of the book are well rounded, even though they are dealing with issues of everyday life and the fantastical politics of the Archive.

I've got to say that I wasn't all that bothered about the main antagonist of the second book, compared to the antagonistic politics of the Archive as the main driver of the story.

I think any review has got to mention Wesley. Who wouldn't want Wesley as a boyfriend, he has the looks of a Korean popstar, the body of Bruce Lee, can charm the pants off a statue and is absolutely fantabulous at make up. Is there nothing that this boy cannot do?

It's funny isn't it with books, you don't want to finish the book and leave this world, but you can't wait to get to the end to see what happens.

I have got to say that it is a totally different way of looking at what happens after death, and is something that I have not seen before.

I don't know about anyone else, but when I was reading this, I had the song Dead Souls by Joy Division going through my head. Funny isn't it what you think of.