Review of Mark Lawrence’s The Book That Wouldn’t Burn (no spoilers)

[@marklawrence8418]

Very many thanks, Philip - a great review!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My pleasure! And thank YOU for this wonderful read. I feel that The Book That Wouldn't Burn is the start of something very special, and I can't wait to see where you take this story.

[@vaughnroycroft999]

Sincere passion for all aspects of story and reading is the mark of a great reviewer. Wonderful to see that anywhere, but particularly in the SFF community. I feel informed, motivated, and uplifted, all at once. Thanks for "bringing it," Philip.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Vaughn! Like you, I found that passion in Middle-Earth and haven't looked back since.

[@andrewhanson405]

You got me pumped up! Mark Lawrence is a top 5 contemporary fantasy writer for me. I knew he was going to deliver.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

He definitely delivered! I hope you’ll love it, Andrew!

[@Imaginetheday1967]

This is one of my most anticipated releases this year. Thank you for the great review that makes me even more excited about it!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It actually exceeded my expectations, which were very high!

[@Johanna_reads]

Excellent review, Philip! The way you described immediately wanting to restart the book after finishing the last page was exactly how I felt after finishing Gardens of the Moon. That's evidence it was a special book, in addition to the fact it wouldn't burn and all the dad jokes! You've made me very excited to read this one!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I have a good feeling you'll love The Book That Wouldn't Burn, Johanna. I think even Allen might love it! 😁

[@thesomagirl348]

Hello, a new viewer here! This was the first one of your videos I came across while doing research on The Book That Wouldn't Burn. I was debating on whether or not to write about it for a course work I had to do for college. Thanks to you, I decided on it and it was one of the best choices I've made. An incredible read, and an exceptional review here! Can't wait to see more of your content! Thank you!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Fantastic! I think The Book That Wouldn’t Burn would make a perfect subject for an analysis of that sort. I hope you earn an excellent grade!

[@carlalbert6518]

Great review! This will be my first Mark Lawrence! So excited to check this out. Sounds so unique and complex.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s a fantastic place to start with Lawrence’s books, Carl!

[@esmayrosalyne]

What an excellent review, your love and enthusiam for this story just radiates through the screen!! For the first half, I also thought this book was going to be my favourite of Lawrence's works, but then it got so fast-paced and I realised that I liked the intrigue and mystery of the story more before we got the answers... Still, there's no denying that this is an absolutely mind-bending masterpiece of a book and the theme work was SO good. Mark Lawrence's mind is a wonder to me and I am super curious to see where he takes this story next, because I feel like literally anything is possible right now. Exciting storytelling for sure! I was also very amused by all the familiar indie/selfpub author names in there, what a genius way to show the indie community some love. Loved hearing your thoughts on this book, thanks for sharing!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Esmay! I am extremely excited to see where Mark Lawrence takes this trilogy!

[@curtjarrell9710]

Hi Dr. C. I just ordered this novel from my local BN. I haven't clicked with any previous Lawrence, but this one sounds like it would be a good match for me. I'm awaiting my new glasses, much needed as I struggle to see clearly with the old prescription. New ones are expected by the end of next week. Glad to hear you loved this one.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope the new glasses will improve your reading experience, Curt! I’ve reached the point where I’m needed reading glasses myself. All the best!

[@CarlosPomar95]

Looking forward to another entry into the catalogue of my favourite fantasy author. Nice review as always Philip

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Carlos! The Book That Wouldn't Burn is something special.

[@CarlosPomar95]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy by the way, I started that channel I mentioned after you interviewed Mark! Not sure if you recall but I commented saying I'd been considering giving booktube a go to talk more Lawrence! Well your tiny bit of encouragement added to the motivation so thank you!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@CarlosPomar95 Fantastic!

[@akellerhouse83]

I'm definitely going to read this one eventually. I read my first Mark Lawrence series last year, Book of the Ancestor. I loved it and I'm sure I'll love this series too.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Since you loved Book of the Ancestor, I feel very confident you'll love The Book That Wouldn't Burn, Camanda!

[@gregorykontaxis4885]

Great video! Soon, will start this book!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, and I hope you'll love it, Gregory!

[@onfaerystories]

That's such a fascinating glowing review! I'm so excited to pick it up, hopefully sooner than later! I don't know if my local library will get it, but if they don't, it's fine, I'll read it on my Kindle and might buy it later on if I love it too. I can't wait! It sounds 100% like my cup of tea. I wonder if you've ever read The Neverending Story by Michael Ende? Those themes you talked about are also explored beautifully, in a way that I found even more understandable and digestible as an adult despite this novel being targeted towards children. I read it first at 13 and so many things went completely over my head. I found its message so powerful when I reread it and will definitely do it again when the time comes. By the end, I felt like I had had a spiritual experience. Just masterful!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I somehow missed reading The Neverending Story, but your description of it makes me want to read it! Thank you. I hope you'll enjoy The book That Wouldn't Burn.

[@mariareadsssf]

A favorite book for sure. I loved everything about it. My bigest surprise was the raven's name. I also enjoyed the reinterpreted / reimagined biblical myths. I just can't stop thinking about this lovely work of literature.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Same here! The alterations of all the stories, from biblical to modern, give a sense that the library is a nexus of all possible worlds, which is pretty cool. All the best, Maria!

[@moonbot7613]

Just got my copy on the 9th and really excited to crack it open next month. Great review

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you'll love it!

[@johnmauro1230]

What an outstanding review! Your reviews are always so insightful, Philip. I fully agree with everything you've said.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, John! This book is the beginning of a truly special story, I think!

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

Great review Phillip!! I was definitely a fan of the Broken Empire Series and I've heard so many good things about this book that it's jumping on to my TBR now. I mean, what reader of books doesn't like Libraries?? Excellent job Sir.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Dan! Broken Empire is Lawrence's only trilogy that is truly grimdark, so just a heads up that the rest of his books, while action packed, are tonally different. You might have heard this already, but I thought I'd mention it just in case. All the best!

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I did not know this!! Thanks for the heads up. I thought Red Sister would have had the same tone? I'm still going to check it out though. Thanks again Phillip!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@blacknbluecollarreader Red Sister is pretty badass, but it’s not grimdark. Lawrence has talked about being pegged as a grimdark author because of Broken Empire, which is his only grimdark story.

[@SchminkSchnubbel]

Lovely review! I'm currently reading the book and it took me a bit to get back into the world building found in Fantasy (I've been reading horror/crime fiction the past years). But the story is so gripping and I love it!!! My favorite part/biggest laugh was when I realized the origin of the raven's name. So good 😂

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m so glad you’re enjoying this one! In this case, the world contributes a lot to the themes. All the best!

[@brightwatcher3757]

Wow thank you for this review! I preordered it awhile ago and I can’t wait to hold it that beautiful book in my hands.👀 I‘ve only read The Broken Empire so I’m excited to try his writing in a different setting.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It does have a gorgeous cover! You might have already heard this, but just a heads up that Broken Empire is really Lawrence's only grimdark trilogy. The rest of his books, while still action packed, are tonally different. I hope you'll love The Book That Wouldn't Burn!

[@brightwatcher3757]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Oh that is good to know, thank you! I had assumed they were all darker.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@brightwatcher3757 My pleasure!

[@thefantasythinker]

Thanks Philip! I am very interested in this book! It seems to be right in my wheel house. Some of the best books are those that endear us to the power of story!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I strongly suspect that you will enjoy this one very much, Jarrod!

[@readbykyle3082]

Loved your review! I'm 25% in and it's good so far but I'm expecting Lawrence to wow me like always. Love the writing so far.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Best wishes for some wowing in the remaining 75%, Kyle!

[@kingfisher9725]

I got my copy yesterday. If I hadn't already ordered it, I would have done so after your review (it's the first one by this author for me). Now the only remaining problem is that my tbr list is growing by the day. (Edan II is there as well, of course.) But well, the summer holidays are approaching!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

My very best to you for the read when you get to it, and thank you for including The Prophet of Edan in your reading plans too!

[@paulwilliams6913]

Every time I hear the title I assume it’s a reference to the most famous line from The Master and Margarita: “Manuscripts don’t burn.”

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm not sure if that's an intended reference or not, Paul, but I have a very strong guess that you'll enjoy The Book That Wouldn't Burn if you decide to read it!

[@paulwilliams6913]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy someday I’ll read some of Lawrence’s work. I’ve heard way too much praise for him to not give him a try. Someday….

[@Ulmo90]

Nice review, maybe this will be my first bool by Mark Lawrence?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you’ll love it!

[@josephwilson-doan4163]

Just got done reading and I think you captured the book best with your review. This was just an AMAZING read.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m glad you enjoyed the book, Joseph. It really is amazing, and I’m incredibly excited to see where Mark Lawrence goes with The Library Trilogy. Cheers!

[@daryapylypenko2705]

Just finished it a couple days ago and absolutely loved it. And then I went to youtube to get some other opinions (the Ukrainian edition is still work in progress and we expect it to be in the end of 2024, so I have to wait in order to discuss it with my fellow Ukrainian readers). Love your insights, thank you for the wonderful review. I’m so ready for the second book!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

@@daryapylypenko2705 I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Darya! I loved The Book That Broke the World as well, and now I can’t wait for book three. All the best!

[@quoply6158]

Just 10 more days and then finals are over! I can't wait to read this

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m actually grading my students’ finals right now. 😁 Best wishes for your success!

[@lisacole6037]

I'm excited about this book. My copy is on its way to me. Thanks for your thoughts. 🙂

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you'll enjoy the reading experience, Lisa!

[@wyomike62]

It’s in the top 3 of my favorite books. It was such a great experience reading this book.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I can’t wait to see what Mark Lawrence does in the rest of the trilogy!

[@Heathennation1976]

I just purchased this I've been waiting for the new to wear off I've read every other book by him except the ancestor trilogy and I've loved them all not going to lie though I started this book a couple of months back in the sample and it didn't catch me I'm going to give it a try now though it sounds so intriguing another great review by you keep up the good work

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you end up enjoying it!

[@ladyfox6705]

Picked this up the other day, and so this will be my first Lawrence! Books, libraries, animal companions kind-of, and Dad jokes?! Sounds good to me 😊👏

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It’s an excellent place to start with Lawrence, especially since book two will be out in April!

[@safinan8008]

Happy weekend reading to you! 📖📚

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Safina! My best to you for your reading too!

[@pixadavid]

I'm about halfway through as of writing this comment, and finding it enthralling. A book that seems written just for me...Definitely my favourite of the year, and maybe more, unless of course it falls apart in the last half. But i doubt that will happen.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Best wishes for the second half, which made me want to reread the first half!

[@DoUnicornsRead]

Glad you got an ARC and glad that you enjoyed the book, Philip! Thanks to the fact that this book has a publisher that does not understand how advertising in a world of digital media works and in general seems to think that they can do without smaller platforms and told me more or less to eff off, I decided that can be arranged. So "The Book that wouldn't Burn" has become "The Book that defintely will not feature on my channel". Shame though, because Mark Lawrence seems a decent guy and I sofar liked his writing.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I'm so sorry to hear that the publisher gave you that response, Angela. In general, I think the big publishers are way behind when it comes to understanding the potential and importance of BookTube. We sell a lot of books for them!

[@DoUnicornsRead]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Yes, indeed we do! And you're right, some publishers are very behind. Just look at some of the problems Janny Wurts has with her publisher. And I wasn't even looking for a printed version but applied for an e-arc which doesn't cost them anything. But with that snotty gatekeeping no free advertising from my channel.

[@Paromita_M]

Nice review. I liked the book too!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Paromita! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it too!

[@mbrady199]

I had that same feeling to where I immediately wanted to start again!!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m not sure I’ve ever had that feeling as strongly as I did with The Book That Wouldn’t Burn. Cheers, Misty!

[@angelaholmes8888]

Definitely will give this book a try

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you'll love it, Angela!

[@PsaroAlex]

Can somebidy please explain the cover puzzle to me? What was that all about?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

There was a period of time when you could order a puzzle that was the cover of The Book That Wouldn’t Burn. It’s possible you still can. Anyway, the book itself is much like a puzzle in a way - you don’t really know what it is until all the pieces have fallen into place.

[@PsaroAlex]

@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I see, thanks. Im only 3 chapters deep, so I will be looking forward to be puzzled!

[@BeardofDarkness]

Reading this now!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you’ll love it, Matt!

[@EricMcLuen]

Amooking forward to the series but ungortunately this, like Forge of the High Mage, will have to wait until perhaps another comes out. The Books of Ice will have to scratch the Lawrence itch for a while.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I need to get to the Book of the Ice too! Cheers, Eric, and all the best!

[@darryldonnelly5363]

I've just finished the Book the book is addictive and hard to put down I've just ordered the second Book to it

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I just finished editing my review of book two! Spoiler: it’s fantastic!

[@darryldonnelly5363]

@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy awesome after i read it I'll make sure to watch your video

[@MrRoro_su]

I can't wait to read it 🎉

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I hope you’ll love it!

[@kurjan1]

Does it have explicit language in it?

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

It does have an occasional swear word. There’s one character in particular who swears.

[@jacobmyers3005]

How you read The Ferryman by Justin Cronin. It’s really good! I think you”d really like it too!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you for the recommendation, Jacob!

[@PreacherReads]

I NEED spoiler discussion

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

I’m likely to be having one with Carlos from StoryToob and Jarrod from The Fantasy Thinker!

[@MrRoro_su]

💜💜💜

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Mr. Rorosuri!

[@sharylgrangaard8484]

I hated it,halfway, not,no and no.but love that for you.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

No book is going to be for everyone, but I wish you the best for your next read!

[@cabrademora1]

:D

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Thank you, Diego!

[@timothyzeiler2902]

dont know, did not really like it,