The Library of the Profane has everything your black heart desires. But we don't just allow anyone to get a library card. Need to summon a demon? Raise the dead? A clan of vampires bothering you? Do you like the really nasty werewolf erotica? The Library of the Profane has all of that, but not everyone can handle the contents (Some people can't handle their werewolf erotica). I've been a librarian here for five years and when I say I killed to get this job, I'm not being facetious. You can't check out our books. Some of the books are sentient and don't like it. We have rooms to perform the spells in or hell, we do have a copy machine (copies are extra). When a witch came in and said they needed to do a little necromancy, I didn't question it. They wouldn't have been given a library card if they were going to raise someone really bad. I helped with the necromancy because it's just my job as a librarian. Except it wasn't a normal resurrection. It was the physical embodiment of Chaos and when he woke up, he saw me first and now he's attached. Chaos personified is a horrible library guest and he won't leave with the witch who raised him. He's constantly getting into things he's not supposed to and he's really into the werewolf erotica. It's not like I can let him out because the Library of the Profane is meant to contain Chaos. The rest of the world isn't. He's awful about keeping his identity secret too. A warlock, a Hellhound, and a vampire know he's here and they are bugging me to let Chaos have a little fun. I just want a normal day of summoning demons, cursing people, and telling people to be quiet in my library. This is too much.

MY THOUGHTS

This was a refreshing read in that it was not as predictable as I’m used to. It had a fun take on the Dorian Gray classic, and some neat ideas about Hell and Earth.

About the Characters

Ripley is a smart, powerful witch who’s down-to-Earth, open minded, and definitely not shy. She takes no sh*t from anyone and loves her library, taking her job very seriously. Chaos (yes, the god) is as you would expect, yet not. He’s semi-omniscient, blunt, but sweet and thoughtful too. Bram is a sexy hellhound who is straight forward and honorable. Felix is Ripley’s familiar. He’s smart, cares a great deal about Ripley, and helps take care of business. Balthazar is a tech savvy vampire who is good at finding people and information – also is a huge flirt. Gabriel is a strong warlock with a chip on his shoulder, but he does what needs to be done, yet has a soft side.

Things I Liked

The library is a really cool concept and I love Ripley’s devotion to it. I love the lore that comes into play. The racial dynamics feel realistic; it all comes together for a complex story and diverse harem.

Things I Didn’t Like

There were a lot of unknowns that don’t necessarily get answered. No one really seemed sure of their place in the grand scheme of things or with Ripley. They seemed to go in circles a little bit.

More Thoughts

I have mixed feelings about her jumping Felix just because he has a body now, given he’s been with her since her teens. They almmost never leave the library. I get that they are living there and it’s certainly a font of information, but it strikes me as a bit odd. Ripley’s close relationship with her sister as the curator of the Museum of the Profane leaves plenty of room for spinoff potential.

Bottom Line

This was an intriguing start to a medium burn reverse harem romance with a lot of potential.