The Archived by Victoria Schwab is a young-adult fantasy novel that delves into the complexities of life and death, memory, and loss. Published by Disney-Hyperion in 2013, this novel sends a powerful message about the impact of memory and how the past shapes our present.
The story follows Mackenzie Bishop, a ruthless teenager who has inherited the role of a Keeper from her grandfather, Da. Keepers are tasked with preventing the dead, known as Histories, from waking up and escaping the Archive, a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Mackenzie’s job becomes increasingly dangerous and intricate as she discovers that someone is deliberately altering Histories, threatening the stability and order of the Archive. As she navigates this perilous world, Mackenzie grapples with her grief over the loss of her brother and the secrets she must keep from her loved ones.
This makes The Archived an intriguing and memorable novel as it contains the unique concept of portraying the dead as books and alluring characters. Schwab’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, creating a suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere for the reader. The protagonist, Mackenzie, is a well-developed character whose struggles with grief and responsibility are relatable and poignant, making me feel emotionally attached to the novel. The Archived can also be compared to other young-adult supernatural novels, such as The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon and The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, as they feature worlds filled with wonders and strong, complex heroines. However, the pacing of the novel can be slow at times, and the author overemphasizes certain aspects of the story, which diminishes the quality of the narrative.
In conclusion, The Archived by Victoria Schwab is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of memory, loss, and the afterlife. While some aspects of the story could have been more fully developed, Schwab’s imaginative atmosphere and well-developed characters make this book a compelling read. I highly recommend The Archived to readers who are fans of young-adult fantasy fiction and enjoy exploring the boundaries between life and death and the ethical dilemmas that arise from manipulating the past.
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