Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Imaginative fantasy mystery for teens tackles grief, death.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In Victoria Schwab's novel, when people die their bodies go to a place known as the Archive -- a cross between a library and a morgue. Bodies are known as Histories. But for various reasons, they often wake and venture into the dark realm of the Narrows. As a Keeper, it's Mackenzie Bishop's job to put the Histories back into the Archive. Her deceased grandfather trained her for the role and has passed on his legacy as a Keeper to her. Not only is being a Keeper a dangerous job, but Mackenzie also cannot let her family or friends know she guards the dead. The grueling and often scary job forces her to question life, death, and immortality. While Mackenzie learns to cope with the grief of her grandfather's death, and most recently her brother's death, she discovers that someone is altering Histories and erasing their memories. Mackenzie must learn to rely on her wits and trust members of the Archive and a new friend, Wesley, to solve the mystery before the Archive is destroyed.
Is It Any Good?
THE ARCHIVED is fresh and original, a cut above the typical paranormal stories found on YA bookshelves. Filled with lyrical and haunting prose, likable characters, and dastardly villains, Victoria Schwab's novel will leave readers turning the pages late into the night and eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether you have ever had a family member, loved one or friend die. How did you cope with your grief?
Why do you think paranormal stories are so popular in young adult literature?
What do you think happens to people when they die? If you knew there was a place like the Archive, would you want to visit someone you've lost?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Hyperion Books for Children
- Publication date : January 22, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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