I think I listened to the audio book once, years ago.
Of course, this being Girl Genius I wouldn't be surprised if there's an actual conspiracy attached.
Along with a sprinkle of Poe, judging by the blade-thingy.
"If it lives it can be killed.
If it is dead it can be eaten."
Ronkong Coma "the way of the bookhunter" III Catacombium
(Walter Moers "Die Stadt der träumenden Bücher")