Scan barcode
jojo_fiction_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Cassidy Blake did not die. But she did drown.
Ever since that day she has been able to go across the veil that separates the living and the dead. When her ghost hunting parents take her to Scotland, she and her best friend Jacob (who just so happens to be a ghost), find that there is much more to Cassidy’s gift than she originally thought. And just how much they stand to lose.
I haven't read a middle grade book in a few years, but knowing that this was written by my favourite author, I just had to give it a shot. And I wasn't disappointed! Although written for a younger audience I could still see the distinct style and themes of V. E. Schwab’s writing that I enjoyed. Her descriptions of Edinburgh made me feel as if I was walking down the streets and exploring old castles right alongside Cass and Jacob. And despite its more simplistic plot and characters, I still managed to get immersed in the story. I enjoyed this so much as an adult and I know if I had read this when I was a kid I would have been obsessed, so I will definitely be picking up the rest of this series.
A super quick read, but with a good story, lovable characters, and a wonderful friendship dynamic between Cass and Jacob that I think both younger kids and older will enjoy.
A super quick read, but with a good story, lovable characters, and a wonderful friendship dynamic between Cass and Jacob that I think both younger kids and older will enjoy.
Graphic: Death, Child death, and Grief
Minor: Body horror
caitcosentino's review against another edition
First 20% just didn't draw me in much
Moderate: Car accident, Child death, and Fire/Fire injury
ju_harue's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Foi meu primeiro contato com escrita da VE Schwab, e eu estava ansiosa demais por ouvir tanta coisa boa. E que bom que comecei por essa história - e no Halloween! Apesar de não me encaixar no público alvo, middle grade, eu li com olhos da Juliana mais nova, e sei que ela teria adorado.
A forma como se fala sobre morte, como o mistério é construído, eu gostei demais. Tem algumas coisas que talvez foram resolvidas facilmente por uma criança de 12 anos, sim… mas acho que para leitore jovem, foi uma sucessão de acontecimentos de fácil compreensão e que despertam a curiosidade para os próximos livros. Vou seguir lendo entusiasmadíssima. E adorei se passar num dos meus lugares favoritos, destino dos sonhos, Escócia.
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Grief and Child death
enchantressreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death, Child death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
a LOT of Harry Potter referencesnerdysread's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A really great book. But with too many HP references
Graphic: Death and Child death
kassidyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Death and Child death
urmigurimgay's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It's a very easy read and I loved every second of it.
Moderate: Death and Child death
Minor: Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Body horror
lolaslalaland's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
3.5
This is a very slow moving middle grade urban fantasy/supernatural horror.
We follow Cassidy Blake, a young 11/12 year old who had an accident a year ago where she fell into a freezing river and died. Jacob, a ghost, saved her that day and she was able to come back to life and he somehow got a free ticket to walk around the world of the living (though no one other than Cassidy can see him).
Honestly, it's a pretty dark and atmospheric read, and definitely would be well loved by any young teen who doesn't feel like they fully fit in or if they like a good ghost story because this book takes place in Edinburgh. The Scottish city well known for is haunted-ness.
I really loved the vibe of the book and the idea of the story, but I do think it lacked a little bit on character work, I didn't feel very attached to anyone other than Jacob, and ultimately this first book in the trilogy felt like an introductory book, like it was just setting up the real adventure that is to come in the next two. Because of that, I am quite excited to continue!
We follow Cassidy Blake, a young 11/12 year old who had an accident a year ago where she fell into a freezing river and died. Jacob, a ghost, saved her that day and she was able to come back to life and he somehow got a free ticket to walk around the world of the living (though no one other than Cassidy can see him).
Honestly, it's a pretty dark and atmospheric read, and definitely would be well loved by any young teen who doesn't feel like they fully fit in or if they like a good ghost story because this book takes place in Edinburgh. The Scottish city well known for is haunted-ness.
I really loved the vibe of the book and the idea of the story, but I do think it lacked a little bit on character work, I didn't feel very attached to anyone other than Jacob, and ultimately this first book in the trilogy felt like an introductory book, like it was just setting up the real adventure that is to come in the next two. Because of that, I am quite excited to continue!
Moderate: Death and Child death
Minor: Violence
liz_liz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was meh for me. The cover gives off a completely different vibe from what the book is about. Also, the Harry Potter references have aged poorly and annoyed me as a non fan.
But, I did like the magic/ghosts aspects. As well as the main girl and boy staying as friends.
I don’t think I am the target audience for this book, so take my review with a grain of salt.
But, I did like the magic/ghosts aspects. As well as the main girl and boy staying as friends.
I don’t think I am the target audience for this book, so take my review with a grain of salt.
Graphic: Child death and Death
theunfinishedbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Moderate: Child death