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willrefuge's review against another edition
3.0
3 / 5 stars.
Originally reviewed on: https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/
City of Ghosts is a YA effort from Victoria Schwab, first in the Cassidy Blake series. Previously, Schwab had released the Archived trilogy (which I’ve heard good things about), and the Monsters of Verity duology (of which I’m a fan). This said—City of Ghosts doesn’t feel like the polished, complete work I would’ve expected from her.
Everything started when Cassidy Blake died. That day she went across the Veil for the first time, she met Jacob—whom since has become her best friend—when he saved her life. Impressive, as he’s dead and all. Now, they’re inseparable, and frequently take trips back across the Veil, where Cassidy can interact with Jacob as if he were alive. Or she were dead.
This whole thing seemed like… an idea. Like, that it isn’t… complete. It comes across unpolished, unrefined—something I wouldn’t’ve expected from Schwab, since her ideas have always seemed to come to life on the page. Early on, when we are introduced to this ability to interact with events through the Veil, it seems like Cassidy is fairly new to it all. Not long after, she states that it’s something she’s been on about for the last nine months. Nine months! And even though she goes on to say that the process has been streamlined and polished, in reality it seems anything but. Frankly, it kinda seems like a spinoff of Danny Phantom; even down to the famous, ghost-hunting parents.
The beginning really did nothing for me. It was hard to get into, contradictory, and as I’ve said before, unpolished. Not “boring” exactly, but not entertaining either. Once we get into the meat of the story, it’s entertaining enough, I guess. Not that much really happens. I mean, there’s a plot and stuff, but it comes to fruition so late in the book (it’s only a 5-hour audiobook), that I’d hesitate to reveal anything in the interest of spoilers. That and… the whole thing basically feels like setup. Like the quick pilot of an episodic show. One that identifies the characters and the premise but really does little else.
I’d read the next one—probably—but wouldn’t pay full price for it. Not if it’s over $10, at least. I’d wait for the library copy, and hope VE Schwab nails some things down before then. Tunnel of Bones comes out September 3, 2019
Note: Reba Buhr was an excellent narrator. Though not anyone I’d encountered previously, I had no problem with her reading. She was actually a pretty good Cassidy; engaging and entertaining.
Originally reviewed on: https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/
City of Ghosts is a YA effort from Victoria Schwab, first in the Cassidy Blake series. Previously, Schwab had released the Archived trilogy (which I’ve heard good things about), and the Monsters of Verity duology (of which I’m a fan). This said—City of Ghosts doesn’t feel like the polished, complete work I would’ve expected from her.
Everything started when Cassidy Blake died. That day she went across the Veil for the first time, she met Jacob—whom since has become her best friend—when he saved her life. Impressive, as he’s dead and all. Now, they’re inseparable, and frequently take trips back across the Veil, where Cassidy can interact with Jacob as if he were alive. Or she were dead.
This whole thing seemed like… an idea. Like, that it isn’t… complete. It comes across unpolished, unrefined—something I wouldn’t’ve expected from Schwab, since her ideas have always seemed to come to life on the page. Early on, when we are introduced to this ability to interact with events through the Veil, it seems like Cassidy is fairly new to it all. Not long after, she states that it’s something she’s been on about for the last nine months. Nine months! And even though she goes on to say that the process has been streamlined and polished, in reality it seems anything but. Frankly, it kinda seems like a spinoff of Danny Phantom; even down to the famous, ghost-hunting parents.
The beginning really did nothing for me. It was hard to get into, contradictory, and as I’ve said before, unpolished. Not “boring” exactly, but not entertaining either. Once we get into the meat of the story, it’s entertaining enough, I guess. Not that much really happens. I mean, there’s a plot and stuff, but it comes to fruition so late in the book (it’s only a 5-hour audiobook), that I’d hesitate to reveal anything in the interest of spoilers. That and… the whole thing basically feels like setup. Like the quick pilot of an episodic show. One that identifies the characters and the premise but really does little else.
I’d read the next one—probably—but wouldn’t pay full price for it. Not if it’s over $10, at least. I’d wait for the library copy, and hope VE Schwab nails some things down before then. Tunnel of Bones comes out September 3, 2019
Note: Reba Buhr was an excellent narrator. Though not anyone I’d encountered previously, I had no problem with her reading. She was actually a pretty good Cassidy; engaging and entertaining.
muse692's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alli_thebookgiraffe's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first ever book by Schwab and I am happy I chose this series. I really think her writing is well written and easy to imagine. This book is creepy without being to scary for the age group. I am picking up the next one next month and I am excited to see where Cassidy goes next!
booksbydann's review against another edition
3.0
3.5⭐
"Two parents, a girl, a ghost, and a ticked-off cat, ready for the next adventure"
City of Ghosts me encantó. Las primeras 80 páginas fueron todo un desafío pues no lograba engancharme con la historia y cada vez que lo dejaba a un lado no sentía la imperiosa necesidad de volver a él. Afortunadamente luego de estas primeras 80 páginas me devoré el resto de las 200 páginas que me quedaban en menos de 24 hs. Debo agregar que mientras iba leyendo el libro tenía la sensación de que estaba mirando una de las viejas películas de Disney Channel ideales para Halloween, realmemte me encantó esa experiencia y lo súper recomiendo para jóvenes lectores.
City of Ghosts está escrito de una manera sencilla que intenta dar cuenta de la importancia de la amistad, la lealtad, a la par que explora el velo entre lo que implica la vida y la muerte, y aquellos que se van pero de alguna u otra manera dejan una huella atrás.
"Two parents, a girl, a ghost, and a ticked-off cat, ready for the next adventure"
City of Ghosts me encantó. Las primeras 80 páginas fueron todo un desafío pues no lograba engancharme con la historia y cada vez que lo dejaba a un lado no sentía la imperiosa necesidad de volver a él. Afortunadamente luego de estas primeras 80 páginas me devoré el resto de las 200 páginas que me quedaban en menos de 24 hs. Debo agregar que mientras iba leyendo el libro tenía la sensación de que estaba mirando una de las viejas películas de Disney Channel ideales para Halloween, realmemte me encantó esa experiencia y lo súper recomiendo para jóvenes lectores.
City of Ghosts está escrito de una manera sencilla que intenta dar cuenta de la importancia de la amistad, la lealtad, a la par que explora el velo entre lo que implica la vida y la muerte, y aquellos que se van pero de alguna u otra manera dejan una huella atrás.
raeswainpage's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would! I'm not a ghost/paranormal person (mostly because it freaks me out lol) but this was a fun story. Looking forward to reading the next one around Halloween!
paumduclaud's review against another edition
5.0
La perfecta combinación entre fantasmas, una ciudad embrujada, leyendas urbanas y referencias de Harry Potter. Schwab verdaderamente te transporta a Edimburgo y todos sus spots embrujados
hollietoftx's review against another edition
3.0
3.5⭐️
I was recommended this by a Waterstones bookseller and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the spooky setting of Edinburgh (although I would have loved a bit more atmospheric language) and the historic plot of the story. It felt very inspired by Neil Gaiman, particularly The Graveyard Book (which I looove!!)
I would have liked a bit more development around The Inspecters, and some more of Edinburgh’s history but the plot flowed well and was well thought out. I’ll definitely be picking up book 2!
I was recommended this by a Waterstones bookseller and it didn’t disappoint. I loved the spooky setting of Edinburgh (although I would have loved a bit more atmospheric language) and the historic plot of the story. It felt very inspired by Neil Gaiman, particularly The Graveyard Book (which I looove!!)
I would have liked a bit more development around The Inspecters, and some more of Edinburgh’s history but the plot flowed well and was well thought out. I’ll definitely be picking up book 2!
sanalith's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
dunder_mifflin's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.5. This was a quick, fun read tbh. The premise was cool, and despite the main character being bland and annoying, I still enjoyed it. Probably won't read the rest of the series, but I am glad I read this one.