Reviews with content warning for Grief - The Library of Shadows

Reviews tagging 'Grief'

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore

6 reviews

melissaslibraryy's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a cute and cozy paranormal read full of ghosts and books and I enjoyed listening to every second of it. Recommended for those looking for something light and easy to read :)

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nicoles_reading_corner's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

4.0

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stardustandrockets's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was given an eARC for being part of Rachel's street team. The Library of Shadows hit all the right spots! From tall, dark, and sarcastic Mateo, to the rest of the ghosts, and our intrepid MC, Este. It's a little bit forbidden romance and a lot bit enemies-to-allies-the-friends-to-lovers. The found family trope is one of my absolute favorites and seeing the ghosts interacting with each other despite the decades between them was heart-warming! The mystery kept me guessing, but the clues came together nicely. No spoilers, but if you're at all a fan of The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew and Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas, the reluctant allyship trope, and/or ghost boyfriends, you'll absolutely love this atmospheric collegiate prep school book! Be sure to pre-order it or pick it up on release day. Looking forward to what comes next from Rachel!

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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Paranormal Rom-Com fans rejoice! Rachel Moore’s gorgeously written, ghost-filled debut was an absolute (spooky) delight, with an intriguing cast of characters and an eerie library shrouded in secrets that dark academia lovers are bound to enjoy.

It follows Este Logano, who is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity (in the form of a scholarship) to attend her late father’s old boarding school, Radcliffe Prep. To finally be able walk the halls, experience the same things and learn all about the person her father was— in an effort to feel closer to his memory.

During orientation however, Este is befriended by the utterly handsome (but definitely a ghost) Mateo and, thanks to his little stunt (stealing a rare and off-limits book) finds herself on the fast track to expulsion—unless she can return the book and finish her sentence as an after hours assistant in the school’s prestigious library.

Except, Este uncovers a chilling mystery involving Radcliffe Prep instead—every ten years a student always disappears. And it seems her father may have stumbled upon this mystery too, leaving clues for Este to discover. But following in her father’s footsteps may just be deadlier than she ever imagined, and if she isn’t careful she’ll be the next to disappear…

I really enjoyed this! I’m a sucker for stories set in libraries (as most book lovers are) so jumped at the chance to read this and, honestly it was soo good.

The writing was utterly engaging and the setting gorgeously atmospheric with secret passageways, ominously shadowy book shelves and a cast of ghostly characters I couldn’t get enough of (Aoife and Mateo being my faves.)

But I loved Este, our protagonist, most of all. Her bookish enthusiasm was really relatable and her guarded, standoffish demeanour really showcased the grief she still feels in the loss of her father (as well being the sole motivation for attending Radcliffe.) Her emotional journey was really satisfying to watch and seeing Este finally build emotional connections and friendships made me feel a little like a proud mum.

I also loved how reminiscent she was of Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday—especially in how stubborn and determined she is in her endeavours. Her initial interactions with perky, ghost obsessed roommate, Poppy also reminded me of Wednesday and Edith’s dynamics which I loved (though Poppy doesn’t have nearly as many scenes as I would’ve liked.)

The romance between Este and her ghostly love interest, Mateo was also surprisingly swoon-worthy considering how rocky some of their initial interactions were —I just wish there was more of a buildup to it as, though their friendship was well paced, their leap into romance felt a teensy bit rushed. That may just be a me problem though, as I’m a huge fan of a slow-burn romance.

There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, though I did sort of guess the identity of the person responsible for the missing students, but the reveal was nevertheless quite shocking.

Overall, a fast paced paranormal YA with autumnal/ dark academia vibes that’s perfect for starting off your spooky reading season in style.

Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the digital arc.

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chronicacademia's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

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lizgriffinwords's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-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? Yes

4.5

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Teen for the eARC.

Perfect for fans of the early seasons of Buffy, chock full of supernatural library misadventures and a tender romance. Moore skillfully balances familiar ghost lore while interweaving her own twists, and the main character's struggle with grief will resonate with many readers. A splendid quick read to start off spooky season!

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