seph_xhurrick's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
marylep's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
inkedwxtchreads's review
4.0
These books read super easy and fast for me. So yeah I finished this in a single night lol.
Yay! It got one more star than the first. I love when a series graduates in stars and I don’t dislike it as much as I thought I would!
But oh my god. The Harry Potter references. I may fully cringe into myself and disappear if there are more in the next book. I don’t get it. I swear I thought I’d be free of them this book. Scotland? Okay kinda makes sense to have SOME references. But in this one it was literally being mentioned just to be mentioned. My eyes hurt from rolling them so much. I get that it’s middle grade.... but why? It’s not needed.
Thankfully, there was no more weird language barrier banter- even though there definitely was room for it and whatnot. I guess the author got tired of writing it herself lmfao. So that was a plus.
The overall storyline of this one was a lot better and was actually focused on an adequate amount. It didn’t feel like a side story and was actually really engaging. The idea for this ghost in general is super haunting (I don’t do spoilers so I didn’t go into detail, sorry). It was also super atmospheric and fitting for a place as horrifying as the catacombs. And in a way? Kinda sad. I do feel like it could have almost been sadder even- but I guess Schwab didn’t wanna go there. A real shame.
Again idk if it’s just a middle grade thing- but what’s with the recapping the first book? It’s only been this and another middle grade series I’ve seen it happen in recently. So assuming it being middle grade is the reason- it won’t have impact on my rating. Maybe it’s just my being an adult- but even as a younger kid who read series together I feel it would have annoyed me.
The rest of the things I enjoyed were about the same as the first book. The true and morbid history of Paris laced into a spooky ghost story that actually really held my attention. And of course, I loved the actual pictures of the catacombs at the end. I also loved the growth that is happening with Cassidy and jacobs relationship and interested to see what happens with it in terms of him you know... being a ghost.
I’m just pleased to say this book convinced me to get the next one when it comes out! Stay tuned. Still not a fan of the writing style but meh. I’ll deal.
Yay! It got one more star than the first. I love when a series graduates in stars and I don’t dislike it as much as I thought I would!
But oh my god. The Harry Potter references. I may fully cringe into myself and disappear if there are more in the next book. I don’t get it. I swear I thought I’d be free of them this book. Scotland? Okay kinda makes sense to have SOME references. But in this one it was literally being mentioned just to be mentioned. My eyes hurt from rolling them so much. I get that it’s middle grade.... but why? It’s not needed.
Thankfully, there was no more weird language barrier banter- even though there definitely was room for it and whatnot. I guess the author got tired of writing it herself lmfao. So that was a plus.
The overall storyline of this one was a lot better and was actually focused on an adequate amount. It didn’t feel like a side story and was actually really engaging. The idea for this ghost in general is super haunting (I don’t do spoilers so I didn’t go into detail, sorry). It was also super atmospheric and fitting for a place as horrifying as the catacombs. And in a way? Kinda sad. I do feel like it could have almost been sadder even- but I guess Schwab didn’t wanna go there. A real shame.
Again idk if it’s just a middle grade thing- but what’s with the recapping the first book? It’s only been this and another middle grade series I’ve seen it happen in recently. So assuming it being middle grade is the reason- it won’t have impact on my rating. Maybe it’s just my being an adult- but even as a younger kid who read series together I feel it would have annoyed me.
The rest of the things I enjoyed were about the same as the first book. The true and morbid history of Paris laced into a spooky ghost story that actually really held my attention. And of course, I loved the actual pictures of the catacombs at the end. I also loved the growth that is happening with Cassidy and jacobs relationship and interested to see what happens with it in terms of him you know... being a ghost.
I’m just pleased to say this book convinced me to get the next one when it comes out! Stay tuned. Still not a fan of the writing style but meh. I’ll deal.
wendylee's review against another edition
4.0
"It's hard to believe in ghosts until you see one, and then it's hard not to."
Ok, I think I liked this one even better than the first one. It was a little darker than City of Ghosts, and you get to learn a little more about the characters. I love the relationship between Cassidy and Jacob and can't wait to read their next adventure.
“You are my best friend.
In life.
In death.
And everything in between.”
Ok, I think I liked this one even better than the first one. It was a little darker than City of Ghosts, and you get to learn a little more about the characters. I love the relationship between Cassidy and Jacob and can't wait to read their next adventure.
“You are my best friend.
In life.
In death.
And everything in between.”
bentheoverlordsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Book 2 in the Cassidy Blake series was a fun supernatural romp round Paris, with a particular focus on the haunted tunnels beneath Paris,crammed with 6million of the dead.
Cassidy and Jacob are both fun characters to follow, with Jacobs reluctance to get involved, with Cassidy diving into things without thinking. I liked learning a bit more about Jacob in this one and I wanna see where his story goes. The plot was fast paced however I found the power of the ghost the story focussed on to not be as intereresting as the red Raven from the previous book. It was still an interest and sad tale, with the best part coming in the final confrontation, I found the rest of the build up to be just a little bit bland.
That being said the book was very quickly paced and a book easy to devour in a single sitting, and I can’t wait to see where the next books story goes, and for the mysterious characters identity to be revealed.
Overall 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)
Cassidy and Jacob are both fun characters to follow, with Jacobs reluctance to get involved, with Cassidy diving into things without thinking. I liked learning a bit more about Jacob in this one and I wanna see where his story goes. The plot was fast paced however I found the power of the ghost the story focussed on to not be as intereresting as the red Raven from the previous book. It was still an interest and sad tale, with the best part coming in the final confrontation, I found the rest of the build up to be just a little bit bland.
That being said the book was very quickly paced and a book easy to devour in a single sitting, and I can’t wait to see where the next books story goes, and for the mysterious characters identity to be revealed.
Overall 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)
thetoastyhen's review against another edition
4.0
Cass (and Jacob) goes to Paris. While there, they explore the veil, catacombs and encounter a poltergeist.
While I enjoyed the continuation of the story it is definitely more of a middle grade book and the writing reflects the target audience.
While I enjoyed the continuation of the story it is definitely more of a middle grade book and the writing reflects the target audience.
alindstadtcorbo's review against another edition
4.0
Star Rating: —> 3.5 Stars [rounded up]
Cassidy Blake, it’s not you, it’s me.
I love V.E. Schwab’s writing SO much. I think this book was written fantastically, had a wonderful storyline, characters, world building... and boy does Schwab know how to make a reader FEEL.
I just have a really hard time with middle grade these days, I feel like. The whole time it was like I was captivated, but only on a surface level... it wasn’t until the end when she pulled her usual Schwab ‘rip-your-heart-out-and-manipulate-it-in-whatever-way-she-wants-to-for-better-or-for-worse’ move, that I TRULY felt “all in.”
Fantastic novel though; seriously.
I think I’m just getting old
Cassidy Blake, it’s not you, it’s me.
I love V.E. Schwab’s writing SO much. I think this book was written fantastically, had a wonderful storyline, characters, world building... and boy does Schwab know how to make a reader FEEL.
I just have a really hard time with middle grade these days, I feel like. The whole time it was like I was captivated, but only on a surface level... it wasn’t until the end when she pulled her usual Schwab ‘rip-your-heart-out-and-manipulate-it-in-whatever-way-she-wants-to-for-better-or-for-worse’ move, that I TRULY felt “all in.”
Fantastic novel though; seriously.
I think I’m just getting old
lost_goddess's review
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
Just as good as City of Ghosts. I'm looking forward to the next book.