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turrean's review
4.0
All you need to know is that this book has librarians that communicate with ghosts. Done.
I did not care for the illustrations, which were on the cartoon-y side, and thus not a perfect match for the descriptive, lyrical text. Like this: “He pushed his goofball approximation of old chivalry right through silliness and out the other side, to a place that wasn’t serious but carried the same weight.”
I did not care for the illustrations, which were on the cartoon-y side, and thus not a perfect match for the descriptive, lyrical text. Like this: “He pushed his goofball approximation of old chivalry right through silliness and out the other side, to a place that wasn’t serious but carried the same weight.”
singerji's review
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
bimini78's review
2.0
I liked the idea of libraries being haunted and humans learning to appease spirits, but this book fell short. Instead of magical, it felt weird, boring, and underdeveloped.
xandra_lyn's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was really cute, but definitely spooky!! Even made me a little anxious lol. But it was an intriguing story and I do plan on reading the sequel
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
andreajay's review
4.0
This book had some cool ideas, and it was an okay little story. I would have really liked it to be expanded into a longer novel, to explore some of the plot points & themes further.
xemilyx's review
4.0
There's a lot simmering below the surface of this book: it has something to say about mourning and memory, but you might not notice because it's also a fast paced ghost story that takes place over the course of two days in a small, unhaunted town, in a world where everything is supposed to be haunted. I could have wished for a little more character development or a longer build-up to the final confrontation. But it's nice to have a slim fantasy book to recommend to young readers, especially one with truly haunting specters and a back story that stands up to examination.
thedizzyreader's review
5.0
*Actual Rating 4.5/5 stars*
This was such a fun, fast-paced paranormal adventure! Libraries, diverse main characters, ghosts... this book has it all!
The whole concept of library appeasement specialists felt fresh and original. I just loved the premise and how the plot unfolded, as well as the deeper message underneath about facing your ghosts and fears. The point is to make peace, not forget and hide away.
The chapters are short and easy to read, making this easy to fly through but also highly accessible to struggling readers.
A few small complaints: while I appreciated the diversity of the main characters, it felt like almost everyone else in the town was white. Also, Rosa's reaction to learning that Jasper was biracial didn't feel authentic for someone who supposedly grew up in a big city. So she can take rampaging trees attached to lion heads in stride, but is surprised by a black and white couple? Really?
Also... ENOUGH WITH THE LITTLE OLD LADY LIBRARIAN STEREOTYPES. That is all.
This was such a fun, fast-paced paranormal adventure! Libraries, diverse main characters, ghosts... this book has it all!
The whole concept of library appeasement specialists felt fresh and original. I just loved the premise and how the plot unfolded, as well as the deeper message underneath about facing your ghosts and fears. The point is to make peace, not forget and hide away.
The chapters are short and easy to read, making this easy to fly through but also highly accessible to struggling readers.
A few small complaints: while I appreciated the diversity of the main characters, it felt like almost everyone else in the town was white. Also, Rosa's reaction to learning that Jasper was biracial didn't feel authentic for someone who supposedly grew up in a big city. So she can take rampaging trees attached to lion heads in stride, but is surprised by a black and white couple? Really?
Also... ENOUGH WITH THE LITTLE OLD LADY LIBRARIAN STEREOTYPES. That is all.
yapha's review
4.0
I put off reading this for a while because I thought it was going to be a scary ghost story. It is a ghost story, but it is not scary. Instead, it is a moving story about a world where the presence of ghosts is expected and people need to get along with both the living and the dead. Everywhere that is, except for Ingot, where there are no ghosts. Rosa Diaz is angry with her mother, a librarian and ghost appeasement specialist, who has take an a job there. She's been doing the ghost appeasement work as well, and doesn't want to live a life without them. While exploring her new town, she meets up with Jasper and his father on the way to the local Renaissance festival. It is here that she discovers things aren't quite what they seem in Ingot, and that her services may be needed after all. There are plenty of ghostly adventures for readers looking for those! Recommended for grades 4 & up.