A review by clvmelanie
The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu
3.0
I have mixed feelings. There were many things about this book I really enjoyed. Ropa, the main character, is a cynical teen that has had to grow up too fast due to poverty. She can talk to ghosts and dropped out of school to earn money delivering their messages. I loved her and her Gran along with the spirit magic and world-building. Hints throughout the book of some major event that drastically affected this near-future Edinburgh (God save the King) were intriguing.
That said, it felt like there were too many random things mish mashed together into one story. The library in the title is barely relevant. It's mostly just used as a way to introduce this world's magic and meet new characters. One of the characters we meet in the library basically exists to conveniently provide money and magical items. Maybe this was a way to set up things that will be explored more in future books?
I think there is potential for this series to find its groove. I'm going to pick up the next book because I want to see what Ropa does next.
That said, it felt like there were too many random things mish mashed together into one story. The library in the title is barely relevant. It's mostly just used as a way to introduce this world's magic and meet new characters. One of the characters we meet in the library basically exists to conveniently provide money and magical items. Maybe this was a way to set up things that will be explored more in future books?
I think there is potential for this series to find its groove. I'm going to pick up the next book because I want to see what Ropa does next.