Beautiful YA offering from Victoria Schwab

Great story and narration. Schwab's storytelling has never disappointed me, and this YA book is no exception. Since it is YA rather than some of her adult offerings, some who come to this book from her others may be a little surprised at the lighter tone and more straightforward storytelling. However, she doesn't condescend to her audience and offers a rich, interesting story with great characters (where Schwab shines brightest) and a compelling story line. The narrator does the story justice, as well, which is important to a well-executed audiobook!

6 people found this helpful

Intended for a Younger Crowd

I live anything the V Schuab puts out. I even found this entertaining; however, it is intended for a younger crowd. I would say 5th grade and up. kinda mysterious, kinda spooky, but not the typical dark, gothic, bloody, action packed Schuab that I love!!

2 people found this helpful

very good story...cant wait for more

This was so good. A very friendly and light read about a girl who can see ghosts and has a best friend who actually is one. A little predictable but none the less good. I enjoyed her adventured and the story of her parents being ghost hunters.

1 person found this helpful

Great listen

Good book, very middle grade appropriate with some good scary parts for kids. Have to say I hated how the mom was read and if she had a big part it might have ruined it for me. But since her part was small I could easily overlook it. Overall definitely worth it.

1 person found this helpful

It is a kid's book, but I enjoyed it

this is more of a children's book than some of the other things that she's written... I would say this is for like middle school age? like perhaps 11 to 13? I read a lot of YA and its earlier than that... it's a little slow in the beginning but it's worth the ramp up. The second book is good too.

Easy to read but not fulfilling

3.5 star This was a nice light and fun read. I honeslty needed a break after the Stephen King marathon. There was a good atmosphere about the book. Only it needed more bulk somehow. I couldn't relate to the characters or care much for them. But the link between Cassidy and Jacob was a very nice touch. Possibly the only reason I am considering the next book. The talk of British/American lost in translations was hilarious. "It's official, nothing is sacred." No much more to say here. It's a nice go between book. Like a good break before you start a new monstrous tale. Easy to read and hard to put down. But as a stand alone, there just wasn't enough meat in it. Also while the book cover is top notch the cat is kind of confusing to me. Cass has a cat but it's not mentioned much in the book.

Everything you need in a good ghost story

The tone, setting, and concept are all something I would have adored at 11 years old during my mystery novel craze. I didn’t expect it to be something I would absolutely adore now. The writing is immersive and very well done. One of the best first person present tense POVs I’ve seen in a while. Not to mention the fabulous job done by Reba Buhr as the narrator. She has an amazing range of accents and character voices. Her overall narration brings the written words to life. The story is fun, adventurous, and lovely. Certainly worth your time

It matches the publisher's blurb

Excellent story for the right audience - I liked it and I don't fit that profile. It's a rare YA book that actually has parents in it, though they are just as preoccupied as Coraline's parents (Neil Gaiman). Nice step up from Bellairs The Ghost in the Mirror; on a par with Catherine Jinks Bogle series; could be followed by J. Stroud's Lockwood & Co. I will be interested in where the series goes, but could feel satisfied with the story stopping here. Doesn't yet feel like there is an unfulfilled story arc. At 5 hours per book, a good deal, if they ever go on sale; not a good deal for us credit-users.

Meh

Okay... I guess. I think my expectations were a bit too high for my first Victoria Schwab. I'm not typically a middle grade reader, but I think if I was I would have enjoyed this one a bit more. It was a very predictable story, and it felt geared towards ages 9-12 more. My 10 year-old nephew would probably love it. I listened to the whole thing because it was short, but even the decent narration didn't help keep my interest. It took me about two weeks to listen to a story that was just over 5 hours long, and that's not a great sign. Fine, I guess, but I would recommend only for a younger audience or a seasoned middle grade reader.

Awesome

A good starting and the villain is so good!!and the story line is excellent!! Great for ghost lovers!!!