[Skye’s Review]: The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore

The Library of Shadows
by Rachel Moore
Pages: 304
Published by HarperTeen
Release Date: September 5th 2023
Genres: Magic, Paranormal, Romance, YA
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC

Radcliffe Prep. The third most haunted school in the country, where a student disappearance isn’t uncommon and no one dares stay in the library after dark. And Este Logano enrolls with the hopes of finding her dead father.

Not literally, of course. She doesn’t believe in ghosts. Going to her dad’s school just seems like her best hope at figuring out who he was.

But then Este meets Mateo, who is maybe—probably—definitely—a real ghost. And an annoying one at that.

When Mateo frames Este for the theft of a rare book from the library’s secret spire and then vanishes, Este will have to track him down or risk being expelled and leaving Radcliffe early just like her father did.

Except following her father’s footsteps might be more dangerous than Este ever anticipated. As she investigates the library with its secret passageways, hidden tunnels, and haunted halls, she learns that the student disappearances aren’t just myth. And if she isn’t careful, she’ll be next.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

If you’re looking for a cozy book to dive into for spooky season, The Library of Shadows should be on your list. This book is perfect for fans of YA paranormal with hints of dark academia. 

Este is starting school at Radcliffe Prep–a school her father attended and talked about fondly. Radcliffe Prep is more than it seems, though. It’s Este’s chance to understand her father better, especially now that he has passed away. Attending Radcliffe allows her to experience the same things he experience. However, Este stumbles upon more than she expected whens she starts to see ghosts. Not only can she see and communicate with the ghosts, but they need her help against the evil that killed them all when they attended Radcliffe.

The Library of Shadows had all the elements for a good story, but it fell short for me. I never felt connected to the main character or the side characters. The author didn’t spend much time developing the friendships between Este and the side characters. I felt like the author told me about Este’s friendships rather than showing me. I also wasn’t invested in the romance, which was disappointing because I love stories involving ghosts. I thought this book would be a slam dunk for me, but it, sadly, fell short.