Book Review | The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore
Author: Rachel Moore
Published by: September 5, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★
Genre: YA Fantasy // Dark Academia
SYNOPSIS
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 seemed 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 a myth. And if she isn’t careful, she’ll be next.
So, diving back into Dark Academia after a hiatus, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from "Library of Shadows." But hey, sometimes the best reading experiences come when you least expect them. I mean, I devoured this book in just two days!
Let's begin with the allure that initially drew me in—the book's cover. Yes, I confess, I'm one of those readers who can't resist a beautifully designed cover. In this case, it did not disappoint.
A Pacing That Keeps You Engaged
The pacing of the story was another highlight. It moved along at a brisk pace, in perfect harmony with my reading preferences. Not everything was explained in detail, and this was a welcome change. It remained refreshingly straightforward, delivering an enjoyable reading experience from start to finish.
An Enigmatic Supporting Cast: Posy and the Ghostly Crew
Now, let's talk about the supporting cast, particularly Este's roommate, Posy, and her fascination with the supernatural. Her obsession with ghosts and her crew brought a layer of intrigue and camaraderie to the story, which reminded me of the dynamic between Ryan and Shane from "The Watcher" show on YouTube.
Romance... or Lack Thereof: A Bit of a Bummer
Now, let's chat about romance. Or, well, the lack of it. The initial 70% was mostly Este swooning over Mateo's looks. Not much buildup, no real tension. It definitely didn't check the 'slow burn' box. It was in the final 30% that I finally found the chemistry I'd been craving, wishing for more of those moments.
In Conclusion:
"Library of Shadows" proved to be a delightful addition to the Dark Academia genre, offering a cozy and approachable narrative that enveloped me in its world. While the romance may have lacked a certain spark, Moore's debut displayed a promising talent and fits perfectly into those eerie autumn nights.
TROPE/SETTING HIGHLIGHTS:
✔️ Cozy Dark Academia Vibes
✔️ Paranormal YA Romance
✔️ Lighthearted Mystery
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Hunted Library
✔️ Ghost x Human
✔️ Ghost Investigators
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An Egyptian Bookstagrammer and book blogger. My world revolves around books, and I'm here to share my passion, book recommendations, and talk about the incredible stories I have devoured. Or just rant about books!