Review – The Library of Shadows by: Rachel Moore

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 know you’re mad at me. Stay mad if you want. But I promise you, I’m not the worst thing haunting this school.”
_{Rachel Moore. The Library of Shadows (Kindle Locations 1068-1069). Kindle Edition.}

Who wouldn’t want to spend years and years trapped in a library? The Library of Shadows is such a thrilling, but magical ghost ride that will have you flipping through the pages wondering can ghosts truly get a HEA?

With the beginning, I feel like it happened really fast. We were just kind of swept up into the world without some of world-building which I think really could have added to the story and plot line. However, when we meet Mateo and Este… you cannot help but root for these two.

“I don’t want to know another life without you in it.”
_{Rachel Moore. The Library of Shadows (Kindle Location 3655). Kindle Edition}.

Este is so focused on succeeding in following in her father’s foot steps. What she doesn’t realize though is that following in his footsteps may be darker than she realized. Enter Mateo. I loved Mateo as soon as we meet him. He is so swoon-worthy and self-sacrificing that I was absolutely falling for a ghost.

It’s funny because there was a Wednesday reference, and Posey reminded me very much of Enid from the show. So much so that I could not stop pictures Enid anytime Posey was around. With that, I will say I really enjoyed the side characters we see pop up in this story.

With the ending, I did predict the “villain” pretty early on, however that does not make the book any less enjoyable. The Library of Shadows has some thrilling moments, some laughs, and over all an endearing story that will absolutely have you falling in love with ghosts.

_{Special thank you to Netgalley and HarperTeen for an ARC of this story.}