City of Ghosts (City of Ghosts, #1)

by Victoria Schwab

[Beth C.]

Ghost stories. Who among us doesn't have an occasional yearning for something far from the norm, a return to the days when people believed in ghosts and monsters and faeries, and did what they could to appease them? This is a return to those days, in a book that is current in setting but throwback in feel.

Cass died one day - or almost did. Near enough that it doesn't matter, because now she lives, but is able to pass through the Veil to the other side. She can't *do* anything, really, when she crosses, other than watch what happens for each ghost she encounters. Until her parents drag her to Edinburgh, Scotland, and in the space of a day meets another girl like herself, and ends up being dragged into the Veil without even realizing it. Now Cass needs to learn about her "gift", hide from a vengeful ghost, and protect her BFF - who *also* happens to be a ghost.

This was a quick, fun read - one that gave me chills in all the right places, but wouldn't be too overwhelming for most 8-12 (-ish) year-olds, either. Cass is an interesting kid, and her sidekick definitely has plenty of secrets to share. There is a definite conclusion to this tale, but there is also a definite feel that there will be a sequel - and honestly, I would enjoy that. Imagine all the ghost stories told around the world that could be part of a series like this?! I'm in!

Overall, I really liked it. It's like sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories - only in this case, one can have the pleasure of doing it again and again!