The Library of Shadows is being billed as a spooky rom-com, and while there is some humor throughout, I wouldn’t exactly call it a comedy. The spooky romance stuff, though, is there.

The book is sort of hit-and-miss. Este is attending a prestigious prep school, but there’s almost no “school” in the book. It feels like the school is more of a prop or means to set up the story than anything else. Almost everything takes place in the library, leaving the book feeling very insular.

At the center of the story is Este, a homeschooled kid who, since her dad’s death, has never stayed in one place very long. She’s not used to making friends or attachments, so her connection to Mateo is unsettling. Also unsettling — Mateo’s a ghost. So are his friends. Este isn’t particularly gifted when it comes to school, and her academic standing isn’t great, but she doesn’t really care. Or, at least, she does when she gets into trouble and then promptly forgets. Her obsession with helping Mateo grows until that’s all she seemingly thinks about.

Este’s growth as a character is slow, and the ghosts feel rather one-note. This is a lost opportunity on the author’s part that could have made the story sing.

Overall, there was enough to the story to keep me reading, but probably not to return. I suggest The Library of Shadows as a library read first to see if it’s one you want to purchase.

I have followed this author on social media well before this book was published, and I'm so happy to have seen her journey through it all. The concept of this book is so interesting, and I went into it not know much of what to expect beyond what the synopsis gives. Sometimes that's a good way to go into it, and I'm glad that's how I went into this book.

From the first chapter I was intrigued even more and knew I wasn't going to want to put down the book. It was so good from page to page. Rachel Moore has a wonderful way of story telling, and I never wanted the book to end.

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book.

This book is perfect for fall! It has dark academia vibes, an old library, mystery, and ghosts! Ghosts are my weakness when it comes to paranormal beings. I’ll pretty much read anything if it has a ghost in it. And for a debut book, I think the author did ghosts well in this book. I liked the twist she put on the spectres and how they could touch object that were not living but couldn’t touch living beings.

I related to Este’s love of books and libraries as I, too, love me an old library from time to time. And the fact she got her love of books from her makes it all the more relatable. I really liked her character and how she was determined to figure out the mystery that was presented to her. Her relationship with Mateo and his ghostly friends was so amazing. I loved the inclusion of ghost hunters too, it added some humour to the darker vibes. Mateo is the perfect ghost gentleman and was adorable throughout the story.

This was a simpler YA mystery (which I was able to figure out pretty early on), but I still loved the overall feel of this book and how cozy it felt to read it. Pick this one up if you want a YA ghost story with dark academia, mystery and a splash of romance.

It was marvelous. In a way that I quite enjoyed being in this world. It had such a lovely romance here that just melts my heart. I also loved the characters of this story they were well written as was the story. The ghostly vibes with a dark academia setting was great, I loved it and would read this for fall season.

I have been trying to branch out into genres I don’t normally read. When I heard about The Library of Shadows that merges paranormal and dark academia with romance I was convinced this was the perfect way to step into the romance genre a little more. I have to say I was not disappointed and might be converted.
The Library of Shadows focuses on Radcliff Prep which is the third most haunted school in the country and don’t try to tell Posy otherwise! Where students disappearing isn’t uncommon and on one dares to stay in the library after dark. Este Logano enrolls with the hopes of finding her dead father. But not literally, Este doesn’t believe in ghosts and going to his old school seems the best place to find out who her father really was. But then she meets Mateo who is maybe, okay 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 and the book down or risk being expelled and leaving Radcliff early just like her father. Only 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 worse if she isn’t careful she’ll be next.

It's hard to think of a word to sum up The Library of Shadows. Wow doesn’t do it justice but it’s all I can really think of. It definitely gave me dark academia vibes and had a bit of a ‘Wednesday’ vibe too from the Netflix show but it still stuck out on its own. The plot is at it’s heart a mystery with elements of paranormal and romance mixed in and I honestly found it worked. This isn’t a difficult read or some deep hidden message novel, beyond the idea of family, found family etc but it is still a really good novel. The writing style slows and is easy to follow. Este as a protagonist was interesting and I did really want to see her open up a bit. My favourite character surprisingly was Posy who is the opposite to what I would think I would like. But the whole cast are interesting and sometimes funny. The romance aspect was the kind I like, it wasn’t the main focus but a close second and had enough angst in there as well.

The writing is brilliant suited allowing you to read through the novel either quickly or at a leisurely pace. I personally fell into the one more chapter myself. While it might not have tons of world building in there I feel that the whole plot and concept is fleshed out enough and we learn as we go along with Este more about the ghosts and history of Radcliffe Prep. It isn’t a deep read but the mystery was good, although I did guess who might be the real bad guy right along but it was still fun to see everyone arrive there. I personally really enjoyed this one since it ticked a lot of my boxes. I will certainly be looking forward to what Rachel Moore does next. If you enjoy cozy but pace mysteries with sprinkles of romance and a lot of ghosts you will love this one.

The Library of Shadow
The Library of Shadows is about a school called Radcliffe Prep which is considered to be the third most haunted school. One thing that is very common is the disappearance of students as well as staying out of the library during the dark. However, Este Logano who is only there in order to learn more about her dead father. During Logano’s stay at Radcliffe Prep she meets Mateo, who might actually be a real ghost. Mateo and Logano start out on a tough as Mateo frames Este for stealing a rare book from the library. As she tries to save her spot at Radcliffe Prep Este must be able to track Mateo down or risk being expelled from the school just like her father.
In regards to the character development, I did not find the characters very well developed. However, Moore did have me hooked with the mystery throughout the book. In addition to this, I have read other books where the characters did not have any development at all. As an adult reading this book, I was able to figure out who was behind everything. I think this would be a great book and mystery for the intended audience. I want to thank both NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for a free review.

A really fun read with an interesting concept and a strong female main character. I'm not the target audience here, but I think my students are going to love it!

Rating: 3.5 stars

This one sounded super unique and I loved the cover. I knew I needed to read it especially since it is getting close to spooky season.

The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Este. She has been given a full-ride scholarship to Radcliffe Prep. Little does she know that things are about to get paranormal as she tries to uncover the legacy her dad left behind for her to finish.

Este was was a decent character but she definitely didn’t deserve the friendship of her roommate or the other students in the paranormal investigation group. She was always absent and only wanted to connect with a real ghost, something she didn’t believe in at first. I do get it. Sometimes our perception of things change. She also found herself in a huge mystery that did take up her time, but if she would have asked for help in the first place it probably wouldn’t have taken that long to figure out.

Character development is not very strong but I didn’t mind it that much since the mystery was what kept me reading. I will say that I figured out who was behind it all right off the bat but again, I was fine with that because I wanted to still see how it all played out and if my suspicions were correct.

I do wish that there was more of an epilogue though. I still have some unanswered questions like the student disappearances and what happened next for them. Obviously can’t go into detail since that would be spoilers ha. I mean in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t matter too much but I just am a very curious person.

Overall, this was a good spooky read. The library setting was a fun one and I could finish it in one day since I was intrigued by the mystery.

This story follows Este who got a scholarship for the Radcliffe Preparatory Academy where her late father attended to continue in his footsteps. When she arrives, her new roommate accidentally causes one of her picture frames to break revealing a key within the frame. Este is determined to find out where it leads when she meets a boy who tells her it is for the Spire. He convinces her to go and when they arrive, he proceeds to steal a book called the Book of Fades. Este is framed for the theft since the boy conveniently disappears, and now she has to work in the archives and in return has to return the book that was stolen if she wants to stay at the academy. Little does she know there is more to that disappearing boy than meets the eye.

Now, I am NOT one for spooky reads, and to be honest, I don't know why I requested this aside from the fact that it sounded truly good, like a fantasy with a mystery, which I love. That being said, this was a much more enjoyable spooky read that I really liked in the end! Don't get me wrong, though. There were some creepy aspects...like The Fades....But it had a lot of lightheartedness to it and comedy throughout that kept it light despite the horrors some experience in this book. And I love mysteries and figuring whodunnit, and I will say I knew the villain immediately, but it was still a great mystery following all the clues they had to follow themselves.

Este was a great FMC. I love that despite what she learns, she doesn't easily spook and is determined to solve this mystery that her father started to investigate and who left clues everywhere. There was a part that made me feel very disappointed in her, but it's a part of the story and makes for a good ending.

There are quite a few fun characters in here too! Posy is the sunshine to Este's more grumpiness, and she brought a lot fun laughter sunshine in this book. Mateo I just thought was adorable, especially the way he spoke! There's a few other side characters that were involved that helped make this a great story about friendship and love, and learning that love doesn't always end in tragedy, but also is what motivates one to do the things some did in this book.

I actually really liked the romance part in this book too despite it being maybe a bit on the intsalove side, but the way they spend a lot of time together and work together a lot, helped make it believable to me, and plus it was really adorable between two characters who hadn't necessarily ever truly dated anyone.

Overall, this made for a great spooky read with comedy and mystery! I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First and foremost, I would just like to say that I had the absolute time of my life reading this book. And I can't wait to do a reread once this book is out in the world for everyone to read (which I absolutely think that everyone should!)

Ever since I heard the premise of this book and saw the aesthetics, I knew that it was going to be right up my alley and I was correct. This book truly captivated my heart and I honestly haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished it. Everything was done so well and it made me feel as if I was living in the book alongside the characters rather than just reading it. The setting was so atmospheric, the vibes were spot on, and the writing was so so beautiful. Rachel's humor throughout the book was everything to me and I audibly giggled multiple times. Oh and the CHARACTERS! They were so well done and lovable and I wish I could be friends with them IRL.

If you're looking for a fun, ghostly, dark academia type story, (also with a very lovely romance) then look no further. The Library of Shadows is the one for you!

This was okay!

It was an interesting enough concept, unique and very atmospheric. I love Rachel and was really excited to read this, but sadly it ended up being a book I just kind of...slogged through.

First off, I didn't feel like it fit the bill of a rom-com as advertised? I didn't really find it that funny OR romantic, so that bummed me out. The romance aspect felt too light in the first half and then rushed in the last bit and I just didn't find myself invested. I need a developed romance!! I need tension, I need swoon! And I want to do that AND laugh.

But mostly, the biggest issue I had was with the writing. In some places it felt very prose-y and pretty, but a majority of the time I was held up in the writing because of an overabundance of smilies and metaphors. Like, SO MANY. It honestly pulled me out of the writing, and some of them were just so odd???? It truly had me scratching my head. I just couldn't get lost in the story like I wanted to because the writing was just trying *too* hard.

- "...like she was a kids' birthday party clown with full authority over a helium canister."
- "...like when she'd finished a bowl of bad clams on Cape May..."
- "...like he'd accidentally walked into a Target without a list."

Like, ??? Just...weird. Like I said, some of the writing was lovely in parts, but the parts that didn't work *really* didn't work for me and I kept getting pulled out of the story, which bummed me out.

Overall, I'm not sure I would recommend this book necessarily, but I'll definitely be interested in following Rachel to see what she writes next!

Thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

This is a time when I wish I could log my review for this book without putting a star rating on it. I see the merit of this book and I have definitely enjoyed YA books in the past but this one just seemed a bit too juvenile in its writing but not necessarily in its content. The book is fast-paced (might even happen a little too quickly) and the characters are intriguing but I felt as if everything could have been fleshed out a bit better. This is a very fun fall read and matches the vibes of the Netflix show "Wednesday" quite well. Thank you to NetGalley and Katherine Tegen Books for this ARC.

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore has Este Logano attending Radcliffe Prep, the same school her father went to thirty years ago. Este is yearning to learn more about her dad who died several years prior. Este gets a chance to follow in her father’s footsteps and finds that there is something sinister going on at the school. The Library of Shadows is a young adult novel with a weak plot. I did not feel that the story had a proper start. It seems that Este arrives at school, finds a key clue, and then meets a boy who convinces her to do something that will get her tossed out of the school (all before she has unpacked her suitcase). Este is a smart and stubborn girl who is hard to like. Her roommate, Posy is a lively teen who believes in ghosts. She has brought every gadget ever mentioned by a ghost hunter with her to school. Posy is determined to find ghosts at school and wants like-minded friends to join the club she created (it is still the first day). I wish the author had taken the time to flesh out Posy’s character. Mateo is a handsome, clever, and charming teen who needs Este’s help. Mateo was born in a different era, but his behaviors and attitudes do not reflect it (he felt like a modern character like Este). I would expect some Victorian words and mannerisms to exist. Este is attracted to Mateo’s looks from the beginning (instant attraction). Personally, I do not feel the romance is needed (why couldn’t they have been friends since this is a young adult novel). The explicit intimate relations scene was unnecessary and inappropriate. The plot is uncomplicated and predictable. The twist can be figured out early on. The mystery is wrapped up quickly and neatly. The final chapter may give you a cavity. There are several plot holes in the story with many of them revolving around the library. I find it hard to believe that using a candle (a flame and melting wax) in a room filled with old books and manuscripts is better than small amounts of visible light (with UV and IR eliminated). The writing in the story is not smooth and the pacing is slow. I did not appreciate the foul language or reading about Este getting high. I wanted to like The Library of Shadows, but I found myself skimming to reach the end. My favorite part of the book is the descriptions of the library and its tomes. The Library of Shadows is an ethereal tale with a curious clue, an attractive spirit, an absent book, an indomitable librarian, a ghost hunter for a roomie, and outdated fades.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows Este as she starts her junior year at Radcliffe prep to follow in her late father’s footsteps. Radcliffe prep holds many secrets. With clues from her father and the help of a mysterious boy named Mateo, Este plans to unravel these secrets.

The first thing I have to say about this book was that it was creepy. I’m a little bit of a scaredy cat so everyone may not feel that way, but it gave me a bit of the heebie jeebies. With that being said, this was an interesting story. I thought the mystery of it was well done, but that was really the only part I enjoyed. I didn’t really care for any of the characters and I thought the romance lacked chemistry. I couldn’t really understand what made the characters fall in love with each other.
When I’m reading a book I really love, anytime I stop reading, I can’t wait to get back to it again. I didn’t feel that with this book. I didn’t hate it, like I said, I liked the mystery plot, but I also didn’t love the book.

(Arc Review) Omg this book did immense things to me. Este is a loner and not by default. For the past couple years after her fathers death she was lost and forced to travel all across the country with her mother. Finally she finds a place at the boarding school her father attended, except she’s uncovers the dark secrets happening at Radcliffes library. She also discovers ghosts… and especially a hot dark headed ghost named Mateo.

Anyways guys when I tell you this book was amazinggg I am not joking! I was reading this at 2 am and was spooked the fuck out! This book gave the perfect amount of thriller but the mystery was the best part. Although I was able to predict some of the things I for overall was still shocked 100% of the time. Every-time I thought I was close to an answer I In fact was not! Este is also funny as hell. I was truly here laughing my ass off. She def is a teenage girl! Also MATEO. I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR HIM. Did I also mention he’s dark haired?!? Yes. Highly recommend you read this it’s a mystery, romance y/a!!

DNF at about 25%

I was excited about this one! I love ghost stories, and the haunted school aspect seemed intriguing.

However, the writing felt too juvenile and all the world-building info was being unfurled too quickly. The author seemed so eager for the ghost reveal that no care was taken to establish more tone and stakes. Overall, too rushed and I rolled my eyes too many times.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"There is life, there is death, and there is love - the greatest of these is love."

This book is perfect for spooky season! This beautiful debut YA paranormal rom-com was everything to get me in the mood for Fall.

When you were a kid, did you watch the 1995 movie, Casper, and wished you were the one dancing with a handsome ghost? If you were, then you will fall in love with Mateo.

"When you love someone, it's like building a library and filling the shelves. It doesn't matter how many years it's been since Austen wrote Emma or Fitzgerald wrote This Side of Paradis. We cans till pull them from the bookcases and dive back into the words, the same as the day they were written. All the years and memories are still right here, cataloged inside us." -Mateo

If the idea of being haunted by a hot ghost with the most beautiful blue eyes and wicked smirk while working overnight in a haunted library sounds like a great time to you, then you NEED The Library of Shadows.

What to expect from this book:
👻 Ghost of dead students
👻 A mystery with high stakes
👻 Trapdoors
👻 Dark academia
👻 Great banter

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an e-arc of The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore for free for an honest review. Thank you to the lovely team at Harper 360 YA and NetGalley for my advanced copy!

This story was so cute!! I loved the characters and the grumpy x sunshine dynamic they had. Between Este trying to keep everyone at a distance so she can’t be left again and Mateo practically being a golden retriever, the chemistry was off the charts! I loved the banter, Este’s determination and Mateo’s cheekiness. I’ve fallen for a few ghost boys in my time but believe me Mateo is up there with the best of them!

The paranormal elements were really fun and I enjoyed learning the lore of how the ghosts came to be trapped. Plus, the mystery of what happened to Este’s father and the puzzle of how to help the ghosts was so interesting too! The found family that they made together was so sweet and I loved the whole group together!

The Library of Shadows is an addicting read that I finished in two sittings because I didn’t want to put it down! It would’ve been in one but pesky work got in the way haha 😂 I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and it is a great book to add to your spooky season TBR’s!

I tried to get into this title multiple times and kept feeling my attention drifting elsewhere. Maybe I'm just not the age group their aiming for?

This story is about Este who goes to Radcliffe Prep boarding school. I love the boarding school vibe (Wednesday, Vampire Academy, etc.) but I didn't feel like there was anything unique about the atmosphere and/or setting the author was describing. Almost immediately, she's framed for a crime she didn't commit (book theft) and her punishment is to work at the crime scene (library). I don't know about any of my other fellow librarians, but I would never let a book thief work among the very items they hoped to steal, so this premise was hard to get over. From there it goes into standard YA paranormal romance, which some might like, but I found to be a tad overdone. All in all, I think this was a great first novel and hopefully the author improves over time.

This story is told in third person and follows Este as she enrolls in Radcliffe Prep, an exclusive school in Vermont for eleventh and twelfth graders on an Ivy League track. After her father’s death, Este’s mother became restless moving them around the country, but Este’s reasons for enrolling in the third most haunted school in the country are to find out more about her father’s past rather than cementing her education.

Este is used to being independent and having moved around so much, has issues with letting people in and accepting help giving her an excellent opportunity for character growth over the course of the book. The setting in the haunted school was very atmospheric especially the library, the ivy-covered Lilith, with its dark stairwells, cobwebbed passageways and creaking doors.

Este makes friends with two very different sets of supporting characters that I found enjoyable. The secrets behind what was going on at Radcliffe were intriguing though not complex, and the perpetrator behind all the nefarious student disappearances was a little obvious. Overall, I enjoyed this paranormal young adult story, but some may find it too simplistic.

Thank you to Netgalley and Katherine Tegen Books for a copy provided for an honest review.