This is actually a sequel to another book that I have not read but I will review this one and keep it brief. However this book itself was very good and I am glad that I took the opportunity to read it. The characters and the setting were very drawn out and when I was through I wished there could have been more.
It follows the story of a youbg lady named Hecate who lives in the 19th century. There are people who doubt her abilities but thankfully she has her father to support her along the way.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

The second in the Hecate Cavendish series shows how much she has grown in her strength and magical abilities. With the help of a faithful dog, her father and some other worldly allies, she’s been able to beat back most of the creatures trying to take over her city. I would recommend readers or listeners start with the first book in this series to fully comprehend exactly what is happening. As usual, Brackston casts her own spell over readers

This was a good conclusion. Hecate is more comfortable in her abilities and is determined to vanish the resurgents for good. With help from her lost souls, her father, a faithful hound, and the inspector, they have a fight to save their city. Has plenty of ghosts and action to keep the story interesting. Still enjoyed following these characters and I left satisfied with the way the story ended.

📚 Book Review: The Cathedral of Lost Souls by Paula Brackston

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this hauntingly atmospheric ARC! 🖤

I dove into The Cathedral of Lost Souls without realizing it was a sequel—my mistake, not the author’s. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the narrative stood on its own. Even without prior knowledge from book one, I never felt lost in the story. For that reason alone, this deserves a full ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐—it's rare that a sequel welcomes new readers so seamlessly!

I was fully swept into the storyline, though I did find it a bit quick how the main character connected romantically with someone new. 🤷 Still, it didn’t pull me out of the immersive pace, and the overall reading experience was quick, engaging, and deeply enjoyable.

Highly recommend for fans of gothic mysteries with emotional depth and lyrical writing. Brackston knows how to weave soul and suspense with elegance! 🕯️✨

ARCReview #TheCathedralOfLostSouls #PaulaBrackston #NetGalleyReads #StMartinsPress #GothicFiction #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #FiveStarRead #MoodyReads #DarkAndLovely

This is the second book in this series. I have not read the first, but found this novel gave enough background information that it can stand on its own.

Cathedral of Lost Souls is a masterfully crafted novel that delivers a suspenseful, heartwarming, and utterly captivating reading experience from start to finish. From the very first page, the author weaves a spell of intrigue and tension that never lets up, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.

What truly sets this book apart is its unforgettable cast of characters—both the living and the dead. Each one is drawn with such warmth and depth that you can’t help but root for them, mourn their losses, and celebrate their triumphs. The relationships that develop across the boundaries of life and death are touching and beautifully rendered, adding layers of emotional resonance to the suspenseful plot.

The pacing is brisk and perfectly balanced, never lingering too long in one place but giving just enough time to savour each twist and revelation. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to devour in a single sitting, yet find yourself wishing it would never end.

Cathedral of Lost Souls is a testament to the power of hope, redemption, and connection—even in the most unlikely of places. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a story that will both thrill and move you. This novel is a true gem and deserves every one of its five stars.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy for me to review.

Thank you St. Martins Press and NetGalley for access to an ARC. This book is the second in a series following Hekate Cavendish and her fight against the embodied spirits of the Essedenes. In this book Hekate has grown in her knowledge and skill as a follower of the goddess Hekate and similarly, the author has grown in the depth and connections she gives each character in this book. I felt like this book did a great job of carrying on and finishing out the story from The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish. Although this book can definitely stand alone, I would strongly suggest reading the first in the series before starting this book to have the foundational knowledge of what Hekate is facing, and the characters that both support and oppose her. The story kept me engaged, and the author does a great job at weaving suspense and revelations into the storyline with a satisfying ending.

The Cathedral of Lost Souls by Paula Brackston.
What an incredible story..
Hereford, England, 1881 and Hecate is back with her ghostly friends, fighting the fight, to be rid of the Resurgent Spirits once and for all.

Along with her father and Inspector Winter, Hecate knows she has to finish this.

With the help of the goddess, the Essendenes are finally quieted and stilled. But what chaos they encountered along the way.

Great characters with superb character spacing. I really enjoyed this wonderful story!
I will be recommending this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I love the hekate books. however, i started out listening to them and i fell in love with the naration so personally for me it was harder to read this as i do not do a very good job of the narrators voice/tone in my head. but i still loved the book!

The Cathedral of Lost Souls
by Paula Brackston
Pub Date: Nov 11 2025

📖🕯️♥︎ ｡❥｡･:*:･ﾟ☽✧☾｡･:*:･ﾟ❥｡♥︎🕯️📖

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this beautifully atmospheric ARC!
From the first page, The Cathedral of Lost Souls swept me into its evocative, gothic world. I dove in without having read the first book, but Paula Brackston’s storytelling is so skillful that I never felt lost for a moment. This sequel stands confidently on its own—no easy feat—and deserves five full stars for its accessibility to new readers and the seamless way it introduces its lore and characters.
The writing is lush and lyrical, effortlessly conjuring shadowed halls, haunted crypts, and the emotional intensity of Hekate Cavendish’s journey. Hekate is a compelling protagonist who has grown in both magical skill and depth, and the supporting cast is likewise well-developed, with relationships and secrets that kept me thoroughly engaged. The revelations unfold with satisfying suspense, and the atmosphere is deliciously moody—absolutely perfect for fans of gothic mysteries.
By the end, I was left both haunted and satisfied, especially in how the story honors and builds upon what came before.
If you’re seeking a gothic tale with emotional richness, suspense, and elegant prose, Brackston delivers in spades. Highly recommended for readers who love dark, beautiful, and soul-stirring stories.
ARC Review
#TheCathedralOfLostSouls #FiveStarRead #PaulaBrackston #NetGalleyReads #GothicFiction #Bookstagram #MoodyReads #DarkAndLovely

Many thanks again to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

The perfect follow up.

I love reading about the 1800’s and this author is my favorite to pick up when I’m wanting to fictionally bite into history. This one did not let me down.

I loved the creativeness how the world always gives a cozy vibe no matter the plot unfolding. Magical realism can be hit or miss and this author always hits.

Hecate is still an absolute pleasure, of course the ghostly friends were too. I love when a character realizes the potential they had all along.

Fantasy books are not my usual genre that I am drawn to. However tha story of Hecate drew me in. Cleverly plotted with exceptional characterization I was invested in the plot. A must read.

"Book two in the Hecate Cavendish series from New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston - a magic infused series about an eccentric and spirited young woman who can see ghosts.

Hereford, England 1881.

The adventure continues! After the fire and the tumultuous events in the cathedral library, Hecate is determined never again to come so close to losing the beloved mappa mundi. She has shown herself to be the greatest threat to the Essedenes and their plans and they will stop at nothing to be rid of her. With the help of her archeologist father, and the support of the redoubtable and loyal Inspector Winter, she must take the fight to her enemies.

But the numbers of Embodied Spirits are growing with terrifying speed, and an atmosphere of violence and danger has taken hold of the ancient city of Hereford. Hecate dare not trust anyone beyond her inner circle, no matter how benevolent they might seem. Nor will she risk the lives of those she loves ever again. The goddess Hekate has called her to action. She must draw upon all her gifts, and the assistance of her family of ghostly allies, if the city is not to be lost to darkness forever."

Never a good sign when there's a rise in spirits of the ghostly variety.

Cathedral of Lost Souls is a beautifully written novel that grips the reader from the opening chapter and doesn’t let go. The author masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural into a story that feels both thrilling and deeply human. Every page carries an undercurrent of mystery and heart that keeps you eagerly turning to the next.

The true brilliance of this book lies in its remarkable characters. Each soul—living or departed—is portrayed with warmth, compassion, and emotional depth. Their intertwined stories evoke genuine feeling, and the relationships that stretch across time and mortality are handled with exquisite sensitivity. You’ll find yourself caring deeply for every one of them.

The pacing is seamless, with just the right balance between heart-pounding suspense and quiet, reflective moments. Each twist feels earned, each revelation satisfying. It’s the kind of novel you want to savor slowly, yet can’t resist reading late into the night.

Ultimately, Cathedral of Lost Souls is a moving testament to the endurance of love and the redemptive power of the human spirit. It’s both haunting and hopeful—a rare combination that lingers long after the final page. A truly unforgettable read that shines with five-star brilliance.

Highly recommend

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Hecate Cavendish series. It is Gothic, Victorian, paranormal, and has a strong heroine. Hecate is the anti-Victorian! She is an amazing character that I hope to learn more about in a third book!

The writing, character development, and storyline were perfect! I loved the Victorian dialogue and the beautiful detail in the descriptive language.

I read this book in about 48 hours. Unfortunately, life got in the way of my reading, or it would have been finished even sooner!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7576292962 - posted 10/9/2025
The StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/7fdfbec5-2f7b-4d65-a769-a5579e84e050?redirect=true - posted 10/9/2025
Substack: https://tinyurl.com/s3ebbudr - posted 10/9/2025

Paula Brackston's Hecate Cavendish series continues with this second book, which centers around a woman who possesses the ability to see ghosts. The narrative skillfully expands upon the events of 'The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish',
', making it an effective sequel
While it is possible to read this book as a standalone, reading the first installment in the series beforehand is advisable.
Throughout the story, Hecate exhibits increased confidence in her powers and gifts, ultimately allowing her to triumph over the Embodied Spirits. This enchanting fairy tale, featuring an array of magical creatures and exploring universal conflict between good and evil, is truly exceptional.
Despite occasional slow pacing, the book earned a five-star rating from me. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another bestseller from the hands and mind of an amazing author!!!!!!!!!! I love this magical series and every book written by Paula Brackston. If you haven't read her books yet, I implore you. fellow readers, go out and check her books out!!!!!!!!