Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Book and NetGalley for this earc

Sadly, this one wasn’t for me.
First, I wasn’t a fan of how we get thrown in the middle of the story and the most important event (stealing of the book) happens in chapter one? We barely knew the name of the main character yet. That basically set up the whole book: very little background, make it up as you go chapters and insta love. And totally random, but chapters themselves felt super cut off.
For someone who’s supposed to be in school, there aren’t ANY scenes were Este is actually in class? NOT one. I honestly can’t get over how she wasn’t kicked out by the end of this.
Este ignores her roommate and her friends the whole time and shocked when they turn their back on her? And after all the time the group who’s obsessed with ghosts just take Este on her word that Mateo is actually read?
And at last, the romance. Even if I could ignore the instalove, the sparks just weren’t there.

Overall, this was less “cool ghost story” and more “let’s rewrite this few more times and hope something better comes out”

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy.
This book was atmospheric and I loved the dark academia aspect. I wished the story was a little more developed and fleshed out but it was a overall good young adult coming of age novel that was suspenseful and enjoyable to read.

Once again I was hooked from the start. The descriptions of the school alone were amazing but I really enjoyed the character dialogue. These characters were immediately likable and the author created something I didn’t want to put down!

The setting is richly described, a well developed campus that feels like stepping into a pocket universe. The magic system of ghosts and the lore surrounding the school draw the reader in as Este fights to finds her place and get to know her late father. With twists and turns, this one is sure to delight fans of Erica Waters, Claire LeGrand and anyone who likes a devilishly handsome ghost.

This was a great story! I enjoyed seeing the Este and Posy friendship play out, and was glad to see her show up for her friend even though she pushed her away. Letting go of friendships at a younger age is pretty common and with mental health concerns on the rise it is great to see a friend still show up even though she was turned away more than once. Also enjoyed the growing bond between este and Mateo. What an adventure!

I enjoyed the premise of the story and think it had a lot of potential. I think the quality of the writing was somewhat lacking and certain elements of the story could have been explained/fleshed out more.

I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Radcliffe prep is supposedly haunted, the third most haunted school in the country, but Este never believed it, the haunted and ghost part, at least. All she wants is to go to the school her father went to and figure out who he was.

On her first day there, she meets Mateo, who convinces her to use her dad’s key to open the spire, the forbidden part of the library, and steal a book, the book of fades. Of course, just to poor Este’s luck, the head librarian catches her and Mateo flees, leaving her in a precarious situation. She has to find the book or risk expulsion. And to make matters worse for her, her roommate is obsessed with paranormal ghost activity and holds ‘paranormal ghost club’ meetings.

When Mateo shows up again, she agrees to help him find the missing pages of the book, which could help solidify his friends and him again, seeing as how they were attacked by the fades, a group of three women who basically stole their soul. And Este also has to dodge the fades, who haven’t had a sacrifice in nearly 30 years and are hungry.


The heir, who controls the fades, is still a mystery, but Este finds out she is on the menu for sacrifices. Having to dodge them, help save her new ghost friends, and struggling to keep her living friendships, things take a turn when the head librarian plants doubt into her mind about Mateo being the heir, which Este believes since Post, her roommate, believed it. But of course, it wasn’t Mateo, and it ended up being the librarian, Ives, who was Lilith Radcliffe, Mateo’s sister who refuses to let the light fade from her eyes.

After an encounter with the fades, on the day of her ‘sacrifice’, Este is opaque and can’t touch anything living, like her ghost friends. It’s then she realizes she’s dying, has been since the fade managed to claw her. Needing to reconcile with Mateo and save her friends, she goes into the one place that could potentially kill her; the one place the fades roam freely; the Lilith.

The missing chapter is what gives Lilith her full power, and Este, at the last moment, decides to set it aflame. It worked, and Lilith is destroyed, aged each breath she took. And all the ghosts are reunited with their bodies after a tough time finding it.

Personally, I think this is one of the best mystery/paranormal books I’ve ever read. The plot is laid on thick, and I did start to suspect Ives was the heir based on the clues and hints she dropped, but I understand where Este was coming from since Ives is the one who gave her a second ‘chance’.

The settings were deceived in detail, and I could picture every shelf, every nook, every room in the Lilith and the senior lounge that the ghosts reside in.

The characters were what really sold the story to me, though. Each had their own story, and I loved getting to know Posy, Este, Mateo, Luca, Aoife, and Daveed. I will say this is 5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5/5 ☆

If you're a fan of dark academic settings, Wednesday Addams, boarding schools, ghosts, and are a fan of books like Truly Devious, this book is very much for YOU.

Este Logano just moved to an elite boarding school--the third most haunted one in the country--in an attempt to learn a little more about her father who once was a student there. Of course, she doesn't believe in ghosts. The only thing that could possibly convince her is the appearance of a boy who looks a little too Victorian.

This book was a RIDE!! One I really enjoyed. It's a standalone, not part of a series as I originally thought, and wraps up very nicely.

Characters:
We follow Este Logano through the haunted library of Radcliffe Prep as she is framed for theft and then doomed to spend her semester fixing up the archives, alone except for the dead. She's introverted, snarky, and definitely not used to having people care about her or caring in return. Aside from her father who passed away, she doesn't love much. I found her character to be fun to read! She took everything in stride and made for a good pov to see the story through. I actually liked her as a main character, which is rare.

Ghost-boy Mateo is honestly one of my favorite love interests to date. He was super fun to read with that arrogant, laid-back persona and certain terms of endearment he used which were outdated but in a charming way. I loved him.

Plot:
Este's journey through the haunted school, uncovering old secrets and meeting dead people was a fun journey to follow! I found the pacing to be perfect, there wasn't much filler at all which I absolutely loved. This book got me out of a reading slump, so bonus points for that too! It has all the fun dark academia vibes that made me wish I had read it closer to September (which is when its due to release!!) so maybe I'll reread it then for the vibes. Good pacing, good plot, no overwhelmingly complicated lore, I found it all pretty easy to follow. What I hadn't anticipated was how nicely everything would be wrapped up at the end, since I thought there'd be another book. But I liked that the story started and ended where it did. I do wish we got an epilogue that stretched on a little because I wanted a bit more time with those characters, but overall I think it ended perfectly.

Romance:
Okay, yes, this is why this book is getting such a high rating from me. I loved the romance!! It didn't feel forced or over-the-top, I didn't totally hate them at any point for being too stubborn or pushing away their feelings. The main couple getting together seemed natural, even right. I loved their banter, their back and forth, and the obvious big issue of one of them not exactly being alive. It was all super fun!!

Overall, I loved this book!! I can't think of anything I didn't like except maybe that I guessed some of the big plot twists, but it was a fun journey with great characters and a nice romance, so one outweighs the other. I'd recommend this book to fans of Wednesday and Truly Devious.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order next year and will recommend it to students.

When Este gets accepted to Radcliffe Prep, the elite boarding school her dead father attended thirty years earlier, she rushes to Vermont for her junior year. Surrounded by the ivy-covered walls of the gothic campus, she meets Mateo, a mysterious student who lures her into the forbidden section of the library and then frames her for the theft of a priceless volume. Forced to work the night shift at the library as an archival assistant to save her scholarship, Este slowly realizes there is more to Radcliffe than what’s advertised on the shiny brochures. Strange whispers fill the shelves after dark, and Mateo may just be the key to understanding it all.

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore is every dark academic’s dream. Set on an autumn-tinted campus with haunted libraries, mysterious passages, and secretive teachers, it was easy to be transported to the New England Prep School. The writing was descriptive and unique without being superfluous. A lot of the descriptions were surprising and yet totally fit the thing they portrayed. The dialogue flowed naturally, even as the author dealt with different colloquial speech patterns from across the last century.

Este—the main character—was stubborn and intelligent, and while I didn’t usually agree with her decisions, I understood the background she used to make them. She didn’t grow a lot as a character until the very end, and while I liked the conclusion to her arc, it felt rushed. Mateo, on the other hand, was wonderful. Handsome, intelligent, gentle, and clever, he will surely be added to many favorite male love interest lists. The romance between the two was perfect and academic, with enough nerdiness to keep the audience engaged and laughing.

The plot was really the weak spot of this story. It was so incredibly obvious that I figured out the twist from the third chapter. The group dynamics between characters would have made for a much better story if the fantasy had merely been the backdrop of the tale rather than the driving plot. The pacing was pretty good and I was never bored while reading, even if the predictability was dull. The resolution occurred way too quickly and everything was tied up with a neat bow instead of resolving naturally. Ten thousand more words toward the end would’ve made for a much more satisfying conclusion. The aesthetic of the story made up for the mediocre plot—I was so swept away by the scenery that I forgot the direction the story was taking until the end.

Despite its flaws, The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore is the perfect book to curl up with in the fall. All you need is a fireplace, tea, and a rainy day. The writing will bring the rest to life.

2.5 stars

I struggled with this one especially with pacing. The romance was cute but I did think that the romance sprung from nowhere. Still I think that it was solid enough. I would probably pick up another book by this author.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Okay this book had everything I loved. Dark Academia but not so heavy that it bogged the book down. It was amazing.

Thank you to Harper Collins for the arc!

This was a fun dark academia read that I ended up finishing in one sitting. Although it was predictable.

I was immediately hooked by the premise of this book, but felt that the pacing detracted from the strength of the story. The first half of the book was a bit clunky. There were moments where I felt as if I'd missed a chapter, and time did not move in a way that made sense. It seemed like the events of the story could have taken place over a week, or months. Besides that, this is a great book to recommend to a young adult who wants paranormal romance, dark academia, mystery, and a boarding school setting. Fans of Netflix's Wednesday will definitely enjoy it.

Where the story fell short in its pacing, it made up for it in atmosphere. Radcliffe Prep and the library where Este works at night as an archival assistant made for a strong, intriguing setting. Este and Mateo's forced-allies relationship was compelling and has great appeal for teen readers.

Also, the other thing I just could not get behind or understand was the description of the Fades. The tension and terror that could have been conveyed was undermined by the constant descriptions of their ridiculous appearance.

Overall, I would recommend adding this to a young adult collection! A solid purchase for school libraries.

All good libraries have ghosts, right?

Library of Shadows is a fun, paranormal mystery.
When Este gets a scholarship to a boarding school that her late father once attended, she's excited to see where he once lived. But, with ghosts in the library, a roommate who is a paranormal investigator, and an accusation of theft, she may have gotten more than she bargained for. Este must solve a century old mystery to get out alive.

Definitely enjoyed this fast paced read. Thanks to Netgalley and HarperTeen for an early copy for review.

The Library of Shadows is a mixed bag for me.

First, the good things:
1) The story is wonderfully atmospheric. There are definitely dark academia vibes without being too serious, and the descriptions of the settings really help bring Radcliffe Prep to life. 2) The characters are likable. Este and Mateo are good leads in that they have good banter and a clear connection. I would've liked to get to know more about the secondary characters, but they work as-is and provide additional conflict and opportunities for self-reflection. 3) The ghosts/Fades lore is interesting. Things were a bit confusing sometimes, but most things became clear in the end.

Second, the not-as-good things:
1) The romance between Este and Matteo seems a little too much like insta-love. The sparks are there, and yes, it's a life-or-death situation, but I would like a bit more development, maybe even simply having them be a couple by the end without the declarations of love. 2) Este needs more backstory or at least more time before she's thrown into the deep end of her father's secrets. Finding a hidden key in the first few pages despite it having been hidden for years? Too fast. Then breaking and entering--and risking her scholarship--on the word of some random hot guy just a few pages later? Too fast. A slower start to the story would make the faster pace later on more effective. 3) The magical ivy seems out of place. There's no way any librarian would let a plant grow anywhere in a book collection, especially not one that's rare. And the ivy works to help Este but is not obviously helpful in any way to the antagonist, so why would they not just destroy it to prevent it being used against them? Odd choice. 4) The ending feels a bit incomplete. Four random kids just show up, and no one bats an eye? They're presumably on campus all the time--are they enrolled? Are they using their true names? How does no one recognize Mateo? I'd like a better conclusion, please.

Overall, I did enjoy The Library of Shadows, and I would more than likely read another book by Moore, but this debut has its flaws.

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore offers a unique and engaging concept that combines paranormal elements, mystery, and a touch of romance. Este Logano enrolls at Radcliffe Prep, known as the third most haunted school in the country, hoping to uncover the truth about her deceased father. While she doesn't believe in ghosts, she soon encounters Mateo, who may or may not be a real ghost, and definitely an annoying one.

Trouble arises when Mateo frames Este for the theft of a rare book from the library's secret spire and then disappears. Determined to clear her name and solve the mystery, Este embarks on a thrilling adventure through the library's hidden passageways, tunnels, and haunted halls. As she delves deeper into the school's dark history, she discovers that the student disappearances are more than mere legends, putting herself at risk of becoming the next victim.

Moore's writing style is accessible, striking a balance between avoiding cheesiness and not being overly complex. The book is a quick and easy read, perfect for those seeking an unforgettable story with elements of paranormal, mystery, and even romantic comedy. The handling of themes related to grief is commendable, adding depth to the narrative.

The atmosphere of Dark Academia is well-executed, immersing readers in a setting that enhances the story's intrigue. Moore's infusion of humor adds a delightful touch, creating a cozy reading experience. Despite the predictable nature of the villain's identity, it remains enjoyable to follow the clues alongside the characters.

However, some aspects could have been improved. The pacing of the story proves to be a struggle at times, and the romance between Este and Mateo develops almost instantaneously, bordering on instant-love. The plot, while boasting a unique concept, can feel somewhat predictable and clichéd. Additionally, more lead-in to the central plot could have been beneficial, as certain events occur too swiftly without sufficient buildup. The book could have benefited from a longer length to allow for more details and further exploration of the story's potential. Este and Mateo had the potential to be a great couple, but their relationship could have been more developed.

In conclusion, The Library of Shadows is an enjoyable and entertaining read with its blend of paranormal, mystery, and romantic comedy elements. Rachel Moore's writing style and the Dark Academia atmosphere contribute to its charm. While the pacing and predictability of certain plot elements may hinder the reading experience, the book remains a cozy and memorable adventure. Fans of paranormal mysteries with a touch of romance will find this book a delightful addition to their collection.

4.2/5 rounded down to 4/5.

Homework, Mystery & Ghosts….oh my!

The Library of Shadows is a super fun paranormal mystery enemies to lovers romcom in a dark academia setting. We follow Este as she starts school at Radcliffe Prep (a school that is quite literally haunted), processes her grief, makes new friends (both corporeal and not) and begins her quest to solve a mystery that has been plaguing the grounds for decades.
Full of love, loss, friendship, growth, courage and humor - this book was a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the gifted advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperTeen for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Library of Shadows is told through the perspective of Este Logano, a scholarship student at the third most haunted school in the country, Radcliffe Prep. On her first day at school, Este meets Mateo, a mysterious boy who later frames her for the theft of a valuable book titled The Book of Fades. With the book missing, Este's position at Radcliffe Prep is in danger. If she doesn't find the book by the end of midterm exams, she will be kicked out of Radcliffe. As Este becomes more immersed in retrieving The Book of Fades, she uncovers a centuries-old secret that may be connected to her deceased father.

As much as I wanted to love The Library of Shadows, I had a difficult time trying to enjoy the story. A paranormal mystery rom-com seemed right up my alley, but unfortunately, this book failed to capture my attention and left me feeling disappointed. The plot was cliche and predictable, the romance felt forced, and there was a bit too much cringe-worthy dialogue and metaphors for my liking.

In my opinion, a dark academia book isn’t just a book set in a school, and the themes and messages the novel conveys are much more important than the aesthetics. Therefore, in my opinion, The Library of Shadows is not a dark academia book and it is misleading for the publishers to categorize it as such. There are young adult novels that do dark academia well (Legendborn), but this is not an example of one.

This book was an attempt at enemies-to-lovers, but it wasn’t a very good one. The romance was rushed and unconvincing. Some of Mateo’s lines felt like they were pulled out of a hat, instead of being authentic. Este and Mateo lacked chemistry, making it difficult to root for their relationship. At one point, Mateo says he doesn’t want to know another life without Este, which could have been fine, but I don’t even think they ever confessed their feelings to each other prior to that. Additionally, this reads very young YA, and it feels out of place and unnecessary to include a spicy scene.

While I did not enjoy this book, I think it would be a great, light-hearted fall read for a younger audience (11-14). The dialogue and the side characters (Posy and the Paranormal Investigators Club) will definitely appeal to that age group. I would also recommend to fans of The Archived by Victoria Schwab for the mystery and setting and Wednesday for the humor and friendship.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books, Katherine Tegen Books for an eARC of The Library of Shadows!

Dark Academia, Paranormal/Horror, Mystery, and a dash of Romance! The Library of Shadows grips you from start to finish and I found myself itching to turn every page so that I could unravel more pieces of the mystery that surrounds the haunted boarding school. I absolutely adored every character. They were incredibly realistic in their mannerisms and personalities. The romance is subtle and very much felt like the beginnings of first and young love. It made me reminisce on my own first love and gave me those little butterflies that I used to feel when I was younger. The horror aspect is also made lighter by some of the physical descriptions, but that does not detract from the sense of danger! Overall, this was a great read and I am definitely going to be adding to my bookshelf to read again and again!