Unfortunately the weakest of the series so far. While I continue to love the characters, some of the decisions made regarding plot and character action seemed to be hastily made. I did love the portrayal of the relationship between English and Scottish magic, and the atmosphere and character voice remain top tier.

I was surprised to see this was not the last book in the series, and ends on a massive cliffhanger at that. I really enjoyed this book, as it not only filled in some of Ropa's background, but that of her grandmother as well. I also am glad we see the effects of her magic and life events on Ropa as a person. It's easy to forget she's a teenager. I would have liked a reminder about Izwi's age, and some more insight on her magic, but not having that didn't take away from the story. This book, while dealing with Ropa's devastating loss, ties up several loose ends in an interesting way. It started a bit slow, but once I became caught up in the story, I stayed up late to finish it. A solid addition to a wonderful, inventive series!

This is book 4 in a series "Edinburgh Nights" in which the reader follows precocious- but now almost grown up- Ropa Moyo and her adventures with Scottish Magic.

As always, Huchu is imaginative, and writes amazing epic nagical battle scenes. The world building remains on point and I appreciate the detail required to build not only a Post "The Catatrostophe" apocalyptic world, but also the magical realms as well. Ropa remains her cheeky self, though she sobers through the book with the nefarious passing of someone close to her.

As the story opens Ropa's left the society of Skeptical Inquirers, but can she really leave? She's looking to give every advantage to her sister and Grandmother and so she'll pretty much do any job and go with the highest bidder. This seems to be even when the highest bidder is obviously *Not A Good Guy* at all. The boiling concern of the destiny of Scottish magic once again takes the forefront and Ropa must decide where she stands. Will she make a choice she can live with? You'll have to read to find out.
There is a LOAD of backstory in this novel and then it certainly does end on a cliff hanger. We are treated to appearances of most- if not all- of our favorite side characters.
I think these books are a good alternative to JK Rowling's HP series. They are very different- but both are tales of kids rising up against evil and insurmountable odds, and both contain elements of magic and mayhem. Huchu, however, adds in more history, realism and that touch of horror that will delight some readers. Huchu's work is frankly, better written/constructed as well, and is much more inclusive
Thank you to MacMillan for the advanced copy. It was a joy to see the progression of both Huchu and Ropa in this series

Give me a book in this series any day! Ropa and friends are back--except, alas, for Gran--in this newest installment of Huchu's series of magic and mystery in a dystopian Edinburgh. Ropa's tired of being bounced from one job to another, one master to another, and when she's fed up enough, she strikes out on her own to deal with the evil plotters and murderers who make her life hell. There's a turncoat friend, a very smart fox, and a lot of ambiguously-acting allies. Prepare for twists and turns and a great read.

Each installment only deepens the mystery. It feels the series gets stronger as it goes along. I find myself extremely invested in this series and recommend it often.

The only thing was was weak to my was some repetitive telling about how characters feel.

This was a fantastic installment in the Edinburgh Nights series by T. L. Huchu. I love the characters and their relationships. The world building is really good and consistent throughout the series. Scottish magic is almost its own character.

This book has a lot of characters and plot points from the rest of the series, so I would not start here. Library of the Dead is the first book in the series.