Hello Ghosts and Ghouls,

It’s time for another book review! Okay, so earlier this year I had the chance to read an advanced copy of Jessica Renwick’s newest book Ghosts of Gastown. Since then I’ve been itching to share the experience with you, and it released in the US yesterday, so what better time than now?

I’ve been a huge fan of Renwick’s since I found her work. If you love middle grade fantasy, you’re in the right place. On to the review!

Blurb

Twelve-year-old Hope Graves can see the dead. But nobody believes her. Not even her best friend. When Hope and her mom move to the Gastown area of Vancouver, their new home isn’t exactly as she imagined. The ancient apartment sits over a weird crystal shop, she misses her dad, and ghosts lurk around every corner. The worst part? The strange boy whose parents own the shop can see spirits too, and he won’t stop bugging her about it.

Hope tries to avoid Oliver, but when a ghost appears in her bedroom with a haunting plea, he’s the only person she can turn to for help. Trying to banish the spirit only leads them down a twisted path far more dangerous than any ghost. Something is hunting the souls of Gastown, and it’s closing in on its next victim.

GoodReads

Amazon

***Brief disclosure***

I am an Amazon affiliate and earn a tiny commission for purchases made through the Amazon links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

The Review

I absolutely adored this novel!

This book is a riveting paranormal read about ghosts, grief, and the power of family and friends to pull us out of the darkest of places.

Hope and her mom Emma, a famous author, have just moved to Vancouver for her mom’s new writing project. Just months ago, her father passed away in a terrible car accident, but her grief is interrupted by the sudden appearance of otherworldly spirits. Why can she suddenly see them, and what does it mean? As Hope investigates this chilling phenomenon she unwittingly embarks on a quest to understand the new complexity of her world and face the paranormal threats to her safety.

Hope was a great main character. She’s curious, resourceful, and determined. Grieving with such a loss at a young age is tough, and I think that was captured expertly. She befriends a boy named Oliver who helps his family run an occult shop downstairs from her. I loved Oliver’s enthusiasm for life. It was infectious and brought a smile to my face. Her estranged friend Jaya was a great addition too. Together, their interactions with one another felt authentic and real, and that kept me invested in their fates.

The plot was super engaging. There’s a lot of mystery present throughout, and I enjoyed learning more about this new world that runs alongside our own. There were plenty of chills and thrills scattered throughout, which I loved, but not too much scare factor to drive off a middle grade reader. Think City of Ghosts by VE Schwab, but a different interpretation.

I honestly have zero complaints about this masterpiece. Don’t miss out on this one!

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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