Book Review: “The Library of the Dead” (Edinburgh Nights #1) by T.L. Huchu

“The Library of the Dead” (Edinburgh Nights #1) by T.L. Huchu (2021)

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Fiction

Page Length: 330 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

When a child goes missing in Edinburgh’s darkest streets, young Ropa investigates. She’ll need to call on Zimbabwean magic as well as her Scottish pragmatism to hunt down clues. But as shadows lengthen, will the hunter become the hunted?

When ghosts talk, she will listen…

Ropa dropped out of school to become a ghostalker. Now she speaks to Edinburgh’s dead, carrying messages to the living. A girl’s gotta earn a living, and it seems harmless enough. Until, that is, the dead whisper that someone’s bewitching children–leaving them husks, empty of joy and life. It’s on Ropa’s patch, so she feels honor-bound to investigate. But what she learns will change her world.

She’ll dice with death (not part of her life plan…), discovering an occult library and a taste for hidden magic. She’ll also experience dark times. For Edinburgh hides a wealth of secrets, and Ropa’s gonna hunt them all down.

Review:

Reading this novel felt like equal parts fantasy and thriller as readers are taken on an adventure in this novel. Ropa, the main character, may be young but is full of spunk, snark, and an unpredictable nature. She spends her days talking to the dead (for a price, of course) all while struggling to be the breadwinner of her family. She puts on bravado throughout the story, but readers can see how she struggles to care for Grandma and Iziwi, stay out of trouble, keep a roof over her head, and process grief.

The novel takes readers through the streets, alleys, and cemeteries of Edinburgh as Ropa tries to navigate her quest for answers. Supernatural occurrences happen in the most mundane of places adding many exciting twists and turns throughout the story. Ropa is a brash character when readers first meet her but once you get under the surface of her character you can connect with a deeper level with her story.

The novel was highly immersive, and I loved the attention to detail especially the world building of the fantasy elements. The Library of the Dead scenes was the highlight of the story for me. Though ominous and creepy but somehow it also seems inviting as well. From the unique layout, café, and the magical books it’s an interesting place to explore.

I hope the rest of the series explores the library more as well. The novel never had a dull moment and kept me constantly engaged. There were so many cool action-packed scenes, an eclectic cast of characters including the villains which are the stuff of nightmares. A recommended read for fans of magical tales!

Final Verdict: