I Would Read Schwab's Shopping List If I Could

“Every time I get nervous or scared, I remind myself that every good story needs twists and turns. Every heroine needs an adventure.”


I've said this once and I'll say it again: I would read Schwab's shopping list if I had the chance. City of Ghosts was AMAZING, and I highly recommend the audiobook if you get the chance! It's whimsical, it's cute, it's slightly creepy and ahem, it takes place in Edinburgh -- only my favourite place in the entire world.

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Good book.

Book it’s self is good. But an American reading a book set in Scotland probably isn’t the best. Scottish accent of the reader is just cringeworthy. Otherwise narration is ok.

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fantastic

I loved this book. brilliant narration. overall fantastic storyline that kept me gripped. thank you

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1 person found this helpful

Spooky fun

Cassidy Blake is best friends with a ghost named Jacob. Ever since Jacob saved Cassidy's life, the two have been mysteriously linked: Jacob can cross through the veil (what separates the ghost and living world) to be by Cassidy's side, while Cassidy can also cross into the spirit world. What's more, their bond means that Jacob can read Cassidy's thoughts.

I enjoyed Jacob and Cassidy's relationship so much. Cassidy is very protective of Jacob and the two are constantly looking out for each other, making this a sweet friendship dynamic. Though, as the story progresses, Cassidy realises that Jacob may be keeping secrets...

Cassidy's parents are a quirky ghost-hunting team, despite not being able to see the ghosts their daughter can. When her parents get an offer to turn their book series into a TV show, they jump at the chance. Cassidy is therefore whisked away to Scotland, Edinburgh, to accompany her parents as they film the most haunted places on offer. Cassidy's parents added a fun element to the story and I also loved the setting of Edinburgh. Since I've been to the haunted places mentioned, I could imagine everything clearly and I was happy that the author had obviously done her research. It was fun seeing how Cassidy - as an American - viewed the city that is close to home for me. (I'm very thankful she eventually enjoyed her British fish and chips... I would not have taken the insult lightly).

The book is filled with great twists and turns, wonderful characters and fittingly spooky settings. The only thing that bothered me was the amount of Harry Potter references. It was strange because they held no relevance and only took me out of the story. I hope the author won't continue this into the second book. But I will definitely be reading on; this was a joy to read.

As for the narration: prepare for bad Scottish and British accents. Despite this, I still greatly enjoyed the audiobook.

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Good and fresh

Well written and performed. Cute middle grade story. Worth the listen.
I loved the friendship in this story. So nice and pure. Jacob was my favourite character. Very well and so tragic. My heart aches for this boy.

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Pretty good teen book, but the accents?!

Interesting story, good premise. Genuinely awful accents. I say this with good humour but don't listen to this if you're at all sensitive about English or Scottish accents. Really it was very distracting and unintentionally funny!

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3 people found this helpful

Hunting ghosts in Edinburgh

A great setting for this story, Edinburgh makes ghost stories sound real. In this one, the narrating character, Cassidy, is friends with Jacob, a ghost who saved her life and thus gained access to the world of the living. Viceversa, Cassidy can now go beyond the veil and feels and sees ghosts. She's surprised to meet another "in-betweener" in Edinburgh, and to find out that feeling ghosts and going beyond the veil actually have a purpose. Even more surprising and scary is the discovery of a very powerful ghost who seems to have a dangerous and strong influence on the living. A good first novel in a series, lively narrated.

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An unique ghost story

An enjoyable story, with interesting characters and world building. An easy listen. Good narration.

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Fantastic

Absolutely loved the book. Full of mystery and fantasy. Really well written and read. Loved it.

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No Cat

I have no idea why there's a black cat on the cover of this book. The character's family has a cat but it's not in any way involved in the story, so if you're hoping for a ghost cat companion as I was you will be disappointed!

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1 person found this helpful