A snoozefest!
The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore has Este Logano attending Radcliffe Prep, the same school her father went to thirty years ago. Este is yearning to learn more about her dad who died several years prior. Este gets a chance to follow in her father�s footsteps and finds that there is something sinister going on at the school. The Library of Shadows is a young adult novel with a weak plot. I did not feel that the story had a proper start. It seems that Este arrives at school, finds a key clue, and then meets a boy who convinces her to do something that will get her tossed out of the school (all before she has unpacked her suitcase). Este is a smart and stubborn girl who is hard to like. Her roommate, Posy is a lively teen who believes in ghosts. She has brought every gadget ever mentioned by a ghost hunter with her to school. Posy is determined to find ghosts at school and wants like-minded friends to join the club she created (it is still the first day). I wish the author had taken the time to flesh out Posy�s character. Mateo is a handsome, clever, and charming teen who needs Este�s help. Mateo was born in a different era, but his behaviors and attitudes do not reflect it (he felt like a modern character like Este). I would expect some Victorian words and mannerisms to exist. Este is attracted to Mateo�s looks from the beginning (instant attraction). Personally, I do not feel the romance is needed (why couldn�t they have been friends since this is a young adult novel). The explicit intimate relations scene was unnecessary and inappropriate. The plot is uncomplicated and predictable. The twist can be figured out early on. The mystery is wrapped up quickly and neatly. The final chapter may give you a cavity. There are several plot holes in the story with many of them revolving around the library. I find it hard to believe that using a candle (a flame and melting wax) in a room filled with old books and manuscripts is better than small amounts of visible light (with UV and IR eliminated). The writing in the story is not smooth and the pacing is slow. I did not appreciate the foul language or reading about Este getting high. I wanted to like The Library of Shadows, but I found myself skimming to reach the end. My favorite part of the book is the descriptions of the library and its tomes. The Library of Shadows is an ethereal tale with a curious clue, an attractive spirit, an absent book, an indomitable librarian, a ghost hunter for a roomie, and outdated fades.
