In Victoria Schwab’s middle-grade debut, “City of Ghosts,” we’re introduced to a world where the boundaries between the living and the dead are as thin as a curtain waiting to be pulled aside. Following Cassidy Blake, a young girl who can cross into what she calls “the Veil” after a near-death experience, Schwab crafts a story that is equal parts ghost story, coming-of-age tale, and adventure. While maintaining the accessibility needed for younger readers, Schwab doesn’t shy away from deeper themes of mortality, purpose, and friendship that resonate with readers of all ages.
The first installment in the Cassidy Blake series (which continues with “Tunnel of Bones” and “Bridge of Souls”), “City of Ghosts” takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland—a city as steeped in ghost stories as it is in history. Edinburgh becomes more than just a setting; it transforms into a character itself, with its cobblestone streets, ancient graveyards, and haunted closes serving as the perfect backdrop for Cassidy’s supernatural adventures.
A Unique Protagonist with a Ghostly Best Friend
What immediately stands out about “City of Ghosts” is its central relationship. Cassidy, or Cass as she prefers, isn’t your typical protagonist. After drowning in a frozen river, she’s rescued by Jacob, a ghost boy who becomes her best friend and constant companion. Their dynamic is both charming and complicated:
Jacob can read Cass’s mind, creating an intimacy few friendships can claim
Their relationship breaks the traditional boundary between the living and dead
Their friendship rules and inside jokes create an authentic bond
The power balance shifts as Cass discovers her purpose
Schwab excels at developing this unconventional friendship. The banter between Cass and Jacob flows naturally, punctuated with their numbered “rules of friendship” that add both humor and depth. When Jacob disappears after an argument, we feel Cass’s isolation acutely. Their relationship anchors the story, raising questions about the nature of friendship and what we owe those we care about.
The Captivating World of the Veil
One of Schwab’s greatest strengths lies in world-building, and “City of Ghosts” is no exception. The Veil—the realm between the living and the dead—is masterfully constructed. Unlike other fictional ghost worlds that can feel arbitrary, the Veil operates with consistent internal logic:
It’s accessible only to those who have had near-death experiences
It’s unique to each ghost, reflecting their memories or moment of death
It carries physical sensations (cold for Cassidy, reflecting her drowning)
It has rules that govern how long a living person can stay
Mirrors show ghosts their true nature, trapping them in self-recognition
The Veil isn’t just spooky window dressing; it’s intricate and thoughtfully designed. Schwab reveals its complexities gradually through Cassidy’s experiences, avoiding clunky exposition. The concept of the Veil also serves as a perfect metaphor for the liminal space between childhood and adolescence that Cassidy occupies.
Narrative Strengths and Weaknesses
Schwab’s prose is accessible without being simplistic, striking a balance that makes “City of Ghosts” appealing across age groups. Her descriptions of Edinburgh are particularly evocative, painting vivid pictures of the city’s haunted locations. The book’s pacing accelerates as it progresses, building to a climactic confrontation with the Raven in Red that delivers both thrills and emotional resonance.
However, the novel isn’t without flaws. The introduction of Lara Chowdhury—another character who can cross the Veil—happens somewhat abruptly, and her role as ghost hunter and reluctant mentor feels slightly underdeveloped. Though she provides necessary exposition and adds complexity to the ghost-hunting mythos, her character sometimes serves more as a plot device than a fully realized individual.
Additionally, while Cassidy’s parents (authors of paranormal books who ironically can’t see ghosts) provide an interesting dynamic, they fade into the background as the plot intensifies. The story might have benefited from more exploration of how Cassidy navigates keeping her abilities secret from them, especially given their profession.
The Heart of the Story: Identity and Purpose
At its core, “City of Ghosts” explores profound questions about identity and purpose. After her near-death experience, Cassidy exists in a unique state—not fully alive in the traditional sense, but certainly not dead. This in-between status mirrors the universal adolescent experience of trying to figure out who you are and where you belong.
When Lara tells Cassidy that their ability to cross the Veil comes with responsibility—specifically, to help ghosts “move on”—it introduces a complex moral dimension to the story. Cassidy must grapple with:
The ethics of deciding which ghosts deserve to stay or move on
Reconciling her role as ghost hunter with her friendship with Jacob
Understanding the price of her second chance at life
Accepting that with extraordinary abilities comes responsibility
These themes elevate “City of Ghosts” beyond a simple ghost story into something more thought-provoking. Schwab doesn’t provide easy answers, instead allowing readers to contemplate these questions alongside Cassidy.
Setting the Stage for a Series
As the first book in a trilogy, “City of Ghosts” effectively establishes the foundation for future adventures. The conclusion resolves the immediate threat of the Raven in Red while leaving several threads open:
Cassidy’s developing abilities and understanding of the Veil
The implications of her torn and mended life thread
The true nature and history of Jacob
The potential relationship with Lara and the wider community of “in-betweeners”
These elements create natural avenues for exploration in the subsequent books, “Tunnel of Bones” (set in Paris) and “Bridge of Souls” (set in New Orleans). Schwab balances closure with curiosity, satisfying readers while making them eager for more.
Comparisons and Context
Readers familiar with Schwab’s adult and young adult works (such as the “Shades of Magic” series or “Vicious“) will recognize her trademark blend of the ordinary and the supernatural, though “City of Ghosts” is naturally tailored for a younger audience. The book sits comfortably alongside middle-grade classics like Neil Gaiman’s “Coraline” or Jonathan Stroud’s “Lockwood & Co.” series, offering genuine scares that respect rather than talk down to young readers.
Fans of Stranger Things will appreciate the friendship dynamics and supernatural elements, while readers who enjoyed “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” will find similarities in the blend of history and the paranormal. However, Schwab brings her own distinctive voice to this crowded genre.
Final Thoughts: A Compelling Start to a Ghost-Hunting Trilogy
“City of Ghosts” successfully launches the Cassidy Blake series with a story that balances supernatural elements with genuine emotion. While some character relationships could be more fully developed and certain worldbuilding aspects feel rushed, these are minor issues in an otherwise captivating tale.
The book’s strengths lie in:
The authentic friendship between Cassidy and Jacob
The atmospheric portrayal of Edinburgh
The well-crafted rules of the supernatural world
The deeper themes that resonate beyond the ghost story framework
As Cassidy and Jacob prepare to accompany her parents to Paris in “Tunnel of Bones” and later to New Orleans in “Bridge of Souls,” readers will eagerly follow, curious to see how Cassidy’s understanding of her abilities and purpose evolves in these equally haunted locations.
Victoria Schwab has created a ghostly adventure that lingers in the mind long after the final page, much like the spirits that populate her story. “City of Ghosts” proves that middle-grade fiction can be both accessible and profound, offering readers of all ages a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be caught between worlds—both literally and figuratively.
For those seeking a ghost story with heart, “City of Ghosts” delivers a reading experience that is, to borrow from Jacob’s terminology, “corporeally challenging” but spiritually rewarding.