She makes a living operating as a ghost stalker, a go between between the dead and the living, utilising her mbira, an ancient African musical instrument, having left school early to provide for and look after her wise and warm Gran, and her younger sister, Izwi. The storyline is dark with its echoes of the Grimm fairytales, alleviated with comic touches of humour, with a brash, bright, cynical, in your face, 14 year old Ropa Moya, our protagonist of Zimbabwean descent, who just oozes charisma, living in a caravan in the Hermiston slums area. It is ruled over by a King, with people greeting each other with the spiel of 'God save the king' and 'Long may he reign', the world building is terrific, the rich descriptions giving us a picture of the desperate poverty, a diverse set of colourful and vibrant characters, probing Edinburgh's criminal and magical underbelly. TL Huchu writes a scintillating beginning to the Edinburgh Nights series, set in a post-catastrophe city which upended peoples lives, with the wealthy going up the East coast after the chaos and anarchy that materialised. Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan/ Tor- Forge for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions. I’m giving my four paranormal, surprising, entertaining, magical, fast pacing, Scottish stars! The conclusion is foreseeable from miles away but the result is still satisfying! So far I had amazing time with creative world building, layered, well crafted characters, impressive concoction of magic and spirits’ universe at the underground life of Edinburg and the blood freezing, claustrophobic atmosphere were hooking elements make you addicted to the story! Her lovely grandma and her sweet, independent, stubborn sister, her clever and intimidating bestie Priya are remarkable supporting character and reading the relationship dynamics between them is also quite fun!Ĭomplex world building makes you questioning your whereabouts: post apocalyptic future or sometime in the past Scotland chose to be at the wrong side of the war and the kingdom is struggling to gather its power to rise from its ashes! She has every trait as a badass heroine, bold, quick witted, sarcastic, smart but also kind hearted, generous. She’s handsomely paid by the families who recently lost the loved ones to connect with them which helps her to make ends meet. Ropa who leaves her life, last chance of getting proper education behind to be a ghosttalker: when they whisper to her, she can hear them to help their unfinished businesses.

Such a splendid story takes place in dreamy Edinburgh, take you to an action packed, mind spinning, riveting journey as magic and spiritual entities waltz at the streets and an occult library with dark secret passages!

The library of the dead huchu