City of Ghosts

By Victoria Schwab,

Book cover of City of Ghosts

Book description

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn't
like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates
the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits.
Her best friend is even a ghost.

So things are already…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

5 authors picked City of Ghosts as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Most know VE Schwab for her YA Series, though she's also written some exemplary middle-grade books.

Her City of Ghosts series is one of my favorites, mainly because of the relationship between Cassidy and Jacob. I find there are few books for kids with great boy-girl friendships, and this one is made even better by the fact that poor Jacob is dead—or caught into the veil between life and death—or something.

Readers of the three books will learn why and travel deep into the spooky shadows of the most haunted cities in the world. 

From Taylor's list on middle grade series to laugh out-loud.

What could go wrong with having a best friend that is a ghost? Apparently a lot!

This story kept me guessing and wondering what could possibly happen next. This author did an amazing job at giving me a glimpse into what may be on the other side of the living, behind the veil. I felt as if I was walking right alongside Cassidy, the main character, through the book.

I really got lost in this book, and I did not want to put it down.

From Jodee's list on fantasy books from dragons to ghosts.

I found out about this one via Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s monthly reading list, and it was the first version of a more modern Green Knowe book, and it was amazing!

In the meantime I’d forgotten my fascination with ghosty best friends, and this one brought all the others rushing back. And of course, Dennis. Plus it’s set in Edinburgh, a town that has some significance to my father’s family.

Good for reminding you that you can’t know or do everything on your own. 

From Alexandria's list on ghosty best friends.

Ever since her near-death experience, Cassidy has been able to see ghosts. There aren’t too many to worry about in her hometown (other than her best friend, Jacob), but when her ghost-hunter parents take her to Edinburgh, there are suddenly spirits everywhere... and some are old, powerful, and unfriendly. The worldbuilding in this book blew me away—Schwab did such good work establishing the meaning of certain symbols that I gasped in horror at her description of a knotted thread—and the book’s many facts about Edinburgh are educational without feeling dry. Reba Buhr’s voice builds up the tension in all…

Cassidy Blake is a ghost whisperer. She helps troubled spirits find eternal peace. While on vacation in Edinburgh, Scotland, the City of Ghosts, Cassidy encounters the Raven in Red, whose own tragic tale has turned her into a Ghost collector. Her power is undeniable and Cassidy is pulled through the veil and into the in-between. Now a ghost herself, Cassidy needs the help of a rival Ghost Whisperer, Lara. They join forces to save Cassidy and return her to the land of the living, ending the Raven in Red’s reign of terror. 

City of Ghosts reminds readers of the importance…

Want books like City of Ghosts?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 86 books like City of Ghosts.

Browse books like City of Ghosts

Book cover of Ghost Boys
Book cover of Eragon
Book cover of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,502

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Edinburgh Scotland, ghosts, and dragons?

Ghosts 262 books
Dragons 196 books