City of Ghosts by V. E. Schwab receives acclaim for its captivating blend of spooky adventure and engaging storytelling. Many readers appreciate the atmospheric setting of Edinburgh and the well-developed, relatable protagonist. However, some critics point out that the plot may feel predictable at times and that the story is relatively simplistic. Overall, it's a delightful read for middle-grade audiences.

Fans of V. E. Schwab's City of Ghosts are typically young adults who enjoy supernatural adventures and gripping stories. Comparable to readers of Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, they appreciate eerie but enchanting tales with young protagonists and a touch of the paranormal.

In City of Ghosts by V. E. Schwab, Cassidy Blake, who can see and interact with ghosts after a near-death experience, travels with her ghost-hunting parents to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, she encounters a malevolent spirit called the Raven in Red and meets Lara, another person who can cross the Veil. Together, they navigate the dangers of the spirit world, revealing Cassidy's true purpose and the risks that lie ahead.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Unnerving

- City of Ghosts is V. E. Schwab's first book targeted specifically at a middle-grade audience, marking a departure from her previous works aimed at adults and young adults.
- The novel is set in Edinburgh, Scotland, a city that inspired Schwab due to its rich history and reputation for being one of Europe's most haunted locations.
- V. E. Schwab has stated that the character of Cassidy Blake, the protagonist, is somewhat autobiographical, reflecting Schwab's own fascination with the supernatural and the concept of parallel worlds.

**Cassidy Blake**  
The 12-year-old protagonist who can cross into the spirit realm known as the Veil, finding herself in new and unexpected adventures while grappling with her unique abilities and what they mean for her.

**Jacob**  
Cassidy's best friend and companion, who happens to be a ghost, offering humor and camaraderie despite his own mysterious nature and limitations in the physical world.

**Lara Jayne Chowdhury**  
A fellow ghost hunter with whom Cassidy forms a friendship; she is poised and experienced in navigating the spirit realm, offering guidance and insight into their shared purpose.

**The Raven in Red**  
A spectral villain from Edinburgh folklore, known for her haunting song and nefarious intentions, posing a significant threat to Cassidy as she navigates the Veil.

**Mr. and Mrs. Blake**  
Cassidy's parents, renowned paranormal investigators known as “The Inspecters,” who explore and document ghost stories, supporting Cassidy while remaining unaware of her supernatural adventures.

V. E. Schwab

Middle grade

Novel

Cassidy Blake

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read City of Ghosts | SuperSummary

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Overview

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City of Ghosts Summary and Study Guide

Background

City of Ghosts Background

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chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, “The Inspecters”

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

City of Ghosts Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, “City of Ghosts”

Part 2, Chapters 6-13

City of Ghosts Part 2, Chapters 6-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, “Ghost Hunters”

Part 3, Chapters 14-19

City of Ghosts Part 3, Chapters 14-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, “The Raven in Red” - Part 5, “That’s a Wrap”

Part 4, Chapters 20-26 and Part 5, Chapter 27

City of Ghosts Part 4, Chapters 20-26 and Part 5, Chapter 27 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

City of Ghosts Character Analysis

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Themes

City of Ghosts Themes

Symbols & Motifs

City of Ghosts Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

City of Ghosts Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

City of Ghosts Essay Topics

City of Ghosts

Before You Read

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