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The Santiago Files #1
The Library of Souls
Be careful what you check out...
Ever since he could remember Simon Santiago could see and talk to the dead. When his parents are killed in a train accident, he is sent to live with his estranged con man of an uncle. Soon Simon is put on as his uncle's assistant in a Ghost Expelling agency and carries out the hard work for his uncle: getting rid of the ghosts.
Now thirteen with his ability at full maximum Simon is ready to take on bigger tasks with his uncle's booming agency getting more and more calls day by day. When a phone call comes in from a desperate librarian at an infamously haunted library, Simon is all too eager to get to work. But when they arrive at the sprawling mansion of a library, Simon quickly discovers that there's something else haunting the library and its thirst for Simon's soul is dangerously clear from the moment he steps foot into the building.
With the help of one of the young library volunteers and a mute spirit of the library, Simon is determined to find out what is really going on before his soul as well as his uncle's are added to the ever-growing system of The Library of Souls. Will Simon and his new friend make it out alive?
Find out in the brand new Middle-Grade Horror novel from YouTube personality Richard Denney, featuring an array of spooky photographs that will chill you to the bone... if you're not already dead.
Ever since he could remember Simon Santiago could see and talk to the dead. When his parents are killed in a train accident, he is sent to live with his estranged con man of an uncle. Soon Simon is put on as his uncle's assistant in a Ghost Expelling agency and carries out the hard work for his uncle: getting rid of the ghosts.
Now thirteen with his ability at full maximum Simon is ready to take on bigger tasks with his uncle's booming agency getting more and more calls day by day. When a phone call comes in from a desperate librarian at an infamously haunted library, Simon is all too eager to get to work. But when they arrive at the sprawling mansion of a library, Simon quickly discovers that there's something else haunting the library and its thirst for Simon's soul is dangerously clear from the moment he steps foot into the building.
With the help of one of the young library volunteers and a mute spirit of the library, Simon is determined to find out what is really going on before his soul as well as his uncle's are added to the ever-growing system of The Library of Souls. Will Simon and his new friend make it out alive?
Find out in the brand new Middle-Grade Horror novel from YouTube personality Richard Denney, featuring an array of spooky photographs that will chill you to the bone... if you're not already dead.
173 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2017
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September 1, 2017"THE LIBRARY OF SOULS" IS OUT NOW!!! GET YOURSELF A COPY TODAY & GET READY TO BE SPOOKED: https://t.co/2kjyDDG25j
June 26, 2023
کتاب کتابخانه ارواح توسط نشر پرتقال در ژانر فانتزی برای ۱۲+ سال به چاپ رسیده.
من نصف کتاب رو خوندم. داستان بامزه بود ولی یکم زیادی کشدار بود. از طرفی جزئیات کم بود و اتفاق خاصی نمیفتاد درحالیکه ژانر فانتزی میتونه با اسرار و اتفاقات مختلف آدم رو غافگلیر کنه.
پیشنهاد نمیکنم.
من نصف کتاب رو خوندم. داستان بامزه بود ولی یکم زیادی کشدار بود. از طرفی جزئیات کم بود و اتفاق خاصی نمیفتاد درحالیکه ژانر فانتزی میتونه با اسرار و اتفاقات مختلف آدم رو غافگلیر کنه.
پیشنهاد نمیکنم.
October 10, 2017
Loved this! Congrats! Check out my full review on my booktube channel http://youtube.com/peterlikesbooks
September 6, 2022
این کتاب رو وقتی ۱۲ سالم بود خوندم و برای اون زمان خیلی برام جالب و دوست‌داشتنی بود.
واسه کسایی که دیگه بیشتراز ۱۲،۱۳ دارن فکر نکنم زیاد کتاب جذابی باشه
واسه کسایی که دیگه بیشتراز ۱۲،۱۳ دارن فکر نکنم زیاد کتاب جذابی باشه
October 2, 2017
From the beginning I was interested. I quickly got to like Simon Santiago, who is a 13 year old boy who can see and talk to ghosts. Not everyone can but he isn't the only one who can either. He lives with his uncle since his parents died when he was younger and his uncle uses him to get money by getting rid of ghosts for people, though his uncle takes the credit even though he can't see ghosts himself.
Simon is a nice character and I loved hearing his voice. He doesn't exactly have an easy life and he did come across to me as a 13 year old boy, and one with a good heart, albeit one that's hurting. When he finds out there are others like him though, Ghost Talkers, he was glad to know he wasn't as alone as he thought. I can relate to the feeling of finding out there are others like you after thinking for so long it was just you. It's always nice to know one isn't alone after all. I just loved Simon! I related to certain things and got teary, even crying at certain parts, when he was hurting, and for good reason. I also loved the development he went through, even though it is a short book and I would have gladly taken a bit more time with it.
The plot kept me intrigued and while I thought I knew where it was going, I ended up being wrong and got smacked with a plot twist! :D It's always nice when it isn't predictable after all. It was a fast-paced. It's also a short story and I was able to read it in one day and i'm a slow reader. A nice, creepy, short story for when you want a fast creepy read.
4.5 Full review on my blog at Here.
I initially read an ARC in June. The beginning of October I read the finished physical copy and with some slight changes and the pictures have upped my rating from 3.75 to 4.5!
Simon is a nice character and I loved hearing his voice. He doesn't exactly have an easy life and he did come across to me as a 13 year old boy, and one with a good heart, albeit one that's hurting. When he finds out there are others like him though, Ghost Talkers, he was glad to know he wasn't as alone as he thought. I can relate to the feeling of finding out there are others like you after thinking for so long it was just you. It's always nice to know one isn't alone after all. I just loved Simon! I related to certain things and got teary, even crying at certain parts, when he was hurting, and for good reason. I also loved the development he went through, even though it is a short book and I would have gladly taken a bit more time with it.
The plot kept me intrigued and while I thought I knew where it was going, I ended up being wrong and got smacked with a plot twist! :D It's always nice when it isn't predictable after all. It was a fast-paced. It's also a short story and I was able to read it in one day and i'm a slow reader. A nice, creepy, short story for when you want a fast creepy read.
4.5 Full review on my blog at Here.
I initially read an ARC in June. The beginning of October I read the finished physical copy and with some slight changes and the pictures have upped my rating from 3.75 to 4.5!
December 13, 2018
I adored this. I can't wait to read book two <3
June 20, 2017
Hey all, here's a quick breakdown of how I'm reviewing this piece. I'll give a quick summary first that's spoiler-free, mention three things that are "Good" (I'm putting that in quotes because this is all opinion based), mention three things that are "Bad" (Again, opinion based) and then break down how it's going to be scored into three categories (Plot, Character, and Setting.) Let's begin!
|Summary|
Our story is following Thirteen-year-old Simon Santiago. We find almost immediately that he actually lost his parents when he was eight and has since been living with his Uncle Monty, who is less than a stand-up person. Oh, and Simon can speak with Ghosts. Did I mention that? Because it's pretty cool. He and his Uncle are hired to remove the numerous Ghosts that reside in the Childermas Library. That's when things start to get interesting.
|Three "Good" Things|
Pacing - This book is pretty short, the eBook ARC I was fortunate enough to read was 150 pages, so it goes by pretty quickly. Even still, Richard takes the time to slow things down a bit to give the reader, as well as the characters, time to really absorb the information being given to us. That said there are more than enough fast-paced scenes to keep the story interesting and the pages turning. When things really start to hit the fan I just could not stop reading.
Standout Characters - Every main character had some kind of physical descriptor that made them instantly visible in my mind and that made them stand out in a crowd, with the exception of Simon which I found to be a nice touch. This kind of reminded me of a running joke that in any anime ever you can find out which character is the main one just from their haircut. Looking into a classroom and everyone has a plain haircut except the one with a pink afro in the back. That's your main character then, hahaha. But I digress. No one has anime level hair or anything, it was just a pleasant piece that I wanted to mention.
The Inclusion of Quirks - There are a few instances where some character or another will show a quirk or nervous tick of sorts. I think it was an interesting choice to make and implemented well. It was a bit refreshing to see actually, because nervous habits are quite common in daily life, though, they're seldom acknowledged in writing or just completely ignored no matter the age group of the piece.
|Three "Bad" Things|
The Chosen One - A quick note: Middle Grade is the one age group of books where I think having a Chosen One isn't actually a bad thing. That said I always find it a little off-putting so this bit is strictly a personal thing. But yes, our main character is a chosen one. On to the next bullet point!
Darker Side Of Magic - (Being vague to avoid spoilers) There's an instance where needs to perform a spell. In order to do so they need some of their own blood, so they cut their palm to be able to complete the spell. I think that makes a lot of sense, it works with numerous types of magical lore, but I don't really know how I feel about it being in middle-grade stories. I don't read a lot of middle grade and even less recent releases in that group. It might be completely fine because younger readers may be able to completely understand what's going on and can handle more than I give them credit for. So this point definitely has some personal bias in it, just to have full disclosure on why I'm including it here, and this point is not meant to slander in any way.
I Don't Want To Spoil Anything So This Bullet Point Is Getting A Non-descriptive Title - There's a single instance at the very end, during the Epilog which is TOTALLY worth reading, that leads me to believe that this is the first in a series, which would be fantastic because I'd love to read more about Simon and company. They way it's described, however, is a bit quizzical. There's a set of rules established throughout the book and the bit I'm referring to MIGHT, I say again MIGHT, break one of the rules. I can't be certain just yet and can't wait to learn more about these characters to figure it out.
|Ratings|
Plot - 4.5
Character - 4.0
Setting - 3.75
Overall - 4.08
***Please note that I have given this its star rating as a personal rule to never round up to the next star no matter how close to the next star a rating is. Hopefully, half-star ratings can be an eventual option where they'd be applicable.***
|Summary|
Our story is following Thirteen-year-old Simon Santiago. We find almost immediately that he actually lost his parents when he was eight and has since been living with his Uncle Monty, who is less than a stand-up person. Oh, and Simon can speak with Ghosts. Did I mention that? Because it's pretty cool. He and his Uncle are hired to remove the numerous Ghosts that reside in the Childermas Library. That's when things start to get interesting.
|Three "Good" Things|
Pacing - This book is pretty short, the eBook ARC I was fortunate enough to read was 150 pages, so it goes by pretty quickly. Even still, Richard takes the time to slow things down a bit to give the reader, as well as the characters, time to really absorb the information being given to us. That said there are more than enough fast-paced scenes to keep the story interesting and the pages turning. When things really start to hit the fan I just could not stop reading.
Standout Characters - Every main character had some kind of physical descriptor that made them instantly visible in my mind and that made them stand out in a crowd, with the exception of Simon which I found to be a nice touch. This kind of reminded me of a running joke that in any anime ever you can find out which character is the main one just from their haircut. Looking into a classroom and everyone has a plain haircut except the one with a pink afro in the back. That's your main character then, hahaha. But I digress. No one has anime level hair or anything, it was just a pleasant piece that I wanted to mention.
The Inclusion of Quirks - There are a few instances where some character or another will show a quirk or nervous tick of sorts. I think it was an interesting choice to make and implemented well. It was a bit refreshing to see actually, because nervous habits are quite common in daily life, though, they're seldom acknowledged in writing or just completely ignored no matter the age group of the piece.
|Three "Bad" Things|
The Chosen One - A quick note: Middle Grade is the one age group of books where I think having a Chosen One isn't actually a bad thing. That said I always find it a little off-putting so this bit is strictly a personal thing. But yes, our main character is a chosen one. On to the next bullet point!
Darker Side Of Magic - (Being vague to avoid spoilers) There's an instance where needs to perform a spell. In order to do so they need some of their own blood, so they cut their palm to be able to complete the spell. I think that makes a lot of sense, it works with numerous types of magical lore, but I don't really know how I feel about it being in middle-grade stories. I don't read a lot of middle grade and even less recent releases in that group. It might be completely fine because younger readers may be able to completely understand what's going on and can handle more than I give them credit for. So this point definitely has some personal bias in it, just to have full disclosure on why I'm including it here, and this point is not meant to slander in any way.
I Don't Want To Spoil Anything So This Bullet Point Is Getting A Non-descriptive Title - There's a single instance at the very end, during the Epilog which is TOTALLY worth reading, that leads me to believe that this is the first in a series, which would be fantastic because I'd love to read more about Simon and company. They way it's described, however, is a bit quizzical. There's a set of rules established throughout the book and the bit I'm referring to MIGHT, I say again MIGHT, break one of the rules. I can't be certain just yet and can't wait to learn more about these characters to figure it out.
|Ratings|
Plot - 4.5
Character - 4.0
Setting - 3.75
Overall - 4.08
***Please note that I have given this its star rating as a personal rule to never round up to the next star no matter how close to the next star a rating is. Hopefully, half-star ratings can be an eventual option where they'd be applicable.***
April 18, 2018
"Good. Now, something doesn't feel right. The spirits are trying to tell me something, but it's coming in muffled and broken. Who exactly invited you to the library to rid it of these spirits?"
Can I just say, WOW. This may not be his debut novel, but it's the first one I've read from Richard Denney, and I have to say that he wrote this very well! This reads as a middle-grade paranormal suspense novel, (and considering on his YouTube channel, Richard is a huge fan of both paranormal suspense and middle-grade lit, he did both justice combining them here in this book) but it doesn't skimp on the intensity or dark aspects just because it's aimed at a younger target audience!
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (actually, I read about half of it the day I started and just read the last half today, because it's a very quick read) and I am so happy I was able to buy it. Simon as a main character is very authentic, easy to relate to, and we get to see him grow through the duration of this book, short though it may be. The plot is interesting, the suspense is real, and even if you wind up predicting some of the elements of the book's climactic moment, it's delivered well. The flow of the story, the build-up, the climax, and the subsequent conclusion is excellent!
I highly recommend this book, it's worth the read, it's worth your money, especially if you enjoy paranormal [or if you prefer, ghost] stories. I know that I for one, am very much looking forward to the second book in this series.
Can I just say, WOW. This may not be his debut novel, but it's the first one I've read from Richard Denney, and I have to say that he wrote this very well! This reads as a middle-grade paranormal suspense novel, (and considering on his YouTube channel, Richard is a huge fan of both paranormal suspense and middle-grade lit, he did both justice combining them here in this book) but it doesn't skimp on the intensity or dark aspects just because it's aimed at a younger target audience!
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (actually, I read about half of it the day I started and just read the last half today, because it's a very quick read) and I am so happy I was able to buy it. Simon as a main character is very authentic, easy to relate to, and we get to see him grow through the duration of this book, short though it may be. The plot is interesting, the suspense is real, and even if you wind up predicting some of the elements of the book's climactic moment, it's delivered well. The flow of the story, the build-up, the climax, and the subsequent conclusion is excellent!
I highly recommend this book, it's worth the read, it's worth your money, especially if you enjoy paranormal [or if you prefer, ghost] stories. I know that I for one, am very much looking forward to the second book in this series.
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March 12, 2024بهش امتیاز نمیدم با توجه به اینکه این کتاب برای نوجوون ها نوشته شده قطعا نمیتونم منصفانه امتیاز بدم، اما کتاب برای نوجوون ها خوبه داستان بدآموزی یا عقاید عجیب و غریب داخلش نهفته نیست! متن راحت و روانی هم داره!
June 30, 2017
This book deserves way more than 5 stars. I was lucky enough to receive this amazing ARC from Richard Denny himself and I thank him so much for this opportunity. I loved this book so much I can't wait to purchase it so I have my own copy. While reading I just couldn't put it down. some moments I gasped and some moments I got chills and I loooove when books get those reactions out of me. I found myself wishing this book was a movie, it was so vivid and I loved that their were spookie pictures throughout the book. Thank you Richard! 💕📚
August 14, 2020
از اون کتاباست که موقع خوندنش هی یه حسی قلقلکت میده که بشینی بخونیش ببینی تهش چی میشه و چه اتفاقی میوفته😍😁.از اولش هیجانش و ایده داستان و اتفاقاتش جالب بود و کلا دوستش داشتم. تنها چیزی که دوست داشتم توی این کتاب فرق داشته باشه حجمش بود،ای کاش بیشتر بود و داستان رو‌نویسنده یکمی بیشتر کش میداد و اون وسط اتفاقات جالب تری میوفتاد اما در‌کل بدون این هم واسم دوست داشتنی بود و از خوندنش خوشحالم😍🌻⭐.
September 8, 2017
I found out that one of my book tube friends just got his book published so I went and bought it and I could hardly wait for it to arrive. I read it in a couple of days and really quite enjoyed it. There are some really great characters in this story with a really nice twist in the end. You get some creepiness, mystery and little humor too. I am super glad that I bought this.
The story is pretty creepy if you like ghost stories. I have to say that reading about these ghosts kinda made me think of the ghosts that we read about in the HP series. You don't know quite what you are gonna get when you stumble upon each of them. So there was a nice element of surprise which made me happy. Our non ghostly characters are awesome as well. I have to say my favorite is probably Simon. He is a great kid caught up in a mess of mostly angry spooks and demons and he handles it all like a champ.
This is mild enough for middle schoolers, but is also interesting enough for those of us adults who like to dabble in middle grade reads. Great job on the book Richard, I really enjoyed it! There is also a giveaway for this book, so be sure to join in.
The story is pretty creepy if you like ghost stories. I have to say that reading about these ghosts kinda made me think of the ghosts that we read about in the HP series. You don't know quite what you are gonna get when you stumble upon each of them. So there was a nice element of surprise which made me happy. Our non ghostly characters are awesome as well. I have to say my favorite is probably Simon. He is a great kid caught up in a mess of mostly angry spooks and demons and he handles it all like a champ.
This is mild enough for middle schoolers, but is also interesting enough for those of us adults who like to dabble in middle grade reads. Great job on the book Richard, I really enjoyed it! There is also a giveaway for this book, so be sure to join in.
June 17, 2017
Having read a few of Richard's other books, I was excited to get into this book as soon as possible.
I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.
I LOVED the book.
The book was layered with Supernatural elements featuring ghosts, a dash of magic, and creepy mediums. I've been a fan of the Supernatural since I was a kid reading about ghosts, magic and creatures. I have found that with the author's books each is so different but intertwined with the distinct voice he creates within his characters.
I really connected with the main character Simon Santiago, (partly because I love alliteration in character's names) but he was layered with believable conflict, inner and outer circumstances. His feeling obligation to his family duties and pursuing a life away from his uncle all while being a 13 year-old and juggling the craziness he faces at that age.
Another part of the novel I really connected to was from the author, Richard, he scattered photos throughout the novel emphasizing the ghosts and setting, this just added to the magic of the novel, pulling the reader in. A great idea which intertwined the main characters hobby of ghost photography and highlighting the creepy nature of the novel. This not only showcased the brilliance and expanse of the Library, it just reinforced the setting & tone of the novel.
The novel was a super easy read, with a fast pace, layered & dynamic characters, featuring some great twists and interesting back story’s.
A novel which I would love to be turned into a series.
I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.
I LOVED the book.
The book was layered with Supernatural elements featuring ghosts, a dash of magic, and creepy mediums. I've been a fan of the Supernatural since I was a kid reading about ghosts, magic and creatures. I have found that with the author's books each is so different but intertwined with the distinct voice he creates within his characters.
I really connected with the main character Simon Santiago, (partly because I love alliteration in character's names) but he was layered with believable conflict, inner and outer circumstances. His feeling obligation to his family duties and pursuing a life away from his uncle all while being a 13 year-old and juggling the craziness he faces at that age.
Another part of the novel I really connected to was from the author, Richard, he scattered photos throughout the novel emphasizing the ghosts and setting, this just added to the magic of the novel, pulling the reader in. A great idea which intertwined the main characters hobby of ghost photography and highlighting the creepy nature of the novel. This not only showcased the brilliance and expanse of the Library, it just reinforced the setting & tone of the novel.
The novel was a super easy read, with a fast pace, layered & dynamic characters, featuring some great twists and interesting back story’s.
A novel which I would love to be turned into a series.
July 1, 2017
I received this an an E-Arc from the author (which was very nice of him). There's also a review up on my blog, CrankyAutistic.Wordpress, if you want the link to the YouTube channel and the book trailer as well, this is primarily because I haven't figured out how to link things in Goodreads.
This is about a ghost-hunting boy called Simon, who I believe is Spanish and a photographer too, whose parents died tragically and is now living with his ghost-hunting uncle, Monty. The only difference is that Simon can speak to ghosts. One day, Monty and Simon get called in to do an investigation at a heavily haunted library called the library of souls. Simon meets a friend there named Jade to help with the investigating but things are a lot darker than they first seem.
Firstly, I want to say I really liked the writing style. If you read my blog reviews, you'll know that I just really like short and snappy writing styles, I'm not a big fan of that thing some authors do where they drag on parts they don't need to drag on and then write up and finish some really interesting parts super quickly and I feel like this book was more on the quick side but generally had a middle ground.
The friendship between Simon and Jade was really refreshing as it's just nice to read a nice, healthy and happy relationship between two characters who have no intention of developing a romantic relationship and I feel like this helps normalize girl/boy friendships instead of that creepy thing grown ups do where they pair up children.
I also really enjoyed the stories of the characters in the library, who all had interesting tales to share. My only critique of this is that I wish we got a more in depth view of the characters', because I just wanted to know more about them and why they are trapped. There was more I wanted to know as well towards the end of the book that I won't mention now as it's a spoiler but I will say that it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts so I hope that this means there's a book two coming, hopefully? Hint hint.
This book was also filled with photographs that Simon takes on his ghost-hunting expeditions that remind me a lot of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children although I feel they actually connect to the story properly whereas I did not feel that in Peculiar Children, Peculiar Children was more of an action book than a horror and this book is 100% horror. It was a really nice addition, although because I read an Arc version there is artwork that has not been added yet that I can't wait to see in the published edition.
Overall, I give this a four out of five stars and if you really like spooky, almost Scooby-Doo type (but this is not a detective story, it just reminds me a lot of it, the original cartoons were pretty spooky, remember the factory filled with baby doll heads? Yeah) tales then I really recommend this.
This is about a ghost-hunting boy called Simon, who I believe is Spanish and a photographer too, whose parents died tragically and is now living with his ghost-hunting uncle, Monty. The only difference is that Simon can speak to ghosts. One day, Monty and Simon get called in to do an investigation at a heavily haunted library called the library of souls. Simon meets a friend there named Jade to help with the investigating but things are a lot darker than they first seem.
Firstly, I want to say I really liked the writing style. If you read my blog reviews, you'll know that I just really like short and snappy writing styles, I'm not a big fan of that thing some authors do where they drag on parts they don't need to drag on and then write up and finish some really interesting parts super quickly and I feel like this book was more on the quick side but generally had a middle ground.
The friendship between Simon and Jade was really refreshing as it's just nice to read a nice, healthy and happy relationship between two characters who have no intention of developing a romantic relationship and I feel like this helps normalize girl/boy friendships instead of that creepy thing grown ups do where they pair up children.
I also really enjoyed the stories of the characters in the library, who all had interesting tales to share. My only critique of this is that I wish we got a more in depth view of the characters', because I just wanted to know more about them and why they are trapped. There was more I wanted to know as well towards the end of the book that I won't mention now as it's a spoiler but I will say that it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts so I hope that this means there's a book two coming, hopefully? Hint hint.
This book was also filled with photographs that Simon takes on his ghost-hunting expeditions that remind me a lot of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children although I feel they actually connect to the story properly whereas I did not feel that in Peculiar Children, Peculiar Children was more of an action book than a horror and this book is 100% horror. It was a really nice addition, although because I read an Arc version there is artwork that has not been added yet that I can't wait to see in the published edition.
Overall, I give this a four out of five stars and if you really like spooky, almost Scooby-Doo type (but this is not a detective story, it just reminds me a lot of it, the original cartoons were pretty spooky, remember the factory filled with baby doll heads? Yeah) tales then I really recommend this.
September 4, 2017
It was a quick read, indeed perfect for middle grade. Spooky, well paced, the twist was unexpected! I really enjoyed it. Congratulations to Richard for putting all of this together on his own. Great job!
October 7, 2017
I thought I had it all figured out...then the plot zigged...then zagged. Ooh snap! Did *they* really?!
Yes, I'm posting a vague review as to not give away any spoilers. Deal with it.
What I can say is this a cute, fast read. Well written and fast paced, even the wicked characters were likable. You'll understand when you read it.
Can't wait for the next book!
Yes, I'm posting a vague review as to not give away any spoilers. Deal with it.
What I can say is this a cute, fast read. Well written and fast paced, even the wicked characters were likable. You'll understand when you read it.
Can't wait for the next book!
June 7, 2017
This was an incredibly fast read for me (finished in about 2-3 hours) and was actually quite different from what I usually read. I found the story of Simon Santiago to be original and quite spooky when reading at night (although I should admit, I'm the biggest wimp and scare very easily). I really enjoyed the characters and will warn you to brace yourselves for the BIGGEST plot twist to come. Seriously, it will hit you across the face. I thought "The Library of Souls" was a little predictable at first, but my theories were quickly shut down and laid to rest as the action started piling in towards the end of the book.
There was one thing that frustrated me with this read though, and that is the fact that some of the action and writing fell a bit flat. There were times when I would finish reading a section and feel a bit annoyed because I felt that there was still a lot of room left for adding more detail and drawing it out a little bit longer to allow the readers to really get to know and learn more about the characters and their past. At the end of the book, I found myself not really knowing as much as the main character, Simon Santiago, as I would have liked.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, but would have liked there to be a little more, in terms of character and story line development, which is why I give this read 4 stars overall. I really enjoyed the pictures and think they brought the 'spooky level' of this book to a whole other level, especially to wimps like me who can't even watch the corniest of 'horror' movies without getting nightmares.
There was one thing that frustrated me with this read though, and that is the fact that some of the action and writing fell a bit flat. There were times when I would finish reading a section and feel a bit annoyed because I felt that there was still a lot of room left for adding more detail and drawing it out a little bit longer to allow the readers to really get to know and learn more about the characters and their past. At the end of the book, I found myself not really knowing as much as the main character, Simon Santiago, as I would have liked.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, but would have liked there to be a little more, in terms of character and story line development, which is why I give this read 4 stars overall. I really enjoyed the pictures and think they brought the 'spooky level' of this book to a whole other level, especially to wimps like me who can't even watch the corniest of 'horror' movies without getting nightmares.
June 10, 2017
I was one of the lucky ones to recieve an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was my first time reading anything by Richard Denney. I’ve been watching him on Booktube for about a year now. I adore him! He’s opened my up to way more Middle Grade books, which are a guilty pleasure read! I throughly enjoyed this book. It was fun, Spooky, the characters were fun and who’s to complain about a library setting??? Not me!!! I got a Goosebumps book vibe when reading it which was a blast since they are a favorite childhood book.
I adored Simon. I thought he was adorable and wanted to hug him. I love the world that Richard created. Very unique. I honestly can’t think of any middle grade book I’ve read that is even remotely similar.
I did not except that twist towards the end. This book was not predictable at all. Which is very refreshing in a middle grade.
My only complaint is that it ended. I wish we could have had more. More adventures of Simon and his Uncle ghost hunting. Who knows maybe we will get more stories later. All I know is I didn’t want it to end.
I gave it a 4/5 🌟
It comes out August 22, 2017! I can’t wait to have a physical copy for my kids to read and enjoy
I adored Simon. I thought he was adorable and wanted to hug him. I love the world that Richard created. Very unique. I honestly can’t think of any middle grade book I’ve read that is even remotely similar.
I did not except that twist towards the end. This book was not predictable at all. Which is very refreshing in a middle grade.
My only complaint is that it ended. I wish we could have had more. More adventures of Simon and his Uncle ghost hunting. Who knows maybe we will get more stories later. All I know is I didn’t want it to end.
I gave it a 4/5 🌟
It comes out August 22, 2017! I can’t wait to have a physical copy for my kids to read and enjoy
September 5, 2017
I am so angry that I predicted who was the antagonist. I was not sure through the middle of it but I kept thinking that's too easy. The answer is way too easy and I think the book is okay. I honestly had a lot of hope for this book and now I'm just disappointed. However the book is mysterious and spooky that I think if people like creepy books they'll like this.
September 22, 2017
Awesome story! The twist at the end totally took me by surprise. I really hope there will be more books about Simon Santiago in the future.
September 9, 2017
I really enjoyed the book. It was a fast read and good story line. I don't usually read middle grade so for me it was a little hard to get into it because I am use to more detail and more background to characters.
It's a great spooky read for October.
It's a great spooky read for October.
December 3, 2021
کتاب خوبی بود اگر چه گاهی حوصله‌م سر می رفت
احساس میکنم برای خوندن این کتاب زیادی بزرگ شدم. اگر چند سال پیش این کتاب رو خونده بودم برام جذابیت بیشتری داشت و آنقدر کلیشه ای و قابل حدس به نظر نمی رسید
احساس میکنم برای خوندن این کتاب زیادی بزرگ شدم. اگر چند سال پیش این کتاب رو خونده بودم برام جذابیت بیشتری داشت و آنقدر کلیشه ای و قابل حدس به نظر نمی رسید
July 5, 2017
I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book! It was creepy, it kept me guessing, and it takes place in a library (seriously, what's a better setting than a library?!). I found all the characters fascinating, and it had good pacing, not too fast or too slow. Definitely recommend!
October 18, 2021
در ژانر و رده سنی خودش قشنگو جذابه
قلم نویسنده قشنگ بود به خط داستانی و ایده میومد
عکس های که داشت بنظرم جالب کردع بود داستان رو
اما کلا جا داشت بیشتر توصیف کنه و شخصیت هارو بیاره تو داستان و پایانش رو هم کمی متفاوت بنویسه
قلم نویسنده قشنگ بود به خط داستانی و ایده میومد
عکس های که داشت بنظرم جالب کردع بود داستان رو
اما کلا جا داشت بیشتر توصیف کنه و شخصیت هارو بیاره تو داستان و پایانش رو هم کمی متفاوت بنویسه
August 22, 2020
بااینکه جلد دومشو کارناوال شوم اول خوندم ولی خوندن جلد دومش خیلی لذت بخش تر از جلد دومش بود چون هم داستانش بهتر وترسناک تر بود هم پایان غیرمنتظره ای داشت
Read
February 27, 2024.
سایمون سانتیاگو، نوجوان ۱۳ساله، از زمانی که به یاد می‌آورد، می‌توانست ارواح را ببیند و با آن‌ها صحبت کند. زمانی که پدر و مادر سایمون در یک تصادف قطار کشته شدند، او را برای زندگی نزد عمویش فرستادند. عموی سایمون زمانی که متوجه قدرت و مهارت خارق‌العاده‌ی برادرزاده‌اش می‌شود، تصمیم می‌گیرد تا یک آژانس شکار ارواح تاسیس کند. پس از تاسیس این آژانس، سود بسیار زیادی نصیب عموی سایمون می‌شود، با این حال عموی سایمون به‌عنوان سرپرست او، اصلا رفتار خوبی با سایمون ندارد و او را به چشم ابزاری برای کسب درآمد می‌بیند...
این کتاب برای رده سنی زیر بیست سال خوبه و ژانر داستانی، فانتزی و ترسناک برای رده نوجوان و جوانان داره.
۱۴۰۲/۱۲/۹
سایمون سانتیاگو، نوجوان ۱۳ساله، از زمانی که به یاد می‌آورد، می‌توانست ارواح را ببیند و با آن‌ها صحبت کند. زمانی که پدر و مادر سایمون در یک تصادف قطار کشته شدند، او را برای زندگی نزد عمویش فرستادند. عموی سایمون زمانی که متوجه قدرت و مهارت خارق‌العاده‌ی برادرزاده‌اش می‌شود، تصمیم می‌گیرد تا یک آژانس شکار ارواح تاسیس کند. پس از تاسیس این آژانس، سود بسیار زیادی نصیب عموی سایمون می‌شود، با این حال عموی سایمون به‌عنوان سرپرست او، اصلا رفتار خوبی با سایمون ندارد و او را به چشم ابزاری برای کسب درآمد می‌بیند...
این کتاب برای رده سنی زیر بیست سال خوبه و ژانر داستانی، فانتزی و ترسناک برای رده نوجوان و جوانان داره.
۱۴۰۲/۱۲/۹
January 26, 2018
Aside from Dragons, Demons, Devils and the Pantheons of all mythological Deities, Next on my read list is Ghosts, who does not want the slight shivering when something crosses your peripheral in a dark room ,the turning your head back, looking over your shoulder feeling, hair standing on your arms and legs whenever you start reading ghost stories.......................
Well, this was a fun read, although a short, short one, stereotypes abound (well, still do not care much for spoilers, so any of you who want to know what happened, READ!!!), I felt like this was more for the 13+ but not older than 16+ age bracket, story simple and straight-forward, so ummmmm yeah like I mentioned good book to start with, if you are having trouble going back into those thick, thick books, or just looking for something new or fresh!!!!
It did what a good story should do, think, a bit of goosebumps, and finally go and look for more ghosts!!! I will sincerely follow the author's newest story however!!!!
Well, this was a fun read, although a short, short one, stereotypes abound (well, still do not care much for spoilers, so any of you who want to know what happened, READ!!!), I felt like this was more for the 13+ but not older than 16+ age bracket, story simple and straight-forward, so ummmmm yeah like I mentioned good book to start with, if you are having trouble going back into those thick, thick books, or just looking for something new or fresh!!!!
It did what a good story should do, think, a bit of goosebumps, and finally go and look for more ghosts!!! I will sincerely follow the author's newest story however!!!!
September 10, 2017
Spooky, adventurous, edge of your seat awesome. The Library of Souls is classic middle-grade fun. When ghost-talker Simon and his terrible uncle arrive at a notoriously haunted library, they have no idea the kind of job they've taken on. These spirits are dangerous and Simon is the one who has to take care of it. Creepy in all the right ways, fast-paced, and it definitely keeps you on your toes. Highly recommend, for both kids and their grown-ups!
December 13, 2017
so good. I scare easily so this scared me. had to finish it in one sitting to see if all was well in the end. very well written.
June 13, 2017
I requested an E-ARC from the author and he send it to me.
Love the fast pacing of the book, the style (photos included) and the spooky feeling to it.
I wish that it was longer, so I could spend more time with the characters and that it would have more spooky moments and character development.
Didn't saw the ending coming 👏
Love the fast pacing of the book, the style (photos included) and the spooky feeling to it.
I wish that it was longer, so I could spend more time with the characters and that it would have more spooky moments and character development.
Didn't saw the ending coming 👏
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