What This Book Is About
Ever since she nearly drowned in an icy river, Cassidy Blake has been able to do something no one else can: she can pull back the Veil between the living and the dead and step into the spirit world. Her best friend, Jacob, is a ghost—but a friendly one who has stuck by her side since that day.
When Cassidy's parents—authors of a show called The Inspectors that investigates the world's most haunted places—take her to Edinburgh, Scotland, for their first season, Cassidy discovers that this ancient city is absolutely teeming with spirits. They lurk in the underground vaults, wander the Royal Mile, and haunt the graveyards. But Edinburgh's ghosts are not all harmless. Something dark is pulling Cassidy deeper into the Veil, and she will need all her courage to find her way back.
Victoria Schwab (who also writes adult fantasy as V.E. Schwab) has crafted a story that is spooky without being too scary, thrilling without being violent, and deeply atmospheric. The Edinburgh setting is so vivid that readers feel like they are walking through the city alongside Cassidy.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
A standout choice for B1 readers, especially those who love fantasy and adventure. Here are three reasons.
First, at Lexile 730L it sits at the accessible end of B1, making it ideal for students who have just crossed from A2 into B1 and need a book that builds confidence. The chapters are short, each one ends on a cliffhanger, and the plot moves fast enough that even reluctant readers get hooked.
Second, Edinburgh itself is a character in this book—its history, architecture, and literary heritage are woven into every chapter. For international school students studying English Literature, Edinburgh is a landmark city (home to J.K. Rowling, Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle). Reading this book is cultural enrichment disguised as a ghost story.
Third, the book's themes—facing your fears, loyalty, the line between courage and recklessness—are universal and provide excellent material for book reports and class discussions. It is the first in a trilogy, so students who finish it have two more books waiting.
Reading Level Guide
May be challenging at A2. Build confidence with easier books first.
Perfect difficulty. Challenging enough to grow, accessible enough to enjoy.
A comfortable read at B2. Consider more challenging titles.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
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