Bridge of Souls

I enjoy this series because it is packed full of a lot of action and interesting takes on the paranormal but I really wish Schwab had made the girls older, spaced the books out a little farther apart on a timeline (it's only been like a week this entire series which is insane), and maybe spent a little more time herself in New Orleans before writing an entire book set there.

Major gripe with this book: No way would any parent who cares anything for their child let their twelve-year-old girl walk around by herself this much. I didn't even want to do that in Nola in my 30s. ESPECIALLY after all the trouble she caused them in Scotland and Paris mere DAYS before. Someone needs to call social services.

I enjoyed this end to the trilogy. I saw an interview with the author and she was clear that this was the last installment for these characters, and I felt like she did them justice. I picked up the first two books in this series after a recommendation by Modern Mrs Darcy and read them around Halloween a few years ago. The characters were likeable and the story drew me in for a quick read. This one did not disappoint. The author is very good at giving the reader a sense of place while highlighting the spooky/spectral aspects of that location, and New Orleans was the perfect place for this last book. Of course, now I'm craving a good Cafe du Monde beignet.

I couldn't have asked for a better series! This middle grade paranormal series has given me so much enjoyment. For anyone who knows me, they know that I'm a wimp so this level of creepy was perfect. The writing was spectacular, it had such a strong sense of place, to the point where I felt like I was in New Orleans. This is the last book in the trilogy which saddens me to no end! I would love to see more of these characters, and there is more story that could be told.

From fires to natural disasters, New Orleans has been rebuilt numerous times. And with each tragedy, ghosts have remained caught in the Veil. Everywhere Cassidy steps, the veil pulls, and stepping through provides a confusing mix of past events. But it’s not just the ghosts she has to worry about this time. A harbinger of death has caught onto Cassidy’s trail and seeks to bring her to the other side.

The history and chilling tales of New Orleans come to life as Cassidy and Jacob navigate their way through the French Quarter. Dodging death at every turn and searching for a way to escape the harbinger’s notice. But it has a way of finding Cassidy no matter where she turns. When Lara advises her to find the secret society tied to studying the Veil, readers will begin to learn more about the abilities Cassidy possesses. The information Cassidy gains is fascinating and serves to spin together a larger world picture.

And let’s not forget Victoria Schwab’s ability to fully immerse readers in each moment Cassidy and Jacob experience. The slow creeping dread as Death brushes by, a hair's breadth from reaching Cassidy, or the crippling tragedies Cassidy finds herself reliving in the Veil. Each encounter serves to plunge the reader further into the dark side of New Orleans, and the risks Veil Walkers take each time they crossover.

But it isn't all ghosts and tragedy. Despite all it has faced, the city of New Orleans also embraces life. While there are many high-tension moments strewn throughout Bridge of Souls, there is also a subtle reminder that life goes on. The culture of New Orleans is beautifully woven into the story, from the architecture to the festivals they hold.

Like the previous two novels, I enjoyed every minute of Bridge of Souls. There are just enough creepy elements blended with ghostly history to keep me invested in the story. And the characters are wonderful to follow as they endure ups and downs in their friendships with each new challenge they face.

I liked it. It's a middle grade and it served well for me since I love me some ghost stories but also I'm a wuss. I did think it was better than the second book, but there are some editing things that I wish had been better and the ending was anticlimactic for me. I will be checking out the 4th book in the series though, because i have no doubt there will be one.