The Ash-Born Boy
by Victoria Schwab (Hyperion Books, 2012) [republished as by V.E. Schwab]; audiobook read by Heather Wilds (Blackstone, 2019)
![Book cover: “The Ash-Born Boy” by Victoria Schwab (Hyperion Books, 2012) [republished as by V.E. Schwab]; audiobook read by Heather Wilds (Blackstone, 2019)](https://www.derelictspacesheep.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Schwab_Ash-Born-Boy.jpg)
A cheerless novelette serving as a companion piece to ‘The Near Witch’ but offering little more than an expansion of a tale told therein. A superstitious prejudice is called out as being unjust, but there is no catharsis beyond the character backstory.
The Near Witch
by Victoria Schwab (Hyperion Books, 2011) [republished as by V.E. Schwab]; audiobook read by Heather Wilds (Blackstone, 2019)
![Book cover: “The Near Witch” by Victoria Schwab (Hyperion Books, 2011) [republished as by V.E. Schwab]; audiobook read by Heather Wilds (Blackstone, 2019)](https://www.derelictspacesheep.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Schwab_Near-Witch.jpg)
A claustrophobic fantasy that paints the evils of superstitious fear (and a pig-headed patriarchy) but which makes a protracted novel out of what should have been a novelette—and then omits the more interesting of the final confrontations. Narrated with bizarre emphases.
Bridge of Souls
by Victoria Schwab (Scholastic, 2021); audiobook read by Reba Buhr (Scholastic Audio, 2021)
A neat conclusion to the Cassidy Blake trilogy. Much of the book’s narrative charm—and a great chunk of each protagonist’s personality—comes from Reba Buhr’s audiobook reading. Through her delivery, Cassidy, Jacob, Lara, and even Cassidy’s ghost-hunting parents become truly memorable.
Tunnel of Bones
by Victoria Schwab (Scholastic, 2019); audiobook read by Reba Buhr (Scholastic Audio, 2019)
On the one hand less enthralling than City of Ghosts, as the premise is already established. On the other it’s refreshing that Schwab doesn’t raise the stakes too much, offering instead a simple continuation. Cassidy’s ignorance of other cultures remains mildly off-putting.
City of Ghosts
by Victoria Schwab (Scholastic, 2018); audiobook read by Reba Buhr (Scholastic Audio, 2018)
A straightforward story that makes a virtue of its simplicity. Cassidy Blake and her ghost friend Jacob are both relatable and likeable, and the threat they face is about right for late middle-grade. Reba Buhr’s audiobook reading really brings out the characterisation.