The Library of the Dead

by T L Huchu
The Library of the Dead cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 550
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781250767776
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2021-06-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

The Library of the Dead is a contemporary fantasy novel that follows Ropa, a precocious and cynical teenager who communicates with the dead in modern Edinburgh. Using her unique ability as a ghostalker, she delivers messages from the deceased to the living, a job that seems harmless until she discovers a sinister force bewitching children and draining their vitality. Combining elements of Zimbabwean magic and Scottish folklore, the story explores a shadowy magical underworld beneath the city, featuring occult libraries, magical mentors, and unexpected allies. Author T. L. Huchu, a Zimbabwean living in Scotland, draws on his cultural heritage and personal experiences to weave a narrative rich in supernatural intrigue and cultural syncretism. The novel stands out for its blend of African and Scottish magical traditions, delivering a fast-moving, beautifully written tale that has won the Ilube Nommo Award for Best Novel and become a USA TODAY bestseller. It marks Huchu's genre fiction debut and is the first book in the Edinburgh Nights series.

Reviews
Transfer Orbit · 2022-02-28
enjoyable 4.00

This brisk novel successfully launches a new world and solves a mystery with a strong-headed lead. The pacing is quick, and the story is engaging, making it a great start to a series.

The reviewer commends the book for its ability to quickly establish a rich and intriguing world while also delivering a satisfying mystery. The lead character is noted for their strong personality and determination, which drives the narrative forward. The pacing is praised for being brisk, ensuring that the story remains engaging throughout. The reviewer appreciates how the book sets up a promising series, leaving readers eager for more. The blend of world-building and mystery is particularly well-executed, making it a standout debut.

Quick quotes

    It's a brisk novel that does the double-duty of both launching a world for a series, while also playing out a mystery

    A strong-headed lead character pulls the story together

    The pacing is quick, ensuring an engaging read

SFFWorld · 2021-03-13
enjoyable 4.50

This debut novel is surprisingly good, with a forceful lead character that keeps readers hooked. The story is well-crafted and engaging, making it a standout in the genre.

The reviewer is pleasantly surprised by the quality of this debut novel, highlighting its well-crafted story and engaging narrative. The lead character, Ropa Moyo, is particularly praised for their charisma and strength, which drives the plot forward. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to draw readers in and keep them invested in the story. The mystery and magical elements are well-balanced, creating a compelling read. Overall, the book is seen as a strong debut that sets a high bar for the series.

Quick quotes

    The Library of the Dead is a surprisingly good debut genre novel

    Ropa Moyo is a force of nature that keeps you reading

    A well-crafted story with engaging narrative elements

Grimdark Magazine · 2021-01-19
enjoyable 4.50

This book is an enjoyable dark urban fantasy set in an alternate Edinburgh, praised for its great lead character and vibrant setting. The mystery and magic elements are well-executed, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer highlights the book's ability to create a vivid and immersive alternate Edinburgh, which serves as a perfect backdrop for its dark urban fantasy elements. The lead character is particularly praised for their depth and charisma, making the story engaging from start to finish. The mystery at the heart of the plot is well-crafted, keeping readers hooked. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of magic and realism, which adds a fresh twist to the genre. Overall, it's a highly enjoyable read that stands out for its atmospheric setting and compelling narrative.

Quick quotes

    The Library of the Dead is an enjoyable dark urban fantasy tale that is set in a nicely depicted alternate Edinburgh

    A great lead character and a vibrant setting make this book a standout

    The mystery and magic elements are well-executed, making it a compelling read

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