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Ghostlight
One teen's summer job scaring tourists with ghost stories takes a terrifying turn when he accidentally summons the spirit of a dead girl—and she has demands. . . .
The award-winning author of Airborn delivers a roller-coaster ride of a story about the wakeful and wicked dead.
Rebecca Strand was just sixteen when she and her father fell to their deaths from the top of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse in 1839. Just how they fell—or were they pushed?—remains a mystery. And their ghosts haunt the lighthouse to this day. . . .
Gabe tells this story every day when he gives the ghost tour on Toronto Island. He tries to make it scary enough to satisfy the tourists, but he doesn’t actually believe in ghosts—until he finds himself face to face with Rebecca Strand.
The true story of her death is far more terrifying than any ghost tale Gabe has told. Rebecca reveals that her father was a member of the Order, a secret society devoted to protecting the world from “the wakeful and wicked dead”—malevolent spirits like Viker, the ghost responsible for their deaths. But the Order has disappeared, and Viker’s ghost is growing ever stronger.
Now Gabe and his friends must find a way to stop Viker before they all become lost souls. . . .
The award-winning author of Airborn delivers a roller-coaster ride of a story about the wakeful and wicked dead.
Rebecca Strand was just sixteen when she and her father fell to their deaths from the top of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse in 1839. Just how they fell—or were they pushed?—remains a mystery. And their ghosts haunt the lighthouse to this day. . . .
Gabe tells this story every day when he gives the ghost tour on Toronto Island. He tries to make it scary enough to satisfy the tourists, but he doesn’t actually believe in ghosts—until he finds himself face to face with Rebecca Strand.
The true story of her death is far more terrifying than any ghost tale Gabe has told. Rebecca reveals that her father was a member of the Order, a secret society devoted to protecting the world from “the wakeful and wicked dead”—malevolent spirits like Viker, the ghost responsible for their deaths. But the Order has disappeared, and Viker’s ghost is growing ever stronger.
Now Gabe and his friends must find a way to stop Viker before they all become lost souls. . . .
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
About the author
Kenneth Oppel
79 books2,652 followersI was born in 1967 in Port Alberni, a mill town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia but spent the bulk of my childhood in Victoria, B.C. and on the opposite coast, in Halifax, Nova Scotia...At around twelve I decided I wanted to be a writer (this came after deciding I wanted to be a scientist, and then an architect). I started out writing sci-fi epics (my Star Wars phase) then went on to swords and sorcery tales (my Dungeons and Dragons phase) and then, during the summer holiday when I was fourteen, started on a humorous story about a boy addicted to video games (written, of course, during my video game phase). It turned out to be quite a long story, really a short novel, and I rewrote it the next summer. We had a family friend who knew Roald Dahl - one of my favourite authors - and this friend offered to show Dahl my story. I was paralysed with excitement. I never heard back from Roald Dahl directly, but he read my story, and liked it enough to pass on to his own literary agent. I got a letter from them, saying they wanted to take me on, and try to sell my story. And they did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
October 12, 2022
This was a really touching middle grade ghost adventure, packed with Toronto history and flavor. Perfect listen for the season; James Cribbins was a great narrator, rendering Yuri's Russian accent and dialogue particularly endearing.
Everyone knows I love lighthouses and adding ghosts is always a recipe for success.
Gabe is a young, wannabe chef who is confusedly grieving his father's death while working at a lighthouse giving ghost tours. His friend Yuri, a Russian immigrant who's a genius at tech and gadgets, and Callie, a ghost and history researcher, join Gabe and ghost Rebecca to stop an evil ghost whose power grows daily.
I loved the lore in this. The light of the lighthouse having secret handles to be used like a bazooka against ghosts? Ghosts consuming others to grow in size and power like No-Face in Spirited Away? Add in plenty of references to Land Acknowledgements and Toronto's settler history and I was hooked the whole time.
There was a real Stranger Things / Scooby gang ghostbusting vibe to the story, which we know I love. There was also a melancholic and realistic aspect when it came to letting the various good ghosts in Gabe's life move on. Overall a touching inclusion in my Halloween reads.
Everyone knows I love lighthouses and adding ghosts is always a recipe for success.
Gabe is a young, wannabe chef who is confusedly grieving his father's death while working at a lighthouse giving ghost tours. His friend Yuri, a Russian immigrant who's a genius at tech and gadgets, and Callie, a ghost and history researcher, join Gabe and ghost Rebecca to stop an evil ghost whose power grows daily.
I loved the lore in this. The light of the lighthouse having secret handles to be used like a bazooka against ghosts? Ghosts consuming others to grow in size and power like No-Face in Spirited Away? Add in plenty of references to Land Acknowledgements and Toronto's settler history and I was hooked the whole time.
There was a real Stranger Things / Scooby gang ghostbusting vibe to the story, which we know I love. There was also a melancholic and realistic aspect when it came to letting the various good ghosts in Gabe's life move on. Overall a touching inclusion in my Halloween reads.
September 11, 2022
Wowza! I definitely need to read all the other books I have by this author now, because this was PHENOMENAL. I read the last almost 50% in 1 sitting. Could not put it down. I loved how the opening chapter introduced us to Rebecca strand, her father, the lighthouse, etc. & the events of that night in the early 1800’s. That part alone hooked me, & connected me to Rebecca. Then you have our MC Gabe. He lost his dad not that long ago, & he’s still angry-angry in his grief yes, but also angry at his dad for the way he was before he died. I completely related to that, & I was lucky enough to tell my dad I forgave him, & ask for his forgiveness for the way I acted as an adult(I stayed angry a very long time basically)a few months before he got sick & passed.
Anyway, he’s just a great kid, & a great MC. Gabe’s connection to Rebecca was so touching & beautiful. I also loved his best friend Yuri, as well as their new friend Callie. Yuri has my heart though. I love the way he speaks! He really does sound like a proper gentleman from a hundred or so years ago. He moved here from Russia with his family when he was 12, so he still has a thick accent, & doesn’t use a lot of contractions. His dad is having a hard time with the language & getting certified in Canada as well, so there’s so much some kids will be able to relate to with his character too. He’s also so logical(to a fault lol until his 1st ghost experience lol), kind, & brilliant! He can fix or creat almost anything involving motors, technology, etc. However, if GABE even looks at a machine or electronic….it breaks lol There’s someone who has to show him how to use a computer in here,…& because of who it is..poor Gabe lol Callie is an amazing writer & researcher, & has a ghost blog. Love her. All 3 are so kind, brave, smart, & loyal. They make the best team.
All their allies they make along the way were so fascinating & amazing as well. There were some ghosts & history I looked up to see if were based from real Canadian people/history. A few examples:George Brown’s character was, & I even found the story about William Ward..I love what the author did for his character. Mississaugas were another. In the acknowledgements the author says(thanking), “Bernadette Coren for relating details of her mother's childhood Anglo-Indian experience; and Darin P. Wybenga, Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, for being an authenticity reader for Ghostlight.” So I definitely learned some things about Canadian history, that in turn made me look up more info, & learn even MORE lol. I always love that.
The whole story behind Viker, the Order, Rebecca & her dad, the Ghostlight(everything about it, including the journey), & the “purple” light(don’t want to spoil), were all so gripping. So imaginative, detailed writing. Besides the 1st chapter, it’s not historical fiction. But because of the connection to the past(the events that happened, the ghosts & their stories), there’s this historical FEEL woven into our world, & I loved that. The ending was soooooooooo good! Absolutely loved. It left the possibility for a sequel-PLEASE LET THERE BE MORE! Lol This came out last week, & I highly recommend. STUNNING cover by Robert Frank Hunter as well.💜
Anyway, he’s just a great kid, & a great MC. Gabe’s connection to Rebecca was so touching & beautiful. I also loved his best friend Yuri, as well as their new friend Callie. Yuri has my heart though. I love the way he speaks! He really does sound like a proper gentleman from a hundred or so years ago. He moved here from Russia with his family when he was 12, so he still has a thick accent, & doesn’t use a lot of contractions. His dad is having a hard time with the language & getting certified in Canada as well, so there’s so much some kids will be able to relate to with his character too. He’s also so logical(to a fault lol until his 1st ghost experience lol), kind, & brilliant! He can fix or creat almost anything involving motors, technology, etc. However, if GABE even looks at a machine or electronic….it breaks lol There’s someone who has to show him how to use a computer in here,…& because of who it is..poor Gabe lol Callie is an amazing writer & researcher, & has a ghost blog. Love her. All 3 are so kind, brave, smart, & loyal. They make the best team.
All their allies they make along the way were so fascinating & amazing as well. There were some ghosts & history I looked up to see if were based from real Canadian people/history. A few examples:George Brown’s character was, & I even found the story about William Ward..I love what the author did for his character. Mississaugas were another. In the acknowledgements the author says(thanking), “Bernadette Coren for relating details of her mother's childhood Anglo-Indian experience; and Darin P. Wybenga, Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, for being an authenticity reader for Ghostlight.” So I definitely learned some things about Canadian history, that in turn made me look up more info, & learn even MORE lol. I always love that.
The whole story behind Viker, the Order, Rebecca & her dad, the Ghostlight(everything about it, including the journey), & the “purple” light(don’t want to spoil), were all so gripping. So imaginative, detailed writing. Besides the 1st chapter, it’s not historical fiction. But because of the connection to the past(the events that happened, the ghosts & their stories), there’s this historical FEEL woven into our world, & I loved that. The ending was soooooooooo good! Absolutely loved. It left the possibility for a sequel-PLEASE LET THERE BE MORE! Lol This came out last week, & I highly recommend. STUNNING cover by Robert Frank Hunter as well.💜
October 25, 2022
4.5 stars.
Kenneth Oppel has long been great at combining fast action with compelling characters; "Ghostlight" is no different. With an intriguing prologue set in 1839, Oppel sets up the story stakes quickly, telling us of a secret order of protectors stationed at harbours and coastlines, who destroy malevolent ghosts using ghostlights, before introducing us to his contemporary characters.
In 1839, Rebecca Strand discovers her father has been a member of this Order for years, and she gets her dangerous introduction that same night at Toronto Island. Unfortunately, it's also the last thing she and her father do, as they're found dead the next day at the base of the lighthouse they live in.
Rebecca's and her father's mysterious deaths feature in young Gabe's regular Island Ghost Tour. He's working on Toronto Island at the amusement part for the summer, and meets a girl on his latest tour who blogs about history and ghosts. We soon meet Yuri, Gabe's friend, who also works at the amusement park. These three young people come together, after Gabe inadvertently raises Rebecca's ghost, to fight off the evil ghost,. Viker, responsible for Rebecca's and her father's deaths years earlier.
Gabe is a sympathetic character: he wants to be a chef, is conflicted about his grief for his absent and now dead father, is dangerous to anything mechanical, and is kind. Callie, deeply interested in history, wants to be a journalist, and has a connection to the Strand family. Yuri is a Russian immigrant, is a mechanical genius, and is quietly funny. I loved how the three, actually four (Rebecca's ghost), came together to figure out ways to vanquish Viker, while learning more about the history of Toronto and the Island.
This fun, ghostbusting story had plenty of action, but also lots of heart as we learn more about Gabe's feelings for his dad, Callie's strong desire to make a different career choice than one supported by her family, and Yuri fears that his father wants to move the family back to Russia because his dad can't secure accreditation fort his Russian education and experience (a common problem for Canadian immigrants in a number of fields). I loved all the historical details Oppel integrated into this story, adding depth and context to this action-packed, occasionally poignant, funny, and spooky story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Kenneth Oppel has long been great at combining fast action with compelling characters; "Ghostlight" is no different. With an intriguing prologue set in 1839, Oppel sets up the story stakes quickly, telling us of a secret order of protectors stationed at harbours and coastlines, who destroy malevolent ghosts using ghostlights, before introducing us to his contemporary characters.
In 1839, Rebecca Strand discovers her father has been a member of this Order for years, and she gets her dangerous introduction that same night at Toronto Island. Unfortunately, it's also the last thing she and her father do, as they're found dead the next day at the base of the lighthouse they live in.
Rebecca's and her father's mysterious deaths feature in young Gabe's regular Island Ghost Tour. He's working on Toronto Island at the amusement part for the summer, and meets a girl on his latest tour who blogs about history and ghosts. We soon meet Yuri, Gabe's friend, who also works at the amusement park. These three young people come together, after Gabe inadvertently raises Rebecca's ghost, to fight off the evil ghost,. Viker, responsible for Rebecca's and her father's deaths years earlier.
Gabe is a sympathetic character: he wants to be a chef, is conflicted about his grief for his absent and now dead father, is dangerous to anything mechanical, and is kind. Callie, deeply interested in history, wants to be a journalist, and has a connection to the Strand family. Yuri is a Russian immigrant, is a mechanical genius, and is quietly funny. I loved how the three, actually four (Rebecca's ghost), came together to figure out ways to vanquish Viker, while learning more about the history of Toronto and the Island.
This fun, ghostbusting story had plenty of action, but also lots of heart as we learn more about Gabe's feelings for his dad, Callie's strong desire to make a different career choice than one supported by her family, and Yuri fears that his father wants to move the family back to Russia because his dad can't secure accreditation fort his Russian education and experience (a common problem for Canadian immigrants in a number of fields). I loved all the historical details Oppel integrated into this story, adding depth and context to this action-packed, occasionally poignant, funny, and spooky story.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
September 27, 2022
Ghostlight is a mildly spooky middle grade novel that dragged a little too much in the middle for me to have really gotten sucked in. I loved the setting (Oppel does a great job of painting a picture of Toronto, and many of the places mentioned I ended up googling to get a really clear picture in my head). I also liked most of the characters, though Yuri was a real standout for me.
Unfortunately, the book felt too long to be a successful read for many middle schoolers. The action occasionally felt repetitive, and some of the chapters ran on too long to keep the pages turning. I also didn't love that the main characters ages being 16 in a book marketed towards middle schoolers, although this might be personal preference as a librarian. There was nothing inappropriate for middle schoolers in the book, but buying books with characters the same age group as patrons is a general rule of thumb that many librarians follow; if only because those books tend to circulate.
Overall, this was a decent read, but I don't know if I'd pick up a sequel.
Unfortunately, the book felt too long to be a successful read for many middle schoolers. The action occasionally felt repetitive, and some of the chapters ran on too long to keep the pages turning. I also didn't love that the main characters ages being 16 in a book marketed towards middle schoolers, although this might be personal preference as a librarian. There was nothing inappropriate for middle schoolers in the book, but buying books with characters the same age group as patrons is a general rule of thumb that many librarians follow; if only because those books tend to circulate.
Overall, this was a decent read, but I don't know if I'd pick up a sequel.
September 28, 2022
This was a fantastic spooky season middle grade fantasy novel. I loved that it was set in and around Toronto and has a group of children fighting against a powerful ghost. Highly recommended and great on audio. Perfect for fans of Ghost squad by Claribel A. Ortega, Halloween Moon by Joseph Fink or the Small spaces series by Katherine Arden.
October 23, 2022
Summer 1839 and 2022/Toronto, Ontario
The story is about ghosts and what keeps them here on Earth. It reminds me of a combination of Stranger Things and Ghostbusters. It should have been fun and exciting, but it wasn't. I got bored fairly quickly. I think this would have been more enjoyable if it was shorter. The characters were okay. No one stood out. The history of the area was the best part of the story.
The story is about ghosts and what keeps them here on Earth. It reminds me of a combination of Stranger Things and Ghostbusters. It should have been fun and exciting, but it wasn't. I got bored fairly quickly. I think this would have been more enjoyable if it was shorter. The characters were okay. No one stood out. The history of the area was the best part of the story.
September 8, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC copy of this book.
When offered the opportunity to read Kenneth Oppel's latest book, I jumped at the chance stating I read A N Y T H I N G he writes!
I am not known by friends and family for anything spooky, so many were surprised to hear I was up late reading GHOSTLIGHT, especially with that opening line, "Rebecca Strand was sixteen the first time she saw her father kill a ghost." So yes, I was hooked and managed to overcome my fears to devour (you'll come across that word too in a creepy manner in the story) this phenomenal story, perfect for the onset of the Halloween season.
The captivating opening sentence and opening chapter introduce us to Rebecca Strand and her father in the early 1800s. Her father is more than the Gilbraltar Point Lightkeeper; he is a ghost hunter using a special light hidden until needed to protect and kill ghosts filled with anger. One night desperate, her father calls upon her assistance to be her eyes, and after they destroy ghouls, her father explains. He is a member of the Order "who stands guard over the night, to protect the living from the wakeful and wicked dead." He removes an amber lens called a ghostlight, placing it back into its hiding spot, explaining how it strengthens the beam for powerful ghosts, such as the one they encountered that evening known as Nicholas Viker. Unbeknownst to the two, Viker does not die but comes back in small pieces, grabs and kills her father, and momentarily grasps the Ghostlight that Rebecca used on him before falling off the lighthouse deck and letting it go. A remaining bit in the form of a crooked hand picks Rebecca up, tossing her to her death and ends up by her father.
A brilliant beginning, making me wonder, "Ok, now what?" Enter Gabe, a young teen working as a ghost story tour guide in Toronto, retelling the story of Rebecca Strand, her father and their mysterious death over and over, awakening Rebecca from her slumber. Now awake, Rebecca reaches out to Gabe to convince him to help her free her father and eliminate Nicholas Viker. Gabe is reluctant to believe but eventually does and decides to help. After talking about it with his best friend Yuri, and Callie a ghost blogger related to Rebecca Strand, they are all in. Now they must find Nicholas Viker, who has plans of his own, so they have to defeat Viker to free Rebecca's father and save the city from Viker's sinister plans.
Fans of Oppel's writing will appreciate his latest antagonist, who I think is the scariest he has written to date. Pairing Nicholas Viker with his weaker sidekick Thomas Flynn gave me flashbacks of Goth and Throbb, only far more terrifying. As always, Mr. Oppel develops strong and interesting secondary characters that not only help add another layer to the story but help move the plot along in meaningful ways. With the abundant twists and turns, readers will be wondering what could happen next. Despite all this action, Mr. Oppel effortlessly lays out the details, providing a "Google street view of the story set in Toronto, delivering a clear picture of all the activity. Seamlessly interjecting Canadian history bits and pieces and meeting people from the past without overwhelming the reader is genius and provides a glimpse into our past that can lead to further investigations. Mr. Oppel has done it again, and the ending leaves the possibility of a sequel, yes, please!
Ghostlight is out tomorrow so if you have not already preordered, check your local indie to pick up one for your collection. I look forward to listening to the audiobook version now! For any individuals connected to a middle years classroom, Ghostlight would make a great read-aloud.
Highly recommend.
When offered the opportunity to read Kenneth Oppel's latest book, I jumped at the chance stating I read A N Y T H I N G he writes!
I am not known by friends and family for anything spooky, so many were surprised to hear I was up late reading GHOSTLIGHT, especially with that opening line, "Rebecca Strand was sixteen the first time she saw her father kill a ghost." So yes, I was hooked and managed to overcome my fears to devour (you'll come across that word too in a creepy manner in the story) this phenomenal story, perfect for the onset of the Halloween season.
The captivating opening sentence and opening chapter introduce us to Rebecca Strand and her father in the early 1800s. Her father is more than the Gilbraltar Point Lightkeeper; he is a ghost hunter using a special light hidden until needed to protect and kill ghosts filled with anger. One night desperate, her father calls upon her assistance to be her eyes, and after they destroy ghouls, her father explains. He is a member of the Order "who stands guard over the night, to protect the living from the wakeful and wicked dead." He removes an amber lens called a ghostlight, placing it back into its hiding spot, explaining how it strengthens the beam for powerful ghosts, such as the one they encountered that evening known as Nicholas Viker. Unbeknownst to the two, Viker does not die but comes back in small pieces, grabs and kills her father, and momentarily grasps the Ghostlight that Rebecca used on him before falling off the lighthouse deck and letting it go. A remaining bit in the form of a crooked hand picks Rebecca up, tossing her to her death and ends up by her father.
A brilliant beginning, making me wonder, "Ok, now what?" Enter Gabe, a young teen working as a ghost story tour guide in Toronto, retelling the story of Rebecca Strand, her father and their mysterious death over and over, awakening Rebecca from her slumber. Now awake, Rebecca reaches out to Gabe to convince him to help her free her father and eliminate Nicholas Viker. Gabe is reluctant to believe but eventually does and decides to help. After talking about it with his best friend Yuri, and Callie a ghost blogger related to Rebecca Strand, they are all in. Now they must find Nicholas Viker, who has plans of his own, so they have to defeat Viker to free Rebecca's father and save the city from Viker's sinister plans.
Fans of Oppel's writing will appreciate his latest antagonist, who I think is the scariest he has written to date. Pairing Nicholas Viker with his weaker sidekick Thomas Flynn gave me flashbacks of Goth and Throbb, only far more terrifying. As always, Mr. Oppel develops strong and interesting secondary characters that not only help add another layer to the story but help move the plot along in meaningful ways. With the abundant twists and turns, readers will be wondering what could happen next. Despite all this action, Mr. Oppel effortlessly lays out the details, providing a "Google street view of the story set in Toronto, delivering a clear picture of all the activity. Seamlessly interjecting Canadian history bits and pieces and meeting people from the past without overwhelming the reader is genius and provides a glimpse into our past that can lead to further investigations. Mr. Oppel has done it again, and the ending leaves the possibility of a sequel, yes, please!
Ghostlight is out tomorrow so if you have not already preordered, check your local indie to pick up one for your collection. I look forward to listening to the audiobook version now! For any individuals connected to a middle years classroom, Ghostlight would make a great read-aloud.
Highly recommend.
August 27, 2023
Kenneth Oppel has been a long beloved author for me, and I’ll always buy his books! This one was fun and compelling, combining spooky ghost stories with lots of Toronto flavour and a splash of teenage angst. An enjoyable read, if not a new fave!
November 26, 2022
I don’t read a lot of mystery middle grade but this was good!! A more unique plot line and unique characters. I would put this more toward supernatural vs mystery but it was good.
August 30, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of the September 6th release GHOSTLIGHT.
Kenneth Oppel is one of those authors whose books are always on my must-read list. He has a gift for writing stories that feel unlike anything else I've read, and he straddles the upper-middle grade/YA line in a way that respects the intelligence of young readers without dishing out more than they can handle. His latest novel combines his characteristic creepy style with the paranormal world of ghosts and spirits to give readers a delightfully spooky read about a boy who becomes embroiled in the true story of the deaths of the former residents of a lighthouse where he leads ghost tours. Gabe inadvertently connects with the ghost of the lighthouse keeper's daughter, who wants revenge on the evil spirit who killed her and her father. As this cruel ghost regains his strength and threatens to cause chaos in the present-day, Gabe and his friends must find a way to stop him for good by procuring a ghostlight to eradicate him and the ghosts he's recruiting to help him with his destructive plans.
I loved this story's unexpected twists and turns and the creative world-building that included historical references and Canadian content. I also loved the emotional depth as the characters face grief, loss, anger, family, and friendship. I highly recommend this story for readers in Gr. 5 and older who enjoy fast-paced scary ghost stories.
Kenneth Oppel is one of those authors whose books are always on my must-read list. He has a gift for writing stories that feel unlike anything else I've read, and he straddles the upper-middle grade/YA line in a way that respects the intelligence of young readers without dishing out more than they can handle. His latest novel combines his characteristic creepy style with the paranormal world of ghosts and spirits to give readers a delightfully spooky read about a boy who becomes embroiled in the true story of the deaths of the former residents of a lighthouse where he leads ghost tours. Gabe inadvertently connects with the ghost of the lighthouse keeper's daughter, who wants revenge on the evil spirit who killed her and her father. As this cruel ghost regains his strength and threatens to cause chaos in the present-day, Gabe and his friends must find a way to stop him for good by procuring a ghostlight to eradicate him and the ghosts he's recruiting to help him with his destructive plans.
I loved this story's unexpected twists and turns and the creative world-building that included historical references and Canadian content. I also loved the emotional depth as the characters face grief, loss, anger, family, and friendship. I highly recommend this story for readers in Gr. 5 and older who enjoy fast-paced scary ghost stories.
September 29, 2022
I’m a huge fan of some of Oppel’s previous works, including Silverwing (which I’ve read no less than 5 times) and Bloom. And so it was with great anticipation that I purchased Ghostlight on its release date. And…it’s okay. Oppel didn’t wow me like he has before with this story which is like an amalgam of Harry Potter (two boys, one girl, on an adult-free quest to save the world from evil) and Ghostbusters (complete with machines that shoot ghost-zapping light). The side plot about the main character’s father was predictable from step one, as was pretty much the conclusion. Not Oppel’s best, but the story might appeal to some young readers who like a story with menacing ghosts.
November 19, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Guppy Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The vibes: Adventure, friendship, history (reminding me of Night at the Museum but with historical ghost allies), cozy mystery turning into a higher stakes mystery, an innocent first love (like in Casper the Friendly Ghost) and an epic end battle that gave me some Ghostbusters vibes!
The start of this book was mind blowing and emotional. I had to catch my breath and get over the shock of this amazing start. After that we follow Gabe who lives (with his mom) in Toronto, Canada. As a summer job, he’s a ghost tour guide on Toronto island. Gabe does not believe in ghosts until he accidentally wakes one up and that’s how he meets Rebecca. As a ghost she scares him at first but it doesn’t take long until they become friends and maybe a bit more.. He loves talking to her and she makes him feel less alone. The way she tried communicating with him at first was really inventive and funny.
Rebecca needs help and Gabe and his friends Yuri, who is great with machines, and Callie who is a ghost blogger, decide to help her. This is when the story turns into a cozy mystery with pretty low stakes.
Until a real villain ( a ghost who is part man, part monster) called Nicholas Viker, who is truly evil, causes so much trouble, there was suddenly much more at stake and to solve, and it felt to me that it was too irresponsible at that point, to not ask adults for help. Many innocent people were (possibly) getting hurt or dying. That’s my only issue with this book by the way but as soon as I got over that, I really started enjoying it again. But I would have loved it even more if there was “just” a treath of big danger they had to prevent.
The villain reminded me of No-face from the movie Spirited Away but also of the Maw-Mounth from Naomi Novik’s book A Deadly Education. Combine that with a truly evil, power hungry deceiving ghost of a man and you get Nicholas Viker. A great Villain!
This is a 400+ pages long book but I never felt like it was too long. A cozy and exciting read, a perfect companion for these dark, stormy nights!
The vibes: Adventure, friendship, history (reminding me of Night at the Museum but with historical ghost allies), cozy mystery turning into a higher stakes mystery, an innocent first love (like in Casper the Friendly Ghost) and an epic end battle that gave me some Ghostbusters vibes!
The start of this book was mind blowing and emotional. I had to catch my breath and get over the shock of this amazing start. After that we follow Gabe who lives (with his mom) in Toronto, Canada. As a summer job, he’s a ghost tour guide on Toronto island. Gabe does not believe in ghosts until he accidentally wakes one up and that’s how he meets Rebecca. As a ghost she scares him at first but it doesn’t take long until they become friends and maybe a bit more.. He loves talking to her and she makes him feel less alone. The way she tried communicating with him at first was really inventive and funny.
Rebecca needs help and Gabe and his friends Yuri, who is great with machines, and Callie who is a ghost blogger, decide to help her. This is when the story turns into a cozy mystery with pretty low stakes.
Until a real villain ( a ghost who is part man, part monster) called Nicholas Viker, who is truly evil, causes so much trouble, there was suddenly much more at stake and to solve, and it felt to me that it was too irresponsible at that point, to not ask adults for help. Many innocent people were (possibly) getting hurt or dying. That’s my only issue with this book by the way but as soon as I got over that, I really started enjoying it again. But I would have loved it even more if there was “just” a treath of big danger they had to prevent.
The villain reminded me of No-face from the movie Spirited Away but also of the Maw-Mounth from Naomi Novik’s book A Deadly Education. Combine that with a truly evil, power hungry deceiving ghost of a man and you get Nicholas Viker. A great Villain!
This is a 400+ pages long book but I never felt like it was too long. A cozy and exciting read, a perfect companion for these dark, stormy nights!
March 24, 2024
First of all, I really wanna get one thing clear : even though this book is marked as middle-grade or tweens or whatever, it can absolutelty be enjoyed at whatever age. It is amazingly written, but still easy to read for the younger readers; characters are 16 years old, so not too young for a young adult public to relate, but without heavy romance or make-out scene that could make it too mature for the tweens. Still, in this book you will read about friendship, grief, racial injusticies, types of families... So really, a book that anyone and everyone could enjoy.
Now. For the actual book part. Oppel got me hooked from page 1 and never let me down. Ghostlight was a nearly 400-pages-read that I could have read in one day if I didn't have like, you know, adult responsabilities and stuff. Gabe was easy to like and relate to, and Rebecca and Yuri and Callie were just as fun and charming. I am normally not a big historical-reads type of person, but I really enjoyed how historical details would pop here and there in Ghostlight. Really helped me to "feel" the book, if I can say it like that. As I said earlier, Oppel's way of writting is just beautiful, with just enough details so you can really picture the action and the décor. I felt as if I was living the story with the characters, and again, even though it is a "middle-grade" book, I gotta say some descriptions really got me spooked!
Really, if you're looking for a lighter-but-still-addictive-read, Ghostlight is perfect for all the family!
Now. For the actual book part. Oppel got me hooked from page 1 and never let me down. Ghostlight was a nearly 400-pages-read that I could have read in one day if I didn't have like, you know, adult responsabilities and stuff. Gabe was easy to like and relate to, and Rebecca and Yuri and Callie were just as fun and charming. I am normally not a big historical-reads type of person, but I really enjoyed how historical details would pop here and there in Ghostlight. Really helped me to "feel" the book, if I can say it like that. As I said earlier, Oppel's way of writting is just beautiful, with just enough details so you can really picture the action and the décor. I felt as if I was living the story with the characters, and again, even though it is a "middle-grade" book, I gotta say some descriptions really got me spooked!
Really, if you're looking for a lighter-but-still-addictive-read, Ghostlight is perfect for all the family!
November 7, 2022
Kenneth Oppel mixes supernatural with historical - tons of actions.
November 6, 2022
The Past - What Rebecca Strand wants most in the world is to be a lighthouse keeper. She gets her chance one night when her father awakens her and asks for her help. The night ends in tragedy, but that is not the end of Rebecca's story.
Present - Gabe gives ghost tours of a lighthouse at an amusement park in Canada. His best friend Yuri is a mechanical and technological genius, and they meet a new friend named Callie who is writing about the ghosts of the lighthouse and wants to be a journalist. None of them really believe in ghosts, but when Rebecca unexpectedly appears to Gabe asking for his help, the three friends, and their ghostly companion band together to solve a mystery and destroy an old evil.
Overall, this book was good. The story of the ghosts, not only Rebecca and Nicholas, but also the other ghosts we meet along the way were interesting. Also, the concept of the ghost light itself was really creative. Rebecca was a wonderful character, one of my favorites in the book, along with Yuri. She was spunky and brave and funny. I did find it a little odd though how quickly she picked up modern things like texting and using a computer, for being 200 years old.
Two things about this book bothered me. First, the mysterious Order. We hear about it a couple of times, but no backstory, no explanation, nothing. It's like it's just a title for some mysterious group that gets tossed around.
Secondly, in the middle the pace of the story drug a bit. It just seemed like we were going place to place looking for the ghostlight with dead end after dead end. The plot needed a little more speed and excitement.
If you like ghost stories though, give it a try, overall it was highly entertaining.
Present - Gabe gives ghost tours of a lighthouse at an amusement park in Canada. His best friend Yuri is a mechanical and technological genius, and they meet a new friend named Callie who is writing about the ghosts of the lighthouse and wants to be a journalist. None of them really believe in ghosts, but when Rebecca unexpectedly appears to Gabe asking for his help, the three friends, and their ghostly companion band together to solve a mystery and destroy an old evil.
Overall, this book was good. The story of the ghosts, not only Rebecca and Nicholas, but also the other ghosts we meet along the way were interesting. Also, the concept of the ghost light itself was really creative. Rebecca was a wonderful character, one of my favorites in the book, along with Yuri. She was spunky and brave and funny. I did find it a little odd though how quickly she picked up modern things like texting and using a computer, for being 200 years old.
Two things about this book bothered me. First, the mysterious Order. We hear about it a couple of times, but no backstory, no explanation, nothing. It's like it's just a title for some mysterious group that gets tossed around.
Secondly, in the middle the pace of the story drug a bit. It just seemed like we were going place to place looking for the ghostlight with dead end after dead end. The plot needed a little more speed and excitement.
If you like ghost stories though, give it a try, overall it was highly entertaining.
September 10, 2022
When I saw the tour for Ghostlight by Kenneth Oppel I was already feeling the need for that MG spookiness and wanted to read as many as I could during September and October.
When I began reading Chapter One I was like this is GOOD it could be a 5 star read but sadly I was having trouble with some of the Chapters which were a bit long and kept on putting me off and out of the story. Then the next chapter was short which really helped the momentum of the story. I did like the main characters of Gabe, Yuri, Callie, Rebecca and Toronto. Yes I know Toronto is a place but through Kenneth's writing I got a feel for it.
Idid think Viker was an okay adversary but I wanted to know more about Rebecca when she became a ghost as it seemed to me that it was glossed over . For all these reasons I have given Ghostlight 3 stars
When I began reading Chapter One I was like this is GOOD it could be a 5 star read but sadly I was having trouble with some of the Chapters which were a bit long and kept on putting me off and out of the story. Then the next chapter was short which really helped the momentum of the story. I did like the main characters of Gabe, Yuri, Callie, Rebecca and Toronto. Yes I know Toronto is a place but through Kenneth's writing I got a feel for it.
Idid think Viker was an okay adversary but I wanted to know more about Rebecca when she became a ghost as it seemed to me that it was glossed over . For all these reasons I have given Ghostlight 3 stars
January 12, 2023
Ghostlight by Kenneth Oppel is a middle grade mystery with some horror elements.
This book starts off with a violent murder scene- so definitely for older middle grade readers to young adult. But overall the story was really exciting, and Gabe is a likable lead. I enjoyed the history elements, but the big bad is a vengeful ghost who murders people so just be aware this was more intense than I thought a middle grade novel would be.
This book starts off with a violent murder scene- so definitely for older middle grade readers to young adult. But overall the story was really exciting, and Gabe is a likable lead. I enjoyed the history elements, but the big bad is a vengeful ghost who murders people so just be aware this was more intense than I thought a middle grade novel would be.
July 21, 2023
Rating: 3.7 / 5
I think it's fair to say that this is a charming read, with all of Kenneth Oppel's signature style in it: friendship, adventure, a not-so-direct ending, twists and turns, and loveable characters all along the way. Add to this a dash of local Torontonian history and a setting that I'm familiar with, and you've got a great overall read!
Except...well, I think that maybe setting it so close to home kind of lessened the excitement aspect for me a bit. That, and the fact that I'm an adult now, and therefore middle grade books no longer hold the same thrill for me. Those are the only reasons I can think of for why this felt a bit of a long read by the end, despite it not being the longest book that I've read by Kenneth Oppel. But...I don't know, there's just something about the Airborn series and The Boundless--all of which have a place on my favourites shelf, that appealed to me more.
Maybe, it really is the setting, and that I feel more danger in a historical setting for kids in danger, whether it be up on an airship being attached by pilots or running atop a moving train and being chased by treasure hunters. Even though Gabe, his best friend Yuri, his new friend Callie, and his ghost friend Rebecca are up against supernatural forces in this book, there's just something about modern-day Toronto that I can't wrap my head around as being dangerous, and especially not at Centre Island.
So...yeah, this is still a great read in all that it consists of and I like it overall; I just didn't enjoy it as much as other things I've read by this author. Would definitely recommend checking it out, especially if you want to inspire middle grade kids to take an interest in history and treat it like a treasure hunt--I guarantee that it's great for that!
I think it's fair to say that this is a charming read, with all of Kenneth Oppel's signature style in it: friendship, adventure, a not-so-direct ending, twists and turns, and loveable characters all along the way. Add to this a dash of local Torontonian history and a setting that I'm familiar with, and you've got a great overall read!
Except...well, I think that maybe setting it so close to home kind of lessened the excitement aspect for me a bit. That, and the fact that I'm an adult now, and therefore middle grade books no longer hold the same thrill for me. Those are the only reasons I can think of for why this felt a bit of a long read by the end, despite it not being the longest book that I've read by Kenneth Oppel. But...I don't know, there's just something about the Airborn series and The Boundless--all of which have a place on my favourites shelf, that appealed to me more.
Maybe, it really is the setting, and that I feel more danger in a historical setting for kids in danger, whether it be up on an airship being attached by pilots or running atop a moving train and being chased by treasure hunters. Even though Gabe, his best friend Yuri, his new friend Callie, and his ghost friend Rebecca are up against supernatural forces in this book, there's just something about modern-day Toronto that I can't wrap my head around as being dangerous, and especially not at Centre Island.
So...yeah, this is still a great read in all that it consists of and I like it overall; I just didn't enjoy it as much as other things I've read by this author. Would definitely recommend checking it out, especially if you want to inspire middle grade kids to take an interest in history and treat it like a treasure hunt--I guarantee that it's great for that!
June 27, 2022
Read this review on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This was a book that my daughter was super excited to read. I will note that this was not an easy book for an 8 year old to read on her own, so we read it together.
Gabe is working a summer job as a tour guide at a “haunted” lighthouse. called the Gibralter Point Lighthouse. The story goes that the lighthouse keeper, Keeper Strand, and his teenage daughter Rebecca, fell off the catwalk around the lightroom one night while tending the light, and died. The myth suggests they were murdered and that the daughter haunts the lighthouse to this day. Gabe hams it up a bit to keep the tourists engaged. By all accounts he does a good job, and the tourists all leave satisfactorily spooked. One day, there’s a girl there who wants to speak with him after the tour. Her name is Callie and she writes about haunted locations. Turns out she wants to see the Gibralter Point Lighthouse specifically, because she’s related to Rebecca Strand. She and Gabe meet up with his best friend Yuri and grab some lunch.
Throughout all of his ghost tours of the Lighthouse, Gabe used Rebecca Strand’s name so often, he woke Rebecca’s ghost. She was able to talk to him about what really happened, and how a ghost named Nicholas Viker is the one who pushed them off the lighthouse. She and her father didn’t fall. They were murdered by a ghost. And about how lighthouse keepers were part of a secret society where the light from the lighthouse kept ghosts away from the cities. Most importantly, some keepers even had a special amber lens called a ghostlight. Like the bright lighthouse beam, it could kill ghosts, even those that had consumed other ghosts to strengthen themselves, but the true power is that the lens frees the ghosts inside. But her father’s ghostlight is missing and Rebecca needs Gabe’s help to find it and to defeat Viker, thus freeing her father whom Viker had eaten.
There is a lot going on in this story and I feel the author vividly and intriguingly described everything so well, that as I read it aloud to my daughter, we were both able to easily visualize everything. Viker is a scary guy, and his form has become warped after centuries of consuming other ghosts for energy. I was worried this would be too scary for my 8 year old but she was super into it! Watching Callie, Yuri, and Gabe form a friendship, and then a team, was great. Rebecca Strand joined their group and fit in easily, creating one very smart ghostlight hunting team. They worked well together, got into scrapes, and pulled off some interesting capers. They had to hunt through the history of the island, of different buildings, old families, and other lighthouse keepers…it was very exciting.
My daughter and I were kept on the edge of our seats constantly, and she never wanted to stop reading.
I hope this is the beginning of a series, because something about that ending has me wanting more…
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
This was a book that my daughter was super excited to read. I will note that this was not an easy book for an 8 year old to read on her own, so we read it together.
Gabe is working a summer job as a tour guide at a “haunted” lighthouse. called the Gibralter Point Lighthouse. The story goes that the lighthouse keeper, Keeper Strand, and his teenage daughter Rebecca, fell off the catwalk around the lightroom one night while tending the light, and died. The myth suggests they were murdered and that the daughter haunts the lighthouse to this day. Gabe hams it up a bit to keep the tourists engaged. By all accounts he does a good job, and the tourists all leave satisfactorily spooked. One day, there’s a girl there who wants to speak with him after the tour. Her name is Callie and she writes about haunted locations. Turns out she wants to see the Gibralter Point Lighthouse specifically, because she’s related to Rebecca Strand. She and Gabe meet up with his best friend Yuri and grab some lunch.
Throughout all of his ghost tours of the Lighthouse, Gabe used Rebecca Strand’s name so often, he woke Rebecca’s ghost. She was able to talk to him about what really happened, and how a ghost named Nicholas Viker is the one who pushed them off the lighthouse. She and her father didn’t fall. They were murdered by a ghost. And about how lighthouse keepers were part of a secret society where the light from the lighthouse kept ghosts away from the cities. Most importantly, some keepers even had a special amber lens called a ghostlight. Like the bright lighthouse beam, it could kill ghosts, even those that had consumed other ghosts to strengthen themselves, but the true power is that the lens frees the ghosts inside. But her father’s ghostlight is missing and Rebecca needs Gabe’s help to find it and to defeat Viker, thus freeing her father whom Viker had eaten.
There is a lot going on in this story and I feel the author vividly and intriguingly described everything so well, that as I read it aloud to my daughter, we were both able to easily visualize everything. Viker is a scary guy, and his form has become warped after centuries of consuming other ghosts for energy. I was worried this would be too scary for my 8 year old but she was super into it! Watching Callie, Yuri, and Gabe form a friendship, and then a team, was great. Rebecca Strand joined their group and fit in easily, creating one very smart ghostlight hunting team. They worked well together, got into scrapes, and pulled off some interesting capers. They had to hunt through the history of the island, of different buildings, old families, and other lighthouse keepers…it was very exciting.
My daughter and I were kept on the edge of our seats constantly, and she never wanted to stop reading.
I hope this is the beginning of a series, because something about that ending has me wanting more…
***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley
October 10, 2024
Spooky, action-packed, and epic, this read was a home run!
In this story we follow Gabe, a sixteen year old working as a tour guide for a local lighthouse. He never truly considered the possibility of ghosts until he comes face to face with the spirit of a lightkeeper named Rebecca Strand. As she warns him of a rogue spirit hellbent on chaos and destruction, Gabe and his friends Yuri and Callie must gather their wits if they hope to stop the evil spirit and his plans to topple humanity.
Oppel never disappoints in his writing, and this novel is no exception. I absolutely loved the premise of this story. It had a consistent paranormal element that was unique and well thought out. There were plenty of twists and turns I didn't see coming, and the writing was smooth and easy to follow. There was even a bit of romance and humor in this book that made it a well-rounded experience.
Gabe was a great main character. He has his own demons that he's dealing with, and his personal journey was paired nicely with the paranormal plot of this book. He has a knack for food, and as a fellow foodie I enjoyed all the delicious references. Yuri was a great best friend, and I loved his old school way of talking. Callie is a new addition to their friendship, but she had a distinct personality that made things even more entertaining as things progressed.
I honestly have no complaints. If you enjoy a fast-paced paranormal adventure with great characters, you can't go wrong with this one. Highly recommend.
In this story we follow Gabe, a sixteen year old working as a tour guide for a local lighthouse. He never truly considered the possibility of ghosts until he comes face to face with the spirit of a lightkeeper named Rebecca Strand. As she warns him of a rogue spirit hellbent on chaos and destruction, Gabe and his friends Yuri and Callie must gather their wits if they hope to stop the evil spirit and his plans to topple humanity.
Oppel never disappoints in his writing, and this novel is no exception. I absolutely loved the premise of this story. It had a consistent paranormal element that was unique and well thought out. There were plenty of twists and turns I didn't see coming, and the writing was smooth and easy to follow. There was even a bit of romance and humor in this book that made it a well-rounded experience.
Gabe was a great main character. He has his own demons that he's dealing with, and his personal journey was paired nicely with the paranormal plot of this book. He has a knack for food, and as a fellow foodie I enjoyed all the delicious references. Yuri was a great best friend, and I loved his old school way of talking. Callie is a new addition to their friendship, but she had a distinct personality that made things even more entertaining as things progressed.
I honestly have no complaints. If you enjoy a fast-paced paranormal adventure with great characters, you can't go wrong with this one. Highly recommend.
September 11, 2022
Gabe, a teen on a summer job, tells the same ghost story every day. Fun fact, he doesn’t believe his story for a bit and just hopes to give the tourists a great scare until he meets an actual ghost. A ghost who needs help. Gabe finds himself in a dangerous situation. He has to stop a dangerous ghost with his friends, which is a near impossible task.
What a great spooky ride this was! I immediately liked the story from the start. The first sentence was the best way to start this ghost story, and I know that I’m certainly not the only one thinking like that. “Ghostlight” is not only an amazing middle grade story, but it also talks about some important topics in life that one may or may not encounter at some point. I always like these messages that are displayed in middle grade novels and I wish there would also be some or at least more in adult books.
I also really liked the setting of the story. A lighthouse? And of course the surrounding area. I mean, come on, how great is that? Something refreshing, and of course lighthouses are always great places. The writing style was pretty great as well, and I also managed to read this in one sitting, which I think speaks high volumes. I absolutely should stop gushing about “Ghostlight” but I can’t.
“Ghostlight” is terrifying but the right kind of spooky, I sometimes even forgot that I was reading a middle grade book, so keep that in mind while picking up the book. It may not be meant for every young reader out there.
What a great spooky ride this was! I immediately liked the story from the start. The first sentence was the best way to start this ghost story, and I know that I’m certainly not the only one thinking like that. “Ghostlight” is not only an amazing middle grade story, but it also talks about some important topics in life that one may or may not encounter at some point. I always like these messages that are displayed in middle grade novels and I wish there would also be some or at least more in adult books.
I also really liked the setting of the story. A lighthouse? And of course the surrounding area. I mean, come on, how great is that? Something refreshing, and of course lighthouses are always great places. The writing style was pretty great as well, and I also managed to read this in one sitting, which I think speaks high volumes. I absolutely should stop gushing about “Ghostlight” but I can’t.
“Ghostlight” is terrifying but the right kind of spooky, I sometimes even forgot that I was reading a middle grade book, so keep that in mind while picking up the book. It may not be meant for every young reader out there.
April 1, 2024
This is my first book by this author. I'm happy to say I think I will read more of his work.
This is full of adventure, history and a bit of mystery. The scenery and explorations of the Toronto Islands was an interesting plot point that makes the story work well.
The concepts in this are intriguing, and the adventure is fun at times.
The story does drag slightly in the middle, and I do have to say that this could have been shorter. Although this is marketed as a middle grade book, I don't think that description is accurate, since the main characters are 16. Gabriel's strange attachment to Rebecca is slightly odd, too.
I did really enjoy the indigenous representation in the story. It added more culture, another historical aspect and learning to the reading experience for me.
Reading this actually reminded me a tiny bit of the TV show Ghosts, with all the variations of ghosts of different time periods and locations throughout the story.
*Please note I won a copy of this book via Librarything*
This is full of adventure, history and a bit of mystery. The scenery and explorations of the Toronto Islands was an interesting plot point that makes the story work well.
The concepts in this are intriguing, and the adventure is fun at times.
The story does drag slightly in the middle, and I do have to say that this could have been shorter. Although this is marketed as a middle grade book, I don't think that description is accurate, since the main characters are 16. Gabriel's strange attachment to Rebecca is slightly odd, too.
I did really enjoy the indigenous representation in the story. It added more culture, another historical aspect and learning to the reading experience for me.
Reading this actually reminded me a tiny bit of the TV show Ghosts, with all the variations of ghosts of different time periods and locations throughout the story.
*Please note I won a copy of this book via Librarything*
November 6, 2022
This one really kept me turning the pages! The setting in Toronto was terrific and especially interesting, including the CNN Tower, Toronto island and the Gilbraltar Point Lighthouse. Gabe has a summer job leading the Ghost Tour at the Lighthouse and it is there that meets a lovely 16-year old ghost who met her death at the hands of a cannibal ghost in 1839. Rebecca is lingering in this world to rescue her father from the inside of the monster, Viker and enlists Gabe in the perilous task. Gabe has a wonderfully depicted friendship with two other teens, Callie and budding inventor Yuri whose Russian immigrant status is in jeopardy.
The story is a wild one with plenty of evil hungry ghosts, embedded mysteries and an unusual love story. Terrific fun that resolves in a wild battle at the top of the CNN Tower and a satisfying conclusion. Oppel leaves the squeaky door slightly ajar for a potential sequel.
The story is a wild one with plenty of evil hungry ghosts, embedded mysteries and an unusual love story. Terrific fun that resolves in a wild battle at the top of the CNN Tower and a satisfying conclusion. Oppel leaves the squeaky door slightly ajar for a potential sequel.
August 25, 2022
4.5/5 stars. I was so excited when I heard there was a new book from Kenneth Oppel coming out, As he has long been one of my favourite middle grade authors.
This was a really fun and fast paced read that definitely had the creepy vibe that he does so well for the first 30-50pages or so. Once you got into the story with a bit more context it becomes less scary and there are definitely some parts I chuckled out loud at. Loved the Toronto setting as well as all the historical Cdn figures who made an appearance. The action did get a little repetitive around 2/3 of the way through the book, but it was so fast paced that I didn’t mind all that much.
Loved the ambiguous ending. Will we get a sequel?
This was a really fun and fast paced read that definitely had the creepy vibe that he does so well for the first 30-50pages or so. Once you got into the story with a bit more context it becomes less scary and there are definitely some parts I chuckled out loud at. Loved the Toronto setting as well as all the historical Cdn figures who made an appearance. The action did get a little repetitive around 2/3 of the way through the book, but it was so fast paced that I didn’t mind all that much.
Loved the ambiguous ending. Will we get a sequel?
October 19, 2023
"Ghostlight" by Kenneth Oppel is genuinely engaging. It's not your run-of-the-mill ghost story; it delves into deeper themes, which kept me interested throughout. The pacing is brisk, so there's no chance of losing interest—you'll be flipping pages just to see what happens next.
I found the characters in this book particularly relatable. They're grappling with real-world issues, like family dynamics and emotional struggles, in addition to the haunted setting. The story is about more than mere scares; it actually touches on some heartfelt themes.
That said, the plot does have a tendency to veer towards the predictable. Just when I expected some out-of-the-blue plot twist, the story stayed on a familiar path. It would have been more compelling with a few unexpected turns, hence my 4 out of 5 rating.
Overall, if you're into stories that are not only creepy but also emotionally nuanced, "Ghostlight" should be on your reading list.
I found the characters in this book particularly relatable. They're grappling with real-world issues, like family dynamics and emotional struggles, in addition to the haunted setting. The story is about more than mere scares; it actually touches on some heartfelt themes.
That said, the plot does have a tendency to veer towards the predictable. Just when I expected some out-of-the-blue plot twist, the story stayed on a familiar path. It would have been more compelling with a few unexpected turns, hence my 4 out of 5 rating.
Overall, if you're into stories that are not only creepy but also emotionally nuanced, "Ghostlight" should be on your reading list.
July 3, 2022
Gabe is a teenager who is working at a historic lighthouse in Toronto during the summer, telling ghost stories to tourists. One day though, he accidentally summons a real ghost. She warns him about a dangerous ghost that killed her and her father and who is seeking to gain even more power. Together with his best friend Yuri and his new friend Callie, Gabe must work to stop this ghost before he takes over the world.
This one started out a bit slow but then I really enjoyed it! I loved the story and the creativity here. It was so interesting and a good read for anyone who likes paranormal books.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This one started out a bit slow but then I really enjoyed it! I loved the story and the creativity here. It was so interesting and a good read for anyone who likes paranormal books.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2023
I grew up reading Kenneth Oppel and I've generally enjoyed his books! But how many books about a precocious middle grade boy with a savoir complex helping a manic pixie dream girl-adjacent middle grade girl (representation of the two genders!) on her adventure can you read before it gets old? 😬😬😬
Also there's some weird normalized possessiveness with this boy over a ghost girl... Idk I feel like the whole thing was a hot mess. It seems like this is a controversial opinion!
A lot of people said that this book could be shorter and I agree.
Added 1 star because the author has discovered that Indigenous people exist.
Also there's some weird normalized possessiveness with this boy over a ghost girl... Idk I feel like the whole thing was a hot mess. It seems like this is a controversial opinion!
A lot of people said that this book could be shorter and I agree.
Added 1 star because the author has discovered that Indigenous people exist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
I loved this story! I was pleasantly surprised by just how captivating it was. The opening scenes were perfectly crafted, immediately drawing me in with intrigue and excitement. The hilarious moment when Rebecca first met Gabe had me laughing out loud. Following Gabe, Yuri, and Callie's adventure in their quest for Ghostlight, alongside their ghostly friend and guide, Rebecca, was a thrilling experience. Each twist in their journey was filled with unique challenges and moments of suspense. When they faced off against the formidable Viker and, despite the setback, found their path once more, it was truly inspirational and uplifting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2023
Kenneth Oppel has penned another fast-paced, intriguing novel for young readers! It was tempting to flag this as a series, as I suspect Oppel isn't done with these ghosts!
I rated Ghostlight 4 stars because I know that young sci-fi readers will love this book. Sci-fi or magical realism isn't my preferred genre so I wore out of the longer novel a bit by the end and was glad I was listening to it as an audiobook, as I think it may have been a slog reading a physical copy.
Ghostlight is a 2024 MYRCA Northern Lights (Gr 7-9) nominee, but I feel it is a great book for students in grades 5-7.
I rated Ghostlight 4 stars because I know that young sci-fi readers will love this book. Sci-fi or magical realism isn't my preferred genre so I wore out of the longer novel a bit by the end and was glad I was listening to it as an audiobook, as I think it may have been a slog reading a physical copy.
Ghostlight is a 2024 MYRCA Northern Lights (Gr 7-9) nominee, but I feel it is a great book for students in grades 5-7.
December 9, 2022
Four children, (one of them a ghost) end up in a battle with a monster ghost who's ultimate goal is control over both the worlds of the living and the dead.
This is a little bit ghostbusters and a lot Lockwood & Co. It's chock full of action, chunks of hair raising terror, and a bit of romance. The friendship between them, especially the two boys, is delightful.
I'm hoping there will be a sequel.
This is a little bit ghostbusters and a lot Lockwood & Co. It's chock full of action, chunks of hair raising terror, and a bit of romance. The friendship between them, especially the two boys, is delightful.
I'm hoping there will be a sequel.
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