Publishers Weekly
★ 01/31/2022
Returning to a magic-infused contemporary Scotland, the outstanding second urban fantasy in Huchu’s Edinburgh Nights series (after The Library of the Dead) takes heroine Ropa Moyo, who can talk to the dead, on a thrilling new adventure. While struggling to overcome the classist boundaries of the magical world, Ropa accepts a job investigating the curious case of Max Wu, whose odd coma mystifies healers at the private hospital Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments. Alongside a colorful cast, including a friendly fox named River, Ropa uncovers a layered conspiracy involving an ancient secret society and one of Scotland’s most prestigious magic schools, Edinburgh Ordinary School for Boys. Huchu captures a distinctly Scottish vernacular that brings vibrancy and verve to this enthralling, fast-paced adventure. Returning readers will be thrilled to revisit familiar faces and settings, while those new to the series will have no trouble jumping into this fantastic world. Witty, suspenseful, and keenly attuned to real-life socioeconomic hierarchies, this equally entertaining and insightful sophomore outing should keep Huchu’s star on the rise. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
The Library of the Dead is a USA Today Bestseller!
Praise for Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments:
“Witty, suspenseful, and keenly attuned to real-life socioeconomic hierarchies, this equally entertaining and insightful sophomore outing should keep Huchu’s star on the rise.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Everything rides on the shoulders of young Ropa in this post-apocalyptic, near-future Edinburgh where magic, science, and monarchy all hold equal sway. Ropa, at only 14, carries an adult’s burdens and responsibility with equal parts can-do spirit, stubborn energy, and kicking herself and her friends as necessary. This twisted Edinburgh tries its best to keep her down, but she never stops.”—Library Journal, starred review
"Postcatastrophe Edinburgh is full of compelling background characters, villains, and details of everyday life—and Ropa is a delight to read, even as her tumble into danger can turn into a bit of a nailbiter."—Booklist
Praise for the Edinburgh Nights series:
"Alluring, shadowy Edinburgh with its hints of sophisticated academic magic will draw you in, but it’s Ropa—a hard knocks ghostalker on her paranormal grind to pay the rent—who grabs hold. The moment you meet her, you’ll follow wherever she goes." — Olivie Blake, Author of The Atlas Six
“I highly recommend The Library of the Dead.”—Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series
“An absolute delight . . . kept me totally hooked.”—Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library
“A fast-paced, future-set Edinburgh thriller. The Library of the Dead mixes magical mysteries with a streetwise style of writing . . . . Roll on the sequel.”—The Times
“One of the strangest and most compelling fantasy worlds you’ll see all year . . . We can't wait for the next volume.”—SFX
“Contemporary fantasy, at its best, is both escapist and urgent: this does both admirably.”—The Scotsman
“Expertly blending elements of Zimbabwean and Scottish culture, Huchu’s occult thriller is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“What a delight. Great pacing, wonderfully creepy villains, and so much fun!”—A. K. Larkwood, author of The Unspoken Name
“Stupendously engaging.”—Ben Aaronovitch, author of the Rivers of London series
"There’s magic and mystery in these pages, and with a protagonist like Ropa, you’ll be glad you went along for the ride."—BookRiot
Library Journal
★ 03/01/2022
Huchu's (Hairdresser of Harare) second "Edinburgh Nights" novel (following the tumultuous The Library of the Dead) finds ghost talker Ropa Moyu in even deeper trouble. She's broke, unemployed, and indebted to both the Director of the (official) magical society and the leader of the criminal gang that controls Edinburgh. She's been roped into finding the source of a magical ailment affecting young men who went somewhere they shouldn't have via astral projection. Meanwhile, her gran is predicting the end of the world and the society's snobs are relentless in trying to kick her off the tiny foothold she's gained in scientific magic. It's all in a season's work for the intrepid Ropa, however, who is doing everything in her power to learn as much as possible, save whatever she can, and keep her family together—regardless of the cost. VERDICT Everything rides on the shoulders of young Ropa in this post-apocalyptic, near-future Edinburgh where magic, science, and monarchy all hold equal sway. Ropa, at only 14, carries an adult's burdens and responsibility with equal parts can-do spirit, stubborn energy, and kicking herself and her friends as necessary. This twisted Edinburgh tries its best to keep her down, but she never stops.—Marlene Harris
