A Sanctuary of Spirits / A Spectral City Novel Bd.2 (ePub)

What a bone-chilling epilogue. I can still feel the cold showers running down my back. Or is it a ghost walking through me?
It has been quite a while since I read the first book, The Spectral City, of the series. So I had a pretty tough time getting into the story again, getting used to the end of 19th century style of writing - the flowery indirectness - plus refamiliarizing myself with all the characters, alive and dead. It took me about a third of the book to feel like I was part of the world and not a mere observer.
The story's events are deeply connected to what's happened in book 1. Therefore, I'd suggest reading that one first. Many things can be foreseen, they are not much of a surprise. I think the book shines more due to the gothic atmosphere. Ghosts are quite scary on their own but it's their shady intentions and those of the other characters that create doubts and make goosebumps appear.
I adored the love story between Eve and the detective. They are so sweet together without getting cheesy. I'd've liked to read more of the two lovebirds.
Sadly, discrimination against people who are different from what the majority deems to be "normal" is still an issue today. Being a working female, Jewish or muted, these are things some of the characters are struggling with because people make their life difficult by frowning at them or actively putting stones in their way. It made me think and realize that, while there has been made progress, there is still a lot that needs to be done about it.

All in all, this sequel has been a thought-provoking read, full of a chilling atmosphere and heartwarming feelings. Lovers of strong women, ghosts, mystery, a good scare might want to give this series a chance.