Ghostlord

by Philip Womack

A child's desperate voice is calling to Meg Lewis from the garden of her new house. As her investigation leads to a knot of deceit, betrayal and cruelty, Meg discovers magical powers of her own. Mysteries why is a shape-shifting vixen following her? And what secrets lie hidden in the Golden Tower? Meg finds herself embroiled in a centuries-old battle that threatens the very balance of the world itself.

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

Reviews

[Eleanor Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting little read, pretty easy going as it was less than 300 pages, but still felt like a lot of story thrown into it. Quite a rapid read for me. I do like the writing style, it’s vivid and evocative and Womack sucks you into the story very quickly. The front cover is also gorgeous, Karen Vaughan’s illustrations are beautiful!

It was a good supernatural/ magical adventure, and the otherworldly tone was set almost immediately. I don’t know if I’m just not used to modern YA novels, or if I’ve been reading longer books for too long, but this felt like the narrative was moving incredibly fast, with hardly any context/ backstory along the way. Is this normal for YA fantasy novels to effectively jump straight in (at about page 60 I was thinking ‘wait, loads has happened already, it’s so fast!’) or is it just this particular one? It also may be that I’m missing vital context due to this being the second book in the Wildlord series, rather than the first (Wildlord), which I’ll probably read next.

I did enjoy how assured the character of Meg is, and all of the magical supernatural characters she meets, but I really struggled to remember who everyone was! Some characters have multiple names/ cross multiple worlds and have various family connections and I felt myself getting lost regularly as to who everyone was and what they were doing. Probably another book for me that requires either my own post it note family tree or a ‘connections map’ at the start of the book.

That being said, it’s a decent supernatural fantasy book and I can imagine if I’d read this in my early teens I would have loved it more, especially if it was my first introduction to the genre. However, as a slightly older reader I felt it didn’t really hit the same and I’ve been left wanting more, a bit confused and feeling unsatisfied by the ending. 3 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kirstyn (readwithkirstyn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ghostlord" by Philip Womack is a captivating young adult novel that seamlessly weaves a wonderful concept with an enchanting writing style. Womack's storytelling prowess is evident as he introduces readers to a mesmerizing world filled with fantasy elements that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. The concept of Ghostlord is both imaginative and thought-provoking, creating a unique reading experience for young adults and fantasy enthusiasts alike. Womack's ability to balance a compelling storyline with a rich writing style makes this novel a standout in the genre. As a reader, I found myself eagerly immersed in the world he created, and I am genuinely excited to explore more of Womack's work, anticipating more literary adventures that showcase his creativity and storytelling prowess.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but i didn’t love it. It took for me a while to engage with the characters and root for them, in fact it wasn’t until around 150 to 200 pages in that i felt something. I came to this book not realising that there was one before it and so I’m not sure if i should have read it first, it seems they are standalones but are linked with the same world. I will read wildlord as i did like the concept of the story and the descriptions of the worlds were well done and i could see them in their own right. There is lots of action, betrayals and secrets uncovered to reveal what is important in friendships and family.

[Gráinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic fantasy follow up that shocks and delights the reader with numerous plot twists and characters to root for. Throughly enjoyed every minute of this book and highly recommend it for fantasy readers young and old.

[Leanne Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I rarely read fantasy, but was kindly sent this book by little island books and I loved it!!
I loved all the twists and turns in it and the revelations. It really opened my eyes up to the world of fantasy!

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can be read as a stand-alone book it doesn't continue from the first book. Had to skip through the last quarter to get through it.

[Claire]

I'm not doing well with books at the moment... another one I just can't get into. I can always try again later.

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from the world of the supernatural Samdhiya built in his previous Wildlord, we enter another chilling, suspenseful chapter gifted to us through wild magic and sinister deeds. An ancient evil seeks to enter our world, and the evil sorcerer in the guise of a young and helpless ghost boy doesn’t care who he has to use; who he must destroy to accomplish his goal. Meg is the perfect unwitting accomplice; absent and ailing father, hard-working, easy-to-fool mother, away from friends and lonely in her new home. She easily falls prey to his ploy and becomes enchanted by the new magical powers at her disposal. But she is also clever, brave and filled with conscience. The story unfolds fluidly. With clear language it follows the plots many twists and turns, coiling from its’ fractured portrait of a disjointed, magical history into a tightly built knot of deceit. Again, it calls into question what we know to be true and demands we look more deeply; ignore the obvious in favour of the hidden. And it is frightening! This is horror-fantasy at its’ very best. Complex, beautifully woven, gripping, unnerving and completely satisfying.