All Her Ghosts

by Cynthia Prith

Persephone Green doesn’t have a heartbeat. In a country where the dead has eerily lurked among the living for nearly two decades, even she knows its absence is not normal.

In place of her heart, something inhuman stirs, an ancient ocean she discovers twinned in the chest of Sebastian, the charmingly bizarre new student. When they’re together, they attract ghosts like a beacon, and when they kiss, white flowers bloom in the dead, autumn ground.

To exhume the truth, Persephone and Bas travel across the Midwest to the deserted facility where it all began. Pursued across state lines by writhing swarms of ghosts, militant government agents, and—maybe worst of all—her mother, they unspool a tangled web of conspiracies. At its a divine and devastating truth.

Forced to choose between an imperfect life that’s wholly hers or an otherworldly responsibility older than time, the echoes of Persephone's decision will alter the fates of all souls—living and dead—forever.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult Fantasy

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Christina C · Rating 2 out of 5]

All Her Ghosts by Cynthia Prich was an interesting and imaginative read. The premise — a girl who is a ghost living in the human world who then meets a boy like her — is unique and full of potential. I was really drawn in by the concept and excited to see where the story would go.

However, the execution didn’t quite work for me. The plot was often hard to follow, and so much happens in such a short amount of time that it becomes overwhelming. Major events occur without much explanation, and before you can fully process one moment, something else is already happening. I found myself confused at times and struggling to keep up with the storyline.

[Millicent Moon · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐

I don’t usually read paranormal books, but this one sounded promising, so I gave it a try. BIG MISTAKE.

By ten percent in, I already couldn’t stand it.

I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Everything felt rushed and confusing, like the book expected me to magically understand the plot without actually explaining anything.

The main girl doesn’t have a heartbeat (she’s a ghost) but somehow lives in a world of humans, and then she randomly meets a boy just like her, also without a heartbeat (surprise surprise!). That could’ve been interesting, but I didn't even get what deal was between them. Her relationship with her mom is super strained too, and instead of being emotional, it was just irritating.

And then around the 70% mark, the government suddenly starts chasing her?? At that point, I didn't even care anymore. I skimmed through the last 30% just to be done with it.

Overall, this book was rushed, messy, and seriously disappointing. Definitely not for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Wen-yi Lee]

This was so fun! My official blurb:

Thrumming to a mythic beat, Cynthia Prith conjures a genre-bending vision where half the world are ghosts, war is a conspiracy, the weather's out of balance, and the dead kids gotta stick together. A romantic, exhilarating careen to the heart of necro country--Hadestown, meet Lockwood & Co. Welcome to the dying season.

[Kyle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Ghosts surprised me in the best way.

The story starts off very grounded in teenage emotion—angst, grief, and a difficult mother–daughter dynamic—which made it a slower start for me. But once the plot opens up, everything shifts. The growth in this book is intense and beautifully handled, and I quickly found myself completely invested.

Persephone and Sebastian’s relationship is strange, soft, and haunting. Their connection feels otherworldly without losing its emotional realism, and the supernatural elements add such a unique atmosphere to the story. I loved the way ghosts were used not just as horror, but as a symbol of unresolved grief and history.

Bonus points for being a standalone that actually feels complete. The ending wrapped everything up in a way that felt thoughtful, emotional, and satisfying.

If you like moody, genre-bending stories with heart, grief, and just a touch of cosmic horror, I’d definitely recommend this one.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC of All Her Ghosts.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this story was for me. The premise was really interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the history of these ghosts plaguing this world and killing people, but otherwise I think this story was rather flat. The plot jumped around a lot and left a few things unfinished in my eyes.

The main character, Persephone, is irritating. I understand being a teenager is rough, and her circumstances even more so, but I simply could not stand her. Her whole attitude is ‘woe is me’ and ‘I’m not like other girls’, which was annoying. Turns out she really is not like other girls, but still, she could not be redeemed in my eyes. Her romance with Bas was instant and odd, which is later explained but again I was not a fan.

There is no clear explanation as to how exactly Persephone’s mom did what she did, so it leaves a big gap of knowledge in the story. It would’ve been interesting to know the science around that. In the blink of an eye basically, Persephone just knows about her past life and exactly all of her powers? We never got an explanation of the science behind the experiment that brought Persephone and Bas’s souls here, nor how Bas acquired a body. I would’ve liked to know more about her mother - we got a very brief glimpse in the final 2 chapters but it was rushed and incomplete.

Truthfully, the only chapter I enjoyed was the last chapter and that was because there was (somewhat) some closure between Persephone and Chloe. That being said, telling her she was a good mom seemed like a bit much when the rest of the story was Persephone complaining that her mother was a bad mom?

I think a final round of editing would do wonders for this story, especially to fix some of the plot holes.

[p_a_u_l_a · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝑮𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑪𝒚𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒂 𝑷𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉 ✨

a haunting paranormal fantasy filled with ghosts, mystery and mythological secrets

⭐ 3.5 out of 5 stars | paranormal | mysterious | emotional | mythology | supernatural |

| Book Series: Standalone |

[ E BOOK ]

| advance review copy|

---

👻 General Info

All Her Ghosts by Cynthia Pirth is a paranormal YA fantasy that combines ghosts, mythology, mystery and emotional coming of age themes. The story creates a world where ghosts exist alongside humanity, but not everyone can see them, and slowly develops into something much larger involving hidden conspiracies and ancient powers.

👻 Story & Plot (*maybe small spoiler)

The very first sentence immediately hooked me. It was one of those opening lines that instantly makes you curious and gives you the feeling that something strange and fascinating is about to happen.

The story follows Persephone Green, a girl who literally has no heartbeat and who quickly became one of my favorite parts of the book. She has such a fun personality, a sharp humor and actually stands up for herself instead of constantly acting like the world is against her. That alone made her feel refreshing compared to a lot of other YA main characters.

The world itself was honestly so interesting right from the beginning. Ghosts exist openly in society, everyone knows about them, but only some people can actually see them. Then there are things like ghost salt, ghost war bombs and the ability to leave your own body, which made the paranormal aspect feel unique and genuinely exciting. Every few chapters there was another detail that made me even more curious about how this world works.

And then Sebastian appears. Also known as “the boy under the table” because honestly… that introduction was hilarious. From the beginning, he and Persephone had a really fun dynamic together. Sebastian has this protective but playful personality, and I liked that he never completely overtook the story. Instead, he supports Persephone while still allowing her to figure things out herself, especially because he clearly knows more than he lets on.

I also really loved how Persephone handled herself throughout the story. She is confident, funny and emotionally strong without falling into the typical “everyone hates me because I’m different” main character trope. Watching her question everything around her after secrets slowly start getting revealed made her feel very believable and grounded despite all the supernatural chaos around her.

At first, I was completely obsessed with the story. The writing style flowed so effortlessly that I basically flew through the pages. Every new reveal about the ghosts, the wars and the hidden truths made me want to keep reading.

But around the second half, I started struggling a little with the explanations and overall structure of the plot. The story slowly introduces connections to Greek mythology and larger supernatural concepts, but for me the explanations often felt too vague or too quickly brushed over. Especially the connection between Persephone, the ghosts and the larger mythology sometimes felt more hinted at than fully explored.

There were several moments where I genuinely did not know if I had accidentally overlooked important information or if the story itself was simply being too surface level with its explanations. Everything became increasingly chaotic and harder to fully connect together emotionally and logically.

The romance also moved a bit too quickly for me. I liked Persephone and Sebastian together a lot, but when they kissed at around 25%, it felt slightly rushed considering how little time they had actually known each other. Their chemistry was there, but I personally would have loved more buildup beforehand.

The ending did become more exciting again, and some revelations genuinely surprised me, but overall I still felt like the story moved too quickly through its biggest concepts. I think I would have enjoyed the book even more if the mythology and worldbuilding had been explored with more depth and clearer explanations.

Still, despite all my confusion at times, I genuinely enjoyed the reading experience because the atmosphere, characters and writing style kept me emotionally invested the entire time.

👻 Characters

Persephone was definitely my favorite part of the entire book. She is funny, confident, chaotic and emotionally strong without becoming arrogant or self centered. Her humor made so many scenes genuinely entertaining, and I loved how naturally she stood up for herself throughout the story.

Sebastian balanced her perfectly. He has this calm, protective energy while still being playful and mysterious. Their interactions were honestly some of my favorite parts of the book because they felt natural and entertaining together.

Even the side characters, especially Persephone’s mother, managed to leave strong impressions very quickly. And honestly… her mother became unlikeable almost immediately for me.

👻 Writing Style

The writing style was honestly one of the strongest parts of the book for me. It flows incredibly smoothly, making the story very easy to binge read. The humor lands naturally, the dialogue feels modern and engaging, and the emotional scenes work really well.

The only thing that weakened the experience slightly for me was that some explanations surrounding the mythology and larger plot felt too rushed or underdeveloped compared to how ambitious the concepts actually were.

👻 Cover

The cover matches the haunting and mysterious atmosphere of the story perfectly. It immediately gives off paranormal and slightly melancholic vibes while still feeling magical and intriguing.

📌 Pinned Thought

A haunting and highly addictive paranormal fantasy with lovable characters and fascinating ideas, even though the mythology and larger plot became a little too chaotic and underexplained for me towards the end.

💬 Question for the comments

Do you enjoy books that slowly throw you into chaos and mysteries without fully explaining everything immediately, or do you prefer clearer worldbuilding from the start 📖

[Alice Granger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it wasn't for me. There were a few things that disturbed how much I liked the story such as the writing style and inconsistencies.

First, the positives, the concept of the story was super fun and the blurb hooked me instantly. I also enjoyed the part where they ran away and the build up here.

However, I understood about 1/3 of what was going, which was only when the characters were talking without moving. I felt like every time there was some action it was hard to understand where the characters were and what they were doing like the chase car scene in which I had no idea if the characters were in or outside the car. Before the 30% mark I felt like nothing really happened (slow pace), sure she met Bas but for me it was weird how close they got within hours - this is explained later on - and basically half of the book is just a school day - as odd as this one might be. When the main character has the initial class and the teacher is explaining protection against ghosts, she is so frustrated that it's all lies but the reader is simultaneously trying to understand the teacher and to figure out what the main character means. I felt like like first 10% of the book was a guessing game, and while I understand that in fantasy you shouldn't info dump, here the info dump came without any explanation. I kept reading after the 30% mark because I hoped that the pace would pick me and it did, however the abrupt action scenes just messed with my reading, I had to read paragraphs twice to understand what was going on.

In terms of inconsistencies, did the main character never once go into the doctor? She knew what she had to do when the nurse listened to her heart beat. And wasn't just once baby 'resurrected'? Where did Bas come from and how did Cain get involved with him? How did Persephone just unlock all her powers without knowing what they were and how she has them? This is not explained.

Moreover, I felt like the writing was dramatic at times where it didn't need to be. For example, when the mc ran away from school she was acting like she was gaining freedom. Yes, in a way it was, but for me it was overly dramatic.

Finally, I feel like it might be hard for someone with zero mythology knowledge to understand all the god references and what is actually happening between Bas and Persephone because the story offers zero context. The same applies to all electricity mentioned where I was just stuck because it was so hard to imagine what was happening.

Overall, I believe this is a good book with a good concept. I just think I'm not it's target audience since the writing style isn't for me, and based on the other aspects I mentioned. This review is based solely in my opinion and doesn't dictate whether the book is good or bad.

[Em Oh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like it took me way too long to get through, and it shouldn't have.

There are a lot of things that work, in this book, but there's also a lot of things that didn't work for me. For one, it was very, very slow. I dragged myself to this book every time I picked it up, until I reached around 40%. It's way too late in the book for me to get invested and I honestly think that if this hadn't been an ARC, I wouldn't have bothered.

The dialogues felt a little forced too, like the rule of cool took precedence over making the dialogue believable. I don't get emotionally involved if the characters spit one-liner after one-liner.

And on a funnier note, I don't think I've ever seen the word 'callouses' used this many times in a book before. What was it, seven times? Eight? I get it, Bas is more than he seems, but he's a teenager, if you tell me he has callouses, tell me why. Is he an accomplished swordsman (for some reason)? Does he go to the gym and lift every day? Is he a trapeze artist? Is he a talented musician? Given the amount of time callouses were mentioned, there should have been a payoff.

Anyways - that aside, the mystery of who Bas and Persephone were did hook me, but it was a reluctant hook at first. I was curious, but not invested enough because of the sloooooowness of the book and the overused role of cool. But when I made it past the 40% mark, either I got used to it, or the plot had finally picked up enough for me to get properly invested.

The prose is quite pretty too, I have to admit there were a few lines in here that had me going 'damn'. But there's too many of them, and sometimes the beauty of them gets lost in the amount of pretty we have. There's too much purple prose inner monologue - which I guess contributes to the slow-pace of the book.

So yeah, very mixed feelings about this book, which is a shame, because it has really, really good bones.

-
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Digital ARC.

[Lacey Kintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cynthia Prith's mind. The way she crafts stories, wields words, and sets the scene is downright masterful. If you've ever loved the writings of Kelly Andrew and C.G. Drews then you will absolutely love the flowing metaphors and the deep understanding of emotions that will have all those pretty words pulling at your heartstrings. The plot is foreboding, heartbreaking, and still manages to be beautiful even as the horrors close in on the finale.
Persephone's spunk and teenage angst in the first part of the book is charming and endearing. I immediately knew that I would love her. All that initial fire in her personality at the beginning really allows the shift in her to be highlighted as the horrors and upset of the last act unfolds. If she didn't have Bas there with her, weathering the storm alongside her, she'd likely never have made it to the end. Their relationship is so precious. I can easily say that I wish there was more of them being as happy as 'dead kids' can be but I think there's a great skill in an author withholding an excess of fluff when 'just enough' does the job just fine. It's better to be left wanting more than to be wishing that the plot would come back into focus. And in All Her Ghosts the plot is never out of sight. There's the dread of decision and the fear of the end that looms over the romance subplot in a way that compels you to guard your heart as the story races towards the finale.
I loved this book and I will ENDLESSLY recommend it to anyone who loves Hades and Persephone retellings, to anyone who loves masterfully crafted settings, and those who are a sucker beautiful prose. I am so grateful to have been given an ARC copy. I consumed this book in a single day. I just couldn't put it down.

[Sanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Ghosts is a haunting young adult fantasy that blends romance, mystery, and supernatural horror into an emotionally charged story about identity, grief, and destiny. The novel follows Persephone Green, a teenager who discovers that she is far from ordinary—she has no heartbeat, and a mysterious force stirs within her. When she meets Sebastian, another seemingly impossible teen with a similar secret, their connection sets them on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about themselves and the ghost-ridden world around them.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. Prith creates a chilling yet beautiful setting where ghosts are woven into everyday life, giving the story a constant sense of unease and wonder. The relationship between Persephone and Sebastian is compelling, balancing tenderness with mystery as they navigate forces much larger than themselves. The novel also explores themes of loss, family conflict, and the struggle between personal freedom and responsibility.

Prith's prose is vivid and lyrical, adding emotional depth to the story's darker moments. The blend of mythology-inspired elements, supernatural suspense, and coming-of-age struggles makes the novel stand out within the YA fantasy genre. While some readers may find the plot occasionally complex or fast-paced, the story's originality and emotional impact help maintain engagement.

Overall, All Her Ghosts is an imaginative and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy, paranormal romance, and stories that explore the connection between life, death, and the choices that define us. It is a memorable read that lingers long after the final page.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Her Ghosts is a haunting and emotionally resonant read that lingers long after the last page. Cynthia Prith weaves a story that balances psychological tension with deep emotional exploration, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and unsettling.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its atmosphere. The writing is immersive, often quiet and eerie, pulling the reader into a world where the past and present intertwine. The sense of place is strong — whether through physical settings or the emotional landscapes of the characters — and it perfectly complements the story’s ghostly, suspenseful elements.

The characters are complicated and believable, with emotional arcs that feel real and relatable. The protagonist, in particular, is a compelling presence, grappling with grief, memory, and secrets in ways that are both heartbreaking and compelling. The way Prith explores family dynamics, trauma, and the lingering effects of past mistakes is thoughtful and nuanced, making the story resonate on a deeper level.

Where the book loses a little momentum is in its pacing. Some sections are slow and introspective, which can momentarily pull the tension away from the central mystery. While these moments add depth to character development, they slightly disrupted the narrative flow for me.

Overall, All Her Ghosts is a well-crafted, emotionally charged read with a lingering sense of melancholy and mystery. The writing is evocative, the characters memorable, and the story compelling, making it a strong four-star recommendation for anyone who enjoys psychological suspense with emotional depth.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here we have a Hades and Persephone retelling: my weakness. And, as per usual, the execution isn’t quite there. The writing is highly dramatized, to the point where it’s exhausting and doesn’t make you feel anything anymore. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but there are too many similes and metaphors 😅

“My soul dangles from my empty hands, hanging like the sleeves of a ragged sweater. My feet feel a hundred miles away.”

“My thoughts break. I shatter. For a second, I'm everywhere and nowhere, too big for my body, my soul another lost leaf in the wind. Except, I am the wind. I am the leaves, the soil, the sleeping roots. I am—“

The allegorical references are also pretty heavy handed:

“Plucking the earbud from my hand like a pomegranate seed”

And I think it’s clear that this is a Hades and Persephone retelling even without all the forced pomegranate mentions. Aside from the myth, the trope of reincarnated lovers also often leaves me dissatisfied. For instance, Our Infinite Fates similarly has two protagonists who find each other time after time, in universe after universe. And my complaints there are identical to what I feel in this novel: that the insta-love isn’t very compelling to a reader who is told, rather than shown, the supposedly epic love story that transpired. It just falls flat and is a bit boring to wax poetic about characters we’ve just met. Overall, I didn’t feel enough of the grandeur or epic saga of Hades and Persephone; instead, the characters felt like teenagers and their reincarnation wasn’t the most interesting story.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Ending: ⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️

[♡ A ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

All Her Ghosts follows Persephone, a teenager without a heartbeat in a country where ghosts roam among the living for the past seventeen years. Her life isn’t normal—her and her mom move constantly and there are deep secrets surrounding her mom. When she meets Sebastian, another new student, she feels a twin flame in him. When they’re together, ghosts flock to them like a magnet. To get to the bottom of things, they team up and travel back to where it all began as multiple parties hunt them down.

I quite enjoyed this one. It was a bit slow, and I think one of those cases where teens would appreciate it more than I can. But it was still a good book and very entertaining. I would’ve preferred more world building, but I found the plot engaging. It’s quite fast paced, especially in the second half. Things get very intense and action-y. The atmosphere was great! It was very spooky and haunting and eerie. I really enjoyed the author’s prose.

I think Persephone will be relatable to a lot of teens. She was very well written in that regard and felt realistic with her reactions and everything. I liked her relationship with her mom. It’s very strained and complicated, but I really enjoyed that. Especially with how things turned out in the end. Her romance with Bas was very sweet and the reveal of the twist made it even better.

Overall, if you love ghost stories or action-packed paranormal stories, definitely check this one out!

Thank you to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the arc

[Kardelen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the blurb I thought it will be another retelling of the myth but I got so much more than I expected. The story is very unique and exciting.

Persephone Green was always aware that her mother's job is not normal and her life is far from perfect. Changing schools every few months made her lose hope in ever finding a friend or being accepted by her peers. But something changes on the day a strange man knocks on their door one morning. It will change her life forever and make her understand that she may not be who she thinks she is.

The story is told from Persephone's POV. She is a typical teenager trying to find her place in the world. Constantly changing towns and schools makes it hard for her to find friends. Her mother is always busy with her projects and only talks to her to find faults in her behavior. She is brave and intelligent. After she found the truth she didn't let anything stop her from reaching her goal.

The writing is atmospheric and immersive. The plot is fast paced. The romance didn't overshadow the plot. I loved Persephone's relationship with Bas, it was very sweet and precious. Bas was always there for her from the very beginning. He supported and cared for her with all his heart.

Overall, it was a great read. I would recommend it to anybody who loves Persephone and Hades retellings.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sequins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this amazing Lockwood & Co. (in America) meets Hadestown meets "the early 2000's YA novels you didn't know you missed'-vibes.

I just have to address one thing that I saw in some other reviews before I dive in: Jenny/Persephone and Sebastian ARE NOT GHOSTS.

THEY ARE NOT GHOSTS.

THEY.

ARE.

NOT.

(wait for it.................)

GHOSTS.

They are, however, not-quite-human, but it will be a [SPOILERRRRRR] to reveal what they actually are. (not ghosts) There are ghosts in the book, but Persephone and Sebastian are not the ghosts in the book.

Sebastian (Bas) is my favorite kind of manic-pixie-dream-boy love interest! I've really lucked out these past few ARCS (Tashie Bhuiyan's Right As Rain, Darianne Schramm's 72 Hours of You, but Bas might be my favorite of the three... Though Lev...👀👀👀) And they did my favorite element (two kids cutting school and going off on an adventure--across the Midwest this time!)

I do believe this will scratch that 2000's nostalgia itch for many people (me, I'm the people) I think it's set in [vaguely modern day] but with an MC that favors vintage/analog aesthetic. Teens will enjoy this one too.


In conclusion... Repeat after me... Not. Ghosts.

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

👻🖤 What if you had no heartbeat... in a world where ghosts are real?

All Her Ghosts by Cynthia Pirth hooked me with its unique premise from the very beginning.

Persephone Green has no heartbeat, and her mother has spent her entire life moving them from town to town while hiding secrets…including a mysterious laboratory in their basement. In this world, ghosts are a part of everyday life, and every October people are warned to protect themselves from the spirits that roam.

I really enjoyed the paranormal YA romance vibes, and the world-building had so much potential. The concept was fresh, intriguing, and had me wanting to learn everything about Persephone, her mother's secrets, and the ghost lore.

My biggest issue was the pacing. The parts I was most invested in felt rushed, while other sections could have been trimmed down to give those moments more room to breathe. I kept finding myself wishing the story slowed down so I could spend more time exploring this fascinating world.

Overall, I think this is a fun read with a really creative premise, and with a little more editing and expanded development, it could have been something truly special.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, Cynthia Pirth, and Union Square & Co. for the ARC.

[Jenntleh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an advanced reader copy of this book from a LFL.
In a world where ghosts linger among the living, people rely on ghost salt, iron, and other protective measures to avoid being drained of their electrical energy. No one seems to know where the ghosts came from or why they cannot move on. Persephone has spent much of her life on the run with her scientifically minded and often absent mother, but their search for answers may finally uncover the truth behind the haunting.
I love a good ghost story, and this was definitely a unique take on the genre. The worldbuilding was intriguing, especially the idea of ghosts feeding on human energy and the ways society has adapted to their presence. Persephone was an interesting character whose journey highlighted both the desperation of grief and the ways vulnerable people can be manipulated.
At times, the author became a little too engrossed in metaphors and similes, which made some sections feel repetitive. Even so, the mystery surrounding the ghosts kept me invested, and the emotional themes gave the story depth beyond its supernatural elements. An imaginative and thought-provoking read.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really really wanted to like this one. The premise has the makings of a really gripping read and I’m honestly so sad that I can’t rate it higher (I feel like I’m giving it 3 stars for a combination of what it was and what it could have been). I understand creating a main character that is dislikable for the sake of growth or purpose in the story - but I felt like the main character was annoying for no reason other than being a teenager which I just had a hard time with. Maybe others can find relatability to her or understand her purpose better but I couldn’t. I was also disappointed about the mom’s back story which I feel like was really significant but held no importance because of the way it was discussed. And, as others have said, there are a lot of plot holes. I’m all about inferring from the story to discover the world, history, and details about the characters, but this limitation was more than just that - it felt unfinished in a lot of places that made it hard to fully invest myself in the plot and sometimes I just felt like I was dropped in places. I wish it could return to the drawing board because I love the ideas involved!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Green captured my heart from the moment she went stomping through the house "as loudly as possible in mismatched socks." A Goth teen (how Goth will become clear, but the name's a clue), Penelope has issues with her mom. Big issues. Like constant switching of towns and schools. But a mystery man is pounding on the back door, the rain is coming down, and the threat of a new ghost storm is looming. Oh, right, for the last 17 years, ghosts have been swarming everywhere in this near future/alt history United States. And how old is Penelope? If you guess 17 and the ghosts have something to do with her, go to the head of the class. It takes Penelope a little longer to catch up but the lack of a heartbeat discovered by the very odd school nurse is a clue too. Luckily she's just met Bas, another new kid who seems very warm hearted. After that it is all chases, showdowns, and lots of ghosts. This tale could have been stretched into a duology or trilogy, but the author keeps the pace very brisk and the explosions nicely spaced. Cancel your plans if you start this book as you won't want to stop until the absolute last page.

[Louise Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Persephone Green is like any other teenager. She rebels against her Mother; she has been to six schools in six different states over the last couple of years, and she loves listening to music. Oh, and she doesn't have a heartbeat. In a world where Ghosts roam where they died, and they can kill you if they touch you. They also ignore those around them, except they watch Persephone as she passes, though her Mother refuses to believe her. She is lonely, and sees little point in making new friends, as she assumes her Mother will move them again soon. She always does.

But then she meets Bas. He is new, and though they have never met before, Persephone feels like she knows him, deep in her soul. And he also doesn't have a heartbeat.

With the two of them together, great and powerful things start to happen, which puts them on the radar of those they have been kept hidden from their entire lives. But is it their entire lives, really?

This was a fun book, dark and beautiful, with that soul-crushing, deep love you can have for another person.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't invite me to your suicide party if you don't want me to dance."

All Her Ghosts follows Persephone as her life starts to unravel... and by "life" I actually mean "much confusion about not having a heartbeat."

In her version of the US, ghosts wander the streets willy nilly, reduced to a weather phenomenon as they slowly forget themselves. I thought the worldbuilding was so interesting, especially all the inclusion of ghost traps/salting etc, and how people can adapt to anything (the ghost days instead of snow days for school made me laugh).

And the characters in this were just mwah! I could write a whole paragraph just about Persephone and Bas and their relationship, and then a second paragraph about Cain because I do have favourites. But even side characters who didn't have much page time felt like real, fleshed out people, which is such a skill.

Contemporary paranormal books aren't my usual genre but I thoroughly enjoyed this and definitely recommend it!!

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the e-arc 🫶

[Karolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn in by the concept of this book, especially the paranormal and fated loves element. The premise of the book is unique and I am a sucker for anything related to Gods and Myths.

All her ghosts started off brilliantly and I felt invested very early on and I always love as story where we don’t have to wait long for the FMC & MMC to cross paths.

I found it so fun how the author added a music playlist to help set the scene of the upcoming chapter, it was almost like giving the chapter a name, only better.

About a third of the way in, however, I started to get quite lost in the plot. A lot of things happened in very quick succession and I didn’t feel like we had enough time to digest it before the next action scene kicked off. This made it harder for me to love the book as much.

As always, I stand by the fact that reading is so subjective and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the sound of the book plot and tropes.

Thank you to NetGalley, Union Square & Co and Cynthia Prith for my Advanced Reader Copy.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cynthia Prith’s debut, All Her Ghosts, is a hauntingly original YA fantasy that masterfully blends a "Hadestown" vibe with "Lockwood & Co." mystery. Set in a world where half the population are spirits, the story follows Persephone Green—a girl without a heartbeat—and the enigmatic Sebastian as they race to fix the mechanics of death before the government or her mother stops them.

The world-building is exceptional; the concept of "necro-country" feels vivid, eerie, and immersive. Prith’s prose is lyrical and mythic, perfectly capturing the "dying season" atmosphere. While the romance is exhilarating and high-stakes, I’m giving it four stars because the dense mythology occasionally requires a second read to fully grasp the rules of the world. Overall, it's a genre-bending standout for anyone who loves their supernatural tales with a dark, romantic edge.

[Clare · Rating 2 out of 5]

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 All Her Ghosts
✒️ Cynthia Prith
💫💫

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

All Her Ghosts follows our FMC Persephone as she navigates ghost life and tries to discover her past.

I just wish to start by saying that I had no idea both our MCs were ghosts ghosts. I did read the blurb but must have missed that part. Yet, I feel like a little nod to her being a ghost in the first few chapters would have gone a long way, especially because this ghost can be seen by others and operate devices...

This book was nearly a DNF for me, I found the plot too rushed and our FMC quite irritable to read about. I felt not connection to her whatsoever and I really wanted to!

I think this book just needed a few more tweaks and fleshing out, too much happens in the first few chapters that you kind of loose track of what is going on.

[sara࿎ · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

listen. the premise of this book had a lot of potential, it could’ve been really cool if it wasn’t rushed and had so many plot holes. i was intrigued at the start of it but then i was just very confused? usually fantasy books take a while for me to understand and get through the world building and all that, but this one was written in a way that made it seem like i should already know everything without it being explained.
after the 60% mark everything really went downhill and i was simply no longer enjoying it at all. i found the main character to be a little annoying, and her relationship with the love interest reminded me a lot of the ariana and cynthia meme with the way they were acting for most of the book😭

thank you to netgalley and to union square & co for the opportunity to read this arc

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was excitingly different!

Imagine a world somewhat like Lockwood & Co. with the ghosts and spooky vibes, but also kind of 2007 USA vibes with the iPod, but instead of those a$$h0le love-interests, you have Sebastian and he is soooo adorably squeee! It was just so fun and refreshing! I just wish I'd read it during Halloween! It's such a spooky-vibes and autumn leaves kind of book! That first day of school kind of book. That let's run away together and save the world kind of book. That when we kiss asphodels bloom kind of book. It's such a mood.

Can't wait for Autumn, I'm gonna buy the hardback and read it again under warm cozy blankets with a caramel latte in my hand!

[Lulu Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a ride! Eventful, full of love, grief, and ghosts. The writing was delightful. I've been looking for books with the theme this book explored through the romance for a VERY long time and it reminded me how much I love the dynamic and the familiarity between Jenny and Bas this theme brought.
I only wish I had gotten more of the main characters, but that’s just me being greedy. The only reason it didn’t reach five stars is that I would’ve liked more focus on the romance near the end of the book, which is simply my personal preference and something most of my favorite books have in common. I really loved the ending; it felt perfect and wrapped the story up with a cute ribbon.
Thank you Netgalley and Union Square & Co. for the e-ARC!

[Bihter V. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to Cynthia Prith and NetGalley for the ARC.

I’m actually not happy with my ARC selection because this one had so many plot gaps, and I feel confused.

The story had very good potential, but it was completely wasted with repetitive monologues and a rushed storyline.

Persephone is an unbearable person, questioning the situation she’s in, but instead of finding or demanding answers, she’s just brooding. Oh, and she runs away with the first person who has a similar mindset to her. Persephone and Bas’s relationship is too quick and too forced. I had thousands of questions, and not even one of them was answered by the end of the book.

With a significant amount of improvement, the story could have been much better, because the potential is there.

Sadly, 2/5 stars...

[Noëmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Union Square & Co for a copy of this book.

Honestly the story itself was interesting. I love a good ghost story and especially a Persephoney/Hades retelling. But the execution itself was not really that well done for me.
A bit too messy, too many plotholes(is Bas now the ferryman or the harvester? Is Persephone now death or some kind of what?), weirdly paced and also what quite bothered me was the poor editing.

Also calling bodies „meat“ felt quite odd to me. And then the gore, the killing a teenage „girl“ just brushes off (she does ponder about it for one sentence), wasn’t it for me.
Especially as this book is marketed as a YA/teen one, left a weird aftertaste for me.

[Nora Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow this author on social media, and when I saw that she was coming out with a YA, I knew I had to read it! I enjoyed the storytelling in her debut novel, and when I read the synopsis for this one, it really reminded me of a few of the YA series I read and loved when I was a teen. And it delivered exactly that! All Her Ghosts feels so nostalgic for me, even though it takes place in an alternate modern day, and I really loved how Cynthia captured that feeling of how YA used to be before romantasy took over. It reminds me of Stranger Things in the best way!

I see some other readers are confused about who was a ghost and who wasn't, but, for what it's worth, I thought it was pretty obvious.