Emery and the Library of Shadows
A haunted library, ghostly librarians, and one woman’s fight to uncover the truth—by Mikayla Young.
Phantom Page Turners • Book 1 of 8 • Adult (18+) • Contemporary Fantasy • Paranormal (ghosts) • Mystery
Shadows of Truth
In the mist-veiled town of Four Seasons, Tennessee, the local public library holds more than just dusty archives; it guards a labyrinth of echoes and unwritten endings. Emery Hastings, wandering through a season of redirection and quiet doubt, seeks refuge within its hallowed walls only to find a destiny she never anticipated. Behind the towering oak doors, she awakens the Phantom Page Turners—spectral guardians bound by ancient vows and restless secrets. As the scent of aged parchment pulls her deeper into the stacks, Emery realizes her new job is less about filing books and more about navigating the thin, shimmering veil between our world and the ghostly spirits waiting for their final chapter to be told.
But the archives hold more than just dust. Driven by the discovery of a cryptic ledger and Arthur’s tragic, fire-streaked past, Emery finds herself chasing ghosts through the halls of history. To clear the first librarian’s name, she must untangle a web of Blackwood family treachery—exposing a legacy of corruption that some are still desperate to keep buried in the dark.
In a place where shadows speak and logic fails, Emery must harness the ancient magic of storytelling to bridge a century-old divide. As she unearths the library's buried truths, she discovers that her own courage is the key to setting the restless dead free. This is more than a struggle for justice; it's a journey into the heart of what connects us all. Step into the Library of Shadows—where every page turned is a step toward redemption and every whisper from the past has the power to reshape the future.
From My Writing Desk
Emery and the Library of Shadows began with a single, haunting image in my mind: a circle of ghosts gathered in a moonlit forest, sharing their stories beneath an ancient oak tree. Those spectral figures became the Phantom Page Turners—ghostly librarians bound to a small-town library, each carrying unfinished business and untold tales. From that spark, Emery’s story slowly took shape, turning into a book about courage, memory, and the quiet magic of stories that refuse to be forgotten.
The road from idea to finished novel was anything but simple. I wrote full drafts, deleted them, and started again when I realized they didn’t yet match the story I truly wanted to tell. Each version taught me something new about character depth, theme, and the kind of emotional honesty I wanted on the page. Shifting the book into first person was a turning point. Seeing the world through Emery’s eyes allowed me to explore her doubts, hopes, and connection to the ghosts in a much more intimate way, and I hope that closeness is something you feel as you read.
This book also laid the foundation for the entire Phantom Page Turners series. I spent a lot of time shaping each ghost’s backstory, time period, and role so their lives would feel distinct yet connected—like a tapestry woven across decades. Arthur’s story in 1972 became the anchor, setting the tone for the mysteries, injustices, and acts of quiet bravery that echo through the rest of the series. Writing Emery and the Library of Shadows was my way of honoring those themes while inviting readers into a world where the past still speaks.
Designing the cover was its own act of storytelling. I chose to draw it by hand, even though that was scary, because I wanted every detail to feel personal and tied to the narrative. The bookshelf, flames, vines, purple flower, red “post-it” book, black spine, and burned paper on the back all connect directly to scenes and symbols in the story. They hint at the library fire, the Blackwood family’s secrets, Arthur’s ledger, and the fragile but powerful nature of recorded stories. It may not be a “perfect” cover in a traditional sense, but it is honest, intentional, and deeply mine.
More than anything, Emery and the Library of Shadows is my love letter to storytelling and to the readers who find pieces of themselves in fictional worlds. I didn’t write it to chase trends; I wrote it to build a bridge—between past and present, between characters and readers, and between all of us who have ever felt a little lost and found comfort in a book. Thank you for stepping into this haunted library with me and for giving Emery, Arthur, and the Phantom Page Turners a place in your imagination.
What Readers Are Saying!
"Atmospheric, heartfelt, and brimming with literary magic, Emery and the Library of Shadows invites readers into a haunted library where uncovering forgotten stories becomes a journey of self-discovery, justice, and the quiet power of courage."
NewinBooks
"This novel delivers an atmospheric and imaginative reading experience that earns a solid four stars. Set in the mysterious town of Four Seasons, Tennessee, the story shines most in its richly described library setting, where the line between the living and the dead blurs in compelling ways. The concept of the Phantom Page Turners—ghostly librarians tied to unfinished stories—is both original and emotionally engaging, adding depth to what could have been a simple paranormal tale.
Emery Hastings is a relatable protagonist, especially for readers who understand the frustration of unmet expectations despite hard work and talent. Her journey from self-doubt to quiet determination feels authentic, even if her character development occasionally moves a bit too quickly. The mystery surrounding Arthur and the Blackwood family is intriguing, with enough twists to maintain interest, though some plot points could have been explored more deeply for greater impact.
The novel’s pacing is steady, if slightly uneven in the middle, but it ultimately delivers a satisfying blend of suspense, history, and personal growth. While not perfect, it’s a memorable and cozy supernatural read with a strong emotional core."
Sarah
- Amazon
"This story pulls you into a dark, enchanting library where nothing is quite what it seems and the deeper you go, the harder it is to leave. Think atmospheric, intriguing, and perfect for readers who love a little magic with their mysteries."
PlottwistLauren
- Bookstagram
Shadows and The Fight for the Truth
“The shadows may be daunting, but I shall not allow fear to dictate my actions; instead, I will embrace the uncertainty of the future.”
“The past may be filled with darkness, but the pursuit of truth is a noble endeavor, one that can bring to light the injustices that have long been hidden.”
“The library, once a sanctuary of secrets, transforms into a battleground for truth, and I feel more resolute than ever to reveal what lies beneath the surface of the past.”
“The fight for justice doesn’t end here. It’s just the beginning.”