Ropa Moyo's location: up sh*t creek
Location of a paddle: uncertain

While the first instalments of TL Huchu's Edinburgh Nights series felt episodic in nature, it's clear threads from those books are weaving into a more substantial narrative, with implications reaching far beyond Edinburgh. We're given a lot more lore about this alternate, near-future Edinburgh that often mirror events from Scotland's past, as well as a dive into Ropa's buried family history.

The action was compelling, the stakes ramped up insistently, and we got a lot of interesting reveals (and some exquisitely horrible magic). However, I felt more frustrated with Ropa than I did in previous books: the kid has street-smarts, but she's kinda missing PEOPLE-smarts. There's stuff she seemed surprised about that, to the reader, seemed glaring obvious was going to happen. Not that this is going to stop me reading the next (final?!) book, because I'm curious how darker...and more explosive...this series is going to get.

I received an advanced copy of this book, and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

I'm enjoying this series as a whole, and I like the way the plot is thickening with each book. This one was more heart-wrenching and emotive than the previous instalments, which added depth to Ropa's already well-rounded character.

Overall, it was a fast-moving and enjoyable read. There are moments where Ropa's voice just sings out from the page, usually making me laugh. That voice isn't entirely consistent, though, so there were times I felt disconnected from the character as the language was too brusque and unemotional.

What a fabulous addition to a wonderful series! While I wasn’t overly excited about the previous instalment, this book drew me right back in and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ropa is in trouble - again. But this time the people she loves most are involved and Ropa must find out who is killing innocent old women.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

I will admit that I squealed and was very excited when I was approved for this ARC, and T. L. Huchu did not let me down.

After being accused of murdering her grandmother, Ropa must avoid the authorities while trying to figure out who would want to kill a seemingly harmless old woman and why would they steal her knitting needles? This was an excellent addition to this series, and left me desperate for the next book. One of the things that I love about this series is that Ropa moves about the city in a way that the locals would, too many book set in Edinburgh have me thinking why on earth would you go that way and where are you supposed to be?

Another rip-roaring adventure with Ropa and a very welcome return to Edinburgh after the sojourn in Skye in the last installment. Now Ropa finds herself ranged with English Magic after striking a bargain with the Sorcerer Royal. She no longer has the resources of Scottish Magic (such as they were ever provided) but she still has friends and allies, and she'll need them when a personal tragedy puts her in the spotlight for murder. The threads of the story really start to come together in this volume, those clues scattered in previous books starting to come together. The final revelation of the Catastrophe is surprisingly and disturbingly mundane especially because of its echoes of real Scottish history. We also learn the identity of the mysterious Tall Man, whose presence has stalked Ropa since The Library of the Dead, and Mr Huchu - *chef's kiss* - it is a knockout. Can't wait for the final novel, especially after that cliff-hanger!

You should know from the outset my review for Arniston House is likely already biased by my love for main character Ropa since book one. Quite likely one of my favourite characters ever written!

The Legacy Of Arniston House is fourth in the Edinburgh Nights series by Huchu, and no you absolutely can't start with this title. Partly because you need the history of it's predecessors, the betrayals and conflicts wouldn't smack as hard without it and you're likely to wonder what on earth is going on, but even more so the first three novels are a JOY to read.

Huchu weaves together the large cast of characters introduced throughout the series into a masterful plot. Suddenly all of Ropa's adventures are not independent incidents but threads of one enormous scheme, a surprise to the heroes as much as the reader, but one that makes perfect sense once revealed.

Ropa's feisty attitude and colourful language continue to bring a hilarious and uplifting quality to a dark and violent version of magical Edinburgh.
As always I enjoyed the descriptive alternate version of Scotland but once again my only drawback to this series is the sometimes long and detailed versions of history that Huchu tends to info dump. Whilst interesting they deter from the action and my impatience leads me to scan over them.

The death of an established series character and subsequent reveal of their backstory furthered my investment in Edinburgh Nights and I was thrilled to find that Arniston House ends on another cliff hanger. My wait begins again for the next installment.

A diverse fantasy series I highly recommend, with every release it gets better and better.