Review Detail

Ghostly Getaway will give you a spooky adventure vibe that’s exciting but also a little uncomfortable in a real way.

Bea is thrilled about going to Cadabra Castle at first, and honestly, I would be too because the idea of a creepy, magical castle sounds amazing. But the twist is that the trip isn’t just for fun, it’s meant to teach teamwork, which immediately makes things more complicated. Instead of just exploring, Bea has to deal with group activities, people she doesn’t get along with, and the pressure to cooperate.

One thing I really liked is how the setting plays a big role in the story. The castle isn’t just a background, it actually adds to the mood. The rumors about it being haunted make everything feel tense and mysterious, even when nothing is confirmed. It keeps you guessing along with Bea, like you’re not sure if the fear is real or just in her head. That mix of spooky and funny moments works really well, especially because Bea reacts in such a relatable way, sometimes brave, sometimes nervous, and sometimes just annoyed.

The teamwork part of the story felt very realistic, even though it’s set in a magical world. Bea has to work with classmates like Blair, who she doesn’t really like, and that creates a lot of tension. I think the book does a good job showing that teamwork isn’t always easy or natural. It can be frustrating, awkward, and slow. But over time, you see small changes, and that made the lesson feel more real instead of forced. It’s not like everything suddenly becomes perfect, which I appreciated.

The diary format continues to be one of the best parts of the series. You get Bea’s honest thoughts, including when she’s being dramatic or overthinking things. It makes the story feel more personal and sometimes funnier because she reacts in the moment. The illustrations also help bring the scenes to life, especially in a setting like a castle where visuals really matter. It keeps the book from feeling too heavy and makes it easier to stay engaged.

Personally, I think this book is more about growth than just the plot. Bea is still figuring out who she is, but in this one, you really see her learning how to deal with others, not just magic. The mix of friendship, fear, and teamwork gives the story more depth while still keeping it easy to read. Overall, it’s a fun but meaningful installment that shows that even in a magical world, some of the hardest challenges are just learning how to work with people.