The second books in trilogies must serve the function of advancing the story without the benefit of starting or finishing it. The Raventree Society Season Two bears this burden. Season 1 introduced the winning idea of a five-story novel of faux ghost hunters looking for a lost member of their crew while encountering vengeful ghosts. Raventree Season Two moves the story in a slightly different direction. The formula that author J. E. Purrazzi created in the first book returns only for two of the tales. While this novel could be in danger of repetitiveness, the pattern works because of its creative plots and stylish technique. Purrazzi proves more ways exist to tell a ghost story than what she detailed in book 1. Book 2 spins five more unique ghost encounters.
Each story serves the purpose of pushing the overall narrative forward. The first sets up the trap for our main character, Kyle. A daring rescue in a graveyard makes up the tension in the opening segment, and the exciting prose brings the creep factor. The second turns the ghost story on its head, and its spider-laden theme reminds me of the scariest Japanese-inspired horror movies. We detour back into Kyle’s work life to experience two stories similar to the first book. While segments three and four continue to define our characters, they don’t advance the plot as much as the first two. Story four, based on a real location, slightly edges out story three. In the final offering, we get less of a spooky tale—we know how it will end—and more of an answer to our questions. This final “chapter” leaves the reader invested in the fate of our characters and a sense of closure now knowing the stakes for Kyle’s life.
Some of our favorite characters from book 1 are left with little to do, but we are compensated by meeting a few new characters. We also get a deeper dive into Rory and Josh. Some elements of book 1 (“The Cleo”) are clarified in book 2—a nice payoff. Also, in the last segment, a certain secret about Kyle is revealed, which explains the motivations behind many of his friends and family.
Settings are key in these stories. We have a graveyard but also a place the reader should feel safe (in story 2) in the middle of the day. The third story also presents an interesting twist for setting that evokes dread from more than the ghosts.
Raventree Season 2 is a gripping read, never slowing down for a moment. In this way it mirrors the first book of the trilogy. Other than a few technical issues, the book shines at the beginning and the end with a solid middle. If you want to enjoy a good ghost story, look no further.