Let’s all say it together. “The second in a trilogy is the hardest.” The second in a trilogy must contend with the success of the first, build upon it, twist it a new way, all without ticking off its readers. The Empire Strikes Back and The Godfather Part 2 are two seconds that pulled it off. But many do not.
Which brings us to The October Society Season Two.
The October Society Season One was spectacular. It had a solid selection of short stories with a fascinating framing story, all centered around Halloween. The book’s mysteries unfolded naturally, and the overall atmosphere captured the campfire (spooky) tone it needed. I looked forward to the second book and bought it immediately upon finishing the first.
The stories in Season Two, unfortunately, didn’t live up to their predecessor. The first three didn’t make much of an impression. The fourth, “The Unkindness of Ravens” was well-written with a twist I didn’t see coming. However, this offering felt it should have been in a different genre. The best of the tales appear at the end of the book, number five and six. They are “Those Quiet Bones” and “The Fear Factory.” Both were very different spooky tales and I appreciated their originality. “Bones,” in particular, felt like a campfire tale.
The strongest “story” in this collection, however, is the framing story. What is happening with the kids gathered to tell these creepy stories? A growing menace overshadows the proceedings. Charda, the most interesting character in the series, is rightly concerned. She serves as the reader’s avatar. Swapping Derek (in Season One) for Charda is one improvement from the first book. Besides a few love triangles that are obvious, the campfire scenes were gripping.
Unfortunately, the stories they tell make up the largest part of the book, and the first stories drag. The ending follows the traditional path of the second in a three series. The conclusion ends on a cliffhanger designed to make the reader insta-buy the next one. Tempting, but I can wait for next Halloween.
3.5 stars.