Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab

Series: Cassidy Blake Series (Book 2)

Title: Tunnel of Bones

Author: Victoria Schwab

Published: 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Grade Level: 6^th-8^th Grade

 

Blurb (from goodreads):

Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake . . . even more than usual.

She (plus her ghost best friend, Jacob, of course) are in Paris, where Cass's parents are filming their TV show about the world's most haunted cities. Sure, it's fun eating croissants and seeing the Eiffel Tower, but there's true ghostly danger lurking beneath Paris, in the creepy underground Catacombs.

When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. But time is running out, and the spirit is only growing stronger.

And if Cass fails, the force she's unleashed could haunt the city forever.

My Scores:

Writing Style: Good

The author’s writing style is still clear and easy-to-read, but it just isn’t as engaging as the first novel. The exception would be Cassidy’s nightmares. There was a real sense of fear and anxiety to them.

I didn’t like the serious tone that Cassidy and Jacob’s relationship took in this novel. I wanted more of their light-hearted banter.

Overall though, I just felt a lack of emotion from the MC’s POV.

Characters: Fully Developed

I was glad to learn more about Jacob’s background (as sad as it was). I also enjoyed discovering the mystery and powers of the main antagonist.

However, I still don’t think the parents are very well developed. And, for whatever reason, I felt that the MC was lacking.

 

Plot: Enjoyable

The beginning focuses on Cassidy’s parent’s TV show and the atmosphere of France. Somehow the setting isn’t as rich or as creepy as Scotland, so the pacing felt slow.

During the second half, things really amp up. All of France is in danger from a red-eyed poltergeist. Even though this villain is much more powerful than the last, that danger didn’t feel as personal or as suspenseful as the first.

There is an epic cliffhanger though, so I have a guarded hope for the third novel.

 

Overall: Enjoyable

Even though this sequel isn’t as good as the first novel, I’m still interested in reading the third and final novel of the series.

Messaging: Learn from the past to build a better future.

Goodreads Rating: 3 out of 5 stars