Villains Rising

The Cloak Society #2

by Jeramey Kraatz

Alex Knight struggles to find a place between superheroes and supervillains in this explosive sequel to The Cloak Society, which School Library Journal praised as having "the same wide appeal as Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson books."

The Cloak Society has finally taken down their greatest enemies-the Rangers of Justice-in a spectacular feat of supervillainy, and their long-awaited rise to power is imminent. But twelve-year-old Alex Knight has other plans-he has joined forces with Kirbie and the Junior Rangers of Justice to fight Cloak once and for all.

But fighting for the same side is easier said than done...especially when your new teammates aren't sure your days as a supervillain are over.

Packed with intense battles, extraordinary superpowers, and life-changing decisions, The Cloak Society is a thrilling middle-grade trilogy that turns everything you know about superheroes on its head-and in Villains Rising, the stakes are even higher. Fans of The 39 Clues and the Alex Rider Adventures will be hooked!

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Superheroes, Science Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Adventure

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Hi! I’m Jeramey Kraatz. That’s like “cats” with an “R” in it, by the way. I wrote THE CLOAK SOCIETY and SPACE RUNNERS series from Harper.

I grew up in Odessa, Texas, studied advertising and English at TCU, and graduated from the MFA program at Columbia University where I studied nonfiction writing. In the past, I’ve worked as a snow-cone maker, barista, mannequin dresser, and intern in the X-Men Editorial Department at Marvel Comics. When I’m not working on books, I write English dub scripts for various anime series, like Seraph of the End and My Hero Academia. You never have to grow up, kids.

I like bad horror movies, comic books, queso, and music that sounds like laser pistols. I live and work in Texas with, predictably, my cat: Loki.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot/Execution/Characters: This is a great addition to the series! At the end of the last book, you have a scattered group of teens. In this book, you see growth. They learn trust, teamwork, loyalty, betrayal. They develop and interesting new characters are mixed in. Character growth is a large part of the book.

I didn't find it confusing or difficult to understand at all. This is a well-written and well-executed book! It has a nice and dramatic ending, with a perfect mix of being a cliff-hanger and being a conclusion.

Worth my time?: Sure, for superhero and supervillain lovers especially.

[Vivek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book. It was really good and I enjoyed it a lot, but I felt that the first book was better. I didn't feeling of not being able to put the book down, as I felt in the first book. Still, excelent job by Jeremy Kraatz.

[Christy Gould · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m still thoroughly engaged in the story, and I’m not even remotely the target audience. Excuse me while I go wrestle my 12yo son for the third book…

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of The Cloak Society, the Rangers of Justice had been trapped in the Gloom, their Tower of Justice had been destroyed, and Cloak was set to take over the city. During the final battle, Alex realized who he was and who he wasn't, and he, Mallory, Misty, and Gage escaped with Kyle, Kirbie, and Amp of the Junior Rangers to a safe house where they could plan how to rescue the Rangers of Justice from the Gloom.

This book opens not long after the end of book 1 and picks up right where it left off. But, while they know they need to get into the Gloom to rescue the Rangers, how to do that is not quite so clear. Realizing that they need to get the other half of the Umbra weapon that was used to send the Rangers to the Gloom from the Cloak headquarters, the team plans a nighttime raid on a night they know the Council will be absent. During that raid, Alex also discovers a map with Omega symbols on it and realizes that the Cloak Council has called in their elite team - the Omegas - to track down Alex, Mallory, Misty and the Junior Rangers.

After some discussion, they decide that they have to go on the offensive with Omega and try to defeat them before Omega has a chance to discover their safe house. But getting everyone to work together as one team isn't easy, especially when another teenager with superpowers just shows up at their safe house. Never one to trust easily, Alex begins having even more trouble with that. Will the team be able to work together to bring down the Omegas? Is the new kid helping them or trying to betray them to Cloak? And just what is Cloak planning now that the Rangers of Justice are gone?

I really liked this book - even more so than the first - because it really looked at how everyone could work together, using their powers to complement and support each other. In addition, I thought the mystery with regards to the two new super-powered teenagers was an excellent touch, and allowed for a lot of introspection for the characters, as well as putting the emphasis back on teamwork and communication - especially after the ending.

The ending battle of this book was not quite as epic or important as the final battle of the first book, but it did cement the team together in a way they hadn't been before. And that final reveal at the end.... THAT WAS CEAZY! I can't wait to read the final book of the trilogy to see how this is all going to play out.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next book of the trilogy by Jeramey Kraatz. Spoilers ahead for the earlier book.

This opens with our heroes -- that is, the defectors from Cloak, and the Junior Rangers, the only Rangers still at liberty -- holed up in a Ranger safe house. Gage is working on a way to rescue the Rangers, Amp is not sure that they really won't support Cloak. A strange boy notices them. And Misty's mother gets on the TV to make a passionate plea for her poor kidnapped daughter, much to Misty's horror.

Then Gage needs them to raid the Cloak base, and the consequences of that ensue. (Part is that they discover what Cloak was already up to, against them.) It involves a playhouse and its catwalk; training themselves; pizza and ice cream; Amp's confessing something to Alex to encourage him; an actual kidnapping, and more.

[Stas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Gimme MOAR!

Ahem. Sorry about that.
This series is awesome. I know my coherency leaves much to be desired.

What you need to know is that the first book in the series had some long-winded parts that made me want to skip. This one had me biting my knuckles and gripping the edge of my seat and worrying myself sick.

GIVE ME THE LAST INSTALMENT!
I'm definitely re-reading the whole thing when the last book is out! (possibly sooner)

FINAL VERDICT: READ IT

[Daniel Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Alex Knight defects from Cloak, he joins the Rangers and fights back against his former team. But he soon realizes that this won't be an easy fight. This book was full of nothing but action and twists. Anyone who reads books about aliens or supernatural abilities should read not just the book, but the series.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the final installment!

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great fun read. I mean how can you go wrong. Teenagers with superpowers battling the forces of evil. Nothing complicated. Just a good story and good writing. 

[Katie F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I really loved the first one, and this one was even more exceptional. As I said in my first review, this is a SUPER underrated series. Seriously, I feel bad for most of the book community that doesn't know about this SUPER AMAZING series. I often find that many second books in a trilogy are like a "bridge book" but this book has no such cliche. It perfectly fits in with the rest of the series while also holding its own. Overall, it's a great and fun read, and I'd completely recommend it to anyone who likes to read sci-fi. It's honestly one of my favorite trilogies/series out there.

[Sincere]

In this book Alex escapes his parents with Kirbie and with the help of the other junior rangers. His parents are also hunting him down because he betrayed them. Even though he helped the rangers of justice they still lost. So now he is trying to take down his parents while trying not to be found. In this book the character development between him and his team members. Who some still think he is evil is because he was part of the cloak society. This book is even better than the last I absolutely love how they fake you out in some parts.

[Laurence · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this was much more enjoyable and less predictable than the the first book in the trilogy.

Action scenes felt high stakes, the characters I loved from the first book felt more fleshed out, I liked the new addition to the group; he felt very necessary to the overall plot, the ending made me excited to pick up the final book.

[Austin Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequal book left me wanting more. I have always loved comics and reading through this was the equivalent of a long delightful book. I feel so tied in with this character and even more so when you see the inner turmoil you see him face.

[A.M. Reynwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great sequel to The Cloak Society, with new characters, new foes, and stakes higher than before as the battle against Cloak continues.

[Ruby Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series is getting better as it goes along. Great team dynamics and an exciting story - no second book syndrome here (well maybe just a little!)
On to the next

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Physical assault
Kidnapping & captivity

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong as the first, but still fun. I'm looking forward to finding out how everything resolves.

[Emily P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the sequel to the Cloak Society, Alex’s world has been turned upside down. Friends have become enemies, and enemies have become friends. Now hiding out on the edge of town, Alex and the rest of the Junior Justice Rangers are trying to regroup. Their plan is to free the Rangers from the gloom, and to stop the Cloak Society. This is easier said than done. The Junior Rangers are hesitant to trust the former villains, but with The Omegas hot on their trail they will need all the help they can get.
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and was eager to start this one. Though to my chagrin I found that this book didn’t hook me like the first one. The plot was very slow, and because of this I wasn’t nearly as drawn in as I was with the first book. Besides the ending nothing that happened was that shocking. One of the best things about the first book was the focus on the family dynamics between Alex and his parents. Unfortunately this takes a back seat in this novel. I would have loved to see what Alex’s father felt about his betrayal because I got the feeling in the first book that he really did care for Alex. My biggest complaint is how Alex dealt with the arrival of Bug and Del. When Bug arrives he is instantly suspicious and even when he demonstrates a useful power Alex is still wary of him. This makes sense because they can’t know for sure his true intentions. But then when Alex meets Del everything changes. She gets the jump on him and Alex instantly wants to bring her into the team. He argues that she has some “serious skills” and that is why they should bring her in. This bothers me because it feels like Alex is changing his mind just because Del is a girl where as Bug is a boy. He is falling into “pretty girl clouds the mind trap”.
Jeramey Kraatz does an amazing job of making Alex and his friends realistic. Even though Alex left the Cloak Society, we do not expect him to be a total law abiding citizen. He wants to steal a car but the Junior Rangers quickly shoot that plan down. It’s nice that the author didn’t take away his rough edges, for he has been a villain since he was little. It was also a good touch to show how fundamentally different the Cloak Society is from the Rangers. The Junior Rangers have never sparred with each other before much to the surprise of the Betas because that’s how they trained. On the other end The Junior Rangers were taught a more all around skill set then the Betas were. This shows both the pros and cons of each training method and that each side has a lot to bring to the table. The plot might have been slow but the ending was amazing! I guarantee that you will not see it coming and it sets up a great plot line for book three.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't read any further if you haven't read the first book in the series! Alex, Mallory, Gage, and Misty are now teamed up with the surviving Junior Rangers, Kirbie, Kyle, and Amp. A stranger appears at their hideout, and he has the ability to communicate with insects. Alex doesn't trust Bug, but he is only one who seems to have a conflict with Bug. They make plans to rescue the Rangers trapped in the Gloom, but it won't be easy. They target Cloak's Omegas, their special ops assassins, and their aided by a girl with her own powers. Alex wants to let her join the group, but the others are a little suspicious. He starts to question his sanity after seeing his mother appear, and then disappear, in an alley. Cloak is making moves to discredit the Junior Rangers and take over the city. Is there any way to stop them?

You must read the first book before this one. The plot includes fight scenes between the good and evil characters, but the author adds a twist to the conflict. Cloak uses the media to turn the Rangers into the bad guys and make themselves the heroes. Adding new characters creates more mystery, since readers aren't sure which ones are secretly bad. Alex's mother is able to control people's minds, and other characters are able to hide their appearances. I'm enjoying the series and am looking forward to the next book.

[KidsFiction Teton County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

TLC Call #: J Kraatz J

Chris’s Rating: 4 stars
After the fall of the Rangers of Justice in Book 1, some junior members of the Rangers and ex-Cloak members have come together in a strained relationship of heroes and ex-villains. While Alex Knight doesn’t regret hit decision to oppose his parents he can’t help but miss his old life while currently hiding and on the run. With new beings with powers appearing on the scene the mismatched group will have to decide who is friend or foe as they struggle to rescue the heroes trapped by the Cloak Society within the Gloom. The problem is the group seems at odds with who to trust…and a group of elite Cloak Assassins just might be staking them out.
Villains Rising is a fitting sequel to exciting world created in The Cloak Society. While I predicted the source of Alex’s moment of “insanity” instantly, other moments, particularly the ending, came as a complete surprise. The one thing that bugged me the most was how certain characters either rejected or accepted potential add-ons to the group in kind of a half-hazard fashion. This is an excellent read for boys age 10-13…or adults like me that enjoy children’s lit.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic!! This is a great second book. Plenty of nail biting action and some great new super heroes & villains that keep us guessing which side their really on. Unlike some middle books in a trilogy it didn't feel like the characters were just hanging around for the finale. The young supers are coming together as a team and I agree with Misty, alias "the Mist", this team needs a name. The former Cloaks & Rangers are sticking to their plan to save those trapped in "the Gloom" and take down the villainous Cloak Society.Putting aside the past and fighting on the same side isn't easy but they will rise above their occasional jealousy and doubt and form bonds that can be trusted. I received my ARC of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I sure wish the third book was already published!!! Please don't leave us all hanging for a whole year!!!!

[Andrew Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual with the middle volume of a trilogy, less climactic, but the character development is more gripping than ever. Having renounced his allegiance to the villainous cloak society in which he was raised, Alex finds himself marooned with three fellow defector and three Junior Rangers who are currently the only survivors of the Cloak Society's attack. This new alliance between young people who had been mortal enemies right up to this time is uneasy and requires delicate development of relationships. This is tested by two young people who come along, wanting to help them. Alex is conflicted between his lingering affection for his family and his clarity of their villainy. Opinion is divided in both cases as to whether to trust them. The character development makes this novel but it has exciting moments as well.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even more emphasis on good vs. evil, plus great themes of teamwork, trust, and forgiveness. The Junior Rangers and former Beta kids have to learn to work together after being foes for their whole lives. Some do better than others.

A few things of note for parents:
- brief evolutionary mention (Permian Park has dinosaurs but it's said that dinosaurs didn't show up until the Triassic period, after a so-called Great Dying Age at the end of the Permian. This is one paragraph and then nothing more.)
- you could start to think that Alex and Kirbie like each other. Nothing too overt or anything but the groundwork is there.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading book 1, I was interested in book 2. The review is basically the same for both books.
It's a great story for middle-grade children who are into the heroes-villains plots lines like X-Men and Avengers. Kraatz is a great writer; his writing style is much better than other Jnr or YA books I've read where the author does not seem to have fully grasped the English language.
While personally, I'd probably give it 4 stars (I liked it a lot for what it was), it gets 5 because of the writing, a good plot and the potential enjoyment for the target-aged child. It gets 5 stars because it goes into my "confident to recommend" list.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A much stronger book than its predecessor. The author’s writing was better, the characters’ decisions were more believable, there is more of an internal conflict within Alex, (which is interesting because there should have been more in the first one given the plot) and we get some good team growth. I saw the ending coming a mile away, but there WAS a big twist that I did NOT see coming. So definite props for that.

All in all, it’s a good addition to the series. Nothing too fancy or life-changing. But like I said, much stronger than the previous book, so it gets one star more than the first in the series. Who knows? Maybe the last one will get five!

[Joseph Leskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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2017-01-30 Update
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Absolutely brilliant.

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Original Review
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This book I would consider a worthy successor to The Cloak Society . Other than some minor language issues (e.g. c*ap), it has little defame it and is, in fact, much like its prequel, extremely enjoyable.

[Hildegart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book where it would have been helpful to read the first one before the second. Go figure. LOL. This was another tough book for me to rate because I was waffling between a 3 and 4. In the end, I am going for the three. But, it's mainly because this book is not quite at the same level as the books I am giving 4 stars.

[Cesarmarqus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a perfect example of a perfect sequel to an amazing book. Jeramey Kraatz did an amazing job by putting them on a mission trying to fight for their lives from the Omegas. The Omegas are cloaks best assassins and are sent on missions all around the world but now the're chasing the ex betas and junior rangers. Who will win good or evil.

[Roxana Vanadestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was gifted to me by family and I thought it was going to be a boring book about coloring or something like that but I was wrong I started reading the first one then bought the second, now I am on to the third it is an amazing book and I recommended it to young adults and anyone who wants a good book with a good twist