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Gated II: Ravenhill Academy
The new sequel to the UK Horror Chart best seller "Gated" from the author of "Asylum - 13 Tales of Terror", "Abra-Cadaver" & "After Darkness Falls"
It has been 10 years since the events in the small picturesque town of Eden. Lives were forever altered as two newcomers found the courage to peek behind the curtain and bring Tolan Christian's reign to a violent end as the town burned around them.
No-one was more affected than Sarah-Jane Mears. The once bubbly ball of good nature is now a shadow of the former woman she used to be. After travelling to try and find a new home she has eventually settled in Northern England, where she has taken a teaching position at Ravenhill Academy, an exclusive private school.
But now there is a new student who has just transfered. A young American boy who is strangely familiar and oddly charasmatic.
As the school breaks for the Christmas holidays, the harsh winter weather has cut them off from the outside world. Sarah is starting to learn that Ravenhill is an old building seemingly with a life and an energy of its own, one that is slowly stirring.
She is going to realise that not all lessons are learnt in the classroom and that some secrets won't stay buried.
It has been 10 years since the events in the small picturesque town of Eden. Lives were forever altered as two newcomers found the courage to peek behind the curtain and bring Tolan Christian's reign to a violent end as the town burned around them.
No-one was more affected than Sarah-Jane Mears. The once bubbly ball of good nature is now a shadow of the former woman she used to be. After travelling to try and find a new home she has eventually settled in Northern England, where she has taken a teaching position at Ravenhill Academy, an exclusive private school.
But now there is a new student who has just transfered. A young American boy who is strangely familiar and oddly charasmatic.
As the school breaks for the Christmas holidays, the harsh winter weather has cut them off from the outside world. Sarah is starting to learn that Ravenhill is an old building seemingly with a life and an energy of its own, one that is slowly stirring.
She is going to realise that not all lessons are learnt in the classroom and that some secrets won't stay buried.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2013
15 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Matt Drabble
61 books242 followersBorn in Bath, England in 1974, a self-professed "funny onion", equal parts sport loving jock and comic book geek.
Awards & Achievements:
"ABRA-CADAVER" is the 2017 Readers Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Horror Fiction. It is also a 2015 Kindle Book Review Finalist, an Indie Book of the Day winner and the 2016 Book Excellence Award Winner for Horror Fiction.
"GATED" is the 2015 Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner. It is also a UK & US Horror Chart Top Ten Best Seller & winner of the Full Moon Awards 2014 Horror Book of the Year.
"ASYLUM - 13 TALES OF TERROR" was a US Horror Chart #5. It was also voted #5 on The Horror Novel Review's Top 10 Books of 2013 & was the Readers Favorite 2014 Gold Medal Winner for Anthology Fiction.
"THE LAST RESORT" is the 2019 Readers Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Horror Fiction & The 2019 Kindle Book Review's Winner for Horror/Suspense
Visit me at www.mattdrabble.co.uk to download free short stories.
Twitter: MattDrabble01
Facebook: matt.drabble.3
Instagram: mattdrabble01
or to sign up for a newsletter: http://mad.ly/signups/95503/join
Awards & Achievements:
"ABRA-CADAVER" is the 2017 Readers Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Horror Fiction. It is also a 2015 Kindle Book Review Finalist, an Indie Book of the Day winner and the 2016 Book Excellence Award Winner for Horror Fiction.
"GATED" is the 2015 Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner. It is also a UK & US Horror Chart Top Ten Best Seller & winner of the Full Moon Awards 2014 Horror Book of the Year.
"ASYLUM - 13 TALES OF TERROR" was a US Horror Chart #5. It was also voted #5 on The Horror Novel Review's Top 10 Books of 2013 & was the Readers Favorite 2014 Gold Medal Winner for Anthology Fiction.
"THE LAST RESORT" is the 2019 Readers Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Horror Fiction & The 2019 Kindle Book Review's Winner for Horror/Suspense
Visit me at www.mattdrabble.co.uk to download free short stories.
Twitter: MattDrabble01
Facebook: matt.drabble.3
Instagram: mattdrabble01
or to sign up for a newsletter: http://mad.ly/signups/95503/join
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 28, 2016
I received the book from the author for an honest review.
What an incredible book! Not to mention the many layered plot filled with many twists and secrets. The craftiness of every scene as it keeps your interest throughout. With very strong and interesting characters that makes it believable, not to mention the bizarre cruelty of the unexpected as the story unfolds.
The story' s steady build up had enough tension in and it spurs you on to come to the conclusion. It simply draws you into the dark world of men and their ever growing need for power.
Good versus evil is the main topic of the plot, and the hold evil can have when you are susceptible to its poison. Willing and unwilling sacrifices in blood that turns good hearts to do evil's bidding. At the end a sacrifice did save the day but at the end you are left with a clue of things yet to come. Maybe another book is in the making?
I'm not a horror fanatic, if I have a choice, horror is not even on the bottom of the list. But, - always a but - this is the second book that I have read from the author Matt Drabble, and once again his story telling captured my imagination as I leaved through the pages of this book, the follow up on Gated: Welcome to Eden Gardens.
His focus is on the fact that good can win evil, no matter how derange that person or persons can be. That in sacrifice you can find the peace you are longing for. Even if deception is clouding you, you can still come out a winner.
As in the case of Sarah Jane Mears; one of the survivors of the first book, Gated this is very true. A young woman that hides away in a small village in England to get away from her own dark secrets as fears and panic attacks strips her from her own true self. Hiding away the secrets of Eden and her nightmares. Ten years have passed, ten years that lingered in her thoughts and dreams, always questioning the when and the how it will come to the light. Knowing there was a price to pay for the blood on her hands.
After such a long time of self inflicted isolation she finally started to make friends, even had some romantic notions to another teacher, Stuart. But when ghosts started to appear, and people started to act out of character she knew her time has come to save the day.
When Ravenhill woke up, this strong woman was ready for the fight. Ravenhill was wrapped in a long history of death, violence, suicides, ghosts, greed and hatred. A history that attracted evil men to its doors.
When a new pupil arrives at this formidable school the game changed. Joshua Bradley was a American boy, 13 years old, blond, blue eyes that loves to help his fellow students and with a uncanny knowledge of the Scriptures. Evil lurked in his depths as he pulled the strings of children, teachers and parishioners within the small village close by. It's seldom that I find such a young villain, but this one had me guessing for a long time before I saw through his mask. I think the author did a wonderful work creating this youngster, making him lovable and likable throughout until you look deeper, and; well you need to read the book...
Christmas is a time to be jolly, of a white Christmas, singing chorals, spending it with family or loved ones and receiving presents. But the children at this school received none of that, except for the white...but that's the closest to a serene holiday they would come. Instead they were cut of, mind controlled and murderers doing one sick man's bidding.
Don't be fooled with the cover of this book. It is as deceptive as the book itself that will draw your interest from the start as the author lures you in at the front door leading you to guts and gore in its darkest corners; justifying the horror genre. Don't think that the cover is any indication that this is a book for children, because its not. Yes, it plays off in a school, yes, children are involved but that's where it stops.
The fire from the school's roof is a good indication that all isn't well in this sleepy place with its mysteries embedded in the inside of its stony walls.
A compelling story, with a great plot, fast paced with enough tension not to make it over bearing; especially for a reader like me. It will be best to read the first book before you continue with book 2. You will have a better grasp of the plot and Tolan Christian's power hunger at the end.
Once again thank you for the opportunity Matt.
What an incredible book! Not to mention the many layered plot filled with many twists and secrets. The craftiness of every scene as it keeps your interest throughout. With very strong and interesting characters that makes it believable, not to mention the bizarre cruelty of the unexpected as the story unfolds.
The story' s steady build up had enough tension in and it spurs you on to come to the conclusion. It simply draws you into the dark world of men and their ever growing need for power.
Good versus evil is the main topic of the plot, and the hold evil can have when you are susceptible to its poison. Willing and unwilling sacrifices in blood that turns good hearts to do evil's bidding. At the end a sacrifice did save the day but at the end you are left with a clue of things yet to come. Maybe another book is in the making?
I'm not a horror fanatic, if I have a choice, horror is not even on the bottom of the list. But, - always a but - this is the second book that I have read from the author Matt Drabble, and once again his story telling captured my imagination as I leaved through the pages of this book, the follow up on Gated: Welcome to Eden Gardens.
His focus is on the fact that good can win evil, no matter how derange that person or persons can be. That in sacrifice you can find the peace you are longing for. Even if deception is clouding you, you can still come out a winner.
As in the case of Sarah Jane Mears; one of the survivors of the first book, Gated this is very true. A young woman that hides away in a small village in England to get away from her own dark secrets as fears and panic attacks strips her from her own true self. Hiding away the secrets of Eden and her nightmares. Ten years have passed, ten years that lingered in her thoughts and dreams, always questioning the when and the how it will come to the light. Knowing there was a price to pay for the blood on her hands.
After such a long time of self inflicted isolation she finally started to make friends, even had some romantic notions to another teacher, Stuart. But when ghosts started to appear, and people started to act out of character she knew her time has come to save the day.
When Ravenhill woke up, this strong woman was ready for the fight. Ravenhill was wrapped in a long history of death, violence, suicides, ghosts, greed and hatred. A history that attracted evil men to its doors.
When a new pupil arrives at this formidable school the game changed. Joshua Bradley was a American boy, 13 years old, blond, blue eyes that loves to help his fellow students and with a uncanny knowledge of the Scriptures. Evil lurked in his depths as he pulled the strings of children, teachers and parishioners within the small village close by. It's seldom that I find such a young villain, but this one had me guessing for a long time before I saw through his mask. I think the author did a wonderful work creating this youngster, making him lovable and likable throughout until you look deeper, and; well you need to read the book...
Christmas is a time to be jolly, of a white Christmas, singing chorals, spending it with family or loved ones and receiving presents. But the children at this school received none of that, except for the white...but that's the closest to a serene holiday they would come. Instead they were cut of, mind controlled and murderers doing one sick man's bidding.
Don't be fooled with the cover of this book. It is as deceptive as the book itself that will draw your interest from the start as the author lures you in at the front door leading you to guts and gore in its darkest corners; justifying the horror genre. Don't think that the cover is any indication that this is a book for children, because its not. Yes, it plays off in a school, yes, children are involved but that's where it stops.
The fire from the school's roof is a good indication that all isn't well in this sleepy place with its mysteries embedded in the inside of its stony walls.
A compelling story, with a great plot, fast paced with enough tension not to make it over bearing; especially for a reader like me. It will be best to read the first book before you continue with book 2. You will have a better grasp of the plot and Tolan Christian's power hunger at the end.
Once again thank you for the opportunity Matt.
October 16, 2014
I liked the first book a whole lot better. I liked this book up to the end. Not really crazy on the ending.
July 3, 2018
Better. Much better.
I read the first "Gated" novel and hated it. Like, really hated it. Too much Stephen King, too much Stepford Wives, not enough originality.
This time, Matt Drabble has written HIS novel, rather than a homage to King and it pays off. It's not perfect, there are are a few unedited typos (it's spelt savior, not savoir, Matt!) and much of the writing remains passive rather than active, but at least this time I can see Drabble telling the story and I approve. Sarah, unlike Mr and Mrs Central Casting from Gated (seriously, I've already forgotten their names), is a believable character and I am on her side throughout.
Keep going. I'm starting to not hate your writing.
I read the first "Gated" novel and hated it. Like, really hated it. Too much Stephen King, too much Stepford Wives, not enough originality.
This time, Matt Drabble has written HIS novel, rather than a homage to King and it pays off. It's not perfect, there are are a few unedited typos (it's spelt savior, not savoir, Matt!) and much of the writing remains passive rather than active, but at least this time I can see Drabble telling the story and I approve. Sarah, unlike Mr and Mrs Central Casting from Gated (seriously, I've already forgotten their names), is a believable character and I am on her side throughout.
Keep going. I'm starting to not hate your writing.
June 4, 2019
The second book in The Gated series focuses on school teacher Sarah-Jane 10 years later. She has moved away and started a new life as a teacher at the Ravehill Academy.
A new student arrives, a charismatic American boy who Sarah-Jane feels is somewhat familiar to her but cannot think why. As the Christmas break approaches a vicious storm falls on the area, threatening to cut Ravenhill off from the rest of the world.
Little does Sarah-Jane know that the history of Ravenhill and the lifeforce of the building are very much alive and can be harnessed to empower those that seek power.
A new student arrives, a charismatic American boy who Sarah-Jane feels is somewhat familiar to her but cannot think why. As the Christmas break approaches a vicious storm falls on the area, threatening to cut Ravenhill off from the rest of the world.
Little does Sarah-Jane know that the history of Ravenhill and the lifeforce of the building are very much alive and can be harnessed to empower those that seek power.
August 9, 2017
The past always finds you
This book finds us beyond Eden. The book focuses on Sarah and her job as a teacher. She soon finds herself meeting her past head on. Loved this book I couldn't put it down.
This book finds us beyond Eden. The book focuses on Sarah and her job as a teacher. She soon finds herself meeting her past head on. Loved this book I couldn't put it down.
January 4, 2014
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.
“Gated II: Ravenhill Academy” by Matt Drabble is another excellent novel by this exceptional author. It is not necessary to have read “Gated” prior to reading “Gated II”, but I strongly recommend that you do. Not only will it help familiarize you with the main character, but you will have had the pleasure of reading another superb novel.
Following the tragic events that occurred in “Gated”, Sarah Jane Mears spent the next decade or so trying to find a new place to call home. By the start of “Gated II” she has been teaching for six years at the lauded Ravenhill Academy, a prestigious private school situated in an isolated part of the United Kingdom.
The isolation, exclusivity, and small number of students and staff were ideal for her to escape her past, if not her nightmares. Her biggest “problem” was deflecting the advances of the only male teacher on the campus, while her only real friend urged her to open up to him. But like a bad penny, trouble finds her once again.
“Gated II: Ravenhill Academy” is as good a suspense thriller as any written by the Big Name authors. Indeed, it could serve as the Indie Publishing Poster Child. Drabble’s character development is outstanding. His scenes are perfectly set up, and ideally described so the reader can become fully immersed in the story. The story itself is well worth becoming immersed in, too.
Murder, deceit, betrayal, and Evil, are juxtaposed against romance, idyllic small town life, and a setting comfortable as an old pair of slippers. Even the ghosts come in good and bad versions. “Gated II: Ravenhill Academy” is a must-read for fans of great suspense thrillers. However, so is “Gated” the original, and you will be glad you read them both, preferably in order.
“Gated II: Ravenhill Academy” by Matt Drabble is another excellent novel by this exceptional author. It is not necessary to have read “Gated” prior to reading “Gated II”, but I strongly recommend that you do. Not only will it help familiarize you with the main character, but you will have had the pleasure of reading another superb novel.
Following the tragic events that occurred in “Gated”, Sarah Jane Mears spent the next decade or so trying to find a new place to call home. By the start of “Gated II” she has been teaching for six years at the lauded Ravenhill Academy, a prestigious private school situated in an isolated part of the United Kingdom.
The isolation, exclusivity, and small number of students and staff were ideal for her to escape her past, if not her nightmares. Her biggest “problem” was deflecting the advances of the only male teacher on the campus, while her only real friend urged her to open up to him. But like a bad penny, trouble finds her once again.
“Gated II: Ravenhill Academy” is as good a suspense thriller as any written by the Big Name authors. Indeed, it could serve as the Indie Publishing Poster Child. Drabble’s character development is outstanding. His scenes are perfectly set up, and ideally described so the reader can become fully immersed in the story. The story itself is well worth becoming immersed in, too.
Murder, deceit, betrayal, and Evil, are juxtaposed against romance, idyllic small town life, and a setting comfortable as an old pair of slippers. Even the ghosts come in good and bad versions. “Gated II: Ravenhill Academy” is a must-read for fans of great suspense thrillers. However, so is “Gated” the original, and you will be glad you read them both, preferably in order.
May 2, 2014
Some of you may have seen my review of the first Gated book, if not, and you haven’t read book one, go read it!
Now, I said some things in my first review and I’m pleased to say they do not apply to book two in the slightest!
Book one was a little much for me with over-description and a bit too much filler. I struggled to keep my attention on it and due to that, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have. It was still enjoyable but it reeked of a Steven King fan.
I am happy to say Matt Drabble is the kind of author who listens to his reviewers, talks to them and builds on the information they give him. He’s still a relatively new author but he sees what people want and he gets on board with it. Gated II is slightly faster paced, interesting in it’s description and actually the imagery really works well! I think everyone has their own Ravenhill Academy image, either from a building they’ve seen as a child or in a film.
Each character is lovingly nurtured and you will find yourself worrying about them in their various situations. Whilst some of the characters are the unlikeable types, you still find yourself rooting for them and hoping for the best outcome.
As much as I enjoyed the book, it could have been scarier, the story has the potential to be scary but I kind of like the way it is. It’s suitable for young teens and adults whilst still being nasty enough to be horror. I like the idea of it and it really hooks you in towards the end.
Personally I’m impressed, I want to see more from Matt Drabble and I really hope he carries on the way he’s going. This book shows improvement and a growing confidence and as soon as he finds his feet there may be no stopping him! Come on Matt, show us what you’ve got!
Now, I said some things in my first review and I’m pleased to say they do not apply to book two in the slightest!
Book one was a little much for me with over-description and a bit too much filler. I struggled to keep my attention on it and due to that, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have. It was still enjoyable but it reeked of a Steven King fan.
I am happy to say Matt Drabble is the kind of author who listens to his reviewers, talks to them and builds on the information they give him. He’s still a relatively new author but he sees what people want and he gets on board with it. Gated II is slightly faster paced, interesting in it’s description and actually the imagery really works well! I think everyone has their own Ravenhill Academy image, either from a building they’ve seen as a child or in a film.
Each character is lovingly nurtured and you will find yourself worrying about them in their various situations. Whilst some of the characters are the unlikeable types, you still find yourself rooting for them and hoping for the best outcome.
As much as I enjoyed the book, it could have been scarier, the story has the potential to be scary but I kind of like the way it is. It’s suitable for young teens and adults whilst still being nasty enough to be horror. I like the idea of it and it really hooks you in towards the end.
Personally I’m impressed, I want to see more from Matt Drabble and I really hope he carries on the way he’s going. This book shows improvement and a growing confidence and as soon as he finds his feet there may be no stopping him! Come on Matt, show us what you’ve got!
September 8, 2015
Ravenhill Academy is Not What it Appears To Be.
Sara Jane Mears wants a teaching position where no one knows about her past. After six years, she saw an advertisement for Ravenhill Academy in England and she thought that was far enough away. She didn't want to be associated with the town of Eden that called itself the closest thing to paradise. Unfortunately, Eden was far from perfect and Sara Jane wanted to forget the ugly memories.
Ravenhill was the place where important people sent their children. S J became just plain Sarah and settled into an anonymous life of teaching privileged children 8 - 13 years. She enjoyed her life at Ravenhill where her class size was small and there were minimal disciplinary problems. Sarah's waking hours were satisfactory. It was her nightmares that terrified her. One night after being awakened Sarah left her room and had the distinct feeling she was being watched although she saw no one. And so the tale begins.
Matt Drabble' s writing is capable of transporting me right into the story. He is good at building tension without smacking the reader in the face with what comes next. His characters are diverse and believable. His dialogue is smooth and without misstep. If you like good writing and good horror, I suggest you read Gated 1 and Gated 2. You won't be disappointed.
Sara Jane Mears wants a teaching position where no one knows about her past. After six years, she saw an advertisement for Ravenhill Academy in England and she thought that was far enough away. She didn't want to be associated with the town of Eden that called itself the closest thing to paradise. Unfortunately, Eden was far from perfect and Sara Jane wanted to forget the ugly memories.
Ravenhill was the place where important people sent their children. S J became just plain Sarah and settled into an anonymous life of teaching privileged children 8 - 13 years. She enjoyed her life at Ravenhill where her class size was small and there were minimal disciplinary problems. Sarah's waking hours were satisfactory. It was her nightmares that terrified her. One night after being awakened Sarah left her room and had the distinct feeling she was being watched although she saw no one. And so the tale begins.
Matt Drabble' s writing is capable of transporting me right into the story. He is good at building tension without smacking the reader in the face with what comes next. His characters are diverse and believable. His dialogue is smooth and without misstep. If you like good writing and good horror, I suggest you read Gated 1 and Gated 2. You won't be disappointed.
March 31, 2014
Never trust children
I enjoyed this sequel to Gated. It follows the story of Sarah after leaving Eden. It had a good build up of characters and story. I do feel like it ended too suddenly, but overall a very good read if you read the first book. If another is written I'm sure I'll read that one too.
I enjoyed this sequel to Gated. It follows the story of Sarah after leaving Eden. It had a good build up of characters and story. I do feel like it ended too suddenly, but overall a very good read if you read the first book. If another is written I'm sure I'll read that one too.
January 20, 2014
wow, I hate to see this series of two books come to an end. I hope the author will think about writing a third?????
October 18, 2014
A little too far fetched for my personal tastes but still a good read that keeps you gripped.
March 25, 2014
What a great follow up to Gated really thought provoking
I just loved it.
I just loved it.
May 17, 2014
What a great sequel to Gated. I really like this author and can't wait to read more of his books.
June 30, 2014
I simply couldn't put this book down. The story builds and builds, the tension intensified to a great ending.
November 8, 2015
This was wonderful horror novel it had all the right elements. This book kept me on the edge of my seat.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews