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Jason Crane #1
Sleepy Hollow: Rise Headless and Ride
NOTE: This E-Book edition INCLUDES "THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW" by Washington Irving (full text)!
"May I present the Last Descendant of Ichabod Crane..."
JASON CRANE just turned seventeen years old.
He's a STAR WARS fan and a history geek. He doesn't believe in ghosts or the afterlife. He doesn't believe in psychic powers or tarot cards. He doesn't believe in the Headless Horseman.
But Sleepy Hollow will change all that. Because Jason Crane has a heritage to claim. Jason Crane has a Gift to discover. And Jason Crane has an old enemy who will RISE HEADLESS AND RIDE.
THE JASON CRANE SERIES re-invents and re-imagines classic American ghost literature. Sleepy Hollow, Salem ("The House of the Seven Gables" and the infamous witch trials), and haunted Washington D.C. and Baltimore ("The Fall of the House of Usher" and other works of Edgar Allen Poe.)
The series is set in and among the real-life sights and Halloween events of the modern-day locations. Perfect for planning Halloween tourism! Every place mentioned in Book #1 exists for you to explore: Gory Brook Road, the Tarrytown Lighthouse, the ruin of the Horseman Bridge, the grave of Washington Irving, Patriot's Park, Philipsburg Manor and the haunted Burying Ground of the Old Dutch Church.
This eBook edition includes an online MAP of the sights mentioned in the story so that you can follow along or plan a trip. Step into the REAL village of Sleepy Hollow and the world of Jason Crane.
"May I present the Last Descendant of Ichabod Crane..."
JASON CRANE just turned seventeen years old.
He's a STAR WARS fan and a history geek. He doesn't believe in ghosts or the afterlife. He doesn't believe in psychic powers or tarot cards. He doesn't believe in the Headless Horseman.
But Sleepy Hollow will change all that. Because Jason Crane has a heritage to claim. Jason Crane has a Gift to discover. And Jason Crane has an old enemy who will RISE HEADLESS AND RIDE.
THE JASON CRANE SERIES re-invents and re-imagines classic American ghost literature. Sleepy Hollow, Salem ("The House of the Seven Gables" and the infamous witch trials), and haunted Washington D.C. and Baltimore ("The Fall of the House of Usher" and other works of Edgar Allen Poe.)
The series is set in and among the real-life sights and Halloween events of the modern-day locations. Perfect for planning Halloween tourism! Every place mentioned in Book #1 exists for you to explore: Gory Brook Road, the Tarrytown Lighthouse, the ruin of the Horseman Bridge, the grave of Washington Irving, Patriot's Park, Philipsburg Manor and the haunted Burying Ground of the Old Dutch Church.
This eBook edition includes an online MAP of the sights mentioned in the story so that you can follow along or plan a trip. Step into the REAL village of Sleepy Hollow and the world of Jason Crane.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2013
351 people are currently reading
2076 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
June 17, 2019
Sleepy Hollow: Rise Headless and Ride by Richard Cleaved and narrated by Eric Michael Summerer is an great new tale on the old subject! It has a teen boy as the main subject who lives with his rich grandmother. There is a treasure hunt, evil possession, and other supernatural activity. It must be a series because it left some things still open to questions. If it is, it will be good!
Narration was good too!
Narration was good too!
October 15, 2025
One of those annual rereads. :) Book 5 in the series is about to release. As soon as the 6th book is ready to release I shall continue the next trilogy of the series.
Book one of Gleaves Sleepy Hollow trilogy. OMG!!!! This is the first written and published by the author ebook I’ve read. And I am not disappointed! Brilliantly written! You are touring Sleepy Hollow, NY, the history of Salem, Massachusetts right alongside the character Jason Crane. He’s the descendant of Ichabod Crane in modern day and a plot to take over his families legacy is obtained… The headless horseman rides again!
I love the Legend of Sleepy Hollow! It is my favorite short story, and it lead to giving this one a try... I could not put this series down!
'-Children wandered the streets below. Dressed as witches. and skeletons, and beings with magical powers.
Yes. All Hallows Eve. So innocent. So trusting. A night when evil is just a game. and children roam the night with certainty, or hope, that nothing monstrous exists.
"Let some poor child be fortunate enough to find some real monster tonight. Let some exile find a monster who'll work their retribution. Let some orphan, or abused castaway, find a monster." --'
Book one of Gleaves Sleepy Hollow trilogy. OMG!!!! This is the first written and published by the author ebook I’ve read. And I am not disappointed! Brilliantly written! You are touring Sleepy Hollow, NY, the history of Salem, Massachusetts right alongside the character Jason Crane. He’s the descendant of Ichabod Crane in modern day and a plot to take over his families legacy is obtained… The headless horseman rides again!
I love the Legend of Sleepy Hollow! It is my favorite short story, and it lead to giving this one a try... I could not put this series down!
'-Children wandered the streets below. Dressed as witches. and skeletons, and beings with magical powers.
Yes. All Hallows Eve. So innocent. So trusting. A night when evil is just a game. and children roam the night with certainty, or hope, that nothing monstrous exists.
"Let some poor child be fortunate enough to find some real monster tonight. Let some exile find a monster who'll work their retribution. Let some orphan, or abused castaway, find a monster." --'
July 9, 2017
I've always been a fan of the headless horsemen and Sleepy Hollow so when I discovered this book, I took a chance. It far exceeded my expectations. Vivid descriptive narration with plenty of twists and turns, this is a must read!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
October 9, 2013
This is one of the few self-published novels I've read recently that I really, truly enjoyed. I wouldn't say the book is absolutely perfect to my taste, but it's filled with fascinating, living characters, breathtaking locations, action, romance, love, death, and is genuinely creepy and nerve-wracking in places. Well worth a read if you enjoy adventure and horror, and entirely suitable for Halloween.
November 7, 2016
This is the perfect book to read for Halloween!! Its eerie, fun, and really enjoyable with audio!
I went through so many emotions with this book. Especially my hatred for Hadewych! Oh how I loath him..... I can't wait for his downfall! Onward to book two!!!!:D
I went through so many emotions with this book. Especially my hatred for Hadewych! Oh how I loath him..... I can't wait for his downfall! Onward to book two!!!!:D
January 12, 2015
The Jason Crane series has become my favorite reimagining of the Sleepy Hollow story (sorry Sleepy Hollow tv show, this book has you beat).
There is some great writing here, with all the characters and plots well fleshed out. A lot of research into the town of Sleepy Hollow shows through, and you feel like you are really there with Jason as he discovers his legacy of the last living descendant of Ichabod Crane.
Other great points -
It would've been easy to sketch the descendant of Brom as a cartoon villain, but he is given such depth that you almost feel sorry for him. Through his background and struggles, you see where he came to the place he is in.
A gay character that isn't 'sassy-best-friend' or comic relief. Joey, Jasons's best friend is awesome and a great character and not just a sidekick. Love that he has a complicated love interest that will hopefully unfold as the series goes.
How the characters that have powers have them is very nicely done ( won't post a spoiler here) and fits in well with the Legend and feel of the lore.
Though it is a YA series and coming of age story, it is appealing to read at any age.
REfrences to Carl Sagan and Kurt Vonnegut <3
Why is something this good self-published when crap like Twilight gets major published and has movies? I really hope this author is discovered and these books are made into movies or a tv show. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.
There is some great writing here, with all the characters and plots well fleshed out. A lot of research into the town of Sleepy Hollow shows through, and you feel like you are really there with Jason as he discovers his legacy of the last living descendant of Ichabod Crane.
Other great points -
It would've been easy to sketch the descendant of Brom as a cartoon villain, but he is given such depth that you almost feel sorry for him. Through his background and struggles, you see where he came to the place he is in.
A gay character that isn't 'sassy-best-friend' or comic relief. Joey, Jasons's best friend is awesome and a great character and not just a sidekick. Love that he has a complicated love interest that will hopefully unfold as the series goes.
How the characters that have powers have them is very nicely done ( won't post a spoiler here) and fits in well with the Legend and feel of the lore.
Though it is a YA series and coming of age story, it is appealing to read at any age.
REfrences to Carl Sagan and Kurt Vonnegut <3
Why is something this good self-published when crap like Twilight gets major published and has movies? I really hope this author is discovered and these books are made into movies or a tv show. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.
November 6, 2023
Jason Crane's parents died in a car crash just before he turned 7, and he's lived with his eccentric grandmother, Eliza, for ten years now. Eliza has always been interested in genealogy (the research of one's family ancestors) and Jason is - of course - descended from a rather famous Crane: Ichabod Crane. And in a surprising move, Eliza announces that they're moving from Maine to Sleepy Hollow. Jason's not happy about it, especially when he finds out there are still some Van Brunts, descendants of Brom Bones, in Sleepy Hollow. And that's not all he finds in Sleepy Hollow.
“What’s your name?” said Joey.
“Jason….” He hesitated and then plunged ahead. “Jason Crane.”
“Crane?”
“Yup.”
“Crane? And you’re starting classes Monday? At Sleepy Hollow?”
Jason nodded.
“Ouch,” said Joey.
“Will they rag on me, do you think?”
“Oh, my dear Ichabod.” Joey donned the earmuffs and gassed the weed-eater. “Run for your life.”
Around this time of year I enjoy listening to the Audible version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, read most excellently by the actor Tom Mison. It feels like a mix of the original text and Disney version: spooky but not without some humor. So, maybe I'm just a sucker for a really good Headless Horseman story... but wow! What a great story this was. I could barely put it down. Richard Gleaves is a very talented writer - this is a very well-written book (also self-published). You really care about the characters, none of which are cardboard or one-dimensional. And you feel the fear in the familiar story, reading breathlessly during tense moments. Do yourself a favor and get this and the Audible version of the original and add them to your reading list for Halloween.
“What’s your name?” said Joey.
“Jason….” He hesitated and then plunged ahead. “Jason Crane.”
“Crane?”
“Yup.”
“Crane? And you’re starting classes Monday? At Sleepy Hollow?”
Jason nodded.
“Ouch,” said Joey.
“Will they rag on me, do you think?”
“Oh, my dear Ichabod.” Joey donned the earmuffs and gassed the weed-eater. “Run for your life.”
Around this time of year I enjoy listening to the Audible version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, read most excellently by the actor Tom Mison. It feels like a mix of the original text and Disney version: spooky but not without some humor. So, maybe I'm just a sucker for a really good Headless Horseman story... but wow! What a great story this was. I could barely put it down. Richard Gleaves is a very talented writer - this is a very well-written book (also self-published). You really care about the characters, none of which are cardboard or one-dimensional. And you feel the fear in the familiar story, reading breathlessly during tense moments. Do yourself a favor and get this and the Audible version of the original and add them to your reading list for Halloween.
December 18, 2015
I started reading this book with little knowledge of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and not much interest in horror novels outside of the "Goosebumps" series (when I was younger). What made me pull the trigger and add this to my reading list was the description: "Star Wars fan", "history geek", "doesn't believe in ghosts or the afterlife".
I expected a series with supernatural elements written in a logical manner, while I hoped for an awesome interpretation/continuation of the classic legend. The author really delivered on both. Some of my bullet points on how he accomplished this are below:
Quick Read:
The book grabbed my attention fast. I found myself wanting to learn more about the characters and where the story was heading right from the beginning. Each chapter and side story was entertaining and had a definite purpose toward the plot and character building. There really isn't any down time here, and this led to a quick read.
Utilized the Legend and Setting Appropriately:
Although I was not a fan of the legend before reading, I would expect anyone who is to appreciate how the author uses it throughout, quoting short passages and basing supernatural powers on it. I becamse interested in the Legend after, and even answered a Jeopardy question on good ol' Ichabod while reading (true story, ha). As for the setting, if I travel to the New York area where the book takes place, I look forward to visiting the real landmarks used throughout the book to bring Jason's adventure more life.
Entertaining and Clever Style:
I found myself laughing out loud during multiple passages. Maybe they weren't specifically meant to be a laugh out load part, but Jason, his friends, and Grandmother are witty and have a great sense of humor that I found to be an awesome part of the book. The author also uses clever metaphors and some cool ways of letting you into the mysteries as they are revealed.
Stand Alone Book:
Given my review, I am of course excited for the following books in the series, but I was very happy on how this book ended. I thought the author did an excellent job of concluding some mysteries, leaving enough open, while leaving massive potential for the rest of the books. Book one ended as a great story in itself, and Book two will have the potential to start as its own, building on the characters and plot from book one. My gripe with some series is that the success and even proper conclusion of one book depends heavily on following books in the series. That is not the case, at least with book one. To sum up: there is no way I wan't Jason's story to end now, but book one was properly ended.
I expected a series with supernatural elements written in a logical manner, while I hoped for an awesome interpretation/continuation of the classic legend. The author really delivered on both. Some of my bullet points on how he accomplished this are below:
Quick Read:
The book grabbed my attention fast. I found myself wanting to learn more about the characters and where the story was heading right from the beginning. Each chapter and side story was entertaining and had a definite purpose toward the plot and character building. There really isn't any down time here, and this led to a quick read.
Utilized the Legend and Setting Appropriately:
Although I was not a fan of the legend before reading, I would expect anyone who is to appreciate how the author uses it throughout, quoting short passages and basing supernatural powers on it. I becamse interested in the Legend after, and even answered a Jeopardy question on good ol' Ichabod while reading (true story, ha). As for the setting, if I travel to the New York area where the book takes place, I look forward to visiting the real landmarks used throughout the book to bring Jason's adventure more life.
Entertaining and Clever Style:
I found myself laughing out loud during multiple passages. Maybe they weren't specifically meant to be a laugh out load part, but Jason, his friends, and Grandmother are witty and have a great sense of humor that I found to be an awesome part of the book. The author also uses clever metaphors and some cool ways of letting you into the mysteries as they are revealed.
Stand Alone Book:
Given my review, I am of course excited for the following books in the series, but I was very happy on how this book ended. I thought the author did an excellent job of concluding some mysteries, leaving enough open, while leaving massive potential for the rest of the books. Book one ended as a great story in itself, and Book two will have the potential to start as its own, building on the characters and plot from book one. My gripe with some series is that the success and even proper conclusion of one book depends heavily on following books in the series. That is not the case, at least with book one. To sum up: there is no way I wan't Jason's story to end now, but book one was properly ended.
October 28, 2015
Rise Headless and Ride, Jason Crane, Book 1
by Richard Gleaves
I'm a little conflicted by this novel.
On the good side, the proofing and editing was excellent, I don't think I saw any errors. The plotting was fine, and there certainly was a lot of action. I imagine it was a YA book (I didn't check that out when I purchased it), so there was a lot of teen-age angst to shift through, and I did not fail to notice that although there were teen characters who weren't painted as being goody goody, the real villains were all adults. However, the characters were well drawn. You disliked the baddies instinctively and liked the good guys immediately. Creative treatment of a modern telling of a well-known story. Lots of spookiness befitting a novel based on Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
On the bad side, I thought the novel was a bit over-dramatic in places, especially in Jason's escape from the Horseman. The result of that escape was almost anti-climactic, leading to that most hated of my complaints, the non-ending ending. Very frustrating to read a book just to discover that the ending isn't that at all, that there is no resolution, but that if you want to know how one of the main storylines play out, you have read the next book. It feels like the author decided the book was getting too long, so better stop and make it two books. And why introduce the grandfather character and then have him play no real role in this novel. Perhaps he will in the next, although in what capacity I cannot imagine. As I can read the next book for free as a Prime member, I will -- if I had to pay even a penny for it, I wouldn't, simply on the principle of a novel needing to be stand alone, even if it is in a series. Certainly if that second novel also has a non-ending, I will not be reading any more in the series that the author may decide to write.
So, conflicted to say the least.
by Richard Gleaves
I'm a little conflicted by this novel.
On the good side, the proofing and editing was excellent, I don't think I saw any errors. The plotting was fine, and there certainly was a lot of action. I imagine it was a YA book (I didn't check that out when I purchased it), so there was a lot of teen-age angst to shift through, and I did not fail to notice that although there were teen characters who weren't painted as being goody goody, the real villains were all adults. However, the characters were well drawn. You disliked the baddies instinctively and liked the good guys immediately. Creative treatment of a modern telling of a well-known story. Lots of spookiness befitting a novel based on Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
On the bad side, I thought the novel was a bit over-dramatic in places, especially in Jason's escape from the Horseman. The result of that escape was almost anti-climactic, leading to that most hated of my complaints, the non-ending ending. Very frustrating to read a book just to discover that the ending isn't that at all, that there is no resolution, but that if you want to know how one of the main storylines play out, you have read the next book. It feels like the author decided the book was getting too long, so better stop and make it two books. And why introduce the grandfather character and then have him play no real role in this novel. Perhaps he will in the next, although in what capacity I cannot imagine. As I can read the next book for free as a Prime member, I will -- if I had to pay even a penny for it, I wouldn't, simply on the principle of a novel needing to be stand alone, even if it is in a series. Certainly if that second novel also has a non-ending, I will not be reading any more in the series that the author may decide to write.
So, conflicted to say the least.
October 29, 2023
I think this would be good for teens but not necessarily geared to adults.It was slow going up until the end where I sat hypnotized by Jason Crane's flight from the Horseman.Always gets me every time no matter the author.However, I might be persuaded to read the sequels if and when Sleepy Hollow calls to me again.And it will it definitely will.
November 18, 2021
Sleepy Hollow: Rise Headless and Ride, is a new take on the old tale of the Headless Horseman. Jason Crane, the final descendant of Ichabod Crane has just found himself moving to Sleepy Hollow thanks to his grandmother. What unfolds thereafter is unique only to Sleepy Hollow. Jason is subsequently forced to work side by side with a man he dislikes (And for good reason). Hadewych VanBrunt is a self obsessed man who is only after bettering himself and returning the former glory of the Van Brunt name. Manipulative and deceiving it is easy to see that he quickly becomes the 'bad guy' in the tale.
This book is the first in the series, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. There is some teenage angst which is to be expected of a 16 heading for 17 year old boy who has a new school, and new friends. But mixed in between all of that there is mystery and adventure has Jason and his grandmother, work with Van Brunt to find out what the Horeseman's treasure is and where to find it.
Gleaves does an amazing job of painting the scenes for you, so much so that often times I felt like I was immersed in a movie rather than reading the book. This is what I come to enjoy most about reading, that movie that plays in your head. There is enough description to paint the scene, to make you feel as if you are a part of it, but not so much that you get lost in the details. Gleaves creates an awesome balance between the two.
I'm excited to get my hands on the next in the series, I'm eager to see what Jason comes up with to get away from Van Brunt, and just how the characters roles continue to unfold. A must read for anyone that enjoys the paranormal.
This book is the first in the series, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. There is some teenage angst which is to be expected of a 16 heading for 17 year old boy who has a new school, and new friends. But mixed in between all of that there is mystery and adventure has Jason and his grandmother, work with Van Brunt to find out what the Horeseman's treasure is and where to find it.
Gleaves does an amazing job of painting the scenes for you, so much so that often times I felt like I was immersed in a movie rather than reading the book. This is what I come to enjoy most about reading, that movie that plays in your head. There is enough description to paint the scene, to make you feel as if you are a part of it, but not so much that you get lost in the details. Gleaves creates an awesome balance between the two.
I'm excited to get my hands on the next in the series, I'm eager to see what Jason comes up with to get away from Van Brunt, and just how the characters roles continue to unfold. A must read for anyone that enjoys the paranormal.
April 11, 2017
Horror is my favourite genre of all (and Stephen King my favourite author)but I've not read too much of it recently. I've been sidetracked with quite a lot of paranormal romance fiction so when I picked this book up, it felt good to be back reading what I love most.
This book was a solid 4.5 stars. It was absolutely fantastic and another great example of self published work. I'm starting to love self published authors more and more each day!
The book has its roots in the lore of Sleepy Hollow, which I'm sure most horror fans are well aware of but then introduces an entirely new story and adds it to the mix. The story surrounds Jason Crane, a descendant of Ichabod Crane and follows him and his new life in Sleepy Hollow. I won't describe any more of the plot as I'm sure it can be found in numerous places but I will say, the plot/ the place / the characters are 100% creepy.
I felt this was a page turner literally as I couldn't put it down and finished it in two solid days. It was my book of choice of three I have on the go and it just got better and better.
I will definitely be continuing with this series and I'm sure it won't disappoint!
4.5 Stars!
This book was a solid 4.5 stars. It was absolutely fantastic and another great example of self published work. I'm starting to love self published authors more and more each day!
The book has its roots in the lore of Sleepy Hollow, which I'm sure most horror fans are well aware of but then introduces an entirely new story and adds it to the mix. The story surrounds Jason Crane, a descendant of Ichabod Crane and follows him and his new life in Sleepy Hollow. I won't describe any more of the plot as I'm sure it can be found in numerous places but I will say, the plot/ the place / the characters are 100% creepy.
I felt this was a page turner literally as I couldn't put it down and finished it in two solid days. It was my book of choice of three I have on the go and it just got better and better.
I will definitely be continuing with this series and I'm sure it won't disappoint!
4.5 Stars!
October 28, 2015
I was looking for a good book to read during the week of Halloween and this one was perfect! It kept me in suspense with an update of the old Sleepy Hallow legend by Washington Irving. This book takes place in the modern day and Jason Crane is a descendant of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman still rides. Of course he's going to be after Ichabod's descendant! This was a long book but fast read for the number of pages because it was so intense and riveting. Upon finishing this I immediately purchased book 2 in the series and am reading that which is adding even more to the season. Yes, it is full of horror but not too bloody and gory; I think because I was very aware that I was reading a continuation of a legend very aware that it was fiction. Jason Crane and his grandmother are two lovable characters in opposition of the descendants of Brom Bones. Of course the battle of the Cranes and the Van Brunts continues. I really "could not put this down" and had to force myself to go to bed.
July 31, 2021
I'm a huge fan of Irving Washington's Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I love most anything related to The Legend - Disney's animated movie, Tim Burton's take, and even the Fox series. So I had high expectations coming into this book - and I was not disappointed! Books with children and teens as main characters are just as good to me as most adult-oriented novels, so the fact that most of the main characters were teens did not bother me at all. And the fact that there were well-handled gay characters was also a major plus for me. My main concern was that the author would try to recreate the original story in modern times. And at times it did indeed seem to be headed in that direction. However there was just enough twist and nuance to keep that from happening. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to start the second book! I was fortunate to find all 4 current Jason Crane books on Ebay at an amazing price. I almost didn't get them, but I am SO glad I did! Mr. Gleaves has a new fan here!
February 6, 2017
This was one of those books that I loved but I can't put my finger on exactly why I loved it. The characters were certainly memorable and sympathetic. I could really connect with both Jason Crane and his grandmother, the heroine, the sidekick. I even saw where the villains were coming from The writing was certainly good, as was the editing. The premise was intriguing - naturally, or I wouldn't have picked up this unknown-to-me author. I don't know. I couldn't put this book down! (Except when I had to for life stuff, which is why it took me 5 days to read. A gal's gotta eat and sleep and work, ya know.)
Anyway, this is a YA story that I think would be enjoyed by anyone from 13 on up. Good stuff.
The only small niggle - the story wasn't finished in this book, so I have to buy the next book to see what happens. Too much was left hanging to stop now.
Anyway, this is a YA story that I think would be enjoyed by anyone from 13 on up. Good stuff.
The only small niggle - the story wasn't finished in this book, so I have to buy the next book to see what happens. Too much was left hanging to stop now.
November 24, 2015
I couldn't finish it. There doesn't seem to be a unique central conflict driving the story, and the author too often tried to be metaphorical but writes in a too-literal way. When I start pushing myself to read a book, that's when I know I need to stop reading it.
January 1, 2014
I was not a fan of the ending, hate when a book leaves you hanging with no closure! The rest was engaging
September 30, 2020
Started strong. Basically a YA update of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It ends like a tv mini-series. And now we wait for the next year...
June 17, 2018
I am giving all 3 books by Richard Gleaves a 5-star rating but not because I entirely enjoyed the series. I was bored by the story of Dylan Van Brunt and by Agathe Van Brunt's diary. I did read those, though, and I do understand their part in the books. My personal feeling at the time was to concentrate on Jason, Kate, Zef and Joey.
The other thing that I really objected to was the piling on of gross tragedy after gross tragedy; there was too much.
Still and all, this was a well written series. The characters are all painted well from the evil Horseman to the hero of the books, Jason Crane. I "know" how all of them look and I wish I could draw and show them to everyone.
I strongly believe that there are readers who will find these books more entertaining than I did and it is for them I give the 5-stars.
The other thing that I really objected to was the piling on of gross tragedy after gross tragedy; there was too much.
Still and all, this was a well written series. The characters are all painted well from the evil Horseman to the hero of the books, Jason Crane. I "know" how all of them look and I wish I could draw and show them to everyone.
I strongly believe that there are readers who will find these books more entertaining than I did and it is for them I give the 5-stars.
June 30, 2018
Incredible! I’ve been to Sleepy Hollow, it’s my favorite place to be, in fact, my profile picture is me standing in front of the Old Dutch Church. I read this novel, thinking of my visit to Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, and how much I miss the place! Gleaves does an amazing job transporting you to the Hollow, and gives you such an extreme hate for the villain of this tale. Do yourself a favor, and read “Rise Headless and Ride”!
September 25, 2023
Surprisingly fun, but I always love a good Halloween book. Lots of cliches and ridiculous similes that had me rolling my eyes a handful of times, but enjoyed it nevertheless.
November 7, 2015
I have to say that this book surprised me. I wasn't sure going in if I would like it or not but I was pleasantly surprised.
First, the good. I really liked the character, well, most of them. I liked Jason and Joey a lot. It took a bit but I grew to really like Jason's grandma a lot also. They do seem a little more adult than normal teenagers but each one has had to deal with certain things that could make them more mature than their natural age so I think it fits and does not seem out of place. Even the characters that I did not care for very much felt very real to me. Their motivations and responses to things made sense within their character. I really liked the story as well (even though it seemed slightly cribbed from Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow movie. But only one point and the rest is plenty different enough so that it is really it's own story, not just a rehash. Also,
Now for the bad, which isn't all that bad. A lot of it depends on taste and preference. The beginning moves slow. Things don't really start to move along until about a hundred or so pages in. Jason's grandma, also, in the first chapter, seems a lot different than later. Almost as though the author really decided where he wanted her character to go after a few chapters. For the length of the book though there are a few minor things not cleared up but perhaps they will be in the sequel.
The characters of Kate and Zef I didn't really care for. Particularly Zef and I think the reader is supposed to feel some sympathy towards him but to me he was just an ass. . Kate, I just don't care for. Especially two of her actions in the book that I just think are overly physically aggressive for the situation. In the first
Another spoiler, sorry! Maybe it is cleared up in the sequel along with hopefully the role of the river. As far as characters go they are pretty consistent except for a major plot point hinges on Jason's grandma doing something very foolish and naive later in the book when she is not presented like that at all.
I would recommend this book to teens but adults would probably enjoy it also. Also, as a parental mention, there is a character who drinks but it's not really presented as something great, no drug use and very minimum sexuality. Nothing graphic at all.
First, the good. I really liked the character, well, most of them. I liked Jason and Joey a lot. It took a bit but I grew to really like Jason's grandma a lot also. They do seem a little more adult than normal teenagers but each one has had to deal with certain things that could make them more mature than their natural age so I think it fits and does not seem out of place. Even the characters that I did not care for very much felt very real to me. Their motivations and responses to things made sense within their character. I really liked the story as well (even though it seemed slightly cribbed from Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow movie. But only one point and the rest is plenty different enough so that it is really it's own story, not just a rehash. Also,
Now for the bad, which isn't all that bad. A lot of it depends on taste and preference. The beginning moves slow. Things don't really start to move along until about a hundred or so pages in. Jason's grandma, also, in the first chapter, seems a lot different than later. Almost as though the author really decided where he wanted her character to go after a few chapters. For the length of the book though there are a few minor things not cleared up but perhaps they will be in the sequel.
The characters of Kate and Zef I didn't really care for. Particularly Zef and I think the reader is supposed to feel some sympathy towards him but to me he was just an ass. . Kate, I just don't care for. Especially two of her actions in the book that I just think are overly physically aggressive for the situation. In the first
Another spoiler, sorry! Maybe it is cleared up in the sequel along with hopefully the role of the river. As far as characters go they are pretty consistent except for a major plot point hinges on Jason's grandma doing something very foolish and naive later in the book when she is not presented like that at all.
I would recommend this book to teens but adults would probably enjoy it also. Also, as a parental mention, there is a character who drinks but it's not really presented as something great, no drug use and very minimum sexuality. Nothing graphic at all.
July 21, 2014
I think if I saw my child browsing this one in the Sleepy Hollow gift shop I would spy an opportunity. At last, no more supernatural mumbo-jumbo. Okay, there are certainly ghosts and gore and tarot cards, but that is not what the spirit of the book is a about. It is about the kind of values you want your son to be raised with.
Jason Crane is a sensible rational boy, well raised to appreciate the people in his life and is eager to live it well. He knows he must one day face life alone. He approaches the supernatural as a scientific mystery and does not believe it until his visions are tested against the specific and verifiable, though artistic licence allows some supernatural things to be "real". It goes on. The villain is lazy and entitled, the heroes hardworking and independent with a proper respect for money. All things that a traditional conservative father could respect. The homosexual crush between secondary characters is completely okay by the hero who becomes immediate best friends with openly gay Joey and who seems destined for a difficult reconciliation with troubled Zef, the villain's son. Life in the closet for Zef is a minor theme that can be enjoyed with sympathy by straight readers as part of the build-up to the main events. Meanwhile the complex love triangle between Jason, Zef and Kate provides an opportunity for the author to portray a likable independent female, aware of her beauty and the trouble it causes but neither hostile nor available. You can let your daughter read this too, if she dares.
The author is obviously opinionated, in his own way, but the subtle way he incorporates his values into the text is technically impressive and respectful to any reader who just wants to pick up and read a great ghost thriller. And this is a great ghost thriller. I have read the first Harry Potter and this *is* a better book, the enthusiastic comparisons on Amazon should be believed. The pace is enticing and the reader is drawn in. The horror is horrific, the gore is gory, the violence is violent yet not gratuitous, and the emotion is raw and convincing - I was moved by Jason's recollection of loss. You will certainly get what you paid for.
I am also certain that the detail of the Horseman's steed will one day cause Industrial Light & Magic to invent some amazing new CGI rendering algorithm. If this is not made into a five part blockbusting Hollywood franchise then there is something wrong with the world.
Jason Crane is a sensible rational boy, well raised to appreciate the people in his life and is eager to live it well. He knows he must one day face life alone. He approaches the supernatural as a scientific mystery and does not believe it until his visions are tested against the specific and verifiable, though artistic licence allows some supernatural things to be "real". It goes on. The villain is lazy and entitled, the heroes hardworking and independent with a proper respect for money. All things that a traditional conservative father could respect. The homosexual crush between secondary characters is completely okay by the hero who becomes immediate best friends with openly gay Joey and who seems destined for a difficult reconciliation with troubled Zef, the villain's son. Life in the closet for Zef is a minor theme that can be enjoyed with sympathy by straight readers as part of the build-up to the main events. Meanwhile the complex love triangle between Jason, Zef and Kate provides an opportunity for the author to portray a likable independent female, aware of her beauty and the trouble it causes but neither hostile nor available. You can let your daughter read this too, if she dares.
The author is obviously opinionated, in his own way, but the subtle way he incorporates his values into the text is technically impressive and respectful to any reader who just wants to pick up and read a great ghost thriller. And this is a great ghost thriller. I have read the first Harry Potter and this *is* a better book, the enthusiastic comparisons on Amazon should be believed. The pace is enticing and the reader is drawn in. The horror is horrific, the gore is gory, the violence is violent yet not gratuitous, and the emotion is raw and convincing - I was moved by Jason's recollection of loss. You will certainly get what you paid for.
I am also certain that the detail of the Horseman's steed will one day cause Industrial Light & Magic to invent some amazing new CGI rendering algorithm. If this is not made into a five part blockbusting Hollywood franchise then there is something wrong with the world.
October 1, 2021
Read on KU
I feel like I need to give Fans of Urban Fantasy FB group a shout out. Someone posted a pic of all 4 books and asked if any of the rest of us had read them. I'd never heard of them but it inspired me to check the first one out and I'm hooked!
Ok, to the review. I reread Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow last year and I didn't love it. Part of the problem was that the original novella suffered from being over adapted - and many of the adaptations
outshine the actual book. BUT I am still fascinated by the premise of the original tale hence every time I discover a new adaptation, I get very excited.
Rise Headless and Ride was worth getting excited about. Gleaves characterisation is outstanding. Something many writers of ghost stories and gothic novels don't seem to understand is that the supernatural happenings are only there to act as a dark mirror to the MC's internal conflict. If you focus only on the ghost, then you're paradoxically not really telling a ghost story. It's so refreshing to find an author who gets this. The plot is driven by Jason Crane's sense of unbelonging, his need to make connections - something he has found difficult to do due in part to the early deaths of his parents and his loving but erratic adventurous Grandmother's care of him. There's also a pesky little additional gift which doesn't help him blend in...
Others have summarised the plot so I won't add to that. Suffice to say that the attention to folklore, mythology and local history was excellent, the setting was perfect and Gleaves prose was intelligent and drily amusing. I actually found the small town politics and their effect on a teen who was figuring out if he was homosexual very believable. I disgree with other reviewers that this (or anything else) was shoe-horned in. But then I like all the characters to feel like they have their own stories an I love good subplots rather than linear narratives so this was right up my street.
I could gush for another hour but I'd much rather go and read the next one. Excellent book.
I feel like I need to give Fans of Urban Fantasy FB group a shout out. Someone posted a pic of all 4 books and asked if any of the rest of us had read them. I'd never heard of them but it inspired me to check the first one out and I'm hooked!
Ok, to the review. I reread Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow last year and I didn't love it. Part of the problem was that the original novella suffered from being over adapted - and many of the adaptations
outshine the actual book. BUT I am still fascinated by the premise of the original tale hence every time I discover a new adaptation, I get very excited.
Rise Headless and Ride was worth getting excited about. Gleaves characterisation is outstanding. Something many writers of ghost stories and gothic novels don't seem to understand is that the supernatural happenings are only there to act as a dark mirror to the MC's internal conflict. If you focus only on the ghost, then you're paradoxically not really telling a ghost story. It's so refreshing to find an author who gets this. The plot is driven by Jason Crane's sense of unbelonging, his need to make connections - something he has found difficult to do due in part to the early deaths of his parents and his loving but erratic adventurous Grandmother's care of him. There's also a pesky little additional gift which doesn't help him blend in...
Others have summarised the plot so I won't add to that. Suffice to say that the attention to folklore, mythology and local history was excellent, the setting was perfect and Gleaves prose was intelligent and drily amusing. I actually found the small town politics and their effect on a teen who was figuring out if he was homosexual very believable. I disgree with other reviewers that this (or anything else) was shoe-horned in. But then I like all the characters to feel like they have their own stories an I love good subplots rather than linear narratives so this was right up my street.
I could gush for another hour but I'd much rather go and read the next one. Excellent book.
November 13, 2013
Finally, a Headless Horseman with a sense of pace
With everyone from Disney to Fox TV doing their versions of Sleepy Hollow, it's a pleasure to find a writer who keeps his own head on his shoulders (yes, I said it) and gives us a slower tale. Rise Headless and Ride gives us teenage Jason Crane and his globetrotting grandmother, the descendants of Brom Bones poking around family tombs and secrets, and a tourist-chasing Sleepy Hollow that's hostile enough to misfit boys even without a mysterious killing or two.
Picture a budding Anne Rice hijacking Scooby-Doo, digging through the YA pangs of football rallies and colorful locals and then edging on to a boy starting to see the shadows slowly rising... Characters are solid, with Jason untested but appealing and others different mixes of good intentions and darker secrets. And now and then Richard Gleaves gives us lines like "the wind found a dancing-partner," so whenever the story goes to high gear it's the well-earned immersion a true spook-fan can love.
(It doesn't hurt that it also includes the original Washington Irving story, plus Tarrytown maps to show how historically accurate the settings are. If you want this to be more than a book, it's that too.)
One regret: I would have liked the story to cover its complete adventure in one grand package, but as the copy tells us, it's only the first half. And yes, there are other literary revisitations in the wings for Jason Crane after this. Well, the story never denied pushing its share of commercial buttons.
It's just the least hollow Sleepy Hollow since the legend began.
With everyone from Disney to Fox TV doing their versions of Sleepy Hollow, it's a pleasure to find a writer who keeps his own head on his shoulders (yes, I said it) and gives us a slower tale. Rise Headless and Ride gives us teenage Jason Crane and his globetrotting grandmother, the descendants of Brom Bones poking around family tombs and secrets, and a tourist-chasing Sleepy Hollow that's hostile enough to misfit boys even without a mysterious killing or two.
Picture a budding Anne Rice hijacking Scooby-Doo, digging through the YA pangs of football rallies and colorful locals and then edging on to a boy starting to see the shadows slowly rising... Characters are solid, with Jason untested but appealing and others different mixes of good intentions and darker secrets. And now and then Richard Gleaves gives us lines like "the wind found a dancing-partner," so whenever the story goes to high gear it's the well-earned immersion a true spook-fan can love.
(It doesn't hurt that it also includes the original Washington Irving story, plus Tarrytown maps to show how historically accurate the settings are. If you want this to be more than a book, it's that too.)
One regret: I would have liked the story to cover its complete adventure in one grand package, but as the copy tells us, it's only the first half. And yes, there are other literary revisitations in the wings for Jason Crane after this. Well, the story never denied pushing its share of commercial buttons.
It's just the least hollow Sleepy Hollow since the legend began.
December 17, 2013
This is the first book in a series, and although I am not very fond of series, I will delightedly submit to this one!
Richard Gleaves has created a terrific character and his name is Jason Crane. He’s a typical teenager, who displays the full range of emotions and experiences that can be attributed to any high school student, but he’s also a direct descendent of Ichabod Crane.
Jason’s parents died in an unusual car accident (or was it?), when he was seven. Since that day, his grandmother has raised him and she is no ‘run of the mill’ grandmother. She’s feisty, has had several husbands, she’s flown airplanes, and had life experiences that many of us simply yearn for. These two characters are so well written that we easily become invested in them and their story.
That’s not all that makes this story so good. It’s exceedingly well written and succeeds in gluing your eyes to the page until the last one is turned. The most intriguing aspect of what Gleaves has done is the fact that he has taken pages from a beloved literary work (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow), and wrapped it into a fascinating story that all ages will love.
Gleaves will bring Jason Crane back in future novels, to explore other interesting American literary favorites like the House of the Seven Gables, and The Fall of the House of Usher. How enticing is that!?
Thank you, Richard Gleaves, for such a refreshing and dare I say, ‘novel’ addition to YA literature. I look forward to the next installment, and the next ‘ride’ with Jason Crane!
Jeanne E. Rogers, Author
The Sword of Demelza, a middle grade fantasy where endangered animals roam the pages.
Richard Gleaves has created a terrific character and his name is Jason Crane. He’s a typical teenager, who displays the full range of emotions and experiences that can be attributed to any high school student, but he’s also a direct descendent of Ichabod Crane.
Jason’s parents died in an unusual car accident (or was it?), when he was seven. Since that day, his grandmother has raised him and she is no ‘run of the mill’ grandmother. She’s feisty, has had several husbands, she’s flown airplanes, and had life experiences that many of us simply yearn for. These two characters are so well written that we easily become invested in them and their story.
That’s not all that makes this story so good. It’s exceedingly well written and succeeds in gluing your eyes to the page until the last one is turned. The most intriguing aspect of what Gleaves has done is the fact that he has taken pages from a beloved literary work (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow), and wrapped it into a fascinating story that all ages will love.
Gleaves will bring Jason Crane back in future novels, to explore other interesting American literary favorites like the House of the Seven Gables, and The Fall of the House of Usher. How enticing is that!?
Thank you, Richard Gleaves, for such a refreshing and dare I say, ‘novel’ addition to YA literature. I look forward to the next installment, and the next ‘ride’ with Jason Crane!
Jeanne E. Rogers, Author
The Sword of Demelza, a middle grade fantasy where endangered animals roam the pages.
April 30, 2015
Reading can be a chore for me, sometimes a downright struggle due to dyslexia and major ADD (diagnosed, not clichéd jest). But every now and then, a book comes along and I am able to read with little trouble. This book was one of them. Keeping track of characters can be especially difficult for me, but not with this one. These characters became real to me, in my head, and I kept track of each of them with little effort. I got to know them, care for them, and be there with them in Sleepy Hollow. What a treat!
It was the story that really drew me in, and this author's writing style speaks to me somehow. I felt this book, physically, as I read. The fear, the terror, the love, the joy, the teen awkwardness...all VERY well written. I came away feeling like I'd lived in Sleepy Hollow, that I am now familiar with its layout, buildings, surroundings, and people.
The story swept me along, and I happily gave in to the flowing currents of this author's wonderful prose. The story took me on a journey that I will not soon forget. I don't believe I've read such a well-written, vividly described novel in years; certainly nothing that left me as breathless as this novel did.
Young adult or adult, this is a ride you won't want to miss!
I look forward to the official release of Book Two as I strap myself in for what's sure to be another wonderful, unforgettable, and wild ride.
It was the story that really drew me in, and this author's writing style speaks to me somehow. I felt this book, physically, as I read. The fear, the terror, the love, the joy, the teen awkwardness...all VERY well written. I came away feeling like I'd lived in Sleepy Hollow, that I am now familiar with its layout, buildings, surroundings, and people.
The story swept me along, and I happily gave in to the flowing currents of this author's wonderful prose. The story took me on a journey that I will not soon forget. I don't believe I've read such a well-written, vividly described novel in years; certainly nothing that left me as breathless as this novel did.
Young adult or adult, this is a ride you won't want to miss!
I look forward to the official release of Book Two as I strap myself in for what's sure to be another wonderful, unforgettable, and wild ride.
January 14, 2015
At first, I had a hard time getting into this book, but after the third chapter it had me completely hooked. I couldn't put it down - just ask my kids who were completely ignored for an entire day while I read this wonderful work from Richard Gleaves.
I discovered the Jason Crane series when the second book, Bridge of Bones, was offered as a free download. Since I like order, I had to read the first book in the series before the second. I am so glad I did!
Richard Gleaves is a wonderful writer. He gives each of his characters their due - fully developing them so that the reader gets to know them, warts and all. Beyond the character development, the story is well-written and fully developed. I have read many books that start off great, but end up wrapping everything up so quickly and neatly that I feel that I've been cheated. Gleaves doesn't do that. He weaves a complete story, allowing each of the sub-plots to fully play out.
After finishing "Rise Headless and Ride," I dove right into "Bridge of Bones" - it was equally good and just as well-written as the first book. Thank you Richard Gleaves! I can't wait to read "General of the Dead" this fall. I will miss Jason, Joey, Kate, and even Zef until then!
I discovered the Jason Crane series when the second book, Bridge of Bones, was offered as a free download. Since I like order, I had to read the first book in the series before the second. I am so glad I did!
Richard Gleaves is a wonderful writer. He gives each of his characters their due - fully developing them so that the reader gets to know them, warts and all. Beyond the character development, the story is well-written and fully developed. I have read many books that start off great, but end up wrapping everything up so quickly and neatly that I feel that I've been cheated. Gleaves doesn't do that. He weaves a complete story, allowing each of the sub-plots to fully play out.
After finishing "Rise Headless and Ride," I dove right into "Bridge of Bones" - it was equally good and just as well-written as the first book. Thank you Richard Gleaves! I can't wait to read "General of the Dead" this fall. I will miss Jason, Joey, Kate, and even Zef until then!
January 16, 2023
"Rise Headless and Ride" by Richard Gleaves is the 1st book in the Jason Crane series, and it was fantastic! A modern day re-telling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Gleaves does an amazing job of incorporating the classic tale with a current day twist.
After being orphaned as a young child, Jason Crane (now a teen) lives with his grandmother, who is fascinated by graves, ancestry, and old legends of spooks and ghosts.
Together, they move to Tarry Town, a small city that is obsessed with its biggest celebrity, the Headless Horseman.
But when something happens to his grandmother and the REAL Headless Horseman rises again, chopping off heads, Jason has to figure out who's next and how to stop the Horseman before the headless ghost comes after him.
This book is a great coming-of-age story with a little romance, a little mystery, and a whole lot of adventure.
Gleaves does an amazing job of creating a very real world, thanks to his diligent research of the real-life Sleepy Hollow. And the MC, Jason, is wonderfully written, leaving you laughing and rooting for him from the very first chapter.
It's a fun read for anyone who enjoys YA, coming-of-age tales, and has a love of the Headless Horseman.
I would absolutely recommend!
After being orphaned as a young child, Jason Crane (now a teen) lives with his grandmother, who is fascinated by graves, ancestry, and old legends of spooks and ghosts.
Together, they move to Tarry Town, a small city that is obsessed with its biggest celebrity, the Headless Horseman.
But when something happens to his grandmother and the REAL Headless Horseman rises again, chopping off heads, Jason has to figure out who's next and how to stop the Horseman before the headless ghost comes after him.
This book is a great coming-of-age story with a little romance, a little mystery, and a whole lot of adventure.
Gleaves does an amazing job of creating a very real world, thanks to his diligent research of the real-life Sleepy Hollow. And the MC, Jason, is wonderfully written, leaving you laughing and rooting for him from the very first chapter.
It's a fun read for anyone who enjoys YA, coming-of-age tales, and has a love of the Headless Horseman.
I would absolutely recommend!
November 4, 2020
This was a good solid read. It was a little spooky and had some interesting characters, but it’s like a part one. Nothing was really resolved or developed and if you want to have a complete story then you have to read book 2. While I did enjoy book 1, I don’t know that I have to read book 2. I think you can have a good story that wraps up and still be part of a bigger story. This book doesn’t have that. It is essentially a book of teasers and didn’t feel like a complete story. The concept is intriguing but I would have liked to see this plot line wrapped up and in to the next mystery or at least make me feel close enough that I am compelled to read the next. This missed the Mark a little for me. Having said that, it is still a solid read. Liked it, didn’t love it.
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