Just weeks after discovering each other’s existence, Jess and Hannah Ballard arrive at Fairhaven Hall, where they will learn the clandestine ways of the Durupinen, an ancient sect of women who control the Gateways between the worlds of the living and the dead.
Though they are considered outcasts by most of their classmates, Jess and Hannah are determined to learn what they can to fulfill their responsibility to the many ghosts that haunt them. But danger, it seems, has followed them as closely as a shadow to their new home, and they have more questions than ever.
Who is the desperate child spirit pursuing Jess, and what do her terrifying visions mean? What has happened to Dr. David Pierce, Jess’ friend and mentor, who has suddenly and mysteriously vanished? And just what is it about Hannah’s unique abilities that has the other Durupinen frightened of her? The Ballard sisters are about to find out, and the answers could destroy their newfound life before it has even begun.
Spirit Prophecy is the second thrilling installment in E.E. Holmes’ award-winning Gateway Trilogy.
E.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.
She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.
I'm am absolutely in love with this series. I want to cry, yell, and throw things because book three is not out yet! If you loved the first book like I did, you will seriously die in this sequel. I didn't think I could love the second more than I did the first, but I am sitting here amazed that I may have just found one of, if not my most favorite paranormal series ever.... And it only has 40 something reviews! If you see this review, please don't skip over and find another series. You will be doing yourself a favor by starting this one right now. I cannot wait for book three because this ending has me dying!
3.5 stars. We dive right into the main plot line in this book of the series. No middle book syndrome here. I still feel like YA is probably the best category for this series so far. There is quite a bit more cursing in this one than the last but not anything OTT. This story is really getting interesting here, we get answers galore about Jess and Hannah, as well as about their special gifts. The word is built really well. Its both complex and yet has simple, and understandable explanations that really draw you in.
I'm still on the fence about FMC Jess.. honestly dude she is just so hostile and kind of mean all around. I feel like the extra/new characters introduced in this book really made it for me. Savvy.. that girl is a riot. Jess and Hannah make their way to Fairhaven for "training." Unfortunately, as soon as they get there of course their past comes back to haunt them.. pun intended. Not accepted due to the "mistakes" of their mother really dampens this time of learning for them. Also, it seems that Jess has a new stage 5 clinger.. the Silent Child.. a ghost that is for some reason unable to communicate with her. Jess also begins an investigation after finding out Dr. Pierce and Annabelle have gone missing. Things just don't add up and there really isn't anyone who Jess and Hannah can trust.. or is there?
That ending though.. I'm going to go ahead and say it was a cliffhanger even though I honestly believed the author was at a great stopping point. This is really turning out to be quite a unique and entertaining story. Lots of mystery and intrigue.. The biggest drawback for me is that I just can't seem to connect with Jess.. but I still want to know what happens.. Bah. I'll be sucking it up, and heading into the next book soon, I'm sure.
Man, this book was awesome. It's rare that sequels surpass the original, but I enjoyed this book even more than the first!
Now that Jess has discovered her abilities, we delve deeper into the world of the Durupinen, following Jess and Hannah's training, with some twists thrown in. I loved learning more about the organization and what powers the Durupinen had, and the mystery of the Silent Child intrigued me as well.
It was great having the progression of the story be less predictable - while the premise of training with other Durupinen was interesting enough, there were so many other mysteries going on at the same time that I had a hard time putting the book down.
Just like the first one, heavily recommended for fans of YA paranormal fantasy.
I enjoyed the first book set in America. The second book is set largely in England. As an English reader the inaccurate use of phrasing and words has been driving me crazy. In the UK we have Universities rather than colleges. We have colleges but they are largely (although not exclusively) vocational. Although I suppose what the young women are being taught is vocational; I concede that. The use of "fall" rather than Autumn. Casual american colloquilism is rife. Unfortunately you would probably have to be English to spot it all.
Another thing is the way 18 year olds are spoken to by their supposed lecturers. In England 18 is Adult. The teachers treat them like children. The students consider themselves children. For instance the suggestion that an "Adult" was responsible for the Elemental prank.
I am no quiter and will finish the series because despite my gripes the story line keeps me guessing. Nethertheless, it really is Sabrina the teenage witch meets Harry Potter, only not that good.
Got to be one of the best I've read in a long time, your given so much detail to work it out yourself but are still surprised by typing he put come. Now for a shower coffee and book three.
I'm in love with this series. My sister told me about the series and seriously I loved the first book. Thank you dear sister. Characters were very impressive. This book is full of outstanding twists. The best twists out ever. Very excited for the third book!!!
I'm finding this series shockingly addictive. Couldn't stop reading last night.
There was a moment early on where they show up to their new ghosting/witching/paranormal activities school (I kind of like that it defies easy categorization) and it was clear that Holmes was going to indulge her inner soft spot for Harry Potter magic school tropes. OH NO. I think this lives in a special place in the psyche of every millenial these days (I just tried to figure out how old she is and failed, but I think millenial is a safe bet). Anyway, luckily this is just a short detour for the most part.
Kind of interesting dynamics between the two sisters, although I think the abandoned twin emotional damage is a little underexplored so far. Hannah is clearly pissed at her mom but c'mon, she meekly accepts Jess without comment?
Really enjoyed the continuation of the trilogy. The story moved at pace and didn’t have any parts that felt like it was being padded out. It was a real page turner so it was at least 4 stars, but ended up as closer to 5 stars for me. The characters developed well, and the detail involved in the “gate keeping” kept me interested. Now want to read the 3rd book in the series to get the conclusion.
One observation that my cousin and I both made was the similarity with the novel Iron Flame in the use of runes and wards on doors to prevent entry to rooms. Which author used this idea first? Was it coincidental or plagiarism?
I'm really enthusiastic about this story the more it goes on the more mysterious and interesting it becomes. If you're not reading it I highly recommend it....
I'm trying hard to separate the narration of the audiobook to the actually book. The story was interesting and entertaining. Definitely not predictably. The new narrator was awful. I almost gave up listening. Glad I pushed through. Maybe I'll just read the last one myself.
I was hooked from the start and kept entranced through this entire story. I love the characters so much, I feel as if I have met them in person. Brava 👏🏼 EE Holmes. Starting book 3 asap 💫
The story is built as the book progresses. No fair, cliffhanger ending. E. E. Holmes builds on the previous world of the first in the trilogy. Although the story is a little predictable in places, I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I look forward to delving into the world again. :)
I was lucky enough to find these books when both book one and two were available. And let me tell you, I am so excited for book three.
With the start of a fragile new sister relationship and reluctantly tolerating the company of a bound spirit, Jessica and her newly discovered sister Hannah agree to assume the mantle of Gateway and head to Fairhaven Hall to immerse themselves in learning how to manage their abilities. Their reception is mixed and makes for much girls school drama, a bit of teenage angst and identity confusion as the mystery of their origins... And their futures... Become writing on the wall.
What an absolutely brilliant second book of this trilogy! After waiting a year for its release, it didn't disappoint and I never wanted to put it down. I was even devastated when I got to the last chapter as I knew I was so close to the end.
In my opinion, it's very rare to find the second book of a trilogy to be as gripping as the first but Spirit Prophecy was, and I can't believe I'll have to wait another 12 months for the next instalment!
A fantastic read that's now up there in my top 5 - almost certain to be read and re-read again and again :)
You know exactly when you've hit the end of the story and realize, "Oh crap! The next book isn't out yet!!!" Well, I'm there and now eagerly await the next installment of the completely mesmerizing trilogy. While I would normally wait till ALL the books have been released, before starting a series like this, I AM happy I have read the first two books and Milo's story. I now find myself in the unfortunate position of The Eagerly Awaiting Game!
I am on to Book 3 now....I think this is suitable for all ages from YA up. I have always been a well done paranormal fan, and although I cannot say that any of this is believable I do believe that things exist that are beyond our comprehension.
Little to no romance which is refreshing and an interesting plot (although non-believable) makes this series a wonderful diversion to binge during these odd Covid19 times we are in. Interesting characters abound.
Not as enjoyable as the first in the series, but an OK read. The pissy attitude of college age girls (more like high school) got old after a while. The negative attitude of Finn and the assumed sexual tension got old, too. OK, both hate each other but they are bonded for life. Will it be a surprise if they get together? Nope. However, will continue to read on in the series, as I think the 4th book, which I read a bit of, sounds the most interesting. Now that they have left the Hogwarts Wannabe School, things should perk up.
I started this book then put it down less than halfway through. I just could not get into it. I read another book then picked this one back up and I am glad I did. I could not put it down. Now that I have finished it I better do some chores before I start the last one. The only reason I gave four stars is because of all the typos and mistakes in grammar. It made reading some parts hard. I bulldozed on through it and I’m glad I did.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and by extension this series so far. It’s a new idea and I love it! A family duty belonging to women of helping spirits “cross over” or move on to whatever waits after death is so intriguing. Plus the political intrigue and sassy dialogue just adds more flavor to an already delectable plot line. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Great follow up- great series! Jess and Hannah get immersed in their new lives as Apprentices. Jess keeps in touch with Tia and things that happen at St. Matt's, Karen is still in their lives, and new characters that you really like, really don't know too much about, and some you really don't like... All mixed in with resident spirits. Waiting for book 3.... Torture!
The first book was great. This one surpassed that in leaps and bounds. I am throwing a massive hissy because I don't know when the third book is being released and I have to know what happens. Just a fantastic nail biting trilogy.