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Jason Crane #2
Sleepy Hollow: Bridge of Bones
"My earliest memory is of discovering my grandfather's severed head."
The HEADLESS HORSEMAN has risen and rides. JASON CRANE is the Horseman's target. But Jason must stay and fight, to protect those he loves.
For Sleepy Hollow is falling to evil.
Now Jason Crane lives under a tyrannical guardian. Jason Crane must descend into fearful darkness. And Jason Crane has an appointment with death... at the BRIDGE OF BONES.
This exciting sequel to 2013's "Rise Headless and Ride" brings back Jason Crane, descendant of Ichabod of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow -- as well as his friends Joey, Kate, and Zef -- to face off against the ancient evil of the Van Brunt family. Impeccably researched, with an epic scope and a huge cast of characters, Bridge of Bones brings the weird gothic world of Sleepy Hollow to vibrant life in a way not seen since Irving's original: with fidelity to the real modern town and its history. Bridge of Bones is an imaginative tour de force spanning centuries, and a Halloween treat not to be missed.
The HEADLESS HORSEMAN has risen and rides. JASON CRANE is the Horseman's target. But Jason must stay and fight, to protect those he loves.
For Sleepy Hollow is falling to evil.
Now Jason Crane lives under a tyrannical guardian. Jason Crane must descend into fearful darkness. And Jason Crane has an appointment with death... at the BRIDGE OF BONES.
This exciting sequel to 2013's "Rise Headless and Ride" brings back Jason Crane, descendant of Ichabod of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow -- as well as his friends Joey, Kate, and Zef -- to face off against the ancient evil of the Van Brunt family. Impeccably researched, with an epic scope and a huge cast of characters, Bridge of Bones brings the weird gothic world of Sleepy Hollow to vibrant life in a way not seen since Irving's original: with fidelity to the real modern town and its history. Bridge of Bones is an imaginative tour de force spanning centuries, and a Halloween treat not to be missed.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2014
216 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 5, 2017
100 Billion gold stars!!!!!!!! Why has nobody read this series???? It is FANTASTIC! Not a dull moment in the entire 520 pages of pure awesomeness!!! I recommend this series to all!!!! And do your self a favor and get the audio narration! It makes the book even better!
October 4, 2023
“I know. Genealogy’s not your thing. I don’t blame you. It’s morbid. It’s looking backwards. Young people look to the future. That’s how it should be.” Her face clouded over. “Look at this old place. These people worked and struggled and we don’t even pull their weeds. You have to pull the weeds to know your roots. You may not like what you find, though—every family has bad apples—but even then you learn from their mistakes. The answers to most problems can be found in the past.” She sighed. “I sound like an old lady. Blah. When I’m gone, promise to pull the weeds, okay?”
So, I had barely finished book 1 when I had to start book 2. And we find Jason stuck living with Haedwych and Zef. And Haedwych is making Jason's life miserable by cancelling his credit card and phone, taking away the car, and going through all of his personal stuff - especially if it was hidden (he finds it) or had to do with Eliza (the genealogy stuff again plays a big part of the past here). And since Haedwych is his legal guardian, there's not much Jason can do about it. But Jason's inheritance is only part of what Haedwych is after, and it appears Haedwych isn't the only one who wants Jason dead.
On the roof, the two weathervanes spun lazily in opposite directions, like long-winded preachers debating doctrine—endlessly, endlessly circling but arriving at no agreement.
I'm debating between 4 and 5 stars on this one (I guess it's easy enough to go with 5 based on how I could hardly put the book down). There's still some clever and colorful writing (like the short quote above) but this book isn't as lyrical as the 1st book felt to me (which I really enjoyed). Book 2 also feels like there's a LOT more plot going on than book 1 (it's about 200 pages longer as well). And there were times where the book threatens to spill over into SK-like territory (that's not meant as a compliment) when all Hell is breaking loose and you wonder 'how is he going to explain this?' And... Gleaves does mostly explain things, but I just felt at times like the story was slipping away into... "less-believable chaos?"... if that makes sense. Also, while both books end on cliff-hangers, this one just felt like a bigger cliff-hanger (which is probably why I'm not feeling particularly satisfied right now).
Still, none that of that is to say that I didn't enjoy this book - I had a lot of fun reading and seeing the twists and turns the story took. Jason Crane's world is a crazy ride full of lovable and hate-able and fearsome characters, and I'm looking forward to picking up book 3, although I think I might need a little break first.
So, I had barely finished book 1 when I had to start book 2. And we find Jason stuck living with Haedwych and Zef. And Haedwych is making Jason's life miserable by cancelling his credit card and phone, taking away the car, and going through all of his personal stuff - especially if it was hidden (he finds it) or had to do with Eliza (the genealogy stuff again plays a big part of the past here). And since Haedwych is his legal guardian, there's not much Jason can do about it. But Jason's inheritance is only part of what Haedwych is after, and it appears Haedwych isn't the only one who wants Jason dead.
On the roof, the two weathervanes spun lazily in opposite directions, like long-winded preachers debating doctrine—endlessly, endlessly circling but arriving at no agreement.
I'm debating between 4 and 5 stars on this one (I guess it's easy enough to go with 5 based on how I could hardly put the book down). There's still some clever and colorful writing (like the short quote above) but this book isn't as lyrical as the 1st book felt to me (which I really enjoyed). Book 2 also feels like there's a LOT more plot going on than book 1 (it's about 200 pages longer as well). And there were times where the book threatens to spill over into SK-like territory (that's not meant as a compliment) when all Hell is breaking loose and you wonder 'how is he going to explain this?' And... Gleaves does mostly explain things, but I just felt at times like the story was slipping away into... "less-believable chaos?"... if that makes sense. Also, while both books end on cliff-hangers, this one just felt like a bigger cliff-hanger (which is probably why I'm not feeling particularly satisfied right now).
Still, none that of that is to say that I didn't enjoy this book - I had a lot of fun reading and seeing the twists and turns the story took. Jason Crane's world is a crazy ride full of lovable and hate-able and fearsome characters, and I'm looking forward to picking up book 3, although I think I might need a little break first.
October 28, 2014
Book two of the series is so easy to get hooked on. I read it completely in two long sittings (the length of book two is much longer than one), and at no point did I feel like I was pushing through chapters. The author expertly merges all sub-plots into the core plot while keeping a great pace, creating a complex story that is seamless to read and understand.
Two of my favorite aspects of the book:
1. After book one, I had some understanding of the family history portion of the story, but there were still a lot of mysteries. So I was afraid that the time off between my reading of one and two would make it difficult to keep up with the names and back stories....or that the author would need to recap too much in the actual pages. This was not the case. The author brilliantly reveals the Van Brunt family history mysteries left open in book one. I'm honestly going to have to look back to book one to understand how he managed to create challenging mysteries without the need for obvious recaps.
2. I really like the way the author builds up the psychological characteristics of all the evil characters within the Van Brunt family. The reader doesn't have to just accept that there are evil characters that want to do bad things. There are deeply rooted reasons why they want to do bad, and the encouraged analysis of these reasons adds another dimension to the book.
Book two is a really strong addition to the story and I'm really excited for the following book in the series.
Two of my favorite aspects of the book:
1. After book one, I had some understanding of the family history portion of the story, but there were still a lot of mysteries. So I was afraid that the time off between my reading of one and two would make it difficult to keep up with the names and back stories....or that the author would need to recap too much in the actual pages. This was not the case. The author brilliantly reveals the Van Brunt family history mysteries left open in book one. I'm honestly going to have to look back to book one to understand how he managed to create challenging mysteries without the need for obvious recaps.
2. I really like the way the author builds up the psychological characteristics of all the evil characters within the Van Brunt family. The reader doesn't have to just accept that there are evil characters that want to do bad things. There are deeply rooted reasons why they want to do bad, and the encouraged analysis of these reasons adds another dimension to the book.
Book two is a really strong addition to the story and I'm really excited for the following book in the series.
November 15, 2014
That can't be the end, right? This was so good, kept me absolutely riveted and then...the end? No. No, no,no. Agathe cannot win. I need to know what happens with Jason, with Kate, with Zef and especially with Hadewych, heck, I need to know what happens with the dog, Charley. I truly hope there is a Book 3 in this series. That being said, I really enjoyed reading this. The story moves seamlessly from book 1 continuing the history of the family behind the Headless Horseman. This is an interesting take on the story by Washington Irving, who makes a guest appearance in this version. Well written, easy to read and has everything you could want in a story. There's mystery, intrigue, romance, history, horror and magic. What more could you ask for? I will wait...impatiently, for a 3rd book.
October 16, 2025
Book Two of the Sleepy Hollow trilogy by Gleaves. Even better than the first. But…. It ended on multiple cliffhangers. So much to the point that book 3 will have to be continued ASAP! Another 5 stars! I would even say 10 stars. Loved it!
***
Upon the second read through... The element of surprise and intrigue is lost, but more admiration is apparent for the authors writing and storyline.
***
Upon the second read through... The element of surprise and intrigue is lost, but more admiration is apparent for the authors writing and storyline.
July 23, 2018
I read the first book of this series last year and the first couple of chapters did a good job of bringing back all the references and continuing characters, enough to make me want to kill one of them, but he was mean to the dog.
In some places this one felt a little slower than the first book, but there was fast action in others. Also I find it a little difficult to identify with teenage characters in general. It basically continues the story where it left off, with Jason trying to protect his inheritance from his crooked guardian and to stay alive through all the ghostly happenings.
Jason is a likeable character and this story was significantly heavier on supernatural happenings than the first one. Despite some slow bits at the beginning and in the middle where some back story gets revealed, there was never any question that I would finish it. There was more of magic and 'gifts' in this one as well as a more prevalent presence of the Horseman and other ghosts.
The faster bits were an exciting ride and I enjoyed watching the characters develop further. There was almost exhausting fast action towards the end, but then it stopped with too many strands left unresolved so that you have to get the third book to see how it all turns out. For that, it loses a star. Otherwise it was a great read and I'm glad I've already got the third book so I don't have to decide whether to resist because of my anti-cliffhanger stance.
In some places this one felt a little slower than the first book, but there was fast action in others. Also I find it a little difficult to identify with teenage characters in general. It basically continues the story where it left off, with Jason trying to protect his inheritance from his crooked guardian and to stay alive through all the ghostly happenings.
Jason is a likeable character and this story was significantly heavier on supernatural happenings than the first one. Despite some slow bits at the beginning and in the middle where some back story gets revealed, there was never any question that I would finish it. There was more of magic and 'gifts' in this one as well as a more prevalent presence of the Horseman and other ghosts.
The faster bits were an exciting ride and I enjoyed watching the characters develop further. There was almost exhausting fast action towards the end, but then it stopped with too many strands left unresolved so that you have to get the third book to see how it all turns out. For that, it loses a star. Otherwise it was a great read and I'm glad I've already got the third book so I don't have to decide whether to resist because of my anti-cliffhanger stance.
December 2, 2015
Five stars for a great story, entertainingly written, and well edited. Bought it, read it in one sitting (it made a long plane flight bearable). As good as the first novel (although the police department, not to mention in FBI, need to have a word with themselves about lack of action regarding multiple murders and disappearances. And the media are asleep at the wheel too...) but the cliffhanger is a nightmare.
Lots of plotlines start to come together and then - it ends. I need book 3 for the next flight.
Lots of plotlines start to come together and then - it ends. I need book 3 for the next flight.
November 4, 2014
I find myself caring about these characters *so much*! Especially Jason and Joey. Hadewych is not always as believable a character as I'd like, but I can understand his motivations, so he works for me as an antagonist. My main complaint about this book? Cliffhanger ending! I hate cliffhangers! And I have no idea when the next book is supposed to be out. If you can handle the cliffhanger, though, it's worth a read.
October 8, 2017
This is my real Halloween read for this year. And wow! What a wild ride!
Last year I read the first book in this series, Sleepy Hollow: Rise Headless and Ride for my personal Halloween read of the year. I enjoyed it so much I had to get the rest of the series.
In Rise Headless and Ride, events pretty much came to a head on Halloween night. Jason Crane, the latest descendant of Washington Irving’s Ichabod Crane of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow fame, barely escaped his ancestor’s nemesis, the headless horseman, by dint of jumping through a window in the Old Dutch Church to get to hallowed ground, where the horseman couldn’t go. This didn’t do Jason’s reputation with the rest of the town of Sleepy Hollow any good, however; now they look on him as having defaced an important historical site.
Also at the end of Rise Headless and Ride, Jason’s grandmother, Eliza died after an attack by the horseman, leaving him under the less-than-ideal guardianship of Hadewych Van Brunt, the latest heir of the family of Brom Bones. It was Hadewych who called the horsemen from his grave that night. Hadewych who is scheming to get rid of Jason somehow so he can have the use of Eliza’s fortune for himself. As Jason’s guardian, he can only use it on Jason’s behalf. At least in theory.
In this book, Bridge of Bones, the horseman doesn’t go away. Not really. He haunts Jason’s nightmares. Hadewych calls him out again at New Year’s (when he is throwing a fundraising party for Paul Usher, Kate’s father, using money from a foundation he has set up on Jason’s behalf), ostensibly to kill his ex-wife Jessica. As it happens, Jessica gets away without too much damage, but a lot of other people are killed or hurt, and the place where they had the party is heavily damaged. Also badly damaged is Zef’s relationship with both Kate and Joey. And Zef delivers Jason to Eddie Martinez and the Sleepy Hollow Boys for a beating on the way home. Jason, already suffering from a cold, is left trapped under the outdoor stairwell at the school without a coat.
While he is waiting out the night under the stairwell, Jason reads most of a letter from Dylan Van Brunt to his son telling of his experiences with the horseman, and with his grandmother, the witch Agathe. After the night in the cold, Jason is in the hospital until nearly Valentine’s Day, and Eddie Martinez is expelled from school.
Bad things have also happened on or near Thanksgiving. There are incidents around Valentine’s, the first day of Spring, and Easter. Jason visits the bridge where his parents died when he was younger and finds out what really happened to them.
But the real revelation for Jason is when he finally understands the nightmare that has been plaguing him since Halloween. He finally understands that the person he has been in the dream is not, as he had previously supposed, his own ancestor, William Crane, the so-called hero of Gory Brook, but the Hessian soldier whom Crane beheaded.
All this, and quite a bit more sets the scene for the Fourth of July when things start to go wrong for everybody – when Hadewych makes another stab at killing Jessica (literally, in this case), and attacks Valerie as well. When Agathe possesses Kate and has the horseman possess Eddie Martinez. When Joey accidentally curses his father. And when Jason is forced onto the bridge where his parents were drowned.
How will I ever hold out until next October to read the final book in the series?
Last year I read the first book in this series, Sleepy Hollow: Rise Headless and Ride for my personal Halloween read of the year. I enjoyed it so much I had to get the rest of the series.
In Rise Headless and Ride, events pretty much came to a head on Halloween night. Jason Crane, the latest descendant of Washington Irving’s Ichabod Crane of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow fame, barely escaped his ancestor’s nemesis, the headless horseman, by dint of jumping through a window in the Old Dutch Church to get to hallowed ground, where the horseman couldn’t go. This didn’t do Jason’s reputation with the rest of the town of Sleepy Hollow any good, however; now they look on him as having defaced an important historical site.
Also at the end of Rise Headless and Ride, Jason’s grandmother, Eliza died after an attack by the horseman, leaving him under the less-than-ideal guardianship of Hadewych Van Brunt, the latest heir of the family of Brom Bones. It was Hadewych who called the horsemen from his grave that night. Hadewych who is scheming to get rid of Jason somehow so he can have the use of Eliza’s fortune for himself. As Jason’s guardian, he can only use it on Jason’s behalf. At least in theory.
In this book, Bridge of Bones, the horseman doesn’t go away. Not really. He haunts Jason’s nightmares. Hadewych calls him out again at New Year’s (when he is throwing a fundraising party for Paul Usher, Kate’s father, using money from a foundation he has set up on Jason’s behalf), ostensibly to kill his ex-wife Jessica. As it happens, Jessica gets away without too much damage, but a lot of other people are killed or hurt, and the place where they had the party is heavily damaged. Also badly damaged is Zef’s relationship with both Kate and Joey. And Zef delivers Jason to Eddie Martinez and the Sleepy Hollow Boys for a beating on the way home. Jason, already suffering from a cold, is left trapped under the outdoor stairwell at the school without a coat.
While he is waiting out the night under the stairwell, Jason reads most of a letter from Dylan Van Brunt to his son telling of his experiences with the horseman, and with his grandmother, the witch Agathe. After the night in the cold, Jason is in the hospital until nearly Valentine’s Day, and Eddie Martinez is expelled from school.
Bad things have also happened on or near Thanksgiving. There are incidents around Valentine’s, the first day of Spring, and Easter. Jason visits the bridge where his parents died when he was younger and finds out what really happened to them.
But the real revelation for Jason is when he finally understands the nightmare that has been plaguing him since Halloween. He finally understands that the person he has been in the dream is not, as he had previously supposed, his own ancestor, William Crane, the so-called hero of Gory Brook, but the Hessian soldier whom Crane beheaded.
All this, and quite a bit more sets the scene for the Fourth of July when things start to go wrong for everybody – when Hadewych makes another stab at killing Jessica (literally, in this case), and attacks Valerie as well. When Agathe possesses Kate and has the horseman possess Eddie Martinez. When Joey accidentally curses his father. And when Jason is forced onto the bridge where his parents were drowned.
How will I ever hold out until next October to read the final book in the series?
October 26, 2025
I'm so glad that I remembered this series! A complex story that is somewhat reminiscent of the Hatfields and the McCoys in the multigenerational obsession with revenge and protecting the family ... but with a supernatural twist.
December 17, 2019
Socked to enjoy it so much.
I was shocked to find I enjoyed this book so much. I was apprehensive to start with but quickly found it to be a good story.
I was shocked to find I enjoyed this book so much. I was apprehensive to start with but quickly found it to be a good story.
February 10, 2018
Wow ... Took forever to finish this! Don't ask why - I don't know. Was a good read with a filthy villain and a good guy who just couldn't get any breaks. Maybe I should read the first book in the series ...
November 22, 2015
Wow, where to begin? This book is huge, and there’s SO much ground to cover. How about I start by introducing you to the fearless and loveable hero, Jason Crane? I applaud Richard Gleaves for bringing all of his characters to life in a way that only a few masterful storytellers can pull off. Jason is a hapless hero who appeals to anyone who hasn’t won the genetic lottery. A decendent of none other than Ichabod Crane, he’s long, lanky and rather awkward around girls. But what he lacks in good looks and social graces, he makes up for in bravery and wit. It’s a good think he’s got a lot of true grit because in this next adventure, he’s got more obstacles than the Hobbit and Harry Potter combined! Okay, that may be an overstatement, but the dude’s got some major problems.
The story unfolds in the aftermath of Jason’s near-death encounter with the Headless Horseman. The town is in an uproar after he shattered the door of the old Dutch church. The townsfolk hate him so much, even his teachers are giving him the boot from their classrooms. To say that he is persona non grata would be an understatement. After his beloved grandmother’s untimely death, Jason is left under the care of his evil guardian, Hediwig (sorry about butchering his name, but that’s one of the drawbacks of reading via audio.) His family fortune is being siphoned into a nefarious political campaign and his grandmother’s old house has turned into a scene from Hoarders. Chips are down.
Things go from bad to worse when Jason and his crush Kate discover that they have been saddled with the Witches Curse. Isn’t it bad enough that they are both tortured by unrequited love? Oh and they’re being hunted down by an axe-wielding horseman from beyond the grave.
This book may be long, but I finished it in a weekend because it’s one heck of a ride. I learned so much about the evil powers that control the Sleepy Hollow boneyard, and the evil entity that ultimately controls the Headless Horseman. Murderous ghosts and malevolent witches are unsettling, but the most frightening thing about this book is the evil that lurks within Hediwig’s soul. This is more than just a cat-and-mouse adventure story. It’s also a terrifying character sketch of the mind of a sociopath. There were points when Hediwick tried to fight his dark madness, yet his weakness was no match for pure evil. That, my friends, is far more frightening than a Headless Horseman lurking in the woods on Halloween night.
I’ll stop right here to save you from spoilers. But I will leave you with one tip. I highly suggest “reading” this one of audio. The narrator is the best in the business, and it’s a lot of fun listening to the book while walking around a spooky trail at dusk. Happy reading—or listening—my friends!
The story unfolds in the aftermath of Jason’s near-death encounter with the Headless Horseman. The town is in an uproar after he shattered the door of the old Dutch church. The townsfolk hate him so much, even his teachers are giving him the boot from their classrooms. To say that he is persona non grata would be an understatement. After his beloved grandmother’s untimely death, Jason is left under the care of his evil guardian, Hediwig (sorry about butchering his name, but that’s one of the drawbacks of reading via audio.) His family fortune is being siphoned into a nefarious political campaign and his grandmother’s old house has turned into a scene from Hoarders. Chips are down.
Things go from bad to worse when Jason and his crush Kate discover that they have been saddled with the Witches Curse. Isn’t it bad enough that they are both tortured by unrequited love? Oh and they’re being hunted down by an axe-wielding horseman from beyond the grave.
This book may be long, but I finished it in a weekend because it’s one heck of a ride. I learned so much about the evil powers that control the Sleepy Hollow boneyard, and the evil entity that ultimately controls the Headless Horseman. Murderous ghosts and malevolent witches are unsettling, but the most frightening thing about this book is the evil that lurks within Hediwig’s soul. This is more than just a cat-and-mouse adventure story. It’s also a terrifying character sketch of the mind of a sociopath. There were points when Hediwick tried to fight his dark madness, yet his weakness was no match for pure evil. That, my friends, is far more frightening than a Headless Horseman lurking in the woods on Halloween night.
I’ll stop right here to save you from spoilers. But I will leave you with one tip. I highly suggest “reading” this one of audio. The narrator is the best in the business, and it’s a lot of fun listening to the book while walking around a spooky trail at dusk. Happy reading—or listening—my friends!
April 30, 2015
This second book in the series has outdone the first (on many levels). I was just recovering from a wild ride through book one, when the opportunity presented itself to read an advance copy of Book Two. Of course, I was already frothing at the mouth for more, so the timing could not have been more perfect.
Book Two, Bridge of Bones, is a worthy successor to Rise Headless and Ride. This book is much longer than the first - packed full of amazing writing and a well-researched background. Gleaves certainly did his homework with this book series, blending history with current events and bringing new life to this old tale. What a refreshing book to read. We see deeper into the characters, even those we love to hate, and cheer (loud and hard) for the protagonist, Jason.
I haven't been this excited about a book series since Harry Potter or Hunger Games. Add this to your list, pick up book one and book two, and have a ball!
Bravo, Mr. Gleaves! Well done!
Book Two, Bridge of Bones, is a worthy successor to Rise Headless and Ride. This book is much longer than the first - packed full of amazing writing and a well-researched background. Gleaves certainly did his homework with this book series, blending history with current events and bringing new life to this old tale. What a refreshing book to read. We see deeper into the characters, even those we love to hate, and cheer (loud and hard) for the protagonist, Jason.
I haven't been this excited about a book series since Harry Potter or Hunger Games. Add this to your list, pick up book one and book two, and have a ball!
Bravo, Mr. Gleaves! Well done!
April 7, 2016
The Modern Tale of Ichabod Crane Continued
I very much enjoyed this 2nd book of Sleepy Hollow! Richard Gleaves story of the ancestors of the Cranes, Van Brunts, and the Hessian Soldier turned Headless Horseman is full of myth, legend, and magic. A timeless tale brought into the modern world, generations after the original author has himself turned in to dust and bones. This sequel is a must read if you've already read Sleepy Hollow: Rise Headless and Ride, you won't want to miss book two. The characters are larger than life and author Greaves certainly paints a story worthy of Washington Irving's original spooky tale. Young Jason Crane must unravel the past which seems to have over lapped in the present and hopefully secure a future. No spoiler here, just a HUGE recommendation to read both books, which will then, in turn, make you want to finish the story with book three Sleepy Hollow: General of the Dead - which I'm going to buy right now!
I very much enjoyed this 2nd book of Sleepy Hollow! Richard Gleaves story of the ancestors of the Cranes, Van Brunts, and the Hessian Soldier turned Headless Horseman is full of myth, legend, and magic. A timeless tale brought into the modern world, generations after the original author has himself turned in to dust and bones. This sequel is a must read if you've already read Sleepy Hollow: Rise Headless and Ride, you won't want to miss book two. The characters are larger than life and author Greaves certainly paints a story worthy of Washington Irving's original spooky tale. Young Jason Crane must unravel the past which seems to have over lapped in the present and hopefully secure a future. No spoiler here, just a HUGE recommendation to read both books, which will then, in turn, make you want to finish the story with book three Sleepy Hollow: General of the Dead - which I'm going to buy right now!
September 30, 2019
I'm not sure what I want to say about this second installment in the Jason Crane series. It's a long book but fairly fast-paced, so it didn't seem to take an overly long time to finish it. I was happy to see almost all of the young adults in this book undergoing some character development. Jason learns that everyone has a bad apple or two hanging from the family tree; Zef begins to see his parents for who they really are and is able to find himself because of it; Joey learns that being a superhero can have serious consequences; and Kate finally realizes that she's not infallible.
The adults in the series are interesting, too, and play a more active role in the narrative than most young adult books allow. I am growing quite fond of Valerie and am curious to see how her story arc is completed.
I'm also confident that Hadewych will eventually get what's coming to him. But not before he causes more mayhem because the next installment in this series is over 600 pages! (I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked up the first book...).
Overall, a very good read and just about perfect for the weeks leading up to Halloween.
The adults in the series are interesting, too, and play a more active role in the narrative than most young adult books allow. I am growing quite fond of Valerie and am curious to see how her story arc is completed.
I'm also confident that Hadewych will eventually get what's coming to him. But not before he causes more mayhem because the next installment in this series is over 600 pages! (I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked up the first book...).
Overall, a very good read and just about perfect for the weeks leading up to Halloween.
October 19, 2021
Loving this series. I mentioned in my review of the previous book that I find Irving's classic a bit disappointing despite it being a brilliant concept, and that I actually prefer a lot of the retellings - this is definitely one of them.
Structurally, this should annoy me because it's a bit of a mess - at least at first glance. Instead, I love the way Gleaves has built the story because the seemingly chaotic clash of apparently random sub-plots and main plot threads, isn't by chance at all. Or so I believe! It's a brilliant reflections of the turbulent emotional states of the characters without having to spend pages and pages looking at specific traumas (not that anything gets skipped over.)
I love the characters and Jason's ongoing development compensates for his complete lack of guile and rather black and white vision of the world in true coming of age style. Zef, Kate and the loveable Joey, make similar but personal emotional journeys. And I haven't been as compelled or full of loathing for a villain since Delores Umbridge when it comes to Hedewic van Brunt.
An excellent creepy dark fantasy series that might have a YA theme but is rich and nuanced, replete with history and mythology, and would appeal to a wide range of ages. Excellent.
Structurally, this should annoy me because it's a bit of a mess - at least at first glance. Instead, I love the way Gleaves has built the story because the seemingly chaotic clash of apparently random sub-plots and main plot threads, isn't by chance at all. Or so I believe! It's a brilliant reflections of the turbulent emotional states of the characters without having to spend pages and pages looking at specific traumas (not that anything gets skipped over.)
I love the characters and Jason's ongoing development compensates for his complete lack of guile and rather black and white vision of the world in true coming of age style. Zef, Kate and the loveable Joey, make similar but personal emotional journeys. And I haven't been as compelled or full of loathing for a villain since Delores Umbridge when it comes to Hedewic van Brunt.
An excellent creepy dark fantasy series that might have a YA theme but is rich and nuanced, replete with history and mythology, and would appeal to a wide range of ages. Excellent.
September 21, 2017
This book is amazing. It's even better than the first one, which was fantastic! The story really gets cooking in this installment. It grabs you and doesn't let go! I listened to this book as an Audible Audiobook, which I HIGHLY recommend.
I'm really loving this series because it involve ghosts, supernatural powers, and history. The horror aspects are well done and suitably creepy. Even a little gruesome at times! The characters are well developed and interesting. The writing is wonderful and has plenty of humor to offset the horror. I laughed out loud in my car multiple times! Just a fantastic book.
The reader is just amazing. His voices for each character are distinct and enjoyable to listen to. It's just a treat to listen to this book.
I lucked out at finished this book the day I got a new Audible credit! The third one is an instant purchase.
I'm really loving this series because it involve ghosts, supernatural powers, and history. The horror aspects are well done and suitably creepy. Even a little gruesome at times! The characters are well developed and interesting. The writing is wonderful and has plenty of humor to offset the horror. I laughed out loud in my car multiple times! Just a fantastic book.
The reader is just amazing. His voices for each character are distinct and enjoyable to listen to. It's just a treat to listen to this book.
I lucked out at finished this book the day I got a new Audible credit! The third one is an instant purchase.
January 16, 2019
Not sure what to say about this book.
I enjoyed the first book. I liked the characters and the setting. The second book felt like too many ideas for future books crammed into one book all while trying to tie the past to the present. I had a hard time getting through this one. There were several points where it felt like it could of ended but kept going. I still may attempt the third book but it may be a while.
I enjoyed the first book. I liked the characters and the setting. The second book felt like too many ideas for future books crammed into one book all while trying to tie the past to the present. I had a hard time getting through this one. There were several points where it felt like it could of ended but kept going. I still may attempt the third book but it may be a while.
May 11, 2020
My love for the tale of the Horseman continues to grow as I blaze through the Sleepy Hollow series! Bridge of Bones is a great follow-up to Rise Headless and Rise, filled with action-packed sequences that are very definition of a page-turner. An entire new world of magic, curses, death and of course: dismemberment. And oh...THE TWIST!
Bridge of Bones is a blast to read! Even if you’re not familiar with Irving’s tale of the Horseman, the unfolding drama in Sleepy Hollow is non-stop fun!
Bridge of Bones is a blast to read! Even if you’re not familiar with Irving’s tale of the Horseman, the unfolding drama in Sleepy Hollow is non-stop fun!
September 6, 2021
This second book in the series is just as exciting as the first! The relationships between the characters are so real, and the characters themselves so well-written, that I cared about them to the point I'd be thinking about them when I wasn't reading.
It's quite a long book; it could easily have been two, I think. The Dylan backstory would have been an interesting book on its own. It's a really good story as it is though - so exciting and fast paced, what a fantastic, fun read!
It's quite a long book; it could easily have been two, I think. The Dylan backstory would have been an interesting book on its own. It's a really good story as it is though - so exciting and fast paced, what a fantastic, fun read!
November 17, 2017
Disappointing compared to the first book. It definitely suffered from middle book syndrome, in which it mostly just existed to move everything into place for the third book. Not nearly enough happened to justify the page count, and previously intelligent characters did many stupid things for the convenience of the plot. Gleaves continues to have a gift for both imagery and simile though.
May 16, 2017
It took just a bit to get my head wrapped around the first book but it got going and the second book is great. Take Irving's Headless Horseman and put a backstory to it and it is great reading. More books coming. Start reading around the Halloween for more ambience.
January 25, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. The ideas were there and I liked the setting but I didn’t feel heart in this novel (I know, this is a stupid way of putting it but I have no idea how else to describe my feelings).
I didn’t feel engaged in the novel.
I didn’t feel engaged in the novel.
February 15, 2019
A Dark Legend Rises
This is the second book in the series and boy is it good. My chest ached with the situations Jason is ending up in,and knowing it isn't the last in the series I knew a happily ever after wouldn't be happening in this book.
This is the second book in the series and boy is it good. My chest ached with the situations Jason is ending up in,and knowing it isn't the last in the series I knew a happily ever after wouldn't be happening in this book.
November 30, 2019
Better than the first one!
The same sex stuff is forced at times, but thank God it’s not anything that takes away from the story. It did make the book about 100 pages longer than it should though. I am looking forward to book 3!
The same sex stuff is forced at times, but thank God it’s not anything that takes away from the story. It did make the book about 100 pages longer than it should though. I am looking forward to book 3!
October 25, 2020
Another very good addition to the series. I read the first one last Halloween and now I'm trying to tackle both the second and third one this year. I especially enjoyed the personal letters of Dylan van Brunt in this one.
June 6, 2017
Would like to read more of his books, but I haven't been able to find them.
October 23, 2017
What an ending
Ahhh how could it end like that and its so late to late to start the other book. Come on Jason survive and make that evil man pay for everything he has done
Ahhh how could it end like that and its so late to late to start the other book. Come on Jason survive and make that evil man pay for everything he has done
October 27, 2018
Cliff hanger
What a series you just can't put it down! Great for a Halloween read. Enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
What a series you just can't put it down! Great for a Halloween read. Enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
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