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Puzzle House 2: The Summoners: A Horror Novel
Los Angeles is on fire. Society is collapsing. And Henry Hall is on the run.
After barely surviving the horrors of Puzzle House, Henry emerges into a city under martial law, consumed by carnage, madness and fear. Ancient entities summoned by the dark rituals performed at Puzzle House are twisting reality to their will, and in the chaos left behind, human monsters run rampant.
Hunted by the police and the sinister Infiniti Enterprises, Henry must again rely on unlikely allies, this time in a perilous journey across a city he no longer recognizes, to find his estranged wife and a reason to keep fighting.
But as the influence of these evil entities spreads across the city, and the vast scope of Infiniti's power reveals itself, Henry finds himself facing a chilling Did he ever truly escape Puzzle House, or is he still playing into their master plan?
From bestselling author Duncan Ralston comes the chilling follow-up to Puzzle House!
Read at your own peril. Survive if you dare.
After barely surviving the horrors of Puzzle House, Henry emerges into a city under martial law, consumed by carnage, madness and fear. Ancient entities summoned by the dark rituals performed at Puzzle House are twisting reality to their will, and in the chaos left behind, human monsters run rampant.
Hunted by the police and the sinister Infiniti Enterprises, Henry must again rely on unlikely allies, this time in a perilous journey across a city he no longer recognizes, to find his estranged wife and a reason to keep fighting.
But as the influence of these evil entities spreads across the city, and the vast scope of Infiniti's power reveals itself, Henry finds himself facing a chilling Did he ever truly escape Puzzle House, or is he still playing into their master plan?
From bestselling author Duncan Ralston comes the chilling follow-up to Puzzle House!
Read at your own peril. Survive if you dare.
- GenresHorror
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
About the author
Duncan Ralston
77 books2,111 followers**CVLT: Lonely Motel Book 3 out now!!!**
**Sequel to the hit novel PUZZLE HOUSE coming Winter 2026**
Author of the cult smash-hit Woom and Ghostland and more than 15 other books that aren't the cult smash-hit Woom or Ghostland. His debut collection was blurbed positively by the legendary Jack Ketchum. His vampire novel, Pedo Island Bloodbath, was nominated for a 2024 Splatterpunk Award for Best Novel. His horror-thriller Ghostland will soon be a board game from Crystal Lake Publishing.
For 10 FREE dark fiction short stories/novellas including the prequel to GHOSTLAND, "The Moving House," signed copies of Woom, bookplates and merch, please visit www.duncanralston.com.
Photo © Josh Silver 2015
**Sequel to the hit novel PUZZLE HOUSE coming Winter 2026**
Author of the cult smash-hit Woom and Ghostland and more than 15 other books that aren't the cult smash-hit Woom or Ghostland. His debut collection was blurbed positively by the legendary Jack Ketchum. His vampire novel, Pedo Island Bloodbath, was nominated for a 2024 Splatterpunk Award for Best Novel. His horror-thriller Ghostland will soon be a board game from Crystal Lake Publishing.
For 10 FREE dark fiction short stories/novellas including the prequel to GHOSTLAND, "The Moving House," signed copies of Woom, bookplates and merch, please visit www.duncanralston.com.
Photo © Josh Silver 2015
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 18, 2026
Don’t you hate it when you read a book right away, find out it will be a sequel/trilogy etc, and the books are added at least a year later?
I DO, and I will tell you why.
Although it is telling when the plot and the characters are forgettable, I hate having to speed-read the first book to understand the plot leading to the sequel. I would much rather read all the books in succession.
This is what happened here. Although I remembered Henry and some of the action in Puzzle House, I had to return to the first novel to remind myself of all the characters and the entire plot, so I could even understand what the heck was going on in Puzzle House 2. This is really irritating!
Although I root for Duncan as an author, the entire plot for this story was way too convoluted and confusing. I found most of the key plot points to be disjointed. I could not understand half of the characters motivations.
The positives: Loved the introduction of Ivy/Izzy and the Major.
Very, very creative ideas, but came across as too many ideas and subplots for one story.
Although I did not think Puzzle House worked as well as it should, this sequel was a bit of an unfortunate mess. In my mind, I am having trouble linking a human (possibly dead) puzzle master with world building, aliens, gods, demons, mixed with earthly mythology.
Maybe I am wrong…. Maybe when the last story in the trilogy comes out, this will all make sense…..
And, that my friends, is the biggest issue with stories that are better served released at the same time, rather than months or years apart.
I DO, and I will tell you why.
Although it is telling when the plot and the characters are forgettable, I hate having to speed-read the first book to understand the plot leading to the sequel. I would much rather read all the books in succession.
This is what happened here. Although I remembered Henry and some of the action in Puzzle House, I had to return to the first novel to remind myself of all the characters and the entire plot, so I could even understand what the heck was going on in Puzzle House 2. This is really irritating!
Although I root for Duncan as an author, the entire plot for this story was way too convoluted and confusing. I found most of the key plot points to be disjointed. I could not understand half of the characters motivations.
The positives: Loved the introduction of Ivy/Izzy and the Major.
Very, very creative ideas, but came across as too many ideas and subplots for one story.
Although I did not think Puzzle House worked as well as it should, this sequel was a bit of an unfortunate mess. In my mind, I am having trouble linking a human (possibly dead) puzzle master with world building, aliens, gods, demons, mixed with earthly mythology.
Maybe I am wrong…. Maybe when the last story in the trilogy comes out, this will all make sense…..
And, that my friends, is the biggest issue with stories that are better served released at the same time, rather than months or years apart.
March 15, 2026
This book picks up where the first Puzzle House ended. If you haven't read the first one, you should do that. I don't think this is a book where you can start with this one and follow what's going on. Spoilers below for the first Puzzle House.
Book 1 ends with Henry escaping Puzzle House and discovering that monster/demons/somethings being released upon the world. Henry is determined to check that his wife (ex-wife?) is okay and then make his way to Infiniti Headquarters where the main baddies are. Along the way, he has to escape a military compound and survive other gods throughout Los Angeles. He travels with a pregnant woman and a maybe astronaut, maybe crazy unhoused person.
There's a decent amount of blood and gore in this book, in line with other books by the author. Underneath that, the author does a great job of weaving themes of friendship and forgiveness. The pacing of the story is good and the storyline was easy to follow.
I wish the author gave us a little more of a reminder/refresher of the first book. I read it a few years ago and remembered some points of it, but I felt lost at the beginning of this book. Throughout the book, we would encounter certain gods who tied to challenges in Puzzle House, and I had no recollection of them. That could just be a "me" problem and others recall the first book more clearly even after a long gap.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this advance review copy.
Book 1 ends with Henry escaping Puzzle House and discovering that monster/demons/somethings being released upon the world. Henry is determined to check that his wife (ex-wife?) is okay and then make his way to Infiniti Headquarters where the main baddies are. Along the way, he has to escape a military compound and survive other gods throughout Los Angeles. He travels with a pregnant woman and a maybe astronaut, maybe crazy unhoused person.
There's a decent amount of blood and gore in this book, in line with other books by the author. Underneath that, the author does a great job of weaving themes of friendship and forgiveness. The pacing of the story is good and the storyline was easy to follow.
I wish the author gave us a little more of a reminder/refresher of the first book. I read it a few years ago and remembered some points of it, but I felt lost at the beginning of this book. Throughout the book, we would encounter certain gods who tied to challenges in Puzzle House, and I had no recollection of them. That could just be a "me" problem and others recall the first book more clearly even after a long gap.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this advance review copy.
March 4, 2026
honestly don't know why I finished this, the story just dragged with pointless parts. The only thing I enjoyed was the major and his tinfoil hat.
I don't think I will read the next one even though the story isn't finished
I don't think I will read the next one even though the story isn't finished
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
Author: Duncan Ralston
Book: Puzzle House 2-The Summoners
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Horror
“He needed to know she was okay. He needed to make sure she’d survived. He’d done this for her, after all.”
I would like to begin by thanking Duncan Ralston for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Puzzle House 2: The Summoners. It was a privilege to return to this world, and the sequel more than lives up to its predecessor. From the very first page, The Summoners is a relentless, high-octane ride that never lets up, delivering a potent mix of horror, tension, and emotional depth all the way through its explosive conclusion.
Henry Hall barely survives the nightmare of the Puzzle house, only to emerge into a world that has completely unraveled. Monstrous creatures darken the skies, gangs control the streets, and the police are hunting Henry to bring him back to jail. With only one goal driving him, finding his estranged wife, Henry forms unlikely alliances and embarks on a desperate mission to stop Alexei Vasiliev and the shadowy Infiniti Group before chaos consumes what remains of humanity.
While the surface of the novel is drenched in gore, violence, and anxiety, Ralston weaves in deeper themes of hope, forgiveness, and the true meaning of family, which doesn’t always mean blood. This balance elevates the story beyond pure shock value, giving the horror real emotional weight. Where the first Puzzle House leaned more heavily into thriller territory, The Summoners plunges headfirst into humanity’s darkest impulses, and Ralston does not flinch. The brutality is intense, and Ralston throws in some signature shocks, especially early on, but it is all purposeful, reinforcing the stakes and the moral decay of the world.
Ralston’s mastery of tone is on full display here. Moments of humor and quiet humanity are strategically placed, offering brief relief before the tension snaps back with even greater force. These quick pauses don’t hinder the horror but sharpen it, making the dread hit harder when it returns.
Puzzle House was the first Duncan Ralston book I read, and it cemented him as an auto-buy author for me. Puzzle House 2: The Summoners only strengthens that reputation. This is a bold, brutal, and emotionally resonant sequel that expands the scope of the story while deepening its impact.
With the release date of February 3rd, this is a must-read for horror fans. If you haven’t read the first book yet, now is the time. Once you step into the Puzzle House, you will have to fight to escape.
Author: Duncan Ralston
Book: Puzzle House 2-The Summoners
Book Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Horror
“He needed to know she was okay. He needed to make sure she’d survived. He’d done this for her, after all.”
I would like to begin by thanking Duncan Ralston for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Puzzle House 2: The Summoners. It was a privilege to return to this world, and the sequel more than lives up to its predecessor. From the very first page, The Summoners is a relentless, high-octane ride that never lets up, delivering a potent mix of horror, tension, and emotional depth all the way through its explosive conclusion.
Henry Hall barely survives the nightmare of the Puzzle house, only to emerge into a world that has completely unraveled. Monstrous creatures darken the skies, gangs control the streets, and the police are hunting Henry to bring him back to jail. With only one goal driving him, finding his estranged wife, Henry forms unlikely alliances and embarks on a desperate mission to stop Alexei Vasiliev and the shadowy Infiniti Group before chaos consumes what remains of humanity.
While the surface of the novel is drenched in gore, violence, and anxiety, Ralston weaves in deeper themes of hope, forgiveness, and the true meaning of family, which doesn’t always mean blood. This balance elevates the story beyond pure shock value, giving the horror real emotional weight. Where the first Puzzle House leaned more heavily into thriller territory, The Summoners plunges headfirst into humanity’s darkest impulses, and Ralston does not flinch. The brutality is intense, and Ralston throws in some signature shocks, especially early on, but it is all purposeful, reinforcing the stakes and the moral decay of the world.
Ralston’s mastery of tone is on full display here. Moments of humor and quiet humanity are strategically placed, offering brief relief before the tension snaps back with even greater force. These quick pauses don’t hinder the horror but sharpen it, making the dread hit harder when it returns.
Puzzle House was the first Duncan Ralston book I read, and it cemented him as an auto-buy author for me. Puzzle House 2: The Summoners only strengthens that reputation. This is a bold, brutal, and emotionally resonant sequel that expands the scope of the story while deepening its impact.
With the release date of February 3rd, this is a must-read for horror fans. If you haven’t read the first book yet, now is the time. Once you step into the Puzzle House, you will have to fight to escape.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Action, drama, conflict, suspense; monsters, carnage, puzzles, and rituals - and a world on fire! The horror edition of "American Gods" meets "I Am Legend"! This is not just a sequel - it feels like a whole new book, everything from the first volume reorganized into a fascinating new adventure, grounded on so much energy and non-stop movement! This is an incredibly potent mix of dark urban fantasy and urban/survival horror: with a touch of sci-fi, several all-new faces, new stakes, ultra fast-paced events, all of it crystallizing quicky into an intense and gripping story! It picks up right where "Puzzle House" left off, and goes far deeper into the first book's premise. And the cinematic writing makes this a easy and immersive read!
In "Puzzle House 2: The Summoners," Henry (the survivor of the first book) finds himself in a apocalyptic LA, the (partial) result of Henry's (mostly unwilling) involvement in the occult happenings which transpired in Puzzle House. LA is a dystopian setting, host to monsters and dark deities, hostage to the US army, and prey to the Infiniti Enterprises, the mastermind behind all the intricate preparations for the malevolent entities summoned on Earth. Henry decides to go find his wife, and almost immediately he gets implicated in other people's stories, all of them trying to survive as a group the horrors unleashed on the city. Inevitably, Henry and his new friends will have to face all kinds of monsters (human and non-human) head on - but it's the info revealed in the ending that will shake up our understanding of the story!
Man, trying to keep the review spoiler-free is truly hard! Volume three's gonna be another blast. Highly recommend!
April 1, 2026
Duncan does it again! The sequel to Puzzle House picks up right where we left off. Henry Hall, a disgraced detective survived the horrors of Puzzle House. Now he finds himself in the streets of a Los Angeles under martial law. The city is consumed by madness and carnage, but he needs to journey through this apocalyptic landscape to find his estranged wife, Mercy.
During his travels he encounters a homeless man named Brigdell and a pregnant young woman named Ivy, together they trek across the city heading towards the epicenter of the chaos, Juno Tower…a massive complex run by Infiniti Enterprises.
Hiding from gangs, monsters, and even the military…the group makes their way across Los Angeles. As they travel they learn that Puzzle House was only the beginning and Infinit has a much grander plan in place. Is Henry really the man to bring down Infiniti? Or is he playing right into their hands.
Duncan creates a Los Angeles that is terrifying, even more so than real life. Trouble around every corner and large winged creatures that will swoop down and take you without a moments notice. As always, just the right amount of gore and a compelling story. The conclusion can’t come soon enough!
During his travels he encounters a homeless man named Brigdell and a pregnant young woman named Ivy, together they trek across the city heading towards the epicenter of the chaos, Juno Tower…a massive complex run by Infiniti Enterprises.
Hiding from gangs, monsters, and even the military…the group makes their way across Los Angeles. As they travel they learn that Puzzle House was only the beginning and Infinit has a much grander plan in place. Is Henry really the man to bring down Infiniti? Or is he playing right into their hands.
Duncan creates a Los Angeles that is terrifying, even more so than real life. Trouble around every corner and large winged creatures that will swoop down and take you without a moments notice. As always, just the right amount of gore and a compelling story. The conclusion can’t come soon enough!
February 7, 2026
A CLIFFHANGER????????
The Summoners really added a lot of detail and lore to this universe! It answered a lot of questions I had from the end of Puzzle House, and I was captivated from the start.
Poor Henry, finally leaves the Puzzle House behind only to immediately be in a mess as LA has descended into complete chaos. There are winged demons crawling all over, gangs and other POS humans picking people off.....nowhere is safe. But he has two goals in mind: find his estranged wife and take revenge on Infiniti, and he won't stop until he accomplishes them.
I really got attached to the characters in this book, especially the Major. He was such a fun character to read and having him popping up exactly when needed added a lot of needed levity in tense moments. I was really glad to get to know more about Henry and see him step into a leadership role in this one. And Ivy....I'm a little on the fence about her but I'll reserve judgment until the next one.
My dungeon crawler heart is very excited for the prospect of a huge gauntlet coming up! I'm so excited to see where this story is going to go from here (Let's go Nungal!) and if we see Surya make his way back around to the group 👀
The Summoners really added a lot of detail and lore to this universe! It answered a lot of questions I had from the end of Puzzle House, and I was captivated from the start.
Poor Henry, finally leaves the Puzzle House behind only to immediately be in a mess as LA has descended into complete chaos. There are winged demons crawling all over, gangs and other POS humans picking people off.....nowhere is safe. But he has two goals in mind: find his estranged wife and take revenge on Infiniti, and he won't stop until he accomplishes them.
I really got attached to the characters in this book, especially the Major. He was such a fun character to read and having him popping up exactly when needed added a lot of needed levity in tense moments. I was really glad to get to know more about Henry and see him step into a leadership role in this one. And Ivy....I'm a little on the fence about her but I'll reserve judgment until the next one.
My dungeon crawler heart is very excited for the prospect of a huge gauntlet coming up! I'm so excited to see where this story is going to go from here (Let's go Nungal!) and if we see Surya make his way back around to the group 👀
February 17, 2026
Enjoyable entry in the Puzzle House series, with new locations and interesting twists. While the nature of the original puzzle house was hinted at in the previous novel, this book aims to answer those questions and, for the most part, succeeds. That's not to say that there aren't more questions raised, but there is a strong sense of exposition at many points in the book. However, if you are going into this book for more of that escape room claustrophobia, then you will be disappointed. There are certainly puzzles in the novel, but since it takes place in multiple locations, there aren't a ton of opportunities for puzzles to shine. The conclusion does its best to set up a future installment in the series, so be aware that the ending may not be as satisfying. If this book is any indication, Duncan Ralston has a strong command of the characters, while nimbly moving his way through two totally different locations and situations.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Puzzle House 2 is a staggering romp through genres: part occult horror, part action, part religious apocalypse, and all the way badass.
Picking up where the original left off, albeit far bigger and bolder in every way, this is a story, at its core, about a man possessed with nothing but willpower to get back to his wife in the face of annihilation. Through unfathomable odds and foes, evil deities and aliens, and a few friends he meets along the way, Henry aims to complete his mission by any means necessary.
The story is massive, the stakes beyond comprehension. Fighting against otherworldly forces despite not comprehending the full breadth of what's at stake. And it all boils down to man's will to survive, to stand his ground, to defend his own under threat of death or worse. And even then, it's wilder than expected.
And it's also a tremendously fun read.
Puzzle House 2: The Summoners releases February 3rd through Wicked House Publishing.
Picking up where the original left off, albeit far bigger and bolder in every way, this is a story, at its core, about a man possessed with nothing but willpower to get back to his wife in the face of annihilation. Through unfathomable odds and foes, evil deities and aliens, and a few friends he meets along the way, Henry aims to complete his mission by any means necessary.
The story is massive, the stakes beyond comprehension. Fighting against otherworldly forces despite not comprehending the full breadth of what's at stake. And it all boils down to man's will to survive, to stand his ground, to defend his own under threat of death or worse. And even then, it's wilder than expected.
And it's also a tremendously fun read.
Puzzle House 2: The Summoners releases February 3rd through Wicked House Publishing.
February 13, 2026
After escaping the puzzle house, the survivor is on the run in an LA drenched in chaos, blood and death as evil takes hold. As they join forces to escape his pursuers and find their estranged family did they really escape or are they still in the puzzle house? Are the masterminds behind the summoning still in charge? What is the endgame?
I loved the Puzzle House and this begins where the previous one ended with the surviving player trying to survive in a world gone insane where martial law reigns and creatures tear apart humanity. This has more of a cosmic feel with the power behind the ritual, the Infiniti, showing their hand and plan for the world.
This is blood soaked and gory but also has a vein of human compassion, forgiveness and the bonds of family whether born into or found. This balances the story so well as you connect to the desperation to survive of the characters. The horror is amplified by the brief glimpses of humanity, an excellent read.
I loved the Puzzle House and this begins where the previous one ended with the surviving player trying to survive in a world gone insane where martial law reigns and creatures tear apart humanity. This has more of a cosmic feel with the power behind the ritual, the Infiniti, showing their hand and plan for the world.
This is blood soaked and gory but also has a vein of human compassion, forgiveness and the bonds of family whether born into or found. This balances the story so well as you connect to the desperation to survive of the characters. The horror is amplified by the brief glimpses of humanity, an excellent read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Henry walked out of Puzzle House into the new Hellscape that is LA.
Hell hath no fury than a man looking for his wife, though.
Grab your tin foil hat and join Henry and his new motley crew of survivors as they go against ancient gods and ruins to solve new riddles to defeat the enemy, Alexei.
This world is wild but Henry has a mission, no matter how bizarre or dangerous his days are.
This sequel honestly blew Puzzle House out of the water. Ralston delivers a story of vengeance and survival in a total page turner. The lore from the first connects phenomenally into this new installment. Henry shows you how much he values relationships carrying past into present.
I loved this, from MC development to new enticing characters (The Major is peak character writing). Puzzle House 2 offers non stop action from open to close. Ralston has yet to disappoint me.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hell hath no fury than a man looking for his wife, though.
Grab your tin foil hat and join Henry and his new motley crew of survivors as they go against ancient gods and ruins to solve new riddles to defeat the enemy, Alexei.
This world is wild but Henry has a mission, no matter how bizarre or dangerous his days are.
This sequel honestly blew Puzzle House out of the water. Ralston delivers a story of vengeance and survival in a total page turner. The lore from the first connects phenomenally into this new installment. Henry shows you how much he values relationships carrying past into present.
I loved this, from MC development to new enticing characters (The Major is peak character writing). Puzzle House 2 offers non stop action from open to close. Ralston has yet to disappoint me.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 15, 2026
Not bad
This wasn't a bad read and I've only given it 3 stars as it wasn't as good or on par with the first. Don't get me wrong there was some really exciting parts, but not enough to keep me captivated. I think that is why it took me so long to read. The puzzle house was more of a reference and this one was more about 're whole reasoning and getting to grips with what Henry is to do. The creator of puzzle house isn't even a main character now. But saying all that. It does open the story to a new adventure/quest Henry is to embark on. Henry is the main character and along with Ivy and Brigdell are the best characters. Storyline is good but I find it missing something. Still a descent read and a must in the set I feel. Looking forward still for the 3rd with high expectations to come back to the first books heights. Recommended
This wasn't a bad read and I've only given it 3 stars as it wasn't as good or on par with the first. Don't get me wrong there was some really exciting parts, but not enough to keep me captivated. I think that is why it took me so long to read. The puzzle house was more of a reference and this one was more about 're whole reasoning and getting to grips with what Henry is to do. The creator of puzzle house isn't even a main character now. But saying all that. It does open the story to a new adventure/quest Henry is to embark on. Henry is the main character and along with Ivy and Brigdell are the best characters. Storyline is good but I find it missing something. Still a descent read and a must in the set I feel. Looking forward still for the 3rd with high expectations to come back to the first books heights. Recommended
February 15, 2026
First off: that cover! Classic 10/10 no notes.
If you read the first and are curious what happens next, then buy this immediately. Every mystery set up in the first is expanded upon in the sequel.
Trading escape room terror for apocalyptic breakdown, PH2 blends Escape from New York, The Warriors, world mythology, and anarchy itself as it leads the reader on a blood-soaked tour of Los Angeles. More action. More monsters. Deeper characters. Plenty more horror. It does everything a proper sequel should.
My only complaint is the same as with the first one. The story isn't over! C'mon Puzzle House 3. This book made some big promises in a banger finale. I'm waiting to solve one more puzzle.
If you read the first and are curious what happens next, then buy this immediately. Every mystery set up in the first is expanded upon in the sequel.
Trading escape room terror for apocalyptic breakdown, PH2 blends Escape from New York, The Warriors, world mythology, and anarchy itself as it leads the reader on a blood-soaked tour of Los Angeles. More action. More monsters. Deeper characters. Plenty more horror. It does everything a proper sequel should.
My only complaint is the same as with the first one. The story isn't over! C'mon Puzzle House 3. This book made some big promises in a banger finale. I'm waiting to solve one more puzzle.
February 19, 2026
After surviving Puzzle House, Henry thought the worst was behind him. He was wrong. He steps into Los Angeles only to find the city unraveling in an apocalypse he unknowingly set in motion. Now he’s chasing answers, but every revelation pulls him deeper down the rabbit hole.
This book is an absolute blast: fascinating lore, sharp humor, and high-stakes, end-of-the-world chaos woven together.
As far as favorite characters go, I had a hard time deciding between Ivy or Brigdell. Of course I always adore a strong female character, but Brigdell’s kooky, conspiracy rambles were some of my favorite parts of the book.
I’m so excited to see what the next book brings! I need to see what happens next!
This book is an absolute blast: fascinating lore, sharp humor, and high-stakes, end-of-the-world chaos woven together.
As far as favorite characters go, I had a hard time deciding between Ivy or Brigdell. Of course I always adore a strong female character, but Brigdell’s kooky, conspiracy rambles were some of my favorite parts of the book.
I’m so excited to see what the next book brings! I need to see what happens next!
February 3, 2026
Thank you to AETHON: Wicked House for providing a review copy
The original Puzzle House was in my yearly top 10 when it came out. I was excited for a sequel from the moment I finished the first book, and I was not disappointed. I might actually like The Summoners a bit more than the original. This book starts immediately after the events of the first book, where we follow Harry's journey to get to his wife under the machinations of Infiniti and some full-on end of the world occult stuff. We get to peer behind the curtain a bit and learn more about what's really going on here. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series! 5 stars
The original Puzzle House was in my yearly top 10 when it came out. I was excited for a sequel from the moment I finished the first book, and I was not disappointed. I might actually like The Summoners a bit more than the original. This book starts immediately after the events of the first book, where we follow Harry's journey to get to his wife under the machinations of Infiniti and some full-on end of the world occult stuff. We get to peer behind the curtain a bit and learn more about what's really going on here. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series! 5 stars
February 16, 2026
This sequel picks up right where the first book left off. It was a little hard to get into so long after reading the first, but I loved the new characters (especially Ivy, the pregnant punk rocker; Major Brigdell, the homeless former astronaut; and Dario, a former informant) Henry, fresh out of the puzzle house and witnessing an apocalypse, tries to find his wife, encountering some interesting people and challenges along the way. Infiniti Enterprises is not done with him and everything seems preordained to get him where they want him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2026
This was an action packed page turner, I read it all in one day! I was clearly compelled to keep reading more, it was a fun, strange, and interesting read. Brigdell was by far the best character with his conspiracy theories, sassy remarks and saving everyone in silly ways.
I just wish there had been more puzzle solving, that was my favorite part of the first book. With the way it ends, though, I think book three will bring that back, can't wait!
I just wish there had been more puzzle solving, that was my favorite part of the first book. With the way it ends, though, I think book three will bring that back, can't wait!
February 23, 2026
Cosmic Horror Done Right
This is the 2nd book in what seems to be a trilogy?
This continues where the 1st leaves off and the cosmic scope of it all just gets even more dire.
Without spoilers, if you like forbidden tomes, crazy cults, and entities that think the universe and everything in it is insignificant, then I highly suggest reading the first one then this one!
Can't wait for the 3rd one!
This is the 2nd book in what seems to be a trilogy?
This continues where the 1st leaves off and the cosmic scope of it all just gets even more dire.
Without spoilers, if you like forbidden tomes, crazy cults, and entities that think the universe and everything in it is insignificant, then I highly suggest reading the first one then this one!
Can't wait for the 3rd one!
March 21, 2026
I enjoyed this book but didn’t like it as much as the first one. I’m aggravated with myself for not realizing this was going to be a trilogy so now I have to wait (and try to remember) what happens in the first 2 books. Had I knows it was a trilogy I would have waited to read it. But, the 3rd book seems like it will go more like the first one with escape room, or at least I hope it does. I also hope it’s written quickly. lol
February 14, 2026
3.5 rounded up. I do like the first book better. I liked the actual puzzle house/ escape room vibe which this one doesn't have.. As it follows Henry hall immediately after getting out of the puzzle house with the sole intent of finding his wife and getting revenge.
The book is fast paced and there is quite a bit of tension. I do look forward to the 3rd book
The book is fast paced and there is quite a bit of tension. I do look forward to the 3rd book
February 14, 2026
Henry has survived the Puzzle House or has he as the city is under attack by monsters, both human and horrifying creatures. Hunted by the police and the evil Infiniti Enterprises, he joins forces with a couple of allies to find his estranged wife if they can survive a terrifying journey across the city. Another edge of your seat thriller with multiple twists and turns by Ralston.
February 10, 2026
What a thrill ride! This was just as good, dare I say better, than the original! The action starts immediately and twists and turns are found throughout! The characters afe very likeable and you find yourself rooting for them the whole way. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
April 19, 2026
A crazy ride
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first, but it was still an enjoyable wild ride. For me it just felt a bit too much going on and I was happy with how the first left things.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first, but it was still an enjoyable wild ride. For me it just felt a bit too much going on and I was happy with how the first left things.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another belter of a book from Duncan Ralston! Spoiler free zone here but all I can say is wow! Next book please sir!
February 9, 2026
3.5★ rounded up
full review to come
full review to come
February 11, 2026
DNF. Which is a shame because I quite liked the first book. imho, it didnt really need a sequel.
March 29, 2026
Grrrrr. Another cliff hanger 😤😤
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a read, this was so different than the first Puzzle House. I felt like I was watching a movie inside my head and it did not go anywhere I thought it would. This book is one hell of a brutal adventure for poor Henry, enemies ancient and familiar no matter where he goes.This was crazy and pulled me right in from page one. I cant wait to see what other Puzzle House fans think. This was amazing .
February 3, 2026
Duncan Ralston wastes no time in this brutal continuation of Puzzle House. From the opening pages, the novel feels relentlessly cinematic, thrusting readers into a hellscape version of Los Angeles where demonic creatures roam freely and apocalyptic horror has become disturbingly ordinary. Violence, moral collapse, and desperation unfold as Henry journeys to find his family.
Ralston carries forward the rituals and puzzles of the first installment while introducing new mysteries to be solved. The narrative is dense with action and conflict and moves at a blistering pace. Early passages introduce all-powerful, godlike entities, infusing the story with a heavy sense of existential dread (which is revealed at the end)
At its core, this is a story of vengeance, driven by Henry, whose quest to find his wife quickly entangles him in the lives of other survivors, safe zones, military forces, and other nefarious organizations and individuals.
Ralston once again delivers a Frankenstein monster of a novel that’s hard to put down. The ending is absolutely 5 stars by itself. Lol. It was insane and absurd in a good way. You wont expect it. loved it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Ralston carries forward the rituals and puzzles of the first installment while introducing new mysteries to be solved. The narrative is dense with action and conflict and moves at a blistering pace. Early passages introduce all-powerful, godlike entities, infusing the story with a heavy sense of existential dread (which is revealed at the end)
At its core, this is a story of vengeance, driven by Henry, whose quest to find his wife quickly entangles him in the lives of other survivors, safe zones, military forces, and other nefarious organizations and individuals.
Ralston once again delivers a Frankenstein monster of a novel that’s hard to put down. The ending is absolutely 5 stars by itself. Lol. It was insane and absurd in a good way. You wont expect it. loved it.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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