The Haunting of Renegade X

Renegade X #2.5

by Chelsea M. Campbell

Damien doesn't believe in ghosts, even when he hears the voice of his ex-best friend Pete calling to him from the Banking and Finances building, the scene of his death. His new friend Riley doesn't believe in ghosts, either, but when Damien confides in him about what he thinks he heard, the two of them decide to investigate. On Halloween night.

A decision they come to regret as soon as Pete's ghost traps them inside the building. It turns out Pete's got unfinished business with Damien concerning the collapse of their friendship. Damien's always blamed Pete for how it ended, but now Pete forces him to acknowledge the part he played in it. In order to survive the night, Damien will not only have to figure out how to fight a ghost, but he'll have to tell the truth about his past--even when that truth threatens to destroy his new friendship with Riley.

Genres: Superheroes, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Ghosts, Novella

104 pages, ebook

First published January 25, 2016

About the author

Chelsea M. Campbell grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains a lot. And then rains some more. She finished her first novel when she was twelve, sent it out, and promptly got rejected. Since then she's written many more novels, earned a degree in Latin and Ancient Greek, become an obsessive knitter and fiber artist, and started a collection of glass grapes. Besides writing, studying ancient languages, and collecting useless objects, Chelsea is a pop-culture fangirl at heart and can often be found rewatching episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Parks and Recreation, or dying a lot in Dark Souls.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in a deadly game of truth by a ghost of Pete, Damien finds himself having to answer questions he's never really wanted to, especially in front of his tentative new friend Riley. But to save both of their lives he may have to and some things will put a strain between them.

I really enjoyed this because it brought us back to who Damien was back when he was confident that he was a 'V' through and through. Damien may not have been overly different, he was still snarky and sneaky and cocky. But back then he quashed any impulses to do good with a way to manipulate and do bad since that was who he was. He didn't really trust the people around him so he didn't really get trust back and looking back, he didn't exactly have any friends. Seeing how he is now it is actually a dramatic change, but at some point he was going to have to confront who he had been. This was an excellent way to do that and for such a short story it did an amazing job working through those issues and has helped his relationships in the future. An excellent in between story!

[Sha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: Ghost of thwarted ex best friend tries to kill protagonist while he's in the company of his new best friend. It's a little awkward.

An unambiguous situation and focus on interpersonal relationships means the worldbuilding isn't much of a problem in this one so yay? On the other hand there really isn't much that actually happens in this story, so the whole thing was kinda pointless.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am just such a fan of the arrogant yet sensitive Damien aka Renegade X. in this book he gets tested a lot and has to face a lot of his past choices all due to Pete his ex-best friend coming back to haunt him as a ghost. fun book, can't recommend the series enough... read them all!

[Nathan Perru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, I couldn't put the book down and had a hard time not reading it all at once. There's a whole new take on Damien and Pete's relationship

[Tom Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little novella about friendship and becoming a. better person. I really enjoy all of the Renegade X stories. Plus there's a ghost.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the books in the main story line.

[Mylan Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little novella. It was really fun seeing the characters in a one off story. I wish there was a little more of Kat in it because I find her very interesting but overall, I enjoued the evolution of Damien and Riley's relationship. I really hope that Book 3 (which I'm going to start immediately) touches upon or hints at what happened in the Haunting.

Recommended for fans of the Renegade X series

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important extension to the Trials of Renegade X in that it fleshes out the narrative and provides an interesting glimpse into how Damien's friends regard him.

These stories are thought-provoking and I've noticed some interesting debates around the subject matter, such as forgiveness after a planned intervention went hopelessly wrong.

I really hope the author continues to provide stories abut these young people

[Patrick Rauland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this little story. It was basically a one day adventure bringing back a character from the dead and having to defeat them again. Renegade X & Riley had to work together again. Male bonding. Awwww.

[Farseer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella more than the other Renegade X novella I have read (The Torment of Renegade X). With the excuse of a Halloween story, it explores some elements from Damien's past, his friendship with Riley, his former friendship with Pete... It was a good read.

[Josie Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the second book of this trilogy. Made me like the main character a bit more, his sulkiness being buffed out a bit.

[Foggygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about Damien's crazy ex friend Pete after his fateful plunge after book one.

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough

I really love anything that has to do with this series so of course this was a must read I never want this series to end seriously

[Cata · Rating 5 out of 5]

👻

[Gwennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was almost enough to tide me over for book 4. ALMOST. Not quite. It was cute, but I want a full length novel.

Full review on Birdie Bookworm.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Halloween novella in which Damien has to face his recent past and what happened in The Rise of Renegade X. Riley...is kind of the best. That is all.

[Michael Glenn Maskill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book.

I would give it 4 stars bot it was two short. $ssssssssssssssszssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. #cccccccccccccccccccccc ccccccccccccc ccccc cccccc ccccc ccccc ccccc xXxX