Relic: The Dean Curse Chronicles, #2

The Dean Curse Chronicles #2

by Steven Whibley

Fourteen-year-old Dean Curse is still having horrifying visions of people in grave danger – visions that leave him a single day to save their lives. So far, he’s considered a few broken bones and a standing appointment in group therapy to be a small sacrifice compared to the good he's done.



While learning more about the mysterious society that gave him the gift, Dean has a vision that leads him to believe a monk is going to rob a museum—if he’s right, the robbery will go very badly. But he can’t get the police to believe him. In fact, the authorities think Dean is at the root of all the trouble. Dean and his friends decide the only way to save a few lives is to take matters into their own hands, even if it means breaking a few laws.



They have 24 hours to decide if the ends really do justify the means.



Suitable for kids 10+, this edge-of-your-seat adventure series perfect for fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, the Ranger’s Apprentice, and Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series.


More by Steven Whibley



The Cambridge Files:
Book 1: Disruption

Book 2: Abduction (pre-order coming soon)



The Dean Curse Chronicles:
Book 1: Glimpse

Book 2: Relic

Book 3: Impact



6th Grade Revengers:
Book 1: Cat Crimes and Wannabes

Book 2: The Substitute Criminal

Book 3: A Game of Thorns

Book 4: Cinephiles and Hamster Hunters

Book 5: Super Trooper

Book 6: Secrets and Spies

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Middle Grade

Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Steve believes in pixies and fairy dust, and the healing power of unicorns. When he’s not writing epic tales of horned beasties, he’s working as a look-a-like for Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, Zac Efron, and Seal. He spends his free time training hairless mole rats to be service animals for the colorblind, and dreams of one day inventing a Thanksgiving dish that will rival the infamous turducken.

Steve also believes most readers do not read author biographies. (but just in case, he’ll do a real one once his website is fully updated :) )

www.stevenwhibley.com

Reviews

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gift Not A Curse?

This series must be read in order. The first book is Glimpse. This is the second book. I can't wait to read Impact!

Dean, Colin, and Lisa have been forced into group therapy along with all the other kids from their school due to the accidental death of their teacher. Unfortunately Eric and Rodney are also in group therapy, and doing their level best to make everyone else's lives as miserable as possible! They are also dealing with Dean's gift and working as a team to try and prevent the deaths he sees. Will the Society ever really contact them? Or will they be forced to figure this stuff out on their own? Will the Society try and take Dean's powers if the find him unworthy? Will he decide he wants to give the power up? Will they be able to successfully prevent the deaths or be utter failures? Can kids really do anything worthwhile without help? Or will Lisa and Colin abandon Dean because of the danger and pressure?

***This series is suitable for middlegrade through adult readers who enjoy modern fantasy with plenty of mystery, action, adventure and suspense with a group of diehard friends to always keep you going and sane :)

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Museum Caper!"

This is the second book of The Dean Curse Chronicles. This novel follows "Glimpse" which was an exciting story which I could not put down, even if I'm not a teenager! This second book equally drew me to the adventures of the three young heroes, Dean Curse, Colin Blane, and Lisa Green, best friends forever (BFF). In this novel Arnold Cosler, a car salesman, appears in Dean's vision, identifying him as a marked man for death. Within 24 hours of the vision, the threat to Arnold's life would happen. The three teens work as a team to save lives. They find Arnold at the local mall at the pretzel stand. Suddenly, he falls to the floor, unable to breath. He pulls an EpiPen from his pocket, but is unable to inject himself. Lisa jabs it into his leg, and saves his life. He was allergic to peanuts, which had accidentally fallen into the cooker, onto the pretzels. From the mall, Dean's mom picks up the three kids, along with Dean's younger sister, Becky, for a trip to the museum where there is a new exhibit. A protest group is assembled in front of the museum to protest the exhibit of a 12th Century Cambodian Sandstone Buddha head, stolen from Tibet. Three monks are also gathered to guard the head. While at the exhibit, Dean and one of the monks, a young man, have a disagreement and Dean, with his leg still in a cast, falls back and the cast is shattered. While at the hospital getting the battered cast off, a man approaches the three teens; he has been following them throughout the day. Archer Astley has been assigned by The Secret Society (a millennia-old one) to make sure the new young members are trustworthy and truly dedicated to the society's cause. Dean is the youngest member ever to have the gift ... his visions! Author Steven Whibley writes so well, his books are easy and quick reads for young adults, and older folks, like myself. The stories are cleanly written adventure stories which are thrilling mysteries. This second novel is as exciting as the first and I highly recommend it for readers who like fun adventure stories with kick! Another high-five to Author Steven Whibley!

[Sheetal Dash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourteen-year-old Dean Curse is still having horrifying visions of people in grave danger – visions that leave him a single day to save their lives. So far, he’s considered a few broken bones and a standing appointment in group therapy to be a small sacrifice compared to the good he's done.

While learning more about the mysterious society that gave him the gift, Dean has a vision that leads him to believe a monk is going to rob a museum—if he’s right, the robbery will go very badly. But he can’t get the police to believe him. In fact, the authorities think Dean is at the root of all the trouble. Dean and his friends decide the only way to save a few lives is to take matters into their own hands, even if it means breaking a few laws. They have 24 hours to decide if the ends really do justify the means

The second book in the series is very informative of the strengths of the author and his creation. In Relic we get to read a highly interesting book that is not just an extension of the franchise but also an important development of the plot and of the characters.We are served the excitement of the new and the almost breathless action of our hero trying to come to terms with just what is going on his life.What Steven Whibley has excelled at with The Dean Curse Chronicles is writing stories for teens that are smart, insightful, and compelling. While Dean, Colin, and Lisa all chatter on in the way 14-year-olds do, they show extreme bravery and quick thinking in the face of danger. Instead of focusing heavily on romance or teen angst, Relic deals with a darker side of the world in a way that appeals to the inner crime-fighter inside us all.

[LSM · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading book 1 in this series and enjoying it immensely, I was excited when I saw that book 2 was out and quickly downloaded a copy. I really enjoyed it. I don't think I loved it quite as much as I did the first book. But then there were parts of Relic that I liked even more. Again Wibley does a great job with the Dean and Becky but it goes a step farther as Becky knows something's up with her brother (since she overheard some convo at the hospital in book 1) and is watching him closer. Relic also dives a bit deeper into some issues the other characters are having with Dean's ability, especially Lisa. the stress of it is getting to her and I found that character development to be especially well done.

The visions this time around focus on a museum and a teenage monk who just wants to go home but the only way to do it is to get a Relic that was stolen from his grandfater's villiage in Cambodia back. The ending was great and while there was a promise of more we weren't left hanging with clifhangers. I really like that aspect of this series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Curse, Colin Blane and Lisa Green are busy trying to save people. Dean has become the youngest member of a secret society. Dean is overwhelmed by his visions of seeing people in his visions that will die in 24 hours unless he can prevent it. With the help of Colin and Lisa he finds himself in difficult situations while trying to save these people. They meet a man (Archer) from the secret society that tells them some information about the secret society. Archer also gives Dean and his friends some advice in trying to resolve a vision of dean.

This is a book that has adventure and mystery but also fun to read. The writing is excellent. As this is the first book I've read in this series, I will be going back and reading the first book. I know I will be reading the whole series as I enjoyed this book so much.

Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relic.... wow. Another tale that takes you twisting through Dean Curse's journey with his special gift. Dean is now "fighting" to save a relic and those around it from dying. He at the same time is balancing his friendships and understanding this gift that has been given to him. His friends are by his side through each step of the journey as they figure out the best way to save peoples lives and make sure history stays in tack.

Whimbley once again has managed to suck me in and not let go. I start his books and can't let go. It is so easy to start and sometimes frustrating that it has ended because I want more. What happens to Dean next? What adventure will he be sorting though and how will the society accept him as a kid? Will his friends continue to stay by his side? I guess I once more will have to wait for book three. Until next time, Mr. Whimbley.....

[Brook Vind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven Whibley picks up right where he left off. I loved Glimpse, and the same goes for Relic. Dean, Lisa and Colin make a great team in this book, with each bringing their own qualities to the team. The fact that each character struggles in their own way with Dean having his 'curse' made it very realistic. Add in the entrance of the secret society, and you get attached to the book quite quickly.

Relic had the same humor between characters as Glimpse, especially Dean and his sister. And another creative storyline, with a very interesting cultural element to it that leads to an exciting finish. Perfect read in my books, and I'm definitely looking forward to the third book!

[Spiderboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A museum caper. I loved it.

I was a fan of Glimpse and was really hoping Relic would pay off. It did. This was a fun read. Dean and his pals get mixed up in trying to do the right thing, which to Dean is saving the life of who ever he's just had a vision of, and deciding what lines they're willing to cross do it. In this book, they cross a lot of lines but it felt real to me. I could imagine a 14 year old thinking the way Dean does, and that's one of the best things about whibley's writing. It feels legit. Not like an adult writing in the voice of a kid, but a solid kids voice.

I'm looking forward to Impact which is book 3 and checking out his new series too.

[Anna-bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first, which is tough to do. It was really exciting, and I love the twist at the end. Can’t wait for the next one!

[dawnann lapsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read easy to get into

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Relic continues the adventures of Dean and his two best friend as they attempt to save the lives of those about to die. It seems as if they've gotten the hang of Dean's visions so far, but figuring out how the target is going to die still isn't clear. Of course, they figure it out in the opening scene, before moving on to a bigger and more complicated problem. Their local museum is surrounded by protesters and a group of monks. It turns out that their Buddha relic has been stolen to be put on display and they want it back. After getting into an accidental scuffle with the youngest of the monks, Dean has a few visions of museum guards, the monk, and a mystery robber dying. Does Dean get involved to save those lives, or does he let the relic be stolen back and returned to its rightful owners?

I liked how in Relic Dean's sense of right and wrong was tested. He knows the museum is wrong to exploit the monks for more visitation, and wants them to have their relic back. But if one of the mystery robbers is a monk, does he just let his vision come to pass so they can have it back even if two people die? Is it better to save lives or do the right thing? It's fairly obvious what Dean and his friend decide to do, but I liked that they thought about it first. The world isn't always black and white, even when it comes to crime. The ending was pretty predictable and cheesy, but I enjoyed it. It fit the rest of the story well.

We also learn a bit more about Dean's "gift." He keeps seeing a man in white around town, and finally is approached by him. He's from the Society and gives Dean some very useful information. It does help him understand how to use his gift better, but it also makes him a bit paranoid. I thought it was all explained really well, and was glad that the visions don't make Dean all-knowing or anything. His gift isn't as big as he expected, but it also will make his life more complicated in day to day interactions.

In the end, I really enjoyed Relic. It was just as quick and fun as the first book, but with some more depth. I love how strong Dean's friendship with Lisa and Colin is. They're extremely supportive even though their missions can be dangerous or just get them in a love of trouble. Lisa especially displayed a lot of vulnerability this time, and I'm looking forward to more from this trio.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[Nikki Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. I gave the first in the series a five star, but I ranked this a little lower. It's the second book, and second books never seem to be quite as fresh as the first, just because the originality which captures the reader in the first book usually slows down a bit in the second. Relic doesn't really introduce us to anything significantly new about the Society that Dean finds himself part of, so this book is basically more about a new adventure using abilities already discovered in the first book.


It's fun to read anyway. I love the sarcastic, but not overdone, way the kids talk to each other. They struggle with issues and bond together to help each other through the rough spots. Dean's sister Becky, although she plays less of a role in this book, is just as smarmy and as funny as ever. Dean's, Colin's and Lisa's friendship though, is the biggest strength of these books, and their interactions are always fun to read.


The plot of this story unravels in a fun way, but it isn't quite as gripping as the first book. Whibley introduces a mission in this one, centered around a precious museum relic two groups are vying for (the museum and a Buddhist sect.) The kids get involved and end up foiling a robbery at one point, and getting into other mischief. While this is an interesting premise, it does get a little garbled and unrealistic in places (were there no security cameras in this museum?) But all in all, the book was still fun to read and I can't wait until the next installment.


Read the first book before you read this one. Whibley doesn't bother going into backstory much (he shouldn't, it would bog down this story if he did) so this book does not stand alone, it builds on the previous story. They're both well worth reading and very enjoyable.

Nik's Picks Book Reviews
www.nikki-bennett.com

(The author provided me with a free copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.)

[Gabs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This series is definitely unlike anything else I've read before. I wish that I had discovered these when I was younger, because I know that I would have eaten them up. (Especially considering the fact that I still eat them up today.)

The best part of the Dean Curse Chronicles is the friendship between Lisa, Dean, and Colin. It is a bit reminiscent of the relationship that Ron, Harry, and Hermione have in Harry Potter. Even though Dean is the main character, Lisa and Dean don't get pushed to the side to make room for more Dean time. We get to learn about them just as much as Dean.

The plot was great. First, we learn more about Dean's abilities. Plus, now that Dean's learned about what he needs to do in order to save lives, the story gets more complicated as he has to try to figure out how to keep certain people from dying. Which can be some tricky business, especially when there's police involved.

I feel quite bad for Dean at times. No one understands why he is doing what he is doing; they all think he's a troubled kid acting out when he's more of a hero then they'll ever realize! It makes me angry. One thing that I like about Dean, though, is that he never lets that get to him too much.

The book is very fast-paced and thrilling, which is awesome. Sometimes I just need books like that. It is so easy to get into these stories; the plotline never lags.

My one complaint is that this book is a bit lacking in depth. Considering the subject matter, which is really quite somber, I do think that perhaps this story could be a bit deeper than it is. I think the first one did a better job than this one did at that, and this is probably why I am nitpicking at this one now.

Still, The Dean Curse Chronicles are thrilling, fun, and original. I'll definitely be continuing to read them.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The secret Society began more than a thousand years ago, during a time when kings took war seriously, while disregarding human life. The Society evolved out of necessity to preserve life.

Dean Curse continues to be the youngest member of the secret Society, being only fourteen. He wonders why he was never given the chance to accept or reject membership. In Relic, he learns why everyone in the world isn’t a member - People are different, and some would use the gift for their own benefit, others would go insane having to deal with the visions and possible failures resulting in death.

Accepting his life’s fate as a member in the Society, Dean’s visions of people in danger of losing their life, is all-consuming. He shares his visions with a few of his best friends, which certainly helps Dean deal with his vision to vision occurrences, especially since he only has twenty-four stressful hours to save a life.

Relic is about Dean’s vision of a museum robbery, where he believes a monk will be killed. Brainstorming strategies, he and his friends involve breaking the law and the police.

I recommend Relic, because it is packed full of adventure for kids, and may spark an interest to put down the video games and start a fun secret society of their own. Family and friendship values are sprinkled throughout the book, which is a secret bonus in itself.

[Millie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Dean has discovered his gift for seeing people before they are going to day so he can save them, he becomes involved in the society in Relic.

Again, a fast paced and funny book in the Dean Curse Chronicles however, the events that took place were not as exciting and interesting as Book One. IT seemed a lot less happened and sometimes things were repeated which made this read slower.

I like the slow introduction to the society as I believe an air of mystery was well built up. The opening of the book was really effective getting you straight back into the series.

The development of the characters was really good in this book especially Lisa. In Relic, Whibley shows the strain Dean's gift is putting on Lisa. This brings out a side to her you never saw in Glimpse. It also helps you to connect to the character more as you sympathize with her.

Overall, another fast paced book but slightly disappointing in comparison to Glimpse due to the lack of excitement in the events present.

[Amon Dithers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hovered between thinking this book was worth 3.8 stars and 4.2 stars. It was very close to being great. I liked it a bit more than the first one just because the kids felt a bit more developed. Where it lacked was that after the first one I expected more about the society and I was disappointed that Archer was the only piece we got to see. I also liked the introduction of Rylee. I like that there isn't a lot of crushes, or love interest, or boys and girls other than friends in this book. Rylee is a girl Dean thinks is pretty and she's paying him some attention now. Something the Eric and his oger friend Rodney don't like. It was interesting watching how Dean liked Rylee, but that anything to do with her would be a distant second to him dealing this his live saving duties.

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book 2 in the Dean Curse Chronicles. This one is fast paced and edge-of-your seat excitement as they start out with answers, visions and another quest. Along the way are still the silly antics and one-liners delivered by Lisa and Colin.

I think the best part of this series is the friendship between these three - Dean, Lisa and Colin. You see each of their strengths and how they play off each other to cover their weaknesses. And the parents are actually present as well.

A very fun series.

[Sean Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I drew a breath and stopped listening, continuing to my room. Great! OCD, PTSD, ADHD, just a couple more and I’d have the whole alphabet."

Great goings on of these intrepid crew. Colin's fun, but Lisa interjects a little sobriety to things. A solid teen series.

[Erleen Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon...

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

[I did not read book 1]

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of a fun youth read.