The Fall of Crazy House

Crazy House #2

by James Patterson

SEQUEL TO NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER CRAZY HOUSE

Twin sisters Becca and Cassie barely escaped the Crazy House alive. Now they're trained, skilled fighters who fear nothing – not even the all-powerful United regime.

Together, the sisters hold the key to defeating the despotic government and freeing the people of the former United States. But to win this war, will the girls have to become the very thing they hate?

Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2018

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[⠀annie. ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

as many of you know, the first book in this series, crazy house, is one of my favorite reads. i read it in august of last year and i still think about it. because of that, this book was one of my most anticipated releases. i went to the store on release day and went through hell trying to find this book. i am happy to say, the hype wasn’t for nothing.

C H A R A C T E R S

i really don’t have much to say for the characters? they’re pretty much the same from the first book. there wasn’t a need to character development. they were very consistent how they were portrayed before.

it was rather weird that both of the couples switched significant others for one singular make out session? and neither of the girls will say anything about it? i don’t know, but i feel like it was a little unnecessary.

also, mrs. strepp? kinda love her now. she’s still insane but i appreciate her a lot more. the loner? i love him. i wish there was more of him.

also part two, WHERE DID ANSEL GO? i liked him! and he just? disappeared? why? come? back?

P L O T

if you read crazy house, don’t expect this novel to be ANYTHING like it. for obvious reasons, this sequel couldn’t be the same as the first.

i wasn’t a fan of the separate plots at first but i grew to like it. it was interesting to watch tim and cassie learn something and watch becca and nate come up with random reasons for what tim and cassie found and vise versa. it was cool when both plots met up at the end.

learning about the history of the United and how the cells came to be was rather scary. it’s not hard to imagine the united states falling down this exact path.

i thought the revolution scene could have lasted longer, tbh. all of the build up for a bit of an anticlimactic ending.

i never got bored with the plot. it was always going and something was always happening. there wasn’t as many dramatic plot twists as the first, but you were still kept on your toes.

W R I T I N G

part of the reason i love these books is because of how simple the writing is. it’s written as if you are in the minds of these teenage girls (usually). they have a similar thinking pattern and despite the very different life events, it’s still relatable. your mind doesn’t have to think to hard. in a case like this series that’s nice because the plot is usually corrupting your mind.

O V E R A L L

i’m not sure if there’s another one after this. if there’s a third book, you better believe i’ll be the first one in line to buy it. but if there’s not, i’m not sure i’d be mad about it. i’m not going to say anything about how it ended, but it’s just enough closure for me to move on. i still don’t wanna give this story up though.

this wasn’t crazy house, but it was still pretty awesome. the first one was pretty plot driven. this was too, but it was also loaded with the history of this story—which i LOVED. i really don’t have anything bad to say about it.

this is a fast, fun read. your brain doesn’t have to work too hard. i recommend this to anyone who is a fan of dystopian societies... especially ones that could be very real.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for The Fall of Crazy House: Crazy House, Book 2 (audiobook) by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet read by Therese Plummer.

This was the best YA dystopian story that I’ve listened to in a long time. I really enjoyed how a couple of the characters were going through an archive and we were learning about the details of the plague as they did. My biggest problem is that I’m reading the series out of order. I accidentally checked out the second book first. Now I have to put the first book on hold.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed the first book a lot more than I thought I would, so I was excited to get to this one, but this one just didn't work for me. I think they tried to fit too much into the story, and as a result, the world building was sloppy and undeveloped. Additionally, major injuries seemed to be forgotten after like 2 or 3 days. I didn't mind the character (except for those weird moments where the boys kissed the wrong girl. Like, they knew it wasn't their girlfriend, and kissed her anyway, which is especially weird since the girls are twins. At least Nate's was implied to be to cause a distraction but still) but I also didn't really care about most of them (although if Nate died from that wolf attack, I would have been pissed). It's a quick read and fast paced, but I just felt it was too rushed and we didn't get enough of the actual world for me to enjoy this more.

[♠ TABI⁷ ♠]

"The best dystopian series since The Hunger Games just got better."

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars!! Not quite 4 but very close. I enjoyed this book greatly. Not as much as the first but enough to read in a day. It's definitely a book geared towards the YA reader, but that just means it's has shorter chapters and gets right to the point.

The storyline follows twin sisters Becca and Cassie as they go out on a mission to overthrow America as we know it. Teamed with each others boyfriends, they crossed boundaries they didn't know existed to make the realization that the world they know isn't exactly the only state of existence.

It's very hard to say much more without giving the first book away. This is a sequal, and while I suppose it could be read as a stand-alone, I really wouldn't recommend it. Read Crazy House first! You won't regret it.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing Crazy House I immediately started the audio to The Fall Of Crazy House.

I enjoyed it but there weren’t any major twists. It kept the momentum of the first book however, it wasn’t amazing.

Still a fun series, esp if you liked The Hunger Games.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Not quite as good as the first but still a page turner!! The different point-of-views between sisters Becca and Cassie made the book excellent. You have one sister out in the field and one doing research. I love the stuff they find out (although it's a little scary that it is an actual could-happen reality for the future!) and how they come together through it all! The deal with the kissing the wrong guys wasn't really necessary and was weird that it was never talked about. I liked how it ended and it could have a sequel if the authors want to, but they don't actually HAVE to!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This must be a 2 book series....I couldn't find anything about it being a trilogy. This book kept me interested the entire time. I felt a little let down on the last couple of pages. I think I wanted a slightly different ending than I got!! But very enjoyable. Would recommend!

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring! Improbable. The clues or cryptic things they dangle in front of you to string you along really has either no final Explanation or one that makes no sense. I can hardly believe people would compare this to hunger games!

I do not often totally slam the ending of a book and give exact details of how it ended but for anybody that wants to know the ending and doesn’t want to slog through the preposterousness that was this book I’m going to. I listen to the audiobook in the middle of the night and when I got to the end I was so confused by it I thought surely I fell asleep off and on even though I didn’t think I had so I relisten to the end only to find out that in fact I hadn’t fallen asleep and all the ridiculousness that was the ending of the book in fact happened with all the holes and lack of explanation. Stop reading if you don’t want to know.

While the authors try to make you think that time has passed in order to make these people into the most amazing fighters imaginable I find it ridiculous how many times they have to say how they could so easily kill people because of their time in the “crazy house.” After Becca and Nate were separated from Cassie and Tim and Miss Strepp was separated from everyone it is unbelievable how they magically end up in the same place. Miss Strepp Who we didn’t even know was kidnapped until she arrives in the capital is magically get rescued with next to no effort. Heck she was rescued without anyone planning to rescue her. The president’s palace is successfully stormed in a first attempt. While we know the president and his son are Horrible and we are led to believe rapists and his daughter Mia sticks up for the servants I found it ridiculous that though I liked Mia… in the middle of the revolution at one minute she is in handcuffs and this is the conversation that I read:

“Is this a revolution?” Mia asked

“Yes,” said Strepp

“Oh;” said Mia.

And by the end of the book Mia is shown to us to be the main assistant to Miss Strepp with absolutely no explanation as to why or how she joined the resistance and how she got to position number two. The capital is completely under control in three weeks where the twins and their significant others go off in two happily ever after with a newly adopted puppy they just happen to find in the capital. And at the end of the day we are not even told who Helen Strepp is and how she was motivated to lead a complete rebellion. We know that a previous vice president raped her (the teacher who raped Becca) and no one believed her. This rape is the only factor that led to Helen leaving the comfort of society and creating an horrific institution to train kids into killers.

[BunTheDestroyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly better than the first one but not that good. It just made me want to re-read The Hunger Games which was wayyyy better.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome sequel to The Crazy House. So easy and fun to read. Like the first book, it has short chapters - each with its own cliffhanger. Highly recommend!

[Lynette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't think it could get worse in the sequel, but it did. The following are my notes.

Ok so in the first book they do all tests tests of school skills. Now we learn that Tim can't read????

Why didn't we see all the training? That would have been cool.

Becca was given a team member who's deaf and no one told her?

Ms Strepp really has no idea how United started?

Becca's team are scouts, but they just keep heading further east?

Cassie sees a map of the districts and that they're labeled A-F, but chapters later finally understands B stands for a district?

BECCA IS AN ASSASSIN???? Are you kidding me. There is NO indication that she's better than everyone else. And why not tell her? Or protect her? She could have died half a dozen times between the camp and Chicago.

Plus, they literally didn't train her for ANY of this "secret mission" bullshit. Her first words to anyone are "what cell are you from?" What the FUCK. And what is she doing, examining the girl's room for secret passages and whatnot? What is her purpose??? Why is she washing underwear in the sink????

If everyone died of plague, why are the people who exposed them all wandering into other places??? You're going to save Becca just to kill her with the plague!

Wait wait wait. This is A DIFFERENT plague?

Omg, why are they blindly believing this woman??? Why do they know so much slang?

Omg the rapey teacher was the ex-VP? Way to shoehorn that in.

WHY ARE THEY FOLLOWING MS. STREPP??? What was her motivation for the rebellion? Why are they all children?

Omg. This is SO stupid and poorly written. I assume there will be a third book, which I will absolutely hate-read.

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this was a quick read and for the most part it kept up my interest, I found that it was more predictable and less fun that the first book. The ending is not a cliffhanger but certainly leaves room for at least one more in the series, if not a continuing series of adventures by these teens. It has some parts that were intriguing and perhaps very topical given the current political climate. But this will not be another The Hunger Games.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personally, I think this sequel was unnecessary. Did the first book end on a cliffhanger? Yes. However, this book did not add anything to the overall story. There was so much build up and a lot of "journey" for the ending to just be... blah. I could have honestly done without this book, and the fact that there will obviously be another one doesn't make it any better.

I will say there were quite a few moments in this book that made me laugh out loud. The characters were really witty at times and offered a lot of humor to the story. The banter was the best part in my opinion.

Will I read the next book? Maybe. Do I recommend the series? Not necessarily.

[Erika Hayes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not the best book I've ever read. There is a lot of "ly" I am sure Stephen King would throw this book against the wall. The story seriously is like Hunger Games accelerated with two protags vs. one.
I pushed through to get to the end. It was as expected. If I ever here "I said tiredly" ever again I may cry. there is a lot of on the nose writing as well. would love to have had a bit more setting information.

[James Persino · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst Patterson Book I ever picked up. Got through 8 chapters and could not go on. No background on what was happening and did not understand it. It lost my interest and I returned the book! I have loved all the other Patterson books I've read, but this one completely lost me! I prefer the books he has written by himself and not with a co-author.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually better than the first book in this series. There is not so much effort made in this book to make the characters sound foul-mouthed and tough. The storyline was predictable but I still enjoyed the story and, as always, this was a quick read.

[Allene Hodgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was something totally unexpected. I loved Hunger Games and this was similar. He trials, tribulations and triumphs that these two sisters went thru was heartbreaking and heart warming. Thanks to my niece for the suggestion. I really enjoyed this 2 book series!

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed and a fun ride! I know this series is geared toward YA but I really enjoyed it

[Patricia Atkinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

sorry but this is not one of his better books I like the older murder stories better

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book seemed rushed and left more questions then answers. I hope this is one of the series that turns into an adult novel. Once again disappointed in the Crazy House Series.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of post apocalyptic sci-fi. The pace moved quickly and progressed the story without plodding. The reader could not determine the location until well into the book.

[JC Roadman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fall of crazy house!

this book wasn't too bad! Think I enjoyed the first book a little better. still really enjoy James Patterson tho.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was in the Little Free Library at my office, so I decided to snag it. I didn't know that James Patterson gave his imprimatur to books aimed at the YA market, so there's that.

While it's the middle book of a trilogy, it isn't hard to figure out what's going on. Twins Rebecca and Cassie, along with their boyfriends Tim and Nate, have been training as child soldiers for years and, now that they're 18, they're getting their first assignment. Their trainer separates both twins from each other and their boyfriends, sending Rebecca and Nate out on an expeditionary squad and Cassie and Tim to the archives to catalog materials they find there. The archives are how we learn that we are in a far-distant post-apocalyptic United States, called only United because the states no longer exist.

The book, not too shockingly, ends on a cliffhanger. There is, after all, a third volume in the series.

Honestly, the book was pretty good. But it did inspire a rant in me on some levels, given what's going on in the news regarding banning books concerning BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people, and anything that smacks of speaking out against white supremacy or anti-semitism (e.g.,Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History).

As for this book in regards to diversity, there two POC characters, both of them minor, and one deaf character (also minor). Any of the main characters could have been BIPOC or LGBTQ+ without changing the action at all; as it is, it gave the impression that only straight, white folk could be leaders.

::deep breath::

I don't get why so many people are against kids reading about people who look like themselves, either physically or mentally, or that address certain historical facts, but are a-okay with them reading about dystopian violence (including, in the case of this book, two attempted rapes). Heaven forfend that you learn about love, but learning about war is fine.

Even in a book as well-written as this, it's tiresome.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed and very fast paced which made this a fun read. There were a few confusing moments that i felt could have been more explained or connected within the story. For example, we never really got an explanation for why Tim kissed Cassie. They never touched more upon what Cassie and Tim found in the attic. I would have liked to know how the plaque got into the cells. It seemed like there was a lot of build up to this very quick ending as well.

However,I love the dynamics between Becca, Cassie, Nate, and Tim and the adventure that each pair had to go one. I enjoyed reading this story and would have given it 5 stars if there wouldn’t have been so many unknowns to certain themes of the book that i felt readers should be informed about to make some things make more sense. Overall great read though!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. First one was far more interesting. We continue to follow Cassie and Becca in their journey to figure out what’s really going on in their world. How can they beat their oppressors. We find out in the end if they did it or not.

I enjoyed their journey (both were different). One goes on an actual mission and the other one does background research. I liked the research portion more because we got to see the timeline of modern society to the dystopia it becomes.

Ending was okay. It felt a bit rushed and more of where the girls ended up would’ve been nice.

[Katie V · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story and it has a solid foundation, but I feel that some of the branches are missing. I feel like the confusion may have been intentional, but it really took away from my enjoyment of the story. I want to know more about how the US became the United, why there were boats in trees, what’s up with random deserts in Illinois....so many questions that will not be answered.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say this is a favorite series for sure, but i’m a little upset at the trajectory of the story. I definitely feel like the story could’ve been drawn out a little more and the ending was rushed, I would’ve liked a more cohesive and clear ending because i have a few questions. it’s hard to be the second book, it definitely did well. a MUST READ SERIES !!!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was okay but the first book IMO was better