Ghost Crown

by J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel

The Tracks Series, Book Two

Book Description

A priceless mystical treasure, a dark secret order, and a vengeful fallen angel—forces collide as the battle for Middleburg continues . . .

For gang members Raphael and Ignacio, plans for the homecoming dance are almost as harrowing as their recent victory against the demonic forces that threaten their town. Despite their tentative alliance, a fight breaks out between the preppie Toppers and the goth Flatliners when Topper girl Aimee shows up at the dance with Raphael, the rival gang’s leader. In the midst of an all-out rumble, the homecoming queen discovers a supernatural power that causes a potentially deadly catastrophe. Meanwhile, a charismatic half-angel, half-human arrives in Middleburg with plans to steal Aimee from Raphael.

To add to the bizarre circumstances surrounding the town, real-estate moguls begin buying up most of the Flats and evicting the tenants. These mysterious men seek a priceless treasure prophesied in ancient Chinese writings and will stop at nothing to find it. But Raphael and his friends vow to get to it first and use it to reclaim their homes.

As Raphael and the Flatliners and Zhai and the Toppers hone their supernatural abilities and search for the treasure, Aimee begins kung fu training, intent on using her new skills to locate and rescue her mother. When she discovers that the elusive treasure may be the key, the race to find it intensifies.

But there are others who seek the treasure too, and they have the power to reduce all of Middleburg, and perhaps the world, to ashes. . . .

MY THOUGHTS: 4 OF 5 FLEURS DE LIS

**THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES, DARK TERRITORY!**

My review for Dark Territory

Life hasn’t exactly gone back to normal after the last supernatural battle in Middleburg. A couple of weeks later, Raphael and his gang of Flatliners are still working themselves pretty hard, but it’s doing no good–families are being kicked out of their homes with seemingly no rhyme or reason. Raphael knows he has to investigate, before he and his mother are next to lose their home.

Meanwhile, Zhai, the leader of the Toppers, has discovered something shady going on with his father’s business dealings. But the implications for him are way worse than he ever thought possible.

There is more than one evil presence converging on Middleburg, and they are seeking a priceless treasure that could spell the end for everyone.

I found this book to be quite better than its’ predecessor. There is of course, a lot going on with so many different characters, that it makes it a bit hard to put it all together in a concise review. But I’ll try.

Ghost Crown seemed to have less action and fighting than Dark Territory, but that is OK with me. The characters grew so much in this novel, and that is what I loved about it.

Aimee is still struggling to break free from her oppressive father, but deep down, she wants to make him happy, of course. That’s why it’s no surprise when she starts meeting with Orias Morrow. To me, Orias is the most intriguing character in the book. I can’t get an accurate read on him to tell if he’s good or evil. Every time I would read a scene he was in, I found him charming but something in the back of my mind was telling me he couldn’t be trusted. I finished the book still not sure how to judge him.

In Dark Territory, Maggie was one of my least favorite characters. But I’m glad to say she’s changed SO MUCH into a better person. I want her to be happy. Hopefully she can escape the fate of her mother.

The Flatliner/Topper rivalry is pushed to the background in this book, which is understandable with so much else going on in the town. For that reason, it’s so laughable that it’s still the main thing Rick Bandfield is worried about. There are much bigger issues at play, and it makes Rick look so childish.

Not so much kung fu in Ghost Crown, but the paranormal activity (LOL) is getting intense. It’s so cool that so many characters are coming into powers they didn’t know they had, and I can’t wait to see how they will be able to use them next.

I know I didn’t touch on everything in this review, but there are still so many things I want to know!! Where did Kate really come from? What’s the deal with the Magician? Will karma come back arounf for Jack and Rick Banfield? I will definitely be reading the next book in this series to find out!
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About the Author

J. Gabriel Gates is a Michigan native and a graduate of Florida State University. He has worked as a professional actor, written several Hollywood screenplays, and coauthored the teen fantasy series The Tracks.

Connect with J. Gabriel Gates at his website.

About the Author

Charlene Keel is the author of a dozen novels and how-to-books. She has also ghostwritten books for celebrities, doctors, and corporate moguls.

Connect with Charlene at her website.

PURCHASE GHOST CROWN

Check back later in the week, when I will be holding a giveaway to win a paperback copy of Ghost Crown!