Tunnel of Bones: Volume 2 (City of Ghosts, #2)

by Victoria Schwab

• ISBN10: 1338111043
• ISBN13: 9781338111040
• Publish Date: 3 September 2019 (first published 1 September 2019)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publisher: Scholastic
• Imprint: Scholastic Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 304
• Language: English

Reviews

[Joséphine]

Initial thoughts: Another solid book from Victoria Schwab — as long as she's written a book it's pretty much a guarantee that I'll enjoy it. Hah. I enjoyed the exploration of the haunted rather than the romantic side of Paris. The Catacombs obviously made for an incredible setting to Cassidy and Jacob's second adventure. It contained the right amount of morbidity and intrigue, though I felt that the tension in City of Ghosts was a little bit more on point. On the other hand, this one definitely had more mischief, so that made up for it.

[Djilan]

Changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars. Because I really enjoyed reading it and can't think of anything I didn't like about it.

After City of Ghosts I pre-ordered Tunnel of Bones as soon as it came available. I love the concept of and interaction between Cassidy and her ghost friend Jacob so I really wanted to find out about their next adventure.

The story is written in a very pleasant style and I love the way we know Cassidy her thoughts, but so does Jacob. Sometimes it feels like it's a secret conversation between them and us, the readers. It's also fun to get to know more about a city and it's (ghost)stories while reading this series. I have been to Paris and a few of the places she mentions in this book. Would I go back now, it definitely would be a different experience :)

[Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub]

I’ve read some excellent reviews for these books lately, so when I saw them at the library, I had to snag them. After reading them, I can see why both books are so popular. Victoria Schwab is an excellent writer, and is able to effortlessly suck the reader into the world she’s created.

These books follow Cassidy, a girl who sort-of briefly died. She was saved by a ghost who has become her best friend. Now she can see ghosts and is able to cross the veil between the living and the dead. Her parents, who oddly enough host a ghost-hunting show despite not believing in ghosts, have decided to travel to “most haunted places,” with Cassidy, her ghostly bff, and their cranky cat in tow.

In the first book, they go to Edinburgh. There, Cassidy meets a girl named Lara who has the same ability she does. Lara informs Cassidy that they have a responsibility to reap the ghosts, basically sending them “on.” Cassidy unfortunately catches the attention of a very powerful and extremely angry ghost. Will she survive the encounter? Or will she end up truly dead?

I quite enjoyed the book. It felt like the first few episodes of that show Supernatural. It was episodic and a very good introduction to both the characters and the world the author has created. I found it highly entertaining, though lacking in some details I would have loved to had. For example, the Big Bad wasn’t as fleshed out (pun intended) as I was hoping. I loved the idea behind the villain and would have loved a bit more detail. However, Cassidy is a likable main character, and there’s a lot of potential in her ghostly buddy.

The sequel, Tunnel of Bones, started to see a bit more of a storyline. The foil in this book had more of a background, and this book focused more on solving the mystery behind all the ghastly, ghostly activity. I liked that aspect. Adding a bit of a mystery to the book made it much more interesting to me. Tunnel of Bones takes place in Paris, and the author made good use of the Catacombs. The final surprise has me very interested in seeing what comes next.

The best way I can describe these books is as Supernatural light. They’re entertaining, quick reads, that make for fun weekend reading.

I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first one! It was scary, atmospheric, and more believable. The mystery was also a lot more interesting than in the first book.
Definitely recommend it!

[alindstadtcorbeax]

Star Rating: —> 3.5 Stars [rounded up]

Cassidy Blake, it’s not you, it’s me.

I love V.E. Schwab’s writing SO much. I think this book was written fantastically, had a wonderful storyline, characters, world building... and boy does Schwab know how to make a reader FEEL.
I just have a really hard time with middle grade these days, I feel like. The whole time it was like I was captivated, but only on a surface level... it wasn’t until the end when she pulled her usual Schwab ‘rip-your-heart-out-and-manipulate-it-in-whatever-way-she-wants-to-for-better-or-for-worse’ move, that I TRULY felt “all in.”

Fantastic novel though; seriously.

I think I’m just getting old

[writehollydavis]

Another fun and exciting adventure for Cassidy! I love the character arc Jacob is taken through. Victoria never skimps on the heart and feels in her stories.

[Beth C.]

Paris. Catacombs. GHOSTS.

I really do like this MR series, and this second titles in the series has Cassidy in Paris with her parents and accidentally disturbing a poltergeist. Mayhem ensues, and she's got figure out how to help the spirit before it destroys the city. And her with it.

This is a great follow-up to the first book, and I really look forward to the continuation of this series. It's excellent that there are different places in each title, and some historical facts thrown in. Historical ghosts are often SO MUCH COOLER than any made up, and Schwab does a great job incorporating those old tales into her new ones. I love to recommend the first book to people, and this one will join the ranks!