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Candle Man #2
Candle Man: The Society of Dread
Dr. Saint is no more, Lord Dove has disappeared, and the Dodo has slipped back into seclusion. But for Theo Wickland, descendent of the Victorian crime fighter of legend, The Candle Man, the adventure is just beginning. Now head of the Society of Good Works, Theo is determined to turn the activities of the order toward the betterment of humanity, starting with bringing the Network, the fascinating, secret underground maze of tunnels, back to its former glory.
But dark forces still lurk below the London streets - mysterious creatures, and enemies of the Candle Man, long thought dead - who continue to plot the downfall of the world.
Old enemies become new allies as Theo cobbles together a group to stop the sinister plans of these evil beings before they prove deadly. It is up to the new Candle Man and his Society of Dread to snuff out these nefarious plans, before it's too late.
But dark forces still lurk below the London streets - mysterious creatures, and enemies of the Candle Man, long thought dead - who continue to plot the downfall of the world.
Old enemies become new allies as Theo cobbles together a group to stop the sinister plans of these evil beings before they prove deadly. It is up to the new Candle Man and his Society of Dread to snuff out these nefarious plans, before it's too late.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 31, 2014
Strange things are afoot---again. Bones are vanishing from cemeteries. People are vanishing. And "he" has returned. Theo hardly knows what to make of all of this, but one thing is clear: he must go back into the network of underground tunnels and face a foe more deadly than Dr. Saint.
The book starts in a very odd way: Theo is in a cemetery, which is just like the first book, only to see him there you'd think he'd never been to one before. The first book showed him whining and ungrateful at being in a cemetery because he'd wanted to be with real people for once, and was upset to find Mr. Nicely had brought him to see dead people. This book shows him completely absorbed by it and behaving like he's never seen it before, when in fact he has. And it's probably the same cemetery, in fact.
All that to say, the detail was nice, but the presentation was more than a little jarring, especially for someone coming off just having read the first book. After that, though, the story picks up nicely. Theo once again learns more about the ancient (well, 100 years ago) foes of the original Candle Man, and once more has to put up with people who know things they just don't want to tell him. Thanks to the crelps, the supernatural element is stronger in this book, and when Theo finally starts using his powers, it works up to a very satisfying finale.
The characters have more substance to them this time around. Although Chloe is pretty much the same as she always was, Theo grows up a bit, and more complexities surface in other characters like the elder Dove. A certain villain is rather obvious, even though Theo never discovers who it is, but even this promises intriguing development.
All in all, aside from the aggravating beginning, this was a better read than the previous. Theo may perhaps walk more out of the shadow of his predecessor and into his own legend in books to come. I can also hope the books will stop contriving ways for the original villains to still be around and find someone new for Theo to face off against (aside from the obvious reemergence of the Philanthropist). I rate this book Recommended.
The book starts in a very odd way: Theo is in a cemetery, which is just like the first book, only to see him there you'd think he'd never been to one before. The first book showed him whining and ungrateful at being in a cemetery because he'd wanted to be with real people for once, and was upset to find Mr. Nicely had brought him to see dead people. This book shows him completely absorbed by it and behaving like he's never seen it before, when in fact he has. And it's probably the same cemetery, in fact.
All that to say, the detail was nice, but the presentation was more than a little jarring, especially for someone coming off just having read the first book. After that, though, the story picks up nicely. Theo once again learns more about the ancient (well, 100 years ago) foes of the original Candle Man, and once more has to put up with people who know things they just don't want to tell him. Thanks to the crelps, the supernatural element is stronger in this book, and when Theo finally starts using his powers, it works up to a very satisfying finale.
The characters have more substance to them this time around. Although Chloe is pretty much the same as she always was, Theo grows up a bit, and more complexities surface in other characters like the elder Dove. A certain villain is rather obvious, even though Theo never discovers who it is, but even this promises intriguing development.
All in all, aside from the aggravating beginning, this was a better read than the previous. Theo may perhaps walk more out of the shadow of his predecessor and into his own legend in books to come. I can also hope the books will stop contriving ways for the original villains to still be around and find someone new for Theo to face off against (aside from the obvious reemergence of the Philanthropist). I rate this book Recommended.
February 23, 2011
Like so many other young heroes, Theo finds himself a leader without benefit of training or much knowledge of his own powers. Dr. Saint is gone and Theo is heir to a large mansion which served as a prison for him too long for him to want to spend his time there. Fortunately, he does continue to have the support of the the Society of Unrelenting Vigilance, but he isn't privy to its history or secrets. Too soon he finds himself pushed forward to put an end to the evil that is springing up from within the earth. When his friend (and sometimes protector) Chloe is snatched, Theo joins with former foes to attempt to rescue her and save London from the destruction that seems imminent.
Readers will want to complete book one of the series before beginning this book to get a full introduction to Theo, the household in which he lived, the Society of Unrelenting Vigilance and the cast that helped him free himself and the world of Dr. Saint. While many of the evil and the good return in this book, the author conjures up a bevy of horrid creatures living in the tunnels that lay beneath London. Theo must employ his own considerable powers and those of others in the Society of Dread to face the man without a face deep below the city. The action never lets up and leads to a surprising conclusion...and into the next book.
Readers will want to complete book one of the series before beginning this book to get a full introduction to Theo, the household in which he lived, the Society of Unrelenting Vigilance and the cast that helped him free himself and the world of Dr. Saint. While many of the evil and the good return in this book, the author conjures up a bevy of horrid creatures living in the tunnels that lay beneath London. Theo must employ his own considerable powers and those of others in the Society of Dread to face the man without a face deep below the city. The action never lets up and leads to a surprising conclusion...and into the next book.
February 3, 2011
Refreshingly original. The protagonist is painfully naive at times, but the story is told in a way that explains that trait, rather than making it annoying or baffling. Neat characters and plot too.
September 15, 2012
This children's author has a great imagination. Fun series!
June 6, 2018
Second and seemingly final in the series was as the first book difficult to maintain any interest, and one that I again found fairly dull.
November 6, 2019
I love this book because its very entertaining and keep you readibg and the plot is keeps you on tipey toes and bew friends and ememies are introduced to story
May 8, 2022
3.5/5
July 21, 2011
Why I read this: I absolutely loved the first book in this series and had to continue on with the next.
Plot: With this second book in the series, there are new friends introduced along with new enemies. Theo must now descend below ground to save his friends who have been taken and enslaved by a wicked man whose power lies in destruction. there were some great twists to this book that put the world and history of Candle Man into perspective in a way that I wasn't expecting. I absolutely love the setting of these books as the dark setting amplifies the darker plot. The end of the book eluded to another adventure and I cannot wait to read on.
Characters: Theo is a character that I would compare a bit to Harry Potter, he's got the complexion, the past and the sort of clumsy way of stepping up to doing his part and saving those he loves. I love his comment about feeling better when he has direction, which shows a lack of confidence in his character. I love flawed characters and Theo definitely has a lot to learn about his powers, how and when to use them, and coming to terms that he will kill when he uses it. I really like how he is developing and can't wait to see what the next book will bring next for him.
Relatability: I think fans of underdog heroes, antiheroes, and steampunk will enjoy this series.
Cover Commentary: I have to say I love these covers, both US and UK versions of them. (The UK one is pictured above).
Plot: With this second book in the series, there are new friends introduced along with new enemies. Theo must now descend below ground to save his friends who have been taken and enslaved by a wicked man whose power lies in destruction. there were some great twists to this book that put the world and history of Candle Man into perspective in a way that I wasn't expecting. I absolutely love the setting of these books as the dark setting amplifies the darker plot. The end of the book eluded to another adventure and I cannot wait to read on.
Characters: Theo is a character that I would compare a bit to Harry Potter, he's got the complexion, the past and the sort of clumsy way of stepping up to doing his part and saving those he loves. I love his comment about feeling better when he has direction, which shows a lack of confidence in his character. I love flawed characters and Theo definitely has a lot to learn about his powers, how and when to use them, and coming to terms that he will kill when he uses it. I really like how he is developing and can't wait to see what the next book will bring next for him.
Relatability: I think fans of underdog heroes, antiheroes, and steampunk will enjoy this series.
Cover Commentary: I have to say I love these covers, both US and UK versions of them. (The UK one is pictured above).
August 19, 2016
I read the first book in this series last year at Scout Camp, and magically it just so happened I read the sequel at this years camp! The characters and setting all flooded back (with the help or surprisingly small back-story(good thing!)) and I was instantly hooked. A great and varied cast list with continous plot hangers at the end of every chapter (which were all surprisingly short), this is a great addition to the Candle Man world, which i can easily imagine being made into a series. (PLEASE live action and PLEASE british) 5 stars and a favorite, can't wait for the next one! :D
August 21, 2013
If you've read the first Candleman book, go ahead and read this one too. I found it to be slower paced for the first 3/4 of the book and nothing really interesting happened, but in the last fourth is enough rich information to read for. No spoilers here but if you make it that far, you won't regret it.
April 30, 2012
The story of a boy with a very lethal and creepy talent and his struggle to do the right thing with them continues in this second book in the series. Loyalities and values are tested, technology and fantasy abound. I look forward to the next installment
July 27, 2011
A well-done second book, which is all too often an unusual thing. Definitely worth picking up if you at all enjoyed the first.
September 22, 2011
The character of the candle-man is really starting to show! He is a finally accepting his powers and using the skills he was taught to overcome the evils of the world.
March 29, 2013
i liked it
October 10, 2013
Great book with many twists and turns and an unexpected ending.
March 30, 2014
Sympa mais très jeunesse.
May 29, 2015
a most unusual story of a young man dealing with adult responsibilities
March 11, 2016
Great follow up story to book one. Theo and his friends go through more adventures. Theo finds out more about his powers and about his family.
April 6, 2011
Weird, but good plot and interesting characters.
January 17, 2013
scary but good!1
April 10, 2017
Theo is officially the new Candle Man, and with that power comes responsibilities that Theo doesn't want. But the police are dragging him into an investigation of the underground tunnels, and when Chloe is kidnapped by mysterious creatures, Theo has to use his power as the Candle Man to rescue her and bring peace to the underground. Theo will fight alongside terrible allies, and some strange people come out of the shadows.
Not really impressed with this book. I got bored towards the end, what with all the monster fights and gooey slime stuff. The plot moves along pretty well. There are many interesting and weird characters. I do like the main character, Theo, and enjoy seeing his awkward attempts to make friends. But it feels like the same plot from the previous book.
Disappointment.
Not really impressed with this book. I got bored towards the end, what with all the monster fights and gooey slime stuff. The plot moves along pretty well. There are many interesting and weird characters. I do like the main character, Theo, and enjoy seeing his awkward attempts to make friends. But it feels like the same plot from the previous book.
Disappointment.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews