The Haunting of Renegade Xby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Damien hears the voice of his ex-best friend, Pete, calling to him from the building where he died. On Halloween, Riley and Damien head there for some answers, but they weren't prepared for Damien to have to tell the truth with their lives on the line!Haunting is a 90-page novella created as an extra story in the Renegade X trilogy as a Kickstarter reward. You can read it before or after book three, but it definitely comes after book two, making it a solid 2.5 installment. Fans of the series should check this out. It's a thrilling extra that explores Damien and Riley as individuals and their relationship. It's also a ghost story of sorts, set on Halloween. While Halloween might seem a bit trite, it works well for teenage characters -– growing out of trick-or-treating and being too young for anything more than "parties" results in mostly just hanging out with friends. It also allows for some humor with costumes and movie choices. Plus, there's the whole ghost thing. Coincidence? Or is there something about Halloween night that made it easier for Pete's residual energy to have such power? We don't know, but it does subconsciously add to the setting and feel of the story. I adore the mix of science with superpowers to explain the ghost aspect of the story. The only point that gives me pause is how sentient Pete's energy is; it's more like an actual ghost than an echo, as it adapts and gets mad and controls things so well. Still, that uncertainty as to how it's happening exactly is part of what makes this story a bit scarier. The strenuous circumstances enhance qualities of their characters. Damien's shame and embarrassment are clear. It's good to see him wrestle with some of these points about himself and his past, and come to terms with them. I love how it actually strengthens their relationship, despite everything – both Damien and Riley do some rather immediate maturing. Riley's attitude with regard to learning about Damien and Sarah's relationship becomes a bigger plot aspect than I was expecting. It also borders on male entitlement. It shows Riley as flawed, but I can't help wishing (especially since he's a Hero), that he wouldn't be so consumed with the sexual history of his girlfriend -- though I guess it paints him as somewhat of a prude. Her attitude about sex was refreshingly different, and I'm not sure how their relationship will work moving forward. All that being said, it is realistic in how individuals and relationships are imperfect and complicated. The danger levels in this story are surprising, but ratchet this up to an action / horror story. The elevator scene is terrifying! Even moreso because super powers are useless in there! The lasers are a touch unrealistic, even with the excuse of needing more security after the incident in the previous book, but they allow for more of a chase scene. While the confrontation and conquering of Pete's "spirit" is the main part of the book (and provides character growth for the main character, Damien), my favorite parts had more to do with character interactions and bonding around that. A wonderful extra tale that adds to the trilogy in all the best ways. Written: December 31, 2016
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