The Ghost Ring: Shadows of Caligo Falls
Readers' Favorite 2025 Silver Medal Winner in YA Paranormal Fiction
"9 out of 10" 2024 BookLife Prize (Publishers Weekly)
"A thrilling paranormal story... a roller coaster ride of betrayal, murder, romance, and secrets." - 5 stars - Readers' Favorite
Tom Hoffman's The Ghost Ring: Shadows of Caligo Falls, the second installment in The Ghost Ring series, is a captivating blend of supernatural mystery and heartfelt storytelling. Returning to the eerie New England town of Caligo Falls, Hoffman deepens the mythology introduced in Welcome to Wilder House, weaving a tale that feels at once intimate and epic. Simon Moody and his best friend Clara Barley, armed with courage, curiosity, and the mystical Sacred Shadow Ring of Persephone, once again find themselves entangled in a web of secrets that bridge the realms of the living and the dead.
Hoffman's writing is rich in atmosphere, full of creaking staircases, hidden tunnels, and spectral whispers that evoke the best traditions of the classic ghost story. Yet, beneath the chill of the supernatural lies a poignant exploration of history and human nature. The author deftly interlaces the haunting of Wilder House with the legacy of its past occupants-the ruthless railroad tycoon Cornelius Wilder and those whose lives he destroyed. This duality of past and present gives the novel a haunting emotional resonance, suggesting that the real ghosts are often the consequences of our own deeds.
The relationship between Simon and Clara remains the heart of the series. Their clever dialogue, shared bravery, and deepening bond lend the story both humor and warmth, grounding its eerie mysteries in friendship and loyalty. Supporting characters like Harrington, the wise and secretive guardian, and Marion Jaggers, the ever-resourceful attorney, add layers of intrigue and charm. Hoffman excels at creating a living, breathing ensemble whose personalities and motivations feel genuine-even when death itself is not always the end.
With Shadows of Caligo Falls, Hoffman delivers a thoughtful, spine-tingling sequel that expands the scope and spirit of the first book. It's a ghost story with intellect and heart, filled with mystery, history, and the timeless struggle between light and shadow. Readers who step once more into the mist of Caligo Falls will find themselves rewarded with a tale that lingers long after the final page-like the echo of a whisper in an empty hall.
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