The Orbriallis Institute (Lost Grove 2)
by Charlotte Zang & Alex J. Knudsen
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense / Paranormal
ISBN: 9798989796243
Print Length: 212 pages
Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth
The epic conclusion to the Lost Grove thrill ride
There’s more in store for us in this eerie coastal town wrapped in dark secrets.
The previous book, Lost Grove (Part 1), begins with Sarah Elizabeth Grahams’ corpse discovered at Lost Grove’s beach, bringing the entire town into complete shock. On top of that, San Francisco Sergeant Seth Wolfe’s investigation turns out to be divided between stone-cold reality and the paranormal. And meanwhile, a group of local teens embarks on a dangerous quest to find a missing brother, whose disappearance is linked to a frightening “Green Man.” I loved the first book’s thrills and chills so couldn’t wait to see it wrap up.
Sergeant Seth Wolfe is gathering more clues to solve Sarah Grahams’ case at the beginning of this book. This time, he has a witch to help him get closer to the truth of Grahams’ death, taking him beyond time and space. Lost Grove teens Noble, Stan, Anya, and the rest of the gang continue their Orbriallis Institute investigation. Things become more frightening once they learn more about the Green Man and how he might still be alive, taking young locals to the institute.
The Lost Grove authors manage to maintain the intense tension and eerie atmosphere created in the first book. This time, the plot thickens; things get messier and messier as Wolfe and the teens get closer to shutting down the Orbriallis Institute once and for all. Wolfe’s character grows significantly, especially when it comes to him learning about time travel and astral projection.
The Lost Grove teens have become crucial characters in the book too. Each member of the young crew have their own conflicts, either with themselves or the world around them. Since Grahams’ death, their lives have never been the same.
Dr. Neil Owens, the head of Orbriallis Institute, emerges in the sequel and unravels an intriguing new thread into the story. Despite what’s going on in town, Owens remains confident that his institute has nothing to do with the strange occurrences. Wolfe and the teens beg to differ. The crew knows that Owens is playing a greater part in the Institute’s strange and dark past.
There’s much to enjoy about this conclusion. Wrapping up the enticing layers introduced in book one takes us in a lot of satisfying directions. And Lost Grove as a place only gets more developed. The setting is a true delight.
Another bright spot is seeing supporting characters, like Story and Peter Andaluasia, playing bigger roles in bringing down Orbirallis. This conclusion is fast-paced but plenty enough to catch up on the clues and put them together, if you’re paying close enough attention.
Zang and Knudsen have done an excellent job bringing this mystery to a close. What a memorable plot and cast they’re leaving behind! I know I won’t be alone in thinking about this series months from now, daydreaming about the shady city and which mysteries were left behind beyond the established lore.
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