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The Cloak Society #3
Fall of Heroes
The Cloak Society has risen and heroes will fall in the epic conclusion to the Cloak Society series—a thrilling middle grade trilogy that’s perfect for fans of the Alex Rider Adventures and The 39 Clues.
The people of Sterling City believe that the evil Cloak Society has been driven underground, but Alex Knight and his friends know the truth. Cloak has taken over the city—by posing as its most beloved superheroes. And with the real Rangers of Justice trapped in the Gloom, it's up to Alex to make the final stand against his parents, his past, and the life of supervillainy he’s always known.
Praised by Publishers Weekly for its “rapid-fire, comic book–style action” and by School Library Journal for having “the same wide appeal as Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson books,” the Cloak Society trilogy delivers high-stakes battles, extraordinary superpowers, and an original twist on the superhero stories readers know and love. Can a villain ever truly become a hero? In this explosive series finale, the risks are higher than ever—and the answer will be decided once and for all.
The people of Sterling City believe that the evil Cloak Society has been driven underground, but Alex Knight and his friends know the truth. Cloak has taken over the city—by posing as its most beloved superheroes. And with the real Rangers of Justice trapped in the Gloom, it's up to Alex to make the final stand against his parents, his past, and the life of supervillainy he’s always known.
Praised by Publishers Weekly for its “rapid-fire, comic book–style action” and by School Library Journal for having “the same wide appeal as Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson books,” the Cloak Society trilogy delivers high-stakes battles, extraordinary superpowers, and an original twist on the superhero stories readers know and love. Can a villain ever truly become a hero? In this explosive series finale, the risks are higher than ever—and the answer will be decided once and for all.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2014
69 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
Jeramey Kraatz
11 books201 followersHi! I’m Jeramey Kraatz. That’s like “cats” with an “R” in it, by the way. I wrote THE CLOAK SOCIETY and SPACE RUNNERS series from Harper.
I grew up in Odessa, Texas, studied advertising and English at TCU, and graduated from the MFA program at Columbia University where I studied nonfiction writing. In the past, I’ve worked as a snow-cone maker, barista, mannequin dresser, and intern in the X-Men Editorial Department at Marvel Comics. When I’m not working on books, I write English dub scripts for various anime series, like Seraph of the End and My Hero Academia. You never have to grow up, kids.
I like bad horror movies, comic books, queso, and music that sounds like laser pistols. I live and work in Texas with, predictably, my cat: Loki.
I grew up in Odessa, Texas, studied advertising and English at TCU, and graduated from the MFA program at Columbia University where I studied nonfiction writing. In the past, I’ve worked as a snow-cone maker, barista, mannequin dresser, and intern in the X-Men Editorial Department at Marvel Comics. When I’m not working on books, I write English dub scripts for various anime series, like Seraph of the End and My Hero Academia. You never have to grow up, kids.
I like bad horror movies, comic books, queso, and music that sounds like laser pistols. I live and work in Texas with, predictably, my cat: Loki.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 4, 2016
Great conclusion to the excellent series!
As with the other books in this series, it's a fast paced story from start to finish. The plot definitely held my interest. The characters as always felt real and the teenagers actually acted like real teenagers. I really cared about the main characters and even now after the series is over find myself wanting more.
March 23, 2017
There were so many ways that this could have gone wrong. Cliche love story, the older heroes returning just in the nick of time and saving everyone. A villain suddenly having a change of heart after Alex knocks some sense into them. All of these tropes could have happened and made it a good story, but instead it firmly plows through these tropes and told its own story giving its characters the respect they deserve.
A conclusion that wrapped up nicely after a story that played out fluidly through excellent writing!
Worth buying and saving for. Worth making the time for.
A conclusion that wrapped up nicely after a story that played out fluidly through excellent writing!
Worth buying and saving for. Worth making the time for.
December 29, 2017
Plot/Execution/Characters: I feel like this is another example of an author too attached to their characters. Tragedy has to be woven into a story like this, where the characters always have death hanging over their heads; otherwise, relatablility is lost.
Other than that, the plot was good, and the execution was great. Notably, you do have to pay attention in the battle scenes or you'll get lost.
The characters' powers are well thought out, and they match personalities well. The characters themselves are enjoyable.
Ending: It concludes nicely, albeit not as well as it could have.
Worth my time?: Sure
Other than that, the plot was good, and the execution was great. Notably, you do have to pay attention in the battle scenes or you'll get lost.
The characters' powers are well thought out, and they match personalities well. The characters themselves are enjoyable.
Ending: It concludes nicely, albeit not as well as it could have.
Worth my time?: Sure
April 4, 2016
The last book of the trilogy by Jeramey Kraatz. Spoilers ahead for the earlier books.
It opens with a fight -- a distraction -- as the rescue mission goes into full blast in hopes of saving the day from the machinations of Cloak.
It involves a good look at the horrors of the Gloom, more history of Cloak and the Rangers, an adult not listening to the kids when he should have, the lessons that both superheroes and supervillains learn that don't involve their powers, a nice way of dealing with the problem of keeping the children the protagonists when there are responsible adults around, not wearing masks, plenty of parent (and parental substitute)-child relationships, and more.
It opens with a fight -- a distraction -- as the rescue mission goes into full blast in hopes of saving the day from the machinations of Cloak.
It involves a good look at the horrors of the Gloom, more history of Cloak and the Rangers, an adult not listening to the kids when he should have, the lessons that both superheroes and supervillains learn that don't involve their powers, a nice way of dealing with the problem of keeping the children the protagonists when there are responsible adults around, not wearing masks, plenty of parent (and parental substitute)-child relationships, and more.
December 29, 2022
I read this a long time after the others so i had to remember stuff about the other books while i was reading so that was annoying. If i read this right after the other books it would be one of the best books cool story line awesome powers and good ending
Read
January 26, 2023In this book Alex frees the rangers of justice from the gloom so he can take a last stand against the cloak society and end there reign over sterling city. While trying to find a way to get the rangers there powers back. I think this book was pretty good especially how he dealt with the pain of accidentally killing someone and how he has to deal with Misty's feeling after he does so. This book was ok it would be better if it was longer though because a lot of parts I think were rushed. But other then that this book is still great and is my favorite sci fi book ever
July 29, 2020
What a great end to a fantastic series!
I am a little confused though, because this series ended with a couple of loose ends, leading me to believe that there could have been more books in this series. Unfortunately, this book was published back in 2014 and it doesn’t look like the author has any plans to continue.
I am a little confused though, because this series ended with a couple of loose ends, leading me to believe that there could have been more books in this series. Unfortunately, this book was published back in 2014 and it doesn’t look like the author has any plans to continue.
November 29, 2023
such a great way to end the series! I feel like this was a great way for the series to go out. It really felt like the characters had grown to the point where they became there own people. The ending also left it open in case there was more but did not leave it to a unsatisfied level. I know that I will visit this book again when I have the need for a more hopeful day but challenging night.
April 2, 2018
WHAT AN AMAZING ENDING FOR THIS SERIE.
I loved this trilogy, it surprised me a lot, when I started it, I did not think I would like it that much.
I loved everything: the characters, their presonalities, powers, all of it.
I loved this trilogy, it surprised me a lot, when I started it, I did not think I would like it that much.
I loved everything: the characters, their presonalities, powers, all of it.
March 17, 2021
Book is aimed at the middle grade and it hits the target dead on, Misty in particular will appeal to the target demographics.
A good read for all ages that only loses a star as the characterization tenndsd to be a bit superficial
A good finish to a good series
A good read for all ages that only loses a star as the characterization tenndsd to be a bit superficial
A good finish to a good series
April 30, 2021
It was the perfect ending to the series. I loved this adventure with these great characters. I wish I had gotten to hang around with them a little longer but that's what re-reading is for I guess. Still, I would love to see more.
February 25, 2022
I could have enjoyed this book a little more if it wasn't for those three obvious filler chapters. However, it was a good conclusion to this series, and I credit Jeramey for writing an engaging children's book series in the superhero genre.
November 14, 2024
Solid series: good defeats evil, kids work together but accept adult help, a hint of potential romance at the end but nothing throughout. Only complaint is the excessive use of the word “crappy” in the third book.
June 26, 2018
Heroes and Villians
Fun!
Totally enjoyable.
Great characters with multifaceted personalities, goals, and abilities. A whole new world filled with some very unique backgrounds.
Fun!
Totally enjoyable.
Great characters with multifaceted personalities, goals, and abilities. A whole new world filled with some very unique backgrounds.
July 17, 2018
An epic climax and conclusion, overall well done and enjoyable. A great read.
November 20, 2018
A sweet book geared towards younger readers. The characters have cool superpowers and watching them evolve is very satisfying even for older readers!
June 11, 2019
A great ending to the series!
August 21, 2019
It's been a few years since I read the first two, but I was easily able to pick the storyline back up. If you like superheroes or you just like a good book, the whole series is a fun read.
January 6, 2020
I loved the book. Instant 5 stars. I really liked the diction used by the author. This series is definitely one the best series I have ever read
February 9, 2021
Fight!
How do you battle your own family? Find out in this book with a great hero vs villain team battle looming on the horizon.
How do you battle your own family? Find out in this book with a great hero vs villain team battle looming on the horizon.
Read
July 5, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Physical injury, including burns & broken bones
Explosion
Strangulation
Animal death
Physical injury, including burns & broken bones
Explosion
Strangulation
Animal death
April 24, 2016
Disclaimer : I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway on the premise that I would review it. My copy was an uncorrected proof; some changes may be present in the final product.
This review has SPOILERS for the first two books in the trilogy, The Cloak Society and Villains Rising. If you’re the sort of reader whose experience is lessened by having surprises revealed, you may want to check out a review for the first book instead.
Alex Knight was brought up in the Cloak Society, trained by his parents Shade and Volt to fight against the oppression of the Rangers of Justice, for the glory of the Society and its eventual takeover of the world for its own good. Exposure to the outside world changed Alex’s perspective, and he turned against the Cloak Society.
In this volume, the Society has succeeded in killing, imprisoning or controlling all the Rangers, and replacing them with villains posing as “the New Rangers.” With the help of their super-powered minions, the Deputies, they have Sterling City, Texas, in a stranglehold.
Alex now leads a ragtag team of kids mixing former Rangers trainees and Cloak Society defectors (and apparently a stray they picked up along the way.) They have a plan to rescue the remaining real Rangers, but Alex’s mother Shade is cunning and pragmatic; she’ll use the resistance’s actions to advance the Society’schemes.
This is the third volume in a children’s (ages 8-12) superhero trilogy. There’s a bit of advanced vocabulary, but this is usually explained in the dialogue, as one of the team (Misty) is a couple of years younger than the others, and needs these explanations.
There’s a fair bit of violence, and at least one character dies on-stage; Alex has to deal with his feelings about this, as he’s partially responsible. If the young reader is particularly sensitive, they may not be ready for this book.
No mushy stuff, although determined shippers might see a hint of attraction between Alex and shapeshifting heroine Kirbie.
The author has gone to some trouble balancing out the powers and thinking about their implications so that none of the characters is too weak or powerful. Non-powered people are also important and useful characters.
Older readers might find the story a bit simplistic philosophically, but I think there are enough shades of grey for the intended audience to have their imaginations sparked.
This book will be on sale 9/30/14; I’d recommend looking at the first two books in the trilogy (probably available through your library) to see if it’s suitable for your kids.
This review has SPOILERS for the first two books in the trilogy, The Cloak Society and Villains Rising. If you’re the sort of reader whose experience is lessened by having surprises revealed, you may want to check out a review for the first book instead.
Alex Knight was brought up in the Cloak Society, trained by his parents Shade and Volt to fight against the oppression of the Rangers of Justice, for the glory of the Society and its eventual takeover of the world for its own good. Exposure to the outside world changed Alex’s perspective, and he turned against the Cloak Society.
In this volume, the Society has succeeded in killing, imprisoning or controlling all the Rangers, and replacing them with villains posing as “the New Rangers.” With the help of their super-powered minions, the Deputies, they have Sterling City, Texas, in a stranglehold.
Alex now leads a ragtag team of kids mixing former Rangers trainees and Cloak Society defectors (and apparently a stray they picked up along the way.) They have a plan to rescue the remaining real Rangers, but Alex’s mother Shade is cunning and pragmatic; she’ll use the resistance’s actions to advance the Society’schemes.
This is the third volume in a children’s (ages 8-12) superhero trilogy. There’s a bit of advanced vocabulary, but this is usually explained in the dialogue, as one of the team (Misty) is a couple of years younger than the others, and needs these explanations.
There’s a fair bit of violence, and at least one character dies on-stage; Alex has to deal with his feelings about this, as he’s partially responsible. If the young reader is particularly sensitive, they may not be ready for this book.
No mushy stuff, although determined shippers might see a hint of attraction between Alex and shapeshifting heroine Kirbie.
The author has gone to some trouble balancing out the powers and thinking about their implications so that none of the characters is too weak or powerful. Non-powered people are also important and useful characters.
Older readers might find the story a bit simplistic philosophically, but I think there are enough shades of grey for the intended audience to have their imaginations sparked.
This book will be on sale 9/30/14; I’d recommend looking at the first two books in the trilogy (probably available through your library) to see if it’s suitable for your kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2020
Well, all I can really say is... that was a book. It didn’t do much else for me than that. Pretty much, it has characters who did things, said things, and huzzah. It was what my sister and I would place in the Despicable Me 3 category—mindless entertainment.
Which isn’t necessarily bad if that’s what you’re looking for. I guess what I should say is that this series is definitely for kids ages 9-13 and not really for anyone else. Adults can read children’s books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia and find literary value in it... but they would be hard pressed to find it in the Cloak Society series. There are no memorable lines and no surprises in this one. The second book managed to surprise me and, in my mind, was the strongest book in the series. This last one was just a bit too predictable.
I think what bothered me the most was that the author said Alex was feeling conflicted inside... but I just couldn’t believe it. How could I believe that Alex actually might want to return to his mother when his mother never showed him any love at all? How could I believe he loved his mom and didn’t want to hurt her when they were never close? He had no reason to want to go back to her other than the fact that her name was “Mom.” How could I believe that Alex might be persuaded to go back to the Cloak Society in order to be a member of the High Council when he had never shown any inclination towards wanting power??
When all was said and done, I’m not sure I could say what Alex’s primary motivator was. It seemed to be this moral compass that he just needed to do “what was right” even though he should never have known right from wrong, seeing as he was raised by supervillains his whole life. One does not simply come by a moral compass lying in the dirt. You have to build it. Alex’s came untarnished and fully-functional without any problem. It was just there somehow without any explanation. It seemed to me that Alex had no real reason for doing anything that he did other than because, “it was right.” But coming from an ex-super villain, the reason “because it’s right” really isn’t believable or enjoyable to read about.
Oh well. It was a good try. :)
Which isn’t necessarily bad if that’s what you’re looking for. I guess what I should say is that this series is definitely for kids ages 9-13 and not really for anyone else. Adults can read children’s books like Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia and find literary value in it... but they would be hard pressed to find it in the Cloak Society series. There are no memorable lines and no surprises in this one. The second book managed to surprise me and, in my mind, was the strongest book in the series. This last one was just a bit too predictable.
I think what bothered me the most was that the author said Alex was feeling conflicted inside... but I just couldn’t believe it. How could I believe that Alex actually might want to return to his mother when his mother never showed him any love at all? How could I believe he loved his mom and didn’t want to hurt her when they were never close? He had no reason to want to go back to her other than the fact that her name was “Mom.” How could I believe that Alex might be persuaded to go back to the Cloak Society in order to be a member of the High Council when he had never shown any inclination towards wanting power??
When all was said and done, I’m not sure I could say what Alex’s primary motivator was. It seemed to be this moral compass that he just needed to do “what was right” even though he should never have known right from wrong, seeing as he was raised by supervillains his whole life. One does not simply come by a moral compass lying in the dirt. You have to build it. Alex’s came untarnished and fully-functional without any problem. It was just there somehow without any explanation. It seemed to me that Alex had no real reason for doing anything that he did other than because, “it was right.” But coming from an ex-super villain, the reason “because it’s right” really isn’t believable or enjoyable to read about.
Oh well. It was a good try. :)
August 24, 2014
I was lucky enough to score an ARC of this one from Jeramey Kraatz's blog and devoured it this weekend. It is a great ending to the Cloak Society trilogy. Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this read.
Fall of Heroes picks up right where Rise of Villains left off (with all of our jaws on the floor as the appearance of the "new Rangers" was made). Alex and his friends must once again find a way to stop Cloak (their former friends and family) from taking over not only Sterling City but also the world. Of course rescuing the Rangers of Justice from the Gloom is a top priority, but things never go according to plan for Alex. While he would love to rescue Lone Star and have Lone Star save the day, Alex must decide once and for all what role he wants to play in the battle and what he thinks is right and wrong.
I loved Alex's internal struggle with what makes someone good or evil. I also loved the dynamics with his parents. He has to decide if he can really fight them, and if he does can he hurt them to save his friends or the city.
Many of your questions will be answered (although some may not, because Jeramey Kraatz likes to leave a little bit of a mystery). And don't be sad that this is the last book, I have a feeling this may not be the end for our beloved characters.
Fall of Heroes picks up right where Rise of Villains left off (with all of our jaws on the floor as the appearance of the "new Rangers" was made). Alex and his friends must once again find a way to stop Cloak (their former friends and family) from taking over not only Sterling City but also the world. Of course rescuing the Rangers of Justice from the Gloom is a top priority, but things never go according to plan for Alex. While he would love to rescue Lone Star and have Lone Star save the day, Alex must decide once and for all what role he wants to play in the battle and what he thinks is right and wrong.
I loved Alex's internal struggle with what makes someone good or evil. I also loved the dynamics with his parents. He has to decide if he can really fight them, and if he does can he hurt them to save his friends or the city.
Many of your questions will be answered (although some may not, because Jeramey Kraatz likes to leave a little bit of a mystery). And don't be sad that this is the last book, I have a feeling this may not be the end for our beloved characters.
February 21, 2021
4.5 stars
OHMYGOSHILOVEYOUGUYS
I'm so.. I just... *beams*
YES! YES! *fist-pumps several times, grinning like a maniac*
(Excuse my lack of coherency)
Ahem.
This is an excellent series, for middle-grade and beyond. Well-written and NOT preachy. They are human, warts and all! YES! YES! YES!
I was so itching to get my hands on this book that I completely forgot about some other worthy releases coming my way (shame on me, I know, but like any self-respecting Reader I have a Backlog of Books that keeps me plenty occupied).
Good Books in middle grade are really hard to find. I'm talking about books that grown-ups can enjoy as well. What sort of book appeals to just one age group? A bad sort, I tell ya!
FINAL VERDICT: GO READ IT!
(well, if you are into superheroes, I guess)
OHMYGOSHILOVEYOUGUYS
I'm so.. I just... *beams*
YES! YES! *fist-pumps several times, grinning like a maniac*
(Excuse my lack of coherency)
Ahem.
This is an excellent series, for middle-grade and beyond. Well-written and NOT preachy. They are human, warts and all! YES! YES! YES!
I was so itching to get my hands on this book that I completely forgot about some other worthy releases coming my way (shame on me, I know, but like any self-respecting Reader I have a Backlog of Books that keeps me plenty occupied).
Good Books in middle grade are really hard to find. I'm talking about books that grown-ups can enjoy as well. What sort of book appeals to just one age group? A bad sort, I tell ya!
FINAL VERDICT: GO READ IT!
(well, if you are into superheroes, I guess)
November 3, 2014
Here is the gripping conclusion to the trilogy. Alex has to come to terms with his uncomfortable position of being the leader of a small ragtag group that is all that stands between Alex's own villainous family and the rest of the world. One of the most attractive things to me about the second book & this one is the nearly total lack of any desire for revenge on Alex's part (though he is occasionally tempted) and Alex's clear focus on protecting people who are in danger of being dominated by the Cloak Society. This book also shows much insight in the way the mimetic processes of the Crowd can be dominated by manipulating public opinion and feeding on the swollen egos of people who want to be heroes at any price (a price involving moral disintegration as it happens). An exciting read for young and older readers but a set of books that has much to think about/
March 7, 2016
Alex knight is about to go into battle with his parents for the second time. But this time it wont be the same.... Alex was born into society that has vowed to take over the world. But Alex and some of his team mates left the society to do what they thought was right. They where taught sense they where born to destroy any one who doesn't fear them. But the society hasn't told him that them they wernt the first "defects" (as the Arthur put it) to join the Ranger of Justices. But what they find out is that the person who had created the Ranger of Justice was one of the first society members and they releases why the society hates the Rangers, they wanted revenge. But when he goes into battle he starts to have second thoughts on wether he wants to fight his family and do what is right or to join them and make them proud.
January 31, 2018
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Update as of January 31, 2018 A.D.
=============================
My original review (see the content immediately below) is faulty. This book is even greater than its prequels. Just absolutely splendidly spiffingly delightful, provided you're in the mood to be delighted. But a book can change a mood, so there you go. Speaking of which, this series is just the excellent thing if you find yourself accidentally abhorring The Count of Monte Cristo.
=====================
Original Review
=====================
Just about exactly like the two books before this final one in the The Cloak Society series, this book is highly enjoyable, the superpowers are well chosen and fun, and the only content that doesn't need to be in there is some mild foul language (e.g. c*ap).
Update as of January 31, 2018 A.D.
=============================
My original review (see the content immediately below) is faulty. This book is even greater than its prequels. Just absolutely splendidly spiffingly delightful, provided you're in the mood to be delighted. But a book can change a mood, so there you go. Speaking of which, this series is just the excellent thing if you find yourself accidentally abhorring The Count of Monte Cristo.
=====================
Original Review
=====================
Just about exactly like the two books before this final one in the The Cloak Society series, this book is highly enjoyable, the superpowers are well chosen and fun, and the only content that doesn't need to be in there is some mild foul language (e.g. c*ap).
July 6, 2015
Misty has become an important character despite being the youngest, and newest, hero. She's able to secretly move others characters around, and she seems to be the one who swoops in to save them. Alex has been dealing with an internal conflict throughout the series. He's battling Cloak, but his parents are leaders of the criminals. Alex used to be part of it that group, I and his mother constantly plays mind games with him. I like how the characters use their strengths and weaknesses to work together. Even Gage, who doesn't have any super powers, is a key member of the team.
October 6, 2014
A very fun series! I bought and read the first two books before reading this one, definitely a series that should be read in order I think. Without giving too much away, this is my favorite kind of superhero book, where the lines are blurred and things are not always what they seem. A quick and easy, though not always light, read. I had a great time and look forward to more in the series, should it continue. Maybe prequels?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews