#Review - The X-Files: Perihelion by Claudia Gray #SyFY #Mystery

Series: Standalone?
Format: Hardcover, 320 pages
Release Date: July 30, 2024
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Source: Publisher
Genre: Science Fiction

The Truth Is Out There . . . But So Are Lies.

#1 New York Times best-selling author Claudia Gray extends the story of The X-Files beyond its eleventh season into thrilling new territory!

Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are still reeling from the death of their son William as they struggle to find purpose away from the X-Files. Though their current relationship is tenuous, they hope to seize their second chance to be a family, despite the many questions surrounding Scully’s pregnancy.

Then the FBI asks for their help on a case that hits all too close to home: a serial killer in the Washington, DC area who targets pregnant women. The killer appears to possess a mysterious, uncanny power over electricity, which is enough for the Bureau to re-open the X-Files—if Mulder and Scully are willing.

They cautiously agree, concerned about the safety of their own unborn child yet committed to finding justice for the killer’s victims. But their return to the FBI sparks the interest of a shadowy cabal, the heirs to the now-dead Syndicate, and Mulder and Scully soon discover that what at first seems to be just another X-File is connected to a worldwide threat on an unprecedented scale . . . one with their own future at its heart.

Claudia Gray's The X-Files: Perihelion is the authors salute to a series that lasted for 9 seasons (from September 1993 to May 2002, as well as two movies). The series introduced the world to FBI special agents Dana Scully (played by Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (played by David Duchovny). Mulder was a lover of conspiracy theories and the supernatural and had photographic memory, while Scully was a doctor and a skeptic, and together they investigated seemingly inexplicable events.

Mulder and Scully are still reeling from the death of their son William, but cautiously joyous about Scully’s unexpected pregnancy. Determined to raise this child together, Mulder and Scully struggle to find meaning away from the X-Files as they navigate the uncertain waters of their relationship. Scully is working in a genetic research hospital, while Mulder, after 30 years of paranormal research, and dealing with Cigarette Smoking Man and the Syndicate, is no longer at the FBI and one could say adrift at sea. 

Then the FBI (Acting Director Ruth Morrison) asks for their help tracking down two mysterious serial killers: one who seems to be able to control electricity, and another who disappears from the scene of the crime in what witnesses describe as a puff of smoke. It’s enough for the Bureau to re-open the X-Files—if Mulder and Scully are willing. They reluctantly agree, cautious about what it might mean for them and their unborn child but determined to find justice for the killers’ victims. 

But their return to the X-Files sparks the interest of a shadowy cabal, the heirs to the now-dead Syndicate called the Inheritors, and Mulder and Scully soon discover that their investigation is connected to a worldwide threat on an unprecedented scale one with their own future at its heart. 30 years ago, Scully and Mulder tried to save the world from an alien virus being released onto the world. They failed, and now the world is experiencing a full blown chaos with people waking up with new abilities, including Scully.

Meanwhile, Robin Vane is taking out former Syndicate members, leaving behind corpses dead by a single knife or gunshot wound, and witnesses seeing nothing but a bit of smoke behind. His partner, Charish Craddock, has the ability to raise the dead, and eventually brings Scully to Arizona where they hope she will join them. Mulder is given a new mysterious informant in Avatar, a spunky woman with her finger firmly on the pulse of pulp culture and who may be as obsessed with geekdom as Mulder is with little green men. One of Scully and Mulder's last allies, William Skinner has been in a coma for awhile now, and therefore is not fully present in the story. 

Apparently, this story takes place right after Season 11, and while this may be considered to be season 12 of the series, I am left wondering why the author failed to wrap up certain plotlines that drove the story? Thus my rating. Will the author return with another installment? As someone who watched all 9 seasons, yes even the disappointed ones (Season 7), I would like the rumor to be true that there is a possibility of Scully and Mulder reuniting and an yet to be named reboot in the near future. We shall see.

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#Review - The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray #Mystery #Historical

Series: Standalone
Format: Paperback, 400 pages
Release Date: May 3, 2022
Publisher: Vintage
Source: Library
Genre: Mystery/ Adaptations / Historical / Regency

A summer house party turns into a thrilling whodunit when Jane Austen's Mr. Wickham—one of literature’s most notorious villains—meets a sudden and suspicious end in this brilliantly imagined mystery featuring Austen’s leading literary characters.

The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party at their country estate, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcy's eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In this tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang. 

Claudia Gray's The Murder of Mr. Wickham, set in the year 1820, features a lovable and intelligent pair of amateur sleuths, Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney, a grand estate, a stormy night, and a murder after a tense dinner. The ending perfectly sets up Jonathan and Juliet's next adventure, which will introduce them to more beloved Austen characters—and even more delightful shenanigans. In The Murder of Mr. Wickham, we finally see Austen’s leading literary couples all in one place, interacting with one another and inhabiting the same universe. It’s the perfect crossover event.

The happily married Mr. George Knightley and Emma are throwing a party at their country estate Donwell Abbey, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans: Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy (Pride and Prejudice), Edmund and Fanny Bertram (Mansfield Park), Colonel Christopher and Lady Marianne Brandon (Sense and Sensibility), Captain Frederick Wentworth and Lady Wentworth (Persuasion).

As well as Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcy's eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. Definitely not invited is Mr. George Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. 

Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst. An investigation by Juliet and Jonathan follow, but the biggest problem is that just about everyone has reason to want him dead. This investigation also reveals some interesting aspects of each of the couple's lives which is very revealing.

17-year-old Juliet Tilney arrives fresh-faced and eager for her first adventure away from home. Egged on by a novel-writing mother who experienced her own first time traveling at Juliet’s age and a cautious practical-minded father, she is determined to make the most of the adventure while not disappointing her parents. Jonathan Darcy, would likely be placed, in modern times, on the Autistic spectrum. He has endured through a disability that wasn’t known to exist in that time, but he is a fabulous fellow and after a poor first impression. 

The Regency era's most frustrating strict code of manners and what is considered “proper”, is featuring prominently with the interaction between Juliet and Jonathan. Gray smartly uses the younger generation to try to discern the difference between manners and morality. Gray’s plot gives almost everyone a motive. Jonathan and Juliet are the only two without a motive or opportunity and that makes them the perfect duo to investigate what happened, even if it means exposing his parents. There are multiple points of views to tantalize fans of Austen’s revered couples which gives Austen readers a chance to catch up with their favorites.

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#Review - Defy the Fates by Claudia Gray #YALIT #SyFy

Series: Constellation #3
Format: Hardcover, 480 pages
Release Date: April 2, 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers
Source: Library
Genre: Young Adult / Science Fiction

The stunning finale to the Defy the Stars trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Lost Stars and Bloodline.

Hunted and desperate.

Abel only has one mission left that matters: save the life of Noemi Vidal. To do that, he not only has to escape the Genesis authorities, he also must face the one person in the galaxy who still has the means to destroy him. Burton Mansfield's consciousness lives on, desperate for a home, and Abel's own body is his last bargaining chip.

Alone in the universe.

Brought back from the brink of death, Noemi Vidal finds she's something more. Noemi must find her place in a universe where she is utterly unique, all while trying to create a world where anyone--even a mech--can be free.

The final battle between Earth and the colony planets is here, and there's no lengths to which Earth won't go to preserve its domination over all humanity. But together, the universe's most advanced mech and its first human-mech hybrid might have the power to change the galaxy for good.

 

Defy The Fates is the third and final installment in author Claudia Gray's Constellation Trilogy. The story picks up right where Defy The World ended with a shocking cliffhanger. Now, the author has a choice: Does she make readers believe that everything is going to be fine, or does she twist the story so radically that it will fundamentally change the lives of both main Abel, the galaxy's most advance artificial cybernetic intelligence mech and Noemi Vidal, a solider of Genesis who has put her life on the line time and time again in order to save her planet from being crushed by Earth?

Let me start by saying that Abel spends a whole lot of time making choices that affect both his and Noemi's lives. Some of the choices don't really make any sense, and some make sense if you are trying to send a message that it doesn't matter who are what you are in order to find love and a happy ending. Abel also believes that once his choice is made, that Noemi will no longer think highly of him, or love him any longer now that choice has been taken away from her. 

That being said, I think Noemi's heroism will always be the one thing that I will remember after reading this series. From the beginning, she volunteered to be a sacrifice in order to stop Earth from invading Genesis, then she met Abel who had spent 30 years in confinement aboard a ship once called Daedalus. Abel and Noemi are the only mech and human to ever step foot on every single one of the planets that the author has created from the start of this series, to the end of the series. Noemi has a fascinating story that I won't spoil because it's huge. 

I said after the end of the previous novel that I saw what the author had planned for her, and whether I agreed or not, the choice wasn't mine to make. I am glad that the author once again gave story time to such characters as Virginia, Harriet, Zayan, Ephraim and Delphine. Whether you like them or not, and I do love Virginia, they add another layer to the story and also are characters who Abel and Noemi can call on for help since Genesis has turned into something she no longer recognizes. In one way, the author definitely makes a case for racism with the choice made against Noemi.

Yes, this book does have more more romance than the previous books, and that comes after Abel makes a choice for Noemi which will have lasting consequences for both of them. I will say that I think the author spent too much time on the whole Abel, Mansfield & Gillian plot. Had she wrapped that storyline sooner, the end of the so called Liberty War would not have felt as rushed as it did. As it is, the ending is really just one chapter when everyone comes together in order to decide the fate of both Earth and Genesis.

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Monday #Review - Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray #YALit #SyFy (Space Opera)

Series: Defy the Stars # 2
Format: Hardcover, 480 pages
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Source: Library
Genre: YA / Science Fiction / Space Opera

This is the thrilling and romantic sequel to Defy the Stars from the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Lost Stars and Bloodline.

An outcast from her home -- Shunned after a trip through the galaxy with Abel, the most advanced cybernetic man ever created, Noemi Vidal dreams of traveling through the stars one more time. And when a deadly plague arrives on Genesis, Noemi gets her chance. As the only soldier to have ever left the planet, it will be up to her to save its people...if only she wasn't flying straight into a trap.

A fugitive from his fate -- On the run to avoid his depraved creator's clutches, Abel believes he's said good-bye to Noemi for the last time. After all, the entire universe stands between them...or so he thinks. When word reaches him of Noemi's capture by the very person he's trying to escape, Abel knows he must go to her, no matter the cost.

But capturing Noemi was only part of Burton Mansfield's master plan. In a race against time, Abel and Noemi will come together once more to discover a secret that could save the known worlds, or destroy them all.

In this thrilling and romantic sequel to Defy the Stars, bestselling author Claudia Gray asks us all to consider where--and with whom--we truly belong.

Defy the Worlds is the second installment in author Claudia Gray's Defy the Stars trilogy. The author alternates third person narratives between Lieutenant Noemi Vidal from Genesis who is dealing with the fall-out of her journey around the loop, and Abel, the most advanced cybernetic person ever created. So advanced, that he is currently hiding out among Vagabonds trying to stay away from his creator who wants to erase him. It has been, according to the story, 5-6 months since Noemi left Abel behind and made her way back to Genesis.

When she arrived, it wasn't to a heroes welcome. It was to a lukewarm reception from her peers and the Elder Council. Her previous journey allowed her to become the first human to step foot on every single inhabited planet (Kismet, Cray, Stronghold, and Earth). Her journey led her to meeting new people like Virginia Redbird, Riko Watanabe, and Ephram Dunaway. Noemi needs to figure things out for herself. She can't rely on anyone supporting her, not even her own Captain Baz who keeps her away from the Gate patrol. Who is she fighting? Is she fighting for Genesis? Is she fighting for herself?

But, before that journey gets fully involved, Genesis is hit by a modified version of Cobweb which Noemi knows all about. Noemi is ordered on yet another dangerous journey at the behest of the Elder Council to Earth. This one may be her most important one yet since her planet may not survive until she gets back. A journey which begins with her capture by the man who created Abel, and ends with a shocking, and puzzling ending. I think it is fair to say that a huge dark cloud hangs over Noemi this entire book. Was it done on purpose to ensure that readers are paying attention? No clue. More later...

Abel has changed his ships name to Persephone. His crew includes Vagabond's Harriet and Zayan who have no clue that he is a wanted man, or the most advanced mech ever created. They accept him because he's a good Captain and yes, their friend. Abel is forced to find motivation after he receives word of Noemi's capture from his maker and his daughter Gillian Shearer. His maker has never once given up on hope that Abel will just submit to his whims. Abel has shown more humility than most humans have in this story, including the numerous villians that show up at one point or the other.

Abel's journey includes Virginia Redbird from Cray. Virginia showed up in the previous installment, and I adore the fact that she has a return engagement to help Abel with his search for Noemi. While Abel and Noemi spend more than 1/2 the book separated by things out of their control, it is the last part of the book that is the most entertaining and worth reading. It is also, I think, the part where Abel and Noemi really understand that they have feelings for each other despite who they are. I have said this before, Abel and Noemi each experience enough prejudices to fill their own books. 

Abel is a wonderful character who I have nothing but good things to say about. However, with his so called higher intelligence, he misses some really important clues. I dare say that he should have seen the ending coming! Noemi's loyalty to Genesis really needs to be thought out. They haven't exactly rolled out the red carpet for her after what she's been through. She continues to put Genesis ahead of her own happiness which, I suppose, is to be expected from a highly trained soldier. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that Noemi is one of those characters who has a heroine complex. It if means sacrificing to save others, well, she is all in. 

We do get a new setting for this story which I won't spoil. We also have a pretty curious gathering of forces you would have never thought would come together for one purpose. I have to say that my rating is totally based on the final chapters of this book. It is based on what happens to both Abel and Noemi, mostly Noemi and why I feel that the situation didn't need to happen. Yes, I saw it coming from a mile away. Apparently, lots of readers did as well. I even made a comment that I wouldn't be liking the ending because I knew what the author was about to do. I hate when that happens.

Authors, in my opinion, are free to do what they choose with their characters. Authors do what Gray did because of either shock value, to make the story more believable, or to ensure that readers will come back to the final installment to see what happens next. Can we also say it's part laziness? I can't fully embrace the thought process or the apparent direction that Gray has apparently decided to take. Abel's exploration of what it means to be human is curious. What isn't is the fact that he has a tendency of ignoring his mech side. Can someone like Abel really be thought of as human, and not Mech? Can he be accepted by those who have felt pain and suffering by other mech versions? The romance between Abel and Noemi works because they both understand how it feels to be outsiders. There are a whole lot of moral and ethical issues that are bandied about in this story.     

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Saturday #Review - Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray #YALit #Science Fiction

Series: Defy the Stars # 1
Format: Hardcover, 512 pages
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Publisher 
Genre: YA, Science Fiction

She’s a soldier.

Noemi Vidal is seventeen years old and sworn to protect her planet, Genesis. She’s willing to risk anything—including her own life. To their enemies on Earth, she’s a rebel.

He’s a machine.

Abandoned in space for years, utterly alone, Abel has advanced programming that’s begun to evolve. He wants only to protect his creator, and to be free. To the people of Genesis, he’s an abomination.

Noemi and Abel are enemies in an interstellar war, forced by chance to work together as they embark on a daring journey through the stars. Their efforts would end the fighting for good, but they’re not without sacrifice. The stakes are even higher than either of them first realized, and the more time they spend together, the more they’re forced to question everything they’d been taught was true. 

Defy the Stars is the first installment in author Claudia Gray's Defy the Stars series. There are two key characters in this story. 17-year old Ensign Noemi Vidal from the planet of Genesis, and Abel, an artificial intelligence mech who has been stranded in space for 30 years on a ship called Daedalus. As we meet our first character, Noemi Vidal, she's getting read for what will be called the Masada Run. It will take place in 3 weeks. It is where Noemi expects that she will die while protecting her home world from Earth's aggression. 

If you are familiar with history, then you know that Masada is an actual place where Romans and Jews met in battle. To quote, "Masada became a symbol for a heroic 'last stand' for the State of Israel and played a major role for Israel in forging national identity". Why is this important you ask? Because the People of Genesis are at war with Earth. Earth is relentless in their desire to bring Genesis to heel. The leaders of Genesis have deemed that an all out blitz will happen with every single ship blowing themselves up in order to keep Earth from getting to Genesis via wormhole.

But, before that happens, Noemi is thrown into an adventure that will see her ally herself with a mech called Abel. The same Abel who has been floating in Zero G for the past 30 years. While Noemi understands that to save her world, she must learn how to stand alone, Abel is a character that is brilliant, loyal to a fault, and makes you really pay attention to whether someone who is supposed to be a mech, can actually have human feelings, or a human soul. Noemi and Abel's journey will take them to all (5) planets in Gray's world (Kismet, Earth, Stronghold, Cray, & Genesis).

They will meet some people who are more than happy to help them, to those who want to kill Noemi, and force Abel to return to Earth, and his creator. They will meet the rebellion called Remedy who is trying to stop Earth from using up every planet's resources. They will become friends. They will become a hope for an entire planet. While we are deciding whether or not to like Noemi's personality traits, which I totally did, Abel is stealing the limelight. He's the first of his kind. He has the combination of all 25 mech models ever made, and he quickly develops curious and humorous human traits which really breaks through Noemi's tough exterior. 

Science fiction is like cat nip to me. I will read almost read almost everything if given the opportunity, the time, or the availability via my local library. Defy the Stars brings up a whole lot of questions about science, religion, and what makes a human being human. Genesis is a curious planet. They have abandoned scientific technological advancement. They prefer to use outdated ships, while Earth, which is slowly bleeding itself to death, continues to throw mechs against Genesis in hopes of using the planets resources. Defy the Stars ends in a way that gives readers hope that the next installment will be just as interesting, action packed, and fun as this book was.

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#Monday Review - A Million Worlds with You by Claudia Gray #YALIT #Science Fiction

Series: Firebird # 3
Format: Hardcover, 419 pages
Release Date: November 1st 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Library
Genre: YA, Science Fiction

A million universes. A million dangers. One destiny.

The fate of the multiverse rests in Marguerite Caine’s hands. Marguerite has been at the center of a cross-dimensional feud since she first traveled to another universe using her parents’ invention, the Firebird. Only now has she learned the true plans of the evil Triad Corporation—and that those plans could spell doom for dozens or hundreds of universes, each facing total annihilation.

Paul Markov has always been at Marguerite’s side, but Triad’s last attack has left him a changed man—angry and shadowed by tragedy. He struggles to overcome the damage done to him, but despite Marguerite’s efforts to help, Paul may never be the same again.

So it’s up to Marguerite alone to stop the destruction of the multiverse. Billions of lives are at stake. The risks have never been higher. And Triad has unleashed its ultimate weapon: another dimension’s Marguerite—wicked, psychologically twisted, and always one step ahead.

A Million Worlds with You is the third and final installment in author Claudia Gray's Firebird trilogy. The story picks up right where Ten Thousand Skies Above You left off. Narrator Marguerite Caine is a brilliant artist, and the daughter of two even more impressive scientist parents. She has traveled to a whole slew of multiverses thanks to her parents Firebird. She's even been to Triad's Home World where she learned about their plans that will cost billions of lives if they are not stopped. 

But, first she has a whole new challenge to deal with. Her alter-ego & adversary Wicked, is on a mission to make Marguerite's job even harder by destroying other versions of her. Wicked isn't alone in that regard. There are still some issues that need to be resolved in regards to those in charge. But, we shall leave that alone for fear of adding spoilers to this review. In this reality, when your host dies while you are in their body, you die. Marguerite is what's known as the perfect traveler. She has the ability to maintain her own memories and control while in another version of herself. That has left some interesting storylines behind, especially while she was in Russiaverse.  

Wicked travels to various multi-verses in an effort to kill the host Marguerite. This sends Marguerite from Berkeleyverse, Londonverse, Egyptverse, SpaceVerse, RomeVerse, WarVerse & Triadverse to name a few. Marguerite's plans are all laid out on hope. Hope that she can convince other universes, most especially her parents, to join with her own in an attempt to stop Triad from being successful with their plans. That also means some very interesting story twists, with Paul, Theo, and her parents being important cogs in her plans.

Did anyone else love the conclave of Marguerite's including the Grand Duchess? Over the course of this series, Marguerite's fate has been entwined with that of Paul Markov. There have places where Theo Beck was her love interest, but when all is said and done, Paul is the one that fate seems to want her to be with. As the story unfolds, Paul has some major issues thanks to Triad tearing his soul to pieces. Even though Marguerite put him back together, Paul is depressed, angry, fatalistic, and leaning dangerously towards the dark side of his personality. 

The series has finally resolved itself by shedding the desire to continue the sham of a love triangle with Meg, Paul, & Theo. I am happy that Paul and Theo are able to work out some of their issues and move on without becoming adversaries that weighed down the story. I am happy that Theo is happy for Paul and Meg, and doesn't sit around mopping. Theo has always been the big brother to Paul who hasn't exactly had the most pain free life.

This story does something truly amazing. In one world, Meg finds herself in a 1980's version of Russia. Meg's Russia version is deaf, and therefore so is she. How remarkable is it to find an author who truly breaks down the barriers and gives even more depth to Meg's character? How awesome was it that Meg accepted her situation and didn't bemoan and waste time worrying about something that she had no control over? 

A Million Worlds with You is action packed, filled with adventures, surprises, twists, and an interesting ending to the series. The author hits on an interesting concept that we all live with darkness inside of us. We have to wake up every morning and try to be our good version, and not let the darkness overwhelm us. I think that's a fantastic idea for everyone to work towards. Everyone struggle's with their own issues. Don't let the issues push us into doing something we will all regret in the end. 

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#Monday Review - Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray (Young Adult, Science Fiction)

Series: Firebird # 2
Format: E-Galley, 432 pages
Release Date: November 3, 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse—even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared.

The second book in the Firebird trilogy, Ten Thousand Skies Above You features Claudia Gray’s lush, romantic language and smart, exciting action, and will have readers clamoring for the next book. 

Ten Thousand Skies Above is the second installment in author Claudia Gray's Firebird series. A series which has been compared to Cloud Atlas meets Orphan Black. The Firebird series began with Marguerite Caine chasing down the man, Paul Markov, who was accused of killing her father. Thanks to her physicist parents ground breaking creation of the technology known as Firebird, Marguerite has the ability to jump into multiple universes.

These multiverses are actually a series of infinite parallel universes layered upon one another. Marguerite has traveled to dimensions like Oceanverse, Russiaverse, and. Londonverse. Marguerite has discovered that in nearly every multiverse she travels to, she will eventually meet up with Paul who she has become close to. Whether it is by design, or by fate, it is increasingly obvious that they belong together.

In Ten Thousand Skies Above, Marguerite finds herself chasing after Paul's soul thanks to the megalomaniac Wyatt Conley of Triad. Wyatt won't let the idea go of having Marguerite work for him and continues to stymie her in all sorts of ways. Wyatt's desire for Marguerite comes from the fact that she is the perfect traveler; she remembers everything that occurs in the multiverse in any body she takes over.

This story takes Marguerite to a war-torn San Francisco (Warverse), the criminal underworld of New York City (Mafiaverse), and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite we met in the first novel, hides a shocking secret that might change everything (Return to Russiaverse), and finally to Triadverse where Wyatt and his people are creating all sorts of trouble.

Theo has probably the most curious storyline in this whole book while Paul is off stage hoping to be rescued. He is even given some quality time with Marguerite which raises a few questions. He travels with her to the various new verses mentioned above, and therein lies the ultimate kick in the ass. Does Gray want readers to believe that Marguerite will eventually find Theo more to her liking than Paul, or will the ends finally justify the means?

Compared to A Thousand Pieces of You this novel isn't as fluid. It is still an entertaining and worthwhile story and yes, I will be reading the next installment once it is released. The entertaining parts happen mostly towards the end of this book which has left me with a few screaming episodes. There are some major twists and an ending that Holy Bleep Bleeping cliffhanger! What? Bam, just like that I am lost for words. 

**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (Edelweiss) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**

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*Book Review* Sorceress by Claudia Gray (YA Paranormal)

Series: Spellcaster # 3
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: March 3, 2015
Source: Library
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
Genre: YA, Paranormal

To save the lives of countless people in Captive’s Sound, Nadia has sworn herself to the One Beneath, to black magic. Her plan, and the town’s only hope, is for Nadia to learn enough sorcery to strike back against the forces of darkness. But now that she’s separated from her friends, her family, and her Steadfast, Mateo, Nadia is more vulnerable than ever to darkness. And as the sorceress Elizabeth summons torrential rains and brings the One Beneath closer to the mortal world, Nadia is running out of time to stop her. The final battle lines are drawn, surprising alliances are made, and true love is tested in the action-packed conclusion to the breathtaking Spellcaster series. 

Sorceress is the final installment in the Spellcaster trilogy. Picking up right where Steadfast left off, teenage witch Nadia Caldani has done the unthinkable. She's sworn to serve the One Beneath in order to save Captive Sound, her friends, and her family who have no clue what's going on.  She's also agreed to be trained by Elizabeth Pike who has caused chaos using fear, hate, sorrow & grief to get what she's wanted for generations.

Nadia can only hope that she can learn quickly what Elizabeth has to teach her, before the One Beneath makes his appearance. That means using every available resource, including her steadfast boyfriend Mateo Perez, best friend Verlaine Laughton, demon Asa, and several other characters who join Team Not Evil.

I dare say that I was a bit emotional at times while reading Sorceress. I hated to see the pain and suffering these characters faced. Yet, it is that pain and suffering that drives them to find the answers they need to fight back. I went into Sorceress holding my expectations back a bit. Too many times, I have been burned by final installments in series leaving me with a bad taste in my mouth.

I will say that Gray didn't hold back in resolving the Elizabeth issue, but the final chapter could have been a bit longer with perhaps more action and fight scenes against One Beneath, his demons, and Team Not Evil. The positive is that she didn't try to sweeten her villain, or make light of a really bad situation. She puts Nadia into a corner, makes her find ways to deal with the Elizabeth/One Beneath issue before it destroys her new hometown.

I found myself cheering loudly for Verlaine in this installment. Folks, this poor girl has gone through hell, and it doesn't get any better once Elizabeth's ultimate plans kick into action. I do like that Verlaine found someone she could be with, and that Asa would in turn, understand her struggles she's been forced to deal with since being cursed by Elizabeth. I'm also happier than a clam at high tide that she gets a wonderful HEA.

Overall, one could complain about the romance between Nadia and Mateo. Or, one could say that it was written exactly as it should have been. Although Nadia and Mateo are great in this story, it was Verlaine and Asa that took the ultimate prize for the best relationship. I do wish that Nadia could have resolved the issue with her mother for her brothers sake, but life isn't fair, so why should a fantasy story be any different?

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