The Flight of Gemma Hardy

The Flight of Gemma Hardy was a delightful read that I had a hard time putting down.

Having lost both her parents at a young age Gemma is taken in by her uncle and aunt. Upon the death of her uncle her aunt treats her as nothing more then an annoyance and finally sends her off to boarding school as a working girl. Determined to learn all she can Gemma works as hard as possible while using every free moment she has to study.

While I did like the story I did have some problems in parts. The first half seemed like a faster pace reading and parts of the second part drug a bit. Even though it is a retelling of Jane Eyre I did not feel like I was ever re-reading Jane Eyre. The writing was elegant and well done, I never stumbled wondering what was going on or was confused about which character was which.

The Hunt

The Hunt is the second book in the Cage trilogy.

Having escaped the cage where Cora and five other humans were being held by a group of aliens calling themselves the Kindred Cora hopes the nightmare is over. That is far from the truth instead of being treated with care and as a creature with intelligence Cora along with Lucky, and Mali are put into the Hunt. Seen as the same as animals Cora has to learn to deal with being forced to sing for the entertainment of the Kindred while struggling to figure out how to better her situation.

Despite The Cage not being one of my favorite books I have been excited to read The Hunt. I was not disappointed, The Hunt had some of the mystery pulled away from it on what was going on and I enjoyed that a lot. The writing was crisp and interesting while maintaining a wonderful pace. Several time I felt like I was in the middle of the room with the characters. The downfall the ending. Just like with The Cage I had issues with how The Hunt ended. It did not feel like it ended, just like it stopped. While I know another book is coming the ending still felt awkward and misplaced.

Arthas: Rise of the Lich King

Arthas: Rise of the Lich King is a novel set in the Warcraft Universe.

Arthas, the prince of Lordaeron is an ambitious but spoiled young boy. Sheltered by his protective father and an ear of prosperity and peace Arthas has everything his heart desires growing up. Instead of embracing these privileges Arthas sees it as his right and expects to be revered at all times. Upon reaching adulthood Arthas is brought into the brotherhood of the silver hand and made a paladin. With his true love at his side, Jaina Proudmoore, Arthas has it all until a whisper of darkness finds its way into Arthas's mind.

The writing was wonderful, a complex character with many levels Arthas's descent into darkness was portrayed perfectly. While considered a character who has strayed from the path of light I did find myself cheering for Arthas at times and hoping he would overcome the darkness threatening to suffocate him. I hope to read more Warcraft lore novels in the future. 

Warcraft Durotan

Warcraf Durotan is the prequel novel to Warcraft the movie.

Durotan is the leader of the Frostwolves Orces and struggles with a tough decision. All around the Frostwolves the world is dying and clearly something must be done to stop the Frostwolves from dying with it. Struggling with the death of his father and taking over leadership of the clan Durotan leads the Frostwolves on the best path he possibly can. Filled with action, tenderness, and heartbreak Warcraft Durotan had me turning pages as fast as I could read them.

Deception

Deception is the second book in the Defiance trilogy. Having been on the waiting list for Deception for around a year I was beyond excited to finally have Deception arrive from the library.

Rachel was very different in Deception so different she came off as kind of a different character which annoyed me a good deal. Instead of being a strong confident person Rachel has fallen apart and all her determination in Defiance comes off as having been an act.

Logan is different as well but his transformation is a bit more believable. Tasked with leading the survivors from the cursed ones attack into the Wasteland Logan has to grow up and step up. Overwhelmed by the stress Logan clearly struggles with the issues of leading.

Sadly I must say that Deception for me suffered from second book syndrome. The plot line was predictable, Rachel's character development was wacky, and it felt too long winded in parts. Despite all the issues I had with Deception I do want to read Deliverance.

World of Warcraft Chronicle

World of Warcraft Chronicle reads like a history book.

Broken down into different chapters each chapter covers a period of time for the development of Azeroth as it is known today along with the emergence of various races. Broken down into an easy to read format it was a delight learning about various aspects of Warcraft lore. I see myself referencing Warcraft Chronicle in the future if I ever need more information while reading other lore books.

Along with the rich history several maps and lovely pictures are included. All in all it was a wonderful read and I am eager for Volume II.

The Infinite Sea

The Infinite Sea is a marvelous work of layer upon layer. Several times I had no clue what was going to happen and I loved all the twists and turns.

While I still think Cassie is the main character she sort of steps back in The Infinite Sea and several other characters take the leading role. That disappointed me since I enjoy Cassie and seeing her struggles. Having been reunited with her little bother Cassie just wants to keep him safe but that is easier said then done in a world full of lies and deceit. Not to mention a little brother who has changed a lot after being in a boot camp training to kill.

I did not overly care for Ringer in The Fifth Wave but she sort of grew on my in The Infinite Sea. The last forty percent or so of the story focused on Ringer and while it was nice learning her back story it was a bit long winded.

Despite not having Cassie as the character with the most book time I enjoyed The Infinite Sea and eagerly look forward to the release of The Last Star later this month.