Gauntlet

by Ellery Prime

Happy to embrace her adult independence, Clio moves to the sprawling city of her dreams. The layered beauty of the metropolis lives up to her expectations…until one terrible night, when she discovers the dark world at its core. Clio is trapped in a building that leads to a labyrinth, where everyone seems to be playing a different game. This hidden inner city blurs the line between reality and illusion, concealing both dangers and rewards – and Clio’s forced journey is complicated by friendship, sexual awakening, and betrayal.

In this pulse-pounding romantic suspense novel by Ellery Prime with illustrations by T2A, Clio’s search for the secret inside the gauntlet’s heart will leave her questioning who she is and what she really wants.

Gauntlet was originally serialized in Sparkler Monthly Magazine (sparklermonthly.com).

Genres: Novels

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[A Story Explorer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this story. I couldn't stop reading once I got started. I'm glad I received this as a finished ebook because I know reading it chapter by chapter would have killed me in anticipation. Each chapter left us at a cliffhanger which I loved and hated it. Loved it because I needed to know more but hated it because if I were reading it by chapter I would hate to wait for the next chapter but I know it would be worth the wait. You know that's done with careful planning.

I felt like this story knew how to intrigue a reader. The author artfully strung us along until the next heart stopping part of the story. This story, in my opinion, is definitely action driven. The main character does grow and learn but I don't know if she has changed enough for me to say it was character driven. The other characters are minor but they all helped the main character, which is fine. With the exception of a few characters, the others were not as significant to the story.

I do feel that the story was well written but I felt like it could have been made more of an impact. The intrigue and mystery was solid but there could have been more clues dropped in the story. I don't think there was enough to allow the reader to figure out what was going on in the Gauntlet because most of the time I felt clueless and confused.

Now, the ending was good, I liked how the climax of the story was written because it was clever. Not that it's my story to tell, but I could think of a different way for it to solve at the climax so that almost everyone was happy. There are a few loose ends that I wish were tied up, such as the relationships with a few of the protagonist's friends. Also more of an explanation of how Gauntlet was created and the roles of it would have been nice to understand. The story touches upon it a little but mostly leaves it to the imagination of the readers. I like the meaning behind it the story, and without spoiling you, it does make you think. I think I've only read one other book that challenged this way of thinking for me. It was done decently but I just wish there were more hints about it because it would have made a better revelation in my opinion.

This story is fascinating and well written. It intrigues you until the end, so if you enjoy games, mysteries, and stories that follows a character's journey, then you'll want to read this book!


3.5 out of 5 rating for me!

Click for my full review: http://originiquequanimity.blogspot.c...

[Himi · Rating 4 out of 5]

[December 2014] The thing I was most struck by was what was going on in Clio’s head before she encountered that road block. It was a jumble of insecurities, longings, encouragements, wishful thinking, observations, speculations, decisions, and make believe. And I immediately felt a connection with her. I guess there are people out there that can think on one thing continuously until the problem is worked out or they’ve talked themselves out if caring about it, but I’m not like that. Even though when whatever I was mulling over is put into action and looks so neat and tidy, getting it there was nothing of the sort. I could easily drift off into tangents, double back on paths to commitment, switch topics, or simply spread all over the floor the contents of the toy box that is my consciousness in a single leap over the synaptic cleft. This is what goes on in my head when I’m walking down the street, trying to appear normal, trying to blend in, trying to look confident to throw predators off my scent, but not too confident lest I still pique someone’s interest, lest I still become someone’s target. This mental and physical juggling act done in broad daylight just to make it to my destination, be it two blocks or 20, is exhausting, but makes me more anxious and in turn, more alert. I really felt Clio’s struggle and it had only just begun. All of that plus the story story which is intriguing and pulls you along and all the while not quite answering any of your questions, and you will have questions.

[November 2015] I’m happy to say that the level of hype and interest I had when I wrote my first impression was rewarded by the rest of the story. This was quite a thrill and I really wish there was more to the story. Clio was a great character to watch mature throughout the story. And it wasn’t so much a youth to adult maturation, but you get to see her grow into herself–the person that she already is, but doesn’t realize she is. And, not just her, but the people she meets along the way and the world she slips into–it’s all so vivid. I think a set designer would have a ball trying to bring that world to life.