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House Immortal #3
Crucible Zero
The national bestselling author of Infinity Bell returns to her “fresh and unique”* world where the truce between the ruling Houses has shattered and chaos now reigns. Only one woman has the power to save the world—but she could also destroy it...
Matilda Case never thought of herself as a hero. But because she is galvanized—and nearly immortal in her stitched, endlessly healing body—she doesn’t have much of a choice. Even if she doesn’t want to save the world, she’s the only one capable of traveling in time to do so.
But her rescue attempt hasn’t gone as planned. She’s stuck in an alternate universe, and her world is in danger of disappearing. Worst of all, an unfathomably powerful man who can also travel through history doesn’t want her to put things to rights. He’s willing to wage bloody war to stop Matilda, unless she surrenders control of time to him.
Now, with the minutes ticking, Matilda must make impossible decisions, knowing that one wrong choice will destroy her—and any chance of saving everything she loves...
*A Book Obsession
Matilda Case never thought of herself as a hero. But because she is galvanized—and nearly immortal in her stitched, endlessly healing body—she doesn’t have much of a choice. Even if she doesn’t want to save the world, she’s the only one capable of traveling in time to do so.
But her rescue attempt hasn’t gone as planned. She’s stuck in an alternate universe, and her world is in danger of disappearing. Worst of all, an unfathomably powerful man who can also travel through history doesn’t want her to put things to rights. He’s willing to wage bloody war to stop Matilda, unless she surrenders control of time to him.
Now, with the minutes ticking, Matilda must make impossible decisions, knowing that one wrong choice will destroy her—and any chance of saving everything she loves...
*A Book Obsession
358 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
80 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
About the author
Devon Monk
89 books2,063 followersDevon Monk is a national best selling writer of urban fantasy. Her series include Ordinary Magic, House Immortal, Allie Beckstrom, Broken Magic and Shame and Terric. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story which can be found in her collection: A Cup of Normal, and in various anthologies. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
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September 1, 2015
9/1/15: Now Available!!
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
I loved this book! After reading the first two books in this series, I couldn't wait to read the next installment. The second book left a bit of a cliffhanger so I was feeling an urgent need to see what was going to happen to Matilda. This book picked up right where the last one left off. This series really needs to be read in order and I would suggest that all new readers start with the first book in the series, House Immortal.
I had kind of expected this book to leave some kind of thread for the next book in the series and I was a little shocked when the ending felt very final. I check the author's website and found this series is listed as a trilogy. I shed a small tear when I realized that this will most likely be the third and final novel with this group of characters. I then realized that I am actually okay with the fact that this is a trilogy because it is pretty fantastic as it is. I won't have to worry about this series going downhill and I can read these three book again any time that I want.
This book is set in a different timeway than the previous two books. When Matilda tried to fix time in the previous story, she returned to an alternate time, which they call a timeway in this story. Things are different in this timeway but many things are also strangely similar. We do see the same cast of characters but they have lived a very different life. I liked these characters but I really found myself wishing that someone besides Matilda remembered the way things were in the original timeway.
This is one of those stories that I didn't want to put down. I found myself sneaking peeks at this book during the workday, in line at the bank, and really every waking moment that I had from the time I started the book until I had turned the last page. I think that it is incredible that I found every book in this trilogy to be amazing hard to put down. This book does so many things right. It is a completely unique and interesting idea filled with wonderful characters. There was a lot of action and just the right amount of emotions. The chemistry between Matilda and Abraham continued to make the story interesting. The pacing of the story was nearly perfect and I absolutely love this author's writing style.
I would highly recommend this series to all fans of Urban Fiction. I am going to hold out a bit of hope that maybe things aren't quite done in this world because I would love to read more about it. The three books in this trilogy are the only three books that I have read by Devon Monk but I definitely plan to work on some of her older titles and watch for any future works. Bravo!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group - Roc via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
Woo hoo!!! I was approved on NetGalley. I can't wait to read this.
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
I loved this book! After reading the first two books in this series, I couldn't wait to read the next installment. The second book left a bit of a cliffhanger so I was feeling an urgent need to see what was going to happen to Matilda. This book picked up right where the last one left off. This series really needs to be read in order and I would suggest that all new readers start with the first book in the series, House Immortal.
I had kind of expected this book to leave some kind of thread for the next book in the series and I was a little shocked when the ending felt very final. I check the author's website and found this series is listed as a trilogy. I shed a small tear when I realized that this will most likely be the third and final novel with this group of characters. I then realized that I am actually okay with the fact that this is a trilogy because it is pretty fantastic as it is. I won't have to worry about this series going downhill and I can read these three book again any time that I want.
This book is set in a different timeway than the previous two books. When Matilda tried to fix time in the previous story, she returned to an alternate time, which they call a timeway in this story. Things are different in this timeway but many things are also strangely similar. We do see the same cast of characters but they have lived a very different life. I liked these characters but I really found myself wishing that someone besides Matilda remembered the way things were in the original timeway.
This is one of those stories that I didn't want to put down. I found myself sneaking peeks at this book during the workday, in line at the bank, and really every waking moment that I had from the time I started the book until I had turned the last page. I think that it is incredible that I found every book in this trilogy to be amazing hard to put down. This book does so many things right. It is a completely unique and interesting idea filled with wonderful characters. There was a lot of action and just the right amount of emotions. The chemistry between Matilda and Abraham continued to make the story interesting. The pacing of the story was nearly perfect and I absolutely love this author's writing style.
I would highly recommend this series to all fans of Urban Fiction. I am going to hold out a bit of hope that maybe things aren't quite done in this world because I would love to read more about it. The three books in this trilogy are the only three books that I have read by Devon Monk but I definitely plan to work on some of her older titles and watch for any future works. Bravo!
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group - Roc via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
Woo hoo!!! I was approved on NetGalley. I can't wait to read this.
August 25, 2015
This review is also available at Return of the Bibliophile
Disclaimer: There are parts of this that may seem more spoilery than usual for me - so read at your own risk.
Crucible Zero is the third and final installment into the House Immortal series by Devon Monk.
Book I in the series introduced us to Matilda Case, who, as a child, became so sick that her brother transferred her (consciousness?) into the 'stitched' body of a young girl who had been in a coma since the Wings of Mercury experiment conducted by her great great grandfather 200 years ago.
The 12 'stitched' immortal beings known as Galvanized, also survivors of the same failed experiment, are effectively owned by the 12 houses who rule the world. Matilda Case, being the 13th and last of these awakened beings would be extremely sought after if the Houses knew of her existence - which, they don't. That is of course, until Abraham Seventh, Galvanized of House Grey arrives, bleeding on her doorstep.
Picture the Galvanized kind of like Frankenstein type people - but better looking. It helps with the imagery.
Matilda and her two headed mutant farm hand Neds are thereby lured into the world of the scheming Houses and nefarious plans of one Head of House who craves immortality, power, and the downfall of the Galvanized. We spend the first two books of the series into Chicago and across North America, always working towards understanding the real results from the Wings of Mercury experiment, and stopping Slater Orange for good.
Crucible Zero begins where Liberty Bell (Book II) ended, where Matilda - who went back in time to change the outcome of the Wings of Mercury experiment - has now landed in an alternate reality. All her friends and allies from her true time are dead, and to make matters worse, a time shift has remained - one that allows Slater Orange to continue hunting her.
If I can find that, track these ripples, maybe I can find you, Matilda. Before he kills you.
Matilda must convince her new 'old' friends in this reality to help her destroy the final piece of the Wings of Mercury experiment, wipe out Slater Orange, and save the world.
My going back in time was supposed to save the world. And it had. But it had also changed it.
Pretty much my only criticism is with the pacing. We jumped from every major event straight onto another at a run, including the love story, which made aspects the former difficult to follow and the latter difficult to believe. And, whilst I enjoyed the direction this series took, it was a shame to lose the connection with certain characters which had developed through the two prior books - also, the reason I had a hard time believing the love story in this one.
I do feel, however, that the series wrapped up as well as it could have - though, who the hell owned the jacket Abraham gave Tilly?? I smell a spinoff.
3.5 Stars from me for Crucible Zero.
I was provided with a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: There are parts of this that may seem more spoilery than usual for me - so read at your own risk.
Crucible Zero is the third and final installment into the House Immortal series by Devon Monk.
Book I in the series introduced us to Matilda Case, who, as a child, became so sick that her brother transferred her (consciousness?) into the 'stitched' body of a young girl who had been in a coma since the Wings of Mercury experiment conducted by her great great grandfather 200 years ago.
The 12 'stitched' immortal beings known as Galvanized, also survivors of the same failed experiment, are effectively owned by the 12 houses who rule the world. Matilda Case, being the 13th and last of these awakened beings would be extremely sought after if the Houses knew of her existence - which, they don't. That is of course, until Abraham Seventh, Galvanized of House Grey arrives, bleeding on her doorstep.
Picture the Galvanized kind of like Frankenstein type people - but better looking. It helps with the imagery.
Matilda and her two headed mutant farm hand Neds are thereby lured into the world of the scheming Houses and nefarious plans of one Head of House who craves immortality, power, and the downfall of the Galvanized. We spend the first two books of the series into Chicago and across North America, always working towards understanding the real results from the Wings of Mercury experiment, and stopping Slater Orange for good.
Crucible Zero begins where Liberty Bell (Book II) ended, where Matilda - who went back in time to change the outcome of the Wings of Mercury experiment - has now landed in an alternate reality. All her friends and allies from her true time are dead, and to make matters worse, a time shift has remained - one that allows Slater Orange to continue hunting her.
If I can find that, track these ripples, maybe I can find you, Matilda. Before he kills you.
Matilda must convince her new 'old' friends in this reality to help her destroy the final piece of the Wings of Mercury experiment, wipe out Slater Orange, and save the world.
My going back in time was supposed to save the world. And it had. But it had also changed it.
Pretty much my only criticism is with the pacing. We jumped from every major event straight onto another at a run, including the love story, which made aspects the former difficult to follow and the latter difficult to believe. And, whilst I enjoyed the direction this series took, it was a shame to lose the connection with certain characters which had developed through the two prior books - also, the reason I had a hard time believing the love story in this one.
I do feel, however, that the series wrapped up as well as it could have - though, who the hell owned the jacket Abraham gave Tilly?? I smell a spinoff.
3.5 Stars from me for Crucible Zero.
I was provided with a copy of this book via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2015
4.5 stars - **Warning this review contains spoilers for previous books**
The final book in the House Immortal series by Devon Monk, Crucible Zero, was a great action packed wrap up to a really good series. I have really liked the previous two books which had a bit of a paranormal feel in the Thirteen Galavanized who are 'stitched' ( in sort of a Frankenstein-ish way) but can't die. The world of the first two books is a sort-of-not-quite appocalyptic futuristic one in which governments and national boundaries have given way to 'Houses' that control resources/areas of commerce, a world shaped by the fallout of a time experiment that lead to the creation of the Galvanized. I was a bit afraid to start Crucible Zero since the ending to the last book was such a shakeup to everything in the previous books - everything and everyone that Matilda Case knew is gone as a result of the attempt to repair the Wings of Mercury time experiment and we left Matilda as she discovers that the world and the people she's returned to are very different than the ones she's lost.
Even though this is not the world that we came to know in the previous books, Monk has created another interesting one and the counterparts of the people - Abraham, Neds, Quentin and others- retain enough of their core that it is easy to reconnect with them. I really liked the twist to Matilda's 'place' in the new world and that the twist makes it so that Matilda can't just drop in seamlessly. But fortunately Matilda is still a Case and a Case will always get the job done. And even in this new world the job is still stopping Slater Orange who also retains his memories of the world before the attempt to repair time, and who is still trying to take over the world in any of its incarnations - if Slater has his way that world will be one where Matilda and all her friends are dead.
I was surprised by the ending to Crucible Zero, not realizing that House Immortal was a trilogy, at about 95% I was mentally girding my loins for a cliffhanger setting up for a fourth book - because really the framework for this story could have easily carried forward to one more book if Monk had decided to put her readers through the wringer one more time. I'm both sad and glad that she didn't. Sad that the series is done, and glad because I'm not all that masochistic as to wish to suffer through the consequences that would have set things up for one more book and also glad because I was satisfied with how things end up for Matilda.
ARC via NetGalley - release Sept 1, 2015
The final book in the House Immortal series by Devon Monk, Crucible Zero, was a great action packed wrap up to a really good series. I have really liked the previous two books which had a bit of a paranormal feel in the Thirteen Galavanized who are 'stitched' ( in sort of a Frankenstein-ish way) but can't die. The world of the first two books is a sort-of-not-quite appocalyptic futuristic one in which governments and national boundaries have given way to 'Houses' that control resources/areas of commerce, a world shaped by the fallout of a time experiment that lead to the creation of the Galvanized. I was a bit afraid to start Crucible Zero since the ending to the last book was such a shakeup to everything in the previous books - everything and everyone that Matilda Case knew is gone as a result of the attempt to repair the Wings of Mercury time experiment and we left Matilda as she discovers that the world and the people she's returned to are very different than the ones she's lost.
Even though this is not the world that we came to know in the previous books, Monk has created another interesting one and the counterparts of the people - Abraham, Neds, Quentin and others- retain enough of their core that it is easy to reconnect with them. I really liked the twist to Matilda's 'place' in the new world and that the twist makes it so that Matilda can't just drop in seamlessly. But fortunately Matilda is still a Case and a Case will always get the job done. And even in this new world the job is still stopping Slater Orange who also retains his memories of the world before the attempt to repair time, and who is still trying to take over the world in any of its incarnations - if Slater has his way that world will be one where Matilda and all her friends are dead.
I was surprised by the ending to Crucible Zero, not realizing that House Immortal was a trilogy, at about 95% I was mentally girding my loins for a cliffhanger setting up for a fourth book - because really the framework for this story could have easily carried forward to one more book if Monk had decided to put her readers through the wringer one more time. I'm both sad and glad that she didn't. Sad that the series is done, and glad because I'm not all that masochistic as to wish to suffer through the consequences that would have set things up for one more book and also glad because I was satisfied with how things end up for Matilda.
ARC via NetGalley - release Sept 1, 2015
April 21, 2017
This third installment in the House Immortal series was an action packed ride that kept me invested and engaged from the first page to the last. The story has changed in so many ways from the events of book 1, but at its core, this is still about Matilda’s quest to save the people she loves by embracing her power as one of the galvanized.
Devon Monk really turned everything on its ear at the end of the last book when Matilda’s time travel fractured her world into different realities. It was kind of sad to lose all the people she loved in the first book, but it was so interesting to see them all come back here in new incarnations. I liked how the characters maintained their core personalities as the variables around them shifted. This, as the changes left us so many questions about who to trust and what might happen next.
Tilly and the villainous Slater Orange are the only ones who aware of the multiple timelines, so she is really the only one with a chance of stopping him from his plan to rule the world. He’s had 300 years to plan for this, though, and she’s only been in this reality for a couple of days. Thankfully, her actions in the past land Abraham and Foster in her corner –and of course, she has her brilliant brother, Quentin, to help her fill in the gaps of her new reality. Also back and better than ever are the Neds, Oscar Gray, and Walter Yellow.
The romance vibe is very different. It’s sad at times because Matilda loves Abraham so much, but he doesn’t even know her. It’s hard to watch her fight her feelings for the man he was, as she learns the man he now is. But these challenges definitely keep their dynamic fresh, just as the reality shift really makes everything new again.
There’s plenty of action, a fair amount of heart, and an ending that totally satisfies. I enjoyed these books and look forward to my next Devon Monk adventure.
Rating: B/ B+
Devon Monk really turned everything on its ear at the end of the last book when Matilda’s time travel fractured her world into different realities. It was kind of sad to lose all the people she loved in the first book, but it was so interesting to see them all come back here in new incarnations. I liked how the characters maintained their core personalities as the variables around them shifted. This, as the changes left us so many questions about who to trust and what might happen next.
Tilly and the villainous Slater Orange are the only ones who aware of the multiple timelines, so she is really the only one with a chance of stopping him from his plan to rule the world. He’s had 300 years to plan for this, though, and she’s only been in this reality for a couple of days. Thankfully, her actions in the past land Abraham and Foster in her corner –and of course, she has her brilliant brother, Quentin, to help her fill in the gaps of her new reality. Also back and better than ever are the Neds, Oscar Gray, and Walter Yellow.
The romance vibe is very different. It’s sad at times because Matilda loves Abraham so much, but he doesn’t even know her. It’s hard to watch her fight her feelings for the man he was, as she learns the man he now is. But these challenges definitely keep their dynamic fresh, just as the reality shift really makes everything new again.
There’s plenty of action, a fair amount of heart, and an ending that totally satisfies. I enjoyed these books and look forward to my next Devon Monk adventure.
Rating: B/ B+
September 11, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Publisher) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Crucible Zero is the final installment of Devon Monk's House Immortal Trilogy. I'll attempt not to spoil anything important for you, so, if you haven't already read House Immortal, I ask that you do so now! Series protagonist Matilda Case doesn't necessarily consider herself to be any sort of hero, but her actions speak louder than words. As a so called stitched person, or galvanized, she is hard to kill, and has seen those around her fall by the way side by the evil megalomaniac Slater Orange who wants to rule the world.
*Full Review Posted 09/11/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd from Publisher 06/15/2015* Published: September 1st 2015 by Roc
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Crucible Zero is the final installment of Devon Monk's House Immortal Trilogy. I'll attempt not to spoil anything important for you, so, if you haven't already read House Immortal, I ask that you do so now! Series protagonist Matilda Case doesn't necessarily consider herself to be any sort of hero, but her actions speak louder than words. As a so called stitched person, or galvanized, she is hard to kill, and has seen those around her fall by the way side by the evil megalomaniac Slater Orange who wants to rule the world.
*Full Review Posted 09/11/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd from Publisher 06/15/2015* Published: September 1st 2015 by Roc
November 30, 2015
Hm.
Well, hell.
As most of you know I’m a diehard Devon Monk fan, and though I liked these last two books the least of any of hers – with this one being the very least, I’m still flying my fan flag high. I just happened to not connect with this particular story that much.
For me this book was a little too boring, a little too neatly finished, not enough oomph with the characters, and a hefty dose of off-ness that I couldn’t shake. Matilda made it through the Wings of Mercury insanity of the last book but now she’s in a different time and everyone she knows is different, even if they’re sort of the same. I really came to enjoy the characters the way I’d come to know them from reading the first two installments in this trilogy so having different personalities was a little meh and off – I got used to it, but still. I didn’t fully connect with this story as much as I did the first, or even the second, and it makes me sad. I liked seeing Foster be different in the way that he was, and I could get behind the tension between Matilda and Abraham, but it wasn’t enough for me. Also:
We really just went on a long road trip with a sudden “excitement” right at the end. Even though I was able to read the whole thing I didn’t pick it up right when I woke up and I felt too removed from the majority of the story.
I wanted much, much, much more of Neds, and I had hoped to get some insight into the tease that was both his personal history and the history shared with Sallyo (as well as what both of their special traits were ). I wanted to know her history, too, but there was absolutely nothing. The other galvanized were barely present in this book, and while I did enjoy having more Foster, it was annoying to have gotten used to them for two books and then only see them for about half a scene.
I’ve been waiting to read this book for a long time (school got in the way) and it’s a big disappointment that I wasn’t blown away, but oh well. Other people might connect and have a great time with these people so if this is a genre you’re interested in I’d still recommend giving it a shot.
September 4, 2015
Mon avis en Français
My ENglish review
I loved the first and second volume and I admit that I was very curious to read this third installment to find out what would happen. Yes, it must be said that the end of the previous volume left us in a rather untenable and original position and I was excited to find out what the author would introduce us once again. I confess I did not know or I could not remember that it was a trilogy series (but well that’s what I’ve concluded with this volume), but the conclusion is, in any case, very well done and I had a great time with the story and the characters. I know that it is always difficult to end a saga, but I think it was done perfectly!
So we find our heroine Matilda, immediately after the events of the second volume in an alternate world that she does not really know and where she will have to make her way slowly (something that is not so simple, it must be said). But while she hopes to have foiled the Slater’s plans, it turns out that he is also present and determined to do everything to become the most powerful man there too. Threatening again her friends and relatives, our heroine will have to rediscover the characters she knew, some in completely different roles but who nevertheless have the same nature, and it’s true that it was interesting to see how everything was done. In addition to that, we have at the beginning of each chapter, a passage from Welton Yellow’s diary, from the first world, telling us the adventures and obstacles that he must overcome there.
You had probably understood now, I had a wonderful time with the story. I was nervous with this alternate universe but everything is perfectly well managed and as always we find ourselves swept away by the story. The characters are fascinating and we are happy to see the change in their lives. It is a volume that we can read rather quickly and that is fun to follow over the chapters. Besides, I recommend the series if you do not know it yet, it is still very original and full of ideas.
Devon Monk never disappoints me and I am curious to see if this really is the last volume, her plans for the following series and what she intends to do because I’m always subjugated.
My ENglish review
I loved the first and second volume and I admit that I was very curious to read this third installment to find out what would happen. Yes, it must be said that the end of the previous volume left us in a rather untenable and original position and I was excited to find out what the author would introduce us once again. I confess I did not know or I could not remember that it was a trilogy series (but well that’s what I’ve concluded with this volume), but the conclusion is, in any case, very well done and I had a great time with the story and the characters. I know that it is always difficult to end a saga, but I think it was done perfectly!
So we find our heroine Matilda, immediately after the events of the second volume in an alternate world that she does not really know and where she will have to make her way slowly (something that is not so simple, it must be said). But while she hopes to have foiled the Slater’s plans, it turns out that he is also present and determined to do everything to become the most powerful man there too. Threatening again her friends and relatives, our heroine will have to rediscover the characters she knew, some in completely different roles but who nevertheless have the same nature, and it’s true that it was interesting to see how everything was done. In addition to that, we have at the beginning of each chapter, a passage from Welton Yellow’s diary, from the first world, telling us the adventures and obstacles that he must overcome there.
You had probably understood now, I had a wonderful time with the story. I was nervous with this alternate universe but everything is perfectly well managed and as always we find ourselves swept away by the story. The characters are fascinating and we are happy to see the change in their lives. It is a volume that we can read rather quickly and that is fun to follow over the chapters. Besides, I recommend the series if you do not know it yet, it is still very original and full of ideas.
Devon Monk never disappoints me and I am curious to see if this really is the last volume, her plans for the following series and what she intends to do because I’m always subjugated.
August 10, 2018
Very nice ending to the trilogy. Good wrap up of all the plots and mysteries. Overall a better than average SiFi/Steampunk read. Very recommended
August 17, 2015
House Immortal has been my absolute favorite series by Monk so far. I read the Allie Beckstrom series and really enjoyed it. I also read the first couple books in the Age of Steam series and thought they were okay. This book ties up the House Immortal series and it was absolutely perfect; this is just such a great series...it blends together a lot of wonderful genres and has a bit of an urban fantasy feel to it pace-wise.
After fixing time Matilda (Tilly) finds out that things haven’t turned out as planned. She wakes up in an alternate universe, a universe where she didn’t survive her transfer into the galvanized body and everyone thinks of her as Evelyn. Instead of being leaders in society in this world the galvanized are mercenaries and outlaws surviving as they can.
Matilda is willing to deal with all this until she finds out that Slater Orange is still present in this world and still a threat. Even more confusing is that fact that Matilda keeps having brief moments where she falls between realities and Slater is in every reality. However the most heartbreaking thing is that when Matilda finds out that Abraham has no idea who she is. Now Matilda must get her brother and Abraham to believe her outlandish story and to help her stop Slater Orange once and for all.
This was a spectacular conclusion to this amazingly creative trilogy. I continue to love the wonderfully creative world that is a bit post-apocalyptic, a bit steampunk, and a bit sci-fi. The story has an urban fantasy feel to it in how it's paced as well. The underlying Frankenstein theme to how the galvanized are formed adds to the creativity and makes the series even more interesting.
Matilda is an excellent character, she is tough and practical and doing her best to not let the whole “arriving in an alternate reality thing” bother her. You really feel for her as she tries to fit in in a completely new world and cope with reforging friendships. In fact this was one of the highlights of the book; I loved how we had to re-meet all the characters from the previous books and see what kind of lives they had made for themselves and how they fit into this new reality.
Abraham is in the story in a big way. It broke my heart that he didn’t know Tilly. He is a tougher and meaner Abraham than we knew in Tilly’s original world, but he is still Abraham and he is still loyal and capable and drawn to Tilly.
The way the story wraps up is amazing and I absolutely loved it. I pretty much just loved everything about this book.
Overall this was a perfect conclusion to a wonderfully creative and action-packed series. I love the characters and the time travel; the story is just woven together perfectly. This is just an awesome trilogy that I highly recommend to everyone.
August 31, 2015
Crucible Zero
immediately picks up from where we left off...
In the previous book, Matilda Case was able to travel back in time, in order to correct the Wings of Mercury experiment conducted by Matilda’s great-great-great grandfather. However, the result brings Matilda to an alternate universe instead – in this timeline, her families are alive, the galvanized are mercenaries (instead of ‘celebrities’), and there are widespread plagues that hit the world each decade and wipe millions of people.
In addition, the Houses are now divided into mainly two Houses – Fire and Water, with additional House Earth used to be made up of a loosely connected network of people, each living on their own piece of land. What stays the same is that Slater Orange, who now leads House Fire, is still on mission to kill Matilda – the only one knows about his real identity…
Devon Monk’s House Immortal series was one of my most memorable new series last year. I already love Monk’s previous works, but with this, she elevated herself to a whole new level. The world she created – combining urban fantasy and element of science fiction – felt unique and refreshing.
Well, Crucible Zero is the final book, and I could only say this... it was perfect. Bloody Perfect. I couldn’t ask for a better ending of the trilogy!
There are a LOT of Matilda’s awesomeness moments – seriously, this girl kicks ass!! One major difference from previous ones was the fact that this time Matilda didn’t have to share the spotlight with anyone. In the previous two books, we had chapters from the villain – Slater Orange – so we knew what he was thinking. In Crucible Zero, all chapters are from Matilda’s perspective, as she was planning to take down Slater once and for all.
As always, Monk plots her stories tight, and I was mesmerized from the get go. Readers will discover what the major characters are doing in the alternate universe (and I had fun guessing *laugh*) as Monk moves the story forward in a fast but controlled pace. In addition to high-octane action adventure, readers are also being treated with more romantic moments this time, between Matilda and Abraham Vail.
Bottom line, Crucible Zero is a stunning conclusion in an already excellent series. This is why I keep Devon Monk on my list of favorite urban fantasy authors! I can’t wait to read future stories from her.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
In the previous book, Matilda Case was able to travel back in time, in order to correct the Wings of Mercury experiment conducted by Matilda’s great-great-great grandfather. However, the result brings Matilda to an alternate universe instead – in this timeline, her families are alive, the galvanized are mercenaries (instead of ‘celebrities’), and there are widespread plagues that hit the world each decade and wipe millions of people.
In addition, the Houses are now divided into mainly two Houses – Fire and Water, with additional House Earth used to be made up of a loosely connected network of people, each living on their own piece of land. What stays the same is that Slater Orange, who now leads House Fire, is still on mission to kill Matilda – the only one knows about his real identity…
Devon Monk’s House Immortal series was one of my most memorable new series last year. I already love Monk’s previous works, but with this, she elevated herself to a whole new level. The world she created – combining urban fantasy and element of science fiction – felt unique and refreshing.
Well, Crucible Zero is the final book, and I could only say this... it was perfect. Bloody Perfect. I couldn’t ask for a better ending of the trilogy!
There are a LOT of Matilda’s awesomeness moments – seriously, this girl kicks ass!! One major difference from previous ones was the fact that this time Matilda didn’t have to share the spotlight with anyone. In the previous two books, we had chapters from the villain – Slater Orange – so we knew what he was thinking. In Crucible Zero, all chapters are from Matilda’s perspective, as she was planning to take down Slater once and for all.
As always, Monk plots her stories tight, and I was mesmerized from the get go. Readers will discover what the major characters are doing in the alternate universe (and I had fun guessing *laugh*) as Monk moves the story forward in a fast but controlled pace. In addition to high-octane action adventure, readers are also being treated with more romantic moments this time, between Matilda and Abraham Vail.
Bottom line, Crucible Zero is a stunning conclusion in an already excellent series. This is why I keep Devon Monk on my list of favorite urban fantasy authors! I can’t wait to read future stories from her.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
August 10, 2015
A stunning finale delivered in a high octane pace. This book is fabulous and a must read. Crucible Zero starts up right after the second book leaves off. Tildy is still trying to right the wrongs committed by the psychotic bastard who wants to rule the world and kill off all her friends and loved ones. When Tildy returns to the present, it isn't as she left it. In this alternate universe, the immortal galvanized are not the heroes. The houses are not split up into twelve and fortunately, her lover, brother and friends are not dead. Trying to piece this world together is a tough job especially as so many things are similar yet different. Complicating matters, Tildy slips back into her old world where she faces a horrific reality that she doesn't want to come true.
Ms. Monk created a way to have her cake and eat it too. The way this story is written is fabulous. The alternate reality really makes this story work. Changing up the characters and their roles gives this story a refreshing new look and new challenges. It's like falling in love with this world all over again for me. The characters still hold similar attributes yet are different in how they relate to Tildy. This is probably the most poignant piece for me. The way Abraham does not know Tildy just about breaks my heart. He is not against her, but he doesn't have the same shared past. This would probably break me if I were Tildy. The suffering she went through to save everyone only to have them not know her. They know someone else in her place. It's only her grandmother who oddly understands and can connect with Tildy.
In Crucible Zero, all the threads whipping around are brought under control and neatly tied off. The story pace is a bit fast so it feels as though I'm rushed to the ultimate showdown and conclusion. This keeps my adrenaline pumping high and my finger flipping pages at a high speed. I feel as desperate as Tildy, with the time counting down. Bringing all the pieces together to make a better future is difficult and yet it's pulled off with grace and perseverance.
Ms. Monk is a spellbinding storyteller. I have yet to read a book of hers I didn't like. The descriptions are vivid. The action is fast paced. The blows are surgically placed to make the most painful emotional cuts. Her characters are lovingly created in a multilayered fashion. They are all different and easy to remember. This trilogy is now one of my top ten favourites. Ms. Monk is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors who is an auto-buy and must read. This urban fantasy is highly recommended for all readers.
*provided by NetGalley
Ms. Monk created a way to have her cake and eat it too. The way this story is written is fabulous. The alternate reality really makes this story work. Changing up the characters and their roles gives this story a refreshing new look and new challenges. It's like falling in love with this world all over again for me. The characters still hold similar attributes yet are different in how they relate to Tildy. This is probably the most poignant piece for me. The way Abraham does not know Tildy just about breaks my heart. He is not against her, but he doesn't have the same shared past. This would probably break me if I were Tildy. The suffering she went through to save everyone only to have them not know her. They know someone else in her place. It's only her grandmother who oddly understands and can connect with Tildy.
In Crucible Zero, all the threads whipping around are brought under control and neatly tied off. The story pace is a bit fast so it feels as though I'm rushed to the ultimate showdown and conclusion. This keeps my adrenaline pumping high and my finger flipping pages at a high speed. I feel as desperate as Tildy, with the time counting down. Bringing all the pieces together to make a better future is difficult and yet it's pulled off with grace and perseverance.
Ms. Monk is a spellbinding storyteller. I have yet to read a book of hers I didn't like. The descriptions are vivid. The action is fast paced. The blows are surgically placed to make the most painful emotional cuts. Her characters are lovingly created in a multilayered fashion. They are all different and easy to remember. This trilogy is now one of my top ten favourites. Ms. Monk is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors who is an auto-buy and must read. This urban fantasy is highly recommended for all readers.
*provided by NetGalley
March 30, 2016
Why does this have to be the last one?! I really hope the author plans on writing more books in this series because this one seemed a little conclusive. Please Devon Monk, I need more!
Seriously, these books had everything that I look for in a book (which are too many things to list but that's beside the fact). I'm a big DNFer because I'm so picky and not once did I get that urge throughout the series. I guess this means I am an urban fantasy fan now. I never thought I'd see the day.
Seriously, these books had everything that I look for in a book (which are too many things to list but that's beside the fact). I'm a big DNFer because I'm so picky and not once did I get that urge throughout the series. I guess this means I am an urban fantasy fan now. I never thought I'd see the day.
April 3, 2018
Nice finish to a unique and pretty decent UF series
September 19, 2015
Through the course of this trilogy, Monk has thrown around surprises and twists like beads at Mardi Gras. The ending of the previous book, Infinity Bell, was a perfect example. She took the world and the characters that we've grown comfortable with, and completely turned it all upside down. Crucible Zero begins with that new, unsettled world and the characters that inhabit it.
When Matilda Case attempted to mend the break in time created from the Wings of Mercury Experiment, she was successful in some aspects, others not so much. While time may have been kind of/sort of/ mended, the consequences of meddling with the experiment still caused death and destruction. Maybe not the thousands that were ultimately predicted, which is one of the areas that was a success, but the deaths that did occur were more personally devastating than losing thousands of strangers.
We find Tilly in a new time way; not her own, not the future, but an alternate period where things are the same, yet different. Everything she knows has a quiet echo of things she knew, but they aren't the same. The people she's grown to love are around, the ones she's always known and loved are present, but each and every person that Matilda has known is different. A really interesting element that became one of my favorite parts of this book was seeing previously beloved characters in such a different capacity. Some of them retained the qualities that were unique to them, others are completely different than the ones I've grown to know, and still others are the same...yet still "off". Like Matilda, I got to know each and every important character all over again.
Crucible Zero once again has Matilda trying to save the world. Even though it's been done in the previous book, it's a new and fresh scenario because the period of time isn't the same as with the other end of the world storyline. But the machinations and the foes are the same. Tilly's, and the galvanized, enemy is still around, campaigning for world domination. Only this time around, his campaign involves mass bombings of innocents. Matilda is also experiencing another hitch in her already unstable journey -- something or someone is able to remotely send her into a different time way, taking her out of the present and communicating with her in yet another alternate time. What she learns during those episodes is both frightening, yet enlightening all at once.
With Crucible Zero bringing an end to this trilogy, I can say I'm happy with the way things were resolved. I learned some revelations about characters, things that were previously alluded to, but I'm also a bit sad that things have come to an end. I do have hope that Monk will maybe (hopefully) return to this world in a spin-off, much like she did with her Allie Beckstrom series, because there is one little detail that wasn't resolved. I'm hoping that Monk does return to this world in the future because I really am itching to know the significance of said loose thread.
All told, the House Immortal trilogy has quickly become one of my favorites, one I will definitely re-read in the future. I strongly recommend this book and series for both fans of sci-fi and urban fantasy, and those who are looking for a new and fresh tale involving time travel and Frankenstein-ish creations.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher, Penguin/Roc, via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
When Matilda Case attempted to mend the break in time created from the Wings of Mercury Experiment, she was successful in some aspects, others not so much. While time may have been kind of/sort of/ mended, the consequences of meddling with the experiment still caused death and destruction. Maybe not the thousands that were ultimately predicted, which is one of the areas that was a success, but the deaths that did occur were more personally devastating than losing thousands of strangers.
We find Tilly in a new time way; not her own, not the future, but an alternate period where things are the same, yet different. Everything she knows has a quiet echo of things she knew, but they aren't the same. The people she's grown to love are around, the ones she's always known and loved are present, but each and every person that Matilda has known is different. A really interesting element that became one of my favorite parts of this book was seeing previously beloved characters in such a different capacity. Some of them retained the qualities that were unique to them, others are completely different than the ones I've grown to know, and still others are the same...yet still "off". Like Matilda, I got to know each and every important character all over again.
Crucible Zero once again has Matilda trying to save the world. Even though it's been done in the previous book, it's a new and fresh scenario because the period of time isn't the same as with the other end of the world storyline. But the machinations and the foes are the same. Tilly's, and the galvanized, enemy is still around, campaigning for world domination. Only this time around, his campaign involves mass bombings of innocents. Matilda is also experiencing another hitch in her already unstable journey -- something or someone is able to remotely send her into a different time way, taking her out of the present and communicating with her in yet another alternate time. What she learns during those episodes is both frightening, yet enlightening all at once.
With Crucible Zero bringing an end to this trilogy, I can say I'm happy with the way things were resolved. I learned some revelations about characters, things that were previously alluded to, but I'm also a bit sad that things have come to an end. I do have hope that Monk will maybe (hopefully) return to this world in a spin-off, much like she did with her Allie Beckstrom series, because there is one little detail that wasn't resolved. I'm hoping that Monk does return to this world in the future because I really am itching to know the significance of said loose thread.
All told, the House Immortal trilogy has quickly become one of my favorites, one I will definitely re-read in the future. I strongly recommend this book and series for both fans of sci-fi and urban fantasy, and those who are looking for a new and fresh tale involving time travel and Frankenstein-ish creations.
**eARC received on behalf of the publisher, Penguin/Roc, via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 19, 2025
Everything she knew has now changed. In an attempt to fix the damage done by time travel, Matilda undid her own history. The problem is Slater still remembers the “use to be” past as well. With his power greedy hands, Slater will do anything to eradicate Matilda and those she holds dear. Any wrong move, might rip the world apart.
Buckle yourselves in for this mind bending, suspense intense, whirl wind of a conclusion to the House Immortal trilogy.
I wasn't sure the direction this book was going to take after all the changes that happened in the second book in this series so I was a bit reluctant to continue on. My fears were for naught. I honestly didn’t realize this was the end, Monk left enough for this storyline to carry on. Don’t worry though, Monk does keep Matilda’s future hanging in the balance till the very end and I was happy with the outcome.
Once again, I find myself reading a time traveling plot. It seems there are a lot of them out there and if you follow my reviews you know I’m not a huge fan of the time travel based story. That being said, Crucible Zero was a complete mind twisting adventure. Monk seriously proved me wrong and I found myself thrilled I jumped onto this ride.
I received this ARC copy of Crucible Zero from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW - ROC in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 1, 2015.
Buckle yourselves in for this mind bending, suspense intense, whirl wind of a conclusion to the House Immortal trilogy.
I wasn't sure the direction this book was going to take after all the changes that happened in the second book in this series so I was a bit reluctant to continue on. My fears were for naught. I honestly didn’t realize this was the end, Monk left enough for this storyline to carry on. Don’t worry though, Monk does keep Matilda’s future hanging in the balance till the very end and I was happy with the outcome.
Once again, I find myself reading a time traveling plot. It seems there are a lot of them out there and if you follow my reviews you know I’m not a huge fan of the time travel based story. That being said, Crucible Zero was a complete mind twisting adventure. Monk seriously proved me wrong and I found myself thrilled I jumped onto this ride.
I received this ARC copy of Crucible Zero from PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW - ROC in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication September 1, 2015.
July 28, 2015
Just finished the arc I received and if you love urban fantasy and haven't started this series then please do so now . This book starts exactly where the previous novel left off with our heroine Matilda standing back in her farmhouse kitchen but so much has changed. She came back from the past having saved time but she's now in a completely different timeline and it's one where she previously didn't survive . Those around her see Evelyn but it's Matilda's consciousness that's steering her Galvanised body. To make matters worse the man she loves seems set on killing her as he has no recollection of just what they mean to each other . Poor Matilda has saved the world only to discover that she's not the only one being dragged through different dimensions and hot on her trail is someone who quite simply wants to rule the world whatever the cost!
This book has everything I enjoy. Courageous heroine, strong alpha hero and a truly dastardly villain. Add in the magic that powers the Galvanised, the mutated creatures and an action packed adventure and I'm one very happy reader. With it's crazy mixture of almost Frankenstein characters mixed in with mutated humans and lord I must include those insane creatures because giant lizards ( dragons?) and miniature sheep are not something I read about everyday. Yes I guess you can tell I loved it and this series is a huge recommendation
This book has everything I enjoy. Courageous heroine, strong alpha hero and a truly dastardly villain. Add in the magic that powers the Galvanised, the mutated creatures and an action packed adventure and I'm one very happy reader. With it's crazy mixture of almost Frankenstein characters mixed in with mutated humans and lord I must include those insane creatures because giant lizards ( dragons?) and miniature sheep are not something I read about everyday. Yes I guess you can tell I loved it and this series is a huge recommendation
September 28, 2015
4.5 stars
Strong and satisfying end to a very good trilogy. I enjoyed this much more than Monk's Allie Beckstrom series, in which I lost interest after a few books. The premise of an altered world with the nearly invincible Galvanized and the alterations of time is intriguing and a bit different than most UF fare. Tillie is an excellent protagonist: strong, smart, takes no guff from anyone, yet good-hearted and very loyal. The twists of time and characters were handled well and kept things interesting.
I hope that Monk will turn her efforts into more series like this rather than her Allie Beckstrom and world spinoffs, as I definitely would be interested in reading more original stories from her.
Strong and satisfying end to a very good trilogy. I enjoyed this much more than Monk's Allie Beckstrom series, in which I lost interest after a few books. The premise of an altered world with the nearly invincible Galvanized and the alterations of time is intriguing and a bit different than most UF fare. Tillie is an excellent protagonist: strong, smart, takes no guff from anyone, yet good-hearted and very loyal. The twists of time and characters were handled well and kept things interesting.
I hope that Monk will turn her efforts into more series like this rather than her Allie Beckstrom and world spinoffs, as I definitely would be interested in reading more original stories from her.
September 9, 2015
I really liked the first book of this trilogy. The world and especially the houses and the galvanised were great. The second book was good, but the end spoiled it for me. Now I couldn't get through the third book.
March 19, 2016
Yay, she ended the series! Yay, it ended how I wanted it to, more or less! Yay, she had some twists I was not expecting! Yay, Grandma and her pocket sheep were in it!
Mythopoeic fantasy, it's not. A whole lot of fun to read, it is. Talking like Yoda, I will stop.
Mythopoeic fantasy, it's not. A whole lot of fun to read, it is. Talking like Yoda, I will stop.
September 5, 2015
Review and author interview Sep 3 on The Book Nympho:
http://thebooknympho.com/2015/09/revi...
I love Devon Monk’s books and always read them. I wouldn’t even have considered not reading Crucible Zero and definitely wanted to review it. The last two books in the House Immortal series were 5 stars for me. I really have enjoyed this series, the sci-fi aspects, the mystery, and the romance in the background.
The characters are awesome and I care about them. I want to see Matilda and her family and friends win. I want them to thrive as well as survive; they try so hard to improve the world.
I felt confused by the first half of Crucible Zero. It was right after the time travel and none of the characters were quite themselves. I didn’t feel like I knew them or what was happening. I dislike time travel in general, but I agreed with its purpose in this story, as a one-time thing.
I understand Matilda’s determination in this book but she seemed too confidant in the face of not knowing all the people or differences in this alternate time. Her connection with Quentin and Neds seemed very limited. The only person she felt somewhat connected with is Abraham. I liked that but it felt so distrustful. I guess I felt so strongly about them in the other time; it was almost harder to attach to the different time. I re-read parts of the story while writing this review and it felt somewhat better.
Crucible Zero is an appropriate end to the trilogy but I really want more. I want to see the relationships continue and build, as well as the how the world changes and develops now. And who did the jacket belong to? Are the galvanized immortal? I’m interested in the scientific advances that the Cases will develop, the new lives for the galvanized, and the shifts in power and business.
Giggle worthy quote:
“Hello, Oscar,” I said, taking my fingers away from my mouth.
“Oscar?” Abraham said. “Is that it? Is that your first name?”
“That,” Oscar said shortly, “doesn’t matter. I am curious who told you it might be.”
“I just thought… I must have heard it from Abraham,” I said.
“No,” Oscar said. “You did not. He doesn’t know my first name. No one knows my first name.”
“Not even your parents?” I asked.
His round eyes curved into crescents as he laughed. “Really. I must know. Who told you?”
“No one,” I said truthfully, “I … guessed.”
He studied me, his eyes bright. “You must be Matilda Case,” he said. “The girl who knew the future. Is this lovely young woman Matilda Case, Abraham?”
Anne Sits Down with Devon Monk
Anne: Do you have a “blurb” about you which you prefer us to use with the interview and review?
Devon: Devon Monk writes the House Immortal trilogy, the Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series, and the spinoff Broken Magic series. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
Anne: Will there be more books with characters from Allie Beckstrom and Broken Magic series? I miss Stone and I’m also drooling over Shame, (although I see him with longer hair than they showed him on the covers in the Broken Magic series) Or will there be a next generation view with the children?
Devon: Well…since you asked….yes! I haven’t announced it yet. But I will now. I’m putting out a Shame and Terric novel later this year. It will be e-only, but if it does well, there could be more in the future, both in ebook and print.
If readers would like to find out the release date of that book and other news, the best way is to sign up for my monthly newsletter. All breaking news, updates, and early excerpts and goodies will go out in the newsletter first.
Anne : Is House Immortal really just a trilogy, or will it go forward? I’d like to see Matilda and Abraham together more.
Devon: As of this moment, House Immortal is really just a trilogy. I do think there could be other stories with Matilda and Abraham. There is a lot of their world and relationship left to discover, but I don’t have anything planned at the moment.
Anne: If you could talk to one of your characters, such as Allie or Shame or Matilda, or any other, what would you like to tell them?
Devon: I guess I’d tell Allie that I was proud of her. She went through some really hard times and never gave up. Plus, she’s building a new life with Zayvion, and I love that.
I’d tell Matilda that she made the right choice. And that I have a feeling she’s going to have a really great future.
As for Shame…well, I’d probably tell him to stop drinking my beer, and to give me back the twenty he lifted out of my pocket.
Anne: Shame can drink my beer anytime. JS.
What would you tell me about your Age of Steam series I sadly have not yet read? What do you like best about it?
Devon: It has magic. Cedar and Wil Hunt are brothers cursed with lycanthropy who are trying to outrun their past and rebuild their present in a wild west powered by steam contraptions. There are the tricksy Madder brothers who can talk to mountains and who might or might not be working for the good of the United States, and the clever Rose Small who can make anything with a bit of string and wire.
Add in a witch burdened with dark power, a sweet-talking, fast-shooting airman, and an ancient magical weapon that might just destroy everyone, and you have the Age of Steam series.
Well, there is one more thing: the Strange. Creatures carved out of nightmare, fear, and pain that slip through the cracks into our world, to devour, to feed, to feast on the living. They want the ancient weapon and its destructive power too. The only thing standing in their way, are a couple of cursed brothers, a witch, an airman, a clever deviser, and three guys who talk to rocks.
Anne: What genres did you read growing up and what are your favorite genres now?
Devon: I read everything. Fairytales, mystery, contemporaries, science fiction. But I always loved fantasy, in all of its shapes and forms, the best. I still do.
Anne: Can you talk a little about your future writing plans, and if it is not related to your existing series, what genre it might be?
Devon: If all goes well, early next year you’ll be seeing something else from me that falls under the urban fantasy genre with a little more humor, romance, and mystery mixed in. I don’t want to give too much away on that. I also have another project–still squarely under the fantasy umbrella–that I’m working on, but can’t share details about yet.
I guess it’s safe to say that my writing plan includes a lot of fun, a lot of adventure and, of course, a lot of magic.
Thank you so much for having me here today!
All best,
Devon
http://thebooknympho.com/2015/09/revi...
I love Devon Monk’s books and always read them. I wouldn’t even have considered not reading Crucible Zero and definitely wanted to review it. The last two books in the House Immortal series were 5 stars for me. I really have enjoyed this series, the sci-fi aspects, the mystery, and the romance in the background.
The characters are awesome and I care about them. I want to see Matilda and her family and friends win. I want them to thrive as well as survive; they try so hard to improve the world.
I felt confused by the first half of Crucible Zero. It was right after the time travel and none of the characters were quite themselves. I didn’t feel like I knew them or what was happening. I dislike time travel in general, but I agreed with its purpose in this story, as a one-time thing.
I understand Matilda’s determination in this book but she seemed too confidant in the face of not knowing all the people or differences in this alternate time. Her connection with Quentin and Neds seemed very limited. The only person she felt somewhat connected with is Abraham. I liked that but it felt so distrustful. I guess I felt so strongly about them in the other time; it was almost harder to attach to the different time. I re-read parts of the story while writing this review and it felt somewhat better.
Crucible Zero is an appropriate end to the trilogy but I really want more. I want to see the relationships continue and build, as well as the how the world changes and develops now. And who did the jacket belong to? Are the galvanized immortal? I’m interested in the scientific advances that the Cases will develop, the new lives for the galvanized, and the shifts in power and business.
Giggle worthy quote:
“Hello, Oscar,” I said, taking my fingers away from my mouth.
“Oscar?” Abraham said. “Is that it? Is that your first name?”
“That,” Oscar said shortly, “doesn’t matter. I am curious who told you it might be.”
“I just thought… I must have heard it from Abraham,” I said.
“No,” Oscar said. “You did not. He doesn’t know my first name. No one knows my first name.”
“Not even your parents?” I asked.
His round eyes curved into crescents as he laughed. “Really. I must know. Who told you?”
“No one,” I said truthfully, “I … guessed.”
He studied me, his eyes bright. “You must be Matilda Case,” he said. “The girl who knew the future. Is this lovely young woman Matilda Case, Abraham?”
Anne Sits Down with Devon Monk
Anne: Do you have a “blurb” about you which you prefer us to use with the interview and review?
Devon: Devon Monk writes the House Immortal trilogy, the Allie Beckstrom urban fantasy series, and the spinoff Broken Magic series. She also writes the Age of Steam steampunk series, and the occasional short story. She has one husband, two sons, and lives in Oregon. When not writing, Devon is either drinking too much coffee or knitting silly things.
Anne: Will there be more books with characters from Allie Beckstrom and Broken Magic series? I miss Stone and I’m also drooling over Shame, (although I see him with longer hair than they showed him on the covers in the Broken Magic series) Or will there be a next generation view with the children?
Devon: Well…since you asked….yes! I haven’t announced it yet. But I will now. I’m putting out a Shame and Terric novel later this year. It will be e-only, but if it does well, there could be more in the future, both in ebook and print.
If readers would like to find out the release date of that book and other news, the best way is to sign up for my monthly newsletter. All breaking news, updates, and early excerpts and goodies will go out in the newsletter first.
Anne : Is House Immortal really just a trilogy, or will it go forward? I’d like to see Matilda and Abraham together more.
Devon: As of this moment, House Immortal is really just a trilogy. I do think there could be other stories with Matilda and Abraham. There is a lot of their world and relationship left to discover, but I don’t have anything planned at the moment.
Anne: If you could talk to one of your characters, such as Allie or Shame or Matilda, or any other, what would you like to tell them?
Devon: I guess I’d tell Allie that I was proud of her. She went through some really hard times and never gave up. Plus, she’s building a new life with Zayvion, and I love that.
I’d tell Matilda that she made the right choice. And that I have a feeling she’s going to have a really great future.
As for Shame…well, I’d probably tell him to stop drinking my beer, and to give me back the twenty he lifted out of my pocket.
Anne: Shame can drink my beer anytime. JS.
What would you tell me about your Age of Steam series I sadly have not yet read? What do you like best about it?
Devon: It has magic. Cedar and Wil Hunt are brothers cursed with lycanthropy who are trying to outrun their past and rebuild their present in a wild west powered by steam contraptions. There are the tricksy Madder brothers who can talk to mountains and who might or might not be working for the good of the United States, and the clever Rose Small who can make anything with a bit of string and wire.
Add in a witch burdened with dark power, a sweet-talking, fast-shooting airman, and an ancient magical weapon that might just destroy everyone, and you have the Age of Steam series.
Well, there is one more thing: the Strange. Creatures carved out of nightmare, fear, and pain that slip through the cracks into our world, to devour, to feed, to feast on the living. They want the ancient weapon and its destructive power too. The only thing standing in their way, are a couple of cursed brothers, a witch, an airman, a clever deviser, and three guys who talk to rocks.
Anne: What genres did you read growing up and what are your favorite genres now?
Devon: I read everything. Fairytales, mystery, contemporaries, science fiction. But I always loved fantasy, in all of its shapes and forms, the best. I still do.
Anne: Can you talk a little about your future writing plans, and if it is not related to your existing series, what genre it might be?
Devon: If all goes well, early next year you’ll be seeing something else from me that falls under the urban fantasy genre with a little more humor, romance, and mystery mixed in. I don’t want to give too much away on that. I also have another project–still squarely under the fantasy umbrella–that I’m working on, but can’t share details about yet.
I guess it’s safe to say that my writing plan includes a lot of fun, a lot of adventure and, of course, a lot of magic.
Thank you so much for having me here today!
All best,
Devon
January 9, 2018
A fun series! If I think too hard about the world-building, there are some gaps and questions, but I mostly just enjoyed being along for the ride
October 15, 2023
An interesting concept. 3 average stars.
July 4, 2025
(Rating reduced from 5 to 4-stars after June 2025 re-read)
Crucible Zero picks up right where Infinity Bell's cliffhanger left us hanging. So, if you haven't read books 1-2, this is not the review you're looking for. If you have, welcome to the spoiler zone.
There's nothing worse that reading a finale and not knowing it's the end beforehand. That was the case for me and Crucible Zero . I'd assumed there would be more to come, so I gobbled up this book in less than 24 hours. Oh how I wish I'd taken my time. The good thing is I can always re-read the trilogy.
Still, while it's sad to know that this is the end for House Immortal, Monk did a wonderful job with the trilogy. Throughout it we learn about Matilda, her brother, and Neds' life on the farm; the history of the galvanized, the Houses and those who rule them; and their struggle to set right that which the Wings of Mercury experiment broke.
I highly recommend this unique and thrilling trilogy! My one recommendation: have all three books on-hand before starting - the cliffhangers are excruciatingly painful.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP/ROC and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Quote taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
Crucible Zero picks up right where Infinity Bell's cliffhanger left us hanging. So, if you haven't read books 1-2, this is not the review you're looking for. If you have, welcome to the spoiler zone.
"In somnis veritas ... In dreams there is truth."
There's nothing worse that reading a finale and not knowing it's the end beforehand. That was the case for me and Crucible Zero . I'd assumed there would be more to come, so I gobbled up this book in less than 24 hours. Oh how I wish I'd taken my time. The good thing is I can always re-read the trilogy.
Still, while it's sad to know that this is the end for House Immortal, Monk did a wonderful job with the trilogy. Throughout it we learn about Matilda, her brother, and Neds' life on the farm; the history of the galvanized, the Houses and those who rule them; and their struggle to set right that which the Wings of Mercury experiment broke.
I highly recommend this unique and thrilling trilogy! My one recommendation: have all three books on-hand before starting - the cliffhangers are excruciatingly painful.
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP/ROC and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Quote taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
August 25, 2015
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.
Devon Monk returns to her House Immortal series with what I believe is the final book! If you haven't read the series yet, you're missing out! Here we have a futuristic setting that basically involves modernized Frankensteins! Crucible Zero was a whirlwind of action and adventure, making it a suitable read for all Urban Fantasy fans!
Matilda has done what should be impossible, she's traveled back in time in order to save the people she loves and put a stop to Slater once and for all. But odd thing is, while she managed to go back in time, it's to a completely new time. It was a bit confusing at first to grasp, but as the story rolls along, it becomes easier to understand.
Matilda wants to kill Slater. That's the number one goal. But also in this new(ish) world, the plague is still a problem, but her brother Quinten happens to be formulating a cure. And he who holds the cure, pretty much controls the world. But Quinten isn't the power hungry type. To make matters more complicated, Slater knows that Matilda isn't from this specific time period. He knows her completely. And now it's basically a race to see who can kill who first and chose the set time period, as Slater rather rule the world in where everyone Matilda loves is dead.
She gets to re-meet Abraham and Foster, and start relationships anew. It was odd because in some sense, Abraham knew her. I can't remember the very last moments of Infinity Bell which might have further explained the event behind that, but as I like to tell myself, just roll with it! While there was still some romance in this one, things were back to being all to new between Abraham and Matilda. Matilda knew she still loved her Abraham, but this wasn't necessarily her Abraham 100%. But yet an attraction still lay between them and watching it regrow and spawn was just as enjoyable as the first time we saw these two grow to care for one another.
Perhaps the hardest thing to read through, were the moments when Matilda traveled through time again for seemingly no reason. I couldn't figure out the reasons behind it, possibly just some faulty backlash from her first time-traveling event that takes her back to her old timeframe. What made it confusing to grasp was that these passages weren't always clear. You didn't know what was happening until suddenly Matilda is in a new situation after being in the middle of another. But luckily, there were only a handful of these kind of moments.
The rest of the story involved one race to another. It was quite exciting because time is of the essence, so it makes the story hurtle at a fast pace. Matilda, Foster, and Abraham have to defeat Slater before he kills them after all.
The ending was just as harrowing and exciting as the rest of the story! And it's within this ending you see some finality. Which makes me believe that this is the end of the series. I haven't heard anything that said how long this series is, but I believe that it ends here. And if it does, I'm completely happy with that! The ending was perfect! You get the sense of Happily Ever After, yet still knowing that life will go on for these characters. And that's really the best kind of ending a reader can hope for!
Crucible Zero was a fast-paced and thrilling read! I highly recommend starting from the beginning of this series and giving it a read-through! It's unique and engaging, sure to please Urban Fantasy readers of all kind!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
Crucible Zero releases September 1, 2015
Devon Monk returns to her House Immortal series with what I believe is the final book! If you haven't read the series yet, you're missing out! Here we have a futuristic setting that basically involves modernized Frankensteins! Crucible Zero was a whirlwind of action and adventure, making it a suitable read for all Urban Fantasy fans!
Matilda has done what should be impossible, she's traveled back in time in order to save the people she loves and put a stop to Slater once and for all. But odd thing is, while she managed to go back in time, it's to a completely new time. It was a bit confusing at first to grasp, but as the story rolls along, it becomes easier to understand.
Matilda wants to kill Slater. That's the number one goal. But also in this new(ish) world, the plague is still a problem, but her brother Quinten happens to be formulating a cure. And he who holds the cure, pretty much controls the world. But Quinten isn't the power hungry type. To make matters more complicated, Slater knows that Matilda isn't from this specific time period. He knows her completely. And now it's basically a race to see who can kill who first and chose the set time period, as Slater rather rule the world in where everyone Matilda loves is dead.
She gets to re-meet Abraham and Foster, and start relationships anew. It was odd because in some sense, Abraham knew her. I can't remember the very last moments of Infinity Bell which might have further explained the event behind that, but as I like to tell myself, just roll with it! While there was still some romance in this one, things were back to being all to new between Abraham and Matilda. Matilda knew she still loved her Abraham, but this wasn't necessarily her Abraham 100%. But yet an attraction still lay between them and watching it regrow and spawn was just as enjoyable as the first time we saw these two grow to care for one another.
Perhaps the hardest thing to read through, were the moments when Matilda traveled through time again for seemingly no reason. I couldn't figure out the reasons behind it, possibly just some faulty backlash from her first time-traveling event that takes her back to her old timeframe. What made it confusing to grasp was that these passages weren't always clear. You didn't know what was happening until suddenly Matilda is in a new situation after being in the middle of another. But luckily, there were only a handful of these kind of moments.
The rest of the story involved one race to another. It was quite exciting because time is of the essence, so it makes the story hurtle at a fast pace. Matilda, Foster, and Abraham have to defeat Slater before he kills them after all.
The ending was just as harrowing and exciting as the rest of the story! And it's within this ending you see some finality. Which makes me believe that this is the end of the series. I haven't heard anything that said how long this series is, but I believe that it ends here. And if it does, I'm completely happy with that! The ending was perfect! You get the sense of Happily Ever After, yet still knowing that life will go on for these characters. And that's really the best kind of ending a reader can hope for!
Crucible Zero was a fast-paced and thrilling read! I highly recommend starting from the beginning of this series and giving it a read-through! It's unique and engaging, sure to please Urban Fantasy readers of all kind!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
Crucible Zero releases September 1, 2015
September 3, 2015
4.5 stars
You might not want to read this review if you haven't read the first two books in the House Immortal series. You definitely don't want to read this book if you haven't read them. Crucible Zero picks up right where Infinity Bell left off with Foster, Abraham and Sallyo sitting in the Case's farmhouse kitchen having just delivered the news that Quentin and Matilda have a price on their heads.
Matilda has just arrived as well, though in a much different sense. She traveled back in time to deliver a message to her many-greats grandfather Alvare Case, creator of the Wings of Mercury experiment. That experiment created the thirteen immortal galvanized, but it also generated a flaw in time that was about to rebound and kill millions. By correcting Alvare's calculations, she changed the world. Matilda returned to her body at the exact moment she left her old timeline, only to find everything a little bit different.
The world of the first two books was dystopian, with twelve Houses ruling the world and fighting amongst themselves. I would call the world of Crucible Zero post-apocalyptic. It's been struck by asteroids and ravaged by plagues. At night, hordes of zombie-like mutant animals called ferals attack anything that moves. There are now only three Houses - Earth, Fire and Water. And the galvanized are no longer champions contracted to the Houses, but mercenaries and outlaws. Almost everyone from Matilda's old life is present though, even if their circumstances are very different.
All of the books in the series have been fast-paced and full of great action, but Crucible Zero takes it to the next level. In a scene worthy of a Mad Max movie, Foster drives a van through a swarm of ferals, crushing them and splattering the windshield with gore, while Matilda hangs out window brandishing an axe and Abraham stands on the roof with a flamethrower. I loved how the three of them had immediate chemistry even though for Foster and Abraham it's been three hundred years since they last saw Matilda.
I think Crucible Zero is also much more of a romance than either of the first two books.There's a lot more flirtation and sexual awareness, perhaps because the new Matilda is more experienced. Matilda loved Abraham in her old life, but she just met this new version of him. I enjoyed watching her fall in love all over again.
If you're a binge reader like me, I highly recommend reading this series all at once. The plot is complicated, particularly the time-travel aspects, and everything moves so fast. I wanted to re-read the first two books before starting this one, but ran out of time. I did wind up looking back at the end of Infinity Bell to remember what Matilda changed and why the galvanized are still stitched.
I've loved the entire House Immortal series! I'm sad that it's over, but I'm happy with how it ended. This is definitely one I'll re-read soon.
Originally published at goldiloxandthethreeweres.blogspot.com and based on a copy provided by the publisher
You might not want to read this review if you haven't read the first two books in the House Immortal series. You definitely don't want to read this book if you haven't read them. Crucible Zero picks up right where Infinity Bell left off with Foster, Abraham and Sallyo sitting in the Case's farmhouse kitchen having just delivered the news that Quentin and Matilda have a price on their heads.
Matilda has just arrived as well, though in a much different sense. She traveled back in time to deliver a message to her many-greats grandfather Alvare Case, creator of the Wings of Mercury experiment. That experiment created the thirteen immortal galvanized, but it also generated a flaw in time that was about to rebound and kill millions. By correcting Alvare's calculations, she changed the world. Matilda returned to her body at the exact moment she left her old timeline, only to find everything a little bit different.
The world of the first two books was dystopian, with twelve Houses ruling the world and fighting amongst themselves. I would call the world of Crucible Zero post-apocalyptic. It's been struck by asteroids and ravaged by plagues. At night, hordes of zombie-like mutant animals called ferals attack anything that moves. There are now only three Houses - Earth, Fire and Water. And the galvanized are no longer champions contracted to the Houses, but mercenaries and outlaws. Almost everyone from Matilda's old life is present though, even if their circumstances are very different.
All of the books in the series have been fast-paced and full of great action, but Crucible Zero takes it to the next level. In a scene worthy of a Mad Max movie, Foster drives a van through a swarm of ferals, crushing them and splattering the windshield with gore, while Matilda hangs out window brandishing an axe and Abraham stands on the roof with a flamethrower. I loved how the three of them had immediate chemistry even though for Foster and Abraham it's been three hundred years since they last saw Matilda.
I think Crucible Zero is also much more of a romance than either of the first two books.There's a lot more flirtation and sexual awareness, perhaps because the new Matilda is more experienced. Matilda loved Abraham in her old life, but she just met this new version of him. I enjoyed watching her fall in love all over again.
If you're a binge reader like me, I highly recommend reading this series all at once. The plot is complicated, particularly the time-travel aspects, and everything moves so fast. I wanted to re-read the first two books before starting this one, but ran out of time. I did wind up looking back at the end of Infinity Bell to remember what Matilda changed and why the galvanized are still stitched.
I've loved the entire House Immortal series! I'm sad that it's over, but I'm happy with how it ended. This is definitely one I'll re-read soon.
Originally published at goldiloxandthethreeweres.blogspot.com and based on a copy provided by the publisher
January 26, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Crucible Zero is the third book in the House Immortal series by Devon Monk.
POV: First person
Tense: Past
Setting: multiple locations
Sexual Content: kissing
I finished Infinity Bell and jumped right into Crucible Zero. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to everyone. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, I strongly suggest doing so before reading this one.
Most of what I said in my review of Infinity Bell applies to this book as well. It’s fast paced and interesting. The world and characters are well-developed.
I read this in one sitting. I really loved this book (as well as the ones before it). It’s so different from everything else I have read. It’s very creative and, in some ways, quirky. One of my favorite “stitched” creatures in the series is the pocket-sized sheep that Matilda’s grandmother uses to knit.
Readers need to pay attention when reading Crucible Zero. There’s a lot going on, and it can be easy to get confused. Thankfully, it all ends up making sense.
I was sad through a lot of this book, because I couldn’t see how it was going to work out well for Matilda and the others. I was also sad that Matilda didn’t have anything in the other world to go back to and no one who understood the ‘old’ her. It all works out in the end with a happily-ever-after, but I was taken on an emotional journey. I think that speaks to the skills of Devon Monk as a writer. She was able to make me feel the story, rather than just read words on pages.
I don’t know if this was the last book in the series. It kind of felt that way, but I hope not. I would definitely read more about Matilda, Abraham, and the others if given a chance.
If you haven’t read the House Immortal series yet, I strongly suggest it. It’s a lot of fun to read. Time experiments, mutants, stitched-together people and animals, an evil politician who wants to rule the world, a woman stuck in a world where not even her lover knows who she is… all the elements make it very attention-holding. I give it 5 stars!
Crucible Zero is the third book in the House Immortal series by Devon Monk.
POV: First person
Tense: Past
Setting: multiple locations
Sexual Content: kissing
I finished Infinity Bell and jumped right into Crucible Zero. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to everyone. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, I strongly suggest doing so before reading this one.
Most of what I said in my review of Infinity Bell applies to this book as well. It’s fast paced and interesting. The world and characters are well-developed.
I read this in one sitting. I really loved this book (as well as the ones before it). It’s so different from everything else I have read. It’s very creative and, in some ways, quirky. One of my favorite “stitched” creatures in the series is the pocket-sized sheep that Matilda’s grandmother uses to knit.
Readers need to pay attention when reading Crucible Zero. There’s a lot going on, and it can be easy to get confused. Thankfully, it all ends up making sense.
I was sad through a lot of this book, because I couldn’t see how it was going to work out well for Matilda and the others. I was also sad that Matilda didn’t have anything in the other world to go back to and no one who understood the ‘old’ her. It all works out in the end with a happily-ever-after, but I was taken on an emotional journey. I think that speaks to the skills of Devon Monk as a writer. She was able to make me feel the story, rather than just read words on pages.
I don’t know if this was the last book in the series. It kind of felt that way, but I hope not. I would definitely read more about Matilda, Abraham, and the others if given a chance.
If you haven’t read the House Immortal series yet, I strongly suggest it. It’s a lot of fun to read. Time experiments, mutants, stitched-together people and animals, an evil politician who wants to rule the world, a woman stuck in a world where not even her lover knows who she is… all the elements make it very attention-holding. I give it 5 stars!
February 9, 2016
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
Warning: Spoilers for the first two books!
Full of action and drama, CRUCIBLE ZERO is a satisfying conclusion to the House Immortal. However, if you have not read the first two books in the series, I would not recommend CRUCIBLE ZERO as one to just pick up.
CRUCIBLE ZERO follows in the footsteps of the first two House Immortal books, starring Matilda Case, with the same crew of characters, but since her return from going back in time, everything is flipped on its head. The world and characters we thought we knew have completely changed. Despite this new landscape, the previous "time stream" was referenced enough, along with the events that led to the creation of the world Matilda found herself in, that I was mighty confused at the beginning of the book. There was just a lot going on - and with a new world to learn, and most characters completely changed it was at times, a frustrating experience.
But once I got into the flow of things, I was really invested. I got to feel the new fluttery feelings with Matilda when she interacted with Abraham, and the surprise when the people who were previously familiar to her were different than she knew. It was an interesting experience, something I'm not sure I've ever had happen in a book or series of books.
I would recommend the House Immortal series to anyone who is a fan of post-apocalyptic, science fiction or time travel stories. There's a lot to like in this trilogy, and the ending is definitely worth it.
Sexual content: Kissing
Warning: Spoilers for the first two books!
Full of action and drama, CRUCIBLE ZERO is a satisfying conclusion to the House Immortal. However, if you have not read the first two books in the series, I would not recommend CRUCIBLE ZERO as one to just pick up.
CRUCIBLE ZERO follows in the footsteps of the first two House Immortal books, starring Matilda Case, with the same crew of characters, but since her return from going back in time, everything is flipped on its head. The world and characters we thought we knew have completely changed. Despite this new landscape, the previous "time stream" was referenced enough, along with the events that led to the creation of the world Matilda found herself in, that I was mighty confused at the beginning of the book. There was just a lot going on - and with a new world to learn, and most characters completely changed it was at times, a frustrating experience.
But once I got into the flow of things, I was really invested. I got to feel the new fluttery feelings with Matilda when she interacted with Abraham, and the surprise when the people who were previously familiar to her were different than she knew. It was an interesting experience, something I'm not sure I've ever had happen in a book or series of books.
I would recommend the House Immortal series to anyone who is a fan of post-apocalyptic, science fiction or time travel stories. There's a lot to like in this trilogy, and the ending is definitely worth it.
Sexual content: Kissing
September 11, 2015
I love this trilogy and "Crucible Zero" is the perfect finale. This time Matilda has returned home from her trek in time traveling. Unfortunately, Slater is still alive and they are intrinsically linked. Matilda wants ; no, needs him dead but their link makes it next to impossible to kill him.
Meanwhile, Matilda us reunited with those she loved who died in the alternative world. Of course, they know nothing about their previous relationship with her and she is unsure about how similar they are to their previous selves. Her heart of course is still tied to Abraham Vail but he doesn't know if their love affair.
Quentin is extremely distrustful of both Abraham and Foster; yet, with Matilda's urging he is forced to include them his plan to try to reach the Earth group and save Gloria, the woman he loves from the plague that will turn her feral if he doesn't find a cure. While he dedicates himself to this task, Matilda, Abraham and Foster go off in search of Slater and locate a means to his ultimate demise.
Ms. Monk is a creative genius in the world she created with the galvanized stitch people and hodgepodge critters. I just wish the critters had played a more integral role in the storyline. It would have been a nice added extra. There are plenty of intense moments and action in this book and I loved every minute. I'm also glad Ms. Monk ended the series while it was on top and not drag it on and on.
Meanwhile, Matilda us reunited with those she loved who died in the alternative world. Of course, they know nothing about their previous relationship with her and she is unsure about how similar they are to their previous selves. Her heart of course is still tied to Abraham Vail but he doesn't know if their love affair.
Quentin is extremely distrustful of both Abraham and Foster; yet, with Matilda's urging he is forced to include them his plan to try to reach the Earth group and save Gloria, the woman he loves from the plague that will turn her feral if he doesn't find a cure. While he dedicates himself to this task, Matilda, Abraham and Foster go off in search of Slater and locate a means to his ultimate demise.
Ms. Monk is a creative genius in the world she created with the galvanized stitch people and hodgepodge critters. I just wish the critters had played a more integral role in the storyline. It would have been a nice added extra. There are plenty of intense moments and action in this book and I loved every minute. I'm also glad Ms. Monk ended the series while it was on top and not drag it on and on.
September 3, 2015
Matilda finds herself in a different timeway with all of her loved ones alive and well, but not exactly how she remembers them. She quickly realizes that she can deal with the changes as long as she stops Slater from destroying them all.
CRUCIBLE ZERO brings us back to the House Immortal series and wastes no time picking up where INFINITY BELL left us with its cliffhanger. It was a bit weird seeing how alike and different all of our favorite characters were in the new timeway, but I quickly feel in love with their new counterparts. The world also has a lot of changes to it and Monk did a great job of building it up for us.
I missed the closeness between Abraham and Matilda as she was trying to figure him out again. It did help that Abraham, though different, was still very drawn to Matilda and therefor was very open to a relationship. Still Matilda took a while to give in to her feelings so I missed their easy relationship from INFINITY BELL.
With it's many fight scenes and interesting twists and turns, book 3 lived up to the previous books in the House Immortal series. CRUCIBLE ZERO did a great job proving that happily ever afters can come in very unusual, but interesting ways. Bravo Ms. Monk, another great series!
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
CRUCIBLE ZERO brings us back to the House Immortal series and wastes no time picking up where INFINITY BELL left us with its cliffhanger. It was a bit weird seeing how alike and different all of our favorite characters were in the new timeway, but I quickly feel in love with their new counterparts. The world also has a lot of changes to it and Monk did a great job of building it up for us.
I missed the closeness between Abraham and Matilda as she was trying to figure him out again. It did help that Abraham, though different, was still very drawn to Matilda and therefor was very open to a relationship. Still Matilda took a while to give in to her feelings so I missed their easy relationship from INFINITY BELL.
With it's many fight scenes and interesting twists and turns, book 3 lived up to the previous books in the House Immortal series. CRUCIBLE ZERO did a great job proving that happily ever afters can come in very unusual, but interesting ways. Bravo Ms. Monk, another great series!
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2015
Oh my, what a rousing finish to a fantastic trilogy. With time travel, alternate timelines, a familiar enemy, friends and family that are the same but different, and an overriding urgency to save the world once again, this story was an action packed race to a fabulous finish. I loved Matilda and her determination to finish what she vowed to do, no matter what it took. I was so glad that she was able to achieve happiness as well, although it was touch and go there for a while.
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