In 2160, humanity is divided. The ruling class of prodigies dictates law and order for all, while normals fight to survive. Only the Councils in charge of advanced Core cities can decide the fate of a traitor.
A life of luxury is Willow Kent’s destiny. As long as she plays within the boundaries of the Core’s game, she can have anything she wants. Anything except for her friend Kane to avoid execution. Driven by guilt, she negotiates a secret Meta-X exchange to free him. But when a new threat emerges—one even her rare skill level cannot withstand—the stakes become dangerously high. To save Kane, she must navigate the slippery political terrain that surrounds her House, her mysterious Guardian, and the corrupt, unforgiving Council.
The most lethal terrain, however, lurks inside her own mind. Can she overcome her skillset before its savage intentions spiral out of control?
C.L. Denault is a speculative fiction writer who loves dreaming up tales of adventure and intrigue. A former systems analyst, she gave up her nerdy code-writing skills to stay home with her children (including a son with special needs), and currently lives among the vast stretches of cornfields in Illinois.
Writing and working out are her biggest passions, along with coffee and sci-fi. When she’s not hanging out with her husband and kids, she can usually be found at a library or tucked away in the shadowy corner of a hip coffeehouse. She’s also been glimpsed sneaking into her garage, late at night, to work on her time machine.
She enjoys connecting with people—especially those from other planets, nearby dimensions, and the future. To find her, just visit her website or social media pages. Or use a Stargate. Whichever is easiest.
I don't know if before it was less or maybe my reading taste changed but there was way too much abuse for me in the book. Also the whole 16 and 24 years old relationship now that it's getting more sexual is bothering me as well. in general I still like the premise and a lot of things were interesting but there were things that felt unnecessary. I will read last book in series tho.
This novel was an amazing read! Willow's life has become so much more complex since discovering her parentage. Now, such has the life of an elite, but struggles with much. From secrets to lies, from trust to betrayal, anger and love, Willow experiences so much. Willow has strong abilities that continue to be monitored and tested, yet even she does not know the true extent of her abilities. Willow still has feeling for Reece, even though she is engaged to Thess, who tries to woo her. But Willow still feels guilty about Kane and makes a deal with a mimic to free him. Willow does not feel she belongs in this elite world and wants to return home, yet she discovers more about why the Council and Guardians are so interested in her. Her tiogair tries to push her way in, and Willow is having to learn to control her. More dangers arise and causes trouble for Willow, especially her internal battle. Will she be to accomplish all she needs to do to get want she wants and save Kane? I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel was an amazing read! Willow's life has become so much more complex since discovering her parentage. Now, such has the life of an elite, but struggles with much. From secrets to lies, from trust to betrayal, anger and love, Willow experiences so much. Willow has strong abilities that continue to be monitored and tested, yet even she does not know the true extent of her abilities. Willow still has feeling for Reece, even though she is engaged to Thess, who tries to woo her. But Willow still feels guilty about Kane and makes a deal with a mimic to free him. Willow does not feel she belongs in this elite world and wants to return home, yet she discovers more about why the Council and Guardians are so interested in her. Her tiogair tries to push her way in, and Willow is having to learn to control her. More dangers arise and causes trouble for Willow, especially her internal battle. Will she be to accomplish all she needs to do to get want she wants and save Kane? I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story still hasn’t progressed very far. And I’m tired of it, I’m tired of being in this selfish turd’s head, going round and round, over the same thought or concepts. I skimmed 80% of this book all the interesting bits were all the same as those that came before. Fight/attack/incident she has a temper tantrum, shows a stronger power, pisses off K, he hurts her, R kisses it all better.
I don’t feel like much is planned out, the author just writes scenes willy nilly and jams them together, not all that focused on flow or progression or actual character growth.
Denault's books keep getting better! Gauntlet is so detailed and descriptive that you can clearly see the characters in your mind as you read. This third book in the series is exciting and addictive. I did not want it to end! But when it did, I immediately wanted to start Book Four!! Great job by a great author!!
At times the book got irritating. She is so strong that it is illogical she is also that stupid. But she is 16 so maybe it works. I look forward to her next growth spurt
Although brash, opinionated and cocky, the main character sucks you in and steers you to being in her corner. Brat, she certainly is! Next book please.