#Friday Review - Crucible Zero by Devon Monk (Science Fiction)

Series: House Immortal # 3
Format: Paperback, 368 pages
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Publisher: Roc
Source: Publisher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Dystopia

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...

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. 

As Crucible Zero starts, Matilda finds herself in an alternate reality with all the people that she loves, including her brother Quinten, alive and well and facing Slater's deadly machinations. Matilda's attempt at stopping the Wings of Mercury project by going back in time to 1910, seems to have caused a major break in the time continuum. The world is totally different from Matilda's own. Two houses (Water and Fire) now control all the worlds resources instead of Eleven. This universes Quinten and Evelyn Case (aka Matilda) are members of House Earth. 

If you haven't read the first two novels, I'll summarize. One hundred years ago, eleven powerful ruling Houses consolidated all of the world’s resources and authority into their own grasping hands. Only one power wasn’t placed under the command of a single House: the control over the immortal galvanized. The galvanized are survivors of an experiment called Wings of Mercury, and have lived for 300 years. Matilda/Evelyn is her own unique galvanized created by her brother Quinten when she was 8 years old. Matilda like her brother and sister galvanized, is incredibly strong and near impossible to kill. 

It's a final cat and mouse game between Matilda and the man who started a war between the houses, Slater Orange. Matilda will be required to decide which reality she wants to live in and ensure it isn't destroyed. She'll also have to work with Abraham and Foster to ensure the survival of House Earth. Pick the wrong reality, and everything she knows, and everyone she loves, won't be there waiting for her. Slater wants her dead, and he will do everything he can to make it so unless Matilda can find a way to end him first.

I almost want to rate this book with 5 stars it was that good. I loved the twists, and turns, and action, and playful banter, and world where things are entirely opposite of Matilda's own world. I loved how awesome Matilda Case is in this story. I loved her determination, and her drive. She's a character who would do anything to save her brother and galvanized friends she's come to know and respect. I loved that she went at Slater with both barrels loaded, and took her best shot. I absolutely adore Foster! I adored that he remembered the little 8 year old Matilda who came to him for help, and ended up being absolutely supportive of Matilda's revenge and may even have had a hand in the family she ended up with. I adore that he and Wenten Yellow remained friends in both worlds. I loved the quirky twist that Monk surprised readers with about Matilda's grandmother. Didn't see that coming, did you?

I am once again happy with the way things are wrapped up by author Devon Monk. I don't remember any unanswered riddles, or questions being left opened. I loved that Abraham had a bit of a crush on Matilda, and traveled around the world for hundreds of years to find her. His crush, his giving her a sentimental jacket to her, means that their love will last for all eternity.

**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.**

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