The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray

The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray, 333 pages

Mr. Johnathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney are finally reunited after a year apart when they are both invited to Rosings Park after multiple attempts on Lady Catherine de Bourgh's life.  Surrounded by family and friends, it becomes difficult to tell friend from foe, and time is running out, not just for Lady Catherine, but also for the potential future of both the young investigators. 

I enjoyed this, the third in the series, because Pride and Prejudice is my favorite Austen novel and we got to revisit that word a little more closely. Gray did a wonderful job of bringing Austen's characters to life in a way that felt authentic in ways expected and unexpected.  For example, the glimpse of Charlotte Collins' life was just what I had imagined it to be, but the way Anne de Bourgh is portrayed gives her a richness and a fullness I came to appreciate. 

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray, 386 pages

The Knightley's house party has an impressive guest list: the Darcys, the Brandons, the Bertrams, the Wentworths, and Juliet Tilney, daughter of Henry and Catherine. As literal stormclouds darken the sky as the party gathers, a shadow falls upon Donwell Abbey in the shape of an unwelcome guest: Mr. George Wickham. When Wickham's body is found in the gallery, it's clear that there is a murderer in their midst. 

You don't have to be an Austen aficionado to enjoy this murder mystery; the author has done a superb job of giving enough context to prevent any loss of meaning. The artful way Gray meshes Austen's stories together makes for excellent reading.  The language is clear and open, but reflects enough of Austen's voice and Regency era fiction to feel like a modern classic. 

The Murder of Mr. Wickham

 The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

377 pages

5/5: One of the best books I have read in a really long time. Wish I could un-read it and read it again. Hoping for a sequel!

From New York Times–bestselling author Claudia Gray—a summer house party turns into a thrilling whodunit when Mr. Wickham, one of literature’s most notorious rakes, finally gets what's coming to him in this brilliantly imagined murder mystery featuring Jane Austen’s leading literary couples.

After many years of happy marriage, Emma Knightley and her husband are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—not all of whom are well known to the Knightleys but are certainly beloved by every Jane Austen fan: Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, Marianne and Colonel Brandon, Anne and Captain Wentworth, and Fanny and Edmund Bertram.

Very much not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him newfound wealth—and a broadening array of enemies. With his unexpected arrival, tempers flare and secrets are revealed, making it clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet the Knightleys and their guests are all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

With everyone a suspect, it falls to the house party's two youngest guests to solve the mystery of who finally delivered to Wickham his just deserts: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry Tilney, eager for adventure outside Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, Elizabeth and Darcy's eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem relaxed. In a tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions—and uncover the guilty party before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.

Into the Dark (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Claudia Gray

 Into the Dark (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Claudia Gray-425 pages

Reath Silas, Padawan to Jedi Master and Council member Jora Malli, is enthralled with studying for endless hours in the Jedi Archives on Coruscant. He loves reading stories of past adventures and travels, but is not keen to go on adventures of his own. He has travelled, but does not find it very enjoyable. When his Master, Jora Malli, informs him that she has accepted a post on the Outer Rim at the newly completed Starlight Beacon Reath does not take it well. However, events unfold and Reath and other Jedi (Cohmac Vitus and Orla Jareni) inadvertently encounter a new enemy on the Outer Rim that will test their limits. The Nihil (who were introduced in "Light of the Jedi") are in play in this story, also. Reath's Master, Jora, dies during the events of "Light of the Jedi" and Reath must deal with her loss. Will he thrive or will he wither? Who will he choose as his new Master? I really liked the ending of this book. Claudia Gray is my favorite author of new Disney Can Star Wars novels. 

Leia: Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray

 (Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi)

409 pages / 9 hrs, 54 mins

"Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her life so far: proving herself in the areas of body, mind, and heart to be formally named heir to the throne of Alderaan. She's taking rigorous survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves lately; they are distant and preoccupied, seemingly more concerned with throwing dinner parties for their allies in the Senate than they are with their own daughter. Determined to uncover her parents' secrets, Leia starts down an increasingly dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. And when Leia discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, she finds herself facing what seems like an impossible choice; dedicate herself to the people of Alderaan—including the man she loves—or the galaxy at large, which is in desperate need of a rebel hero..."  --from the publisher

I liked the author's portrayal of Leia and her transition from princess to rebel, and the audio version includes some great background ambiance for each scene. The story has a little too much teenage angst for my taste, but it was appropriate for a tween/teen read. One sticking point for me is Leia's last interaction with the Empire. It doesn't make sense that Tarkin would tip her off. It seems more likely that he would use Leia to discover the exact location of the rebel base. I give it four out of five stars.

Master & Apprentice (Star Wars) by Claudia Gray

Master and Apprentice (Star Wars) by Claudia Gray-330 pages

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as Master and Apprentice before the events of The Phantom Menace. It was fascinating to read and learn about their relationship as Master and Padawan and how each grew throughout the mission to Pijal in this novel. Additionally, it was fascinating to read about Qui-Gon as a Padawan to Count Dooku and to learn of a new Jedi named Real Averross. I have enjoyed all of Claudia Gray's Star Wars Disney Canon novels thus far (Lost Stars, Bloodline, Leia: Princess of Alderaan, and this one). I would recommend this to any Star Wars fan.

Leia, Princess of Alderaan (Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi) by Claudia Gray

Leia, Princess of Alderaan (Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi) by Claudia Gray-409 pages

I read this because little had been written or said about Leia's childhood after her adoption by Bail and Breha Organa. I am glad that I read this because it did not disappoint. Claudia Gray has written other Star Wars novels (I have read both Lost Stars and Bloodline) and I really liked them, so that also factored into my reading this. This story is about Princess Leia becoming the official, vested heir to the throne of Alderaan at age 16. It is also about her time in the Imperial Apprentice Legislature and her finding out about her parents' planning/starting the rebellion. She is eventually allowed to join her parents in the rebellion (obviously). Anyway, I liked this book, though not quite as much as Gray's other Star Wars novels. 

Lost Stars (Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens) by Claudia Gray

Lost Stars (Star Wars: Journey to the Force Awakens) by Claudia Gray-551 pages

I read Bloodline, also by Claudia Gray, and enjoyed it quite a bit and I had read many good reviews of this so I wanted to read it. It was very interesting to see the events of the original Star Wars trilogy through the eyes of those who were in the lower positions and worked their way up. I also enjoyed the plot of this novel and Gray's prose is high quality. I enjoyed Lost Stars much more than Aftermath by Chuck Wendig (although I am not as harsh on Aftermath as some) as the plot and prose are so much better and more professional. Overall, I enjoyed reading about a boy and a girl from the same planet who both initially join the Imperial Fleet happily, but eventually take two different paths only to be reunited in the end.

Star Wars: Bloodline (Star Wars Canon) by Claudia Gray

Star Wars: Bloodline (Star Wars Canon) by Claudia Gray-341 pages

I enjoyed reading this more than I enjoyed Aftermath, although I did enjoy Aftermath. Bloodline is set a few years prior to The Force Awakens and follow's Princess Leia's last months as a member of the Galactic Senate of the New Republic. Additionally, it uncovers some of the origins of the First Order and shows how Leia came to be leader of The Resistance. The political climate is eerily similar to that of today in that there are two main parties, Populist and Centrist, that distrust each other and, for the most part, will not work together. However, Leia (a Populist) and another senator named Ransom Casterfo (a Centrist) are able to get past their partisanship and work together for a while. Han is in the book, as well, though in more of a cameo role. Luke and Ben are only mentioned, so as to not reveal the mystery behind the beginnings of Ben's downfall to becoming Kylo Ren and the founding of the Knights of Ren. I am sure we will find out more in Episode VIII, although I can hardly wait. Overall, Claudia Gray makes an intriguing, captivating book with what she was given to work with. I would definitely recommend it to fans of Star Wars, especially those who enjoyed The Force Awakens.