YA Review: Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles)

I've finished "Dead of Winter" the 3rd book in her Arcana Chronicles Series by Kresley Cole.

Can Evie convince her rival loves to work together? Their survival depends on it in this third book of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole's Arcana Chronicles, a nonstop action tale of rescue, redemption, and a revenge most wicked.

Heartbreaking decisions

Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her -- until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, The Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death's uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts  and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory

Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on The Lovers. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn't know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana -- or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned

There's a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn't know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first?

About the Author

Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, and five award-winning historical romances.

A master's grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.

Her IAD books have been translated into eighteen foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

You can learn more about her and her work at kresleycole.com , facebook.com/KresleyCole or TheArcanaChronicles.com.

Product Details
Series: The Arcana Chronicles
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 6, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1481423452
ISBN-13: 978-1481423458

My Review:

I really enjoyed the jealous and one upmanship between Jack and Aric because it was funny and hilarious.  I was eagerly waiting for their next sniping scenes.

I wish there were more scenes between Evie and Jack because she needs to tell him what she is feeling and solve the conflict between them.

That ending I hated my favorite Cajun can't be dead!  I won't believe it!

3.5/5

YA Review: Poison Princess (Arcana Chronicles, Book 1) [Hardcover]

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole introduces The Arcana Chronicles, post-apocalyptic tales filled with riveting action, the dark mysticism of Tarot cards, and breathtaking romance.

She could save the world — or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future — and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

\

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side ….

About the Author
Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Immortals After Dark paranormal series. Her books have been translated into many foreign languages, garnered two RITA awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists in the U.S. and abroad. Poison Princess is the first book in her new young adult series, The Arcana Chronicles. Visit her at KresleyCole.com.

Product Details
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (October 2, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1442436646
ISBN-13: 978-1442436640

My Review:

This book opens with Evangeline “Evie” Greene seeking shelter at Arthur's home where she begins to tell him about her story.  We find out this is the present time and we learn the events in her past in flashbacks.  We also learn the world is made up of cruel men and creatures that act like zombies.  I really liked how the Arcana Tarot Cards were interwoven into the plotline.

Evangeline “Evie” Greene is a 16 year old who is living the privilege life of a popular teenager who is dating a jock, dresses in the latest fashion and hangs around the most popular group of friends.  This is only the outside shell while inside she is suffering nightmares and visions of the future with horrible zombie like creatures and devastation.  Then one day Canjun bad boy motorcycle riding dangerous Jackson Deveaux arrives at her school with his group of delinquent friends which turns her world even more upside down.

To top it off Evie and Jackson hate each on sight because of the cultural difference between their status - she's rich while he isn't.  There is a smoking hot attraction between them that doesn't really flare up until after they team up.  Brandon her boyfriend wants to take their relationship to the next level but Jackson is there to flirt and tease her.   One night Jackson is about to kiss her which makes her confront her feelings for him but when she finds out it was just a ruse she considers him a jerk.

After the Flash she meets Jackson again and he vows to protect her and to make sure she reaches her destination.

Selena the Archer, Matthew and Finneas the Magician (they represent Tarot Cards) are people who join them on their journey.

Jackson reminds me so much of Noah from the Mara Dyer series but is more crude and rude but is very protective of Evie.  I love his sexy Cajun/French accent and his way he speaks which makes him more sexier


4/5

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

PNR Review: Lothaire [Hardcover]

I've finished "Lothaire the 12th book in her Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole.
Product Description
 
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole continues her electrifying Immortals After Dark series with this thrilling tale, revealing secrets of the Lore, fierce realm of the immortals . . . .

ALL FEAR THE ENEMY OF OLD

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness — until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A DEADLY FORCE DWELLS WITHIN HER

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder — or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

CENTURIES OF COLD INDIFFERENCE SHATTERED

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millenniaold blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past . . . or risk everything for a future with her?

About the Author

KRESLEY COLE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Immortals After Dark paranormal series. Her IAD books have been translated into seventeen foreign languages, garnered two RITA awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad. She has also written five award-winning historical romances. Visit her website at www.KresleyCole.com.

Product Details
Hardcover: 506 pages
Publisher: Gallery Books (January 10, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439136823
ISBN-13: 978-1439136829

My Review:

I have always enjoyed Kresley's IAD series but I thought Lothaire's book was different that the others in the series.  He was totally abusive of Ellie and only thought of only himself.  He didn't have any redeeming qualities at first and then he turns against her.  By the end of the book I thought he redeemed himself a little.

Ellie on the other hand was smart, strong and had a backbone and I loved it when she stood up to Lothaire.

Soroya was very evil and cunningly wicked villain and I even liked her more than Lothaire!

The character developments were well written and the plot was fast paced.

Have you read this book?  What did you think?

3/5

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated! 

Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark Series, Book 8) [Mass Market Paperback]

I've finished "Demon from the Dark" the 8th book in her Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole.

Product Description

From New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this scorching tale of a demon outcast poisoned with vampire blood and the vulnerable young witch he vows to protect — even from himself.

A DANGEROUS DEMON SHE CAN’T RESIST . . .

Malkom Slaine: tormented by his sordid past and racked by vampiric hungers, he’s pushed to the brink by the green-eyed beauty under his guard.

A MADDENING WITCH HE ACHES TO CLAIM . . .

Carrow Graie: hiding her own sorrows, she lives only for the next party or prank. Until she meets a tortured warrior worth saving.

TRAPPED TOGETHER IN A SAVAGE PRISON . . .

In order for Malkom and Carrow to survive, he must unleash both the demon and vampire inside him. When Malkom becomes the nightmare his own people feared, will he lose the woman he craves body and soul?

About the Author

KRESLEY COLE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the vastly popular Immortals After Dark paranormal series. Two IAD novels — A Hunger Like No Other and Kiss of a Demon King — won the RITA Award for Best Paranormal Romance, and Kiss of a Demon King topped the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. Kresley Cole has also written five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad in English and former competitive athlete, Kresley lives in Florida with her husband and far too many pets.

Visit her website at http://www.kresleycole.com/

My Review:

3/5

Deep Kiss of Winter (Hardcover)

I've just finished reading "A Deep Kiss of Winter" by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter.

Product Description

Under the cover of wintry dark shadows, passion's magic ignites a fire too hot to touch -- and too wicked to die....

DEEP KISS OF WINTER

Two never-before-published paranormal stories to delight the senses and tantalize the imagination!

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR


KRESLEY COLE

delivers a breathtaking tale of a brutal vampire soldier about to know love for the first time...and a Valkyrie aching to be touched.

Murdoch Wroth will stop at nothing to claim Daniela the Ice Maiden -- the delicate Valkyrie who makes his heart beat for the first time in three hundred years. Yet the exquisite Danii is part ice fey, and her freezing skin can't be touched by anyone but her own kind without inflicting pain beyond measure. Soon desperate for closeness, in an agony of frustration, Murdoch and Danii will do anything to have each other. Together, can they find the key that will finally allow them to slake the overwhelming desire burning between them?

NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR


GENA SHOWALTER

puts a daring spin on a tale of huntress and hunted...and concocts a sensual chemistry that is positively explosive.

Aleaha Love can be anyone -- literally. With only skin-to-skin contact, she can change her appearance, assume any identity. Her newest identity switch has made her an AIR (alien investigation and removal) agent and sends her on a mission to capture a group of otherworldly warriors. Only she becomes the captured. Breean, a golden-skinned commander known for his iron will who is at once dangerous and soul-shatteringly seductive, threatens her new life. Because for the first time, Aleaha only wants to be herself....

About the Author

Before becoming a writer, Kresley Cole was a competitive athlete and a Master's grad in English. She sold her first two novels in 2003, and since then, she has published eleven more books and has seen her releases translated into nine foreign languages.

Kresley followed her highly-acclaimed Sutherland Series historicals with the bestselling MacCarrick Brothers Series, a trilogy of Highlander historical romances, as well as the continuing Immortals After Dark Series, a Rita award-winning paranormal romance collection, all with Pocket Books.

In January 2009, she became a #1 New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller with her sixth IAD installment, Kiss of a Demon King.

Kresley lives in Florida with her husband and far too many dogs. She loves to hear from readers and invites you to visit her website: www.kresleycole.com.

Gena Showalter sold her first book at the age of 27 and now, four years later, is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirteen books, with eleven more on the way in a thrilling blend of genres: breathtaking paranormal and contemporary romances, cutting edge young adult novels, and stunning urban fantasy.

Her novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine, MTV, Seventeen Magazine, and have been translated in French, Italian and Korean. The critics have called her books "sizzling page-turners" and "utterly spellbinding stories", while Showalter herself has been called a star on the rise?.

My Review:

4/5

Kiss of a Demon King (The Immortals After Dark, Book 6) (Mass Market Paperback)

I've just finished reading "Kiss of a Demon King" the 6th book in her Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole.

Product Description

From New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole comes this spellbinding story of a demon king trapped by an enchantress for her wanton purposes -- and the scorching aftermath that follows when he turns the tables and claims her as his captive.

HIS OBSESSION...

Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.

HER DOWNFALL...

Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.

THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH...

With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?

About the Author

Before becoming a writer, Kresley Cole was a competitive athlete and a Master's grad in English. She sold her first two novels in 2003, and since then, she has published eleven more books and has seen her releases translated into nine foreign languages.

Kresley followed her highly-acclaimed Sutherland Series historicals with the bestselling MacCarrick Brothers Series, a trilogy of Highlander historical romances, as well as the continuing Immortals After Dark Series, a Rita award-winning paranormal romance collection, all with Pocket Books.

In January 2009, she became a #1 New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller with her sixth IAD installment, Kiss of a Demon King.

Kresley lives in Florida with her husband and far too many dogs. She loves to hear from readers and invites you to visit her website: www.kresleycole.com.