Posts Tagged ‘immortals’
Book Review – Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole
Kiss of a Demon King
<——- Woooohooo *hot*! Book six in the series takes us on a journey through Rydstrom Woede’s struggle to get his crown back (he’s a Demon King…or was…), and the one woman who intends to derail his plans.
This story takes place at exactly the same time as Cadeon and Holly’s did. While those two travelled together to retrieve a special sword, Rydstrom was tricked and being held captive by a beautiful, but evil, witch (woops – excuse me…that should be “Sorceress”…they’re different… I don’t know… 
).
Sabine is in cahoots with the very demon that stole Rydstrom’s crown, and while she knows she is his true mate, she doesn’t intend on letting their feelings get in the way of her goals.
So pretty much, you can imagine how this one goes. Two very focused, goal-oriented “go-getters”, that are hotter than hell (literally). Both (one good, one evil) with the intention of ruling, trying to overcome and resist this pesky “attraction”. Lots o’ trickery going on here! But they keep tripping up over their own “li’ol schemes” (<— I’m sayin’ it with an british accent) as they keep taking turns kidnapping each other!
“…how do I know you haven’t given me some potion to make me feel drawn to you? You could deceive me into thinking you’re mine.”
She released him, going up on her knees, then leaned forward until their faces were inches apart. “Look into my eyes, Rydstrom. See me clearly. You know it’s me.”
The book is fun. The steamy scenes are scalding hot…
To reward him, she ran her lips over his horn. His massive body shuddered beneath her, rattling the chains.
(Yeah you know I had to get a demon “horn” scene in…) *blush* 
Even my husband asked me if I got any “horn action” in this one…wait!?? Did I actually mention the horns to my husband? Woops!! lol!! Ahhh well…at least he’s a good sport 
And yes, you read that right. He rattled his “chains”. This one’s a little less flowers and romance and a little more mmmmmm…let’s say….BDSM-ish? Ok well, not hard core or anything, but he’s pretty insistent that she call him master! tee hee!!
…and the adventure gets pretty exciting at times. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect to this couple as intensely as I did to Cadeon and Holly (it’s kinda hard to like a conniving witch), and while there were many memorable scenes, this book was not my favorite in the series. There’s an interesting part in the book that reminded me of a strange “Stargate” style episode…you know when O’Neill and Carter end up in a medieval style world…It’s still cool, but the feel of the story “shifts” a bit.
All in all, read it! It is a well rounded. There are interesting character backgrounds, lots of action, twists and turns, secrets and turmoil, interesting powers, and something even more powerful than magic, the power of family. And of course…Rydstrom’s sex appeal is certainly worth exploring…
His sexy side…
“So this is what my demon likes.”
Sabine found herself secretly flattered by this. Of all the fantasies a male could have – multiple women and men, fetishes or even deviancies – his dreams were centered only on her. Only her.
His possessive side…
“And Sabine, I can wait as long as it takes. You will lose if you match swords with me in a battle of wills.”
“As long as it takes? Exactly how long are you planning to keep me? When will you release me?”
He gave her a strange expression-part possessive, part aggressive. His eyes turned sharply from green to jet-black. “I won’t.”
Ok I couldn’t resist some more possessive:
He ran his lips over her ear, nuzzling it as he said, “I’ve waited a long time for my female. Fifteen centuries I’ve gone without her.” He gently ran his horns against her neck. “Without you. No longer.”
Oh and I found another totally hot “Rydstrom being possessive” part..what’s with me today?
He rubbed his face against hers, inhaling her scent.
“I’ve never felt things like this, and I want more,” he growled at her ear. “You are my obsession, Sabine. I’ve heard every male has one in his life. And you are mine.”
and finally, last but not least, his protective side…
And each night, he still held her tightly in bed. Because she was sleeping five or six hours a night, she had multiple nightmares. Whenever she woke, he was there tenderly stroking her hair.
Last night, he’d rasped, “Shh, baby. I’ve got you.”
That made her toes curl every time she recalled it.
*sigh*
Book Review – A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
This is the official Book#1 in the “Immortals After Dark” series. The series has been recommended to me over and over, and I was very happy to receive it for Christmas.
While I enjoyed quite a few parts of book #1, overall, I’d say it was just “okay”. I didn’t connect to the characters much. The heroine (Emma) went from a childlike innocence to hard-headed and irritating. While most of these stories evolve where the heroine inevitably becomes stronger, Emma’s personal growth transition was so quick that it didn’t seem natural. Her hunky alpha male (Lachlain) was great in some ways, however, I found myself cringing at many of his demands, from his insistence in keeping her against her will (for fear she’d never come back to him if he let her out of his sight) to his sexual advances, despite her resistance.
“You would hurt me that way?”
“Without a second thought.” His lips curled. His gaze seemed intent on her face, but his eyes were still vacant. “And that’s just the beginning of the things I’ll do to you, vampire.”
Eventually he sees the error of his ways, but really, it’s too late to have regrets once the monstrous acts are committed. Never fear, he never *quite* reaches that level.
Her Valkyrie aunts were all over the place, and I couldn’t ever fully comprehend what they were doing, who was getting mad, who was plotting or who was happily accepting Emma’s fate. I’m wondering if the short story preceding this one would have given me a better understanding into their family history, allowing me to like them more in this one.
So basically the story goes like this. Lachlain (a Lykae/werewolf) was held prisoner and tortured for centuries by the vampires. Realizing (smelling) that his “mate” was in the city where he was being held captive, he gnaws his way out of his chains, and escapes. While he doesn’t know who she is, he has been waiting for her forever, and refuses to risk the chance of losing her forever by remaining imprisoned.
Half mad from being tortured, he lacks the proper social skills of today’s society. Desperate to finally have her, he pretty much demands that his woman heed him, causing her much confusion and panic.
He pointed a shaking hand at her. “You,” he growled.
She jerked glances over both of her shoulders looking for the unfortunate you he was addressing. Her. Holy shite, this madman had settled on her.
Thinking she is being stalked by a raving lunatic she runs (exciting him more)! He chases, catches and essentially kidnaps her. Unfortunately for her/him?, she is half vampire (his most hated enemy), and he cannot fathom how to handle his need for her as his mate, and his hatred of her kind.
He’d waited a millennium for a helpless parasite.
The story evolves from one of mistrust and resentment (on both sides) to one of acceptance and bonding. While his brusque mannerisms rub her the wrong way, his alpha male sex appeal and eventual sweetness (she seems to tame him) make up for all his archaic ideologies (you know…rubbing her the right way ) tee hee!
He rolled over in his sleep, tucking her into his side. He put his knee over her to pull her close and then crooked his arm around her head. Protectively. All around her. Better. Maybe just surrender.
“Mine,” he growled softly. “Missed you.”
Yes. Apparently she’d missed him, too.
They trick each other, lie to each other, barter with each other, resist each other and come together so many times, one wonders how a relationship with such a rocky start could ever possibly work. While they struggle with their acceptance of each other’s differences, they also need to contend with their family’s expectations of the “ideal” mate (which neither of them conform to). Emma, half vampire, half fae (and enemy of the Lykae) would become queen of his Lykae clan, and she would essentially be bringing a “dog” into the family. Fun times…fun times…
And of course, the important battles, not just of wits, but of strength as enemies stalk them for purposes that eventually explain both of their pasts.
We also get a little glimpse into the characters and potential romantic interests to come in the series, and I hear the next few books are fantastic. So I’m very anxious to get to know them all better. BTW… Some of the covers for the books are just gorgeous. Too bad I don’t get those covers with my e-books!
Book Review – The Immortal Hunter by Lynsay Sands
The latest installment in the series is an almost seamless continuation of The Rogue Hunter. We continue to follow the council enforcers on their latest investigation, however the focus is on Decker Argeneau (the son of Martine, and nephew of Marguerite).
Since Mortimer is caught up with Sam, their two week old relationship (and is somewhat useless for rogue hunting), the couple are left to take care of the new headquarters house, and Decker and Bricker are sent to capture Nicholas Argeneau (Decker’s rogue cousin, who is the brother of Thomas).
During their attempted take down of Nicholas, he exclaims that two mortal women have been kidnapped by a group of rogues and he is hunting them down himself. The enforcers hear the women screaming, and all three men head after them.
A battle ensues, four rogues are taken down, two escape (with one of the girls), and Danielle McGill is taken into protection by Decker and Bricker while Nicholas goes in pursuit of the other kidnapped girl (Danielle’s teenage sister). While protecting Danielle, Decker soon realizes that he cannot read her.
Danielle suspects that Bricker and Decker are hiding something, and whatever they work for, it could not be a law enforcement agency that Decker originally hinted at. She begins to suspect that they might be bad guys of a different sort, and after eavesdropping on a conversation between the two men, also begins to suspect they are crazy.
When the crew meet up with Lucian to hand over the rogue bodies, Lucian reads Decker, and says:
“CSIS?” Lucian asked with disbelief, bringing curious glances from everyone but Justin. Decker squirmed inwardly as his uncle continued to sift through his thoughts, and then Lucian shook his head with disgust. “And you haven’t explained to her about us? First Mortimer, and now you…Am I the only one who made it through this life mate business with my brains still intact?”
From what Decker had heard, Lucian has been a bit befuddled too, but he kept that thought to himself and merely said, “I was waiting for the right moment.”
“Right. Well that’s now,” Lucian announced, and glanced in Dani’s direction to bark, “Girl!”
Danielle suddenly finds herself in front of Lucian, confused as to how she got there…
“Your mind isn’t fault and you’re not losing time,” Lucian said, apparently reading that concern in her mind. “The reason you don’t remember walking over here is because I took control of your mind to bring you here…And I can do that because I’m an immortal…or as you people seem to insist on calling us, a vampire,” he said with disdain. “Everyone standing here is one…including Decker, who is the only one here who can’t read or control your thoughts. That makes you a possible life mate for him, but you’ll be the one to decide.”
In Dani’s panic over what she has just learned, a cute moment occurs that is a good example of how human these immortals really are:
“Vampires aren’t supposed to be real. And how come you had to be a cute vampire? You should be a dog. All evil, vile people should look as ugly as they are inside.”
“We aren’t ev-” Decker halted in his denial, and then lifted his lips in a very rare-and in her opinion, totally inappropriate-grin as he asked, “You think I’m cute?”
While this novel follows the usual theme;
romantic tension
“Don’t run from me, Dani” he whispered, his expression intense. “I’ll just give chase.”
“I’m not running,” she whispered, her eyes on his mouth.
“Yes,” he growled. “You are.” And then he did exactly what she wanted and kissed her.
and love (many touching moments, my favorite being a very sweet scene, where Dani “hides”, chagrined, in the closet from Decker)…
“In here.” Decker tapped his chest when she remained lost in her thoughts. “What do you know about me in here? Do you trust me?”
we are led on a thrill-ride of action packed danger (many times over).
While my only real complaint was Danielle’s ability to become physically involved with Decker, while in pursuit of her kidnapped sister (realistically, I believe she would have been too distraught for anything to happen so quickly), this is explained away as an uncontrollable compulsion due to the nanos, and the life mate attraction. Since this IS a tale of romance, I shrugged off my concerns, and went with it.
Both Danielle and Decker come to acknowledge that differences amongst people are not necessarily a bad thing, and their road to self discovery is heart warming. While there are so many different things that happen in this novel (tons I would love to quote here), to say anymore would be to give it away, so I will let you enjoy this one, yourselves, while we all patiently await the September release of The Renegade Hunter: A Rogue Hunter Novel.
Book Review – Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands
This is the book that ties it all together! It answers so many questions, and resolves the mystery that has been ongoing for the last two books (along with the curious relationship between Marguerite and her late husband, Jean-Claude).
While the plot thickens and the familiar mysterious pattern of attacks continues in this novel, we re-live the events of the last few days from Marguerite’s perspective (she has apparently gone missing over the course of a week or so).
If you have read the previous books, you’ll recall that Marguerite and Tiny have travelled to Europe to investigate the identity of Christian’s mother (an “immortal” who was raised by his authoritative father, Julius, and all his life, has been told that his mother was dead). His father has always refused to provide him any further details, and has harassed past investigators into quitting the search.
Shortly after arriving in Europe, Marguerite is mugged, and then attacked during her sleep by a sword wielding villain. She is certain that someone is trying to keep her from discovering the truth, and suspects Christian’s father, Julius.
She meets with Christian and his entourage (who are all set on aiding and protecting Marguerite from further attacks). To Marguerite’s distress, Julius is also part of the group. While she cannot read him (she thinks it is because he is older and purposely blocking her out), she comes to realize, by reading his entourage, that he is not responsible for the attacks. She also finds herself immensely attracted to him, and apprehensively notices that they are both eating food (immortals often abandon food over time, and only find themselves interested in foods again once they have met a lifemate, and their senses are re-awakened).
“Have you tried to read Julius?”
Marguerite stilled in her seat, wariness creeping through her. She had, but suddenly didn’t think she wanted to admit it.
“You have, haven’t you?” Tiny asked. His eyes narrowed on her face and he guessed, “And you don’t want to admit it because you couldn’t read him.”
Marguerite blew out an irritated breath and looked away.
“And you’re eating.”
She stiffened, and scowled.
As she and Julius become friends, and learn to trust each other,
Pausing, Julius peered at her and said quietly, “I would never hurt you Marguerite. You have nothing to fear from me.”
She becomes close to Christian, and is appalled by the things she learns about his mother, and the circumstances of her desertion of him and his father. While we are afforded the indulgence in the beautiful discovery of two lifemates, we are also rewarded with touching moments between Marguerite and Christian (her loving and maternal nature towards Christian, and his need for a mother, and fondness for Marguerite).
To me, this is the most poignant yet heartwarming scene in the book:
Julius didn’t need any more prompting than that. Nodding, he kissed Marguerite on the cheek and headed out of the room with his coffee.
Marguerite watched him go with a smile, then started to turn to Tiny to ask if there was anything she could do to help, but paused when she saw Christian grinning at her.
“What?” she asked, grimacing when she felt the blush riding up her cheeks.
“Does this mean you’ll be my mother?” Christian teased lightly.
Marguerite’s embarrassment fled at once, her expression becoming serious, she said slowly, “I would be more than proud to claim you as a son, Christian.”
The teasing in his expression leeched out of his face and he swallowed thickly, then nodded. “Thank you, Marguerite.”
This book has many facets. Relationships, and revelations that build into an intense climactic resolution of Marguerite’s horrific past with Jean Claude, and her potential life to come with a new lifemate. While she may have to let go of her fears to advance in her future, she will also need to accept her past to appreciate what it has given her today.
Kresley Cole – Immortals After Dark Series Reading Order
Every creature or being that was thought to be mythical . . . isn’t.
They all secretly exist alongside humans and enjoy the gift of immortality. There are hundreds of different kinds: from Vampires to Lykae, from Furies to Shifters, from the Fey to Valkyries.
These immortals call their world The Lore.
You may have had a brush with one of Lorekind already. The eccentric billionaire with hypnotic charisma—and an aversion to sunlight. The ethereal waif of impossible beauty—whose fingernails look more like claws. The Highlander with a seventeenth-century Scottish accent and animal magnetism—who can never be penciled in on the night of the full moon.
They walk among us, but they war among themselves. Each faction has its strengths, weaknesses, and age old prejudices against the others. Every five hundred years, the Accession, a battle for supremacy, rages. That time is now. . . .
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The Warlord Wants Forever as found in the Playing Easy to Get anthology (this is a short story introducing us to the series).
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Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark Series, Book
(expected release date: August 24, 2010) -
At least TWO more full length books on their way (and as per the author, these are the stories to come):
Murdoch Wroth will meet his Valkyrie heroine because he follows Nikolai to New Orleans.
Kristoff, the new vampire king is guilt-stricken over Furie’s fate at the bottom of the ocean, but he’s so busy fighting the Horde that his hands are tied to do anything. Events from A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER make it possible for Kristoff to begin searching relentlessly for her. So Furie will rise in time with the Accession.
Regin’s Berserker hero reincarnates in time with the Accession, so he will be returning now.
