The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm

The Iron Seas #4.2

by Meljean Brook

As they continue their expedition across Australia, Ariq is determined to stay close to Zenobia and figure out what kind of game she’s playing—even as his admiration for the enigmatic woman starts to override his suspicion.

For Zenobia, revealing her identity to a man who once made his living outside of the law is out of the question—even though Ariq’s dashing looks and blunt manner are distractingly appealing.

But before anyone’s secrets or desires can be exposed, an unexpected attack threatens to destroy them all…

Genres: Steampunk, Romance, Fantasy, Adventure, Paranormal, Fiction, Paranormal Romance

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2014

About the author

Book info: I am the author of the Iron Seas steampunk romance series. I've written a guide to the world (including a map) on my website.

I also write a paranormal romance series, the Guardians. That series guide is also on my website, including a "The Story So Far" feature, which allows you to catch up on all of the books that previously released in the series if you start after the first installment.

Goodreads info: I am slowly, slowly adding to my shelves and reviews. It's unlikely that I will join many book discussions (especially of my own work) simply because I don't want to stifle reader conversation.

Bio: Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.

Reviews

[Isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what people in the old days must have felt while reading serials in the papers.
Mind you, this isn't the first serial I've followed, but it's doubtlessly the most exciting of them all to date!

Zenobia is still determined to get her friend Helene to her husband as soon as possible, so they must accompany Ariq, the Kraken King, in his search for marauders, which will bring them to a vehicle which can bear them to the Red City.

But, as we've come to expect, it's not an easygoing journey. Boilerworms, dreadful creatures reminiscent of the worms from the movie Tremors, are out to get them, which is every bit as exciting as Ariq's flirtatious conversations with Zenobia.

And, of course, this wouldn't be a Meljean Brook book without being peppered by amazing bits of brilliance:

"Refusing to take advantage of a woman should be a basic part of any man’s character, and lauding him for it would be like commending someone for having lungs to breathe with.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this so much. What I don't love is the serialization of it.
I just reread this
rereading again

[AH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part II of the Kraken King (Chapters 4-8) finds our heroine and her man and their entourage on their way to Red City. It's a long, arduous trip through the dangerous Australian desert in large walker contraptions. Once again, I loved the details of this world. Remember, this is an alternate history of our world - a lot of the humans and animals have been modified (ie, mechanical parts added, nanoagents in their blood, etc.)- yet Zenobia is absolutely awed by some kangaroos hopping by.

While Zenobia plays hard to get, she is constantly thinking of Ariq and all of his body parts. Meanwhile, Ariq is very much attracted to Zenobia. I loved their playfulness and their joking about the size of the boilerworm that Ariq had seen. A nice, slow, burn - and quite fun.

Oh, the boilerworms - think big giant worm from the movie Tremors, only mechanically enhanced. Freaky!

Part II of the Kraken King came with an excerpt from The Iron Duke.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Berkley for a review copy of this book.

Note: My review copy of Part II of the Kraken King came with Part I, II, and III (Chapters 1 through 12).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reivew posted on Got Fiction? book blog

Uh oh…the Kraken King has just figured something out, and Zenobia is set in his sights. She has just realized that when he finds something he doesn’t let go. And that might not be a bad thing.

He has just figured out that whatever has turned Zenobia’s attentions from him might be due to something Mara overheard. He wants to correct that. But dare Zenobia let him close?

After convincing him to take her and Helene with him to the marauders’ den, it seems adventure lurks around every corner and once more, she has gotten more than she bargained for.

With boilerworms burrowing beneath them (imagine that movie Tremors but with armor-plated worms with steel teeth that can ratchet a man into their gullets), and with marauders flying above, how will they survive, let alone find time to fall in love?

Until the next part…

***ARC courtesy of Berkley Intermix via netgalley

[Rhonda Stees-marcial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets.

Come on Tuesday! I can't wait for more! Our heroine keeps finding the most terrifying situations. I need to know what she's going to fall into next. And will she ever reach the Red City in time to help her friends?

[Negine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this story. This serial format is so fitting for Zenobia Fox's adventure.

Waiting with bated breath for the next installment or episode. This is going to be my weekly treat. :)

[Deniz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So quite frankly reading this was not a good idea in the least....

I was one of the super lucky people who got this as an ARC. Part I and II were part of said ARC, and since I read gobbled up both parts in one go, I wrote a review for both of them. I simply wouldn't be able the separate the two afterwards.

The good news for fans of the series. This is another fabulous addition to an already great series. The "bad"news this will be published as a serial. Which means a lot of waiting time.
Because after finishing this my first reaction.. running to amazon pre-ordering part III and then freaking out because it was weeeeeeeeeeeeeks away. So my first thought after reading, maybe I shouldn't have started. Because this left me wanting more- no wait that's not right. It left me needing more.

The world building, is superb. If you read any of the previous books let me reassure you your expectations will be met. It is set in the Iron Seas world, in Australia to be exact and Brook adds her brand of fabulous gadgets and monsters. The world is described in detail and her gadgets are imaginative and a delight to this geeky heart.

The novel is written from Ariq and Zenobia's POV. The character building is as in the previous books slowly built, layer after layer of more depths is added to all the characters. There are actually quite a few support characters, I love how one sees different angles to them when the POV changes from one MC to the other.

The plot is true to Iron Seas form a mix of fantastic action and heart-melting sexy romance. Right from the beginning one is thrown into a whirlwind of action.
The romance just taking off at the end of Part II - the dance between Ariq and Zenobia being in full-force pull and push mode. But one is also left with a great amount of questions, a bit of mystery and worry over several characters wellbeing.

The pace of this is actually pretty amazing! There are rather beautiful moments of stillness alternated with super-exciting super-fast moments of heart-stopping action. Brook has mastered the art of just giving enough time for those more reflective moments to give the novel beautiful depths and throwing in enough action to keep the readers on their toes.

Brook's writing style is descriptive, subtle yet direct, full of depth and simply beautiful. Which is what made her one of my favorite authors in the first place.

I think the fabulously of the Iron Seas novels all lie in the incredibly perfect balance between world building, plot and character building.  The Kraken King is another example of Brook's superb knowledge of her craft and talent.


This is part of the Iron Seas series but can be read as a stand-alone as well. If you haven't read any of the previous books in the series following the serial is definitely a great way to start it!
If your a fan- you won't be disappointed.

And the verdict on reading it as a serial?  There was never a real choice...
An absolute MUST for lovers of the genre!

[Melindeeloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Part II, in which Zenobia gets her first inkling of the true tenacity of the Kraken King...

I just grow to love this pairing more with every episode. As part II unwinds and we get to see both Zenobia and Ariq in action as they begin their journey across Australia towards the Red City. And Ariq's response to a deadly crisis illustrates just why he earned the nickname of the Kraken King and Zenobia's showcases the clever quick thinking and bravery that caught his Ariq's eye in the first place.

Along the way there are some nice touches of humor, and the whole thing is wrapped back up with just a bit of a tease to lure you into wanting part III *now* - although, either this ending just felt less abrupt than Part I's or I am getting accustomed to the 'to be continued' style that is the hallmark of serial stories. But in case you were wondering 'to be continued' is not synonymous with "cliff hanger ending" each of the stories look to be relatively contained offering a bit of forward movement in the background arc, exploring some new territory and delving deeper into Zenobia and Ariq's individual pasts while moving them towards the not yet romance.

One lesson that I did learn in my second foray into serial-land, is that next episode I am scoping out the percentage for the ending in advance since each of the Kraken King stories are followed by Iron Seas excerpts (part I&II have The Iron Duke, and since I peeked, III &IV have Heart of Steel and V has Riveted) and as such the Kraken King part of these books seem to end at around 80 to 90 percent of the Kindle content.

(I did get an early peek at episode II as a complimentary copy from the author, but I also purchased a nicely formatted Kindle version for my keeper 'shelf'.)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good gravy, this story is enticing. So much so that I'm saddened when the installment ends and I have to wait for the next part. But, BUT... it's so much fun while it lasts. SO.MUCH. *makes grabby hands all over the other installments*

I honestly adore the Ariq/Zenobia interactions. Zenobia has a smart mouth and a quick mind and the two of them score some zingers off one another. Throw in all the secrets Zenobia's trying to keep and how the very act of her trying to stay off Ariq's radar clues him in that something's up and we get some very fun times as they're forced into close-ish quarters.

While I'm not adverse to serialized novels, I think this is one I would have LOVED to read in one sitting. Just dive on in and get my read on. I'm not much on delayed gratification (can you tell?) and having to wait to see what's going to happen next is killing me.

No worries, though. I'll hold on until the next installment makes its way into my hot little hands. I hope.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review can be seen on my blog: coffeeandbookaholics.wordpress.com

So part II came and went in the blink of an eye, mainly my fault because I didn't put it down until I was finished.
The only comparison I can come up with to explain what it's like to read the Kraken King is perhaps like playing candy crush (for those who play will know what I mean), you going smoothly and you think you are almost there and next thing you know you are out of lives and waiting for the next one to come again. So I will now patiently wait for the 29th to continue this adventure.
I like Zenobia although she did leave me slightly frustrated in this book, I like that she is clever and rational and extremely resourceful. The voyage is amazing and the adventure continues, every expectation I had for part 2 of the Kraken King was surpassed and I'm tempted to call Meljean Brook a genius.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: A, Loved it
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by publisher.

**** NOTE: This is the second part of a serialized novel; therefore, spoilers from earlier parts of the book are inherit in the review. Do not read this review if you have not read the earlier parts and do not want spoilers. ****

For frame of reference, this part starts with Chapter 4 of The Kraken King. Once again, we are treated to a letter from Zenobia to her brother, which always makes me smile. (Side note: I would love a “story” of the letters going back and forth between Zenobia and Archimedes.)

Part II picks up with Zenobia determined to get her secretly pregnant friend Helene to the Red City, and Ariq attempting to discover who is behind the marauder attacks on airships near his coast. The focus of this part is getting the group out of Krakentown and on their way to the Red City. Ariq and Zenobia strike a deal that will allow Zenobia and Helene to find a way to their destination while Ariq can search for more clues.

I LOVE this story so far. The short parts are packed full of amazing detail and vibrant action, without becoming overwhelming. Part II opens with Ariq studying the dead marauders’ bodies. His thought process in attempts to identify them is engaging. I also admire is sense of practicality when it comes to Zenobia. He wants her but knows she’s made up her mind to shut him out. He also recognizes that while he'd like to pursue her, his priorities are discovering who the marauders work for before the Nipponese empress decides to wipe out the settlements.

We learn much about Ariq’s past to include a man named Ghazan Bator, who did not help Ariq and Taka's mother once her loyalties exposed. There is bad blood between the men, but Ariq may need Bator’s help saving Krakentown. Learning some history of the rebellion and Ariq’s personal journey gives the reader insight as to why he is so suspicious about Zenobia and her urgent need to get to the Red City. His suspicions, coupled with Zenobia’s secrecy, make for some entertaining misconceptions and misunderstandings. Normally, I’m not one for purposeful confusion, but Ms. Brook creates meaningful misdirection that enhances the overall story and puts a smile on my face.

As the group makes its way to the smuggler’s dens to secure transportation for Zenobia and Helene, we learn of another fantastical creature, not yet seen in The Iron Seas series: boilerworms. Reminding me of the sand worms from Dune, giant boilerworms burrow underground and surface to devour what is in its path. The entire concluding scene when a boilerworm attacks is completely gripping. I was so engrossed with the action and on the edge of my seat - literally. And it is coupled with amazing emotional intensity as one of their own becomes trapped in the creature’s jaws. It was so well done.

The Kraken King Part II: The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm is so utterly exciting and fulfilling, gaining my interest quickly and keeping me hooked. I like this part more than the first, and it fits since a large chunk of the world-building was already established. Although this part ends with an unfinished story, it is not a cliff-hanger per se, and one can enjoy the individual tale this part tells - and I did immensely. 

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: A-

This installment starts with tension still high between Zenobia and Ariq – she still believes that he spoke poorly of her and he still knows she’s not being truthful and is trying to figure out if the attack on her airship was because of her, or if she’s just caught up in the middle of someone else’s fight. He’s also intrigued by her waterproof pack, a pack that she keeps Archimedes’ letters in along with her current writing notes and some gold, should she need to pay off any abductors who come for her, it’s happened before and she likes to be prepared! Zenobia is trying to figure out how to safely find passage to the Red City where her friend Helene’s husband is stationed. To do so means finding a safe, reliable airship of which there are none, or traveling by land through dangerous areas, including the five dens – more on them later. Ariq won’t let her go alone so they all set out by land with their first stop being the dens so Ariq can work his contacts and try to figure out who’s behind the marauder attacks.

Their journey takes a dangerous turn when they encounter a boilerworm, a dangerous creature that attacks from underground, grabbing his prey in steel trap jaws and twisting his teeth in such a way that drags whatever it has in its mouth down into the worm and obviously death. During the attack, Zenobia’s two bodyguards, Mara and Cooper, a married couple, are caught. Cooper’s life is in danger and Mara and Ariq risk theirs to save him. It’s intense, the descriptions of the worm and the struggle to save Cooper is so well done and detailed I could easily picture how everything was set up and going down. I love that, being able to set the scene so easily in my head, Meljean Brook has done an amazing job of this throughout the entire Iron Seas series.

There is some fallout from this attack and the group needs to hurry to the dens to seek medical attention for one of their members. This installment ends when Ariq finds out more about Zenobia then she ever wanted him to and now Ariq is the one who’s furious and ready to demand some answers from Zenobia.

The group talking about the boilerworms:

“Have you seen one?” Helene asked.

“Several. All small ones. I’ve heard tales of larger.” [Ariq]

“Tales of larger?” From fish to success, it never changed. “Or perhaps the others were of the same small size. Men have a habit of exaggerating dimensions, especially when there is no one to corroborate the reality,” Zenobia said dryly.

His grin hit her in the chest. (…) Helene averted her face, cheeks blazing red. Why? Zenobia hadn’t said anything even remotely-

Oh.

Blast it all. She hadn’t meant to refer to men who exaggerated the size of anything else. But apparently the governor’s [Ariq] grin had sent Helene’s imagination running straight into his pants.

That was enough of that. She lifted her chin. “So your worm was the smallest?”

His grin became a deep laugh. “Yes.”

Oh he had no shame.

[Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Link to my review of Part 1

Ok, so I'm assuming that if you're reading this, you've read part 1 (but not necessarily this part, so no spoilers for that here).

In The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm, Zenobia and her companions leave Krakentown with Ariq's party. Ariq and his people are trying to find information about the marauders who attacked Zenobia's airship (and have been attacking others in the area) in an effort to prevent the Empress from solving the situation in the simplest, more ruthless way: by laying waste to the entire area.

Ariq is not particularly keen on Zenobia leaving, but at least this way he gets to spend some more time with her and he can try to understand why she changed her mind so completely about him, after initially finding him attractive and looking quite tempted to give in to this attraction. We know it's all based on something Mara overheard and misinterpreted, but Ariq has no idea.

I really liked both the adventure and relationship aspects of this installment. On the adventure front, the abominable worm was a particularly exciting highlight (as were the jokes that such worms inspired), but I also liked the worldbuilding details about how things work between Ariq and his people and the Aboriginal Australians.

On the relationship side, the chemistry between Ariq and Zenobia continues to develop very satisfyingly. The sexual chemistry is scorching, but what I liked best was seeing how well suited they are to each other, and having them increasingly realise that this is so. I mentioned the worm jokes in the previous paragraphs; what was great about them wasn't just that they were funny, it was the way they showed very clearly Ariq's personality: his confidence and therefore his willingness to take the mickey out of himself quite happily. I can totally see why Zenobia would find this very attractive.

As I mentioned in my review of Part 1, I had this part provided by the author together with the first part, but my intention is to read this serial as it comes out. I resisted the temptation to keep going and read this only on the release date (while on some unexpected travel, which unfortunately prevented me from posting this until now). It worked really well that way. Whatever catch-up there was (mainly about why Ariq wants to find out more about the marauders, and a bit about why Zenobia changed her mind about him) was really unobtrusive and felt natural. I wouldn't think those reading the collected version in a few months would find it cumbersome (or even notice it, really). The break at the end of this part is again at an appropriate place, more a natural break than a cliff-hanger. There is a revelation where one of the protagonists finds out something about the other, and it made me speculate about what effect this would have on their feelings and future actions, but it didn't feel like an unfair or manipulative place to stop.

So far so good, can't wait for next Tuesday!

[Amy A · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Originally posted at Vampire Book Club

When last we left our ‘scribbling spinster’ she was determined to get her friend Helene to the Red City on account of Helene’s, shall we say, delicate condition. The Kraken King Part 2: The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm starts with Ariq deciding he needs to visit the smugglers’ den to see if he can get information about the marauders. After exhausting all other options Zenobia asks if she and her group can accompany Ariq and his to the smugglers’ den and from there get an airship to take them to Helene’s husband.

Zenobia just can’t get out of her head what Mara relayed about Ariq: He wants to learn her secrets. She was also put off by thinking Ariq may share the same sentiment as his brother; thinking Zenobia was ugly. Ariq, for his part, doesn’t know why Zenobia’s attitude towards him has suddenly changed, but just like his titular moniker, once he has something in his grasp he doesn’t let go. He figures this little journey will be the perfect opportunity to win himself back into Zenobia’s graces.

So our group is heading out on the spider-like walkers into the wilds of Australia to gain permission from the aboriginals to cross their land. Other than that the only thing they have to worry about are…. boilerworms! (My mind conjured up images of mechanical Tremors-type worms, or for those classic sci-fi fans Dune anyone?)

I liked that, in following the flow of the story, the action scenes were more toward the end of this ‘part’ with exposition at the beginning. It was a nice opposite from Part 1, which had them reversed. It was also nice to see Ariq and Zenobia not being able to stick to their guns in regards to keeping away from each other. Zenobia is still wary of The Kraken King but she can’t seem to stop looking at his mouth!

The ideas of fear and bravery were dealt with quite a bit in The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm. Helene cites Zenobia’s actions aboard the airship as though she was ‘having a picnic’, and goes further saying that Zenobia was going about the business of evacuating very calmly and when it came to jumping off the flyer she took the plunge with no hesitation. Zenobia thinks this is an incorrect assessment as she was terrified the whole time.

Likewise, in Part 2, Zenobia again doesn’t hesitate when it comes to helping out her friends when the Abominable Worm strikes, even though it could put herself at risk. In contrast, Ariq states that ‘fear has no place in battle’. Yet he expresses his fear at seeing Zenobia jump into the fight, but not of the boilerworm itself.

The ending of this week’s installment was much more intriguing than Part 1. I’ll admit, it is this moment right now that makes me wish this had been released in one volume.

[Stephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a combined review of The Kraken King Parts 1 & 2

After years of writing about her brother's adventures, Zenobia Fox is ready to set out and make her own stories. She doesn't put a lot of hope in finding any excitement while accompanying her friend to Australia but all that changes when her airship is attacked and she's rescued by the Horde rebel known as the Kraken King. Ariq is fascinated by Zenobia from the moment he plucked her from the sea and wants to learn all he can before their time together comes to an end.
 
Unlike the previous Iron Seas books, The Kraken King is divided into eight installments that will be released from April 15th-June 3rd. Since my eARC contains the first two parts, my review is for The Kraken King and the Scribbling Spinster and The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm.

Everything starts with Zenobia finding herself in trouble during her trip to Australia. When her airship is attacked, Ariq and his men come to the rescue. Its instant lust between the two but they keep their wits. Part of me wants them to jump into bed because they're both so lonely but there are secrets and misunderstandings that keep getting in the way. It's frustrating watching them get so close to only pull away because of a misunderstanding or they think secrets are being kept. Both are fascinating characters that enjoy the qualities in one another others find unladylike or brash but until they figure out how to get on the same wavelength, I'm just going to have to live with the frustration.
 
The attack on Zenobia's airship will bring unwanted attention to Ariq's home and his people of Krakentown so he sets out to find who is behind it all. Zenobia and her party join the trek into Australia's wilderness and they discover the dangers that lie beneath the surface of the unforgiving land. Zenobia and Ariq continue to do their dance as he digs deeper into finding out who she is. There's a lot of detail given about everything from the color of the water and unique little town, to the armored bodies of the krakens and man eating boilerworms. Normally I'd say it's information overload yet the way Meljean Brook uses every word to create vivid pictures is really awesome and one of the best things about reading her books.
 
This is the first time I've ever read a book that's been broken down and so far I'm having fun with it. I would suggest reading the previous books so you can better understand what (who?) the Horde is, who Zenobia's brother is and why it's wise of her to keep their connection a secret, and really just because this is an overall enchanting Steampunk series.
- Stephanie

[FV Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted athttp://fictionvixen.com/review-kraken...

At the end of Part 1 Zenobia made the decision not to take Ariq up on his offer of some getting to know you time in the bedroom after her bodyguard, Mara, misunderstands a conversation while eavesdropping. Instead she makes plans to get her friend, Helene, to Red City as soon as possible. The only way to get out of Krakentown within the month is to make the journey across Australia with Ariq as he looks for the marauders who have been taking down Nipponese airships.

Zenobia thinks Ariq’s only reason for seduction is to get to her secrets, while he is completely confused by her sudden cold shoulder. Nonetheless he is determined to keep her close in order to figure out what she’s hiding and why. As they travel across the dangerous countryside in huge contraptions called walkers, Zenobia finds herself becoming even more attracted to the Kraken King, while he talks himself in and out of trying to win her over again. The chemistry and sexual tension between these two is simply delicious. Because I’m reading the first several installments back to back, I’m not sure how this will relate into serial format as the books will be released a week apart. I think I’ll wait several days to read part three to see how easy it will be to fall right back in with this couple. I love how they interact with each other and how completely smitten it seems Ariq is with all aspects of Zenobia. It’s not just her looks that attract him, but her bravery, cunning and agile mind. That makes him even more attractive.

This installment is only four chapters (4-8), but the action picks up immensely and I now have a much better understanding of the background of not only the main protagonists, but many of the secondary characters as well. I’ve always loved Meljean Brooks’ imaginative worldbuilding and fantastical creatures, and so far in just eight chapters readers have been introduced to kraken, boiler worms and an entirely new society whose politics make up a huge part of the plotline. I’m only on Part II and can already tell that The Kraken King will be a wild ride. Final Grade- B+

On to Part III, The Kraken King and the Fox’s Den.

Favorite Quote:

“
“Whatever you are running from or running toward, I will help you.”

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd Part of the The Kraken King and I got it from NetGalley to review. The Kraken King is being released in 8 parts as a serial novel. The first release will be April 15th, then the books will release periodically until Part 8 releases on June 3rd. I really enjoyed the second part of this serial novel, I just love this world so much.

In this installment Zenobia and Helene leave Krakentown, along with the Kraken King and his men. They start their journey to a smugglers den where Helene and Zenobia hope to hop a ship to the Red City.

I love that we are getting to see a whole new part of the world that we have been introduced to in the previous Iron Seas books. There are a whole bunch of new dangers in this part of the world.

Zenobia continues to be an excellent heroine. She is a lady and a writer, yet she still steps up and does what needs to be done. I am enjoying reading about her a lot. She is smart and witty and tough when she needs to be.

Ariq is an excellent male lead. He is thoughtful and respectful, but still dangerous. He obviously lusts after Zenobia but is starting to respect her more and more for who she is. He has a firm but fair hand in dealing with his men. Also it is just a lot of fun to finally get to read about the feared Kraken King.

As with all the stories in this series this story is an excellent balance of adventure, action, steampunk elements, romance, and mystery. There is a magnificent fight with a boilerworm and some wonderfully breathtaking scenes between Zenobia and Ariq. Those two have excellent chemistry together and the tension is delicious. There are some wonderful steampunk contraptions, such as the Walkers they use to get across the desert. Also one of Zenobia’s bodyguards has mechanical legs. I really love the steampunk elements in this story too.

This part stops at a good place, although I am still dying to know what will happen next.

Overall an excellent continuation of the Kraken King story. Reading this in installments is frustrating though! I want to know what happens right now! Highly recommended to fans of steampunk who are willing to tolerate some romance with their steampunk adventure. In fact the whole Iron Seas series has had some excellent world building and steampunk elements. I really love this series.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zenobia Fox a famous writer and the sister of the famous explorer Archimedes Fox, not that she would openly admit it though, it would only lead to yet another kidnapping where her brother would once again have to save her. But now she has the potential to have her own adventure whilst she accompanies her friend to Australia, not that she expects much to happen. Of course her journey takes an interesting turn when her ship is attacked and she is rescued by none other than Ariq, more popularly know as the Kraken King.

It looks like Meljean Brook has jumped abroad the band wagon and given us a serial, so this review is actually for parts one to three of The Kraken King, which is the fourth book in the Iron Seas series. A series that I really need to read judging by the amount I really enjoyed the first three installments of this book.

The Kraken King has everything I love in a book; an exciting adventure filled plot, a heroine I really liked and connected with as well as a hunky hero I didn’t mind having a few fantasies about. It thoroughly absorbed me, before I knew it I found I have finished all three of the installments and was researching the release date for the next one! It left me with a desperate wish that the fad for serials ends soon so I can read a whole book, without having to wait a few weeks for the next chapter to come out!

The only issue I had was the world, it referenced people and events that although it didn’t need me to know the exact details, I felt I missed some meaning because I didn’t know who and what they were referring to. I believe these were things and people which the previous three books were about, which just shows that I shouldn’t break my own golden rule and start reading a series part way through.

I really enjoyed this, and I cannot wait for the next one to come out, in the mean time I am starting to read the first three books in this series, I have no doubt they will be just as enthralling as this one.

* eARC provided by netgalley.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.


I am writing this review for books 1-3 since they are interconnected as a serial. The Kraken King books are actually book 4 of the Iron Seas series so make sure that you read the previous books The Iron Duke, Heart of Steel, and Riveted because there are some details that Meljean includes in the Kraken King books that may throw the reader if they haven't followed the previous installments.
For fans that have read the previous three books getting these additions are nice little nuggets to find for those that like to have a connection to the previous books in the series. I very much suggest reading the books in order otherwise it can be very confusing and a reader could fast become very confused or lost and lose the chance to read a really great series.
Although the books don't end at the third Kraken King book many plots get tied up and at the end so that there is some fulfillment but there are plenty of plot hooks that will continue on into the next books so be sure to read on so that you can continue to enjoy the adventures Meljean has created.
That being said Meljean has done a fabulous job immersing readers into the Steampunk genre. She has created a fantabulous world lush with so much life and vivid detail that the reader will feel as if they are living the journey for themselves.
The characters are amazing, so full of life and personality - not to mention chemistry that it sets of fireworks. I love the fun adventure following Ariq into the dangerous settings and the mix of identities belonging to characters that will keep you fully invested into the mystery and the suspense waiting behind every page and turn.
I can't wait to find out what is to come in the next books. Thank you Meljean for a beautiful experience!

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Review by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

This is the second part of this spin off from The Iron Seas series and brings the reader back to Zenobia Fox and her journey through the wilds of Australia. She's still trying to get her friend Helene safely to her husband but it's a struggle as smugglers and marauders inhabit the land. She's met Ariq and he is without a doubt the most tempting man Zenobia has ever met but he's not to be trusted or is he? In the harsh and forbidding landscape Zenobia will face dangers unlike any she has ever encountered but perhaps the greatest danger is posed by Ariq. He's being friendly for now but how long until he shows his true colours? They say keep your friends close and your enemies closer but which is Ariq? I'm loving this adventure! It's a wonderful piece of writing that exemplifies all that steam punk is about. From modified humans to creatures that nightmares are made of this story has it all. An alternative reality that makes the reader wonder what if? Ms Brook is without doubt one of the most descriptive and imaginative writers around and she just sucks you into the world that Zenobia is travelling through. This serialisation is well worth reading and I can't wait to see just what's next for our plucky heroine but it's not just her story as supporting characters are quite intriguing too. It's a very talented author indeed who can tell a story whilst also fleshing out minor characters and Ms Brook truly excels at this. As a reader I'm beyond curious to know what's next but I'm also really starting to care about all those involved. Well done Ms Brook and please write faster!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joint review with Karina:

Digital copy provided by InterMix via Netgalley.

Karina:
What an amazing beginning of the serial! I honestly do not mind paying more for excellent writing for that - sharp, tantalizing, vivid and humorous. Zenobia and Ariq are going to be a powerful mix, one of the best couples in Iron Seas if the first installment is any indication of how it's going to proceed. *grinning* This is just their first meet and the beginning of the journey, and it's choke full of adventure and excitement. Get ready for airship, pirates and plenty for sexual tension; - it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Vika:
These were a total tease!

Now, I haven’t read Meljean Brook’s books before. *looks ashamed* I should have, I know. If anything, it would’ve been helpful to have some background on the fictional world of Iron Seas, which is clearly complex and interesting; instead I was feeling a bit lost. But, aside my lack of familiarity, the characters really grabbed me. They splashed on the scene and were instantaneously vivid. The tension between the main couple was palpable and I couldn’t help but smirk and giggle over their banter. I too, as Zenobia, loved Ariq’s blunt style – he was not wasting any time, but making his desires known upfront, which both appalled and attracted Zenobia to him.

Overall, it was a great, action-packed read, and I’m definitely curious to know more!

***
For this and other reviews please visit Nocturnal Book Reviews.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Krakentown, Western Australia...

Ariq, trying to solve the mystery of the marauders, and their attack on Zenobia's ship...

learn that his mother had been a concubine / spy to the former Great Khagan (and later we find out the Khagan is his biological father)...

and so that Zenobia can get her cousin and friend to her husband in the Red City, and Ariq can investigate a marauder's den, they begin their journey, on mechanical spiders, to the smuggling dens, where they hoped to find an airship...

she had declined to go to Ariq's bed, after Mara told her of his conversation with his brother, where he agreed she was ugly, and he would uncover her secrets..

but as they travel, she starts to second guess herself - as she notices how good he looks, and how he interacts with others, and with her...

Then a boilerworm (mechanical giant worm, designed to munch out tunnels, with whirling teeth that pulls what it 'catches' into its 'stomach') attacks, and her guard, Cooper gets caught... and Mara tries to pull him free - but he tenaciously pushes her away - to protect her - and then Ariq grabs hold... but they are still loosing - the worm has Cooper's mechanical legs and is pulling his body in... and a fearful Zenobia starts a scrub tree on fire, thus distracting the worm, who loosens up on its hold of Cooper (so Ariq can pull him free)...

so as Zenobia has warmed up to him... but he finds the satchel she dropped, and looks at her papers... and though he can't read them (doesn't read English), he recognizes his uncle's name, and Archimedes' name - and though he vows in his heart to protect her, he is convinced she is a spy, is carrying secrets, and he might have to stop her if he puts his people in danger.... hmmmm

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group and Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review. This story was included in my review copy of The Kraken King Part One.

Solid 4 Stars

The Kraken King Part One was the very first steampunk story that I had read. But let's be honest because that was only the beginning of the story. Part two of the story picks up right where part one left off.

Zenobia, her friend Helena, and her mercenary bodyguards begin their travels across Australia with Ariq, the Kraken King. They are traveling in a spider like machine across Australia.




Zenobia is completely amazed by a simple kangaroo in this unusual land. They find that they must also watch out for boilerworms and end up having a very bad experience with one.

In this section of the story we see more of Zenobia's ability to think fast and act bravely. We also witness, Ariq letting her know that he knows that there is more going on than she has said. The chemistry between the pair is fantastic.

I really did enjoy this story but I do wish that it had been published as a book rather than a serial novel. I hope to finish this story because I am quite interested.

I do recommend this to anyone who enjoys serial novels. I plan to read more of this author in the future.

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combined Review for Parts I & II:

A triumphant revival of the serial format, THE KRAKEN KING offers exotic locations, breathtaking sexual chemistry, and and a sweeping, political adventure that offers intrigue and danger on every page. Dickens would be proud, Meljean Brook has brought the serial into the modern day.

I’m enough of an impatient reader, I wasn’t eagerly anticipating a serial. And to be honest, I finished each part of THE KRAKEN KING dying to leap into the next. Brook offers a satisfying amount of character development and action in each part, however, with smaller triumphs and challenges that also work very well towards the ultimate story. Though THE KRAKEN KING AND THE SCRIBBLING SPINSTER started a little slow for me, as Ariq’s point of view contained a lot of unfamiliar names and political history, once Zenobia appeared on the page things really took off. Zenobia and Ariq are both wonderful characters, and their personal chemistry and depth is what makes the gothic romance and adventure really work.

As much as I enjoyed these two sections individually, I can see how they will work seamlessly together as one heck of a final compilation. An edge-of-your-seat adventure in whatever format you choose, I for one won’t be able to resist THE KRAKEN KING serials as they come out. Next up, THE KRAKEN KING AND THE FOX’S DEN, I can’t wait!

Sexual Content: References to sex.

[Kara-karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joint review on Part I and II with Victoria

Karina:

What an amazing beginning of the serial! I honestly do not mind paying more for excellent writing for that - sharp, tantalizing, vivid and humorous. Zenobia and Ariq are going to be a powerful mix, one of the best couples in Iron Seas if the first installment is any indication of how it's going to proceed. *grinning* This is just their first meet and the beginning of the journey, and it's choke full of adventure and excitement. Get ready for airship, pirates and plenty for sexual tension, - it's going to be a bumpy ride!

Vika:

These were a total tease!

Now, I haven’t read Meljean Brook’s books before. *looks ashamed* I should have, I know. If anything, it would’ve been helpful to have some background on the fictional world of Iron Seas, which is clearly complex and interesting; instead I was feeling a bit lost. But, aside from my lack of familiarity, the characters really grabbed me. They splashed on the scene and were instantaneously vivid. The tension between the main couple was palpable and I couldn’t help but smirk and giggle over their banter. I too, as Zenobia, loved Ariq’s blunt style – he was not wasting any time, but making his desires known upfront, which both appalled and attracted Zenobia to him.

Overall, it was a great, action-packed read, and I’m definitely curious to know more!

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kraken King, Part II, The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm by Meljean Brook

Krakentown, Western Australia is where Zenobia and her traveling companions have been temporarily staying after their airship was attacked. She is determined to travel to the Red City by any means. Even if danger is predicted!
The Kraken King, Ariq finds Zenobia fascinating and he thought he had her favorable attention, until suddenly her eyes turned cold. Something changed her mind about him and Ariq is determined to know more.

This is the second part of a steampunk serial where monsters, mysteries, and mechanicals cause mayhelm. I'm enjoying it immensely. Especially because it's got some humor included. Humor alone, either subtle like here or outright will make a book so much more entertaining for me. How long until the next serial part?

Traveling through the country....."Zenobia sat forward, her mouth dropping open in astonishment. The deer here could sit on the haunches and eat with their hands! A kangaroo, the governor pointed out." Well sure, without today's TV and Internet and old fashioned libraries, would you be able to identify a kangaroo if the country was new to you?

I received this book from NetGallery.

[pdarnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from NetGalley (it was attached in the same eBook as Part 1 - after the Iron Duke excerpt) for exchange of my posting a review.

My opinion about this serial costing nearly $16.00 (prior any taxes) upon completing 8 parts of this still holds. I will wait and see if this will be published into a single book. As well as reading this series, beginning with the Iron Duke.

The sexual tension continues here between Ariq and Zenobia. The playful and saucy banter between the two is quite fun. I was snickering and laughing many times. Here, Helene needs to meet up with her husband and the quicker the better. Zenobia expedites the trip and their off. Helene plays match maker deciding that Ariq and Zenobia need to be seated together in the crawlers. Once again, this is action, sexual tension, and adventure packed.

Move over megalodons!!! We have boilerworms - YIKES!!! Plenty of tongue in cheek humor, chemistry, suspicion, steampunk gadgets and machines, sensational world building, secrets and tension enough to explode the mind into jonesing for the rest of the story.

A rollicking fun ride that's a tiny bit naughty and a whole lot of snarkiness!

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't often read serial novels that are released piecemeal like this, and part of me loves it while part of me feels a little frustrated. Frustrated in a good sense, but still.

I love it because I get delightful little bites of awesome Meljean Brooks goodness doled out a bit at a time, like little treats. They don't take long to finish, are universally adventurous and fun, and give me one more "book" to add to my reading goal. All of which I like.

But then there's the reading glutton in me, who does not care to have her treats doled out over time. She would like to read all the bits at once, thankyouverymuch. And that reading glutton finds this process a little bit frustrating. (Not that there's a long wait in between installments or anything. But there is a wait.) Meljean Brooks is one of those authors that I end up binge-reading, she's so fun. And I miss that, but maybe slowing down and enjoying the journey is good for me.

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well there is only so much I can write about this continuing story without injecting spoilers but this second part moves the story along nicely and some unforeseen problem.

Ariq is determined to stay close to Zenobia for reasons that he does not allow himself to believe at times. They are a perfect couple as far as a opposites attract couple. The secrets they both are holding start to come out just a small bit but it muddies the water more than provides clarity plus the story takes a sudden turn towards the end of this part that sends us off the intended track a bit.

The romance is still not moving along as hoped but I am sure it will eventually but some misconceptions need to be cleared up and of course that constant threat of death always messes up a good romance :)

Still 5 Star addiction and so I will be grabbing Part 3 soon and continuing on in this addicting story. If you can't enjoy this you need to get counseling :)

[Rika Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second part of the novel, "The Kraken King and the Abominable Worm," was equally as entertaining as the first. The world building in this novel continued to amaze me...my inner escapist geek couldn’t have been more delighted.

We also get to learn more about the characters in part two, such as how Ariq earned the nickname of “The Kraken King” and Zenobia’s quick wit and bravery. And I was actually starting to like Helene, Zenobia’s travelling companion, by this part of the novel. And the lust between Zenobia and Ariq continues to scorch.

The only complaint I could possibly have about The Kraken King is that it is a serialized novel and the wait for part three is going to be killer. Not that it’s going to stop me from rereading parts one and two again and reliving the adventure we’ve been introduced to.

Full review for part one and two also available at: http://rikaashton.wordpress.com/2014/...