Dark Skye

Immortals After Dark #14

by Kresley Cole, Robert Petkoff (Narrator)

In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to heal him—or vanquish him forever.

Eternal Obsession
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

Endless Yearning
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Demons, Urban Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers

15 pages, Audible Audio

First published August 5, 2014

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, the erotic Gamemakers 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 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hostile bickering went on too long for me. Should have talked it out sooner, rather than go around and around. Story could be shortened.

Contents include a few explicit sex scenes and lots of bloody gore. Language includes several F-bombs but no religious cussing and no demeaning terms for female anatomy (kudos).

I listened to the audio, narrated *superbly* by Robert Petkoff, so I probably have misspelled some names.

This is the "epic story" of Thronos and Lanthe, a tale of everlasting love, beginning in childhood. Sweet, poignant, amusing, sexy, suspenseful, and sometimes a tearjerker. Thronos totally adores his little Lamb. He's a hard hot hunk with huge heart. Loved him. Thronos, the great "reader of words" and Lanthe, "keeper of keys, opener of doors" (funny scene).

We get some witty dialogue, some sizzling sexual tension, and an entertaining adventure battling dragons, buzzy bugs, demons, etc. Lanthe and Thronos make their way through four worlds, similar to the Treasure Hunt in No Rest for the Wicked. On the four planes, Lanthe and Thronos must alternatively hurt, then leave, then cleave, and finally shine, according to Nebulous Nix.

Much of the book takes place on Inferno. It's also called Pandemonia. (Why not Pandemonium, I wondered. Or did I mishear?). The place is a mix of Dante's Inferno, Greek myths, and Milton's Paradise Lost. It is on this hellish plane that Lanthe first begins to suspect that heavenly Skye is not all it's cracked up to be.

Character development: Thronos must come to terms with his true nature, abilities, and origins (I liked those parts, but this unveiling needed further development). He must also learn to forget the past to forge a future with Lanthe. Gripping scenes, when he finally saw the light, via a Groundhog Day trope.

Relationship development between Thronos and Lanthe is credible and absorbing. I liked the slow development of trust, truth, and fierce loyalty. Sometimes I got annoyed and impatient with Lanthe. She seemed shallow and selfish for a long while.

Quibble: I felt the overarching plot, via Nix, went off on a tangent. Nix is petitioning the goddesses for a new position (in itself, a bizarre twist). Meeting with the goddesses, she foretells who the REAL ENEMY is in this excerpt:

Heketee asked: "You've been working to ally factions of immortals for the Accession, assisting Lorians of different species to find their mates. From what I understand, we are to have a rash of different halflings in future generations...Why are you tirelessly seeding halflings and renewing old alliances? To battle what foe?"

Nix breathed, "The Møriør."

The other goddesses tensed at the mention of The Bringers of Doom. They didn't speak of the Møriør lightly.

The Valkyrie [Nix] seemed unaware of the stir she'd caused. "All the harbingers are there. They descend upon us. Though the Accession exists to cull the immortal population, mortals and gods alike should fear this one....That's why I'm here. Only a divinity with this Pantheon's resources could unite all of the factions.... I will rise from the ashes of the old ways to become Phoenix, Goddess of Accessions."

So, a major plot twist, revealing the real enemy. First it was faction versus faction. Then it was Pravus versus Vertas. Now this enemy, and the implication of a delayed confrontation, in 20 years or so. It felt like Cole is taking a left turn in the series-wide plot, but that's her right, and she explains it to some slight extent, so I'm good (enough) with it, for now. See where it goes, but hoping she doesn't drag it out.

Some of my series-wide concerns, listed below, are addressed in this book. We make some progress with Furie, imprisoned under the sea. We hear just a vague mention of the Well of Souls. There is some movement in the plot thread regarding locks of Valkyrie hair and the Wraiths that guard Valkyrie's home. The Accession twins are born to Holly, and apparently they are pretty much untouchable warriors already, in infancy. (Nice to see Holly and Cadion again, happy with their babies). No well-known positive secondary characters die, but beloved characters experience pain, fire, and mutilation. Hag, the pretty witch who can find people, is mentioned again.

By the way, did Sebastian and Conrad ever go back in time and bring their family into the future? We heard it in No Rest for the Wicked, and also in Dark Deeds at Night's Edge.


****** Original Prepublication Thoughts *******

Release date moved back. Not sure when it's coming, but I have EXPECTATIONS beyond the long-anticipated romancing of Lanthe and Thronos. Some things need to start happening to lend credence to the integrity of the series as a whole. The Accession must become more epic than it has been. More deadly. Nïx calls it an apocalypse, but no positive key character has died and stayed dead. Good guys have won in every book.

This series -- which I initially found so promising -- is beginning to feel like a highly erotic cartoon disguised as fantasy. The Accession plot is becoming...a joke. Sigh. At least the romance is good.

The big bad Accession must become manifest. Any day now. (*drumming fingers impatiently*) I mean -- hello -- we've had a dozen books hyping it up! According to Malkom in Demon from the Dark: "King Rydstrom wishes me to fight with him in the coming Accession" (p. 422).

Accession described in A Hunger Like No Other (p. 58)

"Bringing prosperity and power to the victors...cosmic checks-and-balances system for an ever-growing population of immortals, forcing them to kill each other off. The faction [singular] that lost the fewest of their kind won."

But Cole has created a problem with all the cross-faction mating, because Accession must then become civil war. For as Lachlain ponders in AHLNO, "the Valkyrie had always maintained an uneasy truce with the Lykae...Until the Accession. When all immortals were forced to fight..." And one faction will defeat the rest. One. The Horde faction has emerged victor in the last three (or four?) Accessions.

However, with no explanation, Cole deviated from her original prophecy in AHLNO, about one faction winning. In Dark Desires After Dusk, she suddenly discusses the Lore factions as either Pravus (evil) or Vertas (good). Is she changing the game? Not factions versus factions but good versus evil? If so, she needs to explain why.

As also prophecied, a child of "the vessel" is born "for each Accession" (every 500 years). "The vessel's firstborn will be the ultimate warrior for either good or evil" (chap 9 Dark Desires After Dusk.) The last four vessel-borne have been evil über-warriors, for two millennium.

So...Holly must bear a child, and the child must grow to make a difference to the Accession outcome -- born "for" the Accession. Presumably that implies that something relative to the Accession will come of the birth. It also follows that competing bad factions will try to kill Holly's child before it reaches warrior status.

The red wraiths who guard Val Hall in exchange for a lock of Valkyrie hair must gain enough strands to create a braid, and thereby gain control over all the Valkyrie for a short time. What will they make the Valkyrie do? I have seen that foreshadowed in nearly every book so it must be important to the plot, or it's just words.

The Well of Souls. What ho?? See Kiss of a Demon King

Freya and Wóden. Will they ever wake up? Else, why are we repeatedly reminded that they are sleeping, while other gods and goddesses are awake?

Valkyrie Queen Furie, in chains under the sea. Will she throw fits when she learns about the inter-species marriages, as the Valkyrie worry? This is foreshadowed in probably every book.

By the end of the series, there must be a resolution to these points, or the entire series loses points on plot cohesion, consistency, and connectivity. If Cole changes the game midplay, that could be okay, if she justifies or at least explains the changes to this reader. Making it up as you go along and changing the rules at will is inconsiderate and sloppy.

I have no idea how Cole is going to pull it off, but starting a new Dacian series seems like a distractor, unless she plans to involve Lothaire's Kingdom of Myst and Blood in the Accession resolution.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Before you were my enemy, you were my best friend.”

I was back to re-read this book once again for the fourth time. I really needed some sugar in my blood it, and this absolutely worked. Dark Skye is a perfect treatment for my hypoglycemia since the fisrt time I read, I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed. Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, is a remarkable hero in my opinion. He's dedicated and has been in pain for many years because his best friend, Lanthe, betreyed him and after that, he wants to revenge her. Once a friend, forever an enemy. He has been chasing after her relentlessly, and she always runs from him. He can't catch her no matter how hard he tries.

“I broke a little boy’s body. And a young man’s heart.”

This book started off with very great promises. Kresley Cole heated up Dark Skye to the point where I couldn't even breathe. The sexual tension between Thronos and Lanthe is apparently serious. I can feel the spark when they banter or team up to beat the monsters (Can I call them that ? haha). However, I'll say it sinceriously that this book isn't perfect and there're many scenes I felt it was dragged on and on. But when the romance exploded, I had to fan my face because I couldn't bare it, it's so hot and riled me up very well.

“Every second we're together, I get under your skin as deeply as you've scarred mine.”

Call me biased - I really like this kind of romance when someone did something unconsciously to the only one they loved. The important thing in this predicament is to make amends. But how they do it is the part I want to see. This book is all I can ask for. If you love enemies-to-lovers plots, I think you will like this one too :)

“With all my dreams having come true, what will I dream of now ?”

http://goo.gl/kYswdf

[Chryssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well....
You 've been waiting a whole year for the new book of your most favourite series to come out....there are countless of other books teasing you, challenging you to read them... and when the time comes to FINALLY read it...
YOU WANT TO THANK GOD, THE MUSES OR WHOMEVER THAT YOUR WAITING HAD NOT BEEN IN VAIN! BOOK BLISS ACCOMPLISHED

I feel utterly satisfied, complete and hungry for more!!!
I -like many IAD devotees- had been waiting for Thronos and Lanthe's story for years! YEARS! and the book did not only disappoint but also won a place among the most favourite of the series!

YES! I CRIED! (and I am not ashamed to admit it because nowadays finding a book to stir even any emotion, apart from disappointment and indifference at reading repetitions, is like winning the lottery!

Kresley Cole at her finest!
Two words fellow book lovers: DEVOUR IT! because only reading it is not enough!

September 7th, 2014: How many more days for the next book I wonder! And who is it going to be about?
Killing me softly Ms Cole....





January 11th, 2014
COVER REVEALED! AMAZING!

[SheReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best early birthday present!



At book #14 in the Immortals After Dark series, should you really care at this point?

Answer:

This is why I read. This is what I wanted. I yearned for. I craved for. This story gets back to IAD tricky goodness. Take it from someone who hates following incomplete series. This is one to try.

First of all, I signed the petition for this story to be written years ago. The author promised she'd write it, give us the answers about these amazing secondary characters. She delivered their love story in a GIANT RED BOW. She gave us all we asked for. This is my birthday gift to me and I gorged and savored Lanthe and Thronos, ya heard?



The last book, MacRieve, was a bon bon, good but it didn't add to the IAD arc, I was nervous about the detour but..."Dark Skye" brought us back to the good stuff. And I got a followup of my most favorite couple and least fave heroine (Sabine) of the series. Finally Cadeon and Holly news! I love those two to pieces. And just when I thought the air cleared about my main question about Cadeon and Holly, the author now leaves me with another predicament I will wonder about through future books. (There's a hint in there, IAD-ers...)



Lanthe and Thronos, enemies for a half century due to murders, crippling and scarring for life. But they were friends first. How to write a plausible love story with that much angst and pain? If you expect instant gratification, this is not the story for you. This story is long but so worth it. To go from one extreme to the next, you need to give these characters room to air out their frustrations and hurt. Thronos, Vrekener warrior and prince, is kind of like a member of one of those radical religious fanatic (the sex thing with Vrekeners, that was genius). Just about every damn thing is an offendment or sin to the holier than thou Vrekeners: kissing, lusting, wenching, fucking, drinking, having fun, practicing sorcery, etc. He's the antithesis of a Soceri, the hedonist, magic wielding, gold-worshiping race. And guess who's a Sorceri? Lanthe.

And Lanthe is not a virgin and not down with the slut shaming. She's made plenty of mistakes and unwise choices, she has a past. And does not let that define her. However for male virgin Thronos, she's everything he should despise...but as we knew from the first time meeting these two, they are mates.

After 500 years...Thronos finally has Melanthe in his clutches. They both learn through fighting, being pitted against each other and then having to partner with one another against extraordinary odds (dragons, demon wars, beasts, a big D (whose? read to find out) and tentacles to name a few) and finally get a well deserved HEA. After all those years, do I expect them to fall in bed with each other and declare love by page 50? No, patience delivers the best gifts.

The gifts? We see Nucking Futs Nix, learn about her plans for the Accession, the names of the enemies all of this machinations are for, a Furie update, visits some more of the Lore dimensions, LOA - a smidge more about her (I remember she was supposed to have a story, I hope it's still in the works) and if Nix plans comes to fruition...maybe a hint to a possible mate for her? Because if she is, then he'd be too? And we learn (mostly) about Vrekeners and their origins. My new fave species. <3 Lanthe definitely one of the better heroines, loved her better than Sabine (who I'm still growing to love, forgive me) She's strong, uses her mind and speaks it, doesn't give in for a man and learns the value of compromise, while still being her imperfectly perfect self!



Enough about the tidbits and the followups, Lanthe and Thronos. They are an epic couple. They are definitely in my top ten. I am adding a wing for Thronos in my SRAL's favorite IAD mansion now palace. Lothaire, Cadoen, Garreth and Malkolm...we're making room in my harem, darlings! Thronos gots the skills to pay the bills and the equipment to do the deed. *shivers* *melts*

This book, "Dark Skye" is an excellent addition to the IAD series. DO NOT SKIP TO THIS BOOK - READ THE SERIES IN ORDER! Trust me on this.

Recommended for IAD fans, Kresley Cole fans, lovers of good paranormal/urban fantasy with sexy main characters, some suspense and quote worthy dialogue. (My Kindle is bursting with quotes just from this one!)

AND ME!!!!!!!! FIVE STARS IS THE HIGHEST I CAN RATE!! I'M LICKING THIS MOFO!!



DROOLING ALL OVER THIS BITCH!

[Sophia Triad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thronos Talos (Vrekeren ie. Demonic angel), Prince of Skye and Melanthe aka Lanthe (sorceress), Queen of persuasion

"Do not ever mistake my interest in you! Fate has saddled me with you, cursing me with a female I find lacking in all ways!" His voice continued rising with every word. "Instinct compels me to pursue you, to protect you. Otherwise, I'd take your head myself! I want you like a man with a badly set limp wants his bone rebroken. It's a bitter necessity. You are the bitterest necessity."

Thronos could have never been more wrong. His best friend became his worst enemy.
500 years later and still being a virgin unmated Vrekeren, Thronos pursues Lanthe like a madman. She still runs away.
Maybe they were both very wrong.
Maybe Kresley Cole's heros and heroines have to be broken beyond repair before they are put back together.

Lanthe will understand her mistake first.

I broke a little boy's body.
And a young man's heart.

But Lanthe has to make Thronos understand that she can love and be loved but she cannot change who she is. Thronos needs to realise that life is complicated.

"You know, up in heaven, I'm sure things make sense and everyone acts as they're expected to and surprises are few. But outside of heaven, life can be confusing and heartbreaking and dire. So most of us take pleasure where we can find it."-She pinned him with her gaze-."And we don't judge anyone who does the same."

Thronos is the most honest, gentle, genuine Immortal After Dark. And Lanthe will be a good teacher. This is undoubtedly one of my favourite books in the series.

[Jen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all Kresley Cole books are created equal. The last three books didn't wow me like some of the earlier books in the series, but THIS book reminded me of why I love this series so much. Like so many Immortals After Dark readers, I have been anxiously awaiting Thronos and Lanthe's book since Kiss of a Demon King. Cole does such a great job of planting the seeds of a romance, then stepping back and waiting for our anticipation to grow for their story. Sometimes, the payoff has been less than stellar (like Regin & Aidan/Declan in Dreams of a Dark Warrior.) But other times --like here-- she makes the years of waiting worth it.

Longtime readers are already familiar with a bit of the backstory: Lanthe and Thronos were childhood friends, despite the fact that her people and his are sworn enemies. One day, his family discovers hers and kills her parents. Convinced Thronos betrayed her, Lanthe used her Sorceri power of persuasion to force him to jump out of a window without using his wings to save himself. The fall left him broken in some ways that have never healed. Ever since then, he has been hunting her. His people have been targeting her and her sister, sometimes going so far as to kill Sabine, forcing Lanthe to drain her powers bringing her back.

As the story begins, Lanthe and Thronos hate each other, but Thronos can't stop his hunt for her, because she is his fated mate. He physically cannot be with any other woman and, as a prince, he has a responsibility to continue his bloodline. He has been celibate the 500 years they have been apart, and he needs her every bit as much as he hates her. Now, thanks to the Order, who captured them both in Dreams of a Dark Warrior, he has his chance to capture her once and for all.

Due in part to his damaged wing --and to the carnage going on around them on the island-- escape is difficult. They need to rely on Lanthe's unstable ability to create portals to get them to safety. Unfortunately, she can't just pop them to familiar place. Over and over, they end up in dangerous worlds where they must rely on one another for survival. As they are forced to spend time together, they learn that what they know of each other isn't entirely the whole story. But will learning the truth be enough to allow them to explore the buried feelings they share?

I really loved these two characters and the dynamic between them. Thronos kind of has a stick up his ass, but part of that is because his people are so repressed. He is consumed with jealousy and judgement over the fact that Lanthe has lived her life without him. Despite the fact that he said some really stupid things sometimes, I was able to empathize with his situation. He had a lot to learn over the course of the story, and Lanthe was strong enough to insist on the respect she was due. It was a good emotional journey that coincided with some really fast paced action and the stellar world-building that is a hallmark of the series. I love how Cole masterfully intertwines the plot and characters of multiple books together so seamlessly!

The sexual tension and payoff is a win you can take to the bank with every Kresley Cole book. I was on the edge of my seat by the time these two sealed the deal, but every step along the way was built with great anticipation and just enough forward momentum to keep it satisfying. I really enjoyed the virgin hero juxtaposed with a sexually experienced and confident heroine. Hot, hot, hot. My only small gripe is that, at times, I felt like the slut-shaming thread went on a little too long.

In the meantime, we get a little time with Nix --and while it's only a few pages, it gives us some really good perspective about the hand she has had in every one of these romances. She may be crazy, but she is also brilliant.

I can't imagine that anyone will be disappointed with this story. Really good stuff.

Rating: A-

*ARC Provided by Gallery Books

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is So :




Spoilers


Damn this book was good I don't wanna put too many spoilers up here because the book just came out yesterday but Oh I so loved it!!!

GOD I am so lovin Thronos and I really loved Lanthe even if she was


lol anyone who reads the book will get that but, for real the book was another Great one in the series! This book was so much better than I thought it would be and I had high hopes. I have loved every book in this series besides MacRieve So Disappointed in MacRieve! So Thronos and Lanthe met when they were young kids and Thronos realized that Lanthe was his mate they spend months together becoming best friends until His father kills her parents. She is a child and thinks he betrayed her and sold her family out getting her parents killed (and her sister although she brings her back) so she uses her powers to make him jump out the window and not to use his wings almost killing him and leaving him messed up badly. He has been hunting for his mate for 500 years now and she has been running from his brother and men that have been trying to kill her and her sister for 500 years now. He doesn't know that his brother and men have been trying to kill her and she thinks he has been sending his men for her and her sister to hurt and kill them. When the Order Prison riot is underway she tries to get away Thronos finally gets her and that is where the adventure begins with lots of drama, otherworld danger, Teaming up to save each other and falling in love in the process then losing everything fighting to get it back and a beautiful happy ending! This book is paranormal romances at its best. I can't wait for the next one

[Hannah B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A repressed demonic angel, what’s not to love???

THIS IS THE BOOK I NEEDED AS BOOK 8. I swear I’m going to hop skip and a jump right the fuck on over books 8-13 bc they make me sad, angry, and sick. I wasn’t a fan of Lanthe getting her literal tongue chopped off or the drawn out ending (the book was like 15 hours plz let these kids just be happy for once) (I also dislike having to dislike Sabine), but I sped the audiobook up to 3.0x, built a gumdrop mountain pass, and got over it.



Knowing this series, the next book is probably going to be extremely depressing so I’m taking the wins where I can get them and those wins are Thronos and Lanthe bc I love them so much. (I also know Caspion gets a book and I sure do wish he didn’t have a head.)



This book to me achieved the missed marks of the previous six: you must go through hell to get to love. There wasn’t senseless torture simply used to make the reader and characters suffer. I’m so done with that kind of suffering being “necessary” for our main characters to end up together. It frames love in a twisted and sick way and that’s just not for me. Here, they were in hell, but they were getting though it together. That’s so much better than anything I’ve witnessed in this series recently.



*Spoilers* There was a lot of shit for them to get through, but I loved their journey. The way she healed him when they were grown >>>> and the way his brother was already dead! I totally forgot about that but thank god I didn’t want to have to deal with any forgiveness 🫡 💅 Again, I wasn’t really a fan of the whole Morgana ending but it was Romantic and better than misplaced fraternal bonds.



I was obsessed with Thronos’ pure angelness and how he overcame the purity culture. The sex scenes delivered and my heart still stops for virgin heroes. I loved Lanthe’s response when he was judging her sexual history: it’s not about who’s first, but who’s last. She was also just so bad ass. “Begone you foul witches” said in a sexy accent is my new favorite line, right alongside “my evil bitch.” Historically, when a couple in a romance eats bread and cheese together I fall madly in love—with them but also with the idea of bread and cheese.



⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5

[Sammy Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally! Thronos and Lanthe together at last!
3.5 stars. Their story is Violent~Tragic~Epic





Thronos and Lanthe met as children and immediately bonded. They were fated mates and their love was innocent and pure. Thronos would bring Lanthe food daily and take her flying. They were aware that their species were archenemies, Lanthe was a sorceress, and Thronos an angel. But they didn't care as long as they were together. That all changed the night Thronos and his dad invaded Lanthe's home and beheaded her parents.

Lanthe had never known such betrayal. In her grief, she used her sorcery and forced Thronos to jump from a tower window without using his wings. He was barely ten years old.



“You saved me from falling now. If only you’d shown me the same consideration when I was a boy.”

“If only you’d warned my family that yours was coming over for tea and decapitation! What else have you got? I can do this all day!”



Though Lanthe grew up to be a beautiful sorceress, she was always lonely. She could never fill the hole in her heart Thronos created but she tried often and with many men. Yes, Lanthe was a Ho.



“Oh, and you should know . . . if you keep calling me harlot, sooner or later I’m going to have a rage blackout, and then I’ll wake up to find you—awfully sadly—dead.”


“If you take issue with the term harlot, then perhaps you shouldn’t have slept with half the Lore.”
“Half?” she scoffed. “Three-quarters for the win!”






This book was fast paced and full of action. Thronos is a too much of a judgmental prude for my liking, but Lanthe loosens him up tremendously. She is a free spirit after all and believes in enjoying life to the fullest. Watching these two find love again was painstaking!!!


I broke a little boy’s body. And a young man’s heart.


There was more angst than I prefer to deal with, but I survived it. Nix totally steals the show, as always, and the accession momentum is speeding up. Far too much time was spent on Thronos and Lanthe falling in love. There was no time for resolution to see what happened with his people. This book NEEDED an EPILOGUE!!!


My Immortals After Dark Reviews:

The Warlord Wants Forever
A Hunger Like No Other
No Rest for the Wicked
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
Dark Needs at Night's Edge
Dark Desires After Dusk
Kiss of a Demon King
Untouchable
Pleasure of a Dark Prince
Demon from the Dark
Dreams of a Dark Warrior
Lothaire
Dark Skye

[Jo ★The Book Sloth★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 IAD stars



I can't believe that the day came, I read it and now it's over and I have to wait a whole new year for the next.

The book started kind of slow for my tastes. I wanted a something more in the first half of the book. But the second half more than made up for it.

Once again we have Nix stirring the pot and bringing together a couple that was a long time in the making. Thronos and Lanthe sould have been enemies, and they have been, kind of, for some time but these two were made for each other.

I liked Lanthe. She was completely unapologetic for her character. She knew she slept around a lot, she knew she'd been duped more that once by guys but she didn't care and she felt no reason to be ashamed. She was also a sweetheart. She lacked the inner wickedness of Sabine.

Thronos was a bit too self-righteous. He thought his kind were do-gooders, with morals, honor, etc, and that Lanthe's way of life, which was full of sins and wickedness, was wrong. He never had any trouble informing her of that. I liked to see how the blinders fell and how he began to understand that everything isn't always black and white.

This book felt a little like a stepping stone for the next ones. Nixe's actions are getting a little clearer and some things are revealed(not much, wouldn't want to lose the mystery). As you can guess, after this I'm even more anxious for the next.

PS. There was some kinky wing sex that was awesome!:P

Oh My Freaking God...

I can't wait!!!



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12/01/2014

Is this cover gorgeous or what??



I don't think I've ever wanted a book this bad before!! I'm either in for a ride or a huge disappointment!

************************************************************

13/03/2014

I forget(almost) about this book and then it pops up on my feed again and I JUST WANT IT NOOOOW. Maybe if I look at the publication date really hard it'll get intimidated into changing to "15/3/2014"?

[Warda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread! Kresley Cole stays winning with this series.

[Azet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HAVE LOST ALL SENSE OF THOUGHT!I have it so bad that i am only thinking about this story,"Dark Skye" which is the 14:th instalment in the "Immortals After Dark"-series that has captivated,shattered and numbed me with the greatness of it.Kresley Cole ties together a type of love-story that survived centuries of heartbreak,desire and agony.In this staggering adventure of survival and passion the Vrekeren Prince Thronos of Skye Hall and the sorceress Melanthe were bestfriends as children when later a tragedy teared them apart so badly that they became enemies.In this book after all those centuries Thronos finally captures the sorceress who scarred his soul when he was boy.But Melanthe is having none of it and defies him at every turn ,but getting captured together in other spiritual worlds and having to survive being killed by hideous creatures results in them forming a bond that gives them a second chance of love!

Melanthe of the Deie Sorceri, Queen of Persuasion is a heroine i found myself LOVING so much that i found myself crushing on her!I don`t really know why but it must be because of how unique she is.She have been through so much in her life.Having seen her parents killed,always resurrecting her sister from her many deaths with her magic,searching for love everywhere only to find herself getting disappointed and forcefully being a captive of her evil tyrannical half-brother until she helped Rydstrom slay him in Kiss of a Demon King.On top of this all she has a obsessed warlord prince ruthlessly trying to capture her and wreak his vengeance on her,it only makes it worse that he is her fated soulmate.Yeah..she lives in a mess.Lanthe is also a born hedonist. She’d take pleasure where she found it, and laugh in the face of guilt.She had lived her life however she wanted to.What she never really understood was how much her "living her life" had crushed the warlord.While he obsessed over her every breath,while he longed to possess her and yearned to take her as his captive and forcefully wed her...he have never lived in peace all those centuries every since that tragic night where their friendship had ended.

***
“Thronos, understand me: if I ever decided to bed you, there would be no doubt. You’d be completely undone, absolutely taken, forever mine. If you were ever inside me, you would be broken down at a molecular level—altered irretrievably.” -Lanthe
***

Thronos Talos,Prince of Skye Hall-is a hero i will never forget!MY GHAD how he captured my heart along with Lanthe`s.He is a Vrekener-a angel demonic kind of creature and so darn dashing i wanted to eat him up!He is also so tortured and filled with pain and intense fury so strong that i feared for Lanthe.I read his despair over loving Lanthe with all the innocence of a boy barely 12 years old and who was later left to death by Lanthe after his father killed her parents.So much betrayal and so many misunderstandings between them.Thronos torment over finding Lanthe in bed with another male many years later.Still with his steadfast and unwavering resolve he hunts her over the many centuries just to have her escape his clutches many times.I find it staggering how fierce Thronos was with his devotion for Lanthe..and how he never could bring himself to touch another female (Which means that he is a virgin...(dreamy sigh).In centuries he suffered jealousy and heartbreak and anger...still longing to have Lanthe in his arms.Lanthe had crippled him of his heart and damaged his soul.He have never known an ounce of happiness without her.How he made me cry rivers!Even with how cruel he was to Lanthe..however much badly he wanted to kill her since she was the misery and pleasure of his existence.I just became so fascinated by this alpha-hero!After all the heartbreak and misery Lanthe brought to his heart ever since they were kids.Her way of ignoring him,leaving him to die,destroying his ability to fly and taking on other lovers...he hated her while he longed for her touch.For him she was a sensual dream he craved..and how he went after it and fought for it!I AM SIMPLY SO AMAZED I HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS HERO!ONE OF THE MOST STEADFAST AND BESOTTED HEROES,LIKE EVER!He made my heart sing in all his appearances in the former books but in this book he just MADE ME OPEN A BOX I NEVER WANT TO CLOSE!He have definitely earned a place in my favourite hero shelv!

***
“You crippled me. For centuries, you cuckolded me over and over again. The pain you gave me in the past wasn’t enough for you? You wish to deliver more?” -Thronos
***

Lanthe and Thronos as enemies were EXPLOSIVE since both wanted to kill each other.But daymmm if they were INTENSE as lovers and partners.I found myself biting my nails for them,smiling with them and laughing with them!Even when they took out the worst of each other-they also made each other one of the best couples to ever get introduced to Romancelandia!Both are so badass,honest and so smitten with each other!I love how they fall in love and learn to appreaciate each other,how they sexually explore together-and how Lanthe teaches Thronos to relax and enjoy life.Gosh,they are so beautiful together as a couple and the sex-scenes FIRED UP THE PAGES AND MY ROOM like no other!I loved every page in this book.Its so romantic with how Thronos courted Lanthe when they were just kids,how he learned her to swim and how he flew her to the sky.I really treasure those flashbacks since their deep rooted hatred totally simmers over those 500 years of separation with him hunting her all the time!They have one of the most intense but epic love-story i have ever read!!!Sigh..i have fallen in love!This magical world,the colorful characters,the angst and the breathtaking romance!Everything was so vivid,thrilling and sexy!Kresley Cole,you are a romantic genius and i never want you to stop writing!

***

“For me, Thronos is all the gold in the world. He’s my next heartbeat.” -Lanthe

[When Funmi Met Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Skye: 5 stars- T H I S B O O K S L A Y E D M E



I mean you guys know what Immortals After Dark means to me. Honestly, my literary world revolves around when can I get the next KC novels. We have been WAITING....WAITING FOREVER to find out about this damn couple. I mean...I've been patient...a little.....kinda....okay I havent





SO TRUST ME PEOPLE....WHEN THIS #$%T DROPPED


I wasted no time getting that fix


yes. i went there with my gif game....okay jokes aside lets get to the meat of this novel..

General Overview
Loved it. This was some of here best writing. KC is a pheonomenal world builder and romance writer. She seamlessly progressed the plot, gave us new questions, and developed two of the most dynamic characters in romance book. I honestly don't see how anyone could be disappointed

T H R O N O S

This pained bad boy vrekner is a immortal after my own heart. I mean his pain was so palpable only matched by his resilency and ability to fight for what he believes. Call me crazy and obsessed....but he may just be my favorite hero I've ever read. Like he is everything I love in a hero 1. not a whore 2. tortured 3. strong 4. resilent 5. HORNY 6. hung 7. more than anything he's vulnerable. Personally, I think out of all of KCs character's he has been through the most. He literally has lost everything. EVERYTHING. I commend him a thousand times over for fighting to rebuild his whole existence. When he told lanthe she was his best friend, my uterus reached out ...and slapped me for not being born a fictional character in a KC novel. All i have to say to this yummy man is


Lanthe

I FREAKING LOVE HER. What a strong ass woman. Despite, her species being one of the weakest in the lore, it made her a better character. She has worked, and fought, and learned her craft. I respect her for it. Also, her story speaks so much to me. I love the unconditional love between her and sabine that has surpassed time and death. Similarly, when she and thronos went back to his home. I couldn't have been prouder of her competency and ability to support her man. She's my girl.

S P O I L E R S

YASSS NIX YASSS. she is the baddeeeest beotch ever. Lucid,hell naw, but powerful and brilliant...oh yes. I think everyone thinks so kindly of nix due so many couplings she has made.... But valkyries aren't altruistic. There is something major that is about to happen. Nix is making the play of a lifetime....in my opinion, for her mate. Which I still think will very possibly be Webb...we'll see.


NOW...I WANT FURIE'S BOOK!

In conclusion

This book was everything. E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G


I'm just eternally shitty that I devoured that book and am left BEREFT





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SO LIKE OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. I'M SO FREAKING EXCITED LIKE OMG YES....

From Kresley "LANTHE & THRONOS! We have a title: DARK SKYE. This much anticipated IAD book is available for pre-order and will be released in hard cover, eBook, and audio on August 5th. Check in at my Facebook page for the latest, coming soon."

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and always wait eagerly for the next book!

I liked Thronos and Lanthe who were introduced in Kiss of a Demon King and was looking forward to their story.
A winged Vrekener and a Sorceri , friends since they met as children and becoming enemies when the heroine's family is killed by members of the hero!!!

I did like the two together but just did not feel enough of an emotional pull with them. I felt frustrated with all that kept them from actually getting together.

Also the writing felt a bit different from the author's other books in this series.

Saying all that, I did like reading this book...but did not LOVE it.....

[Katie(babs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walls to the balls awesome. My first book of 2014 that "I want to have babies with".

This is going down as one of my top five favorite books in this series.

*bows down at the altar of Cole yet again*. Must read for fans of Cole and this series. So much fun reading and some hot foreplay and sexual hijinks *fans self* Heroine pops the hero's cherry in more ways then one. *rowl*

I also have a good idea whose book is next, and whoa, it's going to be explosive!

More in depth review to come.

[Glamdring · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Buddy read with Blacky <3<3<3*

*1,5 stars*

I'm a huge fan of the first 12 books of the IAD series. For me, things started to go sour with the first Dacians book and continued to go downhill with MacRieve (that promised so much). With this one I think that I'm definitely out of love with this series.

Before I start, I would like to say that after the epilogue in MacRieve, I didn't understand why the next one was about Lanthe and Thronos and not about MacRieve's twin since that's what the epilogue is about.

If I had to resume my review in one word, it would be B O R I N G

Why boring?

- Because of the too many mulling over thoughts/talks/resentments about the same themes. Damn but if it's something they are expert at it certainly is moving in circles. This alone suffices to bore me to tears.

- Then nothing much happens and the little that does happens are bad recycling of things already done and re-done or roll eyes festivals. The landing in the belly of a beast was done in Star Wars, to name the most obvious reference. Han Solo landed the Millennium Falcon and here they teleported themselves but it's the same thing, different mean. Same with the beast feeding them hallucinogens while digesting them alive. That one is an X-Files stuff. In the X-Files Mulder and Scully are the victims of a huge mushroom organism, but again, same thing, different mean. Dragons sitting on huge piles of gold... Rings a bell anyone? And so on...

I'm not against the recycling of used ideas or even clichés, but at least do it well and cleverly.

- The "blindness" of Thronos toward his brother's wrongdoings for centuries... I mean, really? He wasn't a recluse, they are neighbors on a tiny island and for most of these centuries they were close, and he never got the smallest hint that things weren't as they should have been? Is he dumb or dumber?

- If that wasn't enough, I couldn't care less for the heroes, and at time it was so sweet my teeth hurt. So yeah, boring.

- The end was a WTF festival. I mean, really?????

The saddest thing is that even Nïx didn't manage to make things more interesting and with the little tidbits KC gave us, I'm more and more convinced that the following books are not going to get better.

This series is based on enemies become lovers with lots of adventure, and while it worked it was great but Kresley Cole obviously ran out of juices.

You can have the most beautiful pieces of fabric (which was definitely not the case here), without the thread to bind them, you'll never be able to have a patchwork quilt. Same goes with stories telling...

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit slow to start for me, possibly because it took me awhile to warm up to Thronos. They guy just seems to have all kinds of issues! And his overly pious and hypocritical people were just terrible. Interesting how this world of Immortals closely resembles different cultures in the real world today.

Now, I'm not much for slut shaming, and yes, Thronos hang-ups with Lanthe's promiscuity were a bit tiresome, but on this point of contention, I truly saw both sides of the story. I have no problem with a heroine who isn't virginal. However, the fact that Thronos has stayed pure for centuries while Lanthe has...ahem...MORE than made up for his inexperience does seem a little lopsided. I don't love it when it's the hero that's slutting it up, and it's not any different when the roles are switched. I wish that Lanthe had shown some little bits of remorse with regards to this issue.

My favorite part of this book was the way that Lanthe and Thronos seemed to go through so many of their issues before they hook up. Just because they are fated to be mated doesn't mean that it's smooth sailing. Aside from their obviously hurtful past, they deal with other touchy subjects like trust, fidelity, and loyalty. So by the time the book was over, I felt confident that this is a couple that has overcome their many, many, MANY obstacles.

Though the shifters stories are my favorite, I can't stress enough how fantastically imaginative this series is!! How does she come up with all of her stories, and then blend them together to create this world? Oh, to live in her head for a while...I'd entertain myself for eternity just listening to her think.

Copy provided by the publisher for review.

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the more unique stories in this series. I looooved the very repressed Thronos paired up with the more sexualy liberated Lanthe. Another case of extreme enemies to lovers, combined with childhood friends and endless longing.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stunning Stars! After the disappointing MacReive, Kresley Cole is back on track with Dark Skye. This book is everything I love about the Immortals After Dark series!

Melanthe "Lanthe" and Thronos, childhood friends, torn apart by devastating events and misunderstanding, are together again after 500 years apart and their story is epic (Thronos' words). I couldn't agree more!

Kresley Cole is brilliant! I love the way she writes most of the books in this series on a concurrent timeline. In Dark Skye you find yourself back on the island where the creatures of the Lore have been held prisoner and tortured by the Order, including Lanthe and Thronos. When the books starts out they are making their escape, and Thronos intends to make Lanthe his prisoner and inflict his own special brand of torture on her. The chase is on!

What I enjoyed the most about Lanthe and Thronos, is that their story started centuries before when they found each other in the innocence of their youth. They formed a special bond and became best friends. Thronos knew back then that Lanthe was his mate, but even at that young age, they really loved each other. Unfortunately some tragic events took place, causing them both horrible pain and hurt. Their past was bittersweet.

Throughout the book they find themselves in some pretty precarious situations, and fight together to escape as they're waging their own war with each other. In the course of all this, they find new appreciation in each other, discover what really happened on that fateful day so many years ago, and fall in love all over again. It was funny, exciting, passionate, and filled with some sexy good times! A few of the characters we've come to love make an appearance, most especially everyone's favorite...Nix! As always, she brings her own special brand of crazy wisdom and foresight to the situation...the Valkyrie is really losing it...she was a hoot!

Kresely Cole's writing and storytelling is top-notch and Dark Skye is another bright shiny gem and one of my favorites in this amazing series! I can't wait to see how this all plays out as they draw closer and closer to the Accession! There are a few more characters I'm looking forward to reading about, but the one I'm anticipating the most, as well as most fans of this series are, is Nix and who she'll be paired/mated with! I have to wonder if it's a character we are familiar with...I have one in mind...or will KC bring someone new onboard that can handle this crazy, loveable Valkyrie!

*A copy of the book was provided by Gallery Books via NetGalley*

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to to Melanthe's story ever since she was introduced in her sister Sabine's story. I grew even more curious about this sorceri when reading subsequent books in the series and hearing accounts of her captivity by The Order. After all of the built up anticipation, I admit that I feel a little underwhelmed. This one ended up being just "okay" for me.

From the start, I had difficulty connecting to Lanthe and Thronos. Whereas Sabine's story highlighted Lanthe's fierce loyalty and protectiveness of her sister, this book shed light on many of her less endearing qualities, such as her cruelty to Thronos when they were children. Even though she thought that her actions were justified by his supposed betrayal, I didn't buy it. She was supposed to be his best friend. Didn't that count for anything?

While Lanthe's promiscuity may be a turn-off for many, this didn't bother me in the least. What did bother me was the endless slut-shaming behavior of Thronos. Get over it, guy! Again, it was hard for me to get past this.

Additionally, the prudish, uptight behavior of Thronos was irritating. Although I did have a few laughs at his expense, his stuffy, holier than thou demeanor was almost unbearable. Even once he'd seemingly accepted his sexual desire for Lanthe and I thought his inhibitions were going to be a thing of the past, they reared their ugly head again.

I don't care how hard you try, there is nothing that is going to make the idea of a sex sheet to divide them during sex, with only a hole for their genitalia, sexy to me. Yuck! Let it go, Thronos! Embrace your inner perviness!

Although this couple was not a favorite of mine, I very much enjoyed the progression of the series's storyline that occurred in this book. Nix is back at it, orchestrating more than we know. Finally, we learn the whereabouts of the Valkyrie leader, Fury. More and more the pieces are coming together.

Overall, I give this 3 stars. It was "okay" for me, but didn't hold the same lure as earlier books in this series. I continue to love the strong, badass heroines of this series, but this particular book fell short for me.

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love the enemies to lovers romances in this series!! Lanthe and Thronos were so good together. And hello, virgin hero.

[Kelena]

Lanthe and Thronos’s STORY!!!


it's going to be a way long months until I get my hands on this book....


beacuse... I`m already in-love with them *prffs*

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Thronos and Melanthe, aka Lanthe, two opposing factions who meet as children. Thronos immediately recognizes Lanthe as his mate and things move along nicely until one horrible night...and then they all go wrong.

Lanthe is Sabine's (from Kiss of a Demon King) sister and a sorceress. She has the power of persuasion among a few other things and above all else...LOVES gold! She was ~somewhat~ enchanted by Thronos until one fateful night and after she "persuaded" him to not do something, she's wanted nothing to do with him and has been on the run for over five hundred years!

Thronos is mad for Lanthe...literally, it has become a madness. He really reminds me of Sebastian from No Rest for the Wicked, always searching for his mate no matter what! He is a Vrekener, which is ~kinda~ like an angel except he has black and silver wings and they uphold justice in the Lore.

One of the main problems between Thronos and Lanthe besides the HUGE fallout that happened is that they are two very different people...or so it seems. Lanthe wants someone who loves her for her not someone who doesn't have a choice. And Thronos wants Lanthe to be a certain way, even if he has to take her powers from her. It definitely helped getting both their POVs.

There's a lot of sexual tension in this one. Lanthe has had no restrictions of her sex life and she's a sorceress...they enjoy life. That makes Thronos crazy...not to mention, he cannot be with anyone except his mate. Once things get moving along, WOW...just WOW. They are really good together!



The book starts off with the escape from The Order and The Island that everyone's book has started from since Dreams of a Dark Warrior. Thronos ends up grabbing Lanthe to help get her away but they end up helping each other.

It was great seeing them each finding out some truths and starting to trust one another. The sexual tension about drove me crazy but it was worth it!

I loved finally getting some answers and getting some connections. Unbelievably, we actually get some more info on Nix rather than just her getting in everyone's business. I loved the connections with the Dacians...and especially "The King". (he'll always be the baddest of the bad!) And it was great getting more on two favorite demons, Cadeon and Rydstrom.

The drama at the end surprised me...not that it happened (well, yea that too) but at how quickly it was resolved. And then it basically ends. It really felt unfinished but I'm positive we will get more of them in future books.

And oh yeah, we get a little something-something about a missing Valkyrie. I'm really hoping her book (finally) is next!



Favorite quotes

♥ “You smell like sky. And home.”

♥ "I never knew you'd taste so good."

♥ "Thronos, I think that's the best conversation we've ever had."

♥ "Denying pleasure between us would be like squandering our coins."

♥ "Nix's eyes went wide. "I should've vajazzled!"

♥ “Face it, sorceress, I nearly claimed you as mine—and you loved it.”

♥ "As he was drifting off, he said, “With all my dreams having come true, what will I dream of now?”

♥ “In the air?” Her eyes widened with excitement. “My weird, pervy Vrekener. I love it!”

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Winged Stars

“Before you were my enemy, you were my best friend.”

I have wondered about Lathe’s story with Thronos since her sister’s book Kiss of a Demon King. I really liked the Sorceri Sisters and all the mischief they seemed to be able to cause together. The cute and sensitive Lanthe always looking for love in all the wrong places was instantly likable to me and I really couldn’t wait to discover the past Lanthe and Thronos shared and why he wanted to get to her so much that he let the humans capture him and take him to the isle prison. Might a little Valkyrie be the reason Thronos risked vivisection to get to Lanthe?

Dark Skye did not disappoint. There were trials and tribulations, a demon realm full of dragons and warring demon factions, a forest full of dangers and perhaps something that calls to Throno’s inner ‘something’ so that he isn’t the calm and cool Wreckener he always thought he was.


As Lanthe and Throno’s work together to get back to civilization they remember some of the things that brought them together as children and Throno’s hopes that if Sabine and Rydstrom overcame their differences perhaps he and Melanthe have a shot at happiness as well.

“Rumor holds that Sabine trapped him to use as a sex slave, tormenting him until he agreed to wed her. Then he made a slave of her.”
She blinked at him. “Like those are bad things?” At his look of astonishment, she said, “They enjoyed tons of bondage, some master/sub stuff, a real-live dungeon with shackles, role and cosplay. Spankings and repeated orgasm denial. You know, typical BDSM. But don’t worry, they were doing it before it became cool.”

The deck is totally stacked against them though as everyone believes Throno’s kidnapped Lanthe, well he did but that is beside the point. The Wreckeners also are not too thrilled about the idea of a sorceresses in their midst still yielding her power. They must both convince family and friends that they are meant to be together.

Things I liked the most: I am a sucker for the world and I really do continue to love all of the story lines. I loved the Demon world, Lanthe’s relationship with her sister, all the imagery involving wings…

…and the continued development moving the story to the accession. But most of all besides the romance between the MCs I LOVED NIX!!!! When is Nixie’s book coming out? She adds so much to the story and besides popping in at all the right/wrong moments there is an entire chapter when you find out which Godship she is applying for. I loved it.

I’d tell you things I didn’t like but it has been a week since I finished and I really can’t think of anything worth mentioning except Morgana. But, I loved hating her and hope she gets her due in the end, perhaps a data with Nimrod. This is book 15 in this world if you don’t know what the general idea of the story is then it is too late now.


P.S.
Absolutely loved the tearjerker moment When drops from the canopy kissed her face, he drew his wings over his head, creating a shelter. “I’ve always room for you too."

[Carmel (Rabid Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

I hate angels, and Vrekeners are the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK equivalent, so Kresley Cole really had to makeover Thronos’ personality in order to get me to like him. She mostly succeeded, and Lanthe was in the majority of his parts anyway which made them better by proximity alone. DARK SKYE opened with the island prison break, and then proceeded to build up the series’ story arc even more while also weaving in couple #15’s romance, a not-to-be-missed Nix gem, and the latest word on Fury’s whereabouts.

I’ve been mentally building up this pairing since KISS OF A DEMON KING, and it was right on target! The friend turned enemy turned fated mate is a classic, and no author does timeless love like Cole. The bumps, slow build, payoff, and HEA unfolded in harmony with all of the other happenings. The virgin hero, and the sexually experienced heroine made the nookie especially hot, and different than that found in all of the previous installments which is pretty freaking incredible when you think about it.

This series is shelved as Paranormal Romance, and even though the main couple’s relationship is always the head cheese, Cole never skimps on the action either which is smart. The locale was in constant flux thanks to Lanthe’s ability to create portals; readers get to travel from Pandemonia to Skye Hall to the belly of a beast. The Accession is so close that I can taste it, and the final pages left me feeling like something big is about to be let off the hook very soon.

As smooth a talker as Robert Petkoff is, even his honeyed voice could not save Thronos from himself. That being said, my internal narration would have probably painted the protagonist in a far worse light, so I owe every shred of enjoyment that I did receive from this character to one man. I’m also constantly amazed at how previous leads and secondaries are instantly recognizable as soon as Petkoff opens his mouth; he should be applauded for his TLC, and unwavering commitment to this series.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for SWEET RUIN!

[❤️Emma Book Lover ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

What's not to love about this series? It's freaking fantastic. World building, plot, twists, complex characters, banter, badass heroes and kickass heroines. Bloody amazing if you ask me.

Thronos the Vrekeren prince and Melanthe the Queen of Persuasion : childhood friends / fated mates turned enemies after a tragic night 500 years ago.
I really loved Thronos, and felt for what he went thru.He was one of those obsessed and full of anger character that gets to me bad,but also super possessive and capable.
Lanthe...was meh. Yeah. I really didn't care that she slept with half of the Lore, it annoyed me that she was complaining that all men used her. Than why did you do the same mistakes over and over you fool?! Also, she freaking crippled this man, but even after she learns the truth she's not exactly apologetic. Basically this felt like one sided fated couple in my opinion. Good thing she comes around in the end.

[Francesca the Fierce (Under the Covers Book Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are times you crack open a book and you just know you will fall in love. That was my feeling as soon as I started reading DARK SKYE. I haven’t been this giddy and excited about a book in a long time and just as I was excited to dive in, I was also really nervous. Will it live up to all my GREAT expectations?

Reading DARK SKYE was like rediscovering a great connection to an old friend. It made me feel again what it was like to read a truly amazing book. Sadly, I do feel like this level of writing and talent is missing in books these days. But trust the masterful Kresley Cole to bring me to that happy place again. DARK SKYE is a book lovers’ heaven. You can get lost among the utter perfection of its pages and adventures, the banter and the seduction. This story has it all!

Rich world building, amazing character descriptions – so many new species, and one hell of an adventure. Kresley Cole doesn’t pull any punches with this one. DARK SKYE is, without a doubt, the most action packed, edge of your seat adventure she’s written thus far in the series. It’s a captivating tale of romance that beats all odds. A second chance at love that transcends time. And these were the two most perfect characters for this story.

Thronos is my newest book boyfriend. Chained in my basement of men I lust over. A male so intense in his love and his passion that will make you swoon. Yes, I did quite a bit of that in this book. First of there’s the fact that he has it ALL. Fangs, wings and horns. Be still my galloping heart. And he’s a virgin hero. I have a big soft spot for those. He’s been true to his mate, Lanthe since he met her when they were mere kids. Five hundred years later, there’s a lot of heat that needs to explode. And explode it does. When Thronos claims his mate you will be nothing but a puddle of goo on the floor. Did I mention the horns? I’m a sucker for horns!

utc-top-pickOf course, I can’t just talk about my obsession, the hero. Lanthe is a witch and it is no secret that I love the witches in this series. They are a fun bunch, and almost as much as the valkyries, they will keep a male on his toes. As much as Lanthe holds the anger about what she perceived where Throno’s actions all those centuries ago, her love and connection with this male cannot be denied. But she won’t be oppressed either. She’s everything I love in a kick ass chick.

But lets get to the story shall we? Expect the unexpected. Nothing is as it seems. There are revelations with every turn. Things will get much worst and when you think there is no hope left, Kresley Cole will twist that knife in just a little deeper. This is not for the faint of heart. Once this book gets going, it will not stop.

To be honest, I didn’t want this to end. This is one of my favorite books of this year so far. Kresley Cole is a master at her craft, giving us so much wit and humor, chemistry and sensuality. All while driving a story that not only finally gives Thronos and Lanthe a much needed HEA, but this book further explores the IAD world as a whole. Don’t blink, you will want to pay attention to every detail as it will only give you more excitement for things to come. After 14 books in this series I would’ve never suspected to say that each book gets better. Favorites come and go, but this series is only getting stronger and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Favorite Quotes:

His head rushed towards her body. She braced for a vicious strike of his horns. Instead of hitting her, he rubbed the base of one over her shoulder and neck, marking her with his scent.

“Melanthe is” – everything missing from my life – “my ideal female.” She wasn’t thus because she was faultless, but because he adored even her faults. He didn’t just want her, he needed her. They were each halves of a greater whole.

*ARC provided by author

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

review posted on Got Fiction? Book Blog


—SPOILER FREE—

Kresley Cole never ceases to ensorcell me with her writing. I think this is the only PNR series I started when the first book came out and have faithfully kept up with. I’ve quit the Dark Hunters, the BDB, and so many others, but not Immortals After Dark. There’s something bewitching about her world and her writing and I can’t let go.

This is the long-awaited story of Lanthe and Thronos, one we’ve been seeing glimpses of since Kiss of a Demon King. I won’t tell you their story, but I will tell you everything I think of it.

I think that Thronos is one of my favorite heroes. I think that Lanthe is an amazing heroine with such a fabulous outlook on life and the ability to bounce back from whatever is thrown her way.

Thronos and Lanthe have such a history, but I was so glad to see many of the misunderstandings get cleared up early enough that it isn’t the central driving plot. Of course, if you’ve read Kresley Cole, you’ll know that there is very rarely one central plot.

Enter Nix. Nucking Futs Nix is one of my favorite characters in the whole wide world. And guess what? We get treated to a bit of Nixery in this book. She has her own part and isn’t just on the sidelines. She’s a driving force of many many things, and we get to see her in action.

And I love that Thronos finally gets it. He gets it. He loves Lanthe and wants her for her, not just because instinct drives him to claim her as his mate. Her past no longer matters, and his past no longer matters. What matters is how they feel and what their future holds. She shows our virgin hero (yep, readers, virgin hero!) that it doesn’t matter how many men she’d been with, as long as he is the last, and the forever, that’s what really matters.

Meanwhile, through all of this, they are of course, in mortal peril. Or rather Immortal peril. heh.

Lanthe’s powers are still muted from the torque the Order has put around her neck, because this book picks off on that horrible island as everyone is escaping. She and Thronos not only have to work together, but they have to do it with her unpredictable powers. He might be a super strong and mighty warlord, but all his control goes out the window around Lanthe.

We see very little of the cast of characters we normally have roaming the pages of the Lore. Instead we’re treated to a story about Lanthe and Thronos that pretty much centers only on the two. Do you know how hard it is to write using only 2 characters for the majority of a book? It’s damn hard. I take that back; it’s damn hard to do well. Cole not only does it, but she does it well. She captures her reader from the first word and she doesn’t ever let go, not even once the last page is turned and the book is read. You will never leave her created world, and you’ll find you won’t want to.

I almost want to repeat that part. In fact, I will. You Won’t Want To. That book hangover feeling where you can’t find anything to measure up after a fabulous book? that’s what you’ll have here. You’ll catch yourself re-reading it even though you just finished it moments ago. You won’t be able to help yourself, it’s just that bewitching.

This book was the best birthday present ever. And that’s saying something since I got MacReive for my birthday last year.

***ARC courtesy of Gallery Books

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"With DARK SKYE, Kresley Cole proves why she is one of my favourite authors of all time."

Read this review in its entirety at Fresh Fiction

[KatieV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole has done it again. I've heard some complaints about the decline in quality of the series (everyone has their druthers). But, IMHO, the vast majority of these books just keep on winning.

I fell a little in love with Lanthe in her sister's book, even more in love with her in Carrow/Malkolm's story, and by her own book, I was sold. She is very far from being the archetypal romance heroine that we're all used to, but I adore her. Melanthe is centuries old and has no curse, vow to the lore, or traumatic experience to prevent her from being a typical hedonistic sorceress. However, she's also a loving sister, a devoted friend, and an incurable romantic with a collection of self-help books on finding 'the right one'. Her vulnerabilities and insecurities may make some see her as less than a feminist heroine, but they made her feel real to me.

Thronos was my problem at first. There's one thing guaranteed to irritate, annoy, nauseate, and enrage me - a puritanical male. *vomit* It wasn't the fact that he was a virgin. Cole has done an amazing job making virginal and almost-virginal heroes sexy and alpha. My problem with the Thronos was his fundamentalist, holier-than-though, black/white, Melanthe-you-dirty-slut attitude.

Cole manages to not only make Thronos redeemable, but also a very likeable hero that I cheered on. There were clues to the man he was in the boy Lanthe was friends with as a child, but he became twisted - literally - by the physical injuries Lanthe inflicted on him as a terrified child and by her centuries of running from him, which he didn't understand. Still, you learn that while he may share the fundamentalist beliefs of his people, he's not a cruel or unfair person at heart. He's willing to make adjustments and see things from another angle.

I liked how Cole handled religious fundamentalism in this book, because that is essentially what the Vrekeners are. For those of us in the West, we'll likely think of fundamental Muslims due to the political state of the world. I thought of them and of fundamentalist Christians, since I live in a part of the country where there are quite a few.

The Vrekeners have has set themselves above the rest of the Lore, believing myths about their origins which give them an inherent right to be judge and jury. They are a strict society where most everything even mildly considered fun is a sin or, in their terms, an 'offendment'. Still, the majority of them appear to be decent enough. They just have that unfortunate group of bad apples who take a sadistic pleasure in cruelly enforcing "justice" and placing themselves above the law.

From my personal experience with fundamental Christians, that's the lay of the land. I've gone to school with them, had some as neighbors, co-workers, and even friends. Some of them have been there for me and my family in bad times and would literally give you the shirt off their back. Granted, I'm pretty sure some of them think I'm going to burn in hell since, having been raised a Methodist, I was sprinkled and not submerged along with various other "offendments" (I do tend to be a irreverent smart ass).

But, the point is, they don't want me to burn in hell. They aren't rubbing their hands and laughing maniacally while celebrating my impending doom. Most likely, I'm just on their prayer list. They aren't malicious, horrible people. Ohhhh but there's always that rotten few which just confirm my complex philosophy that some people simply suck, and give them a reason to think they're in-the-right and they just suck all the harder.

Opinions on religion aside, there was a lot to love in this book. There was a lot of adventure, character growth, laughs, a great romance, and bonus - the overall story arc was expanded. We even get a chapter devoted to Nix! I'm not going to spoil it, but just set aside any hot beverages when you get there. When confronted by her shabby appearance at an important event, she delivers a one liner that is simply priceless. I could not stop laughing.

It goes without saying that Robert Petkoff is, once again, amazing as the narrator. Damn! It was nice to hear Rydstrom's voice again (swoon) if even just in a letter and a few brief scenes. And his voice was voiced exactly the same as it was in his book. I've listened to series - narrated by the same narrator - where a character from a previous book sounds almost unrecognizable and it's maddening! Petkoff really is the best narrator out there IMO and I listen to A LOT of audiobooks.