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Immortals After Dark #17
Wicked Abyss
The terrifying king of hell...
As a boy, Abyssian "Sian" Infernas had his heart shattered by a treacherous fey beauty who died before he could exact vengeance. Millennia later, a curse has transformed him into a demonic monster--just as she's been reincarnated. Sian captures the delicate but bold female, forcing her back to hell.
Meets his match.
Princess Calliope "Lila" Barbot's people have hated and feared Abyssian and his alliance of monsters for eons. When the beastly demon imprisons her in his mystical castle, vowing revenge for betrayals she can't remember, Lila makes her own vow: to bring down the wicked beast for good.
Can two adversaries share one happily-ever-after?
As Calliope turns hell inside out, the all-powerful Sian finds himself defenseless against his feelings for her. In turn, Lila reluctantly responds to the beast's cleverness and gruff vulnerability. But when truths from a far distant past are revealed, can their tenuous bond withstand ages of deceit, a curse, and a looming supernatural war?
As a boy, Abyssian "Sian" Infernas had his heart shattered by a treacherous fey beauty who died before he could exact vengeance. Millennia later, a curse has transformed him into a demonic monster--just as she's been reincarnated. Sian captures the delicate but bold female, forcing her back to hell.
Meets his match.
Princess Calliope "Lila" Barbot's people have hated and feared Abyssian and his alliance of monsters for eons. When the beastly demon imprisons her in his mystical castle, vowing revenge for betrayals she can't remember, Lila makes her own vow: to bring down the wicked beast for good.
Can two adversaries share one happily-ever-after?
As Calliope turns hell inside out, the all-powerful Sian finds himself defenseless against his feelings for her. In turn, Lila reluctantly responds to the beast's cleverness and gruff vulnerability. But when truths from a far distant past are revealed, can their tenuous bond withstand ages of deceit, a curse, and a looming supernatural war?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
About the author
Kresley Cole
73 books27.7k followersKresley 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,282 reviews
April 29, 2017
AT LAST! It's here!
I don't think I've ever loved a female character as much as Nix. My favorite batshit crazy Valkyrie! I almost hope she doesn't end up with anyone. Who is good enough for her, I wonder. It has to be someone equally insane. Lothair could have been perfect, but whatever... Loki? Yes!!
I realize many people aren't thrilled about these new characters getting their books while some of our loved ones are still waiting in the line patiently.
I totally understand your frustration, but can you trust the author and let her tell the story?
There are many great books out there that will be more suitable for you if you don't find this to your liking.
Please stop pressuring authors. I am sure Cole has a plan.
Update:
It's Sian's book, ya'll!!!!
And Furie's is next.
Is it 2017 yet?
Who's book is it? Who's book is it?!?! 2017?!?!
Just give me Nix's book already! Why does she have to be the last one? I'll probably be 50 when her's comes out, but you know what? I'll still read it!
I don't think I've ever loved a female character as much as Nix. My favorite batshit crazy Valkyrie! I almost hope she doesn't end up with anyone. Who is good enough for her, I wonder. It has to be someone equally insane. Lothair could have been perfect, but whatever... Loki? Yes!!
I realize many people aren't thrilled about these new characters getting their books while some of our loved ones are still waiting in the line patiently.
I totally understand your frustration, but can you trust the author and let her tell the story?
There are many great books out there that will be more suitable for you if you don't find this to your liking.
Please stop pressuring authors. I am sure Cole has a plan.
Update:
It's Sian's book, ya'll!!!!
And Furie's is next.
Is it 2017 yet?
Who's book is it? Who's book is it?!?! 2017?!?!
Just give me Nix's book already! Why does she have to be the last one? I'll probably be 50 when her's comes out, but you know what? I'll still read it!
July 21, 2017
The 'Immortals After Dark' series is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. The over-the-top Alphas that fill this supernatural world are perfect, in a very primal sort of way. Kresley Cole knows exactly how to hit the spot when creating this type of male. I know I should be appalled by their obsessive and controlling caveman antics, but I just can't help myself.
I have listened to the Audible edition of all of the books in this series, except for 'A Hunger Like No Other'. Despite the fact that I usually prefer to avoid explicit erotica selections in this format, it has always seemed to work for me with this series. Usually, I find it kind of creepy to have the narrators bringing intimate sexual acts to life as I'm sitting in traffic.
For some reason, that has never bothered me with this series. This probably has something to do with the fact that the series is already ridiculous in many ways, so having the narrator grunt and groan so animatedly doesn't really detract from this series in any way. Just know that you will laugh out loud if you choose to listen to this series. Again, it definitely falls in the "guilty pleasure" category for me. You will get some strange, and amused, looks in traffic if you roll down your windows. Don't say I didn't warn you!
That being said, I didn't find myself enjoying this story as much as the others. I can't really pinpoint why, but it just didn't do it for me. I'm a moody reader, so maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for this light-hearted, over-the-top smutty romance.
This book is the story of Abyssian "Sian" Infernas, the King of Hell, and Calliope "Lila" Barbot. Like other couples in this series, they have a very love/hate relationship. As expected there is plenty of sexual tension and rivalry in the beginning, which eventually gives way to some pretty passionate mating action. If you've followed this series, you know the drill.
Also like earlier books in the series, the meddling Valkyrie, Nix, is instrumental in the story. If you're a fan of the super-crazy Nix, like I am, then you'll enjoy her interference and manipulations. I can't wait to read her story. One day soon, I hope we'll get it.
Despite the fact that this couple wasn't one of my favorites from this series, I did enjoy their story. The imagery was especially remarkable. I could picture the jade beaches like I was standing there, feeling the smooth green sand between my toes. I absolutely loved that part of the story.
I have to say that I don't regret reading this one, even if the story wasn't a big stand-out for me. I was definitely in the minority with this one among my friends. I still plan to continue the series and it remains one of my favorite guilty pleasure go-tos. In fact, I might even return to this one at a later date to see if it holds more appeal when I'm in a different frame of mind.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
I have listened to the Audible edition of all of the books in this series, except for 'A Hunger Like No Other'. Despite the fact that I usually prefer to avoid explicit erotica selections in this format, it has always seemed to work for me with this series. Usually, I find it kind of creepy to have the narrators bringing intimate sexual acts to life as I'm sitting in traffic.
For some reason, that has never bothered me with this series. This probably has something to do with the fact that the series is already ridiculous in many ways, so having the narrator grunt and groan so animatedly doesn't really detract from this series in any way. Just know that you will laugh out loud if you choose to listen to this series. Again, it definitely falls in the "guilty pleasure" category for me. You will get some strange, and amused, looks in traffic if you roll down your windows. Don't say I didn't warn you!
That being said, I didn't find myself enjoying this story as much as the others. I can't really pinpoint why, but it just didn't do it for me. I'm a moody reader, so maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for this light-hearted, over-the-top smutty romance.
This book is the story of Abyssian "Sian" Infernas, the King of Hell, and Calliope "Lila" Barbot. Like other couples in this series, they have a very love/hate relationship. As expected there is plenty of sexual tension and rivalry in the beginning, which eventually gives way to some pretty passionate mating action. If you've followed this series, you know the drill.
Also like earlier books in the series, the meddling Valkyrie, Nix, is instrumental in the story. If you're a fan of the super-crazy Nix, like I am, then you'll enjoy her interference and manipulations. I can't wait to read her story. One day soon, I hope we'll get it.
Despite the fact that this couple wasn't one of my favorites from this series, I did enjoy their story. The imagery was especially remarkable. I could picture the jade beaches like I was standing there, feeling the smooth green sand between my toes. I absolutely loved that part of the story.
I have to say that I don't regret reading this one, even if the story wasn't a big stand-out for me. I was definitely in the minority with this one among my friends. I still plan to continue the series and it remains one of my favorite guilty pleasure go-tos. In fact, I might even return to this one at a later date to see if it holds more appeal when I'm in a different frame of mind.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
May 2, 2017
“Where is the Magic Kingdom?”
“Right between Rivendell and Narnia, asshole.”
This sure is one of my favorites this year ! As if I were reading Demon from the Dark again, I was in awe by Wicked Abyss completely, especially the hero. The plot, snatching directly from Beauty and the Beast and mixing with darker twists, complements the protagonists profoundly. Their hostility runs deep, he can't forgive or forget for what she did in the past. Abyssian “Sian” Inferna was betrayed by a female destined to be his fated mate. After that heartbreaking incident, the female died, but now she reincarnated again as a fey who lives among mortals almost all of her life.
“Tell me what you do want. Whatever it is, I will give it to you.” He curled his finger under her chin. “I’m in love with you.”
I got the same vibes, existing in the other books of this series, from the first half of this book. Kresley's works always touch my sensory nerve severely like no one can. I felt chemistry, passion, and sexual tension through this book. The pace was just perfect, too, because it kept me turning the pages like crazy. The hero, Sian, is not different from the author's other characters, he's possessive, cold-hearted at first but cuddly afterwards, and hot as hell. And his past literally and figuratively broke my heart.
Lila, on the ther hand, isn't the heroine you want to toy with. Banished from her realm since she was young, Lila has a sense of surviving while she's abducted to hell and she puts up a fight with Sian immensely. Kresley put a lot of humor in this book. Incredibly I giggled when the characters was in serious conditions, I just couldn't stop myself from doing that because the feeling was natural and came from my joy for this book.
“Can you let go of the pressure and fury and forgive the past?”
Abyssian nodded. “I can. I will.”
The ending is unexpectedly powerful. I got chilled by thAT scene and changed my perspective for the new arc of the series heartily, since I ranted a lot in Sweet Ruin. Now I know Møriør isn't pure evil, and Orion is Nïx's perfect match, I can't wait to read her book in the near future. I know by my heart that she has her settler. You go, girl !
However, the conclusion is predictable and I was torn between rating this book 4 or 5 stars, but I ended up 5 stars instead for it didn't foul the whole story that much. Since they lie to each other from the beginning, I bet everyone know what will happen at the end of the book. This is Kresley's signature that never changes.
“Love can make beings do crazy things.”
https://goo.gl/wB7nt2
May 8, 2017
Cue the 10 year olds having a tantrum because it isn't the book THEY want.
Whoops, must have been in a bad mood when I wrote this! This is exactly why I shouldn't look at reviews of people who aren't my friends or who I follow, then I wouldn't get riled up!
****************
Loved it! I'm really enjoying the direction of this series. I've loved, liked and disliked the previous books before the "reset", but I've loved both books now since it. Looking forward to the next one. I might be wrong, but I'm starting have thoughts on the direction this is going.
Whoops, must have been in a bad mood when I wrote this! This is exactly why I shouldn't look at reviews of people who aren't my friends or who I follow, then I wouldn't get riled up!
****************
Loved it! I'm really enjoying the direction of this series. I've loved, liked and disliked the previous books before the "reset", but I've loved both books now since it. Looking forward to the next one. I might be wrong, but I'm starting have thoughts on the direction this is going.
May 6, 2017
What the hell? Completely new people again? What about Furie? Kristoff? Hag? Munro?
This seems like almost a complete new series set in the old world!
After reading Wicked Abyss I can tell the only reason for the Morior is to extend the series. They are adding nothing new whatsoever, besides a new nemesis for Nix (which I guess she needed, after Lothaire got his HEA and has better things to do.) Besides the 'Beauty and the Beast" theme, there was very little new in this book: Sian found his mate 10 millennia ago but but she betrayed him so he waited for her to resurrect to exact his revenge. (It was never clear why he was so sure she would come back.) Once she's born again, he finds her and imprisons her. But soon enough his plans change and he wonders if she's different from last time.
Lilla for her part doesn't remember anything she did in her past life. In fact, it's not clear how she believed his tale of being a reincarnate. Sian is her enemy and her plan is to spy on him. Soon enough she realized that she's been a pawn on Nix's (and her fiance's) schemes and decides to take her own path.
Like past books, we have a 5' foot virgin dealing with a 7'foot warrior who has to claim her. **rolls eyes**. The love scenes are super hot as usual - and more explicit than before. At this point, I'm continuing the series because Cole's over the top writing combined with Petkoff's performance is a total blast. At some point Sian climaxed and Petkoff actually bellowed (like it's usually described in the books) I HAD to laughed out loud.
Anyhow, I really hope the series returns to the old characters because these are not very interesting at all.
This seems like almost a complete new series set in the old world!
After reading Wicked Abyss I can tell the only reason for the Morior is to extend the series. They are adding nothing new whatsoever, besides a new nemesis for Nix (which I guess she needed, after Lothaire got his HEA and has better things to do.) Besides the 'Beauty and the Beast" theme, there was very little new in this book: Sian found his mate 10 millennia ago but but she betrayed him so he waited for her to resurrect to exact his revenge. (It was never clear why he was so sure she would come back.) Once she's born again, he finds her and imprisons her. But soon enough his plans change and he wonders if she's different from last time.
Lilla for her part doesn't remember anything she did in her past life. In fact, it's not clear how she believed his tale of being a reincarnate. Sian is her enemy and her plan is to spy on him. Soon enough she realized that she's been a pawn on Nix's (and her fiance's) schemes and decides to take her own path.
Like past books, we have a 5' foot virgin dealing with a 7'foot warrior who has to claim her. **rolls eyes**. The love scenes are super hot as usual - and more explicit than before. At this point, I'm continuing the series because Cole's over the top writing combined with Petkoff's performance is a total blast. At some point Sian climaxed and Petkoff actually bellowed (like it's usually described in the books) I HAD to laughed out loud.
Anyhow, I really hope the series returns to the old characters because these are not very interesting at all.
December 17, 2017
So... I saw this was to be Sian's book!!
And then I was like... Who the hell is Sian? I don't even remember!!!
And then I was like...
Cole will have to work hard to win this fangirl back.
And then I was like... Who the hell is Sian? I don't even remember!!!
And then I was like...
Cole will have to work hard to win this fangirl back.
July 26, 2017
Abyssian Infernas aka Sian (Primordial Demon and King of Pandemonia/Hell) and Calliope Barbot aka Lila (Fae and princess of Sylvan)
He stood, staring her down. "Calliope, understand me: you will never escape this realm."
She boldly held his gaze. "Abyssian, understand me: I will escape you, and when I do, I will leave rubble in my wake!"
As she spoke, the fire flared behind her, twin spires above her head that resembled horns.
His breath left him. She looked like a queen.
A queen of hell.
So, Nix will tell us a story
or perhaps it is reality which has just happened
or maybe it is something that will happen in the future.
Nobody knows usually what Nix talks about.
This is story that combines greatly
1. The fairy tale of the Beauty and the Beast.
2. The greek myth of the virgin Persephone and Hades the king of Hell who stole her and kept her forever.
3. And maybe, it also includes some elements from the tale of Shrek and Fiona, because there is definitely an interesting twist in the end.
There is a sentient castle, a sentient realm really, a cursed king who needs a second chance in love and a fearless little fae on her way to become a powerful queen and right a wrong.
Nix has been a gamechanger again and I cannot wait to see Orion's move!
I really enjoyed the last available book in the series...
He stood, staring her down. "Calliope, understand me: you will never escape this realm."
She boldly held his gaze. "Abyssian, understand me: I will escape you, and when I do, I will leave rubble in my wake!"
As she spoke, the fire flared behind her, twin spires above her head that resembled horns.
His breath left him. She looked like a queen.
A queen of hell.
So, Nix will tell us a story
or perhaps it is reality which has just happened
or maybe it is something that will happen in the future.
Nobody knows usually what Nix talks about.
This is story that combines greatly
1. The fairy tale of the Beauty and the Beast.
2. The greek myth of the virgin Persephone and Hades the king of Hell who stole her and kept her forever.
3. And maybe, it also includes some elements from the tale of Shrek and Fiona, because there is definitely an interesting twist in the end.
There is a sentient castle, a sentient realm really, a cursed king who needs a second chance in love and a fearless little fae on her way to become a powerful queen and right a wrong.
Nix has been a gamechanger again and I cannot wait to see Orion's move!
I really enjoyed the last available book in the series...
October 27, 2018
4.5 stars
27/10/1
This was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a hint of Cinderella and Persephone, Lorean style.
Though an awesome book that gave us some more insight to The Møriør, it didn't really tie up any loose ends mentioned below. And no hints of so many of the possible couples prior to the Møriør appearance. And why do I have a feeling Nix and Orion are gonna be the ultimate couple in the end?
7/3/17
So I recently re-read Lothaire and MacRieve and I realised that Cole has been setting up The Møriør angle (in Sweet Ruin) since then and I didn't remember it!!! I need to make a list of everything Nix ever said and go over it because I'm sure I'm forgetting/missing something.
Also, does anyone remember what happened to Kristoff?
27/10/1
This was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a hint of Cinderella and Persephone, Lorean style.
Though an awesome book that gave us some more insight to The Møriør, it didn't really tie up any loose ends mentioned below. And no hints of so many of the possible couples prior to the Møriør appearance. And why do I have a feeling Nix and Orion are gonna be the ultimate couple in the end?
7/3/17
So I recently re-read Lothaire and MacRieve and I realised that Cole has been setting up The Møriør angle (in Sweet Ruin) since then and I didn't remember it!!! I need to make a list of everything Nix ever said and go over it because I'm sure I'm forgetting/missing something.
Also, does anyone remember what happened to Kristoff?
May 3, 2017
I don't want this series to end. Ever. She is building up to Nix's book, but honestly I'm afraid it'll be horrible hahaha
But this one, loved it, perfect narration as ever <3
But this one, loved it, perfect narration as ever <3
December 18, 2021
Wicked Abyss was fabulous!!! I love this couple so very much. Their chemistry was off the charts and the sex totally delish! Give me a guy with horn's,fangs and wings and I'm in heaven and this one had metal piercings on the underside of his junk! Scary but a great accessory if you know what I mean😁 Abyssian is a hot sexy dark demon with a major axe to grind who is obsessed with making Calliope( Lila) princess of sylvan who has been exiled from her home and sent by Nix and Saetth King of sylvan her supposed fiance to spy on Abyssian to save her people.But what they leave out is the fact that Abyssian thinks she's the reincarnation of princess Karia the woman who betrayed him ! And so starts a battle of wits between these two very strong people. Callliope is my new favorite character from the immortals after dark series! I love her strength and determination and with her snarky attitude and foul mouth I felt like we were twins separated at birth! With one liners like "fuck face is behind me isn't he", to her motto Fitfo (figure it the fuck out) its no wonder I fell in love with her! And going from having a deathly fear of spiders to not only befriending them but giving them Disney character names chip and dale this is definitely a chick with big balls and a great sense of humor. Abyssian doesn't know if he wants to kill her or fuck her! She stands up for herself and isn't afraid of him like everyone else. Well everyone except for Uthyr his dragon ally. Loved this dragon ! This has been one of the best IAD of the series! I love kresley Cole's storytelling and her mishmash of unique characters and I can never get enough of this world she has created! Kresley Cole is definitely one of my 1 click writers and I can't wait for the next adventure. Until next time Luv's💕💋
April 29, 2017
If I had to choose only ONE reason WHY I am so in love with Kresley Cole's work - even if it IS an impossible task but if I HAD to choose one - I would have say it's her creativity. To date, I've read about 90% of this author's entire catalog and I've yet to read the same story twice. Her imagination knows no bounds because with each and every new release, Kresley Cole brings to the table something special and very unique to the couple the story is about. The only thing that DOES repeat from book to book is how absolutely kick ass her heroines and insanely sexy her male leads are. This book is no exception! Fantastic addition to an already favorite [fantasy] series of mine, this story, once again, exhibits why Kresley Cole is one of my ultimate favorite one-click authors.
Sadly, neither my vocabulary or my imagination is as as extensive as Ms. Cole's so most of my reviews of her work sound the same but I simply can't get enough of her characters! I think I've said this multiples times before but every new couple she introduces us to becomes my new favorite! Sian and Lila is the latest duo to land on my 'favorite couple' shelf. Absolutely perfect for each other, these two are a match made in Hell and I loved every scorching minute of their journey to their much needed HEA. Exquisitely written [what else is new?], this story's entertainment factor is enhanced by supporting cast that consists of some of Kresley's colorful characters we have a pleasure of meeting for the first time and some of my old favorites. Add to that the banter and the bromance and, once again, you get an amazing reading experience that grabs you on page 1 and doesn't let go till 'The End'.
This book is dedicate to 'those who still dream of fairy tales ...' and, at 43, I still do so thank you, Kresley Cole, for supplying the kind of fairy tales material I am only happy to dream of for as long as I can dream.
Till next time ...
Sadly, neither my vocabulary or my imagination is as as extensive as Ms. Cole's so most of my reviews of her work sound the same but I simply can't get enough of her characters! I think I've said this multiples times before but every new couple she introduces us to becomes my new favorite! Sian and Lila is the latest duo to land on my 'favorite couple' shelf. Absolutely perfect for each other, these two are a match made in Hell and I loved every scorching minute of their journey to their much needed HEA. Exquisitely written [what else is new?], this story's entertainment factor is enhanced by supporting cast that consists of some of Kresley's colorful characters we have a pleasure of meeting for the first time and some of my old favorites. Add to that the banter and the bromance and, once again, you get an amazing reading experience that grabs you on page 1 and doesn't let go till 'The End'.
This book is dedicate to 'those who still dream of fairy tales ...' and, at 43, I still do so thank you, Kresley Cole, for supplying the kind of fairy tales material I am only happy to dream of for as long as I can dream.
Till next time ...
no-thanks
August 8, 2016Are you kidding me? Another new couple? No thanks, I'll pass.
Someone give me a heads up when the OG characters that we've been waiting on forever (Munro, Furie, Kristoff) gets a book.
Someone give me a heads up when the OG characters that we've been waiting on forever (Munro, Furie, Kristoff) gets a book.
June 7, 2017
4 ★'s
Nix is working her mojo again...interfering in other's lives to who knows what end. And this time it's the King of Hell, Abyssian (Sian), and a princess fey, Calliope (Lila).
Both sides are complicated and at war with each other. However...a huge complication is that Sian fell in love with a past life of Lila's that she knows nothing about. It was very ugly and he's held a HUGE grudge for over 10,000 years!
So when Nix gets the tables turning, Lila ends up being Sian's prisoner. Lila's just a little freaked because Sian has been gradually transforming into his demonic self and on top of that, he is one of the Møriør, a group that she was raised to fear. Add Sian's unhealthy need for revenge and it's a pretty potent cocktail.
But Lila is not her reincarnation...she subscribes to the FITFO (figure it the f*ck out) way and it helps her tremendously. It's also quite the challenge to Sian which really turns him on.
Well, everything about Lila turns him on and that's one of the best parts of the story. ;) These two are definitely steamy!
And Lila comes into her immortality making her want him even more. They try to keep things casual and it does draw things out but in a good way.
There are a few main problems between the two of them...as always, they are not communicating with each other and they are keeping secrets. Rune, from Sweet Ruin, is also one of the Møriør and Sian's best friend and he's after her. AND...they both don't want the children they would create, banebloods, which is also what Rune is.
Naturally, just when the going gets good all hell breaks loose. But I really enjoyed how things went for Lila...it was very intriguing and she certainly does FITFO! I loved her payback.
I was happy with the way things worked out for them and how the "Graven" helped things along. And I LOVED how Nix threw it into Orion's court. It will be interesting to see where things go from here!
Nix is working her mojo again...interfering in other's lives to who knows what end. And this time it's the King of Hell, Abyssian (Sian), and a princess fey, Calliope (Lila).
Both sides are complicated and at war with each other. However...a huge complication is that Sian fell in love with a past life of Lila's that she knows nothing about. It was very ugly and he's held a HUGE grudge for over 10,000 years!
So when Nix gets the tables turning, Lila ends up being Sian's prisoner. Lila's just a little freaked because Sian has been gradually transforming into his demonic self and on top of that, he is one of the Møriør, a group that she was raised to fear. Add Sian's unhealthy need for revenge and it's a pretty potent cocktail.
But Lila is not her reincarnation...she subscribes to the FITFO (figure it the f*ck out) way and it helps her tremendously. It's also quite the challenge to Sian which really turns him on.
Well, everything about Lila turns him on and that's one of the best parts of the story. ;) These two are definitely steamy!
And Lila comes into her immortality making her want him even more. They try to keep things casual and it does draw things out but in a good way.
There are a few main problems between the two of them...as always, they are not communicating with each other and they are keeping secrets. Rune, from Sweet Ruin, is also one of the Møriør and Sian's best friend and he's after her. AND...they both don't want the children they would create, banebloods, which is also what Rune is.
Naturally, just when the going gets good all hell breaks loose. But I really enjoyed how things went for Lila...it was very intriguing and she certainly does FITFO! I loved her payback.
I was happy with the way things worked out for them and how the "Graven" helped things along. And I LOVED how Nix threw it into Orion's court. It will be interesting to see where things go from here!
May 24, 2017
4.5stars
One of my favorite paranormal series that always seems to deliver for me.I enjoyed this tale of the fey princess reincarnated, and her spurned love,the hell king.Almost had a sense of Beauty and the Beast,one of my favorite fairytales.The references to Narnia and LOTR gave me a smile amongst other references.I don't see this series ending anytime soon as several other possible characters popped up.Do I dare even guess who Nixes mate will be if the last few sentences were anything to go by.While Abyssian is a worthy hero,my heart will always belong to the mad,bad Lothaire!KC has yet to come up with his equal.Looking forward to the next installment .
One of my favorite paranormal series that always seems to deliver for me.I enjoyed this tale of the fey princess reincarnated, and her spurned love,the hell king.Almost had a sense of Beauty and the Beast,one of my favorite fairytales.The references to Narnia and LOTR gave me a smile amongst other references.I don't see this series ending anytime soon as several other possible characters popped up.Do I dare even guess who Nixes mate will be if the last few sentences were anything to go by.While Abyssian is a worthy hero,my heart will always belong to the mad,bad Lothaire!KC has yet to come up with his equal.Looking forward to the next installment .
May 7, 2017
So hot - literally- and sexy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy is not one of my favorites to read, but when the writer has that special touch and can draw you in no matter what they're writing, you know it's something special.
This book is loaded with astounding imagery, a powerful heroine, a man-beast who's too complex and dripping sexuality to forget. Plus, a plot that is unimaginable and so very intriguing. With twists and turns, mystery and mis-trust abounding throughout this book, you never know what the next page will bring.
From the high amounts of sexual anticipation and heat to the impeccable detail that floods your mind, this book grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't go until the last page is turned.
Kresley Cole's writing is on point in this amazing read. If it can get me to enjoy a fantasy novel, it must be special.
* copy rec'd for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fantasy is not one of my favorites to read, but when the writer has that special touch and can draw you in no matter what they're writing, you know it's something special.
This book is loaded with astounding imagery, a powerful heroine, a man-beast who's too complex and dripping sexuality to forget. Plus, a plot that is unimaginable and so very intriguing. With twists and turns, mystery and mis-trust abounding throughout this book, you never know what the next page will bring.
From the high amounts of sexual anticipation and heat to the impeccable detail that floods your mind, this book grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't go until the last page is turned.
Kresley Cole's writing is on point in this amazing read. If it can get me to enjoy a fantasy novel, it must be special.
* copy rec'd for review consideration
November 24, 2025
Of course, it’s 5 ⭐️. It’s Kresley Cole!
April 27, 2017
Okay, more like 3.5, but it's getting the Kresley Cole bump from me.
LOVED Lila; she was a total boss and maybe one of my top three KC heroines ever. I liked Sian too (though autocorrect most definitely does not) but I felt like his personality was a little less fleshed out.
ALSO, I am not sure when the synopsis for this book changed, but I was expecting the handsome version of Sian to show up for an hour every day until like 60% through, when I came back and reread the new synopsis which said nothing of the sort. Am I going crazy?? That's what it said when the release date was first revealed, right?? I'm fine with the changes, don't get me wrong, but I swear I am going insane.
My major complaint was simply that there was very little movement forward on series plot lines. That was a key reason I enjoyed Sweet Ruin so much: I loved learning more about Thad and seeing a bunch of other characters I adore. Here, they spent the whole book in a different dimension with very little interaction with anyone else.
Overall, I was pretty happy with it--now, fingers crossed that we aren't kept waiting too long for the next book!!! (Fingers crossed for Munro, Furie/Kristoff, or even Kosmina/King of Sand!)
---
Listen y'all, I can't wait for Munro's book either, but I was pleasantly surprised by Sweet Ruin, even if it was kind of a placeholder book. The thing about KC, though, at least in my opinion, is that sometimes, the books I am most looking forward to (Thronos and Lanthe) end up being kind of disappointing, and then others that I feel kind of meh about (Malkom and Carrow) end up being OMGuhhhamazing.
So I think KC deserves the benefit of the doubt on this one. Or at least she does for me.
March 21, 2022
Well that was a tad underwhelming. I thought the King of Hell and Pandemonium would be more interesting. This one was heavy on the sexy times and light on story / substance. Still it's Kresley Cole and her books are always escapist fun.
Pre-read comments:
Preordered. Pub: 17/04/17
Recently reread the whole IAD series and now I'm looking forward to this one. Love the Morior characters. I really hope Orion ends up being Nix's mate. I'm even hoping that Nix's book when it finally comes is SO huge that it's split into two volumes a year apart. I'd like the story to be drawn out as long as possible with a massive cliffie in between that drives us all crazy like 'Is Jon Snow dead'.
Pre-read comments:
Preordered. Pub: 17/04/17
Recently reread the whole IAD series and now I'm looking forward to this one. Love the Morior characters. I really hope Orion ends up being Nix's mate. I'm even hoping that Nix's book when it finally comes is SO huge that it's split into two volumes a year apart. I'd like the story to be drawn out as long as possible with a massive cliffie in between that drives us all crazy like 'Is Jon Snow dead'.
May 3, 2018
As much as I enjoyed this book, way more then I thought I would actually, I find it hard to get excited for these new characters when there are still characters like Fury and Kristoff and Munro that I'd really be way more excited for. So while I'll stick with the series because they're all well written PNR's that always have lots of humour and twists you don't see coming, I look forward to when we can get back to some previously introduced characters. Also still really hate this cover.
*March 18th 2016*
Really, really not feeling this cover. Like at all...
*March 18th 2016*
Really, really not feeling this cover. Like at all...
Want to Read
April 18, 2016Please, please, please be Munro's book!!!
December 28, 2017
Kresley Cole surprises and delights readers with the eighteenth installment to the Immortals After Dark series. Known for her spunky heroines and sexy heroes, Cole delivers yet another exciting book for readers to enjoy. The main couple of this story is fairly new to readers so I worried how well we were be able to connect with him. However, Sian and Lila completely surprised me.
First off, I’ll talk about Lila because she was the one that stood out to me the most. As a princess, she has that slightly hoilier-than-you attitude, but that’s what makes her enjoyable. She is forced to go to hell and mingle with the Abyssian, her race’s biggest enemy. There, she encounters Sian, her ruthless mate who will do anything to claim her.
As I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much because they are two new characters. However, Cole has a special way of introducing her characters where you can’t help but be intrigued by them. Bursting with personality, they really are interesting characters.
The world continues to grow and I love that Cole is still integrating her previous characters into the series. It makes the reading experience that much more fun for fans who have followed this series for years.
My only complaint is in terms of the writing style. In the last four or five years, Cole has employed a choppier writing style where she includes thoughts using em dashes. While this does a good job of injecting the narration with extra thoughts from the character, it does break up the pace a lot, creating a choppier read. I don’t mind it every now and then, but the overuse it in can really stall a story and I felt like that was the case here.
Nevertheless, WICKED ABYSS is definitely one of my top readers this year. Merging adventure and humor, Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series is not to be missed!
Read this review at Fresh Fiction
First off, I’ll talk about Lila because she was the one that stood out to me the most. As a princess, she has that slightly hoilier-than-you attitude, but that’s what makes her enjoyable. She is forced to go to hell and mingle with the Abyssian, her race’s biggest enemy. There, she encounters Sian, her ruthless mate who will do anything to claim her.
As I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book as much because they are two new characters. However, Cole has a special way of introducing her characters where you can’t help but be intrigued by them. Bursting with personality, they really are interesting characters.
The world continues to grow and I love that Cole is still integrating her previous characters into the series. It makes the reading experience that much more fun for fans who have followed this series for years.
My only complaint is in terms of the writing style. In the last four or five years, Cole has employed a choppier writing style where she includes thoughts using em dashes. While this does a good job of injecting the narration with extra thoughts from the character, it does break up the pace a lot, creating a choppier read. I don’t mind it every now and then, but the overuse it in can really stall a story and I felt like that was the case here.
Nevertheless, WICKED ABYSS is definitely one of my top readers this year. Merging adventure and humor, Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series is not to be missed!
Read this review at Fresh Fiction
May 11, 2022
“Have you ever wanted to dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
-Sian
***
I have fallen in love...I hadn`t even planned to read this book or start this series yet,so when i accidentally opened this book and read the first sentence, i couldn`t stop. It is such a addicting, exciting and sexy romance between the Demon of Hell Abyssian "Sian" Infernas (who i just found sooooo delicious) and his reincarnated mate who he have waited for over ten millions of years to get revenge, Calliope “Lila” Barbot Princess of the Sylvan Fey Line.
The fact that they were mates were so fucking adorable and bittersweet.While Sian were raging with furious hate for Lila,he were still weak when it came to her all along. I adored his vulnerability and his desperate need of love from Lila, and their journey from capturement to marriage is an EPIC one.I laughed out loud as hell every time Sian desperately tried to NOT get seduced by Lila, but he never could deny her,and i love him so much for that! I only wish we could get to know what the hell Calliope had been thinking in her last lifetime as Kari (Calliope doesn`t even remember), rejecting her mate in the worst way possible. It was no surprise that Sian were still traumatized by the memories. But oh how i fell for Sian and Lila, Sian for his overpossessive nature, savage jealousy, and total devotion and smitteness for his beloved mate. Lila for her sassyness and brave heart, like Sian i came to admire her. I must be stupid for not reading the former books in the "Immortals After Dark"-series,but yeah i AM stupid. So i will go long back and start with the first one, i am so excited for it!I love EVERYTHING about this book, love it love it LOVE IT!
-Sian
***
I have fallen in love...I hadn`t even planned to read this book or start this series yet,so when i accidentally opened this book and read the first sentence, i couldn`t stop. It is such a addicting, exciting and sexy romance between the Demon of Hell Abyssian "Sian" Infernas (who i just found sooooo delicious) and his reincarnated mate who he have waited for over ten millions of years to get revenge, Calliope “Lila” Barbot Princess of the Sylvan Fey Line.
The fact that they were mates were so fucking adorable and bittersweet.While Sian were raging with furious hate for Lila,he were still weak when it came to her all along. I adored his vulnerability and his desperate need of love from Lila, and their journey from capturement to marriage is an EPIC one.I laughed out loud as hell every time Sian desperately tried to NOT get seduced by Lila, but he never could deny her,and i love him so much for that! I only wish we could get to know what the hell Calliope had been thinking in her last lifetime as Kari (Calliope doesn`t even remember), rejecting her mate in the worst way possible. It was no surprise that Sian were still traumatized by the memories. But oh how i fell for Sian and Lila, Sian for his overpossessive nature, savage jealousy, and total devotion and smitteness for his beloved mate. Lila for her sassyness and brave heart, like Sian i came to admire her. I must be stupid for not reading the former books in the "Immortals After Dark"-series,but yeah i AM stupid. So i will go long back and start with the first one, i am so excited for it!I love EVERYTHING about this book, love it love it LOVE IT!
April 26, 2017
A hate, hate, hate to love story; except being IAD, you can throw in some attempts to kill and (sometimes forced) laughs and madcap bits. The couple of Nix crumbs were fun, as were the other brief cameos. Aside from that, the characters and storyline really had nothing much to do with IAD, other than the general setting.
This could have easily been part of a spinoff series with new characters. Used here it leaves the impression that Cole might be trying to stretch out the series; because let’s face it, once she gets to Nix’s book it’s all over. Nix with her screwball antics and premonitions are the lynchpin of the entire series. This story started well and ended well; but the middle part in the underworld was repetitive. It was all ‘I hate you, sex scene, I’ll kill you, sex scene, you’re an evil reincarnation and I must have my revenge...ooooh lets have sex’; rinse and repeat. I skimmed a lot through the middle.
Well written as always, but not much in the way of a storyline. If you took out the sexual banter and sex scenes; the book would be a pamphlet. I need more than that from a book. With some editing this would have made a cute, sexy, and sweet novella.
This could have easily been part of a spinoff series with new characters. Used here it leaves the impression that Cole might be trying to stretch out the series; because let’s face it, once she gets to Nix’s book it’s all over. Nix with her screwball antics and premonitions are the lynchpin of the entire series. This story started well and ended well; but the middle part in the underworld was repetitive. It was all ‘I hate you, sex scene, I’ll kill you, sex scene, you’re an evil reincarnation and I must have my revenge...ooooh lets have sex’; rinse and repeat. I skimmed a lot through the middle.
Well written as always, but not much in the way of a storyline. If you took out the sexual banter and sex scenes; the book would be a pamphlet. I need more than that from a book. With some editing this would have made a cute, sexy, and sweet novella.
April 21, 2017
YAAAAASSSS! I have missed the IAD world so much! Wicked Abyss is the epitome of what Kresley Cole does. Review to come before the release date.
*ARC provided by publisher
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January 2, 2022
Pre-review:
March 2017? That is too long. *cries*
Now after reading the free preview, I remember all the wicked fun I had with the IAD series...
Oh, you wise dragon!
I like the main couple and their adventures from Hell and back! The sense of humour is great too!
PS: let me tell you one thing: hoping to read more books during self-isolation and work-from-home period during the time of the freaking WuHan virus outbreak probably doesn't work so good, I still have ton of unread and half-finished books to work on. *sighs*
March 2017? That is too long. *cries*
Now after reading the free preview, I remember all the wicked fun I had with the IAD series...
"That's better than my soap."
Oh, you wise dragon!
I like the main couple and their adventures from Hell and back! The sense of humour is great too!
PS: let me tell you one thing: hoping to read more books during self-isolation and work-from-home period during the time of the freaking WuHan virus outbreak probably doesn't work so good, I still have ton of unread and half-finished books to work on. *sighs*
April 28, 2017
5 "FiTFO (Figure it The f@ck out)!" Stars!!!
FANTASTIC!! Fans of the IAD series are going to love this. It is a Beauty and The Beast story, complete with a magical castle; with a tiny bit of Cinderella thrown in for fun.
Sian and Lila are explosive- in just about every way. I loved them both so much and wanted them to get their eternity together so badly. That is why I could put up with the prolonged secret keeping and unearned suspicion.... grrrrrr. But it completely went with the story. I loved it!! I can't wait to see what's next. Where is all this going related to the Ascension? What is Nix up to??
"Ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"- Nix. I love Nix... Happy reading!!!
FANTASTIC!! Fans of the IAD series are going to love this. It is a Beauty and The Beast story, complete with a magical castle; with a tiny bit of Cinderella thrown in for fun.
Sian and Lila are explosive- in just about every way. I loved them both so much and wanted them to get their eternity together so badly. That is why I could put up with the prolonged secret keeping and unearned suspicion.... grrrrrr. But it completely went with the story. I loved it!! I can't wait to see what's next. Where is all this going related to the Ascension? What is Nix up to??
"Ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?"- Nix. I love Nix... Happy reading!!!
January 13, 2022
4.5 stars
✔️Enemies to lovers.
✔️Marriage of convenience.
✔️There was only one bed.
✔️Beauty and the Beast retelling.
✔️Hades and Persephone retelling.
✔️Badass non-warrior heroine.
✔️Monsterfucker approved.
✔️Enemies to lovers.
✔️Marriage of convenience.
✔️There was only one bed.
✔️Beauty and the Beast retelling.
✔️Hades and Persephone retelling.
✔️Badass non-warrior heroine.
✔️Monsterfucker approved.
April 26, 2017
Beauty and the Beast re-tellings are my catnip. Probably because Disney's animated Beauty and the Beast was released in 1991, I was nine, and that's what I think love looks like? Seriously, let's not psychoanalyze this too much.
And there were wonderful nods to, specifically, Disney's Beauty and the Beast in Wicked Abyss -- Calliope's gold dress, her sidekicks, a living castle, and of course a wounded prince slowly degenerating into a more animalistic -- demonic -- form. (I didn't think I'd be into a guy with giant bat wings but turns out Kresley Cole can make me be into anything.)
In truth, however, this is a Hades and Persephone story (arguably the same thing as a Beauty and the Beast story? Talk amongst yourselves).
Setup: Fey princess Calliope is sent away from Sylvan, the fey realm, and after an interlude at the Magic Kingdom, she goes to Pandemonium, the hell realm. She's supposed to spy on King Abyssian (we need to have a serious conversation about how this name is pronounced), report back to Nïx and the Vertas Alliance, and go back to Sylvan to marry the king of the fey. Of course, things do not go as planned and Calliope finds herself stuck in hell with a surly, violent, wounded demon king.
I think it would be easy to compare this to Demon from the Dark, except that Malkom Slaine is an adorable squishy love nugget and Carrow the Incarcerated is a tough, sassy badass with a heart of gold, while King Abyssian is a grumbly, temperamental, devious king and Princess Calliope is a . . . cipher. Seriously, did anyone get a good handle on her personality? I guess she's supposed to be a clever bookworm but really she just tries to MacGyver her way out of captivity -- that's not really proof of personality. And then Abyssian is routinely described as being "tricky" but really he's just an asshole. Like pulling the football away from Charlie Brown is not a clever trick, that's just being a jerk. I wish both of the characters had been more fully developed. What did you guys think? Did you have a good handle on either Abyssian or Calliope's personalities?
Kresley Cole has always been amazing at writing glorious otherworlds and smoking hot sex scenes, and this book is no different. Pandemonium is beautiful and bizarre, and they literally do it next to a waterfall of gold in one scene, and on a jade-sand beach next to mercury-silver water in another scene, and that's all just totally wild and awesome and I was into it. This book is super, super sexy -- closer to her Gamemakers series than some early IAD books -- and super, super gorgeous -- I just love the world, the aesthetic of the whole Immortals After Dark series.
I have some quibbles with lazy writing and editing choices, the same kind of thing you see a lot of in long running series when editors just let the authors do whatever they want. Like, come on Kresley, pronouns still do exist and we are allowed to use them.
King Uthyr is delightful, like Oscar Wilde meets Temeraire, and I want him to have a book. I know everyone is mad because Furie, Munroe, Kristoff, Nïx, whoever else, all deserve their love stories, but I need all that nonsense to stop because I'm here for a drolly whimsical dragon shifter hero book asap. Basically I'm on board for all of the Møriør to get a book. (Also can we discuss pronunciation for Møriør?)
Also also, it's going to be Nïx and Orion, right? That seems fitting.
In the end, you know it's a Hades and Persephone story I'm starting to truly understand what Nïx is doing in guiding the Accession -- she's going to keep it from happening at all by forging love matches and alliances. Awesome. Only Nïx is nuts enough to realize that the cure for inevitable violence and hate is fated sex and love.
And there were wonderful nods to, specifically, Disney's Beauty and the Beast in Wicked Abyss -- Calliope's gold dress, her sidekicks, a living castle, and of course a wounded prince slowly degenerating into a more animalistic -- demonic -- form. (I didn't think I'd be into a guy with giant bat wings but turns out Kresley Cole can make me be into anything.)
In truth, however, this is a Hades and Persephone story (arguably the same thing as a Beauty and the Beast story? Talk amongst yourselves).
Setup: Fey princess Calliope is sent away from Sylvan, the fey realm, and after an interlude at the Magic Kingdom, she goes to Pandemonium, the hell realm. She's supposed to spy on King Abyssian (we need to have a serious conversation about how this name is pronounced), report back to Nïx and the Vertas Alliance, and go back to Sylvan to marry the king of the fey. Of course, things do not go as planned and Calliope finds herself stuck in hell with a surly, violent, wounded demon king.
I think it would be easy to compare this to Demon from the Dark, except that Malkom Slaine is an adorable squishy love nugget and Carrow the Incarcerated is a tough, sassy badass with a heart of gold, while King Abyssian is a grumbly, temperamental, devious king and Princess Calliope is a . . . cipher. Seriously, did anyone get a good handle on her personality? I guess she's supposed to be a clever bookworm but really she just tries to MacGyver her way out of captivity -- that's not really proof of personality. And then Abyssian is routinely described as being "tricky" but really he's just an asshole. Like pulling the football away from Charlie Brown is not a clever trick, that's just being a jerk. I wish both of the characters had been more fully developed. What did you guys think? Did you have a good handle on either Abyssian or Calliope's personalities?
Kresley Cole has always been amazing at writing glorious otherworlds and smoking hot sex scenes, and this book is no different. Pandemonium is beautiful and bizarre, and they literally do it next to a waterfall of gold in one scene, and on a jade-sand beach next to mercury-silver water in another scene, and that's all just totally wild and awesome and I was into it. This book is super, super sexy -- closer to her Gamemakers series than some early IAD books -- and super, super gorgeous -- I just love the world, the aesthetic of the whole Immortals After Dark series.
I have some quibbles with lazy writing and editing choices, the same kind of thing you see a lot of in long running series when editors just let the authors do whatever they want. Like, come on Kresley, pronouns still do exist and we are allowed to use them.
King Uthyr is delightful, like Oscar Wilde meets Temeraire, and I want him to have a book. I know everyone is mad because Furie, Munroe, Kristoff, Nïx, whoever else, all deserve their love stories, but I need all that nonsense to stop because I'm here for a drolly whimsical dragon shifter hero book asap. Basically I'm on board for all of the Møriør to get a book. (Also can we discuss pronunciation for Møriør?)
Also also, it's going to be Nïx and Orion, right? That seems fitting.
In the end, you know it's a Hades and Persephone story I'm starting to truly understand what Nïx is doing in guiding the Accession -- she's going to keep it from happening at all by forging love matches and alliances. Awesome. Only Nïx is nuts enough to realize that the cure for inevitable violence and hate is fated sex and love.
June 1, 2017
3.5 stars.
Abyssian “Sian” Infernas rules hell as he waits for the reincarnation of the woman he loved...the woman who betrayed Him. Now she has returned has the Fae Princess Calliope “Lila” Barbot.
She in the other hand doesn't remember him nor what she did to him. She came to hell to win his trust since her people, the Fae, are petrified of his powe. They sent her to try and learn his secrets so they can find a way to neutralize Sian.
This begins a game of cat and mouse as Sian and Lila try to beat the other Using seduction.
I almost DNF'd this book. I literally put it down after every few chapters. It was boring and I felt like I've read this story so many times. In fact, it was really similar to Malkolm's story in Demon from the Dark. I did enjoy the second half more. The Story got into a flow and I stopped comparing it. I preferred Book 10 of this series but I did end up liking the story more.
Abyssian “Sian” Infernas rules hell as he waits for the reincarnation of the woman he loved...the woman who betrayed Him. Now she has returned has the Fae Princess Calliope “Lila” Barbot.
She in the other hand doesn't remember him nor what she did to him. She came to hell to win his trust since her people, the Fae, are petrified of his powe. They sent her to try and learn his secrets so they can find a way to neutralize Sian.
This begins a game of cat and mouse as Sian and Lila try to beat the other Using seduction.
I almost DNF'd this book. I literally put it down after every few chapters. It was boring and I felt like I've read this story so many times. In fact, it was really similar to Malkolm's story in Demon from the Dark. I did enjoy the second half more. The Story got into a flow and I stopped comparing it. I preferred Book 10 of this series but I did end up liking the story more.
June 11, 2017
The thing about Cole's IAD series is that the books rely very heavily on romance. There's the overarching plot, of course, but H/h and their insta-lust dominate the story. So when it's good, you love the characters and the chemistry between them and the books are awesome. But when it's bad...well, suffice to say that I didn't really enjoy this book.
-Many of the conflicts in the story are based on miscommunication. I previously liked Cole for her timely resolution of misunderstandings but it dragged on for too long in this book. There's this never ending cycle of characters making stupid decisions based on assumptions and later realising their mistake. They never learn from it, so I have to read the entire process repeated again.
-There's always an imbalance of power between the hero and the heroine in this series, but it was very noticeable in this one. The hero is an all powerful millennia old primordial while the heroine is a 20-something fey with no magic, no fighting skills or power to speak of. She spent the majority of the book being at the mercy of the hero, who arbitrarily steals her freedom and privacy when it pleases him.
-Also, it looks like I'm developing a new pet peeve: heroines who marvel about the power they have over the hero, while in reality they have very little outside the bedroom. They only have the illusion of power, but if the hero seriously decided to fuck up their life, they wouldn't stand a chance. For example:
Every sex scene had power-play, with the heroine commenting on it often.
But outside the bedroom, the hero has enough power to do whatever he likes, with no one to gainsay him.
If someone can so easily take all the power from you, you didn't really have it in the first place.
But I also have to say that Cole never makes her characters go so far that they become irredeemable. Even though he's extremely powerful, he always has the heroine's consent in mind, which I really loved. The hero never crossed the line. But the fact that he could, and there was nothing the heroine could do to stop him, dulled the story for me.
-Many of the conflicts in the story are based on miscommunication. I previously liked Cole for her timely resolution of misunderstandings but it dragged on for too long in this book. There's this never ending cycle of characters making stupid decisions based on assumptions and later realising their mistake. They never learn from it, so I have to read the entire process repeated again.
-There's always an imbalance of power between the hero and the heroine in this series, but it was very noticeable in this one. The hero is an all powerful millennia old primordial while the heroine is a 20-something fey with no magic, no fighting skills or power to speak of. She spent the majority of the book being at the mercy of the hero, who arbitrarily steals her freedom and privacy when it pleases him.
-Also, it looks like I'm developing a new pet peeve: heroines who marvel about the power they have over the hero, while in reality they have very little outside the bedroom. They only have the illusion of power, but if the hero seriously decided to fuck up their life, they wouldn't stand a chance. For example:
"But maybe he was much more than a killer. His wickedness—and these hints of vulnerability—were drawing her in, seducing her.
Not to mention her newfound sense of control. Holding sway over one of the most powerful beings in the universe meant she was powerful."
Every sex scene had power-play, with the heroine commenting on it often.
"His chest was still—holding his breath? When she ran the pads of her fingers across the base of one large horn, he loosed a ragged exhalation.
Again that heady sense of power swept her up."
But outside the bedroom, the hero has enough power to do whatever he likes, with no one to gainsay him.
Gaze wary, she asked, “Can I have some privacy to get dressed?”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “We’re wed now. What need have you for privacy?”
“So much for my power—and your soft touch. I don’t even get to dress in private.”
He supposed he should make allowances for her. She was a fey raised in Sylvan, and their culture was much more reserved.
Right now he didn’t feel very charitable. If he couldn’t separate from her, maybe he should keep animosity brewing between them, anything to maintain a boundary.
If someone can so easily take all the power from you, you didn't really have it in the first place.
But I also have to say that Cole never makes her characters go so far that they become irredeemable. Even though he's extremely powerful, he always has the heroine's consent in mind, which I really loved. The hero never crossed the line. But the fact that he could, and there was nothing the heroine could do to stop him, dulled the story for me.
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