Karissa E. (ophelia99) reviewed Dead of Winter (Arcana Chronicles, Bk 3) on + 2527 more book reviews
This is the third book in the Arcana Chronicles. Right now there are 4 books in this series with a fifth book, The Dark Calling, scheduled for a spring 2017 release. I believe there are six books planned for this series. This book is very engaging and fast-paced. However, I really struggled with how much time was devoted to the Evie, Jack, Death love triangle. I did enjoy the interactions with the other Tarot Cards.
In this story Evie and her group mostly deal with defeating The Lovers. There is a ton of time devoted to how much Death and Jack hate each other. They are constantly trying to undercut each other and monopolize Evie's time. The story and world definitely take a backseat to the love triangle in this book.
I have to comment on the above because it is such a large part of the story. I have absolutely no understanding of how Evie could ever want to be with Jack. He belittles her abilities and is constantly trying to shove her in the background to âprotectâ her. Jack underestimates Evie at every turn and is actually stunting her ability to grow and be a competent individual. In addition to that Jack just can't stop constantly lying to Evie about things, which is a definite no-go in a relationship.
Death on the other hand constantly pushes Evie to explore her abilities and supports her in strengthening herself. Yes, Death was coercive in the 2nd book...however he was honest about his coercion. Someone who is as strong as Evie needs a person who she can't over-power, who is as strong as she is, and who is honest and calls Evie on her BS when she starts whining. Death will help Evie to realize her own path and destiny, not hobble her with over-protectiveness. So...yes, I am pro Death.
Given the above Evie pretty much absolutely disgusted me with some of her decisions in this book. By the end I was mostly just anti-Evie. For such a âspecialâ and âpowerfulâ female lead she is awfully stupid.
I am struggling with deciding whether or not I will read the next book in the series. I love the idea of the Tarot Cards being teens with special powers and enjoy meeting more of them. I also was excited when The Emperor entered the story right at the end, he sounds awesome. However, I dislike Evie and her boy issues intensely.
It does look like the love triangle may not be an issue in the next book; at least that's what I am hoping....however I am betting that it comes back to haunt us.
Overall this was an engaging read plagued with way too much love triangle angst. I most likely will not read the next full book in the series; Evie just pisses me off too much. I have already bought Day Zero and plan on reading that collection of stories.
In this story Evie and her group mostly deal with defeating The Lovers. There is a ton of time devoted to how much Death and Jack hate each other. They are constantly trying to undercut each other and monopolize Evie's time. The story and world definitely take a backseat to the love triangle in this book.
I have to comment on the above because it is such a large part of the story. I have absolutely no understanding of how Evie could ever want to be with Jack. He belittles her abilities and is constantly trying to shove her in the background to âprotectâ her. Jack underestimates Evie at every turn and is actually stunting her ability to grow and be a competent individual. In addition to that Jack just can't stop constantly lying to Evie about things, which is a definite no-go in a relationship.
Death on the other hand constantly pushes Evie to explore her abilities and supports her in strengthening herself. Yes, Death was coercive in the 2nd book...however he was honest about his coercion. Someone who is as strong as Evie needs a person who she can't over-power, who is as strong as she is, and who is honest and calls Evie on her BS when she starts whining. Death will help Evie to realize her own path and destiny, not hobble her with over-protectiveness. So...yes, I am pro Death.
Given the above Evie pretty much absolutely disgusted me with some of her decisions in this book. By the end I was mostly just anti-Evie. For such a âspecialâ and âpowerfulâ female lead she is awfully stupid.
I am struggling with deciding whether or not I will read the next book in the series. I love the idea of the Tarot Cards being teens with special powers and enjoy meeting more of them. I also was excited when The Emperor entered the story right at the end, he sounds awesome. However, I dislike Evie and her boy issues intensely.
It does look like the love triangle may not be an issue in the next book; at least that's what I am hoping....however I am betting that it comes back to haunt us.
Overall this was an engaging read plagued with way too much love triangle angst. I most likely will not read the next full book in the series; Evie just pisses me off too much. I have already bought Day Zero and plan on reading that collection of stories.
