Brekke K. (sfvamp) - , reviewed Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Bk 9) on + 108 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
After finding the last few stories in the IAD series to be a bit meh, I'm glad to see that my favorite romance author is back in fighting form with Pleasure of a Dark Prince. As another reviewer has mentioned, the first 100 plus pages are rehashing events that took place in the other novels, but from Lucia and Garreth's point of view. Consequently it's a bit choppy and jarring even for someone who remembers what happened in the other stories quite well. I'm not sure how easy the beginning of PDP would be for a newcomer to the series though Cole does do a valiant effort of explaining it all.
Fortunately, after the prerequisite setup, this book really takes off and holds you captive until the end. We get to see Garreth and Lucia in a "Tomb Raider" style adventure and Cole's writing really shines here not only as a romance author but as a fairly decent horror/adventure storyteller as well. She introduces several new intriguing characters in the mix and several favorites (like Nix, Regin, and Lothaire) also have major cameos. The love story is hot without losing the romance and I definitely think this story is up there behind No Rest For The WIcked as a favorite in the series. It had a freshness about it that I feel was lacking in some of her latest stories (such as the ones following the demon brothers and the novella with Murdoch Wroth and Daniella). Although, even Cole's mediocre contributions are still miles higher than the average paranormal romance author, and so very readable.
This book sets up a future trilogy of books that follow Carrow, Regin, and Lothaire's stories. I think Cole is a genius at having you fall in love with her characters to such a degree that you pine for her next novel like a lovesick fool. I know I will be not-so-patiently awaiting Carrow's story which comes out on August 31.
Fortunately, after the prerequisite setup, this book really takes off and holds you captive until the end. We get to see Garreth and Lucia in a "Tomb Raider" style adventure and Cole's writing really shines here not only as a romance author but as a fairly decent horror/adventure storyteller as well. She introduces several new intriguing characters in the mix and several favorites (like Nix, Regin, and Lothaire) also have major cameos. The love story is hot without losing the romance and I definitely think this story is up there behind No Rest For The WIcked as a favorite in the series. It had a freshness about it that I feel was lacking in some of her latest stories (such as the ones following the demon brothers and the novella with Murdoch Wroth and Daniella). Although, even Cole's mediocre contributions are still miles higher than the average paranormal romance author, and so very readable.
This book sets up a future trilogy of books that follow Carrow, Regin, and Lothaire's stories. I think Cole is a genius at having you fall in love with her characters to such a degree that you pine for her next novel like a lovesick fool. I know I will be not-so-patiently awaiting Carrow's story which comes out on August 31.
Vici G. (XnO) reviewed Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Bk 9) on + 85 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is probably my favorite book in the series! I have a soft spot for the werewolf tales :) This is Lucia's and Garreth's love story. Lucia, the Valkyrie Archer who feels intense pain if she misses a shot...and Garreth, the Dark Prince of the Lykae. Lucia is Garreth's mate... but Lucia's purity" is tied to her Archer gifts. Lucia needs her gift to fight "the big evil". Lots of sexual tension between the characters... I love the banter between the characters...and how Garreth allows Lucia to be herself (a volatile Valkyrie) while her pursues her.
An awesome read... the cherry on top... in this series :)
An awesome read... the cherry on top... in this series :)
Melissa L. (misca) reviewed Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Bk 9) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I am a huge fan of Kresley Cole, and I have all of her books. The first one in the series, was by far my favorite before I read this book(that is A hunger Like No Other). This book is now my second favorite book only because I loved the first two characters still the best.
I was hoping this book would be more forward than her previous books were, I was wondering how far she was going to go where she keeps going back where the same characters are in the same timeline, instead of everything happening in the future 6 months, or a year. She spent the first 100 pages with the new story adding in everything that happened previously, and then she skips it up year, and you realize you still have 300 pages of all new material!
I loved the characters, and i have to say me likey the lykaes! Garreth is simply likable enough that you want him to be talking to you instead of Lucia. I'm glad that she wrote more for Lucia, and gave her her own backstory finally, and I was in love with thier relationship. You could also tell she was setting up for the next books in her writing, and i found myself wondering why she wrote this tidbit, and who it would correspond to, and who you think it would be for the best character. I hope I havent said any spoilers, but the ending was a complete and total, WHAAAAAAAT! She leaves the mother of all cliffhangers, and has you making sure theres nothing written on the next pages for you to see what happens.
If you are a fan and havent read it yet, go and get it! You wont be disapointed
I was hoping this book would be more forward than her previous books were, I was wondering how far she was going to go where she keeps going back where the same characters are in the same timeline, instead of everything happening in the future 6 months, or a year. She spent the first 100 pages with the new story adding in everything that happened previously, and then she skips it up year, and you realize you still have 300 pages of all new material!
I loved the characters, and i have to say me likey the lykaes! Garreth is simply likable enough that you want him to be talking to you instead of Lucia. I'm glad that she wrote more for Lucia, and gave her her own backstory finally, and I was in love with thier relationship. You could also tell she was setting up for the next books in her writing, and i found myself wondering why she wrote this tidbit, and who it would correspond to, and who you think it would be for the best character. I hope I havent said any spoilers, but the ending was a complete and total, WHAAAAAAAT! She leaves the mother of all cliffhangers, and has you making sure theres nothing written on the next pages for you to see what happens.
If you are a fan and havent read it yet, go and get it! You wont be disapointed
Brooke F. (kahea46) reviewed Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Bk 9) on + 52 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The last two books didn't really do it for me, but Kresley Cole pulled out a great one with her latest edition to the IAD series. Lucia and Garreth are a great pair,the chemistry between these two is hot. Lucia is fighting against her attraction to Garreth ~ fearing that if she gives in she'll lose what she feels makes her who she is. Garreth has finally found his mate after a millenia of waiting and has to find a way to make her see that she will not lose anything but gain a lover and partner in the end. This book is filled with a Tomb Raider type adventure and the dialogue between out main characters is witty and fun. We also get to catch up with Lachlain and Emma, and Bowen and Mariketa. And of course we get a healthy dose of our favorite Nucking Futs Nix.
She also sets up future books at the end with some of secondary characters from previous books.
This one is definately a keeper and I can't wait to read the next one.
She also sets up future books at the end with some of secondary characters from previous books.
This one is definately a keeper and I can't wait to read the next one.
Chelsea S. (PengQueen) reviewed Pleasure of a Dark Prince (Immortals After Dark, Bk 9) on + 114 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Immortals After Dark series is on my very short autobuy list when it comes to books. I absolutely love them. You really need to start from the beginning of the series to get the full effect. At the very least to appreciate this one, you need to have read A Hunger Like No Other, because the timeline of the two books overlaps.
This book focuses on Garreth MacReive, a Lykae (werewolf), and his mate Lucia, a proud Valkyrie. Lucia has a tragic past that has left her bound to a goulish and hateful god, and in possession of mystical achery ability which is dependent on a strict vow of celibicy. These and her need for absolute independence lead her to run from and fight Garreth, trying to stop him from claiming her. Meanwhile, she's been charged with the task of stopping the end of the world. To do so, she travels to the Amazon, her would be Lykae mate always on her heels. Garreth is determined to persuade Lucia to accept him at all costs. He fights to win her heart and protect her, even from himself.
It's hard to find anything I didn't like about this book. The overlapping timelines that Cole seems so fond of do get a bit confusing. However, once you figure everything out they are very rewarding for those of us who have stuck with the story from the beginning of the series. I sort of feel like we need a guidebook or something though. My other minor complaint was that some of the secondary characters were pretty annoying and useless--the drunken captain of the boat, for example.
I love that Cole mixes horror, action, and adventure into her stories. The romance is woven into a complex and interesting plot. You're never bored or tempted to skip anything. Garreth is an extremely interesting hero--sexy, confident, aggressive, yet protective and selfless. He goes to many extremes to win Lucia over and keep her safe, and his patience with her surprised my. I'll admit that Lucia frustrated me at times, but I liked her just the same. She's feirce, smart, independent, and not without a sense of humor once she warms up. Little touches like the texts between Valkyrie sisters, Nix's madness, and the rivalry between Lucia and Tara the Fey are enough to keep me reading by themselves. This was an excellent edition to an excellent series.
This book focuses on Garreth MacReive, a Lykae (werewolf), and his mate Lucia, a proud Valkyrie. Lucia has a tragic past that has left her bound to a goulish and hateful god, and in possession of mystical achery ability which is dependent on a strict vow of celibicy. These and her need for absolute independence lead her to run from and fight Garreth, trying to stop him from claiming her. Meanwhile, she's been charged with the task of stopping the end of the world. To do so, she travels to the Amazon, her would be Lykae mate always on her heels. Garreth is determined to persuade Lucia to accept him at all costs. He fights to win her heart and protect her, even from himself.
It's hard to find anything I didn't like about this book. The overlapping timelines that Cole seems so fond of do get a bit confusing. However, once you figure everything out they are very rewarding for those of us who have stuck with the story from the beginning of the series. I sort of feel like we need a guidebook or something though. My other minor complaint was that some of the secondary characters were pretty annoying and useless--the drunken captain of the boat, for example.
I love that Cole mixes horror, action, and adventure into her stories. The romance is woven into a complex and interesting plot. You're never bored or tempted to skip anything. Garreth is an extremely interesting hero--sexy, confident, aggressive, yet protective and selfless. He goes to many extremes to win Lucia over and keep her safe, and his patience with her surprised my. I'll admit that Lucia frustrated me at times, but I liked her just the same. She's feirce, smart, independent, and not without a sense of humor once she warms up. Little touches like the texts between Valkyrie sisters, Nix's madness, and the rivalry between Lucia and Tara the Fey are enough to keep me reading by themselves. This was an excellent edition to an excellent series.