Review of Iron Crowned - Richelle Mead

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I was a big, big fan of the Dark Swan series. I loved the idea of Eugenie getting lured away by Dorian, and Richelle Mead daring to take on the sensitive issue of rape in the previous book, Thorn Queen.

After reading this book, eugenie markham just shot straight to the top of my most disliked heroine characters list(from urban fantasies/romances).

eugenie Markham is one flawed lady.

Honestly, she's unbelievably selfish, shortsighted and delusional, not to mention a closet nymphomaniac.

I think Richelle Mead made a really bad decision keeping the love triangle alive and kicking, particularly since it makes little sense to break them up, bring them back, and repeat.

The novel's overall pace is very quick, it doesn't bog you down with things you do not want to read about. The writing style, as with all Richelle Mead's narratives, are simple and straight to the point. Sometimes it works when you have got strong, well written characters like Georgina Kincaid to move the storyline along, but I think this book failed in this aspect.

Yes, Eugenie is super tough, but she's so emotionally unstable its probably best if she's committed to an institution (okay this is probably taking it too far. but you catch my drift).

This installment took the storyline in a darn awkward direction.

The way Richelle Mead ended the book is not a cliffhanger. It is the general direction for the next 10 (?) books, or so. The only way I see this cliffhanger resolved is a storyline extending decades into the future.

Overall, a disappointing addition to Ms Richelle Mead's resume. But then since I didn't like the vampire academy series (except for the first book) either, I would say Ms Mead's works are probably not my cup of tea any more.



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Review of Dreams of a Dark Warrior - Kresley Cole

Dreams of a Dark Warrior by Kresley Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Honestly, the best book I have read so far this year.

Such well crafted and vivid characters. Kresley cole had whetted our appetite with hints of this story every since the first book of the IAD series, a Hunger Like No Other. It has taken 11 books for her to finally get the story out. And boy, she doesn't disappoint.

This story features a hero darker than that from any of her previous books. This follows the recent trend of paranormal romance books featuring dark, haunted and scarred heroes. Notably from the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Larissa Ione's Demonica, etc etc.

But I daresay that Kresley Cole did better in this book than any of the other authors have managed in crafting a believable romance between a heroine and the dark, dark hero.

Dreams of a Dark Warrior narrates the 'thousand year' romance between the antagonistically immature Regin, and Berserker reincarnate Declan Chase/Aidan the Fierce. Regin is one spunky character capable of uttering the most inappropriate comments that greatly lightens the mood of the book. She's the strong, arrogant and utterly fearless female warrior that can only be one of Kresley Cole's creations.

Kresley Cole was very brave to add such a dark intensity to Regin and Chase's interactions (people who has read the book will understand what I am talking about). Many people would probably Chase's treatment of Regin a turnoff, but in this case, I think it worked very well because it helps to emphasize Chase's internal struggles later on. It was these scenes that left me cringing with horror and heartache and sympathy all at the same time.

This is one powerful romance. In the course of one book, one manages to feel sorrow, joy, pain, humor, sympathy. Most importantly, the romance was believable, as both Regin and Chase fit together so well. I perceive no age problems, and their love is made genuine by the thousand year experience. In my opinion, Kresley Cole's best work so far yet.

A must read for all paranormal romance fans.



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