Reviewer: Tracy The Kraken King Part III by Meljean Brook
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: April 29th 2014
Genres: Steampunk
Pages: 106
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The Kraken King, Part IIIThe Kraken King and the Fox’s Den
After a harrowing escape, Zenobia, Ariq, and their company take refuge in a gold rush town—but their temporary port is just a respite before traveling to the dangerous smugglers’ dens. Ariq is determined to uncover the men responsible for the threat to Krakentown, even if it means confronting the notorious den lords.
But when he discovers evidence in Zenobia’s letters connecting her to the Horde rebellion, he realizes that the threat is far greater than he had suspected. His loyalties torn, Ariq must distance himself from the fascinating woman he desperately wants to hold closer.
Stunned and hurt by Ariq’s inexplicable coldness, Zenobia prepares to leave the dens and continue her journey to the Red City. But in the smugglers’ dens, danger lurks around every corner, and all of her protection is gone…
Warning: This review may contain spoilers from Parts I & II of The Kraken King.
Zenobia and the crew she’s traveling with make it to the nearest town but the one injured party cannot receive the help he needs. They are directed straight to the smugglers dens (which is where they were headed in the first place) to receive the care that’s needed from the blacksmiths.
Ariq has pulled away from Zenobia as he saw some of the papers in her bag during their last stop and though he couldn’t read them (as they were in English) he made out some word – including his uncle’s. He now suspects her even more of being a spy.
Once at the smugglers dens Zenobia and Helene hole up at the inn while Ariq heads off to speak with “the twins” who are in charge of the Fox’s Den. Ariq seeks information about who sold the marauders their flying vessels and the twin seek something else – him. He quickly but politely refuses – offering them something more valuable in exchange. He then travels to another den but strikes out on information there as well.
When Ariq returns to the inn he finds Zenobia in great danger and does his all to keep her safe.
Oh the plot thickens! Not only do we get to see some inner workings of the smugglers dens, we also get to hear more about the plot that is behind the marauders attacks. We’re getting more political intrigue and I like it!
Zenobia and Ariq spend most of this story separated which I was a bit disappointed about but Brook made it all work. They were each thinking of the other constantly and we see their feelings growing despite the separation. When Ariq finds Zenobia in danger he realizes that though he may try to squash his feelings into nothing he just can’t. He wants Zenobia and nothing will get in his way. Wow. So hot. Ariq is such a great hero I can’t say enough good things about him. Yes, he can be vicious when need be, but he’s so very gentle with Zenobia it just makes me smile and sigh. I want them together NOW! lol
Needless to say the stories are getting more involved and intriguing and I seriously can’t wait to see what happens next! You really need to read this serial!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
PS – I LOVE the cover of this installment.
I love the cover.
It is so very cool, isn't it?