Reviewer: Tracy The Kraken King Part IV by Meljean Brook
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: May 6th 2014
Genres: Steampunk
Pages: 82
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The Kraken King, Part IVThe Kraken King and the Inevitable Abduction
The Kraken King has declared that Zenobia Fox is under his protection—and with her identity revealed, she needs that protection more than ever. But it comes with a price when Ariq demands that Zenobia reveal her secrets in return.
Ariq wants nothing more than for Zenobia to trust him, and he knows exactly which sensual tricks will breach her defenses. But although she urgently desires the powerful governor, Zenobia isn’t a woman who will be easily won with a few passionate kisses.
When his ambush goes awry, Ariq discovers just how deeply he can hurt her—but the real danger to Zenobia is one that he never expected…
Warning: This review contains spoilers from Parts I, II & III of The Kraken King.
In the last installment Zenobia was in danger and was saved by Ariq who then quite clearly and loudly announced to everyone within hearing distance that Zenobia Fox was under his protection. Oy. Now everyone knows who she is and her anonymity has gone by the wayside. Zenobia finds, however, that she cannot be upset with Ariq as he was just doing what he thought was best. Everyone fears The Kraken King so she’s hoping that despite the big reveal of her identity Ariq is strong and clever enough to keep her safe.
The pair, along with Helene and some other airship crew finally get to the Red City where Helene is reunited with her husband. Ariq lets Zenobia know in no uncertain terms that she must tell him of her secrets. She’s given a choice – either tell him that night or in the morning while they’re in bed together. fans self Ariq does gather some intel on his own and hopes that Zenobia will be forthright and truthful with him.
Unfortunately their rendezvous is interrupted by an abduction. Ariq will do everything he can to keep Zenobia safe but she must trust him – which she doesn’t do easily.
This, imho, is the best installment yet. No, it’s not the most exciting of the installments so far, and I wasn’t on the edge of my seat, but it had everything in it that I love of Brook’s writing. It was descriptive without being boring and unnecessary (as I find a lot of times with descriptions in other authors books); excitement and intrigue, romance and hot lovin and of course humor.
Ariq hit an all time high in my book in this one. He was amazing and I grew to love him even more. He gives Zenobia a little speech near the end of the story that had me near tears it was so touching. I just love that guy!
Zenobia tries to keep her distance from Ariq but I think she’s given up completely. He’s just too much of a force to be reckoned with and Zenobia’s not a stupid woman. She knows that he’s gonna win and she’s going to enjoy every minute that she’s with him. I don’t think that she knows that Ariq is thinking longer term but I definitely get the feeling she’s in for a surprise in the future.
I wait anxiously for the next story!
Rating: 5 out of 5
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