The Kraken King, Part VIThe Kraken King and the Crumbling Walls

Reunited, Ariq and Zenobia must journey over the red wall and make a desperate appeal to the one woman with enough power to halt the marauders’ plans—the Empress of Nippon.

But even the Kraken King cannot demand the attentions of an empress. Masked and quarantined, Ariq and Zenobia are forced to bide their time. Despite the fact that they are as physically close as two people can be, Zenobia is trying to keep the man she can’t help but love at a distance, terrified she’ll be hurt again. And all the while, the mysteries of the Living City grow around them…

Warning: This review contains spoilers from Parts I, II, III, IV & V of The Kraken King.

Ariq and Zenobia arrive in the Red City to seek help for Krakentown from the French Ambassador and eventually the Empress. Ariq knows that he’s now fighting two wars – one to save his town and one to win Zenobia’s heart. He’s determined to win both of them. Because of his past as a rebel he knows that assistance from the Empress will be hard to come by. He even uses his parentage as an “in” in hopes that the connection may sway things in his favor. In order to go to the part of the city where the Empress resides they must be quarantined and masked. Zenobia decides to accompany Ariq as she feels safest with him. She also knows that their night of passion that was interrupted by an abduction will soon happen and the anticipation is killing her.

Zenobia, who had thought that the marriage the she and Ariq agreed to was prentend, is shocked to find out that it’s real. He believes her his wife but she’s not sure if he’s her husband. In the Golden Empire an agreement between the two parties is all that is needed to make it legit. Zenobia obviously didn’t know that but she agrees that she will stay with Ariq to try and get to know him and see if the marriage can work. The story gives us insights into Ariq’s life that are both fascinating and heart-wrenching.

Zenobia and Ariq are becoming closer and finally end up in bed together – wow, just…wow. Their love and passion make those scenes so wonderful and I can almost applaud Brook for making us wait so long as it was definitely worth the wait.

Once again the descriptions rocked.  The buildings made of coral, the ocean, the sunrise – it all made for a wonderful picture in my mind. I’m anxiously awaiting the time when Ariq meets the Empress (as I assume he will) to see what that will be like. As the plot thickens in this serial I find myself at the edge of my seat. I want Ariq and Zenobia together permanently, I want Krakentown to be saved and I want a HEA for everyone! lol I find myself getting impatient to see what happens next. This installment was much quieter than some of the others, but no less intense.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5

Meljean Brook

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

Meljean Brook