[Archive] LITERAL ADDICTION's Reviews of The Kraken King Parts VII & VIII

Meljean Brook was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.

Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter.Keep up with Meljean online at her Website, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on GoodReads.

*Read our Reviews for parts I, II and III HERE

*Read our Reviews for parts IV, V and VI HERE

The Kraken King Part VII

IRON SEAS Book #4.7

Buy from Amazon / B&N

In the imperial city, nothing escapes the attention of the empress’s spies. After a visit from an old friend rekindles her every fear, Zenobia must decide whether to trust Ariq with her heart—and the Kraken King must decide whether he can ever let her go.
But when danger invades their lovers’ sanctuary, Ariq and Zenobia will have to put aside their troubled emotions. Outwitting their enemies and the Empress will be no easy feat. Luckily, they have a few allies waiting in the wings…

Includes a bonus excerpt of Meljean Brook’s “Here There Be Monsters.”

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:

*Copy Gifted in Exchange for an Honest Review

Part seven of this rip roaring adventure that grabs the readers attention and then steam rolls through all our preconceived notions of what a steam punk novel should be! There's only one episode left after this and I'm beyond anxious to read it. This part has everything you can possibly imagine in a book and then some. Pick this up and be prepared to lose all track of time until you begrudgingly finish it because once started you won't want to stop reading!

Our intrepid and quite industrious heroine Zenobia has found adventure and love. Ariq, known as the Kraken King, has married her according to his peoples customs and now together they face yet more danger as Ariq strives to save the people of Western Australia from war with the Nipponese. Ariq knows the location of the ultimate war machine and is determined that no one gets their hands on it but sometimes secrets have a way of being found out!

In this installment, we see our favorite couple struggling against so much insecurities that I just wanted to bang their heads together! Oh my giddy aunt has there ever been such a pair of insecure people written about before? So many misunderstandings and well quite frankly a basic lack of trust. Zenobia had an incredibly hard time growing up but really should stop running away from the depths of her feelings for Ariq and as for Ariq well I just wish he would see himself as the good deserving man that he is. This couple really need to learn to communicate more and not just in the bedroom! Which incidentally will have you turning on a fan as the author takes the passion into the stratosphere!

Do not be misled though, as action and drama dominates this tale and it was so incredibly hard to read at one point that I really thought I along with these wonderful characters could take no more! The level of suffering endured was torturous to read about and I for one sincerely hope that retribution is forthcoming!

This has turned out to be an enthralling read that has completely blindsided me with the intensity of feeling I have for these characters. Fans of the author will be pleased to see the appearance of favourite characters from her other books but for me it's Ariq and Zenobia who hold my attention riveted. 

I have no idea what will happen next but there's a few clues left like breadcrumbs for us readers to follow and I'm very hungry! Yes I'm hungry for more!

The Kraken King Part VIII

IRON SEAS Book #4.8

RELEASE DATE 6/3/14!

Buy from Amazon / B&N

Experience the incredible adventure and heart-stopping romance of the Iron Seas in this thrilling steampunk tale from New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook.

The Kraken King, Part VIII
The Kraken King and the Greatest AdventureArriving in Krakentown with their enemies in hot pursuit, Zenobia doesn’t know how they can even hope to win. Being terrified brings forth an undeniable truth: she loves Ariq and will do whatever it takes to stand by him.

But as their adversaries appear on the horizon, they realize that not all is lost. Drawing on the power of the terrible war machine, Ariq, Zenobia, and the entire town must put their lives on the line to protect what they love…

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Vivacious Valkyrie - Marta:

*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

The last instalment of Zenobia's journey and finally we get to read about the incredible war machine known as the Skybreaker. Ariq has sworn to protect it and not allow it to be used but the Nippon Empire are hell bent on claiming it. Having narrowly escaped from capture Ariq is still healing but with the help and support of family and friends maybe they can find a way to finally defeat their enemies . Ghazan Bator holds all of Kraken town hostage with the Empires fleet circling their waters but with a stout heart and a daring plan where there's life there's hope! One thing is certain Ariq will do all within his power to protect that which he cares about and there's no doubt that Zenobia is top of his list.

These two characters have truly embarked on a grand adventure that has had so many heart stopping moments that it could only be considered a five skull read! First of all, this is a romance, but it's a passionate combustible relationship that just sucked this reader right in. I want Ariq! He's everything you imagine a hero to be and yet he's not perfect and constantly wants to do the right thing but o my I could shake that man! He's so busy trying to give Zenobia the freedom she craves that he forgets what she needs most is his love. Zenobia hasn't had a good start in life and is desperate to keep her financial independence but mercenary fortune hunters and numerous kidnap attempts have made her wary of men. The most important thing in a relationship is trust but in order for that to happen full disclosure is often needed and Zenobia has learned this the hard way. To say she has blossomed under Ariqs attentions is to detract from her natural spunk but she has become a much softer heroine whilst never losing the wit and strength that has made her such a likeable character.

This author has truly got a wonderful imagination and happily the talent to go with it. I've had an amazing time reading these ebooks and heartily recommend this series which for me is a keeper. I'd love her to pen more about these characters, but anything in this fabulous world that Ms Brook has created would go on my wish list as it's been such an emotional journey. 

Sometimes there are not enough superlatives to use to express how good a book and its world building is and that would be the case here. I absolutely loved everything about this story even if at one point events took my breath away and I'd sincerely like to thank the author for such an amazing story.

The Kraken King Parts VII and VIII