Review: Another stellar installment of the Kraken King - you will be begging for more
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 20, 2014
In the Kraken King and the Crumbling Walls Ariq and Zenobia return to the Red City where Ariq will appeal to the Empress in order to stop a plot by Golden Empire rebels to retrieve a war machine that could effortlessly rain destruction upon the innocent. Ariq is a stand-out protagonist, especially among fantasy, PNR and steampunk romance. A leader, a general in his own right, Ariq still prefers to use his brain before his fists; although his physical strength is one of his greatest advantages he has a great respect for wisdom and patience - and these are the attributes that truly make him strong. Violence is always a last resort. As he wages a careful war through political channels he also goes to battle with Zenobia, trying to win her complete trust and love.Zenobia is just wonderful. She is the most kick-ass non kick-ass heroine I have ever read. In many ways she is Ariq’s opposite - she is a wordsmith at heart. Z is smart and clever with a quick sense of humor, but most of all practical. She sees the big picture, thinks long term and analyzes all the possible repercussions of a decision. Again, in a genre filled with too many brash or TSTL heroines she is much-needed breath of fresh air. I particularly enjoy her interactions with other female characters and her bonding with her long time friend Helene in this installment. That scene of friendship was among my favorite in The Kraken King so far.Against the backdrop of an incredible city filled with new discoveries at every turn, whether its a savvy French diplomat or strange clockwork devices that may or may not be spying devices the world of the Iron Seas is one I never want to leave. The history, the people, the culture...every element is constructed and fits so well that even fans who don’t care for the romance will love The Kraken King. And the romance is so darn good you will love that, too.