Review: I was ALMOST disappointed with this installment but then it shifted into high gear and I was left dying for more.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 1, 2014
This is the second-to-last serial installment of the Kraken King - and the most nerve-wracking. Ariq and Zenobia are now on the other side of the Red Wall where Ariq spends his days with the French ambassador trying to gain political support and an audience with the Empress, while Zenobia receives a visit from Helene that changes the course of their friendship.Just when this war that is not a war seems lost the Empress's personal guard pays Zenobia a visit only to install more of the Empress's Eyes (strange clockwork spy devices). Zenobia has also begun to open her heart up to Ariq but just when it seems they are making progress they hit a snag and have their first true fight as a couple. I have to confess I am tiring some from Zenobia's wavering trust toward Ariq, though, in the same vein, it is admirable and I appreciate her journey. It's not often that an author dissects a heroine's emotions so thoroughly - at least not in one book rather than an entire series.The first part of The Kraken King and the Empress's Eyes is deceptive because it seems calm - almost like a transition. However, Meljean Brook ups the action it into the most stressful, perilous scenes of not only The Kraken King but possibly the entire Iron Seas series. I have my suspicions - some of which were voiced by Zenobia herself - but I'm still on the edge of my seat. The ending had my heart racing and I can't wait to see how Brook resolves this story.