Review: Engrossing start to serial novel
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 20, 2014
My Rating:  A- Enjoyed A LotOriginally posted at That's What I'm Talking AboutThe first part of The Kraken King introduces readers to our two main characters: Zenobia and Ariq. Zenobia Fox, author of the famous Archimedes Fox adventures, is traveling to Australia with a childhood friend and wife of an ambassador, Helene Auger. While making the trip, Zenobia keeps an alternate identity that she is the widow, therefore allowing her to live alone and enjoy freedom rather than being viewed as a spinster.Once the leader of rebel armies, Ariq Noyan, aka the Kraken King, is now governor of Krakentown. It is evident that he rules with honesty and integrity. When a band of marauders bring down Zenobia’s airship, Ariq and his brother take action to save the passengers. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the marauders have destroyed an airship off the coast of Krakentown, and the pending repercussions could spell the end of Krakentown and its citizens.Although the reader is introduced to a number of supporting characters throughout these first few chapters, I never felt overwhelmed or confused. The world-building is tight and absolutely riveting. Granted, I am very familiar with the Iron Seas world having read all of the preceding stories, but almost everything about The Kraken King is unique to this story. The author does a wonderful job creating an immediate connection to the characters and the story.I completely enjoyed Zenobia and Ariq’s first meeting when he helps rescue her. I adore how impressed Ariq is with Zenobia... How he is sexually attracted to her, but it's her humor and intelligence that draws him in. I also appreciate that having recognized Ariq to be the notorious Kraken King, Zenobia does not discredit him, and although she remains leery, is open to learning all she can from Ariq. The pair have an immediate, innocent attraction that is so much more than physical.It is amazing how deeply and utterly engrossed I was by the end of the first part. The story quickly pulled me in, and after just a few short chapters, I was already emotionally tied to Zenobia, Ariq, and their journey. The author creates such energy and focus on the main characters that I have no interest in finding out what is going on outside their immediate world.The individual adventure of Part I is good, but it's evident that it's not over by a long shot. It doesn’t end with a cliffhanger, but rather leaves the reader primed for further adventures. As the first part in a larger story, The Kraken King and the Scribbling Spinster is written superbly: it drew me in and I want more, yet I was given enough meat to keep me satisfied for the week.