Review: Meljean Brook is an author you don't want to miss and The Kraken King exemplifies everything that is awesome about her.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 8, 2014
What makes this last part of The Kraken King such an awesome conclusion is that, while edge-of-your-seat exciting, it isn't over-the-top. Ariq and Zenobia return to Krakentown, where it has been taken over by Golden Empire rebel Ghazan Bator and its seaport is guarded by a Nipponese Empire fleet in order to force Ariq to reveal the location of an enormous war machine that, in the wrong hands, could easily level cities.Since part seven ends in somewhat of a cliffhanger I won't reveal how this part begins, but the greatest conflict is convincing the Nipponese Empress to give up trying to acquire the machine. The obstacles are seemingly insurmountable but the conclusion is such an intelligent weave of trust, timing and using the tools that are available...no deus-ex-machinas here. Meljean Brook writes an incredibly entertaining story, and Zenobia's journey from 'scribbling spinster' to 'Kraken Queen" is simply wonderful. I also love the contrasts shown in Ariq. He is a very physically imposing and strong man - but he is a calm, conscious leader who uses discussion to solve problems first. Fighting is always a last resort.What I enjoyed most about this book was the culture clash - and the fact that most of the characters are not white. In fact, in the alternate history Iron Seas world the strongest empires and incredible technology comes from Asia and the Golden Empire, which was spawned from the leadership and conquests Ghenghis Khan.Since this is the final part of eight pieces I can't say much more about how I enjoy Meljean's worldbuilding, characters, writing, etc. What I will say is The Kraken King is easily a favorite story of mine. If you are unsure about this book, the genre, the author this is a great place to start because you can just purchase part one and give it a try. If you don't like serials now every part is released and you can read them all - or wait until later in the year when this is packaged as one novel. Either way this isn't a story to miss.