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Shadow's Claim (The Dacians #1)

by Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author)

4.25 of 5 stars 4.25 · rating details · 5,971 ratings · 765 reviews

#1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole introduces The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist, a new paranormal series following the royal bloodline of Dacia, a vampire kingdom hidden within the Lore of the Immortals After Dark. Shadow’s Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete...more

ebook, 409 pages

Published November 27th 2012 by Pocket Books

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Dec 26, 2012 Tanya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-romance, paranormal-romance, urban-fantasy-romance, romance, paranormal

OMG a *NEW* Series by KC!!!!!!!!!

omg now the celebration is over because I hate to say it - This romance underwhelms. Bettina was quite annoying, she took too long to recognize the good thing she had going with the hero Prince Trehan. The plot was a tad formulaic and not enough hot sex scenes either.....

The sylph Salem was hilarious though! He was one bright spot in a otherwise bland romance. Methinks Ms Cole skimped on writing this romance in-order to write her new YA series Arcana Chronicles...more

58 likes · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Tai the Lioness rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: IAD readers

Shelves: 2012, alpha-hero, battle, best-banter-wit-conversation, characters-change-for-the-better, communication-issues, favorite-heros-my-husbands, favorites, favorites-of-all-time, fucked-up-situation, fun, harem-of-men, hero-celibate-not-promiscuous, hero-protector-fighter-guard, hero-royalty, hero-vampire, heroines-bad-past-suffering-abused, immortals-after-dark, instant-chemistry, its-raining-men-hallelujah, life-and-death, magic, older-man-younger-woman, opposites-and-enemies-attract, opposites-attract, paranormal-romance, recommended-to-all, rough-road-to-hea, second-chance-at-love, series, sucky-heroine, theme-duty-and-responsiblity, theme-enemy-families, theme-forgiveness, theme-loyalty, theme-secrets, virgin-woman

Shadow's Claim: 3.5-4 stars. (YES, I'VE READ IT A LITTLE EARLY!)

Hey! I know what ya'll are thinking. How in the world did she already read this? There's no way Tai got a arc of THIS! What voodoo is she practicing that she obtained this? Well, let me tell ya. Apparently, my local supermarket does not heed to release dates. My mother happened to see this on the shelves, remembered my incessant whining about needing me some KC in my life, and surprised me with it today! First I'd like to just say,...more

74 likes · like · see review

Apr 27, 2013 Audrey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-sci-fi-or-otherworldly, nom-nom-nom-nom-nom-nom-favorites

Couldn't put it down!

I seriously love Kresley Cole's writing, and this book is no exception. The story was just so easy to read and super fun to follow. Even though the whole "Realm of Blood and Mist" thing is actually kinda off putting if you really try to visualize it, I nevertheless really enjoyed this book and particularly the no-nonsense vamp of a hero, Trehan Daciano.

Trehan.

*sigh*

Did someone order a tall, dark, serious, brooding, bookish-yet-deadly, super intelligent, fights-for-his-woman...more

20 likes · like · see review

Nov 13, 2012 Ren marked it as own-but-not-read-yet · review of another edition

Shelves: assasin-killer, author-autobuy, own-paperback

Love when Kresley Cole write about vampires! Her vampires are the best. Best than her Lykae and Demon (no offense for their fans :P)

Curious about Dacian peoples. Trehan, Stelian, Mirceo, Viktor, and Kosmina. Hope we will get some Leo and Lizvetta's scene! Or La Dorada will take action too? :D

Want!!

And now its have cover :D

No Paul Marron? o_O But if the model him, that will make Trehan and Lothaire long lost twin. Which make things will be AWKWARD!

15 likes · like · see review

Dec 02, 2012 Yuzai marked it as to-read · review of another edition

From Kresley Cole's Facebook page,

"I'd like to announce The Realm of Blood and Mist, my paperback spin-off series of the IAD that follows the Dacians (those thought-to-be-mythic vampires). Book 1 is called SHADOW'S CLAIM (available for pre-order here: http://amzn.to/srRVHs) This is my first new series in over five years, and I can't wait to share those sexy, powerful characters with you. Perhaps you'll get to know them in LOTHAIRE . . . ? ;)"

sooooooooooo EXCITED! hehehe :D

12 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: accents-make-me-melt, aint-he-sweet, badass-hero, bite-me, demons-do-it-for-me, bewitch-me, fated-to-be-mated, favorites, iad, kresley-cole, genre-benchmark, not-your-typical-paranormalian, once-is-never-enough, paranormal-romance, tortured-abused, virgin-no-more, warrior-dudes, what-a-jerk, who-needs-colored-contacts, the-dacians

5+ stars!!! Sign me up for a one-way ticket to Dacia...

There's a reason why I love Kresley Cole's brand of paranormal romance - because it's hands down the best! It's sexy, smart, fun, sexy, compelling, and... just plain sexy - and 'Shadow's Claim' was all of that!

Every paranormal romance author has to build a "new" world and make up the "rules" by which players must adhere to - things like what it means to be a paranormalian in that world, what defines them, and often who is a mortal enemy of w...more

14 likes · like · see review

Dec 27, 2012 ✿Andrea✿ rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, immortals-after-dark-series

I hate to say it but I really didn't like this book. KC is one of my favorite authors, and I love all her other books, but this one...I just can't. The heroine Bettinadrove me nuts. Her thought process was annoying and childish and I couldn't understand her obession over Cas. Yes, he is her bff but come on, he's a whoring douche bag and she falls behind him like a love sick puppy.

She was aware of his love of whore houses and was even told the night she tried to get him to take her V card that h...more

11 likes · like · see review

Dec 11, 2012 Heather C rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: enemies-to-lovers, series, demons, ebook, pdoc, read-2012, lots-of-tension, paranormal-romance, vampire, psychic-abilities

I'm loving the Dacian's!

Of course the vampires have always been my favorite creatures of all the Lore. And I definielty loved that there were no Valkyrie in it other than Nix. Can't stand those bitches! Looking forward to the other Dacian cousins getting their HEA...hopefully.

♦ I really liked the storyline here: where Trehan had to court and fight to win Bettina. There was lots of hot sexual tension and gruesome fighting. But in the end, I got a little exhausted with it. (view spoiler)...more I'm loving the Dacian's!

Of course the vampires have always been my favorite creatures of all the Lore. And I definielty loved that there were no Valkyrie in it other than Nix. Can't stand those bitches! Looking forward to the other Dacian cousins getting their HEA...hopefully.

♦ I really liked the storyline here: where Trehan had to court and fight to win Bettina. There was lots of hot sexual tension and gruesome fighting. But in the end, I got a little exhausted with it. (view spoiler) Plus, I didn't think there was a big enough twist at the end.

♦ I really loved Trehan but Bettina was a very annoying heroine. She kept whining over how much she loved Caspion and how it would destroy her if he died...blah, blah, blah. By the end, she pushed my patience limit. Poor Trehen was stuck with her as his Bride or he would have reached his limits too.

♦ Salem (Bettina's pervy sylph roomie) was my favorite character in the whole book...except when Lothaire had his few brief appearances. He was so frickin' hilarious and I was constantly highlighting his lines. Here are only a few examples:

"Let me guess," Salem began in a surly tone, "he's hacked off the wrong sort yet again. Went cherry-picking wiv a lord's daughter? Played slip the pickle wiv a warrior's wife?"

"But pile-driving a hooker for hours felt right? Maybe the manwhore's all whored out? Maybe wittle Cas can't rise to the occasion?"

"Hell, I can almost see it myself. Almost. He's kept it in his pants, thereby keeping you safe from a stoning. Hat tip to the vamp on that one--'cause you sure as hell weren't barring the gates to your lady garden." Over her outraged sounds, he continued, "He fights like no other, and you fancied him."
"I did not!"
"Fuck knots don't lie, chit."

♦ I hated Caspion! (view spoiler)

So is this truly a spin-off? And can it be read without having read the Immortals After Dark series? Yeah, I think you can definitely get by reading it without reading any other IAD. However, this story takes place nearly along the same timeline as Lothaire and would pretty much spoiler most of Lothaire's book. Other than that...go for it!!
(less)

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Nov 29, 2012 BamaGal rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-uf

3.5 Stars. Shadow's Claim takes place in the Dacian world and Abbadon. This story picked up some of the plot threads from Lothaire; actually, this story ran more or less concurrently with Lothaire . There are hints and a bit of discussion about several things from IAD, like the coming Ascession battle. This is not really a new series so much as it is a continuation of IAD, albeit in a different corner of the Lore world.

Bettina (or Tina or Bett) is the heir to the throne of her world, Abbadon, w...more 3.5 Stars. Shadow's Claim takes place in the Dacian world and Abbadon. This story picked up some of the plot threads from Lothaire; actually, this story ran more or less concurrently with Lothaire . There are hints and a bit of discussion about several things from IAD, like the coming Ascession battle. This is not really a new series so much as it is a continuation of IAD, albeit in a different corner of the Lore world.

Bettina (or Tina or Bett) is the heir to the throne of her world, Abbadon, was attacked by Vrekeners , who stole her power. Tina was saved because she was traced by to her homeland in the nick of time. After a long time of healing, Bettina’s godmother Morgana decides to hold a huge tournament to find a King for her, a strong being to help her rule when she ascends to the throne. Most of the story takes place during this tournament, which draws demons and all kinds of beings from all across the world’s different ‘planes’.

Trehan Daciano has showed up in her world in the hunt for his current prey, who just happens to be Bettina’s best friend Caspian. As the assassin for the Dacian people, the Prince of Shadows, it is Trehan's job to eliminate those who have broken Dacian laws. He is inexplicably drawn to Bettina, and quickly realizes she is his destined mate. He enters the tournament to win her hand, which is a competition to the death until all but the winner is eliminated. In between battles, he attempts to court Tina. He faces several difficulties in this endeavor, not the least being that Bettina believes herself to be in love with another.

It was a pretty good story for the most part, although it was a bit draggy in the middle. Although I enjoyed the way Trehan patiently courted her, as it was fun and extremely sex; the competition just seemed to come to a halt so that the romance part could be worked up. There sure did seem to be a lot of time for nookie during a 3 day competition to the death between numerous competitors. Tina was a bit irritating, she couldn’t seem so see the many who was right in front of her while pining for another man who didn’t love her, and who she knew didn’t love her. Trehan, however; was a very good hero. His character was much more fleshed out than Tina’s was. Loved the bits that Lothaire was in, they were fun.

This was not Cole’s best work; I was hoping for something fresh and new, and didn’t really get it. The ‘fated mate’ storyline is pretty overdone these days, and there was nothing much that made this any different from any number of IAD books. There are several good characters for stories introduced here; and I’m hoping that as the series goes on, the books start to take on some individuality from the IAD series.

Good story for the IAD fan, but not the place to start if you are not familiar with that world. For all that it is #1 in a new series, it is really an IAD book.
(less)

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Jan 19, 2013 Sha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Dacians!!!! I can't wait to hear their stories. First seen in Lothaire's book.

For me, Kresely Cole has the biggest imagination ive ever seen. All her characters are colorful. And her stories, wow! I cant even imagine how she was able to write a different story every time. Very creative! I love ALL her books (yes even the not IAD ones).

-----------------------------------------------------------
Review after reading:

This is the story of Trehan Cristian Daciano (Prince of Shadows, assassin o...more

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 28, 2012 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: alpha-hero, pnr

This book starts a spin-off series from Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. The Dacians are briefly introduced to us in Lothaire, and since I love that series, I was eager to read this book.

The world building is quite confusing early on in this book but I’ll set up the hero and heroine for you. Trehan Daciano is an immortal Vampire known as The Prince of Shadows. He lives in the Realm of Blood and Mist and works as an assassin keeping his realm a secret. He basically has no life, and onl...more This book starts a spin-off series from Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series. The Dacians are briefly introduced to us in Lothaire, and since I love that series, I was eager to read this book.

The world building is quite confusing early on in this book but I’ll set up the hero and heroine for you. Trehan Daciano is an immortal Vampire known as The Prince of Shadows. He lives in the Realm of Blood and Mist and works as an assassin keeping his realm a secret. He basically has no life, and only lives for duty. He fights with his cousins over being a contender for the crown. Since he is a Kresley Cole vampire, he hasn’t had a boner since he reached his immortality hundreds of years ago. (I love that she tortures her vampires like this).

The heroine Bettina is a half demon half soceri. She was attacked by Vrkeners, her mortal enemies who stole her powers and tortured her beyond anything she had ever experienced. She fears them now, which makes her feel weak. Her BFF is a man named Caspion who is a man-ho, but she is in love with him. He treats her more like a sister which makes her sad. Her godparents want her protected so they invite anyone from the Lore to fight in a tournament to the death and the last one standing will wed Bettina. She isn’t happy about this.

Trehan makes it to her realm to kill Caspion who knows where the Mist realm lies. When Trehan sees Bettina, his heart starts beating and he gets a massive woody. He decides to enter the tournament to win Bettina’s hand in marriage. Caspion enters too. Let the games begin.

The first few chapters in this book are very heavy on world building and really drag this story down. I was confused by what happened to the heroine and what role Trehan was to play in all of this. But I continued to read and eventually everything falls into place. This is very much a Kresley Cole book, and by that I mean, Trehan is extremely possessive and caveman-like in his affection for Bettina. Once he is blooded, she is all he can think about. He gives up his family and his home for her. He punishes himself for not knowing she existed when she was hurt so bad by the Vrekners. He will basically do anything for her. I’m not sure how I feel about Trehan. I enjoy Kresley Cole’s super alpha, possessive heroes. But at the same time I feel like I’ve read Trehan before. He was so predictable and felt almost recycled. I love Kresley Cole’s voice, but I got a little bored with Trehan this time.

What I liked about Bettina is that she has fear. Many of Cole’s immortals are so fearless and violent. Bettina can barely walk outside for fear of another attack. Trehan not only protects her but he gives her confidence. He pushes her into situations she feels she can’t do, and of course if there is trouble, he does come calling. Bettina pushes him away a lot, as she thinks she has feelings for Caspion and just Trehan’s intense nature is a lot for her to take. Because of that, we get really great sexual tension in this book.

Kresley Cole is also known for her snark and we get a little of that with Bettina’s godparents Raum and Morgana and a phantom that follows Bettina around. I also love when Kresley Cole puts a tournament or games in her books and the outcome of the tournament to win Bettina’s hand is a fun one.

This very much felt like an Immortal After Dark book, which is fine with me but like I said above, it is predictable. It’s also heavy in the world building and had more of an old world tone to it. I liked it, but I could have liked it a lot more.

Rating: C+ (less)

7 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2013 Heather rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kresley Cole's book Shadow Claim is set in the hell-plane of Abbaddon. Young half-demon/half-sorceress and princess of the realm Bettina was attacked by Vrekeners who stole the poor girl's sorceress powers which is akin to her soul. Now she will do ANYTHING to get them back--including agreeing to a tournament that offers her hand in marriage as the prize. The catch is... ANY kind of creature can enter the tournament. The night before the tournament, Trehan Daciano, a prince of the secret Vampire...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 18, 2013 Angela the Fair ~Lusty Lace~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

Audiobook Review

Kresley Cole cannot do wrong in my book. She is masterful in creating the perfect Alpha Male. I have totally fallen in love with Trehan. He had no hesitation with his love for his bride. He was determined to win her at all cost to provide, protect, love and to pleasure, yes, to pleasure. And if I may say, he is eversoeffin hot! He truly is perfection wrapped in a hot bod!

Cole is also great in making me feel a dichotomy of love and hate for her heroines. I swear I was almost going...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 31, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angels-and-demons, author-kresley-cole, books-i-go-rabid-over, books-i-own, favorites, first-book-in-series, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, king-of-the-harem, pnr, read-in-2012, review-requests, series-the-dacians

Kresley Cole has a unique way of writing that pulls readers right in until you feel as if you are transferred into one of her books. With her unique signature humor and larger than life characters, readers are completely immersed in the Lore of immortals with no intention of leaving. I get this feeling every time I read a Kresley Cole book and SHADOW'S CLAIM is no exception.

Trehan is an exceptional hero. Arrogant, deadly and sexy, he possessed all that a woman could want in a leading man. For me...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Tammi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This has to be my least favorite book by Kresley Cole. There was nothing wrong with the writing or the plot. I think the problem would be the main characters, well actually just one character.

*sigh* Bettina. She didn't really have a personality. She has no character, no spark, no ... what's the word I'm looking for... no pizzaz. She was so 2 dimensional. Blah Blah.. I could have cared less if she died, lived or find her true love. Now, Morgana she was interesting and I want to see more of her....more

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May 20, 2013 FREEBIRD rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 18-or-older, alternate-universe, demons, kindle-reads, mental-illness, mythical-creatures, romance, smut, vaginal-fantasy, witches-and-wizards, vampires

There is one thing that stood out to me in this book and I just have to get it out before the jealousy overcomes me: It is so not fair that the heroine can bite her nails over and over again and they constantly re-grow. This is a nail-biter's wet dream.

Moving on, the only other book by Kresley Cole I'd read was Poison Princess, her venture into YA. Although I am giving both that book and this one four-stars, I have to say I liked her YA novel much more than this. I'm unsure as to whether I'll co...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Jennifer Cazares rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kresley cole has done it again, another great read! I loved every page of this book. Loved all the characters and woohoo a quick hi how are ya from Nix too! Cant wait for more from one of my favorite authors!

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May 11, 2013 Laura *Little Read Riding Hood* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, favorites-in-2013, favorites

I have never highlighted more passages or bookmarked more pages than I did while reading this book. Honestly this review is going to be difficult to write without just quoting the story. Threhan is such a sexy bad-ass that just about everything he says and everything that describes him makes me love him. This review will probably be more Trehan gushing than anything else. If that bothers you, then skip to the end. :-)

Let's just start with Trehan - a centuries old vampire assassin in line for the...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-stephanie

Trehan is a prince of Dacia and the assassin for the royal vampire family. It's his duty to eliminate threats to his hidden kingdom, which brings him to the demon plane of Abaddon. There he finds his Bride in princess Bettina but learns that in order to have her, he'll have to fight. There's a tournament in Abaddon and the prize is the princess' hand in marriage and the throne. Unfortunately, the tournament isn't the only obstacle standing in Trehan's way. Bettina is in love with her childhood f...more Trehan is a prince of Dacia and the assassin for the royal vampire family. It's his duty to eliminate threats to his hidden kingdom, which brings him to the demon plane of Abaddon. There he finds his Bride in princess Bettina but learns that in order to have her, he'll have to fight. There's a tournament in Abaddon and the prize is the princess' hand in marriage and the throne. Unfortunately, the tournament isn't the only obstacle standing in Trehan's way. Bettina is in love with her childhood friend Caspion, who just so happens to be the man Trehan was sent to kill. Each day he wins a piece of Bettina's heart but when there can only be one left alive, it may not be enough.

If you're like me and love the males of Immortals After Dark, you'll fall for Trehan. He's powerful, clever, alpha to the core, and when he finds his fated woman nothing will stop him from claiming her. He's kept to himself for centuries, venturing out only when duty calls, so he's learning as he goes with Bettina. He can be a little...medieval at times but he's willing to change for his Bride. If I was to pick what I love most about this book, it would be Trehan.

Half demon-half Sorceri, princess Bettina followed her love of fashion into the mortal world but that had disastrous consequences. To get her powers and a sense of safety back, she agrees to a tournament where she's the prize. Bettina hopes her childhood friend and longtime crush Caspion will join and win so they can be together. Problem is Cas will bed anything, expect her. I like Bettina because she's feisty when pushed but her actions towards her best friend kept me from loving her. Cas makes it clear he doesn't return her affections and wants a true mate. Knowing how he feels, she still pressures him to fight. I thought this was selfish and very unflattering.

In the way of romance, Trehan and Bettina follow a familiar IAD pattern. Teasing, chasing, one arguing why they don't belong together, more teasing and "almost" moments leading to sexy times, and finally ending in an admission of love after more fighting. It's predictable for an IAD fan but that didn't make it any less hot. Well, when I wasn't annoyed with Bettina.

The tournament for Bettina's hand brings creatures from all over the Lore including a familiar soothsayer, Queen of Illusions, Enemy of Old and new characters in the form of a snarky peeping tom phantom and two very unhelpful guardians. Since it's a spinoff you hear familiar news and see welcomed faces but the main focus is on Bettina and Trehan. I didn't really see this book as a spinoff that leads to secret new lands being uncovered as much as an expansion of what I already know and love. I would've liked to "see" more of Dacia but overall, Shadow's Claim was exciting and sexy. It's very familiar, maybe too much for IAD fans looking for something new, but not for me. Sometimes I want a book I know I'll enjoy before I ever pick it up and as usual, that was the case with this latest Kresley Cole release.
- Stephanie(less)

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Feb 05, 2013 Greta is Erikasbuddy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: on-the-tabby

When I heard that this book was coming out I was like this

And while I started reading it I was like this

Cuz seriously.... EWWW!!

That was not what I was expecting AT ALL!!

I was expecting to fall in love with the characters but instead I got a bunch of bodily fluids and very little plot. I can't tell you how disappointed I was with this book. So much so that I almost didn't want to finish this book.

But I'm happy that I did because I know the next book is going to be a wolf and we do get to see...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wish-list

I love Kresley Cole´s world of the Lore! Returning to her words is always a treat, and this was no exception, even if it´s "just" a spin-off.
The assassin Prince Trehan is on a mission - to end the life of Caspian, a man who was let in to Dacia but left, although he promised never to do that. In his pursuit, Trehan stumbles upon his Bride, Bettina, who´s just about to wed who ever wins the competition. Now he has to make his decision, to give up his home for his Bride, and how to get over her ang...more

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Apr 24, 2013 ♥ Sarah ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, vampires, witches-wizards, to-buy

Shadow's Claim is the first book in Kresley Cole's new Dacians series. At first I thought this might be an entirely different world from her Immortals After Dark Series, but it's actually a series-within-a-series. Not really a spin-off, but a branch per se. The same over-arcing storyline involving the Accession and Nix trying to line up allies is going on -- she even makes a few discreet appearances in the background. So I was happy to see this because I knew I'd love it.

The main difference I no...more Shadow's Claim is the first book in Kresley Cole's new Dacians series. At first I thought this might be an entirely different world from her Immortals After Dark Series, but it's actually a series-within-a-series. Not really a spin-off, but a branch per se. The same over-arcing storyline involving the Accession and Nix trying to line up allies is going on -- she even makes a few discreet appearances in the background. So I was happy to see this because I knew I'd love it.

The main difference I noticed in this "series" though is that it's not as sarcastic/witty. But, I think that has to do more with the characters' personalities than anything. We've moved away from sassy Valkyries and cocky Lykaes. Instead we have a rather mysterious race of vampires known as the Dacians. They appeared in Lothaire's book where we learned a bit about them but in this book we learn a bit more. They are a race of vampires who have taken to hiding in the mountains and mist to prevent a vampire disease that wiped out the majority of female vampires in the world from spreading to them. They rarely come out of the mist except in the case where someone like Trehan needs to hunt down a person who has entered their realm and then left, because that's the one rule about coming into their territory -- you can never leave for fear of their existence becoming known and therefore their safety being hindered.

Like most books by Kresley Cole this one was very well-written and layered. The time-line falls pretty much simultaneous to Lothaire's book. While I did miss the sarcastic females and cocky males in this one, I can't help but appreciate that even without the touches of humor, this book grabbed me at page one and held me into the story.

Trehan is an interesting vampire. He isn't necessarily afraid or intimidated by finding his Bride like most of the vampires we've met in the IAD series. Instead, he's thrilled and has determined that he will do anything to win over his Bride's affections -- even if that Bride is already in love with someone else. I found him to be really refreshing and fell for him quickly. He's a bit old-fashioned because of the nature of his secluded race, but I thought that aspect of him was kind of sweet. Bettina is a bit innocent and a little immature, but she's also been through a lot in her life and now she's being forced to question all of her feelings when she meets Trehan. Their romance was well-written and while they both felt physical attraction for each other I think that their deeper feelings were gradually explored and I really felt them falling in love slowly along the way.

Overall I'm not surprised that I loved this book. The Immortals After Dark is by far my favorite paranormal romance series and one of my favorite all-time series' around. If you're interested in this book or any other book in the series they can be read as stand-alones but I recommend reading them in order because of the over-arcing Accession storyline, which I believe will come into larger play in the future books. Kresley also likes to introduce us to characters well-before they get their full book so we can have a taste for them and therefore be even more excited once their love story finally does come around. For example, just one of the new characters we meet in this book is Salem -- who I can't wait to read more about! So seriously pick up this series if you're a fan of paranormal romance because you won't regret it!

More of my reviews at I'm Loving ♥ Books.(less)

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Jan 18, 2013 Lynsey (The Demon Librarian) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Find more reviews at The Demon Librarian.

Classic Cole

Fans of the IAD series will have no trouble getting into this new spin-off. Other than it not being set in the human realm, and having a new type of "misting" vampire to learn about, it was pretty much business as usual. Which in Cole's case means a wonderful mix of outrageously alpha males, feisty yet strangely vulnerable females, off-the-charts sexual tension, and plenty of humour, which is about the only thing that makes these over-the-top...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Kiki Dufoulon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

First of all can I just say - Oh Gods! What a male. It is official, I am in love with Trehan Cristian Daciano. He is... I mean, he's... just... wow. How does she do it. How does Cole keep giving us these amazingly dreamy males to swoon over. Oh to live in her world. *sighs* I do envy you that Mrs.Cole. I truly do!

Anywho! I am a huge fan of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series. Each book has roped me in, awed and excited me. The heroes vie for my attention. The heroines amuse and glamour me...more First of all can I just say - Oh Gods! What a male. It is official, I am in love with Trehan Cristian Daciano. He is... I mean, he's... just... wow. How does she do it. How does Cole keep giving us these amazingly dreamy males to swoon over. Oh to live in her world. *sighs* I do envy you that Mrs.Cole. I truly do!

Anywho! I am a huge fan of Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series. Each book has roped me in, awed and excited me. The heroes vie for my attention. The heroines amuse and glamour me. Their thrilling, heart-stopping, all inspiring adventures and heartaches making me crave more. Always more! And now with the release of book one in, The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist series, I have found a new love for this author and her truly magical worlds.

As the cousins of the infamous Lothaire, the Daciano bloodline has previously appeared in the IAD series, and now they have their own sexy series in which to drive us insane with their romantically dark stories. And if I'm to be honest I think it'll be hard to top the tale of Trey, and his beloved Bett. Their troublesome love affair is one of great allure...

An innocent halfling female in love with her wastrel Demon companion. A blooded Vampire male who craves her more than life itself, yet keeps his lusts and instincts in check so as not to scare her off. The tournament of all tournaments set in place for the sole reason of marrying Bettina off to the fiercest male in all the lands. Not the best case scenario for her considering her love for her childhood friend, and the fact that she is the Bride of a millennia old Vampire. But damn, does it make for a great read.

In fact I found it near impossible to put this book down, every turn of a page intrigued me more. Made me hungry for the Shadow Prince, and envious of his merry Sorceress. As with all Cole's books before this one, it is packed full of gorgeous characters, brutal battles, unrequited love, thrills, suspense, yummy twists and turns, and of course the hottest sex ever! I mean seriously... what else could we ask for?

I loved watching Trey struggle with his self control, the once stoic male finding himself obsessively craving the young Bett - the key to a life he had long ago given up any hope of having. The way he idolised her, praised everything about her. He made me melt. Even more so when he gave up everything to be with her, even though he knew there was a chance she would refuse him. Gods, what a male! Then there was Bett. The damaged little Demon/Sorceri Princess who suffered due to past events, was made to feel insignificant by both sides of her bloodlines, and longed for someone who did not want her in return. Sad really. But then I did enjoy watching her grow a pair and move on with her life. A life with the yummy Trehan! Yay!

I'm telling you now mes petites cheris - this is an amazing beginning to what I can see being another great series by the talented Mrs.Cole. You would be crazy not to pick up a copy and read it for yourselves. Shoo shoo... go get your Trey on!(less)

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May 22, 2013 sharkhugs rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

This book is actually kind of frustrating to review! There are so many elements of this story that I really could have loved if some other scenarios didn't ruin it... Like, I really loved the whole tournament/medieval thing, but I really disliked that Trehan walked into every fight and you knew that he was probably going to beat his opponent without breaking a sweat (exception of the last battle). I also liked the idea of different planes, but them the inclusion of the human...more

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May 08, 2013 Rae rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Trigger warning: discussion of rape.

Firstly, I read this book as part of the Vaginal Fantasy Hangout and I'm looking forward to seeing what others thought of the book.

There were many problems with this book, which is why I only gave it one star. For starters, there were a lot of rapey scenes, non-consent and attempted rape. And, look, if scenes like that progress the story or are important or whatever, that's fine. But to be honest, if you're writing fantasy or romance (and this book falls into...more

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May 05, 2013 Kelsy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vf

Shadow's Claim has its incredibly ridiculous moments, but there's a lot of good here, too.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. We're introduced to a half-demon, half-sorceress princess, Bettina, who wanted nothing more out of life than to go to a mortal design school so she can better learn to create beautiful jewelry and accessories that double as lethal weapons. She's also head over heels for her lifelong friend Cas, a death demon who grows str...more Shadow's Claim has its incredibly ridiculous moments, but there's a lot of good here, too.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. We're introduced to a half-demon, half-sorceress princess, Bettina, who wanted nothing more out of life than to go to a mortal design school so she can better learn to create beautiful jewelry and accessories that double as lethal weapons. She's also head over heels for her lifelong friend Cas, a death demon who grows stronger with every opponent he kills and who's also out having sex with everything that moves, but refuses her advances. Oh, and there's an invisible demon that guards her and also peeps on her while she's in the bath. Nice.

Unfortunately one of Bett's recent trips to the moral realm has left her a shadow of her former self after being kidnapped and brutally attacked by enemies of her kingdom. Also, Cas is being hunted down by the lethal vampire assassin, Trehan Daciano, from the mystical realm of Dacia who never misses his mark. Just great. Oh, and Bettina's grandparents (godparents?) are holding a last-man-standing deathmatch of a tournament to find a husband for her who will protect her and help her rule the kingdom. Logical decision, really.

Also, apocalypse? Probably. Isn't the apocalypse always about to happen in these books?

Anyways, the set up for this world is funny and interesting. Bett starts off as kind of an annoying, but weirdly sympathetic character who I grew to like more and more as the story progressed. She's obsessed with fashionable weapons. How can you not grow to love her? And this novel contains fairly explicit smut for those interested in that. And there's the whole soulbonding-esque trope of a demon having one true eternal lifemate, which lends itself to a lot of incredibly possessive and obsessive behavior. I could go on and on, really. There's a lot here.

In the end, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book and actually couldn't put it down for the most part. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who was looking for something fun and trashy to read over the weekend. (less)

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May 02, 2013 Kayci Morgan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had a really hard time getting into this book. And a lot of that is because Bettina is the most hateable female character I've ever read in any of her books. What makes the Immortals After Dark series stand out is how amazingly powerful the women are. They have these alpha males coming at them full force and they can give it as hard as they take it, sometimes harder. I'm used to Reign the Radiant hurling cars at guys that get in her way.

But now we have Bettina, a self-described mouse of a woma...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Dangermousie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aaangst, fantasy, paranormal, romance

Clearly, I am morally deficient because I was enjoying Kresley Cole's Shadow's Claim entirely too much, even though the hero was spending 75% of his time in fights to the death.

But the set-up is pretty much tailor-made to my specs, as the hero enters a deadly medieval-style (with supernatural twist) tournament to win the hand of the heroine! Yes pls. And he gives up his right to ever go home in order to do it. I'll take him if the heroine wouldn't!

I like the heroine as well, even though she spen...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Holy crap. It's like Cole has created my dream man in Trehan! I love his intelligent, formal way of speaking. I love his tousled black hair and flashing green eyes. I love his skill with the sword, his passion, his restraint and his selflessness. He will sacrifice anything to make his Bride happy. He seeks to help his Bride to realize her potential and to stop being confined by her self-imposed boundaries. Completely and utterly swoonworthy. I'd snatch him up in a heartbeat and I'm not an immort...more

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About Kresley Cole

Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series and the young adult Arcana Chronicles. She has also written five award-winning historical romances.

Since her first novel was released in 2003, Kresley has published nineteen books with Simon & Schuster and has seen her releases translated into more than eighteen foreign language...more

More about Kresley Cole...

Books by Kresley Cole

A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark, #2)

No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark, #3)

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (Immortals After Dark, #4)

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, #6)

Dark Needs at Night's Edge (Immortals After Dark, #5)

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Quotes from Shadow's Claim

“A king of a kingdom no one fucking knows about! I'm the tree in the forest that silently falls--when no one is around to be crushed! [Lothaire, Enemy of Old]” — 26 people liked it

“I lived in the royal library, among all the books."
"You resided in a... library?"
"There were suites inside and great balconies that overlooked the city, but yes. I was most content among those shelves, so one night, I simply never left.” — 18 people liked it

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Shadow's Claim (The Dacians #1)

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