I seriously wanted to love this novel like I did the last two, but this one- especially being the end to a serious bad guy- wasn't that great. Sure, I liked it, but it wasn't a page turner like the previous two. This novel sees Riley Poe facing her greatest challenge yet; she's going through the quickening with Valerian's blood influencing her for the worst. In order to save his lover, Eli Dupre takes Poe to Bucharest (Valerian and Victorian's hometown) to Julian Arcos- the most ancient vampire around.
The novel seemed rushed and the conclusion, Valerian's capture, was even more so. I understand what the author tries to convey as Riley is living through blood-induced rages, but it was choppy. I thought the novel should have been plotted better. If it hadn't been so messy of a story I think I would have had no problem labeling this novel with five stars, but it has issues.
Other than the plot I thought the originality of the Dark Ink Chronicles was awesome. I loved Riley and Eli as a couple and the side characters, the Gullah are a particularly interesting touch. I will pick up the fourth novel though because I adored the first two novels.