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Immortals After Dark #12
Shadow's Claim
#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 for her hand in a blood-sport tournament— to the death.
HE WON'T BE DENIED...
Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people—striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself - until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore’s most fearsome villains.
SHE’S BOUND TO ANOTHER...
Desperate to earn her guardians’ approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she’s lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.
A BATTLE FOR HER BODY AND SOUL
Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina’s heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium’s worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away - or stoke Bettina’s own desires to a fever pitch....
HE WON'T BE DENIED...
Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people—striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself - until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore’s most fearsome villains.
SHE’S BOUND TO ANOTHER...
Desperate to earn her guardians’ approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she’s lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.
A BATTLE FOR HER BODY AND SOUL
Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina’s heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium’s worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away - or stoke Bettina’s own desires to a fever pitch....
481 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 27, 2012
888 people are currently reading
14691 people want to read
About the author
Kresley Cole
65 books27.4k followersKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,879 reviews
November 25, 2012
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, MOM'S RULE! and this...
Now to get to the review....
As you can see I didn't give KC 5 STARS....which is crazy since I'm clearly a narrow sighted zealot when it comes to her...But I must tell my friends the truth...OH HOW I WANT TO LIE AND SAY I ADORED IT!
Where do I start!? Firstly, I really liked this book. I mean, Kresley Cole wrote it and that is enough to inspire cult like worship from me. However, this book was different. Anyone familiar to the IAC series knows KC writing. She is the perfect mixture of hilarious absurdity, amazing world building, deep feeling, hot sex, and well...more hot sex. However, this was not like the IAC books. Firstly, I didn't laugh once. Which is so odd, I mean there was no crazy Valkyries, or witty Lothaire, or 'Nawlins Lorean Absurdity that I had come to love. Which was odd. Then another shocker happened. I didn't like the heroine...at all. As Tom Cruise so lovingly put it in A Few Good Men, Bettina was Galacticaly Stupid. She wasn't particularly smart, or pretty, useful, strong, or bright. I mean she just whined the WHOLE DAMN NOVEL.![]()
She had this ridiculous loyalty to her supposed mate Cas. Although, he did nothing to deserve her love. I mean her infatuation was rooted in childishness in my opinion. However, when she realized who she really loved...she still didn't act right. Trehan Daciano is a blooded, Lore, proud, Dacian, vampire. You can't consistently make him feel inferior and make unnatural demands of him expecting positive outcomes...especially when you seem to have allegiance to another man. Of course, he is not going to be okay with you being best friends with someone you mistook as him, previously loved, and wanted to kill him at one point or another!
Trehan was AMAZING. Mouth watering, tongue wagging, pantie dropping Sexy.
He made the whole story worth reading. He wasn't witty, like Lothaire, or some crazy tortured soul, like Conrad, that immediately won you over. However, he was unyielding in his devotion. He thought his actions out and applied cunning and love to his very action. He gave up EVERYTHING he had to be with her. So excuse me, if in the end i think it was ridiculous that he had to apologize. SHE SHOULD HAVE BEGGED to get back with him. He felled any and everything that stopped her from reaching her full potential.
I could rant all day at Bettina... but what good does that do? I just want to read some immortals after dark. This was a super solid good book, and better than most books I read. However, its nothing like her other work... I mean comparing Lothaire to this is not even fair... The only book I look forward to is Kossima's...
Anywho, everyone read this because even though I didn't ADORE it, I believe it will be a freaking hit! It better be!
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, MOM'S RULE! and this...
Now to get to the review....
As you can see I didn't give KC 5 STARS....which is crazy since I'm clearly a narrow sighted zealot when it comes to her...But I must tell my friends the truth...OH HOW I WANT TO LIE AND SAY I ADORED IT!
Where do I start!? Firstly, I really liked this book. I mean, Kresley Cole wrote it and that is enough to inspire cult like worship from me. However, this book was different. Anyone familiar to the IAC series knows KC writing. She is the perfect mixture of hilarious absurdity, amazing world building, deep feeling, hot sex, and well...more hot sex. However, this was not like the IAC books. Firstly, I didn't laugh once. Which is so odd, I mean there was no crazy Valkyries, or witty Lothaire, or 'Nawlins Lorean Absurdity that I had come to love. Which was odd. Then another shocker happened. I didn't like the heroine...at all. As Tom Cruise so lovingly put it in A Few Good Men, Bettina was Galacticaly Stupid. She wasn't particularly smart, or pretty, useful, strong, or bright. I mean she just whined the WHOLE DAMN NOVEL.
She had this ridiculous loyalty to her supposed mate Cas. Although, he did nothing to deserve her love. I mean her infatuation was rooted in childishness in my opinion. However, when she realized who she really loved...she still didn't act right. Trehan Daciano is a blooded, Lore, proud, Dacian, vampire. You can't consistently make him feel inferior and make unnatural demands of him expecting positive outcomes...especially when you seem to have allegiance to another man. Of course, he is not going to be okay with you being best friends with someone you mistook as him, previously loved, and wanted to kill him at one point or another!
Trehan was AMAZING. Mouth watering, tongue wagging, pantie dropping Sexy.
He made the whole story worth reading. He wasn't witty, like Lothaire, or some crazy tortured soul, like Conrad, that immediately won you over. However, he was unyielding in his devotion. He thought his actions out and applied cunning and love to his very action. He gave up EVERYTHING he had to be with her. So excuse me, if in the end i think it was ridiculous that he had to apologize. SHE SHOULD HAVE BEGGED to get back with him. He felled any and everything that stopped her from reaching her full potential. I could rant all day at Bettina... but what good does that do? I just want to read some immortals after dark. This was a super solid good book, and better than most books I read. However, its nothing like her other work... I mean comparing Lothaire to this is not even fair... The only book I look forward to is Kossima's...
Anywho, everyone read this because even though I didn't ADORE it, I believe it will be a freaking hit! It better be!
June 18, 2023
A classic case of perfect hero, terrible heroine.
Trehan is the world’s most feared assassin. He comes to the realm of death demons searching for a target, only to find his fated mate in a royal tower. She’s a half-demon, half-sorceress princess about to be sold off to the winner of a brutal contest. Trehan, being the perfect vampire he is, loves Bettina for her best qualities and takes an interest in her hobbies and woes. He enters the contest to win her heart, even though this poses great risk to him and means he is forced to give up his own people and country forever.
Meanwhile, Bettina is naive, a clueless virgin (can we NOT with this trope), over-dramatic, and she spends nearly the entire book hopelessly panting after Caspion, her childhood best friend, who sees her as a sister only and would rather screw an entire brothel than touch Bettina. She appreciates none of Trehan’s sacrifices and consistently uses him for sex then plots against him to favor Caspion.
SMH.
By the way, Caspion strikes me as one of those bi or gay peeps who are so far in the closet that they throw all their energy into appearing as straight as possible by relentlessly pursuing people of the opposite gender. (Think Sharpay Evans of High School Musical going after Troy Bolton obsessively even though she doesn’t even like him all that much.) Apparently, in a later book, he falls in love with a Dacian man, so that checks out.
Final verdict: Could have been much better if Bettina weren’t so insufferable and the plot didn’t revolve around her petty drama.
Trehan is the world’s most feared assassin. He comes to the realm of death demons searching for a target, only to find his fated mate in a royal tower. She’s a half-demon, half-sorceress princess about to be sold off to the winner of a brutal contest. Trehan, being the perfect vampire he is, loves Bettina for her best qualities and takes an interest in her hobbies and woes. He enters the contest to win her heart, even though this poses great risk to him and means he is forced to give up his own people and country forever.
Meanwhile, Bettina is naive, a clueless virgin (can we NOT with this trope), over-dramatic, and she spends nearly the entire book hopelessly panting after Caspion, her childhood best friend, who sees her as a sister only and would rather screw an entire brothel than touch Bettina. She appreciates none of Trehan’s sacrifices and consistently uses him for sex then plots against him to favor Caspion.
SMH.
By the way, Caspion strikes me as one of those bi or gay peeps who are so far in the closet that they throw all their energy into appearing as straight as possible by relentlessly pursuing people of the opposite gender. (Think Sharpay Evans of High School Musical going after Troy Bolton obsessively even though she doesn’t even like him all that much.) Apparently, in a later book, he falls in love with a Dacian man, so that checks out.
Final verdict: Could have been much better if Bettina weren’t so insufferable and the plot didn’t revolve around her petty drama.
April 28, 2013
Ugh.
I couldn't stand Caspion and I couldn't STAND Bettina. At ALL. She was pathetic, whiny, desperate, and unappreciative.
Trehan was awesome. He literally gave up his world for her and all she could talk about was "Caspion this and Caspion that" as Caspion screwed every whore available. I had NO respect for Bettina and I seriously wanted Trehan to just leave her ass behind.
At 50% through I was bored and frustrated. At 75% I was ready to DNF, but barely persevered. Aside from Trehan, I couldn't stand any of the characters in the book.
I hated Lothaire, but I'm in the minority on that one. I seem to be the minority on this one too, however, so maybe I'm just not meant to continue with this series. So sad.
I couldn't stand Caspion and I couldn't STAND Bettina. At ALL. She was pathetic, whiny, desperate, and unappreciative.
Trehan was awesome. He literally gave up his world for her and all she could talk about was "Caspion this and Caspion that" as Caspion screwed every whore available. I had NO respect for Bettina and I seriously wanted Trehan to just leave her ass behind.
At 50% through I was bored and frustrated. At 75% I was ready to DNF, but barely persevered. Aside from Trehan, I couldn't stand any of the characters in the book.
I hated Lothaire, but I'm in the minority on that one. I seem to be the minority on this one too, however, so maybe I'm just not meant to continue with this series. So sad.
December 27, 2012
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 :(
July 4, 2017
Shadow's Claim is the 13th book in Kresley Cole's ever fabulous Immortals After Dark Series and the 1st in her The Dacians Series ...
Okay, so I am not sure why this book is part of the IAD Series......the only connection to that world is that the main character here , is one of Lothaire's many cousins, the assassin Trehan Daciano who made a very quick appearance at the end of Lothaire's book
Trehan is also the prince of the secret Vampire Realm Dacia, situated in the hell-plane of Abbaddon. He's been assigned to assassinate the realm's Princess Bettina's best friend who she just also happens to be in love with........blah blah blah!!!
Of course, when Trehan and Bettina lay eyes on each other. INSTANT LUST...ooh and then he discovers that she's actually his Bride...but she says no no no......PLEAZZZZZZZ!
I did like Trehan but Bettina not so much! In fact she was a pain in the butt for most of the story!!
I also had to stop a few times ....to think where does this story fit into the actual IAD Series!!
I'm not sure about the Dacian Series!!!
I miss the Valkyries!!!
Okay, so I am not sure why this book is part of the IAD Series......the only connection to that world is that the main character here , is one of Lothaire's many cousins, the assassin Trehan Daciano who made a very quick appearance at the end of Lothaire's book
Trehan is also the prince of the secret Vampire Realm Dacia, situated in the hell-plane of Abbaddon. He's been assigned to assassinate the realm's Princess Bettina's best friend who she just also happens to be in love with........blah blah blah!!!
Of course, when Trehan and Bettina lay eyes on each other. INSTANT LUST...ooh and then he discovers that she's actually his Bride...but she says no no no......PLEAZZZZZZZ!
I did like Trehan but Bettina not so much! In fact she was a pain in the butt for most of the story!!
I also had to stop a few times ....to think where does this story fit into the actual IAD Series!!
I'm not sure about the Dacian Series!!!
I miss the Valkyries!!!
February 10, 2017
“She will never be mine, will always want the male before me.”
This is my third time of reading this stunning book. TREHAN DACIANO. Oh my goodness. What can I do for you when you're feeling down because of your love life ? I can't bare when you're upset and unhappy. Your woman is not fair and so unkind to you. She doesn't deserve your warrior heart — and I have to admit — your honesty belongs elsewhere, so no one can hurt you as much as she does.
“Lizvetta nearly decapitated me. And look how happy we are.”
My feeling has been in turmoil through this book. The story was successfully woven and their romance also blew my mind that I felt butterflies in my stomach since the first scene Trehan meets Bettina, even though he's misunderstood for another man and infuriated when the consequence is not what he expects. Bettina, on the other hands, is innocent and quite annoying for me. But I totally understand her why she acts like that. Being near Trehan is full of risk she has to take, and her surrender isn't something somebody can earn so easily. Kreslye Cole planned out those details very well I believe all of them when the story hits its climax. That made Shadow's Claim become my favorite of the series.
Trehan is gorgeous, his character shrouds all the male characters in this book, even Lothaire. I liked many scenes from this one, too, especially when Trehan participates in the arena that the winner will get the princess, and he sets up his plan step by step for the reward being within his arm's reach.
“The Prince of Shadow is no longer a prince, dear. He’s as good as king of this realm.”
Plus some parts of Shadow's Claim are linked to the next installment of the IAD series, Dark Skye. We get to see the conflict that causes the incident in that book, and I'm so glad that I read this before Dark Skye this time. My suggestion is you have to read this one before DK, it's the best way for you to fully enjoy it.
https://goo.gl/Kp3702
July 21, 2017
Prince Trehan Christian Daciano (Dacian vampire) and Princess Bettina of Abaddon (Half demon / half sorceress)
"What else did you see of my life?"
She knew he would point out her weakness, her dependency on her guardians, her useless panting after Caspion.
"You view the world differently than I do."
"Of course I do. You're a brave warrior. I'm...not."
"You're an artist. You see beauty in so much, noting details I never you have seen. You gave a sensibility I could only imagine before." He parted his lips, then paused for a moment, as if he wanted to get his next words right. "I've spend my entire life killing. I destroy. You create. You've opened my eyes to a new world. I crave more of it. More of you."
After I read "Lothaire", my satisfaction level had reached its peak. That was the main reason, I had major issues getting into this book.
Thankfully this did not last long. After a while, I experienced pure awesomeness!
(Moreover, )
"What else did you see of my life?"
She knew he would point out her weakness, her dependency on her guardians, her useless panting after Caspion.
"You view the world differently than I do."
"Of course I do. You're a brave warrior. I'm...not."
"You're an artist. You see beauty in so much, noting details I never you have seen. You gave a sensibility I could only imagine before." He parted his lips, then paused for a moment, as if he wanted to get his next words right. "I've spend my entire life killing. I destroy. You create. You've opened my eyes to a new world. I crave more of it. More of you."
After I read "Lothaire", my satisfaction level had reached its peak. That was the main reason, I had major issues getting into this book.
Thankfully this did not last long. After a while, I experienced pure awesomeness!
(Moreover, )
April 27, 2013
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 hero? *raises hand*
The vamp books are usually my least favorite of the IAD books, but this one totally worked for me. Maybe it's the inherent structure of the story, which is centered around a tournament for the hand of the heroine, Bettina. Maybe it's the super hottt vamp who hadn't lived life until seeing it through the eyes of his Bride. Maybe it's the plotty twists and turns that I totally did not expect. Whatever it was, this story was great, and I'd recommend it to paranormal romance readers without hesitation.
I'd say 4.5 stars overall because one of the plot points - that Bettina loves another - kind of dragged on too long for me. That said, the story worked splendidly overall, and it also works as a standalone if you haven't read the books in KC's IAD series yet.
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 hero? *raises hand*
The vamp books are usually my least favorite of the IAD books, but this one totally worked for me. Maybe it's the inherent structure of the story, which is centered around a tournament for the hand of the heroine, Bettina. Maybe it's the super hottt vamp who hadn't lived life until seeing it through the eyes of his Bride. Maybe it's the plotty twists and turns that I totally did not expect. Whatever it was, this story was great, and I'd recommend it to paranormal romance readers without hesitation.
I'd say 4.5 stars overall because one of the plot points - that Bettina loves another - kind of dragged on too long for me. That said, the story worked splendidly overall, and it also works as a standalone if you haven't read the books in KC's IAD series yet.
December 28, 2012
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 he didn't even know if he could perform after the night he spent (in the whore house!!) but it was still all poor Cas, please don't hurt my Cas thru most of the book. EWWWW...
She basically rather have had someone who doesn't love her and never will compared to a man that would die for her and do anything she asked. But then she gets mad when he walks away from her ass and he's the one that has to apologize? Stupid chit!
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 he didn't even know if he could perform after the night he spent (in the whore house!!) but it was still all poor Cas, please don't hurt my Cas thru most of the book. EWWWW...
She basically rather have had someone who doesn't love her and never will compared to a man that would die for her and do anything she asked. But then she gets mad when he walks away from her ass and he's the one that has to apologize? Stupid chit!
December 5, 2020
Kresley Cole introduced us to the Daciano Vampires in "Lothaire",vampires who don`t follow their urge to drink human blood like all the other vampires and are extra deathly and dangerous and live secluded in their private and secret Kingdom.In "Shadow's Claim" the 12:th instalment in the "Immortals After Dark"-series we get to follow the incredible love-story of the vampire prince Trehan Daciano who meets his soulmate in the young demon princess Bettina.Their journey are thrilling with its action,sensuality and magic!It was enchanting watching Trehan fight for Bettina`s hand through the brutal tournament hosted by her uncle.I loved everything with it!
Princess Bettina of Abaddon is a half-demon and half-sorceress who have lived a very isolated and protected life until she was kidnapped and tortured by vrekeners and gotten her sorceress power stolen.She have trauma over the memories but doesn`t let that stop her from living her life.She has a very artistic nature and can make weapons out of gold and silver.I liked her more by the end since she harbored a stupid unrequited crush on her bestfriend Caspion (who have his own book in "Shadow's Seduction").Even after she met Trehan and was madly attracted to him,she still felt jealous when other women kept throwing themselves at Caspion.I have no problem with it if it takes only 10 % of the story,but this kept on over half the book.I got sick by it since she have this adoring smokily sexy jealous vampire clinging to her and doing everything to win her heart!
***
"He can't want you like I do-no one can! Even if you do worse than you already have, I'll still come for you." -Trehan
***
Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows is a man i want to marry!OH MY GOD YES I WANT HIM FOR MYSELF cuz he had this mix of danger and vulnerability when it came to Bettina.He did EVERYTHING for her!He abandoned his kingdom for her,fought for her in tournament,and killed every vrekener who had tortured her.Trehan appreciated her talents,adored her for her gentleness,desired every millimeter of her and loved all of her with everything he was.Even in the end when he thought she had cheated and betrayed him he still craved and loved her with all his soul and ate up his pride to kidnap her and claim her forever.He was so dedicated,stubborn and intelligent.His silent personality was irresistible-as his powerful passion for Bettina seduced me.Lothaire`s love-advice to him made me fall off my bed with laughter-it was so much fun watching these Daciano`s interact and i want more of them!!!
I will say it again,Kresley Cole have changed my world with this Paranormal Romance series.They are so much funny,exciting and hell of a lot sexy and romantic!They always feed my romantic heart with irresistibie Alpha heroes and wonderful heroines who never back away from them.It was so fun meeting sorceress Sabine in this book since she is one of my my favourite heroines from this series,and she is looking for her sister Lanthe.Lanthe got abducted by her mate Thronos in the earlier books,i am so terribly excited over their book now!
Princess Bettina of Abaddon is a half-demon and half-sorceress who have lived a very isolated and protected life until she was kidnapped and tortured by vrekeners and gotten her sorceress power stolen.She have trauma over the memories but doesn`t let that stop her from living her life.She has a very artistic nature and can make weapons out of gold and silver.I liked her more by the end since she harbored a stupid unrequited crush on her bestfriend Caspion (who have his own book in "Shadow's Seduction").Even after she met Trehan and was madly attracted to him,she still felt jealous when other women kept throwing themselves at Caspion.I have no problem with it if it takes only 10 % of the story,but this kept on over half the book.I got sick by it since she have this adoring smokily sexy jealous vampire clinging to her and doing everything to win her heart!
***
"He can't want you like I do-no one can! Even if you do worse than you already have, I'll still come for you." -Trehan
***
Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows is a man i want to marry!OH MY GOD YES I WANT HIM FOR MYSELF cuz he had this mix of danger and vulnerability when it came to Bettina.He did EVERYTHING for her!He abandoned his kingdom for her,fought for her in tournament,and killed every vrekener who had tortured her.Trehan appreciated her talents,adored her for her gentleness,desired every millimeter of her and loved all of her with everything he was.Even in the end when he thought she had cheated and betrayed him he still craved and loved her with all his soul and ate up his pride to kidnap her and claim her forever.He was so dedicated,stubborn and intelligent.His silent personality was irresistible-as his powerful passion for Bettina seduced me.Lothaire`s love-advice to him made me fall off my bed with laughter-it was so much fun watching these Daciano`s interact and i want more of them!!!
I will say it again,Kresley Cole have changed my world with this Paranormal Romance series.They are so much funny,exciting and hell of a lot sexy and romantic!They always feed my romantic heart with irresistibie Alpha heroes and wonderful heroines who never back away from them.It was so fun meeting sorceress Sabine in this book since she is one of my my favourite heroines from this series,and she is looking for her sister Lanthe.Lanthe got abducted by her mate Thronos in the earlier books,i am so terribly excited over their book now!
January 2, 2024
Upon reread and reading of Shadow’s Seduction, I definitely like this one more than when I first read it. I really should’ve read Shadow’s Seduction first bc they partially take place at the same time. It definitely felt very long though with Bettina’s waffling. Rounding down since others in the series for 4 stars and I liked them better.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5
_________
The real torture of this series is that fucking love triangle.
Not even a triangle bc Cas was so terrible and such a waste of space he couldn’t even pretend to care for her one bit. Why wasn’t she angry at him for not backing down at the final fight?? Why couldn’t she stop talking about him??? My least favorite things with plot setups like this is if it makes ZERO sense for the main character to be so in love with the fucked side of the triangle. It makes them look pathetic and absolutely senseless.
Trehan deserved so much more. She girlbossed and gaslit him down to the last page. The book felt like a return to books at the beginning of the series, at least tone-wise which was nice.
She chose deadmau5 tickets over the delivery of severed heads of her abusers?????? Okay well absolutely couldn’t fucking be me. Whenever the story/romance found its stride, it was always interrupted minutes later by mentions of Cas.
🌶🌶.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The real torture of this series is that fucking love triangle.
Not even a triangle bc Cas was so terrible and such a waste of space he couldn’t even pretend to care for her one bit. Why wasn’t she angry at him for not backing down at the final fight?? Why couldn’t she stop talking about him??? My least favorite things with plot setups like this is if it makes ZERO sense for the main character to be so in love with the fucked side of the triangle. It makes them look pathetic and absolutely senseless.
Trehan deserved so much more. She girlbossed and gaslit him down to the last page. The book felt like a return to books at the beginning of the series, at least tone-wise which was nice.
She chose deadmau5 tickets over the delivery of severed heads of her abusers?????? Okay well absolutely couldn’t fucking be me. Whenever the story/romance found its stride, it was always interrupted minutes later by mentions of Cas.
🌶🌶.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5
_________
The real torture of this series is that fucking love triangle.
Not even a triangle bc Cas was so terrible and such a waste of space he couldn’t even pretend to care for her one bit. Why wasn’t she angry at him for not backing down at the final fight?? Why couldn’t she stop talking about him??? My least favorite things with plot setups like this is if it makes ZERO sense for the main character to be so in love with the fucked side of the triangle. It makes them look pathetic and absolutely senseless.
Trehan deserved so much more. She girlbossed and gaslit him down to the last page. The book felt like a return to books at the beginning of the series, at least tone-wise which was nice.
She chose deadmau5 tickets over the delivery of severed heads of her abusers?????? Okay well absolutely couldn’t fucking be me. Whenever the story/romance found its stride, it was always interrupted minutes later by mentions of Cas.
🌶🌶.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The real torture of this series is that fucking love triangle.
Not even a triangle bc Cas was so terrible and such a waste of space he couldn’t even pretend to care for her one bit. Why wasn’t she angry at him for not backing down at the final fight?? Why couldn’t she stop talking about him??? My least favorite things with plot setups like this is if it makes ZERO sense for the main character to be so in love with the fucked side of the triangle. It makes them look pathetic and absolutely senseless.
Trehan deserved so much more. She girlbossed and gaslit him down to the last page. The book felt like a return to books at the beginning of the series, at least tone-wise which was nice.
She chose deadmau5 tickets over the delivery of severed heads of her abusers?????? Okay well absolutely couldn’t fucking be me. Whenever the story/romance found its stride, it was always interrupted minutes later by mentions of Cas.
🌶🌶.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
November 27, 2014
Te odio Kresley, arruinaste mi vida.
¿Cómo se te ocurre crear otra serie? Yo que vivía sufriendo de amor por los Inmortales, y ahora me das a los Dacianos.
Declaro a Trehan Daciano EL MEJOR PROTAGONISTA MASCULINO DEL MUNDO.
Y ha Bettina LA MUJER MÁS INUTIL DEL MUNDO.
Él, un príncipe de un reino oculto, representando la justicia y la espada en Dacia. Un hombre que solo vive por y para el deber. Un hombre que AMA LEER. Protector de su familia, cariñoso, leal, dulce y encantador.
Rompe con todo lo que conoce, cuando encuentra a su pareja predestinada, para estar con ella, asegurándole amor, protección y una entrega absoluta.
Ella, una mujer incomprendida en un reino lejano, gran hechicera, y futura reina de Abaddon. Responsable, sabia, e inocente. Y que cuando encuentra a su pareja predestinada…. ¡VA Y LO RECHAZA!
Como me han hecho de sufrir estos dos. Pero Kresley siempre tiene una manera de resolver todo al final que te pone la piel de gallina y una sensación de querer más y más.
¿Cómo se te ocurre crear otra serie? Yo que vivía sufriendo de amor por los Inmortales, y ahora me das a los Dacianos.
Declaro a Trehan Daciano EL MEJOR PROTAGONISTA MASCULINO DEL MUNDO.
Y ha Bettina LA MUJER MÁS INUTIL DEL MUNDO.
Él, un príncipe de un reino oculto, representando la justicia y la espada en Dacia. Un hombre que solo vive por y para el deber. Un hombre que AMA LEER. Protector de su familia, cariñoso, leal, dulce y encantador.
Rompe con todo lo que conoce, cuando encuentra a su pareja predestinada, para estar con ella, asegurándole amor, protección y una entrega absoluta.
Ella, una mujer incomprendida en un reino lejano, gran hechicera, y futura reina de Abaddon. Responsable, sabia, e inocente. Y que cuando encuentra a su pareja predestinada…. ¡VA Y LO RECHAZA!
Como me han hecho de sufrir estos dos. Pero Kresley siempre tiene una manera de resolver todo al final que te pone la piel de gallina y una sensación de querer más y más.
July 16, 2016
Vanilla & Spice Books - Blog
This'll be quick and I'll forgo recounting the plot in length and will dive right into my thoughts. It will also be somewhat spoiler-ish.
With this installment I'm all caught up with the Immortal After Dark Series. Not sure why I didn't read Shadow's Claim when it was its turn but I think it had something to do with the fact that it strayed from the original series and I figured I could just start it as an independent one. Not sure if this helped to see it in a clear light or just threw me out of the loop. Anyhoo, I digress.
Bettina is forced to marry. To determine who the (un)lucky guy will be a tournament is being held. She agreed to this archaic practice despite her feelings for her childhood friend Caspion. Why the hell would she do this?
Enter Trehan who happens upon her by following a hunch. She bloods him, making her his eternal mate, the poor sod. Trehan is an assassin, a loyal servant of a secret and hidden kingdom. He is also a contender for the crown. He is a strategic planer and leaves nothing to coincidence. That's also how he woos his bride. A minor nuisance comes up when he realizes that he has to assassinate her bride's best friend as a duty to his kingdom.
Many times while reading Bettina's and Trehan's story I found myself rolling my eyes and being annoyed. Whenever Bettina said how much she loved her childhood friend Caspion I wanted to slap her. And I suppose if I could have she'd have ended up with bruises in her face because, swear to God, I wanted to slap her most of the book. This heroine did nothing to endear herself to me. She was stupid, made dumb and rash decisions at one turn and the next she was too cautious and fearful.
Trehan was swoon-worthy and he pretty much saved this book from being one of the few DNFs in my book history. He was strong and devoted to win over his fated bride despite the obstacles. And Bettina's stupidity. When he suspects her of poisoning him I was wondering what made him think that - she wasn't smart enough to think of something so devious.
The last couple of chapters reminded me of why I love Kresley Cole's books. When Lothaire and Sabine made an appearance I whooped cheerfully and oh those pages were so good but they couldn't safe this story for me. All together the Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrott-Moments were too many and my dislike for the heroine really spoiled it for me. The 3-star-rating stems from Kresley Cole's quality writing, Lothaire's and Sabine's appearance and Trehan being a delicious hero. Sorry :(
August 22, 2025
“I hate what you did. And still I love you.”
Can Kresley Cole write a bad book? No. Incapable. Impossible.
Can Kresley Cole write a bad book? No. Incapable. Impossible.
February 3, 2022
I looooved this hero!! Trehan literally gave up everything for his heroine. Did Bettina deserve this? Umm debatable lol. But I loved this one and I loved getting to know the Dacians!
May 3, 2017
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 whom. Well, KC, IMHO, has developed one of the most interesting worlds in the genre with her 'Immortals After Dark' - her werewolves, vampires, valkyries, and vast multitude of other creatures are my favorites above all others. And, most importantly, she always manages to give us fresh and interesting stories, while keeping true to her "rules".
Now with her IAD spin-off series, 'The Dacians', we get a taste of a "new" breed of vampire - these guys are clear-eyed, rational and unimaginably powerful... and it's oh so fun to watch them succumb to their baser vampiric instincts!
What I loved:
1) Trehan - he's a nearly thousand year old cold-hearted assassin with a strong sense of duty to his kingdom... but when he meets his young, vulnerable Bride he's completely undone and his sense of duty and need to protect are transferred to her. The lengths he goes to in order to prove himself to her is amazing, but it's when he realizes he loves her that he moves from being swoon-worthy to sigh-worthy.
2) Bettina - at a mere 22 in an immortal world she starts off the story as sweet but incredibly naive. Having grown-up in an overly-sheltered world, her girlishness and juvenile infatuation with Cas is at odds with what we've been conditioned to expect from someone who is half sorceri. But, she dramatically matures as the story progresses and you can't help but admire her and her hard-won mettle.
3) Trehan and Bettina together - explosively HOT. 'Nuff said!
4) Salem - loved this phanTom wiv the jaunty accent. He's a foul-mouthed, sylphic former manslut with boundary issues and I really hope we get a lot more of him as the series progresses. Something tells me he's got more substance to him than it seems...
5) LOTHAIRE (and Elizabeth)! - Oh Lothaire! You crazy, rarely lucid newly crowned King of Dacia, I do love it when you're a little bit bad! I thoroughly enjoyed the cameo appearance of Lothaire and his Lizvetta. Honestly, when Lothaire mentioned in 'Dreams of a Dark Warrior' that he's an 'incurable romantic' he was not kidding - he can't lie after all!! I sincerely hope he continues to dole out whacked romantic advice as the series continues...
What I didn't like:
1) How quickly it was over... I did the best I could trying to savor this one slowly, but it was too damn good! At 481 pages, it's definitely a respectable novel length, but when it's KC the pages can't help but fly...
Now, my only questions are: Who's next?! and When do we get it??!!!!!
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 whom. Well, KC, IMHO, has developed one of the most interesting worlds in the genre with her 'Immortals After Dark' - her werewolves, vampires, valkyries, and vast multitude of other creatures are my favorites above all others. And, most importantly, she always manages to give us fresh and interesting stories, while keeping true to her "rules".
Now with her IAD spin-off series, 'The Dacians', we get a taste of a "new" breed of vampire - these guys are clear-eyed, rational and unimaginably powerful... and it's oh so fun to watch them succumb to their baser vampiric instincts!
What I loved:
1) Trehan - he's a nearly thousand year old cold-hearted assassin with a strong sense of duty to his kingdom... but when he meets his young, vulnerable Bride he's completely undone and his sense of duty and need to protect are transferred to her. The lengths he goes to in order to prove himself to her is amazing, but it's when he realizes he loves her that he moves from being swoon-worthy to sigh-worthy.
2) Bettina - at a mere 22 in an immortal world she starts off the story as sweet but incredibly naive. Having grown-up in an overly-sheltered world, her girlishness and juvenile infatuation with Cas is at odds with what we've been conditioned to expect from someone who is half sorceri. But, she dramatically matures as the story progresses and you can't help but admire her and her hard-won mettle.
3) Trehan and Bettina together - explosively HOT. 'Nuff said!
4) Salem - loved this phanTom wiv the jaunty accent. He's a foul-mouthed, sylphic former manslut with boundary issues and I really hope we get a lot more of him as the series progresses. Something tells me he's got more substance to him than it seems...
5) LOTHAIRE (and Elizabeth)! - Oh Lothaire! You crazy, rarely lucid newly crowned King of Dacia, I do love it when you're a little bit bad! I thoroughly enjoyed the cameo appearance of Lothaire and his Lizvetta. Honestly, when Lothaire mentioned in 'Dreams of a Dark Warrior' that he's an 'incurable romantic' he was not kidding - he can't lie after all!! I sincerely hope he continues to dole out whacked romantic advice as the series continues...
What I didn't like:
1) How quickly it was over... I did the best I could trying to savor this one slowly, but it was too damn good! At 481 pages, it's definitely a respectable novel length, but when it's KC the pages can't help but fly...
Now, my only questions are: Who's next?! and When do we get it??!!!!!
April 20, 2015
I think this would have been a five star book, but some aspects towards the end spoiled that for me. I feel that Bettina's insecurity and her fixation on Caspion sort of ruins the romance a bit. I agree with her that it would make her seem fickle if she was totally in love with Cas for years, and then all of a sudden, she's crazy about a vampire she barely knows. However, I think Trehan did just about everything he could to prove how much she meant to him. He even turned his back on his whole culture (and thus his identity for her). He also refrained from doing something that was very important to him as a Mated Vampire out of concern for her own comfort. So at the end if he lost it a bit, I think it was forgivable. Instead, she makes him into the villain. I felt that it was inauthentic. Yes, they make up at the end, and she explains her feelings about it, but it didn't really resolve my unrest about the situation. I would definitely have dropped Cas like a hot potato for Trehan, and it was said that pretty much everyone knew that Trehan was the right guy for her and told her, but it seemed like she still didn't trust it until the very end.
Other than the emotional letdown of the ending, I really enjoyed this book. While Cole expands the story beyond the Valkyries and their associates significantly, it still feels like it's a part of the series, while establishing a different direction. I think the Dacians are quite fascinating, but I can't imagine the other Dacians topping Trehan for me. He's the bee's knees, as far as I'm concerned. I love my heroes a bit remote and cerebral and coldly dangerous, and he fits the bill. Especially when he meets the other qualification that I love in a hero, dangerously, crazy in love with the heroine. He would do just about anything for Bettina, and I liked that he seriously thought about what going after Bettina would cost him. That gave his gestures even more meaning. I liked how he helped her to get over her PTSD over her attack, and in such a wonderful way.
I know I seem hard on Bettina. I realize she's young and inexperienced with life. I can see that she hasn't lived enough to be able to make the best decisions, but I do feel like she should have shown more emotional intelligence than she did. Cas was her hero, but he had feet of clay all along. She saw many of his flaws, but her love was blind for him. We do love people despite their flaws, but that doesn't mean that we're in love with them. And I feel that for someone you're going to spend the rest of your life with, they need to love you as passionately as you love them.
As far as good traits, I liked how she had a skill at developing weapons, particularly fashionable weapons that were jewelry on the surface, but were highly lethal. I liked her good heart (which is interesting because the Sorceri are on the side of the villains (Pravus), while the Vertis are the good guys. I had to remind myself that I was seeing the villain point of view several times.
The contest freaked me out. I couldn't imagine having to sit through males killing each other to get my hand. She showed a lot of fortitude in doing that. I loved how Trehan would communicate with her while he was fighting. Oh man, he was swoon-worthy.
Yeah, it's clear one of the biggest appeals of this book was Trehan. Loved him. I also liked Bettina despite her issues. Cole is hilarious. She is the queen of one liners, and they are always so fitting for the story. I wonder if she runs those by her crit partners or her husband, and if they don't laugh out loud, she cuts them.
As much as it pains me, I couldn't give this five stars. I was too let down with the resolution (although everything did turn out okay in the end). There are some parts that are just brilliant, but emotionally, the overall story took a blow in my estimation because of the conflict near the end. I love that Cole puts so much thought into her story, and I can imagine it must be hard to keep the details straight, but she seems to do beautifully. She has some really fun characters, many of them quite outrageous, like Salem. I hope to see him again soon. Overall, this book was so much win, but not quite perfect. I sure did love the Lothaire cameo. I love that evil old guy!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Check out my Immortals After Dark Board on Pinterest!
Other than the emotional letdown of the ending, I really enjoyed this book. While Cole expands the story beyond the Valkyries and their associates significantly, it still feels like it's a part of the series, while establishing a different direction. I think the Dacians are quite fascinating, but I can't imagine the other Dacians topping Trehan for me. He's the bee's knees, as far as I'm concerned. I love my heroes a bit remote and cerebral and coldly dangerous, and he fits the bill. Especially when he meets the other qualification that I love in a hero, dangerously, crazy in love with the heroine. He would do just about anything for Bettina, and I liked that he seriously thought about what going after Bettina would cost him. That gave his gestures even more meaning. I liked how he helped her to get over her PTSD over her attack, and in such a wonderful way.
I know I seem hard on Bettina. I realize she's young and inexperienced with life. I can see that she hasn't lived enough to be able to make the best decisions, but I do feel like she should have shown more emotional intelligence than she did. Cas was her hero, but he had feet of clay all along. She saw many of his flaws, but her love was blind for him. We do love people despite their flaws, but that doesn't mean that we're in love with them. And I feel that for someone you're going to spend the rest of your life with, they need to love you as passionately as you love them.
As far as good traits, I liked how she had a skill at developing weapons, particularly fashionable weapons that were jewelry on the surface, but were highly lethal. I liked her good heart (which is interesting because the Sorceri are on the side of the villains (Pravus), while the Vertis are the good guys. I had to remind myself that I was seeing the villain point of view several times.
The contest freaked me out. I couldn't imagine having to sit through males killing each other to get my hand. She showed a lot of fortitude in doing that. I loved how Trehan would communicate with her while he was fighting. Oh man, he was swoon-worthy.
Yeah, it's clear one of the biggest appeals of this book was Trehan. Loved him. I also liked Bettina despite her issues. Cole is hilarious. She is the queen of one liners, and they are always so fitting for the story. I wonder if she runs those by her crit partners or her husband, and if they don't laugh out loud, she cuts them.
As much as it pains me, I couldn't give this five stars. I was too let down with the resolution (although everything did turn out okay in the end). There are some parts that are just brilliant, but emotionally, the overall story took a blow in my estimation because of the conflict near the end. I love that Cole puts so much thought into her story, and I can imagine it must be hard to keep the details straight, but she seems to do beautifully. She has some really fun characters, many of them quite outrageous, like Salem. I hope to see him again soon. Overall, this book was so much win, but not quite perfect. I sure did love the Lothaire cameo. I love that evil old guy!
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Check out my Immortals After Dark Board on Pinterest!
February 6, 2014
4 stars
I really love when Kresley Cole write about vampires! I think her vampires are the best. Best than her Lykae and Demon (no offense for their fans :P). Why I said this? Imagine that after they reach their immortality, their heart stop beating, all their body function stop working (yes, no sex either). And then when their mate, called Bride, finally come, she blooded them. Make them whole again. And from Wroth brothers (except, Murdoch maybe), Lothaire and Trehan, all prove themshelves that they are swoon-worthy. They will do anything for their Bride (maybe, it's a little bit to hard for Lothaire. If you had read his book, of course)
The Dacians is the vampire who live at Dacia, a Realm of Blood and Mist. They are like the Forbearers, those vampires that not drink on a flesh. I think this book maybe can be confusing if you are not familiar with Immortal After Dark series. For both are intertwined and many old characters make appearance. Also, don't forget Lothaire too. For he also from Dacia, and the Dacians told the story of his cousins.
Shadow's Claim is about Trehan Christian Daciano, Prince of Shadow from the House of Shadow. He's Dacia Master Assassins. When he come to Abbadon, a Realm of Deathly Ones, roamed by demon, he never expected to finally meet his bride after almost thousand years. Yes, good ol' Trehan is 900 years old, give and take. Unfortunately, this stoic , discipline and alpha vampire's bride is... the less likable heroine in IAD World.
Bettina of Abaddon, part demon part Sorceri, just recover from her attack by Vreckeners, her sworn enemy. Add it with a skittish personalization and her power was stripped. Anyhoo, she's in love with her childhood friend, Caspion and want to seduce him. She do that to avoid the tournament that hold by her godparents to search a man who will be her husband. So, imagine when it's Trehan who she seduce instead Caspion. Trehan who falling in love so hard to his Bride must face reality, that his Bride desire another.
And, began my resent to Bettina. Duh, girl, she is so blind with her love to Caspion, so naive. Caspion himself is a demon whore and I can see that his feeling to Bettina is just a brother to his sister. While Trehan is sooo devoted to Bettina. Pampered her over and over, protect her, and gawd, agree to not kill Caspion who had venture to Dacia. All just for Bettina. And what that girl do? Still love Caspion actually. She and Caspion make me gag and I have an urge to hug Trehan. Poor vampire, I can't help to not falling in love to him. Yes, he's so alpha and he can be "I'm Tarzan, You Jane". But, since he's also stoic, he can control his emotion, even he want to claim Bettina so badly. This is why I somehow love alpha hero (when they are not act as jerk, that is). And when Bettina do a mistake that result in Trehan's agony, I want to said "look what you do to him, you ungrateful girl!"
Shadow's Claim is.. well, satisfying for any IAD fans. And even I think it was Lothaire's book that can win RITA instead this book, I can understand why the jury pick this. The story is fast packed, and the sex is...well sizzling hot! Because Trehan can't bed Bettina before the tournament over, so they must get.. creative. Make me fanning myself, lol!
There was Lothaire and Elizabeth too, make me realize that Shadow's Claim happen in the same time with LOTHAIRE. And, the end of Shadow's Claim will connect into Dark Skye, Lanthe and Thronos's story, for Bettina is Sorceri like Lanthe and Trehan somehow know her whereabouts. I don't know if Cole will write another Dacians books, since seems like she busy with her IAD and Arcana series. But, I wish there's more to write, for I want to know about another Dacians like Viktor, Stelian, Mirceo and Kosmina. Finger crossed we will get them.
I really love when Kresley Cole write about vampires! I think her vampires are the best. Best than her Lykae and Demon (no offense for their fans :P). Why I said this? Imagine that after they reach their immortality, their heart stop beating, all their body function stop working (yes, no sex either). And then when their mate, called Bride, finally come, she blooded them. Make them whole again. And from Wroth brothers (except, Murdoch maybe), Lothaire and Trehan, all prove themshelves that they are swoon-worthy. They will do anything for their Bride (maybe, it's a little bit to hard for Lothaire. If you had read his book, of course)
The Dacians is the vampire who live at Dacia, a Realm of Blood and Mist. They are like the Forbearers, those vampires that not drink on a flesh. I think this book maybe can be confusing if you are not familiar with Immortal After Dark series. For both are intertwined and many old characters make appearance. Also, don't forget Lothaire too. For he also from Dacia, and the Dacians told the story of his cousins.
Shadow's Claim is about Trehan Christian Daciano, Prince of Shadow from the House of Shadow. He's Dacia Master Assassins. When he come to Abbadon, a Realm of Deathly Ones, roamed by demon, he never expected to finally meet his bride after almost thousand years. Yes, good ol' Trehan is 900 years old, give and take. Unfortunately, this stoic , discipline and alpha vampire's bride is... the less likable heroine in IAD World.
Bettina of Abaddon, part demon part Sorceri, just recover from her attack by Vreckeners, her sworn enemy. Add it with a skittish personalization and her power was stripped. Anyhoo, she's in love with her childhood friend, Caspion and want to seduce him. She do that to avoid the tournament that hold by her godparents to search a man who will be her husband. So, imagine when it's Trehan who she seduce instead Caspion. Trehan who falling in love so hard to his Bride must face reality, that his Bride desire another.
And, began my resent to Bettina. Duh, girl, she is so blind with her love to Caspion, so naive. Caspion himself is a demon whore and I can see that his feeling to Bettina is just a brother to his sister. While Trehan is sooo devoted to Bettina. Pampered her over and over, protect her, and gawd, agree to not kill Caspion who had venture to Dacia. All just for Bettina. And what that girl do? Still love Caspion actually. She and Caspion make me gag and I have an urge to hug Trehan. Poor vampire, I can't help to not falling in love to him. Yes, he's so alpha and he can be "I'm Tarzan, You Jane". But, since he's also stoic, he can control his emotion, even he want to claim Bettina so badly. This is why I somehow love alpha hero (when they are not act as jerk, that is). And when Bettina do a mistake that result in Trehan's agony, I want to said "look what you do to him, you ungrateful girl!"
Shadow's Claim is.. well, satisfying for any IAD fans. And even I think it was Lothaire's book that can win RITA instead this book, I can understand why the jury pick this. The story is fast packed, and the sex is...well sizzling hot! Because Trehan can't bed Bettina before the tournament over, so they must get.. creative. Make me fanning myself, lol!
There was Lothaire and Elizabeth too, make me realize that Shadow's Claim happen in the same time with LOTHAIRE. And, the end of Shadow's Claim will connect into Dark Skye, Lanthe and Thronos's story, for Bettina is Sorceri like Lanthe and Trehan somehow know her whereabouts. I don't know if Cole will write another Dacians books, since seems like she busy with her IAD and Arcana series. But, I wish there's more to write, for I want to know about another Dacians like Viktor, Stelian, Mirceo and Kosmina. Finger crossed we will get them.
September 21, 2014
It's the first time I've ever felt disappointed while reading an IAD book. I had to force myself through some parts of the book, how sad is that?!!
And I mostly owe it to STUPID, PATHETIC, WIMPY, CHILDISH Bettina. How annoying can this chit be, seriously?
I wanted to slap her so many times! Compared to the other IAD heroines, she was so... boring. She was so weak compared to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth was a human. She didn't fight, for anything. She totally let Trehan down while he did everything and anything inhumanly possible for her.
It seemed to me that she only loved Trehan when he was nice and patient, anything else and she bolted. So you fall in love with a lethal vampire assassin but you don't want him to actually act like one? Peachy. Argh, she was such a useless little twit, not funny, not particularly smart or witty, or anything really... just good at creating stuff. Meh.
And the book itself was not that great. It wasn't funny, there was no enemy to vainquish really and not that much suspens or action, no surprise revelation or twist. The big focus was about Bettina's feelings, her fears and how long she would take to get a hold on her true feelings for the supposed "love of her life" who was by the way not much more than a whining manwhore. Really, the best moment of the book was whenever Nix was mentioned and the appearance of Lothaire and his Lizvetta.
So yeah, it was pretty bad and I'd never have thought I would say that about a Kresley Cole book, ever.
And I mostly owe it to STUPID, PATHETIC, WIMPY, CHILDISH Bettina. How annoying can this chit be, seriously?
I wanted to slap her so many times! Compared to the other IAD heroines, she was so... boring. She was so weak compared to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth was a human. She didn't fight, for anything. She totally let Trehan down while he did everything and anything inhumanly possible for her.
It seemed to me that she only loved Trehan when he was nice and patient, anything else and she bolted. So you fall in love with a lethal vampire assassin but you don't want him to actually act like one? Peachy. Argh, she was such a useless little twit, not funny, not particularly smart or witty, or anything really... just good at creating stuff. Meh.
And the book itself was not that great. It wasn't funny, there was no enemy to vainquish really and not that much suspens or action, no surprise revelation or twist. The big focus was about Bettina's feelings, her fears and how long she would take to get a hold on her true feelings for the supposed "love of her life" who was by the way not much more than a whining manwhore. Really, the best moment of the book was whenever Nix was mentioned and the appearance of Lothaire and his Lizvetta.
So yeah, it was pretty bad and I'd never have thought I would say that about a Kresley Cole book, ever.
November 26, 2016
I think my love for this author's words are well documented. She's definitely one of my faves.
How? I'm still reading a series after how many years now? A decade? Little over, under?
I just open up the wallet and send over my ducats to anything remotely IAD related. I own the series, or the series owns me? Hmm...
So the Dacians...borne from one the best frigging vampires EVER, Lothaire. I will forever <3 this evil, diabolical creature. And the Dacians, his royal family are intriguing.
I finally got to this story so I can be prepared for Shadow's Seduction, Cole's first MM!
(I'm so ready)
So how was book #1? The Dacians, Salem and Lothaire saved this story.
Princess Bettina of demon realm Abbondae, half demon/half Soceri, pines for the unattainable, her childhood best friend, the demon man whore, Caspion the Tracker. They've just become immortal (that's how young these two are which helps explain why they acted so...young for lack of a better word). But Bettina's crush/love for Caspion is not returned nor will it ever be. And you can read between the lines from the start he was not attracted to her. He's the star of book #2 which answered the vibes I got from him. (The hints Cole wrote as well helped. ;P) Bettina is ravaged by a bunch of Vrekners and nearly dies.
Does she avenge her attack? No. She suffers from anxiety and PTSD. (This I had no issue with)
Prince Trehan of Dacia, is a cold blooded assassin that is the 'sword of Dacia'. Due to Caspion's meetup with a royal Dacian cousin, Trehan leaves to hunt the young demon down and finds his Bride who bloods him...Bettina.
Out of the entire Lore, the Soceri are one of my least favorites. Witches aren't normally my fave but my intro to the Soceri was Sabine, who is hands down my least fave heroine from the entire series.
Bettina is a close second.
Two heroines whose mates are too good for them, IMO. The only Soceri female who is worth rereads is Melanthe. I <3 her to pieces. Bettina was a doormat. She whines, rolls over for her guardians and lets everyone else rule her life. She is the next in line to rule the kingdom but she doesn't act like it. So soft.
Cole uses another 'immortal to the death tournament' plot device with virgin Bettina and her kingdom as prize. So it was like reading reused tea bag tea. Because you can read the same kind of tournament in the first bunch of books from Immortals After Dark with stronger female characters.
Granted, the tournament was entertaining with Bettina's guardians/ godparents as side characters. There is something about Morgana, the Queen of Sorceri that is funny to read.
And Salem, the foul-mouthed, cockney speaking, invisible phantom? I could read him all by himself, he was so entertaining. What a crass pervert! Loved him
We do get more of the vampire realm, Dacia. Their history is interesting. Trehan was a great hero - patient, calculating, confident and in love with an obstinate woman who thinks a crush with her uninterested friend is the best thing since sliced bread.
And Caspion was a dick and not worth the infatuation. I understand why Bettina was infatuated in the beginning, first crush, etc But c'mon...
So the impossible becomes possible, hot near sex (and actual sex happens), Nix shows makes a cameo--doesn't say a thing but my Valkyrie loving heart was ecstatic for the bit role she played, and LOTHAIRE shows why he's KANG for like 5 minutes.
The story ends with a HEA, an obvious send off as to who will be the players in book #2.
I'm wavering between a 3 and 4, so I'll rate 3.5 stars
How? I'm still reading a series after how many years now? A decade? Little over, under?
I just open up the wallet and send over my ducats to anything remotely IAD related. I own the series, or the series owns me? Hmm...
So the Dacians...borne from one the best frigging vampires EVER, Lothaire. I will forever <3 this evil, diabolical creature. And the Dacians, his royal family are intriguing.
I finally got to this story so I can be prepared for Shadow's Seduction, Cole's first MM!
(I'm so ready)
So how was book #1? The Dacians, Salem and Lothaire saved this story.
Princess Bettina of demon realm Abbondae, half demon/half Soceri, pines for the unattainable, her childhood best friend, the demon man whore, Caspion the Tracker. They've just become immortal (that's how young these two are which helps explain why they acted so...young for lack of a better word). But Bettina's crush/love for Caspion is not returned nor will it ever be. And you can read between the lines from the start he was not attracted to her. He's the star of book #2 which answered the vibes I got from him. (The hints Cole wrote as well helped. ;P) Bettina is ravaged by a bunch of Vrekners and nearly dies.
Does she avenge her attack? No. She suffers from anxiety and PTSD. (This I had no issue with)
Prince Trehan of Dacia, is a cold blooded assassin that is the 'sword of Dacia'. Due to Caspion's meetup with a royal Dacian cousin, Trehan leaves to hunt the young demon down and finds his Bride who bloods him...Bettina.
Out of the entire Lore, the Soceri are one of my least favorites. Witches aren't normally my fave but my intro to the Soceri was Sabine, who is hands down my least fave heroine from the entire series.
Bettina is a close second.
Two heroines whose mates are too good for them, IMO. The only Soceri female who is worth rereads is Melanthe. I <3 her to pieces. Bettina was a doormat. She whines, rolls over for her guardians and lets everyone else rule her life. She is the next in line to rule the kingdom but she doesn't act like it. So soft.
Cole uses another 'immortal to the death tournament' plot device with virgin Bettina and her kingdom as prize. So it was like reading reused tea bag tea. Because you can read the same kind of tournament in the first bunch of books from Immortals After Dark with stronger female characters.
Granted, the tournament was entertaining with Bettina's guardians/ godparents as side characters. There is something about Morgana, the Queen of Sorceri that is funny to read.
And Salem, the foul-mouthed, cockney speaking, invisible phantom? I could read him all by himself, he was so entertaining. What a crass pervert! Loved him
We do get more of the vampire realm, Dacia. Their history is interesting. Trehan was a great hero - patient, calculating, confident and in love with an obstinate woman who thinks a crush with her uninterested friend is the best thing since sliced bread.
And Caspion was a dick and not worth the infatuation. I understand why Bettina was infatuated in the beginning, first crush, etc But c'mon...
So the impossible becomes possible, hot near sex (and actual sex happens), Nix shows makes a cameo--doesn't say a thing but my Valkyrie loving heart was ecstatic for the bit role she played, and LOTHAIRE shows why he's KANG for like 5 minutes.
The story ends with a HEA, an obvious send off as to who will be the players in book #2.
I'm wavering between a 3 and 4, so I'll rate 3.5 stars
June 13, 2014
4.5 Stars
Trehan Christian Daciano….you sir are a force to be reckoned with, and a hot one at that.
“You don’t appear to be an afterthought with that one, dearest freakling. You appear to be the only thought.”
This isn’t really a spinoff, it incorporates many of the same things from the IAD series time lines and the many of the same characters. I would say that this should be the book you read directly after Lothaire since the timeline lines up semi-concurrently with that.
Reasons I totally liked this book…..DEATH MATCHES, yes you heard it right there are fights to the death all for the hand of Bettina of Abaddon the half demoness half sorceress suffering from a slight case of PTSD and in love with her best friend. But I love the survivor aspect of it all and winning a kingdom is quite an incentive. Daciano is one of my favorite males in this series so far. The lengths he goes to the things he is willing to give up for his bride and the way he treats her is fantastic.
“Greatness resides in you. Power or not, you can become empowered.
If I were Bettina the second he showed up I’d be “Casspian who?” oh that manwhore over there, yeah I knew him once. But she isn’t that smart so he totally has to work for it.
The other great part is the phantom sylph who has been assigned to protect/watch Bettina by her uncle. Since there isn’t really any Nix dialogue in the book he was a much needed comic relief and had some of the best one liners.
“I spent the morning as the ceiling in the warlocks’ tent. Found out that the hobbies of Those Best Forgotten include long walks on the beach and sacrificing nymphs on altars. I mean, who’d want to hurt a nymph? That’s like kicking a rainbow in the nuts.”
Who knew that rainbows had nuts?…Maybe they are under the pot of gold, you know with the lucky charms.. Even Morgana was so much fun. The way she taunts Bettina just to get her riled up was fantastic. I really do love the evil sorceress types, they can be fun to read about.
Other likable items in the book include conversations with Lothaire and cameo’s from Nix, Monroe and Sabine.
It had to be the odd spectator who’d been showing up every night. She had pointed ears and wore T-shirts emblazoned with PRINCE OF SHADOW #1!
The only thing I didn’t like was Bettina for a little while. She was a little whiny at times and let herself be put on the auction block so to speak and then freaked out about it later. But she grew on me and by the end I liked her more.
I had so much fun with this story and it leads up to right before or possibly concurrent to Dark Skye I believe.
Trehan Christian Daciano….you sir are a force to be reckoned with, and a hot one at that.
“You don’t appear to be an afterthought with that one, dearest freakling. You appear to be the only thought.”
This isn’t really a spinoff, it incorporates many of the same things from the IAD series time lines and the many of the same characters. I would say that this should be the book you read directly after Lothaire since the timeline lines up semi-concurrently with that.
Reasons I totally liked this book…..DEATH MATCHES, yes you heard it right there are fights to the death all for the hand of Bettina of Abaddon the half demoness half sorceress suffering from a slight case of PTSD and in love with her best friend. But I love the survivor aspect of it all and winning a kingdom is quite an incentive. Daciano is one of my favorite males in this series so far. The lengths he goes to the things he is willing to give up for his bride and the way he treats her is fantastic.
“Greatness resides in you. Power or not, you can become empowered.
If I were Bettina the second he showed up I’d be “Casspian who?” oh that manwhore over there, yeah I knew him once. But she isn’t that smart so he totally has to work for it.
The other great part is the phantom sylph who has been assigned to protect/watch Bettina by her uncle. Since there isn’t really any Nix dialogue in the book he was a much needed comic relief and had some of the best one liners.
“I spent the morning as the ceiling in the warlocks’ tent. Found out that the hobbies of Those Best Forgotten include long walks on the beach and sacrificing nymphs on altars. I mean, who’d want to hurt a nymph? That’s like kicking a rainbow in the nuts.”
Who knew that rainbows had nuts?…Maybe they are under the pot of gold, you know with the lucky charms.. Even Morgana was so much fun. The way she taunts Bettina just to get her riled up was fantastic. I really do love the evil sorceress types, they can be fun to read about.
Other likable items in the book include conversations with Lothaire and cameo’s from Nix, Monroe and Sabine.
It had to be the odd spectator who’d been showing up every night. She had pointed ears and wore T-shirts emblazoned with PRINCE OF SHADOW #1!
The only thing I didn’t like was Bettina for a little while. She was a little whiny at times and let herself be put on the auction block so to speak and then freaked out about it later. But she grew on me and by the end I liked her more.
I had so much fun with this story and it leads up to right before or possibly concurrent to Dark Skye I believe.
February 21, 2025
If Kresley Cole wrote it, I 'll read it and re-read it and re-read it... (This is the x-th annual re-read of Shadow's Claim for me) Every time really enjoying this one, love Trehan's character, but Bettina needed some work.
Overall, great addition to the IAD universe, even if it was first promoted back then as a spinoff. BTW what's going on with KC's books getting published now under different publishers and IAD pushed now as romantasy? These are adult works and I am GLAD for it. YA is now a soup of underdeveloped cardboard fairie-trendy characters, lukewarm relationship arcs and worldbuilding of no-consequence and I find myself going back again and again to the adult PNR works of 2000's-2015's for comfort.
Overall, great addition to the IAD universe, even if it was first promoted back then as a spinoff. BTW what's going on with KC's books getting published now under different publishers and IAD pushed now as romantasy? These are adult works and I am GLAD for it. YA is now a soup of underdeveloped cardboard fairie-trendy characters, lukewarm relationship arcs and worldbuilding of no-consequence and I find myself going back again and again to the adult PNR works of 2000's-2015's for comfort.
August 9, 2016
5 stars!
“One day you’ll convince me that you’ll always want him.” Just before he traced away, he murmured in her ear, “Take care, lest you lose a male who’ll desire only you—and gain a male who’ll desire only others.”
I loved everything about this book...especially Trehan! Damn, he puts all other vampire book boyfriends to SHAME! Sexy, possessive and deadly to others...just perfect!
Normally, I hate love triangles...but with a hero like Trehan, there really is no comparison between him and Caspion!
“One day you’ll convince me that you’ll always want him.” Just before he traced away, he murmured in her ear, “Take care, lest you lose a male who’ll desire only you—and gain a male who’ll desire only others.”
I loved everything about this book...especially Trehan! Damn, he puts all other vampire book boyfriends to SHAME! Sexy, possessive and deadly to others...just perfect!
Normally, I hate love triangles...but with a hero like Trehan, there really is no comparison between him and Caspion!
April 27, 2017
...a mask...★★★★☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) The swoonworthy Robert Petkoff continues to narrate this wonderful series and, what can I say? You know the expression, “I’d listen to him read the phone book...”? Yup. That applies here. Astounding ability with multiple accents and voice inflections, creating consistent characters.
As far a main characters, I’m racking my brain trying to think if I’ve ever disliked any of Cole’s previous heroines. I don’t believe so. Even Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions, from Kiss of a Demon King (IAD #7), won me over... eventually. (I must mention, I usually like most heroines, even ones other GR friends do not.) Nevertheless, and incredibly, Princess Bettina of Abaddon, Kingdom of the Deathly Ones, did not impress me!
Yup. She was just wayyyyyy too immature and clung on to her infatuation of her childhood friend, Caspion the Tracker (AKA über man whore), beyond reason. And did I mention she whined? A lot. Sure, I know she’s recovering from PTSD, but still. Plus, she’s Trehan’s Bride! She Blooded him! I mean, I felt like I needed give her lessons on what the staggering and fateful implications of this are in the Lore and to Trehan. **shakes head** I did enjoy her artistic abilities, though.
In fact, if it hadn’t been for KC’s wonderful writing, great fast-paced action and fight scenes, well written - and hot! - sex scenes, and an amazing hero (with the patience of Job), this would have been a three star read for me. Also, I really missed KC’s incredible ability to blend witty humor into her character’s personalities. Yet, most of the humor came from Salem, and he was a bit creepy at times.
December 22, 2020
3 1/2 stars (rounded down to 3 stars, because I couldn't stand Bettina)
December 23, 2021
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. 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:
♦ I hated Caspion!
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!!
ETA: Dec 2021 Audiobook re-read - the narration is 100% worth it!
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. 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!
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!!
ETA: Dec 2021 Audiobook re-read - the narration is 100% worth it!
August 2, 2014
3.5... Enjoyed it, but can't say I loved it.
Bettina and Trehan's relationship? It's complicated. (Nothing really new in this Lorean mating.)
Bettina loves death demon Caspion. Caspion loves to rut. Trehan travels to their demon realm to kill Caspion - no only a select few Dacians are allowed to leave the Realm of Blood and Mist and are visitors get a welcome to Hotel California. (Caspion snuck out of the blood realm.) Meanwhile, Bettina is recovering from a vicious beating with 'hate crime' written all over her near death at the hands of Vreckeners. A tournament is announced. The winner gets marry Bettina becoming her protector and king of her realm. Trehan discovers his bride (Bettina!) and enters the tournament, but if kills Caspion, he loses Bettina. It's like that and the angst makes for a nice bit of escapism but not too compelling.
There are quotable quotes, Vreckener references and likely threads for Dark Skye (Lanthe & Thronos), Lothaire moments, and other funny moments. It's just not as touching as I thought it would be. The characters didn't totally grip me. I zoomed through this book to prepare for "Dark Skye," which releases in a four days.
Final Verdict: Nice beach read
Bettina and Trehan's relationship? It's complicated. (Nothing really new in this Lorean mating.)
Bettina loves death demon Caspion. Caspion loves to rut. Trehan travels to their demon realm to kill Caspion - no only a select few Dacians are allowed to leave the Realm of Blood and Mist and are visitors get a welcome to Hotel California. (Caspion snuck out of the blood realm.) Meanwhile, Bettina is recovering from a vicious beating with 'hate crime' written all over her near death at the hands of Vreckeners. A tournament is announced. The winner gets marry Bettina becoming her protector and king of her realm. Trehan discovers his bride (Bettina!) and enters the tournament, but if kills Caspion, he loses Bettina. It's like that and the angst makes for a nice bit of escapism but not too compelling.
There are quotable quotes, Vreckener references and likely threads for Dark Skye (Lanthe & Thronos), Lothaire moments, and other funny moments. It's just not as touching as I thought it would be. The characters didn't totally grip me. I zoomed through this book to prepare for "Dark Skye," which releases in a four days.
Final Verdict: Nice beach read
December 3, 2012
Bettina, the princess and heir of The Deathly Ones, was attacked, beaten and had her sorceress power stolen. Her godparents decided to hold a tournament for contestants to battle for her hand and the kingdom. Bettina doesn't want to marry anyone other than the man she's been in love with her whole life, Caspion, and she decides to seduce him. Unfortunately, she drinks too much and passes out. When she comes to, she thinks Caspion is in her bed. Turns out it's Trehan, Prince of Shadows, who has come to kill Caspion but finds his Bride instead.
I really must say that I enjoyed Bettina and Trehan and I just love Kresley Cole's writing but this one was really dragged out! I felt so bad for what Trehan had to go through even though I really love a blooded vampire!
Bettina really won me over and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own. Of course, a lot of that has to do with Trehan. But I never thought she was whiny or stupid and I'm glad that she finally realized what she felt for who.
Trehan, I loved from the beginning. It was interesting getting to know more of the Dacians and their realm. I enjoyed seeing Trehan try to figure out how to woo Bettina and still fight for control of himself.
Even though the type of tale has been told before, I like seeing how KC put Bettina, a very young and inexperienced half demon, half sorceress, and Trehan, an old and very experienced vampire/dacian, together. I absolutely loved their picnic together and their first time. I thought it was really sweet how they shared a bond over weapons. I only wished that Trehan didn't get so out of control and jumped to conclusions and maybe allowed Bettina to communicate with him and for him to explain things to her. It would have been nice for them to have more time together as a couple!
There were some interesting creatures in the tournament but none that I care to come across again! I did enjoy Morgana, Raum, Caspion and especially Salem and I wished we would've found out more about him. It was great seeing some of the old IAD characters and of course, Nix.
We do get quite a bit about Lothaire and I don't think you would have a hard time reading this if you haven't read IAD but there will be spoilers if you intend to read IAD. If you have read IAD and not Lothaire's book, be advised there are spoilers.
There's really not too much about Uilleam besides a brief part at the end but I'm definitely looking forward to his book.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I am Prince Trehan Cristian Daciano. And you are my woman.” Pinning her arms above her head, he vowed, “After tonight, little Bride, you will never mistake me for another again. . . .”
♦ "My wise little hellbilly."
♥ “Miss me, Bride?”
I really must say that I enjoyed Bettina and Trehan and I just love Kresley Cole's writing but this one was really dragged out! I felt so bad for what Trehan had to go through even though I really love a blooded vampire!
Bettina really won me over and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own. Of course, a lot of that has to do with Trehan. But I never thought she was whiny or stupid and I'm glad that she finally realized what she felt for who.
Trehan, I loved from the beginning. It was interesting getting to know more of the Dacians and their realm. I enjoyed seeing Trehan try to figure out how to woo Bettina and still fight for control of himself.
Even though the type of tale has been told before, I like seeing how KC put Bettina, a very young and inexperienced half demon, half sorceress, and Trehan, an old and very experienced vampire/dacian, together. I absolutely loved their picnic together and their first time. I thought it was really sweet how they shared a bond over weapons. I only wished that Trehan didn't get so out of control and jumped to conclusions and maybe allowed Bettina to communicate with him and for him to explain things to her. It would have been nice for them to have more time together as a couple!
There were some interesting creatures in the tournament but none that I care to come across again! I did enjoy Morgana, Raum, Caspion and especially Salem and I wished we would've found out more about him. It was great seeing some of the old IAD characters and of course, Nix.
We do get quite a bit about Lothaire and I don't think you would have a hard time reading this if you haven't read IAD but there will be spoilers if you intend to read IAD. If you have read IAD and not Lothaire's book, be advised there are spoilers.
There's really not too much about Uilleam besides a brief part at the end but I'm definitely looking forward to his book.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “I am Prince Trehan Cristian Daciano. And you are my woman.” Pinning her arms above her head, he vowed, “After tonight, little Bride, you will never mistake me for another again. . . .”
♦ "My wise little hellbilly."
♥ “Miss me, Bride?”
Want to read
December 2, 2012From 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
"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
December 9, 2012
One of the few authors writing a long standing series that actually gets BETTER with every new book.
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