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Dead of Winter

(The Arcana Chronicles #3)

Kresley Cole (Goodreads Author)

4.34 · Rating details · 13,852 ratings · 1,714 reviews

Can Evie convince her rival loves to work together? Their survival depends on it in this third book of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles, a nonstop action tale of rescue, redemption, and a revenge most wicked.

Heartbreaking decisions
Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of ...more

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Paperback, 336 pages

Published January 6th 2015 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

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· 13,852 ratings · 1,714 reviews

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Nov 04, 2013 Serena (The Book Comedian) marked it as to-read

Shelves: reviews

Is it horrible that I want Evie to choose Death?

and if it doesn't work out then she can die via pleasure right??

YOLO

------------------------------------------------------------------

*follow for more reviews :)

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Nov 07, 2013 Heather Dorff rated it really liked it

RantEVIEW:

Ok. Alrighty. Well. There was the 3rd book! And not much fing happened! Right? I mean really. A whole year waited to be basically at the same place we ended last time. We learned a *bit* more about Aric... and saw all of Jack's potential finally shine through (He's an *cough* Arcana, *cough* otherwise he'd be so dead by now with his stunts) which is nice.. little about Evie or her powers and even less about the other Arcana and the games beyond how they came about initially which could RantEVIEW:

Ok. Alrighty. Well. There was the 3rd book! And not much fing happened! Right? I mean really. A whole year waited to be basically at the same place we ended last time. We learned a *bit* more about Aric... and saw all of Jack's potential finally shine through (He's an *cough* Arcana, *cough* otherwise he'd be so dead by now with his stunts) which is nice.. little about Evie or her powers and even less about the other Arcana and the games beyond how they came about initially which could have been guessed. I felt this book was just a lot of fluff and a WHOLE lot dedicated to Evie going: *Who will I choose!?* Ughhh. Aric you twit! ARIC! I know, I'm biased.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!! Stop reading now if you haven't finished the book!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think that the Cajun is dead. In fact, I think he's the Chariot card and will be 'activated' at some point.... or MAYBE he was activated just then after the Emperor's lava stunt.. being the closet to the Archer and helping her to die maybe? I do think the Archer is dead though.. she needs to go as there is no where left for her really in this storyline me thinks. Who knows though. I just know Jack's a card and that his story isn't over yet. Kresley spent WAY too much time in this book mentioning 'But Aric is an Arcana and will understand me better!' for Jack to not end up being Arcana himself. And of course he's not DEAD! That's a silly way to end the love triangle. And obviously Circe is coming to the rescue and that's what the wave of water is about.. she clearly is intrigued by this Empress and her old friendship with her lives on somewhere.

That's my prediction anyway. I also guessed early on that Aric had gotten her grandma for her. Just seemed to make the most sense on the best gift and why he lagged to catch up with her.

That being said I swear to all the heavens.. even if Evie ends up with Jack in the end.. PLEASE KRESLEY LET US GET AN ARIC AND EVIE SEX SCENE IN THE NEXT BOOK! Or like 10 even.. actually just go all 50 shades of grey and make it a huge romp between those two and I can die happy. Pretty please? With Taro on top? I mean COMEON! It's definitively needed at this point! Maybe Evie will truly think Jack is dead because Matto will say something weird and elusive, like he always does, or because Jack is now Arcana and different, and Evie will succumb to her love for Aric FINALLY. Oh, one can wish can't she!? I will be mighty pissed if Aric has to wait until their next lifetime/games for Evie. I rather she choose Aric when all is said and done but if they just have an awesome love affair for awhile that will be at least something. (Ala Damon and Elena..)

I give the book 4 stars because I just wish more would have happened with the story moving forward in all aspects.. somehow. I just felt this booked lagged much more than the others and concentrated way too hard on the 'choice' and nothing else. Plus the Lovers dieing so easily and without any flair seemed silly. After all that hype about how powerful they are.. I felt it was a sellout that he 'absorbed' Violet and severely weakened himself in the process.. Illogical a bit I think.

Below is what I said when I first learned this book was coming out and before actually reading it...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------Team Death. All the way. I like Jack, don't get me wrong, but over Aric? PSHHHHHH!

It's Aric's time.. FINALLY.. and he has been waiting too long for Evie to get her mind right and finally choose to be with him as she should be.

Pleaseee Kresley don't make him or US wait any more for Evie! <3 ...more

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Jan 05, 2014 Catherine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: dystopian, read-in-2015, ya-pnr-supernatural, young-adult, favourites

Wanna know what my Arcana call is Evie?

'MONOGAMY IS SOOOOO OVERRATED!!!'

I mean, who gives a flying fuck about 'Teams'??? Just have both...it's no less than what you deserve. Remember, you're a freaking EMPRESS for Christ's sake!

But, make sure you get them to wrestle in loincloths and oil first.

Just so they can at least attempt to prove their love.

As a side note, I suspect Kresley Cole must have, like, the best sex life ever. That woman sure knows what she's writing about.

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Jan 02, 2014 Kassidy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015-release, books-i-own, favorites

These books are just so great!!
I really love all of the characters, and Evie is a great main character. The plot in this book is so crazy, especially the ending! It left me speechless and I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next book. I was literally on edge for the whole book. There is some freaky and messed up stuff in this story, but it was such an entertaining read.
My heart was really torn in 2 throughout the whole thing, but I had a feeling who Evie would pick. However, the very end ...more

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Nov 05, 2013 Sarah marked it as to-read

Evie had better choose Death. Or I will slaughter her. And Jackson. I can really only think of a couple good reasons for her to choose Jack, but I can't stop thinking of excellent reasons for her to choose Aric, aka her husband!!! I eagerly await the release of this book, so I can finally put my anxiety to rest. >.<

flag 79 likes · Like · see review

Aug 18, 2015 Anne rated it it was ok

Shelves: dystopian, i-lost-brain-cells, i-smell-poo, kindle, mature-ya, read-in-2015, romance

Shit. It's not over?!

description

Ugh. Don't you just hate that? Here I was, hoping that there would be some sort of conclusion, and it turns out there's not one but two MORE books...at least!
And after the second book, I was pretty over the romance, so all I was hanging in for was to find out how all this stuff with the Arcana turns out. I mean, Cole has really come up with an interesting world here!
And I wanna know what happens so badly!

description

So if it's so awesome, why the low rating?
Several reasons.
First, nothin ...more

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Oct 16, 2014 Dorreh rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag 56 likes · Like · see review

Jan 07, 2015 Ferdy rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, ugh, abusive-hero, abusive-love-interest, angsty-angst, apocalypse, bastard-hero, cringey-romance, cliffhanger

Spoilers

Ugh, this was meant to be a bloody trilogy but apparently there's more of the fuckers. On top of that this ended on a cheap fucker of a cliffhanger, I'm so sick of all the rubbish cliffhangers and series that never end in YA.

-Most of the book consisted of Evie umming and ahhing about who she should be with - rapey murderous Death or rapey hypocritical Jack? Oh, whoever will she choose?! The entire world was fucked up, filled with sickos and psychos, and everyone's lives were in danger, ...more

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Nov 29, 2013 Stormy rated it it was amazing

I wish this series didn't make me so crazy. There's the never ending cloud of mystery that just chokes you and befuddles your brain, the deliriously sexy sweet charms of both guys that makes you swoon beyond all reason, and the always present possibility of death that stops your heart until the current threat passes. But there's always an undercurrent, always the danger watching and preying. And it drives you mad.
I'm surprised I haven't cracked and started spouting Matthew's lines of crazed cra ...more

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Dec 14, 2013 Roline marked it as to-read

It really isn't fair when Kresley Cole created two representations of guys that I like. Now I can't choose who I ship with Evie. Is it just me?
I guess I'm just gonna go with Kresley's decision... I think.
But seriously.... 2014? And it's bare! No cover or title yet. I don't think I can handle the feels.

I cry because I can't even....
Death... or Jack?
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! STHAP. 2014 PLS.

2014
Okay, it has been updated. Well, at least the title was.

MAY 2014
OKAY! I just saw the c ...more

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Jan 03, 2014 Rach rated it really liked it

Even if Death has his moments, I will always be team Jack!! You can't erase the last two books that have shown Evie and Jack's love.

The book was so good, but the ending leaves me wanting to cry because I have to wait another year for the next book to come out :((. Kresley, don't do this to me!!

flag 42 likes · Like · see review

Nov 15, 2013 Natalia marked it as to-read

Shelves: 1st-person-pov, love-triangle, young-adult, post-apocalyptic, published-in-2015

Like a moth drawn to flame, of course I'm going to read this book. Dreading it too. I don't know how the author is going to resolve this vicious love triangle.
I still want Evie and Jackson together.

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Apr 16, 2014 Emilly The Book Scamp rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: anyone who doesn't mind a love triangle

Recommended to Emilly by: my spirit animal

Shelves: my-soul-no-longer-exists, what-is-my-life, kresley-cole

Okay.

So.

Apparently, I no longer possess a soul. How?, you may ask. Well.

I sold my soul to the devil so that Aric got with Evie. That's right. I am willing to go those lengths so that Aric ends up with his soulmate.

Latvian god? Sure, with a side of steamy sex on the side, yes please. Oh, would I like to supersize it? Of fucking course.

Goodbye world. Goodbye mother, father, sibling. I no longer exist on this plane any longer.

I have sold my soul to Death.

*drops mic*

--

Sorry, but am I the only perso ...more

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Aug 13, 2014 Carmel (Rabid Reads) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-2015, audio

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

This audiobook was #4 on my most anticipated reads of 2015 list, so it’s with a heavy heart that I give it 3-stars. The dystopian universe created by Kresley Cole in THE ARCANA CHRONICLES that I’ve come to adore was dwarfed by this series’ love triangle, and the plot whittled down to Evie’s boy toy choice. Now, perhaps I’m slightly bitter because she didn’t go with the team that I was rooting for, but in the end that really didn’t seem to matter because the author threw Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

This audiobook was #4 on my most anticipated reads of 2015 list, so it’s with a heavy heart that I give it 3-stars. The dystopian universe created by Kresley Cole in THE ARCANA CHRONICLES that I’ve come to adore was dwarfed by this series’ love triangle, and the plot whittled down to Evie’s boy toy choice. Now, perhaps I’m slightly bitter because she didn’t go with the team that I was rooting for, but in the end that really didn’t seem to matter because the author threw another cliffhanger at us making the heroine’s decision moot.

My primary fascination with these novels stemmed from the world-building’s link to Tarot, and so far we’ve met new cards in every installment, until DEAD OF WINTER. Ok, that’s not entirely accurate because The High Priestess and The Emperor threw their lot in with the rest, and we also learned more about The Lovers and The World’s abilities, however these elements were so microscopic in comparison to the drama between Evie / Jack / Aric that I barely took note of them. I did enjoy the flashbacks to what happened to Death and the Cajun post ENDLESS KNIGHT, but again, I needed more.

This story was all about the love triangle which just plain sucked because the trio wound up working together for the better part of this book, and that in turn lead to angst, angst, and more angst. Subsequently, all of the originality was siphoned out of this series in favour of the biggest Young Adult trope of them all. In the past, I’ve liked the apocalyptic flavour of THE ARCANA CHRONICLES, yet this latest installment was no longer about surviving Baggers, cannibals, and the game, but rather what boy Evie Greene’s heart belonged to. Yes, that quagmire was solved, except no, not really.

Emma Galvin’s narration was like a lighthouse in a storm because without her delivery to keep me listening, I most likely would have finished this audiobook in a week instead of two days. I enjoyed the intensity with which she performed this tale, and the slower pace at which she reads this series definitely draws you in. Jack piles on the French in this novel, and that was unfortunate because Galvin’s mastery of that language really leaves something to be desired, but she tried her best, and this particular shortcoming is only noticeable to francophones, so I let it slide.

DEAD OF WINTER could have been a grand conclusion to THE ARCANA CHRONICLES; instead there will be a book 4. ...more

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Dec 11, 2013 Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: emotional-angsty-books, read-in-2015

4.5 ★'s

At the end of Endless Knight, Evie was being "kept" by Aric, aka Death. She thought Jack didn't want her and she was acclimating to her new life. But then she heard that Jack was taken and she had to figure out a way to escape from Aric...and rescue Jack!

I don't know what it is about this series but I just can't get enough! And it kills me that I have to wait a year for the next book(s).

I think it's...Jackson. There's just something about that sexy Cajun. And I love him and Evie togeth ...more

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Jan 09, 2014 Daphne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: finished-copy-wishlist, love-triangle, must-reads, kickass-protags, creeeeeeeppyyy, writing-style, what-is-life, unique, swoonworthy-dudes, end-of-the-world

IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, PLEASE STEER CLEAR OF THE COMMENTS! THERE ARE MULTIPLE THEORIES THAT MIGHT SPOIL YOU TO SOME DEGREE! If you have read the book, feel free to ponder with us. :P

Update: 1/11/15:
I can't even......
I went in this book knowing there was going to be a cliffhanger...as is Kresley's style. Yet despite this, the cliffhanger wasn't even in the usual magnitude of cliffhangers. This was the mother of all cliffhangers. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. I finished the book 10 minutes ...more

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Apr 21, 2014 Lucille marked it as to-read

Awww, is that the cover? Really? Frankly, I'm very disappointed right now. I want more Death in the cover. Or maybe Evie and Death ~~and no Jack~~.
--

I NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO DEATH AND EVIE and to be honest I don't give two shits about Jack.

I JUST WANT MORE ARIC. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?

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Dec 22, 2013 Amanda marked it as to-read

Shelves: 2014, favourite, paranormal, badass-girl, october, deathly-love-triangle, tarot-cards

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 09, 2013 Wilka rated it it was amazing

Honestly, I want Evie with Jack but I think that she loves Death a little but more than what she loves Jack. I can't wait for the fourth book now. I hope that there is only the fourth book to it and that's it, I already want to know how the series ends.

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Nov 12, 2013 Alyssa rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 2015-releases

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole
Book Three of the Arcana Chronicles
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 6, 2015
Rating: 2 stars
Source: Pre-ordered copy

Summary (from Goodreads):

Can Evie convince her rival loves to work together? Their survival depends on it in this third book of #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole’s Arcana Chronicles, a nonstop action tale of rescue, redemption, and a revenge mos ...more

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Dec 07, 2013 Christina added it

I have to say as much as I love Jacks...I'm team Aric/Death

There is no denying the earth sun and moon moving hugeness that is the love between Evie and Aric. Love like that can't be ignored, so I truly hope he gets his head on straight before he proceeds from where he left off at the end of book two. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned...that is all I'm saying. especially one with pioson thorns as nails.

I cannot wait to see where Kresley goes with this! the way is going to kill me though I ...more

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Jan 18, 2014 Cookie rated it really liked it

I'm finished with this book, and I am enraged.
Evie, honey, you had the opportunity to pick the love of your life from two men you deem worthy, yet I have to say I am sorry for your final decision. Don't know if I'll pick up the next book in the series.

(view spoiler) I'm finished with this book, and I am enraged.
Evie, honey, you had the opportunity to pick the love of your life from two men you deem worthy, yet I have to say I am sorry for your final decision. Don't know if I'll pick up the next book in the series.

(view spoiler)[Jack, though is shown in better light in this book (what with him being the respected and legendary leader who killed thousands of bagmen), has still not managed to win me over. I suspect he never will. From the beginning, he has had this condescending attitude toward Evie, as if he thinks she can't fend for herself without him. And that pisses me off to no end. His controlling attitude toward her and her love life makes me want to claw his eyes out. Dude, WTF, you were not even in a relationship with her, but you want to piss all over her and threaten to kill Death every time he talks to her? Abusive much? These kinds of relationships just screams red flag to me. Furthermore, Evie is not allowed to lie and omit the truth from Jack, nooooo. He gets all up in her face if he ever detects that she does it, but hides a crap load of secrets himself. I can't tolerate the fact that Evie would tolerate Jack's overwhelming possessiveness and constant anger, but would choose a life with him over the prospect of a life with Death.

And Death, oh Death, who was being so unfairly treated in this book.
I'm enraged all over again. After Evie escaped, Death came after her. But he doesn't coerce her. He asks that she does not make the decision and promise that she would resist Jack during their rescue of Selena. Evie promised. And she broke that promise 40 pages later. When Death was about to kiss Evie as well, suddenly, her guilt and her desire to keep things "fair" welled up. Bah! Gosh I need a drink. Death was patient, never getting angry with her for being close to Jack. He abandoned his stronghold to join his enemy, even helped rescuing Selena, and Jack. Comparing Aric to Jack is impossible, because it would be like comparing a high class German automobile to a beat up muscle junker. There is no competition. In this triangle, I believe there's love and there's lust. And it's clear that the connection Evie has with Death was more than sizzling physical attraction, though that aspect was plenty too in their relationship.

I really have nothing else to say to Evie. I'm so disappointed and heartbroken for Aric. I guess it's idiotic to hope for a happy future for your favorite villains/antivillains, unless they are Warner from the Shatter Me series. (hide spoiler)] ...more

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Jun 26, 2018 Alaina rated it really liked it

Shelves: june-challenge-2018, young-adult, paranormal, fantasy, dystopia, romance, supernatural, fiction

Dead of Winter is just one of those books that kind of mind fucks you and leaves you numb. So many things in this book frustrated me. It could've been me being at work too but I can't blame work for everything - I guess?

I love getting to know more about the Arcana cards and their powers. However, some things just creeped me out. Like the whole twin thing.. but they weren't really twins.. yeah, it made me cringe. Crazy people will always make me cringe. Then there was the sort of love triangle ha ...more

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Mar 05, 2014 Jenna marked it as to-read

Can't wait. Team Jack all the way!

flag 15 likes · Like · see review

Feb 02, 2014 Katrina rated it it was amazing

Team Death. I love Jack and all but she needs to pick death.

flag 15 likes · Like · see review

Mar 13, 2014 Lynisha Smoot marked it as to-read

I'm sure a lot of you guys like Jackson but I just cannot get on board with his shit! (view spoiler) I'm team Aric all day

flag 14 likes · Like · see review

Jun 03, 2014 Vilma Iris rated it it was amazing

Absolutely awesome!!! I loved it! Review to come.

flag 14 likes · Like · see review

Feb 12, 2019 Stacie rated it really liked it

Shelves: pnr, post-apocalyptic, young-adult, tpam-br, cliffhanger

4 "I am so very torn!" Stars!

This one was slow, but good too. KC did a fantastic job of making me fall for two guys. I am so very torn by who I love most. And even though I'm torn, I got irritated with Evie for being torn. 😉

That cliffhanger was evil. If the next book wasn't already published, I would be so angry. But knowing it's already out there, I can stay calm and maybe wait until next month to BR with my TPAM ladies. Maybe...

Happy reading!

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Nov 04, 2013 Diamond rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya-series-i-love, ya, 2015-release, death, dystopian, books-i-won, own-hardcover, urban-fantasy, zombies, favorite-authors

Originally posted on my blog, Dee's Reads @ With some GIF action ;)

This is one of my favorite series. I don't usually read post-apocalyptic books too much (ok, ever) but I love this series so much. It's kind of a guilty pleasure, in a way. I love Kresley Cole so much and I like how the Tarot cards are incorporated along with Death…I mean I am completely shipping this ship people. I'm not going to write detailed review because I don't want to spoil like ANYTHING, if you read this book at all you ...more

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Jan 07, 2015 Kaley Rice rated it did not like it

OMFG. I'm not sure I've ever been SO ticked off by the time I've finished a book. I've waited for this, for what, a year? The release was delayed from fall 2014 to winter 2015 as it is. I was under the impression this was supposed to be the final installment of a trilogy. Well, It Is Most Definitely NOT.

The book ended on a freakin' CLIFFHANGER. Seriously? Another one? And it wasn't like what happened before the cliffhanger was all that great. It felt like filler as Evie kept trying to decide bet ...more

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Turning Pages At ...: Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles #3) by Kresley Cole	29	15	Feb 16, 2019 07:30AM
Romance Lovers fo...: Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles #3) by Kresley Cole [Start Date: April 20, 2018]	65	8	Apr 24, 2018 07:23PM
YA Buddy Readers'...: Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles #3) by Kresley Cole - Restarting March 18th 2018	78	95	Mar 20, 2018 10:26AM
Excited?	280	216	Aug 20, 2017 05:22AM
Conspiratorial ending SPOILERS	3	12	Aug 18, 2017 08:15AM
The WTF ending SPOILERS	27	188	Aug 18, 2017 06:22AM
High School appropriate?	2	7	Nov 11, 2016 08:45PM

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About Kresley Cole

Kresley Cole

20,556 followers

Kresley 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 bo ...more