A Taste for Poison (Memory of Scorpions, #3) in Riptide Publishing

May 09, 2014 Bucletina rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Esta reseña es sobre el libro y sobre la mano que le dio vida. No un despliegue ego-maníaco sobre la "importancia" de un lector en las decisiones del autor. Dicho esto voy a lo que me cabe:
Maravillosa conclusión para una aventura que se mantuvo siempre en los estándares más altos. El puntaje de esta tercera y (por el momento) última parte refleja mi calificación a su desenlace en particular, porque la saga en su totalidad merece un completo 10. El segundo libro y nudo de esta historia -Lying wi ...more

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Feb 09, 2015 Christina rated it it was ok

Sadly, I was underwhelmed by A Taste for Poison. It was a nice wrap-up to all the lingering questions, but unfortunately everything was summed up too neatly for my taste. I missed the action and tension from the first two books. I missed the intrigue and the Scorpions in the thick of battle. Everything moved too quickly in this book, and being in Kendras' head was boring and repetitive. None of the major scenes were developed, so there was no time for me to latch onto what was happening. I was d

Sadly, I was underwhelmed by A Taste for Poison. It was a nice wrap-up to all the lingering questions, but unfortunately everything was summed up too neatly for my taste. I missed the action and tension from the first two books. I missed the intrigue and the Scorpions in the thick of battle. Everything moved too quickly in this book, and being in Kendras' head was boring and repetitive. None of the major scenes were developed, so there was no time for me to latch onto what was happening. I was disappointed we didn't get to see more of (view spoiler) There wasn't enough build-up in the conflicts.

I was also disappointed in some of the side characters, namely Graukar. I was so intrigued by him in the last book, but nothing came of him. He was flat. He only served as Kendras' love interest and as the final catalyst for Kendras making up his mind about Adrastes. There was nothing dynamic about him and what bothers me the most is that there was every opportunity for both Graukar and Shadow to develop into amazing characters. The storyline was there for the taking, but alas, neither of the brothers were dynamic. Lasty, I was hoping to get more from Amrash. He makes an appearance, but it was more of the same. Nothing new was brought to the character.

Kendras grated on my nerves as well. I never minded him doubting his abilities or questioning himself as the Officer, but in this last book it irritated me. I really wanted him to be more forceful and standup to Adrastes with more authority. He did what he had to do and faced Adrastes, but it always felt like he had his head between his legs. And why did he take so long to deal with Blood? Geez. (view spoiler)

Even with all my problems with the book, it was nice to be back in the Scorpion world. I enjoyed the prophecy surrounding Kendras. That was an interesting touch. Of course it's always fun to have Widow and the other Scorpions around, but again I yearned for more from them.

To sum up, I got the answers to my questions, however it wasn't in the fashion I would have liked or have come to expect from Voinov, especially since I love his works!
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May 27, 2015 Dee Wy rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, m-m-fantasy, war-military

Lots of unexpected things happening in this story. Really enjoyed the growing relationship between Kendras and Graukar. Lots of action and a bit of mystery made this a very interesting read.

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Oct 13, 2014 Jody rated it it was amazing

In the m/m genre there's one writer that stands out and that I count on to be fully entertained and emotionally engaged. That author is Aleksandr Voinov and this book, and the series it's part of, draw you in like no other with its fantastical world and emotionally conflicted characters. With this final book readers are taken on a journey through emotional pitfalls, dangerous wars, political intrigue, and traversing alongside both friends and enemies whose sides aren't always clear.

Picking up ve In the m/m genre there's one writer that stands out and that I count on to be fully entertained and emotionally engaged. That author is Aleksandr Voinov and this book, and the series it's part of, draw you in like no other with its fantastical world and emotionally conflicted characters. With this final book readers are taken on a journey through emotional pitfalls, dangerous wars, political intrigue, and traversing alongside both friends and enemies whose sides aren't always clear.

Picking up very quickly after the events in book two, this story is fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat courtesy of characters whose loyalties are easily changeable. Adrastes may be weakened from being poisoned but he's completely in control in this story, more concerned with power than past feelings. He's not afraid to be unpopular if his edicts are what's best for his people as he sees it. Kendras has come to realize this, and though it saddens him, he's come into his own and become the man he needs to be for himself and his fellow Scorpions. Adrastes is his past with Graukar clearly his future. Their relationship has evolved to one of maturity and surety throughout the series and I've enjoyed the evolution. Kendras has become a strong-willed leader who never made a rash decision. It's weighted him down with seriousness though but made him the perfect one to lead the Scorpions. Luckily he has Graukar, Dev, and Shadow to provide much-needed humor which put a smile on my face.

Each character in this story is more unique and larger than life than the next, especially the mysterious Selvan as he lit up every scene he appeared in. Each character was strong enough to carry the story on their own which kept me fully engaged in their outcome and left me wanting to learn more of their pasts and futures. Like most of Voinov's books this one too is full of conflict, both blatant and subtle, which immersed me in this dark and gritty world even more. The romance between Kendras and Graukar is sensual and teeming with sexual tension where their mere glances can make you blush. The political intrigue keeps you guessing and on edge and is in perfect balance with the romance that's immensely satisfying. Fans of both fantasy and m/m reads will be drawn to this final installment in the Memory of Scorpions series written by one of the most talented writers in the m/m genre and will want to read it over and over to relive every single nuance. ...more

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May 25, 2015 Nova rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, mm, fantasy, military-soldiers, covers-i-love

When I started this series with the first book, I could never have guessed how this all would end. A story full of surprising twists and turns, scheming, lies and secrets. But at the same time of love, friendship and passion.

I still can't believe how much I liked some characters only to be shocked to see them turn into someone totally different. At the same time, I found this a clever move by the author, since I really wasn't so sure who I could trust or if it all would end well - I could never ...more

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Jun 14, 2014 Adara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A very fitting end for the series. I wasn't sure how Kendras was going to end up choosing how to get out of the conundrum he had found himself in, but Adrastres finally made that choice easy. I had no idea after that how a satisfactory ending could happen, but Voinov thought it through and made something that worked that wasn't against the characters' natures.

I'm not overly fond of reading political intrigues because I'm very much like Kendras--I have no desire to be in the middle of all that ba ...more

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Oct 12, 2014 Brenda Cothern rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, romance, fantasy, action, military, 5-star, series

Another great book by Aleks! I can't wait to see if the story will continue or if this is the HFN for the Scorpions. Either way, great series! ...more

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