Once Upon a Twilight!: Kresley Cole

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Book Review: The Dark Calling by Kresley Cole

The Dark Calling
Arcana Chronicles #5

Author: Kresley Cole
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia / Romance
Released: 13th February 2018
Review Source: Bought

In a world teetering on the edge . . . When Evie receives life-changing—and possibly game-changing—news, she has trouble believing it. Why doesn’t she feel any different? Is it possible someone she trusts might be lying?

With enemies at every turn . . . Tensions seethe inside the castle of lost time as Evie starts to doubt her own sanity. Answers can be found outside their stronghold, but will Death help her find them—or prevent her from learning the truth about her future and Jack’s possible survival?

Darkness beckons. A mysterious, sinister power begins to affect the Arcana in its path. Forced out into the wasteland alone, Evie must depend on unexpected allies. But as a battle with Richter looms, can her new alliance defeat the Dark Calling before hell reigns on earth?

Readers note: this review contains spoilers to those who have not read any of the previous instalments to The Arcana Chronicles series.

The Dark Calling with enthral you to the very end and leave you wanting so much more.

The previous book, Arcana Rising, left us on a shocking cliffhanger but they don't stop there. The Dark Calling is filled with dark twists and turns, ups and downs. Although this instalment lacked the chaotic war zone the other books were full of, it wasn't any less interesting.

Evie's life is shaken. Bonds of trust are broken. Relationships are cracked. Evie finds herself fleeing for her life after the deepest betrayal sends her running from the only luxury she had post-flash. And Jack is back and just as badass, although we still don't know what Jack is but I suspect that all will be revealed very soon and let me tell you, I'm dying to know everything.

Jack and Aric's unconventional friendship got reunited, we got to explore other arcana and understand more of the game. The end is coming. It was building up and it sent my mind in to overdrive. Where's Matthew? Will the gods make an appearance? And most of all, who will win the endgame?

If you know me then you will know the extent of my love (borderline obsession, maybe?) for The Arcana Chronicles. My paperbacks are well worn and many, many hours have been spent listening to the audio books. I would highly recommend The Arcana Chronicles audiobooks if you haven't already listened to them. Not only is Kresley Cole awesome but Emma Galvin, the narrator, is amazing and adds so much more personality to the stories.

Kresley Cole's 'Wicked Abyss' is Now Out in Paperback! #BookGiveaway

Wicked Abyss

Author: Kresley Cole

A STAND-ALONE INSTALLMENT IN THE IMMORTALS AFTER DARK SERIES

AVAILABLE NOW in PAPERBACK!

This fairy tale doesn’t end with a kiss in this spellbinding Immortals After Dark tale from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole!

The terrifying king of hell...

As a boy, Abyssian “Sian” Infernas had his heart shattered by a treacherous fey beauty who died before he could exact vengeance. Millennia later, a curse has transformed him into a demonic monster—just as she’s been reincarnated. Sian captures the delicate but bold female, forcing her back to hell.

Meets his match.

Princess Calliope “Lila” Barbot’s people have hated and feared Abyssian and his alliance of monsters for aeons. When the beastly demon imprisons her in his mystical castle, vowing revenge for betrayals she can’t remember, Lila makes her own vow: to bring down the wicked beast for good.

Can two adversaries share one happily-ever-after?

As Calliope turns hell inside out, the all-powerful Sian finds himself defenseless against his feelings for her. In turn, Lila reluctantly responds to the beast’s cleverness and gruff vulnerability. But when truths from a far distant past are revealed, can their tenuous bond withstand ages of deceit, a curse, and a looming supernatural war?

Here at OUaT, we have 2 copies of Wicked Abyss to giveaway to our readers. Pocket Books has kindly offered 2 brand new paperback copies to giveaway. All you have to do is enter below and you'll be contacted via email, if you won.

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Book Review: Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

Arcana Rising
Arcana Chronicles #4
Author:Kresley Cole
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia | Paranormal | Mythology
Released: August 15th 2016
Review Source: Valkyrie Press

Losses mount and deadly new threats converge in this next action-packed tale of the Arcana Chronicles by #1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole.

When the battle is done . . . The Emperor unleashed hell and annihilated an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe struck back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies.

And all hope is lost . . . With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

Vengeance becomes everything. To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

Pre-review note: this book does not contain spoilers to Arcana Rising, but if you have not read #3, Dead of Winter, it will be spoiler ridden.

For the most part, I spent a good fraction of the novel grieving. Grieving Jackson and Selena, missing Matthew and the alliance which only just gained stability, but also missing the piece of humanity Evie lost since Jack got stuck by the Emperor. My heart was heavy but it didn't stop me savouring every chapter.

Arcana Rising gripped at heart strings previously untouched. I didn't know what I expected, maybe for things to be fine and dandy, but instead I was greeted with the harsh reality of an apocalyptic world where young adults were destined to be pitted against each other. There has to be one Arcana who tops the rest, to win, or the world will never be restored. The Emperor is rising and he's not showing any signs of slowing down. You thought The Lovers were bad...you haven't seen anything.

"Once you've collected all the icons, the earth should come back," Gran said. "The sun as well."

"Should come back?"

"There's never been a disaster like this. I can't say for certain."

Arcana Rising kind of dimmed a lot of my hope. Revelations kept coming up and what we knew before was only a fraction of the truth. The Emperor has power unlike we've seen, and with his own allies, their trio could possibly wipe out all Arcana. Would anybody be able to survive their wrath?

My head is spinning. So much has changed and evolved. Matthew is more of a mystery than he ever was (and that was a hard target to reach), Evie now knows her one living relative, her grandmother, is alive...then there's Death. I think Aric is kick-ass. His walls are down and we can see beneath the cracks of his armour (not literally). He's a very charming and likeable character when you get to know him. Him and Evie are fantastic together, even a cute couple, but Jack and Evie are still the couple I adored.

I didn't expect anything less from the ending. I knew Kresley Cole was going to end on a jaw dropping note, but, considering how everything is not at it seems, I'm keeping my mind open to everything. Arcana Rising was the best installment yet and I urge everybody to give this series a go. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through, and my heart is still dealing with the after emotions of finishing it.

Audiobook Review: Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

Dead of Winter
Arcana Chronicles #3
Author: Kresley Cole
Narrator: Emma Galvin
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia | Fantasy
Listening Length: 9 hours and 58 minutes
Released: January 6th 2015
Review Source: Simon & Schuster Audio

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 the most horrific Arcana, The Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory. Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a frozen and perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on The Lovers and the vast army they command. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them once and for all may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned. There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first?

I re-listened to Poison Princess and Endless Knight before shoving my ear buds in and losing myself in Dead of Winter’s audio book for the first time. I've read and listened to this series so many time as it’s one of my all-time favourites, and the audio versions never get old.

Dead of Winter was a great audio addition to the series. Emma Galvin, the narrator, has been come a familiar voice to me through this series and she suits this series perfectly. How she portrays everyone, specifically Evie, Jackson, Matthew and Aric is on point and I find myself connecting to the series all the more because of Emma’s narration.

Listening to the audio was just as exciting as the first time I read the book. Jack makes me fall more in-love with him every time I revisit this series, and in the audio books, he melts my heart. I may just be madly in-love with him. I'm a sucker for Jack's accent, and also Aric's because they're so well done. So it's understandable for me to be partial to the audio books where I can actually listen to the hotness rather than just read it. It adds more dimension. *sighs happily*

The progression in Dead of Winter is almost shocking. In a good way. Jack's character really shines here, we see him blossom into the person he was always meant to be, and a better side of him is shown. However, he still has his issues. Jack wouldn't be Jack if he didn't, but I don't hold them against him. He's still learning, and I understand why he does what he does. The majority of the time it's to protect Evie.

As for everyone else: Evie's still the same girl at heart but I wouldn't mess with her. She's seriously kick ass with her arcana powers. In book 4, we're definitely going to see her with her full powers unleashed, something she's been holding back to avoid hurting people. And Aric, I'm still undecided with him. I love that we get to see him more in Dead of Winter, and I can't fault his presence. After lifetimes of loneliness, the company he has is treasured and he's blossoming into a better version of himself.

And as I write this review, I'm listening to Dead of Winter for the second time because I can't get enough of it.

You can read my book review for Dead of Winter here.

Listen to an excerpt from Dead of Winter audio below:

Book Review: Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole

Dead of Winter
The Arcana Chronicles #3
Author: Kresley Cole
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Released: January 6th 2015
Review Source: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

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 the most horrific Arcana, The Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a frozen and perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on The Lovers and the vast army they command. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them once and for all may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned

There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first?

In Poison Princess and Endless Knight we’ve been exposed to a lot of things. Jackson (swoons), the apocalypse, drastic changes of life after the end, Evie’s Arcana powers and Death. But that was only the beginning.

Dead of Winter doesn’t waste a single minute before it’s diving into the deep end. Then again, why would it wait? Jackson was captured and was in the hands of potentially the two most sadistic people left in the world. If Evie doesn’t get to him in time, who knows what could happen...

Jack may survive and all may be well, but it seems too perfect for things to stay like that. Matthew knows the future, and through the incoherent jumbles he usually speaks, the news he has to offer isn’t the best. Together Jack, Evie and Aric have to ride together to complete a mission together, or it might be Evie who finds herself the next Arcana to fall.

Dead of Winter was....interesting. Whilst I impatiently waited for this book I’d gone and conjured all types of things in my head yet when I started reading Dead of Winter I couldn’t have been more off the mark. There were a lot of things I didn’t expect, however they were all welcome surprises. I could get enough of the twists and turns Dead of Winter had to offer.

Personally, one of my favourite things was Jackson (surprise, surprise). I felt like his character started blossoming here, we saw his potential. Him being such a closed book so far it was heart warming and exciting to watch Jack show this whole new side, not just with his easy love confessions for Evie, but himself as a person. In Dead of Winter we get to see Jackson as a true leader, as a person who truly cares for others. Same goes for Selena. I wasn’t sure on her character, purely because of how she was with Evie, but I’ve grown to love her in this novel.

As for the love triangle we got a glimpse of in the previous book, we saw become slightly more dominant, however, though I knew who I wanted Evie to be with *cough* Jackson *cough*, I had not a single clue now things were going to plan out. It's clear that all three characters have issues and some self discovery to be had. Jackson with his...well, everything, and Evie evolving into her powers more. As for Aric, he's still quite unknown. We know how he feels for Evie, but as an individual, his book is locked shut. I'm loving how everything isn't as I'd guess.

I laughed, I cried and the end almost made me have a break down. But I can easily say that this book is battling for the best book of the year.

Kresley Cole's Dead of Winter Exclusive Chapter Reveal + Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on Dead of Winter tour for Kresley Cole. We are overjoyed to be part of this Chapter Reveal tour. As a fan of Kresley Cole, we cannot wait for this book.

Don't forget to enter the amazing giveaway: An Amazon Kindle with preloaded Poison Princess, and Endless Knight ebooks, and an electronic The Manuscript of DEAD OF WINTER!!

Dead of Winter
The Arcana Chronicles #3
Author: Kresley Cole
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: January 6th 2015
Review Source: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

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 the most horrific Arcana, The Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a frozen and perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on The Lovers and the vast army they command. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them once and for all may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned
There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first?

Here is the CHAPTER REVEAL! (courtesy of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers):

Dead of Winter -Excerpt 3 for OUaT

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 books have been translated into twenty foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Giveaway Open to U.S. Only (courtesy of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers).

Ends Midnight (CST) on Friday, November 21st:

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Book Review: Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

Endless Knight
The Arcana Chronicles #2
Author: Kresley Cole
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Released: October 1st 2013
Review Source: Purchased

Shocking secrets. Evie has fully come into her powers as the Tarot Empress, and Jack was there to see it all. She now knows that the teens who've been reincarnated as the Tarot are in the throes of an epic battle. It's kill or be killed, and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.

Unexpected allies. With threats lurking around every corner, Evie is forced to trust her newfound alliance. Together they must fight not only other Arcana, but also Bagmen zombies, post-apocalyptic storms, and cannibals.

Gut-wrenching treachery. When Evie meets Death, things get even more complicated. Though falling for Jack, she's drawn to the dangerous Endless Knight as well. Somehow the Empress and Death share a history, one that Evie can't remember--but Death can't forget...

Not sure how it happened, but I fell in love with Kresley Cole even more after Endless Knight. She captivates my attention and the next thing I know hours have passed and the book is finished. Confession: I read Endless Knight the day it came out and since then I’ve listened to both audiobooks (Poison Princess and Endless Knight) at least 100 times. I could probably read you the book without looking at the pages. I’m addicted and not ashamed to admit it.

Jackson and Evie’s journey continues in Endless Knight. Despite some of the terrible things Jackson experienced in the past with his mother’s ill chosen boyfriends, he can’t wrap his head around the ‘new’ side of Evie. The sweet, innocent girl he knew came fully into her power as the Empress...powers Jackson didn't even knew she had. He saw the aftermath of her destruction and the look in her eyes. Can their love conquer or will the Dark Knight swoop in and change her course?

I knew going into Endless Knight that there was going to be a love triangle. Let me just say I hate them. 9/10 I will refuse a book because I can’t stand the overused eye rolling plot. Cole took the plot point I hate so much and made it pure gold. The triangle between Jack, Evie and Death hadn’t formed properly by the end of the book and I’m (surprisingly) looking forward to see how it turns out. But let me just say this: I am team Jack. Forever and always. Despite some revelations in Endless Knight—which I don’t agree with, by the way—I don’t want her to end up with Death, even though I love him too.

And I have so many questions. And theories. Having read the series so many time I pick up on little things each time. I’m hoping Dead of Winter (book 3 out January 6th 2015) will easy my mind slightly and have some answers because I don't think my mind could take more suspense, lol!

To sum it up, I adored this book. I loved everything about it. The characters are interesting and mysterious and Jackson is just utter perfection (I may have a crush on the Jackson cover model) and I've never fangirled so hard over a book in a long time. As well as reading and reviewing, I also write. I find Kresley Cole (and this series) to be a big inspiration.

Dirty-Off with Kresley Cole and Christina Lauren on the XOXO Video Channel

XOXO After Dark has shared a video that will have you laughing your butts off. Fans of Kresley Cole and Christina Lauren are just gonna flip out and die laughing when you see this video clip.

I warn those that are not 18 years or older to not see this video and also this might not be suitable to listen to while your at work. I strongly advise against seeing in in the car also, it might cause you to have a car accident due to the uncontrollable laughing.

Now with all that said here are Kresley Cole & the duo known as Christina Lauren going to head to head with their hotter than lava books.

#BellesOnWheels Houston Tour Stop!

So this past Monday (5/12/14) the Belles on Wheels bus arrived at the Barnes & Noble in Houston (The Woodlands). I was so excited I was able to make it (even though I was a little late). When I arrived the signing line was still going strong. So I got to hang out a little and talk with Trini from TrinDee events (Make sure to check their site out for upcoming book events), Kayla the Bibliophile and the gals from Gallery Books.

Then it was finally our turn to fangirl over the authors that included Emma Chase, Alice Clayton, Kresley Cole, Kyra Davis, Katy Evans, Lisa Renee Jones, Christina Lauren, Jennifer Probst and Kristen Proby. And let me tell you when you get that many romance authors in a small signing area, it calls for great times! Their pretty much isn't anything they wouldn't say. So I went down the line meeting those I had not met in person yet and seeing again those that I had. The biggest highlight was finally meeting in person Christina Lauren. I have been a huge fans of theirs since their fan fiction days. Also being able to chat a little with Katy Evans to let her know just how much Remy's character struck a chord with me was pretty great. Overall the whole group as a whole was Fantastic!