ARC Book Review: From the Grave by Kresley Cole

 

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From the Grave
Arcana Chronicles #6

Author: Kresley Cole
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: 04/18/2023
Review Source: ARC provided by author

When even the gods hold their breath . . .

To defeat the Emperor and Fortune, Evie, the great Empress of Arcana, must repair her bond with Death, despite the earth-shattering developments between them.

And danger lurks in every shadow . . .

Their allies—a sea witch, a band of roving warriors, and more than a couple of rogues—overcome terrifying obstacles to help them. But when Jack makes a shocking discovery, the fallout threatens to tear their alliance apart.

One girl could deliver salvation—or doom.

If the Empress and her friends can remain united, will their powers be enough to defeat a catastrophic curse on the world, or will hellfire reign forever? The end looms for us all until the best hand wins. . . .

I want to preface this review by saying the Arcana Chronicles has been in my life for 10 years. Throughout that time I've grown up, gotten married, had two kids and a pup. My son is named after Jackson specifically from this series. This series was one of the main instigators in my life to begin writing my own books. So to say I'm ready for From the Grave is an understatement, and I'm incredibly grateful to have received an ARC of this book. 

From the Grave gave us some of the most heart-warming moments of the series. We witnessed a group of teenagers grow up and live their lives through an apocalyptic war within the Arcana, and alliances they made with each other flourished. The best friendships were made and it was a pleasure reading this journey of discovery, romance, action and loss. From the Grave melted my heart, broke it, then pieced it back together again. This long awaited conclusion settled my soul. 

This instalment continued where The Dark Calling left off. The Emperor and Fortune are destructive and dangerous - with no regard to anyone else as they have tunnel vision on winning the game and taking out Evie and Aric, as well as the other remaining cards. Not much can be said without spoilers, but trust in Kresley Cole - she smashed this. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so happy yet heartbroken over a book before, or cried so much after I’ve finished reading it. 

From the Grave concluded everything so wonderfully. It was an ending I wasn't expecting but definitely needed. We've been submerged in the world of Evie, Jack, Alice and friends for so long that I've got a lot of emotion now the series is over. I'm crying as I'm writing this because Kresley has done it again - she has my whole heart with the Arcana Chronicles. I'll never forget this series - ever.

 

Book Review: The Dark Calling by Kresley Cole

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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.

Book Review: Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

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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. 

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.