ARC Review: Shadow Rising by Kendra Leigh Castle

Shadow Rising

by Kendra Leigh Castle

(Dark Dynasties # 3)

I fell in love with Ms. Castle and her Dark Dynasties from the very beginning. I gave 5 Stars to Dark Awakening (book 1) and 5 STARS for Midnight Reckoning (book 2) and now another 5 Stars for Shadow Rising. Ms. Castle has been consistent with giving the right amount of romance, hot scenes, action and a very elaborate plot.

Damien Tremaine also stayed true to his character from book one, two and up to his very own story. This cat-shifter remains one of the best Shade for the House of Shadows, still very dangerous, mysterious, and definitely sexy. I love a hero with a grief-stricken past that made him a cold-hearted man. And finally to see him up close and personal is just a treat.

Her name is “Ariane not kitten” though being a Grigori Vampire, she IS as innocent as a kitten. But Ariane is a straight shooter, she does not mess around and she knows exactly what she wants. As innocent as she is, I love her, she stands up to what she believes in and can hold her own fairly well. She had her mind set on finding her mentor Sam and that is exactly what she is going to do. If it means to join forces with a shade so be it.

Opposites attract is the cliché but damn, isn’t that just the truth? The balance between Damien and Ariane was amazing; the cold hearted shade and the innocent vamp. It was fun to see them banter and Damien said the funniest things to annoy Ariane. And her rebuttal was just as hilarious. They complimented each other and it was amazing to see them finally find someone after all the years of solitude. Their relationship is a perfect match.

To those who already follow the series, a few things to keep in mind; the battle between the Dynasties continues but at a quiet state. Don’t be fooled as plans are brewing right under our noses. The seat for the Empusae is threatened and a few of the dynasties are still on building and rebuilding. The Shadow has Risen and is here to stay. Several things were unfolded in this book and I’m curious to see what Ms. Castle has in store for us as far as where the dynasties stand.

Also, I am most curious about Vlad dracul of the Dracul Dynasty, he has totally captured my heart. I would love to know more of him. From what I see he is a good ally to most of the dynasties but I’m sure you don’t want to be on his bad side. And I bet he would me a great hero to swoon over.

***Mark my words, if and when Ms. Castle decides to write about him, IT WILL BE EPIC***

*ARC provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Covers to Covet

Immortal Craving

by Kendra Leigh Castle

The last-and most lethal-of his kind . . .
Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.
The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay's gentle touch can subdue Tasmin's inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?

Available January 29, 2013

Review: Midnight Reckoning by Kendra Leigh Castle

Midnight Reckoning

by Kendra Leigh Castle

(Dark Dynasties # 2)

I have been so excited to finally read the second installment of Castle's Dark Dynasties series. Dark Awakening blew me away and I had no doubt Midnight Reckoning would do the same.  This book takes place about seven months after Lily took a stand against Ptolemy and began her own dynasty.  Most of the Cait Sith have come to join the Lillim and still free to chose or do what they please.

 

Jaden Harrison, a hot, intense cat/vamp (Tynan's friend) finds himself  lost and not knowing what do with his new found freedom. But as faith would have it, Jaden will choose to protect a female wolf from an attacker. A female wolf he's met at the safe house a few months back.  Attempting to do the right thing, Jaden goes above and beyond to help; not only from her current attacker but to help with her long life dream to become an Alpha of her clan.

 

Lyra Black is the daughter of the Alpha Male for the Thorn Wolf pack.  Refusing to be taken as anyone's mate, at 23, Lyra is at an age to fight for the Alpha position of her clan.  It is her birthright to do so.  Wanting this dream to come true, Lyra accepts Jaden's help to train for the life and death competition and finds love in the process.

 

This book is without a doubt one of the best PNR books I've read. Ms. Castle has given us a story filled with suspense, humor, betrayals, action, lots of hot scenes with great sexual build up and of course, romance.  

I again find my stomach full of butterflies in anticipation of the next book! I highly recommend this series!!! 

Purchase Links: Amazon