The Kraken King Serialized Novel Reviews
Welcome to my nine-part review special of The Kraken King by Meljean Brook. The book is being released as an eight-part serialized novel. Each Friday (or Saturday) after the release of a part of the novel, I will share my review. In addition, on June 9, 2014, after the entire book is released, I will share a special review and host a giveaway for the awesome Kraken King Poster shown above!
Today I review Part VI. Because each part was written as a specific piece within a larger framework, each piece is rated based on the quality of the work with respect to where and when it falls within the larger story, as well as my enjoyment of the story within the context of a larger tale. The rating is not based as if this part is solely a stand alone book.
Note: Although these are separate and distinct adventures, the individual parts are NOT stand alone stories. The series is intended to be read in whole from Part I to Part VIII, and leaving out earlier parts is akin to skipping chapters in a book. NOTE: This review contains spoilers from the earlier parts of the book!
The Kraken King Part VI:
The Kraken King and the Crumbling Walls
Author: Meljean Brook
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: A+
What I’m Talking About:
For frame of reference, this part starts with Chapter 21 of The Kraken King.
The Kraken King and the Crumbling Walls opens with Ariq and Zenobia’s return from captivity to the Red City. They are welcomed back and into Ambassador Auger’s home where all of their friends are relieved to see the pair alive. The pair share the truth of their captivity and who is behind the marauder attacks. Unfortunately, while the pair were detained, Ambassador Auger urged the Empress to send warships to stop the marauders. Now it is up to Ariq to persuade the Empress with the truth and compel her to stop the pending attacks that would kill thousands of innocents.
Ariq and Zenobia are easily one of the best romantic couples I have ever read. Their mutual affection and respect shines in The Kraken King and the Crumbling Walls. What makes this part my favorite to date is watching how the pair has matured and has fallen in sync with one another. They aren’t all “lovey-dovey,” or co-dependent, but rather share an admiration for one another that transcends the chaos around them, as well as the expectations of society. Once again, sharing the story from both Zenobia and Ariq’s point-of-views affords the reader the opportunity to see deep into the souls of the characters, creating a bond that is elusive and special.
Beyond the amazing romantic storyline, this part lays out the plot for the remaining story: stopping the warships from attacking Krakentown and other shoreline communities. The story is rich with political maneuvering as Ambassador Auger and Ariq discuss how best to approach the Empress. I appreciate that there is no easy solution, and that all of the potential ramifications are reviewed. I did find myself a bit lost on the layout of the Red City and what the quarantine was all about, but an excellent rundown by Ms. Brook helped my understanding tremendously. (And she’s agreed to share some of “lost history” of the Iron Seas here at the blog next week!)
SPOILERS:
The part ends with true crumbling walls as Ariq and Zenobia are finally fully together. I admire the conscious effort on Zenobia’s part to let down her walls and trust Ariq completely. Their union is almost elegant – they are so perfect together. Their love is completely sexy on an emotional level. I feel bound to this couple, and my heart beats with theirs. It’s such lovely way to end this part… knowing there is so much to accomplish, but that they can take the time to love one another – because without the love, there isn’t much worth fighting for.
END SPOILERS
The Kraken King and the Crumbling Walls is simply perfect. From start to end, the romance, humor, and political intrigue is sublime. There is a severe threat building, and with limited time left, I am hanging on to the edge, waiting to find out what happens next!
My Rating: A+, Personal Favorite
About the Book:
Reunited, Ariq and Zenobia must journey over the red wall and make a desperate appeal to the one woman with enough power to halt the marauders’ plans—the Empress of Nippon.
But even the Kraken King cannot demand the attentions of an empress. Masked and quarantined, Ariq and Zenobia are forced to bide their time. Despite the fact that they are as physically close as two people can be, Zenobia is trying to keep the man she can’t help but love at a distance, terrified she’ll be hurt again. And all the while, the mysteries of the Living City grow around them…
Release Date: May 20, 2014
Publisher: Intermix (Penguin)
Series: Iron Seas #4.6
ASIN: #B00HZ1EE2M
Genre: Steampunk Romance, Serialized Novel
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
The Kraken King Part VI (Iron Seas #4.6)
Reviews in the Series:
“The Blushing Bounder” by Meljean Brook (Wild & Steamy) (Iron Seas #0.4)
“Here There Be Monsters” by Meljean Brook (Burning Up) (Iron Seas #0.5)
The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #1)
“Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City” by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #1.5)
Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #2)
“Tethered” by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #2.5)
Riveted by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #3)
“Wrecked” by Meljean Brook (Fire & Frost) (Iron Seas #3.4)
“Salvage” by Meljean Brook (Enthralled) (Iron Seas #3.5)
The Kraken King Part I by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #4.1)
The Kraken King Part II by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #4.2)
The Kraken King Part III by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #4.3)
The Kraken King Part IV by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #4.4)
The Kraken King Part V by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #4.5)