Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
Narrator: Emma Galvin
Series: The Arcana Chronicles #2
Published by Simon and Schuster
Published on: October 1, 2013
Genres: Young Adult
Length: 10 hrs & 55 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Amazon | Book Depo | Chapters | Kobo | B&N | GoodReads
In this seductive follow-up to Poison Princess, New York Times best-selling author Kresley Cole takes us deeper into the dark world of the Arcana Chronicles.
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.
 |
 |
 |
Going into POISON PRINCESS I couldn’t help thinking Young Adult—this is going to suck, but Kresley Cole’s writing quickly won me over to Evie’s side, and then Emma Galvin sealed the deal with her mesmerizing narration. And now, here I am, completely committed to this series, and putting my stamp of approval on book 2. The characters show a level of maturity that I never expected from this genre, and there was even a sex scene in this installment. Yes folks, don’t let these teenagers fool you, this is grown up YA at its best. The author does such an amazing job of making readers dislike Death that when the love triangle began to develop I was convinced that nothing could sway me from Team Deveaux. Well, now I’m eating crow because Aric was so skillfully fleshed out that the Cajun is just a distant memory. Jackson who?
For a girl that doesn’t want to play the game, Evie sure is racking up Arcana symbols! I love how far she’s come from that scared young woman refusing to accept her new, albeit harsh reality, to the ring leader of an unlikely alliance of Arcana. Greene shows mercy when the situation calls for it, and still believes that more than one power card can survive the coming battle, but when he friends’ lives are on the line, she doesn’t hesitate to do what must be done. I enjoyed witnessing the Empress embrace her powers in ENDLESS KNIGHT; her abilities may be the complete opposite of Death’s, however life can, and does annihilate just as easily. Evie continues to surprise me at every turn from how she deals with the teeth (carnivores), to certain characters’ two-facedness, to Aric’s unexpected past. The Red Queen is no pushover!
Coles’ dystopian world-building marched forward in this installment with the Hierophant, Devil, Tower, Strength, Judgment, and World cards. I liked learning more about their tableaux, calls, and powers as well as the characters that they represent. I also developed a soft spot for Scarface, Cyclops, and Maneater—Lark’s wolves. The plot line was uncomplicated: escape Death, and when that fails, survive him. I enjoyed the showdown leading up to Evie’s capture, and her time with Aric was enlightening to say the least. I was happy that Jackson was finally clued in to the game and ecstatic when he and Evie found a brief respite in each other’s arms. But of course, just when Greene decides to trust him his deception comes to light.
This novel took so many turns that I did not see coming, and oddly enough, I found myself rooting for the bad guy! Like most other readers, love triangles are the bane of my existence, but the one in ENDLESS KNIGHT is so far removed from what is typical of this trope that I wasn’t the least bit upset by it when it eventually surfaced. I’d mentioned in my review of book 1 that Emma Galvin’s narration carried that installment, so I was relieved to see her flying solo this time around. I’m not knocking Keith Nobbs’ delivery, but I prefer to give credit where it’s due. Galvin excels at bringing THE ARCANA CHRONICLES’ dark tone to life while still doing the youthful characters justice with a YA authenticity that so many performers in this genre lack.
ENDLESS KNIGHT concluded with one heck of a cliffhanger, but that’s a recipe for success as far as pre-orders of DEAD OF WINTER go because you can bet I’ll be glued to my earbuds come hell or high water on January 6th, 2015.
  My Review |
  |
  |
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon or liking it on GoodReads!
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Can’t wait to read this Carmel!!! I really enjoyed the first book and look forward to seeing how Evie progresses in this one:) Glad the love triangle didn’t turn out to be of the typical YA variety, that makes me feel much better!
Dystopian love triangles FTW! No, but seriously, this series is a great listen. I can’t wait to get my grabby hands on book 3.
LOL Carmel! I almost always find myself rooting for the bad guy, I guess is that thing about bad boys. I don’t really like triangles, but for some reason I’m more tolerant of them in YA reads. I expect a lot more from an adult heroine, and that’s knowing what she wants.
Kresley Cole is just an awesome writer…Wait until you listen to her adult series, that’s another magical team (author/narrator)no to be missed!
Fabulous review!
Lupdilup recently posted…Archangel’s Shadows Audiobook by Nalini Singh (Review)
I go into a YA title expecting there to be a love triangle, and I am more tolerable of them because they are a trope of this genre, but that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it. LOL Yes, yes, Melanie has been on my case to start IAD. On it!
Woohoo! I’m thrilled to see your stamp of approval on this series, Carmel. It’s one that I’ve had my eye on and if you like it, I know I will. 🙂 I’ve only read one of Cole’s IAD so I’m not really familiar with her writing style. But for whatever reason, this YA intrigued me. Now I just have to find time to pull it off my shelf! 🙂 Happy Friday!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Cover Reveal & Giveaway ~ Angel Assassins ~ Tricia Skinner**
Admittedly, I was shocked by how much I liked these, however that’s not exactly a bad thing. Two installments are more manageable than her other series which is why I made ’em my starting point, but I’ve exhausted my options, and must switch to her adult now. Hehe!
I swear her books have some of the best covers, I just love this one! I so need to start this series. Can you believe I have read nothing but this author? I know, I suck!
Happy Halloween Carmel!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray
This is only my second trek into Cole’s writing, so you’re not too far behind me. I hope you had a wonderful Halloween!
You already know I love death and I also love the reincarnation angle and all that. So happy to see were on the same page with this one.
Braine recently posted…Naughty Nooner: Captivated by Megan Hart & Tiffany Reisz
When you first told me that Death was your fav character I had my doubts, but after listening to this novel I SO know where you are coming from!
Hmmm…. I read ths first but wasn’t overly impressed. I hated all the unnecessary high school drama that happened before the big event and then it cut off as it was getting good. After reading this review, I am tempted to try this and give the series another chance.
Heidi recently posted…Something Wicked Strikes Day #31: Happy Halloween: A Cursed Bloodline by Cecy Robson: Interview, Review and Giveaway!
The high school drama is long going in ENDLESS KNIGHT; that part threw me at first too. Push through, you won’t regret it!
And now I have MORE to add to my audio wishlist. Damn you Carmel! 😛
Rhianna recently posted…Cover Reveal: ANGEL BAIT by Tricia Skinner [+ giveaway!]
Aaaww, muffin! 😉
Girl, so many people told me to read this series that I will have to. We even had plans for a read-a-long but sadly we couldn’t manage it. Anyhow I’m so happy that the sequel was this good and that it develops ideas from the first book. Great review 🙂
Tanja recently posted…Month9Books Birthday Bash
Then you should listen to them, they are telling the truth! I wouldn’t have the patience for a read-a-long mind you, I’d get annoyed at having to wait for everyone to catch-up.
I’ve been putting off reading her YA series, because I find plenty of authors have a hard time transitioning between the adult and YA genres. I’ve heard so much about this one. Perhaps I’ll pick it up soon!
Sarah recently posted…Quickie Review: Only With You by Lauren Layne
I haven’t read her adult books, but they were recommended to me by a number of bloggers, as were these, so my expectations were high, and Cole rocked it!
Two of my friends just heard the audio for this one and love it too. I heard it’s sexy. I’m hoping to squeeze this in sometime soon. I hope!
Nereyda recently posted…Review: Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little & Giveaway!
It’s sexy in a messed-up way, however those are usually the best kind of audios IMO. 🙂
Oh wow! I was sort of on the fence with this one but you tipped me over! I think I’ll put this on my audio wishlist.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Night Sky Series: #0.5 and #1 by Suzanne Brockmann and Melanie Brockmann
It’s not secret that YA is one of my least fav paranormal genres, but I gave both books 1 & 2 5-stars, so… ya know! Hehe!
I couldn’t agree more with your review, this book is AMAZING. Actually, it was one of my favorite audiobooks of 2013. Now, I’m counting the days left to get my hands on Dead of Winter… Only a little bit over two months.
Thanks, Marcela! Yes, 2015 is slooowly creeping up on us, but at least we get to start the new year off with a Kresley Cole bang!
Sounds like this book literally has everything.The Arcana powers sound promising, but I’m not usually a fan of zombie books. I love books where I root for the villain! I don’t mind love triangles as long as the girl isn’t leading two guys on. I’m glad to hear it worked here.
Molly Mortensen recently posted…The Griever’s Mark by Katherine Hurley
There are zombies, however this is NOT a zombie book, if that helps. The Arcana angle was awesome, and Death—*swoons*—you need to read these to really understand.
The library has book 1, wohoo 🙂
blodeuedd recently posted…Romance Friday: Slow Hand – Victoria Vane
Nice! That helps take the pressure of too.
Ugh, I can’t believe I haven’t started this series yet. The first book sits on my shelves and I never get to it. I need too!!! It sounds so good.
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Kindle & Nook Freebies #103 (Halloween Edition)
You should make a point of tackling end before the end of the girl, so you can devour book 3 right along side the rest of us!
I’m so glad we finally got you on the Kresley Cole train. I haven’t started this series because, as you know, I’m not a fan of YA, though I will do a little bit. I’m also over the love triangle troupe. I will say that you’ve won me over though. I’ll tell you what, I’ll start this series when you start Immortals After Dark. 🙂
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Archangel’s Shadows Audiobook by Nalini Singh (Review)
I’m going to hold you to that!
i haven’t read this author yet but i have poison princess on my wishlist ( i did find teh first book of another series in french so i hope to read it soon)
miki recently posted…Working Stiff ( Revivalist 1) by Rachel Caine
Good stuff! You should switch ’em from wishlist status to to-read. Just saying!
My friend gave me book 1 but I still need to read it. I’m so late but I keep hearing great things about this series and I’m glad book 2 is really good too!
You HAVE POISON PRINCESS, and still haven’t read it!? C’mon, Melliane, what’s the matter with you?? 😉
I love Emma Galvin! She’s amazing. Christine Lakin is great too. She’s narrating the story I’m listening to now, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Since you’re like me and prefer your YA to be on the mature side, I think you’d really like it.
Cat recently posted…Spotlight & #Giveaway – Christmas in Transylvania By Sandra Hill!
Cool! Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll have to track that one down.
Maybe I should have listened instead of read book 1. I liked it enough that I’m curious as to how things go in book 2 so I’m glad to hear that you loved it. I think I’m going to give book one a try on audio and then grab book 2 because honestly even though the characters kind of drove me crazy in book 1 the story was awesome. Thanks for making the decision to continue the series for me. Your review did the trick. 🙂
Ginny recently posted…NaNoWriMo 2014 Day #1: I AM A WRITER!
The narrator can sometimes make a HUGE different, and I think Galvin really did the trick for this series. The first installment was a bit of a struggle in the beginning, however this one was smooth sailing. Loved it!
Oh I absolutely love her books. I think I have the first one in the series. I was a little iffy on the YA factor but sounds like she totally rocked it.
anna (herding cats & burning soup) recently posted…The Monthly Herd: October Recap!
This is mature YA, like I mentioned in my review, there was a sex scene! That should make romance readers like yourself happy. 🙂
WHOAAAAA Jackson is going to be kicked out to oblivion? That’s amazing! The reason why I DNFed the first book was because of that douchebag lol. I may give this another try if he won’t be in the picture much 😉
Faye M. recently posted…ARC Review: Stray by Elissa Sussman
Jackson was barely a blip on the radar in this story, so definitely, if he was your main issue with book 1, give 2 a try. Welcome to Team Death! 😉
I’m not even mad that there is a love triangle in this one, I LOVE baddies! 🙂 I’ma be honest Carmel, I didn’t like Jackson that much in Poison Princess so I’m curious to see where Kresley takes this one!
And the third cover is soo different, it’s throwing me off!
Amber Elise @ Du Livre
Yeah, they switched the covers, the first two got new ones too, but I prefer the original versions which is why I featured them in my review. I hate when they do that! Forget Jackson, Death is where it’s at!
I gave up on this series – I didn’t even finish first book, but the thing is that my reading preferences when it comes to fantasy,dystopian and paranormal novels have changed. I don’t like when the main focus is completely on love story or when the faith of the world depends on would a boy and a girl end up together.
If there’s no plot twist like that, I might give it second chance.
Great review, Carmel.
Glass recently posted…The Sunday Post (#31)
Hmm… I strongly suspect that the fate of the Arcana universe might be dependent on who Evie ends up with, so perhaps this series isn’t for you. I don’t read dystopians, so I was ok with that aspect.
Wow you have convinced me to check out this series. What a great review. The characters sound wonderful and the plot exciting!!
Chanzie recently posted…Tour Stop and Book Review: The Executioner at the Institution for Contaminated Children by Margaret E. Alexander
That’s great because more readers need to get into this series, it’s seriously spectacular. I was impressed.
Wow, I’m excited to hear how much you loved this one Carmel! I loved book one, and now I see I need to toss some other books aside *looks at tbr pile* and read this baby. I LOVE a anti-hero, and this sounds yummy. The whole arcana in the kids is awesome, and I can’t wait to read how Evie changes and grows. Killer review! 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Young Adult Book Review: Compulsion by Martina Boone
I loved the first novel (once we got past the high school stuff), but I ADORED this installment. Death is such a phenomenal character; Evie has a difficult decision on her hands!
Character growth, awwww yeah! Completely necessary for any quality series, imo. Of course you loved the wolves, Carmel! Shocker. 😉 Sometimes I can deal with love triangles (as long as they’re not too drawn out), but it’s definitely the best when you start to root for the “bad guy.” And it’s even better when the bad guy is maybe not so bad as you thought…
Danya recently posted…Review: Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
This series continues to be pushed on me by one of my bloggy friends and after reading your review I’m more than convinced that I need to read these BUT, I will only do so once the last book comes out, cause horrible cliffhanger means I need to have the last book ready to dive into in right away!
Pili recently posted…US trip 2014: Chicago, the Windy City!!