Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole
Narrator: Robert Petkoff
Series: Immortals After Dark #6
Published by Simon and Schuster
Published on: May 7, 2013
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Length: 12 hrs & 10 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Borrowed
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HIS OBSESSION...
Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart.
HER DOWNFALL...
Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.
THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH...
With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress?
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The arch nemesis match-up was a cool idea, and I liked that Kresley Cole jumped straight away into Rydstrom’s story after Cadeon’s because Woede’s about-face towards the end of book 6 left me dying to know the cause. This installment was probably one of the hottest thus far, but that actually worked against KISS OF A DEMON KING; the couple felt as though they were an island unto themselves instead of part of the Lore, and the quest for the crown was downgraded to a minor concern. This novel was second to last for me in the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK series.
I don’t do well with plots that revolve around one setting, and granted this tale had more than that; however the bulk of the events unfolded either in Sabine’s dungeon, or Rydstrom’s demon camp, and it grew stale after a while. And, not just because of the limited scope, but also due to the monotony of the action. Sex is inherently redundant as is torture—cut, thrust, repeat—so after a couple of chapters of this, déjà vu set in. It also isolated the characters from the rest of the IAD universe, and as a result this audio felt disconnected from the whole.
Villains can be as captivating as protagonists, so Sabine’s evilness wasn’t the trait that turned me off from her plight. I liked that she stayed true to her course, and that finding love didn’t change her basic nature. Rothkalina never denied that she was a liar, a thief, and a master manipulator, but when the gloves came off there was nothing extra beneath the surface. Her sole redeeming quality was her devotion to her sister, Lanthe, otherwise there was absolutely no depth to her personage. She was just an empty shell of discontent.
I’ve been admiring Rydstrom from afar for several installments now, and was looking forward to seeing the Demon King in all of his raging glory. Imagine my disappointment when he spent the majority of this audiobook chained to a bed! He was all bark, and no bite; the only place that his furor came through was in Robert Petkoff’s narration which hasn’t wavered in its awesomeness since IAD #1. This was the second so-so volume that was much improved by his performance, and I’m grateful for his steadfastness at times like this when Cole’s writing slips.
KISS OF A DEMON KING will please BDSM listeners, but frustrate substance seekers.
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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!
This was one of my least favorites. I was not much a fan of Sabine. I can’t wait for the next installment in December (so far away). We have a cover and title. I need the blurb now.
Melanie recently posted…Question: Do You Read ARCs?
Hmmmm, if & when I start this series, I’ll be sure to do it with the audiobooks and probably will skip this one… not big on BDSM myself.
Thank you for doing the selecting for me Carmel, it’s good to know what books you won’t probably like in advance! 😉
Pili recently posted…Interview with Holly Bodger author of 5 to 1!!!
Doesn’t sound like this was a favorite but it wasn’t too bad of a read either.
Great review!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Out of Control by Sarah Alderson
Honestly, how many books as Kresley Cole written? I seen tons and tons of her books pretty much everywhere. It’s great that this one delivered, Carmel! 😀
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads) recently posted…Discussing Through Midnight (52): Fifty Shades of Abuse
Oh I need to continue with this series! I stopped at book 2. Lol.
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[521]: Three-Day Summer by Sarvenaz Tash
Now I feel like re-listening to some of these. See what you did!?…LOL
Wonderful review Carmel.
Lupdilup recently posted…Rumor Has It Audiobook by Jill Shalvis (REVIEW)
I actually loved Sabine but I know I’m in the minority because I lot of readers hated her. I do agree with your thoughts on Lanthe though…I didn’t care much about her but I do love their relationship on here. I can understand you frustrations too! Come to think of it, it is pretty disappointing that Rydstrom is held captive for so long. Great review Carmel! I hope the next book in the series will be better for you! 🙂
Amir recently posted…We have a Facebook Page Giveaway!
this was my least favorite book…could not stand Sabine, she was the worst.
sharonda recently posted…Review: Ironic by Harper Miller
You’re slowly catching up! Yeah they can’t all be winners but I enjoyed this more than Dark Deeds. At least there was no ghosts. LOL
I wonder if I would still like Cole
blodeuedd recently posted…The unlikely lady – Valerie Bowman
Another series I hope to read someday…
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