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376 reviews for:

Shadow's Claim

Kresley Cole

3.99 AVERAGE


O.M.G. As always, Kresley Cole is stunning. This is just one book in the fantastic "Immortals After Dark" series that will keep you completely captivated with every last word. While, I feel it may be best to read the series in the order written, it's not absolutely necessary, as long as you have a good recollection of the ones that you've previously read. You absolutely cannot go wrong with choosing any of the books in this series.
funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

I'll forever be obsessed with this series 
challenging dark emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Hell yeah! I had so much fun! High stakes! Down bad man! Yes!

I enjoyed the love triangle dynamic here because I think it felt like redemption from some previously problematic MMC’s. Cas is a friend to Bettina, but honestly not a great one. He clearly and repeatedly does not reciprocate Bettina’s feelings and hurts her constantly. Trehan is singularly devoted and only has focus on her. Throughout the tournament after each bout he seeks out Bettina whereas Cas and the other contestants see her simply as an object and path to a throne. Trehan only want her, throne or power be damned. Also the way he sees her is so beautiful and his desire to know her and help her conquer her fears was so well done. He and Sebastian are my favorite IAD vampires!!!!!!!!

I'm always hesitant to write a review or post about ~romance novels~ because tbh I'm a little embarrassed at how much I like them. This year, I've decided to be more open about everything that I read, because I encourage my friends and loved ones to read whatever floats their boat, as long as they're reading. I realize that if I'm ashamed of what I read, I'm not setting the example there.

Shoutout to my little for getting me sucked into this series- I started on New Years Eve and have knocked out eight already. I haven't read them in order, however, because I'm having to wait on hold for copies at my library, so I'm just taking whichever pops up next.

Main Characters: 4/5
Bettina is our main character in this installment and while I liked her, she wasn't my favorite. Bettina has a lack of self-confidence and, while this leads to some great character growth, it also means that she is pretty wishy-washy through the entirety of the novel, and a little blind to what Trehan is giving up in order to be with her.

Secondary Characters: 2/5
Um, so I pretty much hated most of the secondary characters in this novel, but maybe I'm supposed to? Because they're evil? Raum and Morgana are terrible people who use Bettina for their own gain, Caspion is hot-headed and proud, and Salem is kind of obnoxious.

Plot: 4/5
I really enjoyed the premise of this novel, minus the fact that Bettina is in love with Caspion. I know that it adds another layer of dimension, but it just made her an unlikeable character. The plot itself was interesting and multi-faceted.

Writing Style: 3/5
Normally I love Cole's writing style- it moves quickly, gets the work done, and keeps the reader engaged. I still liked the writing style here, but I found some parts slowed a little more than in other novels. I also think that the plot premise wasn't executed as well as it could have been, and I attribute this to the writing style.

Ending: 3/5
Just like each Kresley Cole novel, something comes between them that makes you wonder if they'll be able to make it through. I think the part I didn't like here was that neither character acted well, which caused their issue, and because there were deeper seeded issues, it didn't feel like that wrap-up was quite enough.

Total: 16/25 = 3 stars (I still loved it tho)
adventurous emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a disappointing read for me. When I read these "Vaginal Fantasy" books, I like to be drawn in by the characters, making the "schmexy times" all the more exciting. I just didn't get the chemistry, and Cole's use of modern slang in the midst of other realms took me out of the world-building. Just like 50 Shades of Grey, this had too much sex and not enough character development. I only finished it for a book club. Otherwise: toilet paper.

I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5.

In theory, I would dislike this book. A love triangle, non-consenting marriage, and a concept that I thought I'd seen before.

But despite all that Kresley Cole came though. As always!

The attraction between the two main characters was sharp, static, and hot. They couldn't look away from each other, even though they knew that they should. They couldn't stay away even though it could mean death. And as they drew closer, their love grew.

The constant danger escalated the story, and added a interested edge. The lead in to the other Dacian novels was most welcome!

Krelsey can build a world like no other. She can balance multiple groups of people, with mulitiple storylines that play and intersect in a way that delights me. Seeing Lothaire's story connect was exciting! And glimpsing characters that I fell in love with from other stories was just delicious!
adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced

I want more Kresley Cole :(