Love in Suspense review: 'Dead of Winter' by Kresley Cole
Revenge, rescue, redemption and romance — the highly anticipated third book in The Arcana Chronicles, Dead of Winter, delivers all three in spades as this action-packed saga continues. USA TODAY and New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole pens what may be the most intense and electrifying book in the series to date. The love triangle between Jack, Evie and Death scorches the pages and promises to confuse even the staunchest defender of either of these enigmatic men. In addition, the stakes in this deadly game have never been higher as alliances get tested and new enemies emerge.
Love is the most destructive force in the universe.
The story picks up shortly after Evie escapes from Death, racing the clock to rescue Jack from the Lovers' terrifying vise. Violet and Vincent Milovnici are the story's primary villains, a duo so cruel and frightening that they brought a more chilling quality to the story. The Lovers are ruthless, promising to love in their own way … a torture brutal to those who love another. Evie must strengthen and leverage her previous alliance, now fragile after staying willingly with Death (Aric) over the last few months. Plus, she must accept her powers fully, learning to both unleash and muzzle the all-powerful "Red Witch" inside of her.
Power was my burden. It weighed as much as a crown of stars.
As Evie runs to save Jack, her feelings for him flood back in, creating a confusing swirl of emotion. Her heart is divided, between the man she loved first and the man with whom she's undeniably connected. It's a choice between the unquenchable fire of first love and the endless connection with a soul mate. It's figuring out if she can trust a man with so many secrets or love a man whose immortal intrigues would prove difficult beyond compare.
One love fated. One love endless.
And as the Lovers' powers take hold and promise a harrowing retribution, the game calls for Death, Evie and Jack to work together for them to survive.
Me, Jack, and Death on a mission. What could possibly go wrong?
Their journey is filled with non-stop action and barely bearable emotional tension. I felt for all three of our protagonists, all who have evolved much throughout the story. As a strong defender of "Team Death" going into this third book, I can honestly say that both our heroes commanded my attention, and I ended up "Team Confused" by the story's end. Much has changed with Jack since Evie left him, as he becomes an unexpected but brave leader, determined to walk alongside Evie until the very end.
You're mine. And I'm yours. You're goan to find your way back to us.
We also see Death emerge from the eternal stasis of his own life, to engage in a way that Evie never anticipated as he vies passionately for her heart.
... you must know that you have my love. It's given, sievā. Wholly entrusted to you.
Expect your affinities to waver, your heart to pound furiously, the game to escalate in ways that are surprising, thrilling and scary. This third book in The Arcana Chronicles is not to be missed.
Read an excerpt from Dead of Winter at Vilma's Book Blog.
Find out more about Kresley and her books at kresleycole.com.
Vilma Gonzalez is a blogger, reader, marketer, wife and mom. She has an insatiable appetite for happily ever afters and a deep love of the written word. You can find more about her and read full book reviews at Vilma's Book Blog. Please e-mail Vilma at loveinsuspense@gmail.com about content related to this column. Due to the volume of mail, e-mails may not be answered personally, but all will be read.