Sheep Book Review: The Kraken King Part IV by Meljean Brook

The Kraken King Part IV: The Kraken King and the Inevitable Abduction 

A Novel of the Iron Seas

By: Meljean Brook

Steampunk Romance 

80 Pages

Plot: 

The Kraken King has declared that Zenobia Fox is under his protection—and with her identity revealed, she needs that protection more than ever. But it comes with a price when Ariq demands that Zenobia reveal her secrets in return.

Ariq wants nothing more than for Zenobia to trust him, and he knows exactly which sensual tricks will breach her defenses. But although she urgently desires the powerful governor, Zenobia isn’t a woman who will be easily won with a few passionate kisses.

When his ambush goes awry, Ariq discovers just how deeply he can hurt her—but the real danger to Zenobia is one that he never expected…

The Kraken King Part IV is the latest edition in this amazingly fun steampunk series. While steampunk is not my "go to" genera, it's sure been a great ballon fish ride thus far! I'm loving it and all the amazing mechanical doodads that circle around these vivid characters. 

Who would have thought that steampunk could be so fun? Not me. Our leading pair have been captured by the bad guys, and escape is looking pretty grim. But never give up on the power to survive! It's sure helpful to have The Kraken King on your side! Though he's yet to show his tentacles *wink wink* the drama is building and political plots are out to get everyone. 

Drama, action and romance are filling these pages. All I could ask for is more! 80 pages just flies by before you know it. I wish this was a lager series with more to read in one sitting. But that's beyond my pay grade so I'll just sit and suck my thumb while rocking back and forth in this padded room. Sharon will let me out at some point….maybe. 

But back to the story! The drama builds as we dive back into this ever changing world of wonder. Strap on your goggles and get ready for some action and adventure! 

Getting 4 and 1/2 Sheep

KD 

Book Review: The Kraken King (Parts 1-3) by Meljean Brook

The Kraken King (Part I) 
By: Meljean Brook
Romance, Steampunk
Pub Date: April 15th, 2014

Plot:
A former smuggler and thief, Ariq—better known as the Kraken King—doesn’t know what to make of the clever, mysterious woman he rescues from an airship besieged by marauders. Unsure if she’s a spy or a pawn in someone else’s game, Ariq isn’t about to let her out of his sight until he finds out…

After escaping her fourth kidnapping attempt in a year, Zenobia Fox has learned to vigilantly guard her identity. While her brother Archimedes is notorious for his exploits, Zenobia has had no adventures to call her own—besides the stories she writes...

...but when she jumps at the chance to escape to the wilds of Australia and acquire research for her next story, Zenobia quickly discovers the voyage will be far more adventurous than any fiction she could put to paper.

I'm the first to admit, I love Steampunk fashion, but for whatever reason…I can't get into the fantasy stories. Until now. Yes, you read that right! Katie is digging some Steampunk Romance!!!

The first book in this series really does a great job of setting the foundation for the next installment to come. Our leading lady starts out the saga with some high-flying action, literally. I loved it. I love her body guards/companions and meeting Ariq (Sounds like Eric) *fans self*, yeah I'm all kinds of into Kraken romance for sure!

Tentacle arms? There's no mention yet, but he is named after the sea monster so…..hey either way, I'm into it!

I only wish the story was longer! All too soon things are cut off and you're left feeling ripped off. MORE STORY!!! I'm needy and I don't care who knows it.

The Kraken King (Part II) 

By: Meljean Brook
Romance, Steampunk
Pub Date: April 22nd, 2014

Plot:
As they continue their expedition across Australia, Ariq is determined to stay close to Zenobia and figure out what kind of game she’s playing—even as his admiration for the enigmatic woman starts to override his suspicion.

For Zenobia, revealing her identity to a man who once made his living outside of the law is out of the question—even though Ariq’s dashing looks and blunt manner are distractingly appealing.

But before anyone’s secrets or desires can be exposed, an unexpected attack threatens to destroy them all…

I thought book one started with a bang, dear Kraken was I wrong. Book two gets even better! There was such a shocking/emotional scene in this edition, I really had no clue who was going to live or die. Nail bitter!

I'm finding myself lost in this Steampunk world, and while it's still hard to really get into the mechanical side of it all, I am loving the drama between our main pair.

Sometimes you're totally wrong with assumptions about people and Zenobia is quick to come to her conclusions. Totally understandable when you've been used and abused for so long. PS: Mean people suck.

This voyage is becoming an epic journey that's sure to change lives! I'm all in. Cash in the chips and call me an addict. I want more, give me more! There's another story arc in the book but I don't care about that. I skip right over it to get to the Kraken!

The Kraken King (Part III) 
By: Meljean Brook
Romance, Steampunk
Pub Date: April 29th, 2014

Plot:
After a harrowing escape, Zenobia, Ariq, and their company take refuge in a gold rush town—but their temporary port is anything but safe. When Zenobia is almost abducted, Ariq comes to her rescue and asks for something in return: he wants to know her secrets.

Zenobia reveals that her aim is to collect information for her next story, but Ariq can’t believe that her motives are so simple. Suspecting that all of Zenobia’s “research” is actually an intelligence-gathering effort for the Horde rebellion, Ariq decides to employ a new tactic to get the truth.

Shocked and overwhelmed by Ariq’s sudden seduction, Zenobia isn’t sure his interest is sincere. But while her head is telling her to keep him at arm’s length, her heart is an entirely different matter…

As I dived into part III, things between our lead pair start out with angst and drama, but then kind of lull in the middle. I did not see this coming. Ariq spends a lot of time with everyone OTHER then Zenobia. My girl gets no love.

I get it, the author is showing other sides to this world, but I am greedy and want more of the main pair. Too much time is spent talking to this vishous lord and that, gah, give me more between the pair!

Just when I'm about to skim read to the end, the action picks back up and Ariq throws himself in the heart of danger to save his lady love! Finally! Meljean, don't tease me with drama and action and get side tracked. I'm an addict who needs a fix. Shoot the next story into my vein and let's get this party started!

I can't wait for fourth story and will gladly cause murder to get it. You can quote me on that. *winks*

Books I - III get 4 'take me to the deep sea Ariq' Sheep

KD