Review: King Cave

King Cave by Scarlett Dawn
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Source: eARC courtesy of author via NetGalley

Please note this is a review of book 2 in the series and may include some spoilers of book 1

This is one of the most anticipated 2014 release for me and it’s the second time in a row that Scarlett Dawn has succeeded in making me chuckle out loud and then tear up. And I kid you not, my tears freely ran down my face and dripped onto my e-reader. King Cave was all that I expected and more. There were good bits, some really good bits, and some bits I didn’t like -hey, you can never get everything you want in life, right? The important factor is that Scarlett has taken me on a ride to who knew where, full of twists and unexpected turns, with the consequence that she’s really gotten under my skin –well, not her exactly but these stories of hers.

I loved it that King Cave picked up right where King Hall left off; right in the middle of a battle. A truly thrilling beginning which then slowed right down right before what we all expected to happen happened. Woah, it was absolutely electrifying; the sparks were flying off the page and this fire is not going to be put out, ever! Let’s just say that it wasn’t a smooth ride and we’re yet to see the resolution to this issue.

This is a book which could’ve been a read in a single sitting for me, despite its massive size (my e-reader informed me: 445 pages). Unfortunately, work interferes (yet, again!) though when I went home, I pretty much ignored the boys to finish reading it. It was so addictive and I just couldn’t put it down. The story transported me to a whole new world and I was completely tuned out to my own world. I love these characters and the way they interact with each other; I love the easy camaraderie between these 4 prodigies –the humour and the love they shared between them.

Ezra’s lips twitched, and then he leaned forward whispering air, “Not as sweet as the sixth car I wrecked. Remind me later to tell you about that.”
Jack chuckled, lifting his chin once in confirmation.
I smacked Ezra’s stomach, muttering harshly, “That’s dangerous.”
His chest puffed, and he rumbled, “I breathe danger.”
“Oh, good God, he did not just say that,” Pearl muttered.

This wasn’t, by any level, an easy sort of read. There were a lot of heartbreaks and issues to work through. The one that really touches me was one about risking your heart…

It’s trust, Ezra. Trust that the person you love won’t hurt you with unkindness and disrespect. Trust that the person won’t crush your heart with infidelity. Trust that, in the end, your partner will love you just as much as you love them, because there will be problems in life that threaten to tear you apart. It’s simply trust.

The one thing I couldn’t fully appreciate was the sex scenes. They were pretty smashing but some of them were a lot more graphical than what was in King Hall and therefore, quite unexpected. There were a few in short succession and combined with the sort of words used, I was, to start with, a little concern that this was going to be an ‘erotica’ sort of books rather than the NA Romance Fantasy it was supposed to be. I wasn’t offended but just slightly disappointed with this turn of words. Please note, though, that this is a personal preference. I believe there are many fans out there who totally loved this part of the book.

There are only 2 other minor complaints, one of which is the lack of airtime for Pearl and Jack –where did they go? Whilst I love reading all about Lily and Ezra, I feel like I’m missing quite a lot of what’s happening with Pearl and Jack and then, *time jump* they’re suddenly inseparable. The only other thing has got to do with names and clichés. The first pair, I could deal with, barely rolling my eyes but the second pair almost made me gag. I’m allocating this as a minor issue because I think there’s something being set up in the next book, maybe, to play out these clichés. If so, I may just have to take this comment back!

This ending of King Hall was nearly a deal breaker last time; ending a book that way was just too cruel! The ending of King Cave though was a heartbreaker. I’m in pain –the suffering is nearly unbearable. How long until King Tomb…??! I’m pretty sure I’d probably be crying my heart out throughout the next book… I’m just going to have to live with my heart in pieces for a few months.

Thank you, Scarlett Dawn & Harlequin Books Australia, for copy of eARC via NetGalley

If you’re interested in purchasing any book in this trilogy, you can visit Scarlett Dawn’s website, here, which will have purchase links for each book.

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Review: King Hall

King Hall by Scarlett Dawn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: eARC courtesy of Harlequin Australia via NetGalley

My first reaction after I finished the book was:

Was. So. Very. Extremely. Frustratingly. UPSET.

Why?!??! I really needed that disclaimer that this book ends with the Mother of a Cliffhanger. Bah! How in the world am I supposed to survive waiting for the next book?! I don’t even know when that will be!

Before I began reading, I was actually in a bit of a rut and wasn’t in the mood to read (Sorry, what?!? I know, the weirdest feeling ever). However, the humorous beginning lured me right in and though I was worried that this world might be a little bit complicated at that time of the morning, I was totally sucked in by first the humour, Lily as MC, the idea of lifemates (I’m a sucker for that type of romance), and then broken hearted. Within a few chapters, King Hall has had me chuckling, snorting [eye-roll moments], and crying (well, quite teary at any rate). I was raving about it a couple of hours later at lunch to my colleague who probably thought I was a little bit nuts since we haven’t seen each other in a while but all I could talk about was this book I’m reading. Errm, I love you too  xx

King Hall is the name of a college for Mysticals (ie. non-humans / “Commoners”). There are 4 types of Mysticals: Shifters, Vampires, Elementals, and Mages. Whilst showing a united front to Commoners, Mysticals do not like to mix and each group has their own ruler. Lily is not supposed to be one. In fact, she’s not supposed to even exist. However, she and 3 other Mysticals are the next in line to ruling each groups. Whilst relationships between rulers are usually quite reserved and sometimes, strained, due to the segregation, a tragedy brought these 4 together and forged a beautiful friendship. Of course, due to their Mystical natures, they are all beautiful physically and ‘friendly’ –so there’s that very interesting aspect of their friendship.

The friendship between Lily, Ezra, Jack, and Pearl was amazing to behold. It was an unfortunate tragedy which truly brought them together but they stayed strong together, trusted each other and truly accepted each other as different as they are. This was one of the best bits of the book. Of course, the quirky, snappy, sarcastic comments were most entertaining. And any sparks between characters helps the total enjoyment of the story. There was always something happening and it keeps me swiping through to the end [Note: only available in ebooks so there is no turning to be done, only swiping ;)].

I’m a little confused with the world building though as I feel there are some things that weren’t explained properly (or if it was, I completely missed it). For example, each Mystical have different powers but what exactly are their nature? I don’t understand how vampires are walking around in daytime and have body heat though I love the significance of hair colour – just imagine what a colourful the world it is.

King Hall was un-put-down-able for me. I had to keep on reading just one more chapter till I suddenly reached the end. I hope book 2 will come soon with lots of answers to questions I had from this book though I wouldn’t mind (in fact, I would totally love it) if there is a prequel of some sort about Lily & Dominic. psst, Dawn, I may just forgive you for this cliffhanger ending, if I can have this prequel to tide me over whilst waiting for book 2 This book will be one of those I’d recommend waiting for the next book, unfortunately. Can’t you just tell how very upset I am…. 

Thank you, Harlequin Australia for providing copy of ebook in exchange of honest review

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