Review & Discussion: The Kraken King Part 4 by Meljean Brook (Iron Seas #4.4)

The Kraken King Part 4: The Kraken King and the Inevitable Abduction (Iron Seas #4)
Meljean Brook
Published: May 6, 2014 (Avon)
Purchase: Amazon
Review source: copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Amy

Rating (out of 5): 5 stars

Note from Chelsea/VBC: The Kraken King is being published as a serial with a new part offered each week. We’re such super fans of Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series that we decided to review this as a read along. So each week you’ll get Amy’s take on the latest part and we’ll discuss it in the comments. Catch up with Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

After Zenobia was almost kidnapped (again) in Part 3, by people looking to get a great ransom for her return, and after Ariq promptly steps in and handles the situation, our group is finally on the road (or in the skies) to the Red City. Ariq has revealed her identity to everyone, claiming Zenobia is under The Kraken King’s protection. Because of this, Ariq is ready to get the entire truth about who Zenobia Fox is, and he’s given her one day to tell him.

In my mind, after this sorta-kinda ultimatum was delivered I had no doubt that there would finally be resolution between Ariq and Zenobia and the secrets she carries. It was time; time to move the story along in other ways. Besides I think it’s safe to say that no matter what she reveals at this point it’s not going to diminish anything between them. I always like it when a hero doesn’t get deterred from the things that he wants, even if he’s not getting the whole truth. I’m glad that Ariq seems to have understood Zenobia enough and seen enough of her actions, to know that she’s worth it. I was very happy to see Zenobia put aside her reservations and fears and trust the feelings she has for Ariq over what her head may be telling her.

The Kraken King and the Inevitable Abduction has been my favorite part thus far. Things between Ariq and Zenobia really heat up and Meljean Brook is certainly in her element with the steamier scenes. I loved the way she wove the growing attraction/relationship between Ariq and Zenobia, with Ariq’s determination to find out everything Zenobia’s been hiding. It opens Zenobia up to vulnerabilities Ariq didn’t know she had and lets him know just how much his thoughts or opinions can affect her.

Being halfway through the serial, I can’t help but feel like this is just the tip of the iceberg as far as trouble goes for our characters. So far they’ve been chasing it, but now it’s caught up to them. The title gives it away, but since it’s also inevitable I guess we should have figured it was coming!

We’ll see how everyone fares in Part 5 The Kraken King and the Iron Heart.

DISCUSSION

1. What are your thoughts about Damsels in Distress? Do you like a story where every now and then, even the fiercest woman needs to be saved by a strong, capable man? Or do you prefer the woman to stand on her own (and maybe do a little saving herself once in awhile)?
2. How do you think this Inevitable Abduction will play out?
3. What are your thoughts about the scenes between Ariq and Zenobia in this installment?

Sexual content: References to sex; Kissing!