Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
Release Date - October 1, 2013
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**
Here is the Goodreads synopsis
In the second book of the Arcana Chronicles Evie has now fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress. And Jackson was there to see it all. In the aftermath of killing Arthur, the tarot Alchemist, Evie realizes that a war is brewing between the other teens that, following the apocalypse, have been given powers and its kill or be killed.Dark. Sexy. Amazing. Those are just a few of the words that I would use to describe Endless Knight. A sequel that delivers answers, asks more questions, and ups the stakes for all the main characters.
Things get even more complicated when Evie meets Death, the mysterious, sexy Endless Knight. Somehow the Empress and Death share a romantic history - one that Evie can't remember, but Death can't forget. She is drawn to the Endless Knight, but is in love with Jack. Determined to discover why she's been granted these powers, Evie struggles to accept her place in a prophecy that will either save the world, or completely destroy it.
The war is heating up and things are getting intense as more teens enter the fray. These bonds that the characters have built are being tested, and it's devastating to know that they could turn on each other at any time. The reader is on edge along with the characters because as each 'tarot card' is removed from the battle field, the pool of participants gets smaller and smaller. There can only be one victor. The idea of an alliance is tantalizing, but it's laced with the reality that it can not last. It added sense of urgency to the story that only added to it's break neck pace.
Evie is quickly becoming a character I enjoy. She's well aware of her skills, and uses what she can to her advantage.She is also well aware of her flaws. She possess a self awareness that is refreshing. She is determined to change, and learn from mistakes made in the past. Her conviction is one of the strongest things about her. She deliciously walks a little on the naughty side, and the fact that she often wants to give into her darker impulses makes her compelling.
Death is rather fascinating. His motivations for his actions were unexpected. HE was unexpected. His walls, and abrasiveness are understandable once you know his story. His history, and background are woven into the plot, and revealed at the perfect pace. We get to see him at this worst, and he slowly gains Evie's (and the reader's) trust by allowing little vulnerability to come through.
Matthew is still my favourite. Driven half crazy by the voices he hears, this installment made me feel even worse for him. My heart broke for him in some scenes, and yet I never forgot how cunning he actually is. Friendships are one of the often overlooked aspects in novels, especially those between members of the opposite sex. Evie and Matthew's bond is strong. They need each other, and depend on each other. There is no underlying tension, which is refreshing. It's a look at a friendship that develops organically through shared experiences, and learned trust.
I am not overly enamored by either Death or Jackson. They're both total Alpha males, which doesn't appeal to me. I predict many will swoon over both of them, and this maybe one of the hardest triangles for a lot of readers. Both guys are pretty interesting, and on equal footing.As I am not hugely invested in either guy, this love triangle actually appeals to me. I don't have a preferred outcome, and can instead enjoy the ebbs and flows that happen. It's refreshing to not have one of the guys sway me. Each boy gives Evie something different that she needs. Jackson awakens her sensual side, where Death awakens her mind. Evie can talk to Death for hours, and her and Jackson get along better when they're not talking. She gets something different, but essential from each guy. Nobody can be everything for someone, and I think both guys are important to Evie's progress as a character.
The story is taken to some pretty enticing places, and leaves you eager to devour the next installment. Rapid pacing, intense action, sizzling romance, and characters will keep you engrossed in it's pages, and begging for more. A story that is highly unique, sexy, and brimming with unapologetic fun. I loved Poison Princess but Endless Knight consumed me.
