Title: Shadow’s Claim
Author: Kresley Cole
First published November 27, 2012
481 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9781451650051 (ISBN10: 1451650051)
Rating: 4.25
Overview
Kresley Cole’s Shadow’s Claim takes readers on a thrilling journey to the hidden vampire kingdom of Dacia. In the realm of blood and mist, Prince Trehan, a master assassin, has never wanted anything for himself until he lays eyes on Bettina, a beautiful sorceress.
Desperate to win her heart, Trehan must compete in a deadly tournament to the death, fighting for the right to make Bettina his mate. But even if he emerges victorious, winning Bettina’s heart will prove to be an even greater challenge.
With the stakes higher than ever, Trehan must unleash his savage need for Bettina or risk losing her forever. Will he be able to claim his bride and keep her heart?
Find out in Shadow’s Claim.
About the Author
Meet Kresley Cole, a talented author who has achieved #1 New York Times bestseller status with her gripping Immortals After Dark paranormal series, as well as her captivating young adult Arcana Chronicles series, and the steamy Gamemakers series. Her five historical romances have also earned her numerous awards for her impressive writing skills.
Having completed a master’s degree and excelled in athletics, Cole has explored much of the world, drawing inspiration from her travels to create her unforgettable characters and settings. Her books have been translated into 23 languages, won three RITA awards, and landed her a spot in the RWA Hall of Fame.
Her works consistently appear on bestseller lists around the world.
When she’s not writing, Cole resides in Florida with her loved ones. To learn more about this remarkable author, visit her website.
Editoral Review
Shadow’s Claim, by Kresley Cole, is a riveting paranormal romance that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. Cole is a New York Times bestselling author and a master of the genre, known for her thrilling plots, steamy romance, and complex characters.
In this book, she delivers on all fronts, with a story that is both heart-wrenching and pulse-pounding. The book is set in a richly imagined world, where immortals known as the Lore live among humans, hidden in plain sight.
The Lore are divided into different factions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The main character, Trehan Daciano, is a vampire from a powerful house, the Dacians.
He is cold and calculating, with a reputation as a deadly assassin. But when he meets his fated bride, Bettina, he is thrown off balance.
Bettina is a half-demon princess, who has been sheltered her entire life. She is beautiful, innocent, and utterly unaware of her own power.
The plot revolves around Trehan’s pursuit of Bettina, and the obstacles they must overcome to be together. Along the way, they face threats from other factions, as well as from within their own ranks.
The stakes are high, as Trehan and Bettina must fight not only for their love, but also for their lives. One of the strengths of Shadow’s Claim is the depth of the worldbuilding.
Cole has created a richly textured world, with a complex mythology and a detailed history. She weaves in elements from different cultures and time periods, creating a fascinating tapestry of mythology and folklore.
This adds depth and richness to the story, and makes it stand out from other paranormal romance novels. Another strength is the character development.
Both Trehan and Bettina are complex and nuanced characters, with their own strengths and weaknesses. They are both flawed, but sympathetic, and the reader will root for them throughout their journey.
The romance between them is also well-written, with plenty of steamy scenes that will leave readers swooning. However, the book is not without its flaws.
The pacing can be slow at times, with some scenes dragging on for too long. Additionally, some readers may find the worldbuilding overwhelming, with too many factions and characters to keep track of.
Overall, Shadow’s Claim is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of paranormal romance. It is well-written, with engaging characters and a captivating plot.
While it is not perfect, it is definitely worth picking up for anyone looking for a good love story with a paranormal twist. I would give it a rating of four out of five stars.
