Wicked Abyss
by Kresley Cole
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Gallery Books
Book #17 in the Immortals After Dark series
Number of Pages: 401
Kindle Edition
Source: MCL
Paranormal Romance
Ages 17 and up
CW: kidnapping, violence
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The terrifying king of hell…
As a boy, Abyssian “Sian” Infernas had his heart shattered by a treacherous fey beauty who died before he could exact vengeance. Millennia later, a curse has transformed him into a demonic monster–just as she’s been reincarnated. Sian captures the delicate but bold female, forcing her back to hell.
Meets his match.
Princess Calliope “Lila” Barbot’s people have hated and feared Abyssian and his alliance of monsters for eons. When the beastly demon imprisons her in his mystical castle, vowing revenge for betrayals she can’t remember, Lila makes her own vow: to bring down the wicked beast for good.
Can two adversaries share one happily-ever-after?
As Calliope turns hell inside out, the all-powerful Sian finds himself defenseless against his feelings for her. In turn, Lila reluctantly responds to the beast’s cleverness and gruff vulnerability. But when truths from a far distant past are revealed, can their tenuous bond withstand ages of deceit, a curse, and a looming supernatural war?
Although there was definite heat and chemistry between Lila and Sian, it was disappointing that we didn’t get their first kiss until well after the halfway mark. Yes, there were other sexy times, yet I was missing that deeper connection I knew their kiss would bring. Once that kiss happens, the sexy times get even sexier so it’s well worth the wait.
There is a lot to love about this story, especially if you are a fan of fairy tales. In particular, Disney fairy tales and Beauty and the Beast. It’s a lot of fun catching all of the little Easter eggs throughout the book. But you all know I am not a fan of the “big secret” trope. This story is a huge “big secret”.
That being said, I adore both Lila (aka Calliope) and Sian (Abyssian). I even understand, to a certain extent, why they are keeping important things from one another. Their pull toward one another is exquisite. I yearned for them to not overreact to the secrets each were keeping. Of course, I knew that wouldn’t be possible with a primordial demon, but a girl can dream. Sometimes I just get so frustrated with Nix, even when I know she knows what she’s doing the whole time. This is one of those cases. I feel as though she threw Lila into the lion’s den with no preparation. Of course, with the limited knowledge Lila had she would be defensive and secretive.
Lila being taken so unawares really brought out her intellect and wily nature for the reader and Sian to see. If nothing else, Calliope has gumption. She’s extremely headstrong and brave. Though terrified, she never gave up or gave in. Sian couldn’t help but admire and want her.
This story really gives more of a peek at another Morior, Uthyr the dragon shifter. I love him! He is so level headed and wise, but in a totally laid-back way. I cannot wait to learn his secrets. Seeing Sian interact with Uthyr and, a bit less but no less impactful, Rune was so wonderful. The Morior have such an amazing bond, even when they don’t always agree or even like one another. I guess that’s what happens when you are bonded to others for millennia.
One of my favorite characters in this book is the actual realm of Pandemonia. Make no mistake, the land is a character unto itself. The way it and the castle have a mind of their own and lead this couple, even more than Nix, where they need to be is so intriguing. I only wish other characters in the future could spend extended time in the castle so we can watch it work again.
I’ve finally somewhat caught up, with only Munro left to read in this series (so far). Unfortunately, it just came out in January and it looks like it’ll be hard for me to get my hands on. I just cannot, at this time, justify the high ebook price and none of my various library sources has the book. What!?! I’ll be speaking to my librarian about requesting it asap. It’s crazy to me that such a highly anticipated book is nowhere to be found at my online and brick and mortar library and all of the vast networks they entail.
4 stars
All In Good Time 