Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark)

I have read all the Immortals After Dark Books and I couldn't wait to read this one!! I loved the lead up to this book and I couldn't wait to see where Kresley took it. I loved it! I finished the whole book in one day...I couldn't put it down.

Completely worth the wait!!! All my favorite characters made an appearance. So many new plot developments were revealed that I'm already dying for the next book. Going to need to reread this one immediately!

I must say I've been reading The IAD series for years now & it hasn't disappointed me yet. All the characters are completely individual & unique. The storylines suck you in until you feel like your a part of the lore & all it excitement & mystery.

I hate giving a bad review to Ms Cole. I love her IAD series but this one was the worst of the lot even more so than MacRieve and that is saying a lot. Probably the worst pairing of all her books. The hero and heroine are so forgettable. There is absolutely no chemistry between them.

As expected no disappointment. Been waiting for Thronos and Melanthe's story, and could not put it down till the end. Next please. Not saying I can't wait for the next one, but not saying I can either ??. Kresley Cole.... You ROCK!!!

absolutely love this series cant wait to see what nix has install next, wish Thronos was real what a great story, the pace is great just like all the other books in the series, so in love with this world and all its characters, you never see what coming, Keresley Cole is an amazing writer.

I like the Kresley Cole Immortals After Dark series but they are so interconnected that if you don't write some of the characters down you get lost on future books. It took me almost to the end of the book to place some of the characters.

Awesome read.....the characters and storyline pulls you into the action and makes you think you are there. One of the most absorbing novels I have read from this Author...seems she gets better with each book

Adventure, misunderstanding, humor, heartache, and love. This was an epic story that provided hours of enjoyment. Kresley Cole writes a kick ass book that you can't put down. Highly recommend this book.

This is my second favorite IAD book!! This story has it all. Friendship, untruths, hate, and love. By the end of this book I was in tears. Lanthe and Thanos over come so much. Definitely worth the read!!

I'm giving it a four and not a five because of the drop the ball ending. I enjoyed the love story even more than Lothaire which is one of my favorites. I was on edge in some of the planes they went to really great story lame ending needed at least one more chapter it just stopped...doh!!!!!!

Updated to 4.5 stars after a second read. I just didn't get it right the first time. Everything that is needed for a great book is there. Scarred, misunderstood warrior, check. Gorgeous, powerful female, check, fantastical world with strange beings, check, action packed plot, check, tie in with older books and characters updates, check. I love Lanthe. I love Thronos. I love the plot, love the new worlds. And it pushes the storyline forward with Nix and Furie, so it’s a must read. The plot is as good as the older books in the series, very action packed, almost too action packed, there is a lot that happens, think Catching Fire and Edge of Tomorrow, even Avatar. Honestly that whole scenario on Pandemonia could have been a book in itself if it were written less hurriedly.

I am a huge fan of Kresley Cole's work but based on the previous IAD series this series did not soar for me. I guess I got high hopes for this pairing since they have been recurring in the past books. Really took me 5 days to finish(a day or 2 tops on most of her books to finish). Not my favorite among the bunch. I feel this is more of a transition book for the next books to come...hoping for Jesen fingers crossed!

I was very nervous about Dark Syke after MacRieve, especially since it featured two characters that I favored, and I really wanted their love story to work perfectly. But my fears were unwarranted, and the book is one of the best in the series! It is epic, lush, and imaginative, with a creative range of settings that felt stunningly evocative and cool. Just amazing all around. Lanthe and Thronos are complicated and likeable, with a countless number of sweet and funny exchanges that showed how well-done and thoughtful this book is. A love story that felt earned. 5 stars. Epic.

Kresley Cole’s DARK SKYE is exciting and electric, so hot it sizzles, packed full of action and absolutely riveting. It may be the fifteenth novel in the author’s Immortals After Dark series but it brings all the intensity, chemistry, and steamy hot love scenes readers have come to expect and so much more. The pace is blistering, the setting is epic, the dynamic between Thronos and Lanthe is intoxicating, and their story – their past, their present, their connection – is out-of-this world amazing. It is a truly unforgettable installment in this incredible series.

For centuries, Thronos has focused on nothing other than battle and tracking Melanthe, the girl he’d fallen in love with, the girl who all but destroyed him. But when he finally catches up with her, he has to decide whether his need for revenge on this woman outweighs his desire for her.

With all that she’s done to him, to his body and his mind, the choice won’t be easy. And with her ability to persuade, he’s not sure he’ll ever be able to trust her. But he can’t deny what they once had and what they are meant to be.

For centuries, Lanthe’s hatred of the Vrekener has grown. Thronos betrayed her. His kind ruthlessly hunted her and her sister. Now that she’s his captive, rendered almost powerless, she has to put revenge on the back-burner and focus on her escape.

With everything he’s done to her and her family, it won’t be easy. But seeing how much pain he’s in, she can’t help but feel guilty for what she did and sympathy for what he’s had to endure. And as much as she wishes she could, she can’t forget the boy he once was or deny her attraction to the man he now is.

Kresley Cole delivers a story that will captivate and entice, with a plot that is gripping and seductive, and characters who are passionate, deadly, and wickedly appealing. It’s a story that packs a punch, takes readers through wonderfully imaginative worlds, puts their emotions on one hell of a crazy rollercoaster ride, and will leave them eagerly awaiting the next installment.

DARK SKYE is an outstanding, must read addition to the series. Thronos and Lanthe’s story has it all – heartbreak, romance, conflict, tension and suspense, heat and adventure. More is revealed about the coming battle, peeks at some of the series’ most infamous characters are given, and questions will be raised about who will be on what side when the lines are finally drawn.

For readers looking for a scaling hot story that will blow their mind, DARK SKYE will not disappoint.

Caution *SPOILERS*

I repeat **SPOILERS**

Wow! Just wow! Kresley has actually outdone herself. She's apparently said that this is her best IAD novel.... EVER. I'm not totally on board with that statement (as unfortunately my heart belongs to Mari and Bowen's story!) but by the gods! This book did NOT disappoint! We first met Lanthe and Thronos in book number 7, so their story has been a long time coming. After escaping the Order, and the Island on which they are imprisoned, Throno's FINALLY has Lanthe! For centuries he has hunted her, and now that he has her, he wont be letting go any time soon....

I really shipped Throno's and Lanthe. Watching their story unfold was really special. I liked where Kresley chose to take the direction of their relationship and I also like how fleshed out their time apart as children growing into adults was. It really gave their relationship that extra something. I liked that she chose different for our female and male leads, having our male lead play the virgin while our female lead was more... promiscuous! Not to say that this hasn't happened before in other IAD novels (Carrow and Malkom) but Lanthe and her male conquests had a lot of back story, which for some reason as a reader, I really liked and appreciated.

My heart broke for the couple a lot of times throughout the book. When Lanthe relived Throno's memory of when he found her again when she was 16?! By the gods, I think hearts broke all over the world reading that part. Ugh, or when she relived his memory of falling as a boy from the tower?? So sad! It seemed heartbreaking to me that this couple had wasted so MANY YEARS with misunderstandings and half spoken truths. What ever happened to just sitting down and talking it out?! Oh, I forgot.. in the Lore, if you do this... you risk losing a paw or a limb! However, I'm glad to see that they got their happy ending.

OH-EM-GEE about Furie?!?!?! Did any body else pee their pants with excitement at the mention of this?! I almost wanted to skip Lanthe and Throno's story all together because I HAD to know what happens to her! I'm dying. DYING I TELL YOU!!!!! I couldn't be more excited for the development of this story. Her mate is gunna have to be a huge bad ass to be a match to her! And Nixies petition for godesshood!!!?!?!?!?! Wow wow wow. I'm salivating! *watching this space*

Some issues!
1) I was a little miffed that Aristo's was already dead upon Throno's and Lanthes return to Skye. While he had it coming (Trehan? killed him in Betina's book: Shadow's Claim), I still think that he was such a huge vital part of Lanthe and Throno's story, that his death was a bit of a let down. I wanted retribution for Lanthe and Sabine! His death left a lot to be desired, it was so anti-climactic.
2) I would have LOVED to have seen more on what happened with Pandemonium at the end of the novel. You knew that Kresley was building up to Lanthe and Throno's return, but you don't exactly KNOW what happens. I can only assume that she will return to this in a cross over in another upcoming book.
3) Also, are you telling me that in all of this time. Over the centuries and millenia's that the Vrekener have lived as a species... not ONE of the them has EVER traced? Or EVER come to the realization that they are either demons or very closely related to the demon species????? Seems pretty far fetched to me, Pandemonium or not.
4) The ending, with Morgana. Before I read the book, I had the ending mapped out in my head as a massive battle scene in my head of the Vrekener warring against the Sorcery and the Rage demons. Sabine was there in my head too, and some awesome battle was taking place. But in reality, the ending was much more anti-climatic also. It was a bit of a let down BUT I still loved it so... I'll let it go.
5) And last but not least... Lanthe's pregnancy... we could see that coming a mile off. The mention of her fertility cycle throughout the entire book kind of put a damper on things. You knew it was coming so it wasn't really a surprise.

Overall, Kresley did an amazing job with this book. She should be proud. All of her IAD novels are off the charts! I enjoyed this book and I would recommend to all!

Fans of the Immortals After Dark series waited (mostly) patiently five years for the story of Thronos and Melanthe. Dark Skye was more than worth the wait and, to me, not only makes the podium but wins a big shiny gold medal for best book in the series...so far.

Disappointment over Dark Skye? Inconceivable. At this rate I'm wondering when we'll start seeing Kresley Cole's face on Wheaties Cereal boxes. Breakfast of Champions.

Five hundred years ago Lanthe and Thronos met by accident as children. While Thronos is a Vrekener, a winged, behorned creature, Melanthe belongs to the Sept of Sorceri - an enemy to the Vrekeners. When Thronos sensed she would one day become his mate none of that mattered and they became the best of friends. Until one terrible night destroyed both their families and made them sworn eternal enemies. Now as Lanthe and Thronos flee the island where thousands of immortal Lore creatures were imprisoned they will finally face each other...and their own mistakes and misconceptions.

This book has basically all my favorite romance tropes: childhood friends, enemies-to-lovers, a virgin hero (yeah not a trope but VIRGIN HERO). `Nuff said. Lanthe and Thronos had sizzling chemistry but what makes it my favorite romance of the series is the trust and friendship they share. It isn't easy getting there but the journey is incredible. In many ways Dark Skye is about journeys. There is oodles of relationship development, giving it a very character-driven feel...but what makes it even better is that it's actually a wild adventure from the very first page to the very last. The steady character development and fast paced storyline was totally seamless. This is storytelling at its finest, folks. I would faithfully await an interminable number of years between releases for books like this.

In no particular order here's a few more things that make me altogether adore Dark Skye:

1. Melanthe: She's ousted her sister Sabine from her place as my favorite heroine in the series. It was a serious catfight - we all know how Sabine hates sharing the spotlight. Melanthe is unapologetic about the way she lives her life and 100 percent comfortable with herself. She's smart and brave but flawed in very real ways. I just loved her attitude and really connected with her character.

2. Thronos: I like reading alpha males but they can be infuriatingly unbending. Although he got off to a rough start I admired his willingness to change and look at the world in ways that challenge everything he thought was true. He's big, sexy, a little complicated...and completed devoted to Melanthe. The virgitude didn't hurt either. He's earned a place in my highly exclusive harem of book boyfriends. And his honesty? So. Damn. Refreshing.

3) Worldbuilding: Dark Skye takes readers to all new settings in the Lore, allowing no time to miss the old ones. KC has already created a sprawling world of many immortal paranormal creatures in the Lore. From a kingdom floating in the sky to a clash of opposing cultures this book enriches that world with each new scene.

4) Series Direction: My biggest complaint for the IAD is that it seems to lack some overall direction. Every 500 years the Accession, a mystical checks and balances, forces immortals to war and kill each other off. It's basically population control. Dark Skye has inched that progress forward a bit, given readers some clues about characters and events. While more progression is preferable after a few somewhat static books every other component of Dark Skye was spot on for me, and at this point I'm nitpicking. Besides I don't think I'll mind if this series goes on forever.

5) Old Friends: There were a few guests appearances, including a shoutout to Lothaire, the Enemy of Old (who is as mad as every, BTW). Throw in a couple of Sorceri, a few demons and a Valkyrie or three and Dark Skye is seriously mixing it up. But what about everyone's favorite, the one and only predeterminationally-abled Nix the Ever Knowing? She's back and more confusing - and hilarious - than ever.

And since I know you're a cheeky little monkey and just want to know how steamy this book really is: it's smoking hot. Oh, is it steamy.

The Immortals After Dark series has every element that makes for excellent paranormal romance, and it has it in droves. It's also utterly unmatched in sexiness. Dark Skye was everything I couldn't conceive to hope it would be. The love story, the comedy (KC has a crackling sense of humor), the edge-of-your seat excitement...it's one of those books that makes me feel the need to write a handwritten thank-you to the author.

Also. Virgin hero.

Yeah, have to say... just okay. I'm a huge fan of Kresley Cole and I LOVE the IAD series. But, and you knew a but was coming... this was kind of dull. The characters didn't have the same spark as other IAD protagonists and in some ways, I almost felt like Cole was going through the motions, like she's burned out with this whole IAD thing. I was looking for the unexpected humor, the bad ass Lorean woman, the hot sexual tension... instead it was just lukewarm.
In some ways, Cole wrote herself into a corner because she made the Vrekeners and Thronos sexual uptight Loreans. So we didn't get the unlikely couple having hot sex before they've even worked out their differences like, Lothaire and Ellie, MacRieve and Chloe, etc. So there's no sex until into the second half of the book. So maybe, I'm pervy, but I look forward to Cole's sex scenes! She writes those so well. Instead, we get one nasty portal experience after another, to the point that I was getting annoyed. Is this Pilgrim's Progress? Just get to the erotic part already! A couple of the portal experiences were good and bonded the characters, like when Thronos thought Lanthe had died and he had to re-live that. It was a breakthrough moment for him. Wish there were more scenes like those. The last quarter of the book is the best part, although, even then I felt like Cole wanted to wrap up a lot of stuff... like what's going on with Nix becoming a goddess and the Ascension. This book felt a lot like exposition to finalize the series. These characters had a lot of potential and I expected more for $11. Seriously, 11 bucks for an e-book?! That's crazy. Kresley, girl... you need to remember your fans. I want you to make money as a writer. Really. Writers are underpaid. But, that's a bit over the top. Okay, truthfully, I was more interested in what happened to Munro. It's going to be tough to go back to his story now since this narrative seems to supersede that time period. But, I think it would be cool to try and give us that one last hot Lorean romance.

When it comes to sexy paranormal romance series, Immortals After Dark and their author Kresley Cole are in a league of their own. I will freely admit that I have been a Cole and IMD (Immortals After Dark) devotee for **clears throat** years (had a lot less grey back then), long before eReaders when I stumbled upon an author with a cool first name. With her first IMD book A Hunger Like No Other, Cole had me hooked, as she had built a stunning world of Valkyrie, Lycan, Vampires, Demons, and a various mix of other paranormal beings whom are all looking for love in Heaven and Hell. They all are helped or hindered depending on ones point of view, by meddling sticky fingers of Nix a soothsayer Valkyrie who may or may not be crazy like a fox, or just Nucking Futs. Would you call a tree branch side the head a help or a hinder? Take your pick I don’t care as I adore each and every one of the characters in these books.

In Cole’s latest book Dark Skye, it is the story of Melanthe (Sorceri i.e. magic user) and Thronos (Vrekener i.e. uptight law enforcer flying angel). These two crazy kids have had a long history that has been touched on in Cole’s previous books in the series. They met as two sweet young kids, and became best friends until one happened to plummet a hundred feet out of an abbey window. Smack. Crunch. Splat. The other might have had something to do with the plummet. Fast forward 500 years and nothing really has changed: boy wants girl, girl wants to be left alone, boy won’t take no for an answer. Blood. Mayhem. Sex. Demons. Hell. Do you get the point that an Epic adventure ensues? Well it does and Cole provides great ADVENTURE, if you know what I mean. <<<< ADVENTURE was a euphemism for SEX…. which Cole can sure write about, toe curling, panty flaming EPIC SEX. Okay I think you all get the point that there are sexy times when the Sorceress and the Winged Wonder get together. The Immortals’ love affairs never go smoothly and this one is bumpier than most. Did you remember the plummet, well it didn’t end all that well. Grunges. Revenge. Vengeance. What I love about Cole’s books are that her heroines are feisty and take not prisoners. You can be on top, but I get to have my turn too. The men are always alphas because they are immortal and used to getting their own way. So feisty meet stubborn, stubborn meet feisty, let the games begin. Well worth the read.

I couldn't even finish it! I don't know why it has so many 5 stars. I am a die hard KC fan, have read ALL her books. And I have to say this fell way short. The only scene worth reading .......at about 60% atleast, was the one with nix as the main focus. I had to take a break from reading it because I was sooooo incredibly bored. I'm sure I'll go back and finish it, but I really wish I would have waited to buy until the price was paperback price. This has been a much awaited book......for several years we have waited to see what happens between this couple...and what happens is that they have zero chemistry. Save your money!

Wow. This KC offering was a glaring reminder of how steeped in clichés and other annoying angst that most PNR and UF have become. I had grown to hate the life-mate trope and after reading “Dark Skye” I finally understand why. Lifemating is not about love. It's about a chemical reaction creating lust which is called love. In this case, the life mate bond was a one-way curse that rendered the male protagonist, Thronos, unable to be intimate with any other female while his sorceress “life mate,” Lanthe was free to spend 500 years being humped and dumped by every male in this universe. Also, I thought is was very poor taste that the writer would have a "heroine" take so many lovers just to spite and cause emotional pain to the hero.

There is no real connection or soul deep love between these two. The conflict between them is the typical and tired miscommunication trope that turned these once childhood sweethearts into mortal enemies. For 500 years. They do nothing but bicker and sling insults at each other for most of the book. He calls her out on her centuries of being a hose bag; she constantly throws her legions of bed buddies in his face. Her brag of being "Ho, for sho" was cringeworthy. I almost felt sorry for Thronos knowing that when he finally catches up to his mate, he is left with a worn out, empty husk...all the pearls have been scooped out of the foul-mouth Lanthe long ago. This dumb broad was actually proud of the fact that the main thing she had to offer Thronos was her sexual prowess. She is a sad, weak, pathetic character that allowed herself to be used over and over yet demanded unconditional and unearned love/respect. That speaks to me of a serious mental disorder. Lanthe is not in way suitable to represent as any type of role model or queen. Well, the good thing is that since they are immortal, Lanthe can’t pass on some super virulent strand of STD to Thronos.

Anyway, I wanted some low-brow reading while awaiting something more literary stimulating. Now I’m over it. Any flicker of rekindling an interest in paranormal romance was completely extinguished with “Dark Skye.” When I finished this book, after nearly a week of skimming, I felt like washing my mind with bleach. I’m glad I only paid $1.95 for it at the used bookstore. I’ll just drop it in the thrift store pile. This worthless trash was a waste of my time.

I had a really hard time getting through this book. I usually read an IAD book in less than a day. I would pick this book up, Lanthe would annoy the heck out of me, and down the book would go. I bought Sweet Ruin so decided I just needed to suck it up and finish the damn book! Lanthe to me is definitely one of the most annoying characters KC has written (after Bettina of course). She is a mass of contradictions and kind of a b*tch. She pushes and pushes Thronos to forgive and forget the hurt she has caused him over the many many years but refuses to apologize for almost killing him! I also don't believe in slut shaming but there was something about the way her past is written and the way she continuously refers to it that comes off wrong and, I'm sorry, a bit slutty. I spent the majority of the book feeling sorry for Thronos. I felt Lanthe was always giving him hell when in all actuality the poor guy wasn't responsible for all of her issues with Vrekeners over the years. Nor was he responsible for his parents coming to get her parents. I just felt that for all of her MANY years she came across as a teenager. I know in other IAD books some of the characters ARE actually young but in this case she is like 500 years old and acts like she's 19. I'm really hoping the new book is more like KC's earlier books. If it's anything like the last few I might have to start rethinking my auto buys on her books.

I've been catching up on books from series I read and loved in the past. The Immortals After Dark series happens to be on that very lengthy list. Shadow's Claim was where I picked the series back up. MacRieve left me pleased with the fact that I jumped back into the series. Dark Skye left me with more questions than anything. I kind of want to jump right to the next book but the fact that it going to be another set of new characters I don't feel that enthused about going into it.

As a couple Lanthe and Thronos didn't have me wishing for them to find their happily ever after. One childish act done in retaliation for something the other had no control over lead to over five hundred years of additional childish acts of revenge, vengeance, and more retaliation. Thronos and Lanthe are not nice to each other. Thronos has recognized Lanthe as his mate from the beginning. The cruel things that they've done to each other over the years now has him just wanting to get her to keep her as a possession. Lanthe is just as hateful to him though. Their constant fighting after far too many pages left me not caring.

There was plenty of good material in Dark Skye that had me continuing to read though. Nix has been one of those curious characters that has been dangled in front of readers from the very beginning. She's a matchmaker. She's using those matches to line up something, some huge thing for the coming Ascension. Her meeting with some insanely important figures of course left me wondering what will come in future books.

Some of the things I wanted to find out the most were not revealed and it made the ending feel abrupt and unfinished. During the course of the book Lanthe and Thronos travel through her misplaced portals/rifts. Her ability in directing them where she wants to send them isn't accurate. One of the places they go clearly has ties to the Vreckners. The ties are strong in a lost history sort of way. I wanted to know more on this. It never happened.

The great thing about leaving a series for a while and picking it back up is that you have a few books that can be devoured all at once. I have to look ahead to see if some of these questions will be answered... it doesn't seem that way. So I've decided to put this series to rest (again) for a while.

It has been awhile since I visited the world of IAD and so I worried I'd be lost but should have known better. Kresley Cole's characters are so strong and this one picked up right after the last one on the island that a lot of the characters were held imprisoned. Thronos and Lanthe have known each other for well over five hundred years and since a tragic night when Lanthe was a child she has run from him and he has spent the five hundred years hunting her down. He has finally caught up to her and has sworn to torture her as she has tortured him. She is his mate and though he hates her he needs her. Fortunately for them, they get thrust into an adventure through multiple dimensions when she tries to escape him. They learn to see each other as they truly are and work through five hundred years of war between the two. I loved the two characters and I loved their adventure. The most poignant moment happens near the end when Morgana, Queen of all Sorceri, tries to separate the two mates once they finally commit to each other. I won't say what the event was but it was definitely an emotionally tense moment. Great characters, great plot, great conflict, loved every second of the book.

4 to 4.5 Stars... This book was an epic adventure traveling from one insane world to the next each providing a devastating but necessary lesson to our star crossed lovers... Melanthe’s and Thronos’ story is epic in it’s timeless nature riddled with pain and heartbreak that are rooted in deceit and manipulations of others... These two finally find their connection and the beauty of forgiveness and understanding in the depths of hell (of all places) learning to trust one another and accept each other for their true nature... Once again, Kresley Cole ties together all the loose ends from each of her stories culminating in this dynamic tale that encompasses all creatures of her imagination... love discovering the connection between all these characters and the impact of their choices on the outcome of the overall storyline... especially that sneaky, charismatic, and completely crazy Nix:)

~Reviewed by FRANCESCA & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

There are times you crack open a book and you just know you will fall in love. That was my feeling as soon as I started reading DARK SKYE. I haven’t been this giddy and excited about a book in a long time and just as I was excited to dive in, I was also really nervous. Will it live up to all my GREAT expectations?

Reading DARK SKYE was like rediscovering a great connection to an old friend. It made me feel again what it was like to read a truly amazing book. Sadly, I do feel like this level of writing and talent is missing in books these days. But trust the masterful Kresley Cole to bring me to that happy place again. DARK SKYE is a book lovers’ heaven. You can get lost among the utter perfection of its pages and adventures, the banter and the seduction. This story has it all!

Rich world building, amazing character descriptions – so many new species, and one hell of an adventure. Kresley Cole doesn’t pull any punches with this one. DARK SKYE is, without a doubt, the most action packed, edge of your seat adventure she’s written thus far in the series. It’s a captivating tale of romance that beats all odds. A second chance at love that transcends time. And these were the two most perfect characters for this story.

Thronos is my newest book boyfriend. Chained in my basement of men I lust over. A male so intense in his love and his passion that will make you swoon. Yes, I did quite a bit of that in this book. First of there’s the fact that he has it ALL. Fangs, wings and horns. Be still my galloping heart. And he’s a virgin hero. I have a big soft spot for those. He’s been true to his mate, Lanthe since he met her when they were mere kids. Five hundred years later, there’s a lot of heat that needs to explode. And explode it does. When Thronos claims his mate you will be nothing but a puddle of goo on the floor. Did I mention the horns? I’m a sucker for horns!

utc-top-pickOf course, I can’t just talk about my obsession, the hero. Lanthe is a witch and it is no secret that I love the witches in this series. They are a fun bunch, and almost as much as the valkyries, they will keep a male on his toes. As much as Lanthe holds the anger about what she perceived where Throno’s actions all those centuries ago, her love and connection with this male cannot be denied. But she won’t be oppressed either. She’s everything I love in a kick ass chick.

But lets get to the story shall we? Expect the unexpected. Nothing is as it seems. There are revelations with every turn. Things will get much worst and when you think there is no hope left, Kresley Cole will twist that knife in just a little deeper. This is not for the faint of heart. Once this book gets going, it will not stop.

To be honest, I didn’t want this to end. This is one of my favorite books of this year so far. Kresley Cole is a master at her craft, giving us so much wit and humor, chemistry and sensuality. All while driving a story that not only finally gives Thronos and Lanthe a much needed HEA, but this book further explores the IAD world as a whole. Don’t blink, you will want to pay attention to every detail as it will only give you more excitement for things to come. After 14 books in this series I would’ve never suspected to say that each book gets better. Favorites come and go, but this series is only getting stronger and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Thronos, a Verekner, and Lanthie, Sorceri, used to be best friends in secret though their kind are enemies. But Lanthie believes that Thronos betrayed her and got her family killed, so she did something to mangle him. And thus starts 500 years of distrust. But during the events of the Pravus and Vertas fighting, as mentioned in other books, Thronos and Lanthie meet again. and eventually they have to work together to keep themselves alive.

I didn't like the painful history between the two. Each thought the worst of the other, and kept bringing it up. I didn't like the mutual distrust. The horrible deeds that they have done to each other, even though they are fated mates, though Lanthie didn't believe in mating. I eventually got past that. And started to somewhat enjoy the story. But everything keeps coming back to Lanthie's sexual history. I felt like I wass getting beat upside the head with it, since it was constantly being mentioned. Most of the story seemed like it was a constant battle between the two. I eventually enjoyed the last part of the story, after Thronos came into the light, after experiencing the loss of Lanthie.

I usually love Kresley Cole's books, but I didn't care for this one. Plus the series seems to be dragging on, especially since we are on book 14 with no end in sight. There is so much time between the books, and there are so many, I can't keep the details straight.

4.5-5 stars

This was a great story. Lanthe and Thronos had a (very) rough start but they pulled out of it wonderfully and I was very happy with how things turned out.

Lanthe is a Sorceress and the sister of Sabine (the heroine from [book:Kiss of a Demon King|3585344]). They lost their parents at an early age and had to rely on each other all their lives. Her sorceress powers tend to be iffy at times and she's had a rough time of it.

Thronos is a Vrekener (the Prince of the Vrekeners), which is a angelic demon on the Lore (although they deny their demon heritage). The Vrekener see it as their duty to take out threats to the Lore...mostly this is directed at the Sorcerers and Sorceress. They're only supposed to attack when they make themselves known to humans but in recent years that hasn't been the case.

Lanthe and Thronos met when they were just children and Thronos recognized Lanthe as his mate right away. They were friends for months until Thronos's father found out about her family and went there to kill her parents. They typically take young sorceresses back to their home in the sky, suck away their powers and brainwash them until they can be part of their society. Sabine fought back though and when she was also killed, Lanthe used her power of Persuasion to make the Vrekeners kill themselves...all except for Thronos who she made jump out a window without using his wings to fly (thinking he had led the Vrekeners to her home to kill her parents). Lanthe also was able to use her powers to pull Sabine back from the dead and the 2 young girls had to learn to survive on their own. This was tough enough but it was worse because they constantly had Vrekeners hunting them down and trying to kill them. Sabine protected Lanthe many times and Lanthe had to bring Sabine back from the dead many times. By the time this books starts (about 500 years later) she hated all Vrekeners. Thronos has been trying to find Lanthe this whole time, wanting his mate and willing to do anything to get her...but after so many years he wasn't necessarily going to treat her well.

When the story begins, Lanthe and Thronos were both being kept captive in the facility run by the Order, a group of humans that had found out about the Lore and captured all types of Lorians to experiment on (and torture) them. When the facility feel, Thronos was able to capture Lanthe but some of the Lorians on the island were evil and didn't like either Lanthe and Thronos. They ended up escaping through a portal Lanthe was able to open but it took them to another world instead of to their home world. They had to fight through a lot of hazards and issues and along the way they discovered that many of their past issues were misunderstandings or things that they weren't responsible for. It took a lot of time and effort but they finally come to an understanding and their young love is brought back into something more mature and lasting. Unfortunately, the Sorceresses and the Vrekeners are enemies and not everyone is understanding about them so they have more danger and drama to deal with before things are worked out. Thankfully, they do come back together and are able to achieve their well reserved HEA with each other.

I enjoyed this story greatly. Lanthe was a good heroine and while she started out a bit weak, she gained faith and confidence in herself and I really liked her by the end. Based off of what I knew about Thronos and Vrekeners in previous books (and even the beginning of this one) I thought he left a lot to be desired but found that he really was a good guy. He had to learn some lessons in order to appreciate Lanthe as she was but once he did, he was great. Together they made a great coulpe. Overall, I loved the story and I'd recommend it (and the series). :D

* note - I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a great job as usual.

Not all Kresley Cole books are created equal. The last three books didn’t wow me like some of the earlier books in the series, but THIS book reminded me of why I love this series so much. Like so many Immortals After Dark readers, I have been anxiously awaiting Thronos and Lanthe’s book since Kiss of a Demon King. Cole does such a great job of planting the seeds of a romance, then stepping back and waiting for our anticipation to grow for their story. Sometimes, the payoff has been less than stellar (like Regin & Aidan/Declan in Dreams of a Dark Warrior.) But other times –like here– she makes the years of waiting worth it.

Longtime readers are already familiar with a bit of the backstory: Lanthe and Thronos were childhood friends, despite the fact that her people and his are sworn enemies. One day, his family discovers hers and kills her parents. Convinced Thronos betrayed her, Lanthe used her Sorceri power of persuasion to force him to jump out of a window without using his wings to save himself. The fall left him broken in some ways that have never healed. Ever since then, he has been hunting her. His people have been targeting her and her sister, sometimes going so far as to kill Sabine, forcing Lanthe to drain her powers bringing her back.

As the story begins, Lanthe and Thronos hate each other, but Thronos can’t stop his hunt for her, because she is his fated mate. He physically cannot be with any other woman and, as a prince, he has a responsibility to continue his bloodline. He has been celibate the 500 years they have been apart, and he needs her every bit as much as he hates her. Now, thanks to the Order, who captured them both in Dreams of a Dark Warrior, he has his chance to capture her once and for all.

Due in part to his damaged wing –and to the carnage going on around them on the island– escape is difficult. They need to rely on Lanthe’s unstable ability to create portals to get them to safety. Unfortunately, she can’t just pop them to familiar place. Over and over, they end up in dangerous worlds where they must rely on one another for survival. As they are forced to spend time together, they learn that what they know of each other isn’t entirely the whole story. But will learning the truth be enough to allow them to explore the buried feelings they share?

I really loved these two characters and the dynamic between them. Thronos kind of has a stick up his ass, but part of that is because his people are so repressed. He is consumed with jealousy and judgement over the fact that Lanthe has lived her life without him. Despite the fact that he said some really stupid things sometimes, I was able to empathize with his situation. He had a lot to learn over the course of the story, and Lanthe was strong enough to insist on the respect she was due. It was a good emotional journey that coincided with some really fast paced action and the stellar world-building that is a hallmark of the series. I love how Cole masterfully intertwines the plot and characters of multiple books together so seamlessly!

The sexual tension and payoff is a win you can take to the bank with every Kresley Cole book. I was on the edge of my seat by the time these two sealed the deal, but every step along the way was built with great anticipation and just enough forward momentum to keep it satisfying. I really enjoyed the virgin hero juxtaposed with a sexually experienced and confident heroine. Hot, hot, hot. My only small gripe is that, at times, I felt like the slut-shaming thread went on a little too long.

In the meantime, we get a little time with Nix –and while it’s only a few pages, it gives us some really good perspective about the hand she has had in every one of these romances. She may be crazy, but she is also brilliant.

I can’t imagine that anyone will be disappointed with this story. Really good stuff.

Rating: A-

Dark Skye by Kresley Cole
Paranormal Romance Auf. 4th, 2014
5 stars

Dark Skye was a gut wrenching, emotional paranormal romance on an epic scale. I cried, I hoped and I finally smiled with supreme satisfaction through the trials and tribulations of Thronos and Lathe. As part of her Immortals After Dark series, it can be read as a stand alone but it will suck you and you will want to read the rest of the series!
Lanthe is a Sorceri, the Queen of Persuasion. When a child she meets her fated mate a Vrekener. Her race’s sworn enemy. The Vrekeners are a flying race that steals the Scorceri’s magical powers and either imprisons them or kills them. But Thronos is but a boy and they continue to meet in secret and become best friends despite the odds. However, it all disappears when Thronos’s father, the King, finds her parents and cruelly kills them. In agony and despair the usually gentle Lanthe uses her powers to command her betrayer, Thronos, to jump to his death without the use of his wings. But instead of dying he survives with terrible and permanent wounds. However, what Lanthe did not realize is that Thronos did not betray Lanthe. He never revealed parents location. And although scarred and now imperfect he searches vainly for Lanthe. But Lanthe doesn’t want to be found. She fears the Vrekeners which are responsible for hurting and hunting her and her sister down.
It is five hundred years later and at last, Thronos has caught Lanthe. His prize. His feelings of anger and passion for her are set free. But Lanthe wants her freedom, although deep in heart she still cares for the boy Thronos, she fears and hates the man. Can they find the friendship and love they had or will fate again tear them apart again?
This was a riveting romance. I could not stop reading. The love/hate between the two main characters made this an emotionally charged novel. They were so meant for each other but outside forces seemed determined to keep them apart. This was a novel where I could not conceive of another person they could be happy with -they were literally a part of each other. If you are a romantic this book will tear at your heart strings and you will root for them to finally find happiness together. Thronos is honorable and unbending. He only sees thing as right or wrong. I enjoyed Lanthe cutting up his sense of equilibrium and making him see that the ways of his people are not always correct. Poor Thronos has a lot of shocks in this book but still manages to keep his noble character intact. The way he fights for Lanthe and his people puts a great deal of strain on him yet he always tries to put others before himself. The only thing he wants to keep for himself is Lanthe. Lanthe is the opposite of most Sorceri. Her gentle heart and caring are in contrast to the cold-hearted Sorceri she pretends to be. She cares deeply for Thronos but his seeming betrayal cuts deep. As she tries to hide her heart and escape him I admired her pluckiness while secretly hoping she would never succeed. This book is a keeper and one I will re-read many times over. I think my favorite part is when Thonos (a winged creature) tells Lanthe she smells like home and the Sky. The only thing I could wish for is a longer ending!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

This book, so far, is my least favorite in the series. I got it from the library and am so glad I didn't pay for it. I had to get it twice from the library because it took me so long to get through it. I didn't like the main characters at all and kept hoping they would just kill each other off. They are both horrible people and not likeable or relatable to me at all. They both hated each other so much, and hurt each other physically and mentally. How can you love someone after all that. Its just illogical to me.

Ms. Cole’s IAD series is one of my all-time favorites. I ‘discovered’ her series after another reader recommended it to me and I haven’t looked back. I think Ms.Cole gave fans a vote on which story to tell next and “Thronos and Lanthe”…won? “Dark Skye” is the fifteenth book in the Immortals After Dark series and tells the story of Thronos, prince of the Vrekener clan, who, at an early age discovered that Lanthe, the Sorceress of Persuasion, is his mate. Inter-species conflict and misunderstandings have kept them apart for hundreds of years and Thronos is on the ragged edge of desperate to claim the only woman who can bear his heirs.
I remember Lanthe most from “Kiss of a Demon King” (IAD#6) as her character is used to explain some of Sabine’s backstory and motivation. But is there enough unresolved issues/conflict between Lanthe and Thronos to construct an entire book? All signs point to ‘No’.
Conflict between the hero and heroine should come from external and internal forces and it drives the plot for the entire book. Entire book! Think about some of your favorite IAD books…and now, think about the conflict. MacRieve is definitely one of my favorites and why? Because there is so much conflict! MacRieve’s mate is the daughter of his worst enemy and then, we discover she’s a succubae – a Lore species that destroyed MacRieve’s childhood. Our hero holds onto that grudge all the way until the end and almost loses his mate. “Dark Skye” does rely on a foundation of inter-species animosity, but when Lanthe and Thronos are forced to spend time together, the conflict is based on misunderstandings (betrayal and old hurts) that are quickly discussed. Uh….okay. Readers need some more conflict…so how about Lanthe’s varied and numerous sexual partners and Thronos’ inability to mate with anyone except Lanthe and his repressive culture? Certainly great conflict, but it dragged on longer than it should.
The plot was a roller coaster of adventure that felt forced and an ending that felt rushed. Even though readers are quite aware of Nix’s foresight machinations, a lot of the scenic changes had me asking, “Why are here? How does this lead to character development?” Inevitably, Thronos and Lanthe get separated towards the end (this tends to happen a lot in IAD series, yeah?) and they spend this time developing their characters a wee bit more and somehow get back together again. But the payoff wasn’t as satisfying as “Lothaire”.
Overall, the writing was not as good as previous IAD stories. There were short, declarative sentences that jarred me and I did not connect with Thronos as much as I did MacRieve – a uptight, narrow-minded character is difficult hero material.
I still love this series and can’t wait for the next installment. As with all of Ms. Cole’s books, I love the adventure (as long as it serves a purpose), complex characters, her world-building, and spicy characters.
This book reinforced the need for me to have strong external and internal conflict in my stories.

I have been eager for this story ever since these two were introduced back in Kiss of a Demon King. A part of me was nervous because I didn't want to be disappointed if I let my anticipation get to high. No worries! Melanthe and Thronos' book went the distance and delivered even beyond my expectation. This was the ultimate enemies to lovers romance and I thought that development, pace and passion were handled the best I've seen in a while.

This is the fifteenth book in a series and pretty much needs to be read in order to have a clue of what is going on. It's amazing how this series just keeps staying strong this many books in.

The story opens with mass hysteria breaking out as Lorians race to escape the island even while fighting their enemies. In the midst of it all, Thronos catches up with Melanthe and takes her captive. She is weakened by the torque she wears that to mute her Sorceri power and the big vengeful male that she compelled to fall out of the sky and caused his winged body to form into his immortality twisted has her at his mercy. Lanthe and Thronos were once child-hood friends until betrayal destroys that bond.

Now circumstances put them on an odyssey of sorts that forces them to work together and re-evaluate the past. They slowly and tentatively allow their attraction to progress though both are aware they are too different to make a go of it and outside forces may break up anything chance though they have come to want their chance together more than ever even if they have to fight unbeatable odds to get it.

As can be expected this was exciting, hot and surprising in it path to romance and twisty turns as enemies jockey for dominance. Thronos and Lanthe's romance was all I could ask for and I loved these two separately and together. There were some good Nix scenes and I love the direction things are going for everyone in the series. The stakes just keep getting higher.

Can't recommend this series enough to those who love hot, humorous, exciting and creative paranormal romance.

I hate angels, and Vrekeners are the IMMORTALS AFTER DARK equivalent, so Kresley Cole really had to makeover Thronos’ personality in order to get me to like him. She mostly succeeded, and Lanthe was in the majority of his parts anyway which made them better by proximity alone. DARK SKYE opened with the island prison break, and then proceeded to build up the series’ story arc even more while also weaving in couple #15’s romance, a not-to-be-missed Nix gem, and the latest word on Fury’s whereabouts.

I’ve been mentally building up this pairing since KISS OF A DEMON KING, and it was right on target! The friend turned enemy turned fated mate is a classic, and no author does timeless love like Cole. The bumps, slow build, payoff, and HEA unfolded in harmony with all of the other happenings. The virgin hero, and the sexually experienced heroine made the nookie especially hot, and different than that found in all of the previous installments which is pretty freaking incredible when you think about it.

This series is shelved as Paranormal Romance, and even though the main couple’s relationship is always the head cheese, Cole never skimps on the action either which is smart. The locale was in constant flux thanks to Lanthe’s ability to create portals; readers get to travel from Pandemonia to Skye Hall to the belly of a beast. The Accession is so close that I can taste it, and the final pages left me feeling like something big is about to be let off the hook very soon.

As smooth a talker as Robert Petkoff is, even his honeyed voice could not save Thronos from himself. That being said, my internal narration would have probably painted the protagonist in a far worse light, so I owe every shred of enjoyment that I did receive from this character to one man. I’m also constantly amazed at how previous leads and secondaries are instantly recognizable as soon as Petkoff opens his mouth; he should be applauded for his TLC, and unwavering commitment to this series.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for SWEET RUIN!

Overall I adore Kresley Cole's books. I'd give 5's to all of her IAD books, minus MacRieve. This is the second book in a row which I've found sub par. I stumbled through MacRieve never feeling like MacRieve did anything to deserve his mate. And while Thronos in Dark Skye is a more dynamic hero who learns how to be in a relationship with Lanthe, I didn't feel the romance in this one. I love the buildup to relationships in Paranormal Romance books - the missteps, positive strides and sarcastic banter which fated couples go through before realizing there is only their mate for them in all the worlds. I missed connecting with the characters in Dark Skye and felt as if this book is more a setup for major Ascension plot lines in future books.

I've been waiting for Lanthe and Thronos' story since we first heard about them in Sabine and Rydstrom's. I have to say, it was WELL worth the wait.

Melanthe of the Deie Sorcerei Family, or Lanthe, is the Queen of Persuasion... when she can get her powers to manifest that is. She also has the ability to cast portals, but again, her powers are a little "off" sometimes. And who can blame her? She's all but spent her life draining her power of persuasion to make her sister heal from the life-threatening injuries their mortal enemies the Vrekners have dealt her.

But what few know is that Lanthe is the fated mate of Thronos Talos, one of the Vrekner Princes. They were once in love as children, but when Thronos betrayed Lanthe's trust, or so she thinks, she used her powers to make him jump from a tall cliff... and not use his wings. Now with the help of The Order's power-nullifying collar, Thronos has Lanthe just where he wants her... or so he thinks.

Can Lanthe and Thronos stand to be near each other long enough to escape the dangers facing them? And will they be able to fight the love that once was there, and could rise again? Or will they be fated to remain star-crossed lovers?

Lanthe was a bit of an enigma for me. There were times that I could totally relate with her, and was on her side, and there were other times that I just wanted to bash her head into a stone. But then again, the same could be said about her fated mate, Thronos. This book, while right up there with some of Ms. Cole's greats, was a bit of a tough read for me. Don't get me wrong, I ended up loving every second of it, but especially at the start, I had a bit of trouble getting along with our two main characters.

If you've read books by Kresley Cole before though, you know, just as I did, that things were set to be action-packed, and super steamy, and I soon got over my qualms. If you've not yet dipped a toe into the IAD series, know that each book can be read standalone, but they're much better (not to mention more coherent) if read in order. So do yourself a favor and continue the IAD series, or go and pick up book one, and inhale them until you get to this book, and give it a try!

This book is as steamy as it is an escape from everyday life, and you'll love the mini-vacation you end up taking.

Immortals After Dark Series: I've read them all! The problem is that the time inbetween the books have me forgetting some of the other characters from the storylines. I guess that just means I have to go back and reread them for a refresher! This is the continuing saga of of Melanthe & Thronos or what Melanthe says "the epic love story"! Thronos has been stalking Melanthe ever since she was responsible for the battered and deformed person he is today. Thronos is a Vrekener who are despised by the sorceri and others for the havoc and destruction they have caused. The Vrekeners have taken it upon themselves as avenging angels to wipe out the immortals they deem "evil". The Vrekeners were responsible for killing Melanthe and Sabine's parents; they brutally attacked Sabine and left her for dead. Only through Melanthe's power of persuasion was she able to bring Sabine back to life. And during this raid, Melanthe also used her power to target Thronos who she thought betrayed her with the attack on her family. She ordered him to fall from the sky and he did with horrible results. It left him partially deformed and always in pain.

Because of this incident, Thronos has been seeking Melanthe through the ages because despite the horrible things she did to him, he is driven to be with her because she is his mate. And Melanthe has spent all her time trying to outrun him. There is history between these two and this is why their time apart is so sad and tragic. They met each other when they were little kids and even though they were from different species, they were intensely attracted to each other. They became best friends and their love grew. But like Romeo & Juliet, they were torn apart through misunderstandings and misconceptions. I'm sure that if Melanthe has stayed put long enough for Thronos to catch her, they could have solved their issues a long, long time ago. But alas that would have ended the story way too soon.
They had to go through a series of trials and tribulations to realize how much they still belonged together. As they are thrown together in difficult situations, they learn more about each other and their connection gets re-kindled. Melanthe learns that not everything is as it seems just as Thronos learns more about what his brother's treachery has wrought. His whole world will be turned upside-down through revelations about the Vrekeners. In fact, there will be a lot of discoveries for both Melanthe and Thronos in their journey together. The funny thing is that in this story, Thronos is still a virgin whereas Melanthe has quite the sexual experience. Even though Thronos is a mighty warrior, he is still an innocent. For some reason the Vrekeners remind me of the orthodox Jewish religion because everything in their world is so prim, proper and neutral. But of course Melanthe will change that! The ending is full of anguish and despair for these two...you will see how it plays out. This book also mentions the long-lost Furie trapped in the bottom of the sea overseen by the sea god Nereus. Let's see what the next book will be about. Hopefully not too long the wait!

Well here it is the fourteenth book in the Immortals After Dark series and finally we get to catch up with the fierce warrior prince Thronos and his fated mate Melanthe. Theirs has been a story the author has teased her readers with as Lanthe has spent five hundred years on the run from Thronos. She is the reason he has suffered debilitating injuries but to be fair to Lanthe his father was the one responsible for her parents deaths. Unfortunately nothing is simple and and so much has been misinterpreted that the couple are now facing an impasse with Lanthe truly terrified of Thronos. His hatred of her has led him to the Island where she is held prisoner but capturing her is all Thronos cares about. When he finally gets his hands on Lanthe it's the culmination of so much pain but she is not at all what he expected and they find themselves discovering a passion burning between them to rival a dragons fire! Changes are coming though and Lanthe and Thronos are slap bang in the middle of it all!
The Lore is composed of many different types of paranormals but the Accession is dawning which will bring war and great changes to all the various factions. Oh there's one particular Valkyrie known as Nix the Everknowing who seems to be steering so many to find the right path and indeed she is instrumental in Thronos locating Lanthe but sanity seems to be something in very short supply when it comes to Nix! She loves to play at matchmaking and it's always such fun to see the interaction between the various species in these stories. In this book Thronos is a Vrekener , a huge seven feet tall winged creature and he is paired with Lanthe, a petite Sorceri but her lascivious lifestyle is one reviled by him . It's a joy to read their interactions as Thronos realises just how hedonistic Lanthe really is but his own people have got some very strange ideas about love and marriage! Suffice to say Lanthes experience is the least of their worries as her ability to be loud could be far more problematic ! The Vrekeners have some very twisted ways when it comes to taking a wife that's for sure!
This was no instant love or lust type of story and the author kept building up the sexual tension to such a level that at times I could not believe what I was reading and it was very frustrating for these characters. I loved that Lanthe broke through Thronos's barriers but thought it was long overdue. There's so much passion in this book but theirs is not an easy journey as they quite literally are led around ( Nix does like to shall we say direct?) but there's a very good reason for it all with secrets being discovered along the way.
Amazing descriptions of worlds and creatures that far outweighed any others in this wonderful series. If world building ever received a prize then I suspect this author would be in line for that trophy . As for the sheer breadth of species this author dreams up it is awe inspiring. This started out as a tale of forbidden love beset by misunderstandings but turned out to be so much more. If you enjoy passionate stories fleshed out with action and humour then this series is a must read.

DARK SKYE is a non stop roller coaster ride of action, suspense, humor, and sensuality which will keep you spellbound. This is everything a paranormal romance should be!

Thronos and Lanthe are destined mates who found each other early in life and were best friends for a short time as children. It was a deliriously happy time for both of them which was brought to an abrupt end when their families decided to kill each other one night. They’ve been locked in a deadly game of cat and mouse for the last 500 years. Thronos tries to catch Lanthe, and she runs for her life whenever he gets close. There have been some close calls over the years, but in DARK SKYE, Thronos finally catches her.

There isn’t a single thing I can criticize about this book. Thronos and Lanthe were perfect for each other and you know it right from the start. You know they should be together, you know they will end up together, but they have such an incredibly painful history to overcome before that can happen. The thrill of DARK SKYE is seeing how they are going to do it without getting killed, or killing each other, in the process.

There are so many things which go into making DARK SKYE such a fantastic read. The first is the quality of the writing. It draws you into this world and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. Thronos and Lanthe work their way into your heart and become more than characters in a book. Better yet, they’re surrounded by their outlandish immortal friends and enemies who are extreme in everything they do. They live their lives to the fullest by orchestrating bloodthirsty revenge on their enemies, carousing to their heart’s content, and loving with everything they’ve got. To make things even more interesting, there are the constant surprises. It’s never boring because you never know what’s going to happen next.

Kresley Cole should be commended for maintaining the high standards she originally set for herself when she began this series. IMMORTALS AFTER DARK has consistently gotten high reviews with every single book and DARK SKYE will easily continue that trend. In my mind, this is the best paranormal romance series out there. It’s packed full of naughty immortals who continually push the boundaries of self-indulgence and take everything to the extreme. It’s exciting, fun, and oh so sexy. I highly recommend it.

FINALLY!!! Lanthe and Thronos' story!!!

The last we heard of Lanthe was her kicking and screaming while being dragged off in the clutches of Thronos in "Dreams of a Dark Warrior". Was your heart racing to know what became of her?! I know mine was.

Cole ABSOLUTELY delivers in "Dark Skye". All the wit and sensitive feeling Cole manages to infuse her characters with is at the forefront. From Thronos being torn apart by memories of Lanthe spurning him again and again, to Lanthe's appreciation for the little boy who used to take her flying and bring her all the berries she could eat, there is a constant interplay of the past with fragile hope for the future between these two.

In "Kiss of a Demon King", Melanthe is the younger sister who always seems to be a stutter step behind the fierce and bold Sabine. But who could be better best friends than sisters on the run constantly saving each other's behind? And yet, Lanthe's powers are unreliable and often a dud. To quote Queen Sabine: "What are you going to do? Portal him to death?" She may be Sorceri and dress the sexy-ass part, but at heart, Lanthe is sweet and looking for love in all the wrong places. So what is she going to do with a Vrekener she maimed as a young boy who is half crazed with wanting her? But you would never know what Lanthe is made of until she is tested by the literal fires of Hell and the digestive juices of an other worldly beast. We know very little about Thronos, or Vrekeners for that matter. All we know is Sabine killed their leader (go, Sabine!) and there's a blood vendetta against the both of them. Oh, and Thronos lost a foot in "Kiss of a Demon King". Maybe "portaling" someone can have dangerous consequences ....

For lovers of the Immortals After Dark world, you can be delighted by references and appearances of characters you hold near and dear: Nix and Sabine (my personal favs), Rydstrom, Carrow, Bettina, and the one and only, Lothaire! My absolute favorite moment: "whisper whisper whisper". But that's all I'm telling because YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!!

Happy Reading!

On a side note, kudos to Cole, for addressing head on the stereotypes of sexuality concerning women. If all women are virgins until they're married and men can sleep around until they "settle down", I guess all those guys must be sleeping with otherwise married women ... or unmarried women who are labeled "sluts". This is no "romance novel". There's some serious social commentary happening here. Enjoy!

I didn't want to read this book. Although I love KC and the IAD series, I didn't want to read it. Why? Three reasons:
1) KC's books are so astronomically expensive as of late. Yes, I'm happy for her success but success has gotten to someone's head. I can buy 15 mediocre books for the price of one of hers, so her stuff better be fantastic.
2) I'm not enjoying the series as much anymore. (see #1 where these books need to be fantastic? Lately they aren't) I miss Lachlain, I miss Bowen, and I miss Cade. The rest of the books are good filler, but nothing I crave going back to. Her stories seem to be hit or miss for me, and lately it's been a lot of miss.
3) I don't care about Lanthe and Thronos. Their story wasn't one that stood out to me as a compelling read. Unfortunately there are other stories I'd much rather read about (Munro's story sounds great, I'd love to hear about Furie, love to read Nix's story, or Thad, Rok, or Hag? -- all background stories I'd rather read)

But I could have gotten over all of this. As it was, I found the book sitting at my local library so I didn't have to pay a dime for it. Cole set the story up to be intriguing from the beginning, so I was willing to give it a shot.

Unfortunately, what I couldn't get over was how extremely boring this book is. Where was all the adorably witty banter that I'd come to expect and enjoy from Cole's IAD books? This book is filled with insults and tragic memories, but was missing the fun. Where were all the side characters to provide entertainment and comic relief? This book focuses only on Lanthe and Thronos, and all the other characters in the book are ancillary bad guys. Finally, where was the plot? This book is just a series of boring descriptions of different realms Lanthe/Thronos encounter and dangers they escape. With the exception of one or two chapters, the descriptions were completely unnecessary to the plot.

I won't say I hate this book or that I regret reading it, but I'm very glad I didn't pay money for it. Here's hoping the next book in the series will get back to the fun, quirky, clever books that I used to enjoy!

As these books are now published first as hardcover, it takes me longer to finally get to read the paperback. It has been 15 months since I read MacRieve and this time it took me a while to get my head around the species these two main characters are.
The sorcery worship gold, and they all have different powers. They are hedonistic, they enjoy life and all its pleasures. While the Vrekener’s think the Sorceri are evil, and hunt them wherever they can. They are a people with no fun in their lives, not even warm water to shower with.

Lanthe and Thronos were just children when they met, and Thronos instantly knew this little Sorceri girl was his destined mate. But when his father killed her parents, and his brother tried to kill her beloved older sister Sabine after she killed his father, Lanthe discovered her gift for persuasion. And ordered Thronos, whom she believed had betrayed her, to fall to his death. But he didn’t die, he survived, barely. But as he was young, and his immortality had not yet set in, he never fully recovered, living a life in pain.

All their lives, Sabine and Lanthe have been chased by the Vrekeners, with Lanthe healing Sabine time and again. They have come so close to dying so often, they are always afraid to hear a Vrekeners wing. As Thronos has ordered his people never to touch Sabine or Lanthe, he doesn’t believe her stories. Who would dare go against his orders? He is their prince!

To escape the mayhem on the island where the Order has kept them to vivisect them and experiment on them, they will have to stay together. Thronos needs Lanthe to make them a portal to his home, as he knows she can. But he doesn’t know that she can’t control where her portals go, and so they find themselves on one of the demon worlds, where they are eternally fighting each other.

But facing danger together, and surviving it, brings them closer, and of course there is the attraction between them. As a male, Thronos can only have sex with his true mate, but a female can have sex with whomever she wants. So Lanthe has had centuries to enjoy herself, and she has certainly not saved herself for him. And now Thronos finally has Lanthe all to himself, and he can’t wait to finally claim her. But he won’t force her; she will have to ask for it! He will only mate with her, marry her, in his own Bed of Troth in the Skye realm. In the way of the Vrekeners. And no matter how much he wants to punish Lanthe for everything she put him through in the past hundreds of years, he can’t, as she is his mate and he is wired to take care of her.

Another great addition to this series I have been reading since the first book came out in 2006. I absolutely love this multiverse, its many paranormal species and all of them fighting to stay alive every 500 years. With the mad but awesome Valkyrie Nïx plotting and planning behind the scenes for whatever goal only she and the gods know.

It is a fast paced story, filled with action and surprises and some hot love scenes. Of course their families interfere, but in the end, the solution Lanthe comes up with is great.

I really loved this book, I liked Lanthe, how greedy she is for gold, and how she has fought toe keep herself and her sister alive. Of course, she has bad taste in men, but she does love Thronos still, and will fight for him. And Thronos, a fierce warrior, but putty in her hands. He will do everything for her. They are a great couple and I loved reading about their adventures.

I do hope that the next one will finally have Fury, Queen of the Valkyries as its heroine. She certainly has been tortured long enough.

10 stars.

I really love the world that Kresley Cole has come up with. Both her men and women are so gritty, mean and kick ass! Of course they love just as strongly as the kick ass!. That's what draws me to her books, the balance between the good and bad in her characters.

By the fact that I'm not that far behind you can tell just home much I like her. In fact if she hadn't gone hardcover I wouldn't be behind at all.

The one thing I both love and hate about her books is the fact that all the books in the series and almost happening at the same time. So when you read say book #15 you have to remember things that happened in book #7. It can get some what confusing. It's also the reason I would try to read the series in order. You really learn more about the people and what's going on in their world.

When I first saw how many pages Dark Skye was, (the paperback is 531) I admit I pushed it aside. It just seemed overwhelming. The good part is that Cole writes so well once you get into the story you forget how many pages there are and just enjoy the story.

I really enjoyed both Lanthe and Thronos. Their story is so sad but with a good ending. So much happens to both of them but in the end they came together and acted as one. These two really had to fight to find the love they both deserved. At times I wondered if they ever would.

As much as I loved the story, and I really did, I felt that the author could have taken out (or shortened) the parts where the charcters jump from one word to another. It got a little old. Even though one of those worlds gave us some info about a character that we've (those who read and love this series) wondered about. It was also good to see Nix again. She is such a trouble maker. I can't wait to see what her end game is.

Dark Skye is book 15 in the Immortals After Dark series. This book focuses on Lanthe, a sorceri, and Thronos, the price of the Vrekener clan. Our leading duo starts out meeting as children and Thronos knows that Lanthe is his mate. The beginning has a slight Romeo and Juliet feel. You see, the sorceri and the Vrekeners do not get along. After a few months of them meeting each other secretly, one thing leads to another and Thronos's father winds up going after Lanthe's family and things just do not end well. It puts our duo on the outs and Lanthe and her sister go on the run. Hundreds of years pass with Lanthe always on the run from her mate. Thronos on the other hand isn't one to give up easily, so he attempts to get Lanthe back throughout those hundreds of years.

Thronos has been through a lot in that time period and I wasn't quite sure if he'd be able to put aside everything he's been through and love Lanthe. I should have known that Kresley Cole would make the duo face challenges together and grow closer. They face some grueling tasks and I just kept rooting for the two to finally trust one another. I adore this series, it's never a picture perfect couple and they always face some difficult task, it leads to an entertaining read for me every time. If you haven't read this series yet, and you enjoy Paranormal Romance I think you'd enjoy it!

The thing I love about Kresley Cole is that with each book, her plots get better and better!

Already we are at book 15. I started with A Hunger Like No Other and was hooked as soon as Lachlain calls Emma his "wee little halfling". ((*sighs*)) There was some debate and the author even took a vote for what would have been book #12, It was between Lothaire and Thronos. Lothaire won. But, come on, we as fans WANT them all. (Brilliant, complicated writer)

The best part of the series is how the author ties all of the stories together. If you have read any other books in this series, you know it is like a Chess game, and while we are making our move, Mrs. Cole is 5 moves ahead of us. We get insight on the stories 3 books ago that show us why/how/who did something that seems disastrous then and we get the "aha" moment now.

So, some AHA moments in Dark Skye tells us why Nix has been busy playing matchmaker and allowing/arranging for IAD characters to be kidnapped and vivisected. We find out why peacemaking Vrekener are out and about killing Sorceri. And we find out where Fury is. And, as always, we get to fall in love with the bad guy.

After all, the things we were lead to believe were not always what they seemed. The villains of yesterday get a chance to tell their side of the stories and learn that they were really the good guy after all. So factions in the Lore who were once enemies now become allies. And they must, because something bigger and badder is coming and Nix knows that they've got to get that crap together if they are to survive. Nix is 5 moves ahead on her chess board too.

Thronos has know since he was a boy that Lanthe was his fated mate. Vrekener kill Sorceri or relieve them of their power. (Which is the equivalent of removing their souls) When Thronos's father kills Lanthe's parents, She compels him (with her magics)to jump out the window and not use his wings. Lanthe believes that Thronos told his parents were to find them and by doing so betrays her. He was still a boy, and he never healed right. He hurts him to walk or fly and he is hell bent on getting to her to explain what happened... at first

She has spent 500 years running from Thronos because she believes he wants to punish/kill her for what she did that night. Thronos allows himself to be caught by the Order and imprisoned (insight gained from Nix) so that he can finally get his hands on her. Lanthe has spent the better part of the last 500 years putting out to other men trying to find her Mr. Right and forget Thronos. That is a little hard to do when you have a fated mate.

Gas meet Fire.

When Thronos get her in his clutches, he must decide if he will punish her first and remove her powers and mate her or if he can control himself enough not to kill her for her many perceived betrayals. He never expects to regain his childhood friend. When Morgana retaliates for the attempted murder of her ward Bettina, all hell breaks loose and Thronos will lose more than just his kingdom. Nucking Futs Nix and her foresight has provided the roadmap, Thronos and Lanthe just need to follow it!

Best part of the whole book is Nix petition for Goddess-hood. The bomb she dropped left me gaping down at my iPad. It reveals the reason for the whole series.

Excellent book.... now, go get it!

Happy Reading.

I'm going to start my review on this book with my final thoughts: I absolutely don't read enough paranormal romance! And this book made me wonder why as I just gobbled it up! This book was one of those perfect reads where you read it at exactly the right time. I had been in the mood for a good romance (but haven't read that many this year so far) and liked the sound of this one. Two families that hate each other with an intense history of violence? A hero and heroine who once shared a secret relationship when they were younger but now cannot stand one another? Yes please! I knew that this was going to be my kind of romance and it certainly was!

In this book, Melanthe and Thronos had a secret friendship when they were very young. A violent past though tore their relationship apart and caused them both to hate the other in every way possible. The fact that Thronos knows that Melanthe is his fated mate means that he cannot leave her alone even if he hates her for all that she has done to him. Melanthe's childhood experiences have caused her to despise all Vrekeners but especially her ex-childhood friend Thronos. When they are thrown together and forced to survive in different worlds, they will begin to rediscover some of their past history finding that everything that they both believed in might not be the truth. Will love find a way to reunite them???

Okay so I've got to admit that I was easily rooting for these two from the very beginning of this book. I am such a sucker for a romance where the hero/heroine hate each other. I love the slow build up to where that hate turns to passion. I especially like when they resist each other for some time....it comes across more believable then when one just rolls over and falls madly in love for no reason. Give me a book like this anytime and I will be hooked! I thought the author did a really great job of setting all of these different obstacles between them especially with their shared history. I also appreciated that their relationship slowly began to build and simmer. It made it that much more steamier when it finally happened in my opinion :) And this was definitely one of those books that I couldn't set down. I found myself skimming at times just so that I could see what was going to happen next. Then I would go back and reread just to make sure that I hadn't missed anything. This is my first book by this author which means that I started yet again in the middle of a long standing series. It didn't matter in the slightest. I really appreciated that this book felt like a stand-alone novel even though now I know I have lots of good books to look forward to! My only complaint with this book is in regards to the ending. I feel like it wrapped up a little too fast and left more open than I would have liked. Does this mean that we will have another book featuring Thronos and Lanthe? I don't know but I do know that I would really like it if we did. Overall though, even though I was left wanting more it didn't really detract from my reading experience all that much.

This book has me eager to start at the beginning of this fourteen plus book series! If they are all this good then I will certainly be in for a treat. I really loved this book! The connection between Thronos and Lanthe was something that I couldn't get enough of. The best thing about finally trying this author's books though is just knowing that I have so many more to look forward to. I can't wait! And like I said before, I'm eager to try some new paranormal romance series out just to see what else I have been missing. What other paranormal romance series are out there that you can't get enough of?? Please share as I need more books like this in my life! Highly recommended but especially to romance fans and fans of the paranormal.

Bottom Line: A slow building romance led up to a GREAT read for me!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Thoughts are my own!

To be quiet honest the "Kresley Cole Formula" of IAD series, has been losing it's shine for me. In fact, formulamatic Paranormal Romance does in general. However, each new book had been building and introducing a world that I'm totally in love with. Dreams of a Dark Warrior tuckered me out, especially after how awesome Carrow's story was. Lothaire saved some of it, but then suddenly when I was reading the spinoff--Shadow's Claim--it just hit me how tiring the "formula" is becoming. Especially after the utter exhausting disappointment of MacRieve. Which did very little world building, and took the hate to love part of standard IAD to a point where I couldn't justify the woman ending up with MacRieve. Plus, after binge reading the entire Psy-Changeling books just last year my standards have rocketed up for Paranormal Romance.

That being said I've been waiting for Lanthe and Thronos' love story since book 7 impatiently. Considering the last time I got this excited for a love story--Lucia and Garreth MacRieve--in the IAD it hadn't quite lived up to everything I had hoped for. So I went into Dark Skye simply expecting to enjoy it. It started out slow for me, but then suddenly I was sucked in. Holy Valkyries Nix! Did they actually start to, grudgingly, trust one another. To start moving on, in the beginning of a book before page 100? Yes. They have a ton to get over with, as Lanthe states their love is epic. However, the reason for its epicness is that it is wrought with misunderstandings of the most darkest IAD style. What sets Lanthe and Thronos' story apart is that it starts out with the beauty of innocence and readers already no the basics going in.

Of course the "Kresley Cole Formula" is here, but this formula is spiced up enough that the love story stands out. Even better is that Dark Skye is a bit more tender story compared to others in the genre. Even better is that finally I can wash the bad taste of Will MacRieve out of my mind. Thronos' is so sweet and charming, it's nice to have another fierce male in the IAD universe who owns his innocence, and comes out more dominate and sexy on the other side. He's reasonable and it didn't pain me to watch how badly he treated his mate. Lanthe and Thronos have history, and they have a lot of personal beliefs/misunderstanding/issues to overcome. But this book is about friendship and partnerships being the foundation of not just relationships, but epic great love!

Lanthe worried me a bit going in, I just didn't think we could be friends. However, I immediately liked her and loved that while she might be one of the more "gentler" females in the series she's still completely fierce. Even better is she's not a virgin, nor does she have just a few men who were just bad experiences and mistakes. No, Lanthe has had conquests. She knows what she likes and desires. And. She knows the difference between sex and making love, that sex does not equal love. That perhaps she was trying to feel a void. Lanthe has enough self awareness not to feel the horror of "slut shame". Thank bookness. As my friends know, I can't diss a woman who owns her sexuality. Even better is a woman sharing some of that sexuality with her monkish type mate.

Thronos is basically zealous religious type, yet sweetly innocent. He knows the basics of things, but is the virgin in the series. A virgin of more then not only having sex. The Vrekener are basically like a cult, one who abhors merriment and joy. They live in a white washed world and they're exceedingly cocky in thinking they are angels and are above everyone. They've become tyrants and villains in the mind of a lot of the IAD races, even though they're supposed to be the good guys. Seeing Thronos' eyes open up to the truth of his people and what some were doing with the excuse of their belief system is very fascinating. Especially since readers already know what they've done to Lanthe and Sabine, as well as Princess Bettina--if you've read Shadow's Claim. They're villains. Cole loves showing both sides of the coin, and it's what I love about the series. Even if Thronos' uptight views on sex, and slut shaming Lanthe got my indignation up.

Now on to the world building. Lothiare really teased reader with hints of Nix's ultimate goals. Again MacRieve dropped the ball on this. So I was excited to not just get hints of Nix greasing the wheels of fate, but taking it by the reins and riding it out! Ah, it's awesome. The scenes where Nix is petitioning to become a Goddess and interacting with other powerful beings and revealing the end goal here. Ah, perfection. Because not everything is given away and there's still plenty of mystery going on for later entries.

After a slow start Dark Skye, starts to bring it. The world building I've been restlessly waiting to actually pan out is finally starting up again--let's be honest not much has been actually happening even with the spinoff. The romance brought enough freshness to the Kresley Cole Formula that I didn't feel that ping of announce as much. (No really. Cole let's mix it up just a bit more please. I know every PNR has a basic frame work they all follow, and in general love stories in general. They can be made unique.) While the real world building didn't happen until way later into the book, it fit in perfectly with getting to know the two love birds. This could have been a full on perfect entry to the series for me, except that despite its tidy ending it didn't feel tidy. I felt like there should have been more. It would surprise me greatly if the next book didn't have more to do with the Vrekener . Cough-Jasen-cough. It was too open ended, and while Cole has jumped around a lot in the series they usually go for runs and match up. So while I am definitely getting exasperated with the formula, I'm still enjoying myself. Here's to hoping the next book keeps building up the world, as well as the romantic/sexual heat.

Sexual Content: Steamy sex scenes, some voyeurism, and plenty of sexual humor.

3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.

Thronos and Lanthe were childhood friends for four sweet months until his father killed her parents and her sister, Sabine, killed his father. That kind of put a damper on their relationship but it was completely destroyed when Lanthe ‘persuaded’ Thronos to jump out a window and not use his wings to protect himself. It was pretty Icarus-like but he survived. He spent the next five hundred years searching for her and finally caught up with her at The Island of Doom (sorry, I couldn’t resist). He has no intention of giving up his prize and she has no intention of remaining with him.

I read this book and thought I had somehow been sucked into an alternate universe as Cole characters did not behave like Cole characters usually do. Thronos got over his anger towards Lanthe fairly quickly and didn’t do anything to punish her, realised that the number of men she had slept with wasn’t the most important thing about her and viewed her as an equal partner. It was a sheer delight to read a Cole book where the hero and the heroine were equally damaged/powerful and one which focused on friendship as well as the spectacular chemistry between them. I’ve gotta say, it was a win all round for me.

Lanthe was surprisingly upbeat given all she had endured and is the perfect antidote for Thronos. She used up so much energy keeping her sister alive that her powers were pretty unreliable, was held captive by her depraved brother for years and Thronos’ people kept trying to hunt her down. Ironically, the more she accepted Thronos’ protection, the stronger and sassier she got. Thronos needed her too as was fairly naive in many ways at the start. His world was literally rocked when he started to discover his people’s true origins and that their behaviour wasn’t always stellar. His realisation and the moments they spent together as teens were both poignant and sweet.

The novel begins, like many do, several centuries in the past but quickly shifts to The Island escape. This pivotal moment in the accession has been at the core of the last four books with Carrow, Regin, Uilleam and Lothaire getting their happily ever afters after enduring a veritable hell and I was interested to see what new twist Cole could bring with Lanthe and Thronos. More of Nix’s role was revealed which was great as, let’s face it, everything Nix does is entertaining. The bit with Furie though was tantalisingly brief and I’m hoping she gets rescued at some point. The pacing was spot on and the changing locations was smart as it gave Thronos and Lanthe a chance to discover different aspects of each other, free of many of the rules that bound Thronos in Boringville aka Skye Hall.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can say without reservation that it is my favourite of the series. Righting the gender balance made all the difference and it was great to see a relationship that was initially based on friendship rather than just lust.

It is creative. I think Mrs. Cole has been reading a lot of manga or anime while researching. Some of her plot devices [i do not want to spoil anything] remind me of some manga I have read. This is in no way a bad thing because it is why I am giving her four stars instead of three.

Ever since Lothaire, I feel as if Cole has changed her style bit by bit. It happens, and is a good thing. But I have come to rely on her for certain things, and am a bit saddened when I don't get out. I think that the best parts of this novel were the revelations and her introduction of new plots typically unseen in the romance genre. Again, I am being vague but I don't want to spoil anything.

[SPOILER ALERT!]

I thought it would be more interesting if she stuck to the Vrekner extremism. She made them demons in the end, but I thought it would be really interesting if she simply made them 'extremely pure' to the point that any compromise a.k.a. doing what the hero did, was like going against their nature. I think it would have created a nice kind S&M thing. And been twisted. Instead, I think that by making him a demon she made it more along the lines of these are demons who punish themselves and others by engaging in denial. Just as vampires are coldly logical, why couldn't they be coldly moral? Incapable of doing wrong to the point that to do so denied their very nature? I wanted it to be more twisted, but once she revealed their demon roots I thought 'WHAT A COP OUT!'

She is a good writer though, can't deny that. I guess I am still smarting from Lothaire [whose mate I found to be so hokey it's not even funny I work with mining communities, so sad, and Elizabeth is a caricature they don't say 'yorn'].

Dark Skye is the 14th book in Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series and is now one of my favorites!

If you have never read this series you must know that each book tells the love story of two people. They come from different factions (aka species) so it is an opposites attract kind of romance. But of all the books Dark Skye features a couple that have the most odds against them. Malanthe (aka Lanthe) is a powerful Sorceress. Thronos is prince of the Vrekener clan (winged creatures that are related to demons and considered the source for many angel myths). Vrekener’s capture young Sorceri and strip them of their power to make them slaves. So any relationship between Lanthe and Thronos are doomed from the start. But they meet as children and Thronos recognizes Lanthe as his mate. They know they should be enemies but they form an innocent friendship that grows to young love. But tragedy strikes and they are lost to each other. Lanthe and Thronos’ love story is realistic. They have to deal with their past in order to have a future. And they have to learn to trust each other again.

But this isn’t just a love story. There is also personal growth for the characters. Lanthe is the Queen of Persuasion and can create magic portals. But she often makes mistakes when she uses her powers. This is because of her lack of self-confidence and the constant coddling from her older sister, Sabine. But when she and Thronos are in danger she finds the confidence and becomes a force to be reckon with. I would love to have her powers and I can imagine all the things I can make my husband and kids do. And I can travel the world for free!! Thronos also learns an important lesson. He’s been so obsessed with hunting down Lanthe that he hasn’t seen the injustice his brother, the King, has been doing to his people and to the Sorceri. I really enjoy this part of Kresley Cole’s stories because we get to know the characters as a couple but also as individuals.

As with all the books of this series it is nice to see my favorite character, Nix, the three-thousand-year-old Valkyrie soothsayer!! I love Nix and her powerful (but sometimes insane) advice. Her riddles of advice are always creative and fun to read. Nix says the craziest things and it makes me laugh out loud:

“This is a formal affair. Kali is wearing twelve skulls.” Nïx’s eyes went wide. “I should’ve vajazzled!”

Kresley Cole is one of my favorite authors and she is an amazing story teller. I can’t believe how much romance and action was packed in this story. Lanthe and Thronos have an incredible adventure in different realms that is exciting and dangerous. We are introduced to Nereus and his underwater kingdom of Sargasoe. It’s always interesting to meet new characters and it brings endless possibilities of future adventures for the series. I can’t wait to see if this kingdom will be featured in a book soon.

I loved Dark Skye and highly recommend this book! It is paranormal with romance, action and comedy. It is a fun story that I will read again and again!

Every time I read an Immortals After Dark book, I wonder if it’s going to happen… you know, when one of your favorite romance book series finally goes bad and you’re just reading it knowing you’re gonna get disappointed. But &$%#, still hasn’t happened with Kresley Cole yet! *crosses fingers*

Typical with Immortals After Dark, there is usually something about the girl (internally in her mind) that prevents the hook ups/the first banging/the claiming to happen and yes, it’s the same. Lanthe and Thronos have history. They’ve known each other since they were kids and both really liked each other. There was some sort of misunderstanding that lead to Lanthe hating Thronos guts, but he still pursues her like the mean, bad sexy alpha man that he is. Hot btw!!

Typical smut expectations you get with Kresley’s books was on par with Dark Skye- they were goooood! *grin* *grin* This book was a bit different because Thronos has wings and he used these wings.. errrr.. in interesting ways. I also liked how things in Thronos home/place where he’s staying is all about being white and sparse, because that’s what their culture is. AND they had to have a claiming sheet between them whenever they did it- OMG I almost died. LOL I just can’t image any of Kresley’s main girl characters being such a prude that they would be ok with a claiming sheet! Still, Lanthe handled it like a pro :)

Not a must read before you die, but really really enjoyed reading it!

See my profile's website link for my reviews on other books.

The latest in the Immortals After Dark series is by far my favorite yet, and believe me when I say, I love, adore, obsess over Kresley Cole’s books. I was skeptical at first because I had waited so long for he love story of Lanthe and Thronos, but my wait was so worth every second. I inhaled this book. I should have prolonged the sweet goodness of the words, but my longing was too great. I had to know. I needed to know like my next breath what was to come from their epic love that spanned hundreds of years in the making.

Lanthe and Thronos were childhood best friends, destined to be mates. Thronos immediately saw her as his even as children, but they were only together for a few short months when tragedy struck Lanthe’s family and Vrekeners invaded her home and murdered her parents. Lanthe blamed Thronos for her betrayal and persuaded him with her sorcerory to leap out the window and not use his wings, which wouldn’t have been so horrible if this didn’t take place before his immortality. His body took years to heal, and his suffering was immense in the pain of knowing that his mate was out in the world blaming him.

Fast forward to where we left off knowing about them from previous books, Lanthe and Thronos were both captured on the Island and when all the immortals escaped, Thronos finally took hold of his most coveted prize, Lanthe. In the many pages that follows, you will read through their very treacherous journey through hell and all the many places after. The Ever Knowing Nix makes her appearance and made me want to scream in frustration, knowing that I would have to wait a whole year to get more information on what’s to come with the ascension.

Cole puts so many loops and turns in this book, my head was spinning, but in a delicious way. I felt like I was on a chocolate high for 24 hours and when I finished the last words, I came crashing down, aching for more to quench my sweet tooth. I couldn’t get enough of this book and I will most definitely be reading it again and again.

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Well worth the wait. You would think that after 14 or 15 novels in a series it might get old but I am here to tell you that this series just keeps getting better and better.
This is a love conquers all story. Thronos recognizes Lanthe as his mate when they are both children. Even though their families are each on opposite sides of a war they become secret best friends until the fateful day when his parents kill hers and her sister kills his father. Feeling betrayed Lanthe uses her sorcery to cause grievous lifelong harm to Thanos. He has been searching for her ever since. He isn’t sure if it is for vengeance or to claim her.
Lanthe has been on the run for 500 years but it appears her time has run out when she escapes one prison only to be capture by the boy now full grown who broke her heart. They are forced to run and fight together. Can they get past their differences to survive? Can time heal a broken heart?
Kresley Cole never fails to enthrall us and bring us fully into the fantasy world of her Immortals After Dark.

Lanthe's, sister of Sabine, story begins being dragged away from the island by Thronos where she was held captive for months (Thronos was a captive, also, but allowed himself to be capture in order to get to Lanthe). As chaos reigns on the island as many captives attempt escaping not just from their cages, but from the evil magical counterparts, Thronos manages to fly Lanthe across the island to what he hopes is a boat waiting for them. Things do not go as planned, needless to say (they never do).

What is unique about Lanthe's and Thronos story is that they had met at a very young age and knew they were mates. Their friendship only lasted a few months and ended in tragedy. Now, Thronos finally has chased down and captured Lanthe and he has no plans of letting her out of his sight again. Lanthe has other plans. It takes much action, running, and many strange and unusual worlds to bring these two together again.

Excellent series that is a fast paced quick read I always thoroughly enjoy.

Once again loved the book. Great story.Yet once again book just ends...and you scream you have got to be kidding me. What is up with the cliffhanger and unanswered questions? So book gets 5 stars stupid ending knocked it to 3 because what it is going to be like 3 books before we get back to Lanie?

I have read each of Kresley Cole's Immortals novels. I loved them from the start but when Lothaire came along I could not wait for the next. But one never knows where an author will take you. MacKreve was a surprise also. But Dark Skye, has to be my second best only to Lothaire. Thronos found his mate when only a child. Thus making it impossible for him to love anyone (and I mean love emotionally or physically) other than her. His mate Lanthe, however did not have such a prohibition. So over centuries Thonos had to watch is mate go from lover to lover. Finally when he captures her to bring her back to his home and life and crap breaks loose. I have not laughed so much since Lothaire and Elizabeth. Dark Skye's has a message of love, hatred, tolerance, forgiveness but much important, the gift of true love. Thronos and Lanthe literally go through hell to get to where they can love one another without judgement and they have fun while doing it. LOL!!!

I have read many of the novels in this series and was quite excited to open this one. I was not disappointed either. I think each one just gets better and also can see the growth in this series. The characters jump out at you and just right when you think there could not possibly be any more she does it deed accomplish more. That to me shows the gift of the author. In this one it is Thronos and Lanthe whom we go along with on who they are, how they meet when they are young and how later their relationship grows but at first it is something entirely different that it starts out but love that is eternal will have a hand on where it goes. Travel with them thru it all with the danger, drama and at the point where their love that will be what gets them thru it all. She will also give you a few twists you will not expect ,love when a author can do that and still surprise me. This is most definitely one that is not to be missed.

I have been waiting for this book for a LONG time and it was so worth the wait! I absolutely love how all the books just come together. The Immortals After Dark series is one of my favorite. Kresley gives me everything I need. Good laugh, bloody fights, super sexy-smoking hot alpha male, let’s not forget the best sex performance EVER! (fanning self) ok back to the book.
Lanthe & Thronos’ tale is just to die for! Thronos new from the first meeting with Lanthe when they were just kids that she was his mate. Lanthe is a sorceress and Thronos is a prince Vrekener. Both their kind are enemies at war. But all Thronos sees is his Lamb, his mate, Lanthe. The one person he is supposed to love, cherish, and protect for all eternity.
One aweful night Throno’s family assassinates Lanthe’s family and here starts the hate between the two. And when you are immortal, that hate and vengeance can go on for a long time.
OMG every story just keeps getting better & better! And I’m not giving out spoilers but there is a small tidbit about Nix that just blows your mind! Kresley, don’t leave us hanging. We need more!!

Kresley Cole is one of my all time favorite authors. Once I picked up her IAD series and DEVOURED them. The only problem I have is waiting for the next. This world of Loreans is fun, witty and sexy as hell. It makes me wish I was from the Lore! If I had to choose a particular favorite, I would have three. Kaderin for her lack of emotion and journey back, Regin, because she reminds me of a frat boy and she doesn't care what people think of her, as long as they bow down before her. And last but certainly not least, Nix. Nucking Futz Nix. I am DYING to get her story. I feel like I'm doing an injustice to Dark Skye, but let me tell you, there is NO such thing as a bad IAD book. Just like everything in life, we have favorites. Now, onto the men! I love the way the men are alpha males, but aren't ashamed to show their love. You see fear if their mate is threatened, joy when mates succeed and pride when they kick ass. I can't say enough about this series. I recommend it to all my friends.

I have this book on a different reading app and I usually love her books but this one just isn't doing it for me. It's almost impossible for me to finish but I keep on truckin because I don't like leaving books unread.

I really wanted to enjoy this book as I have the other K.C. books. Lothaire was my favorite of the 'Lore', and the Professional was awesome too!

The plot sounded interesting and I was hoping the misunderstanding between the 2 would be resolved quickly so they could get on their relationship and fight the bad guys together....but I felt so emotionally sad about how they were meant to be together, but other forces led to misunderstanding and such violent hatred that they would physically hurt each other so horrifically. I kept trying to read on to see if it gets better, but gave up by the time they got to this cave on a mountain.

I will get the sequel to the Professional when it comes out in 2015 - can't wait to read that one!!

I really liked this novel. If you are a fan of the series, you definitely should read it. It isn't your typical romance. The main characters have a lot of issues to recover from, but I like how Kresley managed to create an innocence to their love.

This book was enjoyable, and although the bulk of the story is about Thronos and Lanthe, it also gives us more information about Nix and why she has been matching up various couples throughout the series. I enjoyed seeing Thronos get past his prejudices, the least of which is a pathological jealousy of Lanthe's love life for the past 500 years, especially since he couldn't mate with anyone other than her. Every time he folded them both in the protection of his wings I melted. Kresley Cole's imagination is incredibly detailed (although I could have done without the detail on at least one plane!). I agree that this isn't the book to start with if you're new to The Lore and the Immortals After Dark series, but I've been a fan of IAD ever since a friend loaned me the first book, "A Hunger Like No Other". I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series.

I have been looking forward to reading Dark Skye since I read about Lanthe and Thronos several stories ago. Their past is awful, filled with pain and misunderstandings. But Thronos has never stopped hunting Lanthe and it doesn’t take long before they begin to mend from their broken pasts. This was exciting and I enjoyed the new worlds we saw. And what was discovered in one world made me jump up and down on my seat. I can’t wait to see where this new development will go and fingers crossed, we will see the outcome on this new news very soon. As always Cole is an amazing author. I was lost in this world with these layered characters and I can’t wait to read more. A must read for paranormal romance fans.

4.5 STARS-DARK SYKE is the fifteenth instalment in Kresley Cole’s paranormal romance Immortals After Dark series focusing on any number of immortal beings of the Lore. This is Vrekener Prince Thronos Talos and the sorceress Queen of Persuasion Melanthe’s (Lanthe) storyline. As the impending war known as The Accession between the supernatural builds, Prince Thronos seeks out the one person who destroyed his life and his body –five hundred years earlier-his mate Melanthe.

As a Vrekener, Thronos is a winged angel of Skye but five centuries ago an attack against his mate’s family left Thronos mortally wounded and clinging to life. Decades of regeneration and recovery left Thronos in perpetual pain and a need for revenge wrought from his heart and his soul. With his mate on the run for her life, Thronos life falls into chaos when he finally crosses paths with the woman who will either kill him or save him from damnation.

The relationship between Thronos and Lanthe is volatile and destructive, and in this a good portion of DARK SKYE finds our leading couple in a virtual war with one another which further amped my anxiety in a series where destined mates fight their attraction and destiny. Thronos and Lanthe have a history together, one that started as children making this a friends to lovers/second chance storyline for two people destroyed by a mistake from the past. Both believe that the other has betrayed each and the results have left Thronos and Lanthe ill prepared for the truth. As our couple is thrown between Lorean Worlds and through portals not necessarily of their own making, a reluctant truce will be the only thing that keeps each other alive. Because most of the storyline focuses on the building relationship between Thronos and Lanthe, time spent with the previous storyline characters is limited and only when necessary.

Kresley Cole continues to build towards The Accession-a war that has been prophesied to destroy the supernatural powers. Nucking-Futs Nix reveals more of her all-seeing abilities as she continues to play matchmaker between the species hoping for an alliance within the Lore. As mortal enemies become friends and lovers, Nix ventures further in the hopes of finding her sister and pushing the inevitable a little further in time.

DARK SKYE is a staggeringly wonderful and imaginative storyline that furthers the addicting Immortals After Dark series closer to The Accession. Kresley’s passion and fascination with the supernatural is matched by her brilliant stories and wondrous imagination.

I adore kresley Cole, but not this book. The characters are weak , the story is no where near as strong as her books are in general. Not sure if it is just me, but I couldn't even finish is book and that is a first for me with this author. I typically retread her books multiple times. Major disappointment for me. Also seemed like familiar parts from other books just thrown together.

Melanthe or Lanthe to her friends and Thronos were the best of childhood friends. Thronos was a winged dark prince to the light of her beauty even in her youth. He knew they were fated eternal mated souls and planned to wait until she was old enough to have them join together for eternity. But fate and bad information turned Lanthe’s love for him into revenge fueled hatred and burned all happiness with him out of her soul.

When Thronos returns to claim her he finds turmoil in her kingdom and decides to literally wing her away to safety with them winding up in some even worse situations than they started. His determination to prove his righteousness repeatedly proves to no avail against the hardness of her heart, until she sees into his mind when his shiedls are down and realizes that everything she had been told was a lie and this man was not the evil incarnate but instead all he wanted was to provide her with all of his love. The more they travel to freedom the more she realizes that this man is her destiny and not her enemy. When she agrees to return to his realm and live with his as his mate the world becomes a more blessed place for having him in her life.

But love and happiness is always one step behind rumors and family that will not leave anything go to move past the hatred that once held things as they were and not as they should be. Tired of centuries of running from him Lanthe will show anyone that tries to come between them that everyone is destined to fulfill their roles and Thronos and Lanthe’s are to be together and rule as one.

Kresley Cole creates a world readers would love to be part of with characters everyone can see are as blessed as they are flawed and for that we all welcome them into our lives.

I love Kresley Cole and will pretty much buy anything she writes (except the weird new erotic bondage stuff). This is part of her Immortals After Dark series. It's the story of the girl sorceress and the boy hawk/man who meet as children. Tragedy tears them and their families apart, and now after centuries of pursuit, they are reunited in a clash of culture, love and hormones.

It's not Cole's best effort - I personally thought the hell scenes were too long and too formulaic, it was like she was bored and just wrote the novel to get them off the to do list. However -- I did like certain aspects of the book. It finally told where to find FURY. It gave more of Nix's story - what a dozy that will be when her book is written. It showed spunk and in places was adorable.

I read this book after reading only two other IAD books, A hunger Like No Other and Macrieve. Both which I loved. Immediately. This one I wasn’t sure until the very end, but I can say that a few hours after finishing I really liked this book but for a minute there I was about to throw it into my DNF pile.
***SPOILERS***

First off, the constant running in and out of portals drove me NUTS. Nothing frustrates me more in a romance novel than two people getting thisclose to the big payoff only to be thwarted again. I can take it once, but when you start talking two or three times I want to throw the book at the wall. I just needed them to stop running for a minute.

All of the Lore backstory stuff also got on my nerves, especially once Nix got involved. The one chapter she had with the other women was overkill. I get that there is a lot going on, but I’m sure details would have made more sense to me had I read more IAD novels. This book is definitely not a standalone.

That being said, I’m glad I slogged through the parts that I didn’t like, because the love story was really very sweet and endearing. I loved the way these two characters had such a history. I thought the two of them coming together after so many trials (yes even the portals made sense after awhile). It was nice to see them each grow first to respect, then like then love each other. It was also nice to see the two of them give up huge parts of their personalities (her of gold since she was willing to part with a coveted necklace to make peace between the Vrekeners and he let her come back to his kingdom with all of her powers intact).

There are parts that truly broke my heart, like when she saw his memories of her in bed with someone else. I wanted to cry with her. Or when Morgana erased all of his memories. That was pure agony to read.

There were so many little things that they both remembered about each other which I loved reading, KC really outdid herself in that regard.
IMO, out of the three IAD couples that I’ve read so far these two are are the most believable. Bottom line: this was a good well written solid entry in the series. I can't wait until the next one.

I'm a die hard fan of IAD and Kresley Cole (she is the only author left on my Auto-Buy list) and Dark Skye became my favorite of the series almost as soon as I was done.

With a story arc that had already spanned several of the IAD books, you can imagine just how excited I was to finally read about Melanthe and Thronos! I admit, I have a weakness for unrequited love stories and, with the hints that KC had already given what with the tragedies that had happened to both the hero and heroine, I couldn't wait for Lanthe and Thronos to have their HEA.

The book did NOT disappoint. Sexy and adventurous, humorous (I laughed aloud several times) and sweet, you read about how the pair of them fall apart--and how they fall back again together.

Can't wait for the next installment!

I've been waiting for their story for-ev-er. And it was worth the wait. Theirs is an epic love story. They became friends as children, then enemies with Thronos chasing her for revenge. Now they fall in love as adults. They both have a lot to forgive. The first 2/3 of the book is action packed. Lanthe and Thronos have escaped from the Order's Prison Island and are literally in hell.
My favorite part of the book was the last third where Lanthe softens toward Thronos and it's really sweet. The path to true love has obstacles for these two. And it doesn't help that everybody is against them being together. But of course they get their HEA :)
Lots of characters from previous books are mentioned including Bettina and Trehan from Shadow's Claim, Sabine and Rydstrom from Kiss of a Demon King and Holly and Cadeon, and their twinkies, from Dark Desires After Dark. And I forgot to mention Nix! How could I forget her. Love her.
I absolutely love Kresley Cole's alpha heroes and Thronos is an alpha in love. Made me start an Immortals After Dark binge read.

I was hesitant to start this book as I didn't 'love' McRieve, but I'm so glad I did. Thronos is a vivid charcater with lots of flaws that you don't normally see in heros -- other than Lothaire. Lanthe has her own share of demons and between them, it takes a while for the horrors of the past to emerge and the truth to be found.

Love given easily is easily lost, but love you have to fight to win and keep is something truly wonderous indeed. I really enjoyed the journey that both Thronos and Lanthe had to take to resolve not only their past together, the acts of their families but to find the real people underneath the masks they each wore.

I loved seeing characters from previous stories, expecially Nix. She's a true wonder and a force not to be reckoned with.

An alluring tale of friends and enemies, packed with non-stop action, irresistible sexiness and heartfelt romance.

I’m a recent addict of all things Kresley Cole. Each time I’ve devoured one of her books, I’ve gotten the complete package. Phenomenal writing. Alluring characters. Vivid world building. And a compelling story that draws you in from the flip of the first page. I had never read an Immortals After Dark book, so I dove in blindly, into a series brought to life by warring and powerful immortal factions… from Valkyries to Furies, from Sorceri to Witches, from Vampires to Demons. Their world is called the Lore and they live alongside humans, hiding and touting their own unique powers as situations dictate, battling each other as old conflicts endure immortality. Thronos and Lanthe’s story is fraught with pent-up desire, misunderstandings, betrayal, hate and a longing for what was. A longing for what they used to be, for what they each wanted out of life and love, thinking they couldn’t find that with each other. Because before they were mortal enemies, they were best friends…

“To me, you smell like no one else in the world ever has, or ever will… It means you and I are going to be best friends. When we grow up, we’ll be … more.”

Thronos and Lanthe met each other as children. They were enemies then… Thronos was a Vrekner and Vrekeners despised Sorceri like Lanthe. But something about this curious, brazen girl caught his eye and they became furtive friends, cocooned in their own little world, sharing secrets as Thronos promised a lifetime together even then. But one day, one betrays the other, setting off a chain of treachery and retribution they could never take back. They went from being the best of friends to the most despised of enemies.

“She’d spent ages bolting at the sight of him; now this proximity was messing with her mind.”

But upon her escape from a human prison, Thronos catches her after centuries spent hunting her. The promise of vengeance fueled by the reality of having her after all that time. Despite their very real awareness of each other across the expanse of eternity, it had been so long since they’d spent time together.

The story really focuses on the uniquely charged dynamic between them. There’s hate and anger, lust and a lingering remembrance of what they were. They are both such strong, tenacious individuals and their banter is fierce and intense. It’s as if their very exchanges crackled with lightning, a chemistry that couldn’t be stopped. It was incredibly sexy and captivating to see.

“His blood painted her plump lips. Even in this state, she was still the most alluring creature he’d ever seen. And the most treacherous.”

As they move through worlds, fighting foe, fighting each other, they also inch closer together. Their relationship is so volatile, as we see moments of tenderness followed by moments of ferocity and anger.

“Instinct compels me to pursue you, to protect you. Otherwise I’d take your head myself! I want you like a man with a badly set limb wants his bone rebroken. It’s a bitter necessity. You are the bitterest necessity.”

One of the very alluring aspects of the story was that despite the anger, and the yelling, and the claims that they both hated each other, you could see how right they were together… how much they enjoyed every minute spent in each other’s presence. Their intensity was levied by irresistible banter that had me giggling and smiling.

“If you take issue with the term harlot, then perhaps you shouldn’t have slept with half the Lore.”
“Half?” she scoffed. “Three-quarters for the win!” …
“Besides, I don’t take issue with the term as much as the fact that you feel you can judge me. I despise judgmental people.”
“As do most creatures who deserve to be judged.”
“You got me. I’m a ho fo sho.”

Lanthe and Thronos have much to overcome. Not only must the fight the enemies that seek to kill them and figure out a way to safety, but they must battle all the truths and untruths to really understand each other—not as the people they perceived each other to be—but as the people they truly are. For years, they had simply assumed the worst of each other without bothering to excavate the truths.

“Melanthe is–everything missing from my life–my ideal female. She wasn’t because she was faultless, but because he adored even her faults. He didn’t just want her; he needed her. They were halves of a greater whole.”

There were so many elements I loved in their story. Their world was vividly chaotic and alluring. Thronos was unfailingly loyal, passionate and loving. Lanthe was strong… a feminist of sorts, standing up for who she was unabashedly. But would Thronos love Lanthe despite her past? Could he trust that she wouldn’t use her powers of persuasion? Would she even stay with him? And could Lanthe move beyond the tragedy that set everything into motion? Could she separate the man from the faction? Her friend from the foe? Expect rich character development, irresistible sexiness, epic romance and lots of suspenseful action, all wonderfully come to life through Kresley Cole’s masterful storytelling.

“With all my dreams having come true, what will I dream of now?”

*I received a free ARC of Dark Skye from Gallery Books via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

Thronos and Leanthe have such a complicated relationship it’s a wonder they actually even talked to each other at all. Dark Skye seemingly threw them together at a very inopportune time, but of course, soothsayer Nyx had something to do with that, and she showed up more than once to my utter enchantment. Thronos having searched for Leanthe for centuries made me really feel for him, even if he also acted like an ass for a long time. In a way, I enjoyed him for that as well, because it allowed for his character to grow so much. Leanthe was no innocent – in any way – and I loved that she had a very relaxed with her body and her enjoyment of it.

Another thing I really enjoyed in Dark Skye was the fact that Thronos was a virgin, he could not sleep with anyone but his mate, even if he wanted to. I always think it’s amazing when the typical romance tropes are reversed, so to see that Thronos was the so-called innocent in their relationship. The story took our two heroes on a heart-wrenching trip to several different planes, first to a demon-plane where Thronos mysteriously could read the demonic writing on the wall… As they struggled to survive, they learned a lot more about each other, and this helped them overcome the past and the way they had never understood each other before.

As Leanthe and Thronos traveled across the planes, Dark Skye managed to make me feel like I was right there with them. The writing is beautiful, it showed me the places Leanthe and Thronos visited, in some instances, I could almost smell what they smelled, and I certainly was able to see what they saw. From being vindictive and a little scared of each other, as well as not trusting at all, both Leanthe and Thronos slowly let their walls down and dared to truly get to know each other, and finally realized how much they meant to each other.

If you are a fan of the Immortals After Dark series, I’m sure I don’t have to say anything more – go get your copy, it’s released today! – and if you’re not, I have to say I’m wondering what you are waiting for! The mythology in this series is really good, and the story-arc is so well done. Even if each book follows one couple, there are overall stories as well, that span over several books, and I was amazed at one clue that was delivered in Dark Skye.

Having waited very patiently for the next installment in the IAD series I can now say this is an overwhelming story. The story of Melanthe and Thronos is so filled with conflicting emotions you will get whiplash following these two. And what a delightful way to get injured. We find out so much more about the immortal world and how all the different species 'work'. We find out Nix's major role in all this and big, big pointers to how the storyline will continue. Mostly though we follow Lanthe and Thronos as they finally get together and the very unconventional, rocky road they take to get there. As always there is a HEA but with so many future stories yet to be told the series is far from over. And just to whet your appetite - Nix - oh my!

Truly an epic story...hard to put into words how much I love it! Might be my favorite of the series, but then again I think that same thought after most from the IAD series. Another amazing book by KC

Make sure you have read Shadow's Claim and Lothaire recently. There were a number of threads from those stories in this book that I'd completely forgotten and having the backstory fresh in my mind would have helped. I was a little blindsided by how things turned out with Aristo but wouldn't have been if I'd read Shadow's Claim more recently. I was confused by stuff Lothaire, Morgana, and Nereus did or had done in the past because I just hadn't read it recently. The pacing at the end of the book was not as tight as Cole usually writes, and the last 100 pages dragged. But the characters were likeable and their love believable and the antics of Nix always entertain. Another terrific addition to the IAD compendium.

This is a totally bias review as I recently met Ms. Cole (prior to Comic-Con) and she's the sweetest person ever. Her enthusiasm for Thronos and Lanthe's story was infectious, She truly wants everyone to love it. I mentioned to her my favorite book was Lothaire and she said this book might change that. Although it didn't, I still enjoyed it and thought she did a great job. It had adventure, struggle, forgiveness, love, etc... and I really like how she makes all her heroines strong independent (but not perfect) women and challenges typical gender stereotypes. Because, so what if a woman is more experienced than a man, right!

So, If you love the IAD series, you'll probably enjoy this as I did. If you're new to the series, lucky you! I suggest starting at book 1 and that'll keep you busy catching up and by the time you're done maybe the next one will be out.

Happy Reading!

I have been eagerly waiting for the next book in this series for a while now and I was not disappointed! This one picks up right after the immortals are freed from the prison. It starts fast and just keeps going. The movement through the different worlds is so fun. Thronos and Lanthe are both emotionally scarred and a lot stubborn. The back stories are heartbreaking and makes you long for these two to figure out what they have in each other. I loved that they manage to stay true to themselves throughout the story. The final obstacle in the story had me screaming at the pages in frustration and then cheering when they are able to find each other again. I can't wait for the next one. Great series!!

Absolutely adored Dark Skye! Thronos and Lanthe just shot up to number two on my favorite IAD couples. (Cadeon and Holly being #1, love them!) We get to see them meet as children and are let in on some their bonding moments in the months that leads up to Thronos going south, literally. I loved it! I loved how Kresley addressed slut-shaming in this book also. KC seems like a girl's girl through and through!

I really wanted to know a little bit more than what we were told, though. I wanted to know WHY. Why did his brother do the things he did to Lanthe and Sabine? Why did their father attack the abbey in the first place? Sigh. It was still a great book and will be reread over the years.

Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark Book 14) by Kresley Cole
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars
SPOTLIGHT, Review & Giveaway: http://wp.me/p3d0RZ-1uk

REVIEW:
I loved it! Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark Series is one of my favorite paranormal romance series and I’ve been looking forward to Thronos and Lanthe’s story. Dark Skye is now one of my favorites in the series. It was filled with action, suspense, humor, and passion. It kept me on edge and flipping the pages until the end. Thronos and Lanthe’s love story was epic! A scorching hot and emotional story. I highly recommend this new book in this incredible series. Kresley Cole never disappoints and always leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book. One of the reasons I love her books so much is because when I pick one up I slip into another world and feel like I’m taking the journey with the characters. Not many writers can create that kind of experience for readers. If you haven’t read the series you should start at the beginning and if you’re a fan you’ll love Dark Skye. I can’t wait for the next book!

*Review copy provided by Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.

The Sept of Sorceri is a breed-line broken from the enchantment caste of the House of Witches. They use elaborate armors to protect their bodies. They hold metals – and especially gold – sacred. Each has a root power that is consider to be their soul.

The Vrekeners are mortal enemies of the Sept of Sorceri, most of whom they consider wicked and unclean. They have wings and live in a realm consisting of floating islands, hidden above the clouds.

The Accession is a time when all immortals beings in the Lore (Valkyrie, vampire, shifters, fey, etc) must fight and destroy each other. This happens every five hundred years. Or right now…

The Order had many Lore imprisoned on a hidden island and did horrible experiments on them. As this story opens, those Lore prisoners have been released. Many of these former prisoners want nothing more than to get off the island and return home. However, several of the Lore remains to slaughter as many of their enemies as possible.

Melanthe “Lanthe” is the Queen of Persuasion. Her root/soul is the ability to persuade anyone to do her bidding. But the Vrekeners have been trying to kill her and her older sister, Sabine, almost all of their lives. Sabine has died multiple times and Lanthe has almost extinguished her root by healing Sabine (and bringing her back to life) each time.

Prince Thronos (of Skye Hall and all Air Territories) has been hunting Lanthe for five hundred years. He has known since childhood that Lanthe was his destined Mate. But his father had killed her parents and the young Lanthe, in her anger, retaliated instantly. To this day, if pains Thronos to fly or walk long distances. Finally, as she tried to flee the island, Thronos has captured Lanthe. He will stop at nothing to claim her as his Mate or to extract his vengeance.

**** FOUR STARS! You do not have to read the entire series to enjoy this episode, but new readers will find themselves confused quite a few times. In this series, several stories are happening simultaneously; therefore, various places, people, and situation are explained only vaguely.

A certain strange, almost insane, but captivating Valkyrie character plays a larger role this time around. Readers will see that she not only moves the main characters around like chess pieces, but she also has some of her own story told. (Yes! Finally! A small glimpse!)

The plot and its execution are a bit predictable, but the tale is a joy to read nonetheless! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch for Huntress Reviews

What I loved:

1. Sabine…and her devotion to Lanthe

2. Lanthe and Thronos…theirs is a truly EPIC love story

3. Lanthe’s humour and sarcasm

4. Lanthe’s ability to see the bright side in all things

5. Lanthe’s and Thronos’ unflinching devotion to each other

What I disliked

1. Sabine…and her interference

2. Cadmus (that dick is gonna face wrath if he dishes on my girl once more)

3. Morgana and her interference (I hope she gets enthralled by that sea god)

4. Furie’s horrific position and the fact that she is still there!!! Nix…on that one girl!

5. The rather abrupt and hand whipping ending…Whaaaatttt???? Just done…after all that journey and epicness…done???

As any readers of my reviews might know…I love a book and rave about it or I don’t. My all-time favorite IAD was Kiss of a Demon King. “She may be an evil bitch, but she’s my evil bitch. And I’ll have no other”…Sabine ROCKED the ever loving world with her amazingness! Lanthe was the little sister, who was “lookin’ for love in all the wrong places”…she gave it away, again and again and again and again. When, all along, it was Thronos. She belonged to him from the tender age of 9 and even though she has spent the past 500 years running from him, he has never stopped in his pursuit. The love started his pursuit, but his jealously turned it into a hunt…and a Vrekener never gives up his hunt!

Those who read IAD and are waiting for paperback or something will want this one. Tons of Accession deets, alliances and wars raged…but at the heart of this one is the slow rekindling of a true love, started in a meadow between a boy and a girl…Before they were this…they were that…

I love the characters, the weave and the suspense, but in the end (IMHO) Ms. Cole rushed this end and left me hanging (I hate cliffies). When the next book will be yet another year…do not do cliff-hangers, even mild ones. I wanted a gorgeous end with Lanthe getting herself some awesome Dragon Gold wedding band that everyone in the Lore will covet…She deserves no less! Enjoy!

Minor spoilers are included this review.

I loved Thronos the H. He was an alpha, possessive male who pursued the heroine Melathe over many many years. He was determined and obsessed. I loved that he was not a manhore but rather he was a virgin. Thronos was faithful and loyal. When given the opportunity and ability to sleep with a bunch of hoes that were trying to pressure/tempt him, that he declined even though most men could not resist and Melathe had other lovers. She did not wait for him.

If a rating was based solely on Thronos, it would be a 5 star read. However, it is not. I have really enjoyed some of Kresley Cole's other PRN books including the earlier ones, which are some of my favorites. This however to me this was only an ok read. While I liked Melathe's confidence in some areas, I hated how indecisive she was regarding her feelings for Thronos. Also the book seemed to drag in parts.

In Cole's PRN books, her MO is to tease a lot before the H & have sex and when it happened it is usually near the end of the book. People or creatures break the H & h apart minutes before they intend to seal the deal or someone changes their mind or some other circumstances come up or one character wants to do everything but the final act for whatever reason. It was no different in this book and it greatly irritated me. By the time Thronos and Melathe made love, I lost interest and skimmed over the scenes. That was a shame. Cole usually writes good sex scenes and since Thoronos was a virgin, I assume that the sex scenes are hot. There is a line between building up sexual tension between the characters by delaying sex and teasing the readers too long so that they become irritated and lose interest. In my opinion, Cole needs to stop teasing so long as to avoid including stopping using lame situations that stop the H & h from making love.

Book Summary
Published by - Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Release Date - 5th August 2014
Pages - 384
My Rating - 5 Stars

Review
Gods (or should I say Gold?) I love this series!!! With every book it gets better and better. I mean, of course I have my favorites from earlier on in the series, but the closer we get the the Ascension going down...DUDE!!! For fans of the Immortals After Dark (IAD) series, they will not be disappointed. I was soooooo excited when I found out we were finally going to get Thronos and Lanthe's story. I mean I had to wait three books to finally get it, but oh what a wait it's been. Sure I liked Lothaire, Shadow's Claim and MacRieve were okay, but ever since the moment on Immortal Island that we knew Thronos had Lanthe in his sights, I wanted their story ASAP!!!
Kresely Cole is an amazing story teller, and unlike so many authors who write a large series like this, she doesn't get lost in branches off the original story arc, everything she's written (including The Dacian's) has been leading up to what is going to be one hell of a battle when the Ascenion takes place, and of course, my most beloved Valkyrie is going to be leading them all...Team Nix all the way!!!
Dark Skye is heart breaking, exciting, beautiful and down right sexy, if you weren't already eager for Thronos and Lanthe's story, then you will be as Kresley Cole works her literary mojo on you and keeps you gripped to the very end...where of course you're crying out for the next book. So bring it on!!!

I may have said to a certain friend that I wasn’t as fangirl crazy about this particular book ~ please keep in mind that it was said AFTER reading MacRieve and I have a tinsy winsy obsession with the Lykae and really, really wanted Munro’s book next. I mean seriously? Who wouldn’t want more of Hot and Hotter? ~ but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t want to read Dark Skye, nor do I think any less of it because Kresley Cole hit another one out of the park.

Melanthe, Sorceri Queen of Persuasion, and Thronos, Vrekener Prince of Skye Hall have been enemies for centuries, and Thronos and his bretheren have spent much of that time chasing after not only Melanthe, but all Sorceri, and now Thronos has finally caught his prey and isn’t about to let her go.

As I said Ms. Cole hit this one out of the park. Not only does she give us Lanthe and Thronos’ back story, which at times is heartbreaking, their current story, but also weaves in bits and pieces of the characters we’ve come to know and love all the while giving us glimpses of what’s to come all without feeling absolutely overwhelmed with all the knowledge being thrown at you. And of course all of this is done with her signature snarky humor that every IAD fan has come to expect from her books.

I loved how Lanthe held her ground with Thronos, not letting him walk all over her as well as verbalizing how she felt about his treatment. She didn’t hold back. She knew who she was, knew she wasn’t a bad person at heart, though she is Sorceri through and through, and didn’t deserve to made to feel bad about anything she had experienced. And then there is Thronos. He started out as bit of an obsessive psycho type, understatement I know, but finding out why and then seeing how he evolves is really does change your mind about him and in the end you can’t help but love him, especially with how he shows Lanthe that she is truly his.

I love this series but this book has just become my favorite of the 14! We've known about Lanthe &Thronos since book 7 of the series & now we finally get a look at the Vrekerners & we discover why Thronos is obsessed with capturing Lanthe. Their love story is truly an epic one that takes them to many different planes and the way they come to rely on each other is pretty awesome. There are definitely a few heart wrenching moments between the two & the action hardly fades. It keeps you thinking 'Oh my God,what's going to happen next!' You get a tiny slice of more info on Nïx's quest for becoming a goddess, just enough to tease! (Rumor has it more on that front will be discussed in the next book,which I'll be pre-ordering ASAP! Thank you Ms Cole for another wonderful tale. We look forward to reading many more! Happy Ascension!!

Sky and home. Just remember those words as you read the story of Lanthe and Thronos. When unwittingly given a second chance at love to become mated as they discovered while young, the couple learns to overcome a slew of difficult obstacles. But as one might guess, overcoming difficult obstacles is what helps draw them back together after centuries of being apart. Face your challenges together and your happy ending might just be right around the corner. Not that you were looking for it and not that you thought it would ever happen. Sky and home people. Sky and home.

An excellent read! Dark Skye is the 14th installment in the Immortals After Dark series and its still fresh and exciting world to fall into. Oh, the pair these two make. I wasn't sure if Lanthe and Thronos would find their happily ever after. So much hate and many misunderstandings. But I should have known, Ms. Cole always finds a way. With such turmoil between these two it took me a while to take a liking to them. But in the end I really enjoyed their story. A must read, especially for fans of the series.

Melanthe and Thronos met when they were kids, he's a vrekner, she's a sorceress. Their kinds do not mix, and yet they are fated mates. Her sister kills his father, she handicapped Thronos when he was a boy, his brother tries to murder her. Can anyone say family drama? To sum it up, he's a virgin tracking down his fated mate, she bangs guys left and right, they have enemies everywhere. Can they work together to survive? And then what?

My first read of this book I have to admit I was abit overwhemed by all the scenes and happennings. By the second read everything became so much easier and clearer.

We witness first hand the torture and tragic memories of lost love that our heartbreak hero Thronos has been harbouring for centuries, granted, Melanthe has also suffered, but it is Thronos that stands out, and because of his conservative life in the Skies, it takes him a while to let go of some of his beliefs and prejudics when it comes to himself and Melanthe.

Melanthe on the other hand get a dose of what honesty and fidelity tastes like in a male, qualities she obviously never experience in her 5 centuries of dating the opposite sex, and it reignites feelings that she thought were lost.

Believe me when I say this is no clear cut HEA, because this couple suffers, even losing everything in the end but gains what is so much more important that is themselves and that true love fought against the odds will triumph all!

I have waited so long for this story and I think I got my hopes up too high. I didn't like either character and there were so many unanswered questions. Are we going to hear more about the vrekeners? There were no real interesting characters introduced so I am guessing no, so I don't understand why we never really had a solid answer on if they were demon or not. More of a history of the vrekeners would have been a great addition to the book. Or more time spent in Skye vs traveling from dimension to dimension it got kinda old.

To be honest I have been let down sinch Dark Shadows or what ever regarding bettina and trehan. Once authors get on the best seller list they seem to try too hard and forget their core audience, and charge ridiculous prices for their book. $11.99 electronic romance novel!!!! Ms. Cole don't go the way of Christina Feehan and Julie Garwood.

If you've read the series, you know Cole has a formula: men who are casually opportunistic about sex find their one true love among their most hated enemies, and she's either a virgin or close to it. I think someone may have pointed this out, because we finally got a female character who had sex more than a couple times over the centuries.

Yay for equality, right? Sadly, no.

Lanthe is a ditz, hopping in bed with a series of untrustworthy men who tended to swipe her powers on their way out the door. Since all she had to do to avoid this was hook up with the many Lore species which can't steal powers, it kind of feels like she's being punished for promiscuity. And while she claims to be unashamed of her history, I couldn't help feeling she'd jump into a time machine if given the opportunity to wait for her One True Love.

Thronos is a prig, coming from a culture that values silent missionary sex--preferably with a "claiming sheet" between the parties. He spends most of the book sniping at Lanthe or struggling mightily to get past her history. Eventually he discovers the joys of sex, pretty much because it feels good and is with his fated mate. Unfortunately, he seems to skip the notion that sex between consenting adults isn't sinful at all.

There's a plot in there amid the relationship drama--a pretty interesting one even, but it plays second fiddle. And way too little time with Nix, Bertil, and the rest of the gang.