Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles)

Perfection! Heartbreak, action, romance and insanity to the max. I have to give a shout-out for all my fellow Team Jack members, 'cause we know that boy is um, um, UM. Magnifique! The ending just about killed me, though. I have high hopes, especially after reading some interesting theories. Team Jack for the win!

Amazing so far!!!! - 1/6/2015 - 2 am

Alright I wrote that as I was about 1/3 through the book, I just finished the book now 1/6/2015 - 5 pm

*******SPOILER ALERTS*****************************************

It was worth the wait at 2 am, and now 12 hours later, I AM PISSED.

Are you kidding me???????

I WAITED FOR MONTHS FOR THIS TO COME OUT AND NOW I SHOULD WAIT AGAIN?????

Fans are getting tired of these endless cliff hangers. The book should have been finished by the 3rd book.
She spent the whole book trying to decide between Jack and Death, and then we finally have her decision, and another cliff hanger as maybe the love of her life went up in smoke. Sorry, this is not good marketing and you are angering your fan base.

(Best part of the book was the memories that Matthew place in Evie's mind showing Jack and Death's childhood. Explained a lot...) I am not going to say anymore for spoiler reasons, but damm.

I find it hard to write this review because I love Kresley Cole so much and have loved this series so far. However, the love triangle storyline is dragging out way too long. This book did not carry the storyline very far and in the end it felt like we were at the same place as in the beginning. I'm still really looking forward to the next book.

The beginning of the book was hard to get into even though I've read the first two. Book 3 makes it clear that it's a game and all the characters are game cards. I found myself tired of Evie and Jack, really tired of Evie. I didn't hate the book but I don't care to read the next installment unless I can get it for less $3.00 and it concludes.

After devouring this book as I did with the previous two, I can't help feeling frustrated with the lack of progression due to the unnecessarily large focus on the love triangle. I love Kresley Cole's writing and am an especially big fan of her IAD series and in many ways the Arcana Chronicles is just as brilliant. It has such an interesting premise with all the Major Arcana being forced to kill each other in a post-apocalyptic Hunger Games every few centuries. Each card having their own unique powers gives it an interesting twist and Evie's evil past makes her character more intriguing rather than just another bland protagonist.

So why, Kresley Cole, would you ruin all this potential by focusing on the dreaded love triangle the entire book?! Arguably, it has been the focus since book two, but now Aric and Jack are thrown together to increase the tension and make Evie more conflicted. So boring! I'd rather hear more about the other cards (Really curious to find out more about Circe!) and figure out how to save them from their doom! The love triangle, if there must be one, should never be the center of attention when there are so many other interesting things to focus on. It makes Evie seem childish (but maybe that's the point since she is only 17) that she can't make up her mind and the boys are just as childish fighting over her until they finally reach a mutual respect between one another.

I really love Kresley Cole. Her imagination is fascinating and it is a always a joy to dive into her worlds. She is also one of the few authors that can make me laugh out loud throughout a book! Nix is a good example for anyone who reads IAD. Matthew is a fun parallel to her even if he's not nearly as hilarious. I trust that she will make up for this book's lack of progress in the next one and I did enjoy it despite the frustrations of the love triangle, but Dead of Winter is still my least favorite of the three.

SPOILERS

Also disappointed in Evie's choice of Jack over Aric. This is the first book that they have a conversation without screaming at one another. I'm also not fond of the fact that when he finds out something he doesn't like, he shuts her out and is a jerk to her until he puzzles out her actions either by taking to others or stealing something of hers. Perhaps he should, I don't know, try communicating with her?! Maybe I just don't trust guys with anger issues and double standards (I can keep secrets from you but am furious when you keep them from me). Aric isn't perfect either, but I at least understand his actions against her in the previous book. But the ending doesn't seem set in stone. I'm still hoping Selena somehow survived! It's going to be a long wait for the next one.

LOVE this book. I think the characters are rich and complex. I like Jack, but adore Death. But who will Evie chose? Guess I'll have to read the next book to find out. Highly recommend this amazing series.

This book was great, not quite as great as the second one, in my opinion. BUT, but I feel like its moving too slowly and the plot is being drug out to lengthen the series, the conflict between the choice of Jack and Aric in gripping but it, to me, would be a better read if the events moved a little faster.

SPOILERS!!!
I enjoyed this book but I wished it did not focus so much on the love triangle between Evie, Jack & Aric. This is an apocalyptic world and the game is all about survival so me personally I would be more focused on who my enemies are, but that's just me.
First, Evie is a huge hypocrite & I wished she chose Aric & not Jack. She lied to Jack for weeks by not telling him she can grow food & that she had people hunting her but he didn't reveal that he assisted her mother in suicide that makes him a bad guy. It seemed like she was looking for a reason to justify her attraction to Eric. Her love is fickle as well as her loyalty. I was hoping she would choose Aric so Jack could be with Selena but it seems like KC is following the template of all YA books out there: Interesting love triangle where the heroine is capable of loving two guys but those same guys are incapable of falling in love with someone else. Even someone as brave, skilled & funny like Selena. Why is it possible for Evie to be torn between Aric & Jack but Jack can't be torn between Evie & Selena? Especially after everything Evie did with Aric. He was too quick to forgive her & that annoyed me.
Secondly, now that Selena be dead it's seem ridiculous that she would survive the Lovers only to be taken out days later by the Emperor! I feel like Mission Save Selena was a set up by KC to put Aric & Jack together on the road to highlight this overplayed love triangle.
Overall I'm disappointed. With each book I dislike Evie more & more. Especially since she only chose Jack because she loved him first. WHAT!! Also she was quick to leave Jack when she thought he KISSED Selena! Yet Jack was quick to forgive her when she confessed her & Aric did stuff yet she said she couldn't forgive Jack if he did anything with Selena. I didn't expect that by third book I would think Aric & Evie deserve each other & I would hope for Selena & Jack.

That was an amazing book and I know for a fact that there is going to a fourth and am looking forward to it. I feel Evies pain through everything I cried and laughed and was even in shock a couple of times. I feel in love with Aric(death) even more but my heart stayed with Jack and always will. The end o this book surprised and made me so damn sad I wanted to cry. I recommend this chronicles to anybody. This was an emotional book and I love it.

I have waited for this book for the last 5/6 months. I was not disappointed. I don't wanna be a spoiler, so I won't. All I will say is, I'm Jack Daniels forever. That man is thee best. Read the book now!!!!

Yet another series with great potential devolves into a trite and tired love love triangle, and another interesting heroine is reduced to choosing between Boy A or Boy B. I'm so disappointed. I read the first book and was quite taken with the world Ms. Cole had created and looked forward to more. But the second book let me down as Evie developed Stockholm Syndrome during her imprisonment. Which, of course the author assured us wasn't what happened, in a scene that essentially reads "You have Stockholm Syndrome." "Nu-uh! WE ARE SOULMATES. I see that now after the months of imprisonment and psychological abuse." "Yep. That's Stockholm, Evie." "But his MUSCLES!!! And vodka! It's love I tell you! He tried to kill me and almost raped me because he loves me SO MUCH." I wish I was kidding.

This third installment was even worse. I found my self skipping huge chunks of angst over boys, attempting to get back to the interesting main(?) plot. At least I *thought* the post apocalyptic survival and the Arcana battle were the main plot. I'm honestly not sure any more. And I have no intention of finding out. I will not be continuing the series after this.

I'm so disappointed. I was excited about this series, but it's gone the way of Twilight. Glorifying unhealthy relationships which are weakly justified by the inclusion of some supernatural excuse. And putting cute!boys above plot. Too much angst, not enough Arcana.

*******SPOILERS**********
I loved the first two books. Especially the second. Have reread both books. I was sadly disappointed in the third installment. There was very little action and not much use of power or character development. A lot was centered on Evie making a choice btwn her two loves and I'm kinda pissed that she picked Jack. I love Aric. Also, I think it's pretty obvious that Jack is the dormant Arcana. The book didn't get good until the end and boy oh boy was it a cliff hanger. The only good part of the book.

I'm not gonna lie while this book was good it really made me angry . I feel like she could've tidied a lot of things up and made this the last book. To know as a reader im GONNA have to wait for another book to solve all the arcana mysteries seems like a way for her to make extra coins. Nevertheless , this book was packed heavily with death and jack vying for her heart. She did make her decision on who she wanted to be with (I was not pleased ) but it may all be in vain especially if this person doesn't survive . The twins were extremely creepy and we learned some interesting facts about them some things that eve shocked me and baby when they love they love hard and I mean love as in torturing. Mathew as usually was full of riddles and confusing ramblings. The inactivated card still remains a mystery, we have no idea what knowledge the grandma has for us, Mathew has run off, and a character that IVE come to love may be seemingly dead. The book WASNT bad per say I just feel like I was lead on I believed this would be the last book, like really epic. I feel like COLE gave us crumbs to wet our appetite instead of giving us a full meal. (MS. COLE IM STILL HUNGRY) The book was divided between rescuing members of the alliance and evies hormones. For the next book, please do not withhold. There were things that SHOULDVE been revealed.There are still characters to meet and secrets to discover and sadly this was the weakest book by far. Alas, even though ive complained I'll see you in 2016 for the next book

This was the best in the Arcana Chronicles so far and that's saying a lot. I couldn't put the book down and now I don't know how I'll be able to wait for the next book to come out. It's killing me! All the characters are so vividly displayed in this book. I loved every heart wrenching bit of this book!

****SPOILER ALERT******

DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU FINISHED THE BOOK

Well, I've been waiting for this book for a while now. Read it nonstop since I got it automatically delivered to my tablet at 12:00 a.m. The book is great, it is actually very intense and kept me hooked through out all of the story. I don't appreciate love triangles too much because you end up liking both heroes. I'm very sorry for Aric. He's my favorite character and he's story is sooo sad he really deserves his happy ending.

I almost lost it when Evie chose Jack. It was so unbelievable and tragic for me that I don't know if I'll be able to read the nex tinstallment in the series. My only hope is that Jack is really dead. I didn't care very much for his macho attitude and his constant pressuring Evie.

And still can't believe Selena is dead! ?

I had to force myself to stop reading every few chapters so I could make this book last longer. It was amazing. Can't wait for the next. I wish she would have chosen differently but I'm praying things change in the next book!

I feel like this is another Team Jacob or Team Edward thing. Except, in this instance, it's team Jack or team Aric. In which case, I am totally team Aric. 110% all the way. I've never been so utterly confused and TORN on a book before. This has really put me through the ringer. On one hand, I loved the book. And I would even go as far to say that it was much better than her previous IAD novel *gasps!* I know right?! Although in that review I actually rated it higher than this one. I may or may not have been swayed by the fact that I am madly deeply in love with the IAD series. In any case, I really enjoyed this book.

I think that Evie has come strides in character development. And while another reviewer wrote that she was one dimensional and needed death and jack to remind her how powerful, beautiful or strong she actually was and that she was an a-typical damsel in distress in need of rescuing, I feel as if she has changed exponentially from the first novel. I couldn't stand her in book one. She was naive (albeit she still is in this book), vain, snobby and all together just an unlikeable character. She's really come into her own over the previous two books, and I commend Cole and her development of Evie's character.

Ugh. And what she did for Aric?! SOLD SOLD SOLD. I fell in love with him so much in this book. While I was on the fence about who Evie should choose in book 2, I really and truly was lost lost for Aric in this book. I don't think I even stood a chance. He was perfect. I could fault him for so little in this book. And it broke my heart in 2 when Evie chose Jack. Love triangles are hard to write. You really need to have a good balance throughout the book and while I think Cole did a good job playing it out, I found my patience wearing very thin with Evie. I think thats why I have given this book only 3 stars. I'm in turmoil here! She was so indecisive, and her inner rambling of loving Jack one minute and then loving Aric the next really grated on me.

The book had a phenomenal ending and I will DEFINITELY be sitting by and eagerly awaiting the the release of book 4. I'm interested to see how Cole resolves the love triangle and everyone gets their happy ending. I highly recommend :)

So yes, I love the characters, however, the progress made in the book with regard to the plot and character development was a bit underwhelming. The main character is essentially grappling with exactly the same problem she was posed in the end of the last book. Evie hasn't grown. Jack's growth was predictable. And Aric/Death is still inscrutable and bit controlling. And this series should not have been stretched out over four or five books. This last installment should have been just that---the last installment. I won't be waiting on pins and needles for Book 4 to come out.

This series is starting to remind me of profit driven movie franchises ( eg Twilight, the Hunger Games) which stretch the story endlessly to improve the bottom line. There are actually some pretty well drawn, interesting characters here, Jack, for one, he is based on a real human being and is therefore a bit more three dimensional, Matthew, for another, because the inside of his head is like an endless lsd trip. But most of the rest are weak, cardboard caricatures -- eg Death/Aric who reminds me of one of those Romanian accented vampires in seventies films and, most notably, Evie who seems entirely devoid of values and can't reason herself out of a paper bag. I know lots of seventeen year old girls and none are as indecisive, self absorbed and self congratulatory as this little lass, who seems to constantly need superhuman men around to remind her how totally confused, vunerable. powerful and perfect she is. (alas, another little Bella/MaryJane heroine) There is absolutely no reason to stretch out the story of this jolly little threesome for any longer than three books -- are we going to be faced with this silly choice forever? or maybe, are we going to see something really happen -- like the rebuilding of the world by human beings after horrible catastrophe, or the great labor and sacrifice involved in the triumph of good over evil , or the spiritual growth and positive development of characters who have been through a literal hell on earth, or something? How many more books involving ridiculous and easily made choices do we need? Oh well, maybe Grandma will add some badly needed wisdom and reason to the mix in the next book -- or, hey, maybe she'll be faced with some silly trivial, plot killing choice as well. Maybe Aric has a father, and Jack has an old uncle banging around so that Granny can be part of a gleesome threesome -- that would be kinda fun, when you think of it. :-)

Loved it. Hated the ending, but what's new.

********** WARNING. SPOILER ALERT. *************

I truly didn't understand how Evie was unable to decide, and that indecision came across as formulaic in order to keep the story going. I guess I'm a traditionalist (a nod to Death, har), but deciding between Aric and Jack should have boiled down to intensity of feeling, love, connection - however Evie threw that all out the window and went with Jack simply because he was her first love and their possible future together seemed more grounded, viable, with a HEA per Jack's vision of a new Arcadiana; whereas her possible future with Aric didn't logically have the ideal HEA, no matter how much she admitted that Aric was her soul mate. If she truly loved Aric, not having the ideal HEA wouldn't matter - just BEING with him should have been her HEA.

That being said, I think it'll be interesting to see how Ms. Cole reconciles all of this. I guess Evie is still a kid and trying to emotionally grow up, despite all the hardships she'd experienced thus far. I don't think she deserves Aric and now she needs to earn Aric, if they'll ever be together, and I hope she suffers and goes through some traumatic paradigm shift to get there (Aric's threat about her winning the game was so fitting - maybe Evie can live through that existence like Thronos did with Lanthe dying in the last IAD). I'm still looking forward to the 4th installment, but I was disappointed with Evie's character at the end. I have faith in Ms. Cole and am sure all will be well in the next book.

"Dead of Winter," the third installment in Kresley Cole's Arcana series, is unfortunately a middling filler of a novel that shows promise of character and relationship complexity, but falls short of expectations. Mainly, not much occurs in the story to move the plot along and characters remain frustratingly stagnant and superficial. The dialogue, further, can be gratingly and manipulatively slow and unnatural in order to preserve important plot points for later time. For example, none of the characters appear to ask any essential questions, reveal significant information, or insist that other characters explain vital details because either they are relentlessly sleepy or some coincidence occurs where an event disrupts someone on the cusp of revealing anything. Consequently, it is easy to roll your eyes throughout the story when the reader tends to be a couple steps ahead of the protagonists.

Although the story may seem action-packed because the plot revolves around dispatching the Dutch and Duchess of Perverse, the story as a whole does not move forward. Evie barely acquires more of her powers and she does not learn much of anything new from her past games or about the origin of the games. You can sum up this book with two sentences: (1) The gang puts their differences aside to get rid of the twins. (2) Evie must choose between Jack and Death.

To further touch upon the latter sentence, it saddens me that our heroine, Evie, is relegated to a superficial love triangle and that she spends the majority of her time choosing between her two suitors rather than actively participating in or ending the game. As an aside, I do not have anything against love triangles and generally enjoy them if they are interwoven into the story well. Why else read YA unless one intends to live vicariously through the characters and be in the enviable position of having to choose amongst swoon worthy hunks? However, this triangle feels forced down our throats and making it the primary focus of this book, when hell has broken loose on Earth, makes it frustrating to read when more important things are at stake. By the end of the novel one wants Evie, when given an ultimatum by Jack and Death to choose, to be the potential kick-ass Red Witch that she can be and tell them, just like she told the other Arcana when she said she would not participate in a game where she did not make the rules, to sit their bums down and let her choose between them on her own terms.

WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW

And here is the fan girl in me writing: There is no silly love triangle because only one is remotely worthy. On one hand you have Death who is smart, kind, strong, has wisdom and most importantly, wants Evie to be the same and more; and on the other hand, you have Jack who is a detriment to her development. He constantly infantilizes her. At one point in the novel the trio have a skirmish and Death wants Evie to practice her powers to become stronger and independent. Jack, however, interrupts her learning experience by deeming her unworthy to fight and then has the galls to say that he had been responsible for toughening her up beforehand (he is referring to previous experiences in earlier novels in the series). I am sorry, but repeatedly insulting her for being hungry or not moving fast enough whenever he got the chance to does not count. That is called verbal abuse.

So of course it was a disappointment to me when Evie chose Jack at the end, mainly because, as she so eloquently explains to Death, she loved him first. Girls and guys, if you are reading, that is one stupid reason to stick with anyone. No one gets dibs on you because they were there first. Plus, she was upset at Death for his exceptionally reasonable contingency plan should their plot to stop the games fail (Lark remaining behind to repopulate the Earth with animals sounds like a superb idea).

However, my dissatisfaction with Evie's insignificant choice of a boyfriend does not even hold a candle to my disappointment in the one relationship I did want to see: Evie and Selena's. Here was a brilliant, blooming female friendship that, in the course of three novels, evolved past a competition for a male's attention and past their competitiveness to win an abstract game (talk about loaded societal commentary), and of course the author decides to kill Selena at the end. The one relationship that had potential to raise a run-of-the-mill YA series from mundane to sharp social critique is abruptly cut short.

And does anyone believe for a second that Jack is truly dead?

In all, there are a lot of issues with "Dead of Winter." However, there are some bright spots in the novel, such as learning who the Source Twins are and general intrigue regarding the games that still makes me want to check out the next installment in this series.

I'm a big fan of Kresley Cole. IAD is one of my favorite series and I love every single book in it, even Shadow's Claim. I thought Poison Princess was a fabulous book and was so excited for a series that centers around the Tarot. I liked Endless Knight a little less. I still loved it but I was very wary of a love triangle. I didn't want to believe that Kresley would write one of those series. Well, I was apparently wrong. Because then came the much anticipated Dead of Winter. Let the YA cliches begin!

SPOILER ALERT!

Let me just say right off the bat that I thought this series had so much potential. 22 kids representing Tarot cards gain super natural abilities and have to fight to the death! Awesome! I'll take two please! Alas. I'm afraid it's not meant to be.

My view on love triangles is this: If you think you're in love with 2 different people you're wrong. You don't love either of them. (and you're selfish) Don't commit to either of them and go find someone that you truly can't live without and no other can compare to. That's real love.

Dead of Winter pretty much just focuses on the love triangle between Jack, Aric, and Evie. Evie just can't bring herself to pick between Jack and Death. In Endless Knight Jack and Evie become a couple in a very real way. A day, a few days?, later she is captured and kidnapped by Death who drags her to his compound torturing and belittling her the entire way. Thing's get much better for her when they arrive. Soon, out of jealousy, Death tells her that Jack killed her mother. (Which we later learn isn't exactly the truth) and Evie breaks up with Jack through Matthew's mind. Still with me? SO. In DoW Evie quickly learns what really went down with her mom and tells Jack she understands. Yay! How big of her you say? I thought so too! But. We're reminded time and time again how distrustful she is of Jack now. And THIS is the reason that she just can't go back to Jack. Hmm. Petty much? Yes she is! Evie has lied to Jack over and over again and is STILL lying to him. Did she tell Jack that her and Aric had an oral date? Nope. Deal breaker, hypocrite! Evie is so willing to believe anything negative about Jack. He can do no right in her eyes.

She's mad about her already dying mother.

Mad that he broke his promise not to step in harms way. Which is so stupid.

And the worst, the absolute worst, (and this happens early so it really set the tone of the book for me) She is offended when he won't tell her what The Lovers did to him? What? What the what? Is she nuts? What a selfish little brat she is. She brought it up 5 times though out the book. Shut up, dummy! You won't talk about crap to Jack (like that you and Death can communicate telepathically) but he's supposed to go into detail about his torture right after it happened? umm, umm, umm, No. Oh, and she also asked him yet again what happened to his mother after the flash. Why? Why is this so important to her? Again she is slightly offended that he won't confide this personal information that has NOTHING to do with her. Don't forget she lies to people all the time. She either straight up lies like she did to Selena or she lies by omission like with Death and Jack. I feel like if Kresley was going to make Evie so bent on honesty she should be honest herself, because now she just looks like a crappy, skeevy person.

Jack is too good for Evie. He and Selena would have made a much better couple. Selena was LOYAL and strong. Sadly, our La Luna fell victim to the oldest YA cliche in the book. She was a much better character than the lead so she had to go!

Another annoying selfish Evie moment was when Selena was giving her a hard time about how great she looked while they have been living in hell. Evie is offended and throws in their faces how bad her life was, too! She had to fight the Devil!! Evie. That was one day in 6 months. The rest of the time you were living like a queen while your friends were outside in the pouring rain and endless night the entire time. Shut up!

Sigh. I did really like Death. Aric is a cool guy. He's super manipulative but it's not his fault that Evie's so dumb. I seriously thought she was going to pick him and was shocked when she didn't. Much like Evie, Death is only interested in keeping Evie happy. No one else matters to him, and Evie loves that! Says so herself... out of the two Death is the only one who will solely pay attention to her. She should have picked him, Jack is out of her league. Aric is blind to Evie's short comings which is to her advantage also. Like when he calls her a scholar! Haha! What!?! Oh lord, love is blind!

The 3 book build up to the confrontation with The Lover's fell kinda flat, too. Why tell us about all these mysterious powers and not let us see ANY of it in action? ACTION is why I started this series!

In the end, IMO, if I had known that this was going to turn into a run of the mill teen angst YA series I would have skipped it altogether. Kresley is a great writer! She's so much better than this. It's obvious that she's trying to stretch this series out as far as she can. Which would be fine if she would write it like I know she can and not use the template that every other YA author out there uses. I bought the first 3 books of this series, but since I know I'll never reread it, the rest of the series will be borrowed from the library.

Presley Cole had Evie real-life confused between Death & Jack in this book. Too opposite from her feelings in the first two books. There's no way that a good Arthur would allow a main character such as Jack to be killed in such a dramatic fashion just to let an Archadian, Death, get his woman. Now that makes a mortal man just as strong as a, "God" per sé. Humphrey!

My goodness, Kresley Cole is going to kill me with feels one of these days. Before you go forward with my review, be sure to check out my reviews of the first two installments, Poison Princess and Endless Knight.

So Dead of Winter picks up a few days after the end of Endless Knight, with Evie wandering around and following the other Arcana calls so she can find everyone in order to rally the troops to rescue Jack. Now, after Jack’s behavior and incessant lying over the last two novels, I was particularly irritated with her desire to still be with him romantically. Especially after Evie was finally being treated with love and respect by Death (Aric), although he made a very questionable decision at the end of Endless Knight as well.

While the last novel really cultivated Aric’s character and his past and present relationship with Evie, this one does focus a little bit more on the “games” going on between the Arcana and we are introduced to the High Priestess and the Lovers, officially.

Not going to lie, no matter how youthful Cole described Circe as, I just kept imagining Ursula from the Little Mermaid as speaking to Evie. (Whoops) The lovers were delightfully creepy, and their absolute adoration of torture and pain was just a really good way to make them distinctly evil, especially after Death (who started off as an enemy) as been so wholly redeemed throughout the other two novels.

Evie has really grown into herself and finally begins to gain more control over her powers, in the sense that they are no longer reliant specifically on the sun or on fertile Earth. But while there is definitely a good amount of action in this installment of the Arcana Chronicles, there is still a large part of the narrative that is focused on the love triangle that is going on between Jack-Evie-Aric (Death).

Typically, I really do not enjoy love triangles because they are just such an overused trope in young adult literature. However, since Evie seemed to really be divided between both Jack and Aric, it makes that aspect of the story much more fulfilling. Although, I’m firmly on Aric’s side of the love triangle, waving my hands and stamping my feet wanting Evie to pick him.

Now, this part may be a BIT spoilery: But I’ve read some reviews that are picking up on the possibility of Jack being part of the Arcana as well. Someone speculated that he could possibly be one of the four cards that haven’t appeared in the series yet: The Chariot, The Hanged Man, The Wheel of Fortune, or The Sun. Specifically I’ve noted that The Hanged Man is a popular speculation for his character. While it would be cool for Jack to be part of the Arcana, I don’t understand how he couldn’t have been “activated” at this point in the story, but if that comes to pass, I’m sure that Cole would provide a worthy explanation.

Either way, Dead of Winter gets 4.5 Bards.
Evie + Death forever.

More reviews posted at www.amidsummernightsread.com

I listened to these series up to this one on audible books. It was a great series but all this in danger, not in danger, Jack or Alric, back and forth is very very wearying after three books. And seriously all this heavy petting and this is a teen's book. No wonder kids are getting into sex earlier and earlier, this kind of book glorifies it. Being in a 3-way with hurting each other is like foreplay. Maybe all this repetitive back and forth is just what teens go through; I seriously must've been mature for my age if that was the case, because they're all like 12-13 years old and in crushes that seemed to feel like dying for unrequited love. I felt all the characters were interchangeable, the good guys are all good, the bad guys are really bad and vile...then the zombies, slavers, etc. Same old attacks, same old horror and by the third book it's really the same dang time over and over. Toss in a new character every so often and then end the book on a cliff hanger. Every dang book ends like that. I am so tired of it, I am so over it. The first book hooked me cuz of the Alchemist and it just has been going downhill or deja vu again in each book after.
I have read series where there are like more than five in a series and each book is fresh and new, just with the same characters. These books are a single note, the other ones are a symphony.
It would have gotten a one star but it was good enough for me to read three of them, shame on me. Only her powers grew in the books, her immaturity has not. Goodbye whiney annoying little Evie hope you grow up in one of these book. Won't miss ya.

It took me a little longer to finish listening to Dead of Winter, but that is because this Book Lovin’ Mama came down with the flu. Grrr! I tried to avoid the flu, but unfortunately it got me and I had to put listening to Dead of Winter on hold.

I finally finished the book, while at work and of course there was a cliffhanger at the end. Now, I’m aching to start the next book because I need to know what happens next. Kresley definitely knows how to continuously suck me into her stories and there’s no returning to the real world until I finish her books. Her writing style, creative storylines, and addicting characters definitely don’t help either with my reading addition of her books. Also, I may have a slight issue since I can’t get enough of the Arcana Chronicles. I’m determined to catch up before the last book is released.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t grab me like the first two books did, so it’s actually only getting 3.5 stars. It’s not a bad rating though because I did still enjoy the book, especially since I listened to it, instead of actually reading it. The narrator Emma Galvin has become a favorite, since she actually does accents of the characters and she definitely brings the story and characters to life.

I was expecting more action in the story and I definitely wanted to learn more about the other Arcana. Although, I did learn a lot more about the Lovers (the Twins) and they were twisted. Holy moly, they were twisted. Kresley definitely writes detailed characters who can either be lovable or crazy as hell who you just have to hate.

I won’t spoil the book for anyone, but I highly recommend reading these books in order. If you enjoy Young Adult Dystopian books with love triangles, bagmen (zombies), slavers, soldiers, etc., then you’ll definitely want to pick up these books. I’m hoping the next book goes back to the action and hopefully, the love triangle will subside for a bit. I love to read love triangles every once in awhile in stories, but hoping the girl picks the guy she wants to be with soon. Evie keeps stringing them along. This book though, she may have made a decision, but I’m still hoping she picks the guy I like. Dang it! Choose……already Evie!

The Arcana Chronicles is one of my favorite YA series and I've been anxiously awaiting the next installment to come out and let's just say Cole did not disappoint. This series has everything you could want; action, adventure, magic, and a hot/hot/hot love triangle. I started this series really wanting Evie to be with Jack, but this book really cemented my love of Aric aka Death.

Synopsis: Evie has escaped Death, kind of, and is heading back to save Jack from The Lovers. Turns out, that's only half the battle. The true battle comes when Death and Jack force Evie to chose who she wants to spend the rest of her days.

What I liked: If I saw everything is that a good review? Probably not, so I'll stick to just the things I adored and even then there are a lot of things that I loved. This is the third installment in the Arcana Chronicles but unlike some series there doesn't seem to be any slowing down as this story progresses. From start to finish this book is chocked full of action and this time it focuses almost solely on Jack, Evie, and Aric. I love how Cole is able to create such an action packed story line while also creating very intense and well rounded characters. Speaking of characters, this installment focuses on the love triangle between Evie, Jack, and Aric, so naturally we have a lot of steaminess. When I first began the story I was totally devoted to Jack and Evie. Hot Cajun boy, yyellooo. But, suddenly this weird thing happened where, like Evie, I totally fell for Aric (aka Death). Cole really played with my emotions on this one. Jack vs. Aric has never been harder, but I came out on the side of Aric. He's got that broody, tortured thing going for him and he hooked me. You'll have to read the book to see how that whole thing turns out for Evie.

What I didn't like: The fact that it ended. There's a pretty big cliff-hanger at the end and I'm a little stressed out waiting for the next installment.

Overall, this was an amazing addition to an original and captivating story. 5/5

ENDINGS LIKE THAT NEED TO BE OUTLAWED.

BECAUSE I’M DYING AND YET, THE HOPE OF MORE OF THIS MIGHT BE THE ONLY THING KEEPING ME ALIVE.

Actually, scratch that. I’m most definitely DEAD inside because this book – this series – is EVERYTHING and it just killed me.

The Arcana Chronicles is about a game. (OF MURDERING EVERYTHING IN ME. I’m kidding.) A game where twenty two teenagers handpicked by the Gods and gifted with supernatural abilities depicted on Tarot Cards play for immortality. The winner doesn’t age in the centuries between games, but only at the price at killing all the other Arcana.

Of course, each game has to have obstacles apart from the actual ‘bad guys’ themselves and this one consists of bagmen – zombies that eat blood and whose touch turns you into one of them – and slavers and armies and the plague.

In the middle of a post-apocalyptic world, is Evangeline Greene. The Empress, the Poison Princess, the Red Witch has formed an alliance for everyone to step out of the game – to not kill but to take control of their own fates and live their lives out.

Except in a centuries long killing game for immortality in a post-apocalyptic world, can you really just stop killing?

I LOVE THIS STORY OH MY GOD.

I’m a sucker for bad boys (see: Rhysand from ACOTAR) so, if you throw TWO BAD BOYS IN THE PICTURE, and one of them DEATH himself, I will be in love, before I ever started reading. ALSO, THEY’RE BOTH AWESOME. AND SLIGHTLY MESSED UP. AND GORGEOUS. AND WONDERFUL FIGHTERS. AND POWERFUL. (I could go on.)

While I loved the boys, however, Evie and the boys and the fact that they were basically in a pissing/ marking their territory contest and the fact that she didn’t say anything was UGH. Like STAND UP FOR YOURSELF. You’re not property to be owned, just because you married someone in a past life doesn’t mean you’re married now. MEH.

Another cool thing I did love was the different Arcana and their powers. I MEAN HOW COOL IS TIME TRAVEL AND ELECTRICITY AND POISON AND WINGS AND A KILLING TOUCH AND MIND CONTROL? Powers have ALWAYS fascinated me and I love everyone’s powers, even if there really was only one scene where we saw a lot of them use it.

I’m craving more action, less romance in book four.

I want Evie to UNLEASH the Red Witch.

I want more of this series, I want more from this series, - I JUST WANT EVERYTHING, OKAY?

Yes, I make no sense.

But you should go DEFINITELY read this. NOW.

I am still neither on team Jack or team Death.  I am ON team Evie.  I am all for the girl power, and honestly, Jack holds her back.  Death encourages her to reach her full empress potential, yet with that, she may lose her humanity in the process.  Each pushes her for their selfish gains.  So I’m all about boo with the boy's and go, team, Evie.  If this were an adult book, she would just choose both and not look back.  But alas it is a YA, so that isn’t happening.  Probably why I like adult books better LOL.  

Dead of Winter has Evie searching her heart for what she truly wants as the two men in her life work together to help battle the Lovers.  She's torn by her love for both men, but she knows she can only choose one.  

Dead of Winter is loaded with so much teen melodrama you would think I would hate it, but alas I loved it.  It sucks you in, but Cole has a way of doing that with her fantastic writing.  Do I want Evie to turn evil and kill all her allies and friends, no?  But I am secretly rooting for the read witch to prevail and Evie to realize she is excellent without Jack or Death.  We will see.  The ending is such a cliffhanger, but I know Cole isn’t done by a long shot. 

I tell you, the Lovers are the creepiest Arcana yet. “We will love you, in our own way,” cringe worthy, especially how the audiobook narrator says it. That being said, when Evie finds out Jack is alive and the Lovers have him, all bets are off.

I’m not always a fan of love triangles, but this one really tore me up. There’s no real time for Evie to figure things out when she first sets off, and it gets even more complicated when Matthew reveals that the only chance for ultimate success against the evil twins is for Evie, Jack and Death to team up.

As with the previous installments, the magic, the post-apocalyptic battlefield, and the romantic entanglements make this an engrossing read. And the cliffhanger at the end makes the next book a must read (and I was very glad it was already out).

Overall, loved this book and continue to enjoy this series. Perfect for fans of YA post-apocalyptic, featuring romance and arcane magic.

I borrowed this audiobook from the library.

I wrote this review for the blog at PureTextuality.com.

Wow. THAT was an emotional roller coaster. I think this was my favourite of the series so far, and it's ending it leaving me eager for more! Though the majority of the story focused on the relationships and romance between Evie, Jack, and Aric, the story was well constructed and full of surprises and unexpected adventures. Not to mention terrifying and horrific in terms of enemies. There was a lot of character development and growth with the main trio. Everyone has changed so much and continues to mature and grow. As far as the romance, while it did drag on for a lot of the story, I did sympathize with Evie's debate. Both Jack and Aric are so different and yet so similar in the way they love Evie. It was a truly harrowing and gripping story full of adventure and danger and romance, and a serious creep factor that will keep me up at night. I'm becoming more addicted to this series as it goes on, and I really have to see what happens next.

So we have fully entered the realm of the love triangle, which I normally hate. But, this one is different. There's a respect that grows between all parties (even Evie) that makes this seem less like childish indecision or the desire to pit two people against each other. Much of that is Evie's history and attitude. The Empress wants Death - Evie wants Jack. But since the Empress is Evie, well, she's got a decision to make. And....just so you know.....she does. But I'm not telling and I never would have guessed at how it all turned out!!!

Leading up to this, we get a really good look at some new-ish Arcana. We've briefly met a couple of them, but we get to see what makes them tick, and we get to see them as people instead of just powerful cards. Relationships are formed, trust made and broken. And we finally get to really meet The Lovers.

My favorite bad guy(s) so far. The Lovers seem extremely powerful and just as crazy. But it's through the journey to defeat them that Jack and Death come to an agreement and respect for each other. A very exciting addition to the story with one hell of a cliffhanger!!! Oh my goodness, it nearly killed me.

The third book in the series and just as thrilling as the first two! Evie is back and this time she’s about to face an old enemy that has it out for her! But now she’s dealing with another dilemma at a different front – a matter of the heart that is. Jack calls to her, but Death pulls her to another direction and just when Evie needs things to be okay, they continue to fall to pieces.

I liked seeing the way that Death comes together with some of the other Arcadia such as Selena, Finn, and the others. I also like the way that she brings in some of the other villains, such as the Lovers. We learn more about the games that they are playing and Evie learns more about her powers. Mathew, the Fool, is also something completely different. He’s change and slowly I’m starting to trust him less and less than I did from the first book we saw him. I think readers will either find his attitude completely infuriating (I know I did at times) or captivating.

Everything is not as it seems and this is the truth!

We expand further out of the South and start seeing new territory and dealing with other problems that are not just Bagmen, but now slavers and the plague colonies. It’s so interesting reading a book where everyone lives in complete darkness with frequent rain. It really is horrifying and again, if you scare easily (like I do), I completely recommend reading this book in the daytime. Start in the AM and you’ll be done before the sun hits the horizon because this book has so much action and suspense! Not to mention the fact that Death is making his claim here and now, and Evie must decide: Jack or Death.

I don’t know how to express just how amazing Cole is and how wonderful her writing is. She’s brought this world to life and I’m in love with this series! Though so many questions still burn and I just want them answered already! But patience will be rewarded. I’m sure!

This post is part review, part PSA: if you enjoy good books and have not read Poison Princess by Kresley Cole, I am here to save you from a life less lived. I tell whoever will listen: if you like YA paranormal epic fantasy that is a thrill a minute, look no further. Today, it came to my attention that one of my favorite people (cough, Courtney, cough) has yet to enjoy it. GASP! Say it ain’t so!

I was, however, also late to the party, reviewing this book when it had been available for my reading pleasure for nearly a year and a half. Two chapters in, I was kicking myself for taking so long to read this incredible book. If you have not yet done so, YOU SHOULD READ THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK. Then read Book 2, Endless Knight. My review of the sequel can be found here. One word: #MustRead. Okay -all caught up? You’re welcome!

To the kindred spirits fangirling over Jackson, Finn and Death (yes, Rookies: Death) all along: I offer a fist bump/ bro nod/holla with a generous side of squeal! I pre-ordered Book 3, Dead of Winter, the nanosecond the link was live – and on January 6, it was Christmas Morning all over again on my Kindle. Immediately, this new book shot to the top of my TBR, much to the regret of my other blogging commitments.

***SPOILER ALERT*** If you are current with the series, proceed. Otherwise, go READ BOOKS 1&2 ASAP.

Correct me if I’m wrong, fellow fans, but the third installment of The Arcana Chronicles takes place over the 10 days or so immediately following Book 2. Evie begins her new quest by escaping Death’s compound (no easy feat) to save Jackson from The Lovers (worst Bad Guys EVER!). I am equal parts awed and scared of Kresley Cole for conjuring up the Evil Twins… and their powers. It’s like CSI:HELLFIRE up in their lair.

When it is discovered that The Lovers Evie has been battling are only copies of the originals, it is all systems go to eliminate these Cards from the Deck once and for all. Evie has Jackson AND Aric along for the mission, and both men are focused on winning the girl… and both are bringing their A-Game. Eventually the book settles into two stories: eliminating The Lovers and Evie’s Big Decision. I waffled between pity and envy for Evangeline having TWO of my favorite book boyfriends giving it their all.

Then there are THE FEELS between Finn and Lark and Gabriel and Selena (even if the feels only go one way). It is romantic to see gentlemen pine for and court a sweetheart when all Hell has broken loose. I love me some Matthew too. It is my sincere hope that they each find hope and love and a long, happy life despite their circumstances.

Layered over all the current events are historical versions of the players – and many of the Cards have a very good memory. It is extremely difficult for Evie to break from tradition and be a better person in this life. Coming of age is hard enough without several lifetimes of evil actions muddying the waters. At the end of the book, I find myself in the same situation as when I finished Books 1 and 2: marveling at how much I LOVE this series and wondering how long until the next one is published? – kris

Holy s***e! I may loathe cliffhangers with a bloody passion but wow what am ending! The Arcana Chronicles is hands down my favorite young adult series and each book gets better-and-better which is totally insane because they are all five-star reads.

That says so much about Kresley Cole's skill as a writer. From her paranormal romance, Immortals After Dark series, to her foray into contemporary erotic with the super smexy Game Maker series, and here with young adult. The woman knows her audience and I feel she can do no wrong. She is the ultimate rock star author for me, has me addicted to all three of her series, and I'm not even big on young adult. That should really tell you something when I pre-order the books in The Arcana Chronicles and then proceed to devour them. The woman never ceases to amaze me.

Dead of Winter, the third book in the fantabulously unique The Arcana Chronicles series, was action-packed, emotional, had me on the edge of me seat, threw in surprise-after-surprise, gave me plenty of Death *swoons*, and even had a few gross out moments. One word, twincest. And the reveal on Violet? A world of eww. The Lovers are the most twisted members of the Arcana we've met yet and they gave great villain.

While I may not have agreed with some of Evie's decisions and cliffhangers give me the scratch, Dead of Winter flat out rocked. I can't wait for book four! I need it. Right. Frakkin. Now!

I hate love triangles...I really truly do. And that's what most of this book is, if not all of it. And this one makes me so frustratingly angry because it's so stupid. I said this in my review for the last book, but I'll say it again. Evie is NOT Aric's wife. Gawd, why is it that only Jack can understand that?! It was a different her in a different life, it was not Evie Greene that married him. Ugh. And she's all torn between Aric and Jack? The guy that has killed you in previous games and, more importantly, tortured you in this one, or the guy that has done all he could for you and loved you from the start? She keeps going on about Jack lying to her, but that's not even totally true. What he did was keep something from her so as not to hurt her. Secrets are not lies. Don't get me wrong. When Aric isn't pissing me off, I like the guy. But I have been on Jack's side from the beginning.

So we begin with Evie running away from Aric to go save Jack from the twins. It takes her a few days to get there but eventually she makes it to where her allies have been staying. Jack had been busy before he was taken. He has created a community for survivors and has been steadily taking out bad guys and taking over armies. It's impressive all that he had accomplished in such a short time. But she doesn't have the time to check it all out because she's on a mission. With the help of the other Arcana gathered there, she is able to get Jack back. Barely. But we learn of one of Tess's abilities and also meet another card during the fight. Not long after their return, it's not really that big of a surprise when Aric shows up there after Evie...and Matt lets him in. Needless to say, that doesn't go over very well with anyone. Especially Jack. But when traitors (or moles really) kidnap Selena, it ends up coming down to Jack, Evie, and Aric having to be the ones to save her. And that's what most of this book was, the three of them on their way to the twins for the rescue. Along the way the tension and hatred between Jack and Aric is palpable, but as time goes on they each seem to begrudgingly start to respect the other. They both keep trying to convince Evie to choose them until it gets to the point where she promises a decision after they get back. While on their way, Jack manages to increase his followers and they also have a windfall in the form of the twins' chronicles. When they finally get to where the twins and Selena are, it becomes even more apparent how truly sick those two are. After a bunch of traps and much fighting, the three of them manage to accomplish all they set out to do and it's time to go home. Where Evie finally makes her choice. And just when you think things were on their way to being happy, the emperor makes his appearance and throws us one hell of an ending that had me yelling at the book. Oh how I don't want to have to wait another year for the next book!

I have read other people speculate that Jack could be the unactivated Arcana card...and I'm kind of liking that idea. It could explain some things for sure. Like how Matt was making sure Evie wouldn't hate him. If he knew Jack was a card and keeping it from her, I could see how he would be worried about how she would react. Plus, it would simply be a pretty cool twist. It will be interesting to find out who it really is...

Cover Review:

The Dead of Winter cover shows a barren Winter landscape with a dark overcast sky. It sets the mood for the book really well and the tagline, "Not everyone will make it out alive," makes it even more ominous.

If I'm going to be completely honest, I'm not a huge fan of the new cover designs for this series. I like covers that have people in them because it's more personal, but they did make up for it on the back cover with having Death, Evie, and Jack there. I'm just disappointed that the cover designs have been changed. They were so beautiful before.

I also think it would have been cool if the title of this book had stayed with the titles the Arcana hold like the previous books did. For example, Evie is the Poison Princess and Death is the Endless Knight. Since this book focuses a lot on the Lovers, I think the title should have showed that. I honestly don't understand why this book is titled Dead of Winter, when Winter doesn't start until the very end of this book.

Book Review:

In Dead of Winter, Evie races back to her group in an effort to save Jack from the Lovers who have captured him. When they believe that they have defeated the Lovers, it is learned that they only killed their Carnates and that the real Lovers are hidden away somewhere. The camp is in an uproar when Death arrives to bring Evie home and no one can understand why Evie is protecting him. Selena is kidnapped by the Lovers and it's up to Evie, Jack, and Death to rescue her, but they'll need to put their differences aside if they want to succeed.

The first book in this series, Poison Princess, focused on Evie as the Empress. The second book, Eternal Knight, focused on Aric as Death. And this book, focuses on Vincent and Violet, the Lovers. They are known as the Duke and Duchess Most Perverse and we really see that in this book. They are a freaky and sick pair. They use all these torture devices and techniques all in the name of love. I often wondered while reading if they were always this way or if their past with the Empress influenced them into what they are now. They are determined to get revenge against Evie, the Empress, for what she did to them in the past. They want to take her and the one she loves and love them in their own sick way. That is why they took Jack and they are even more determined when they learn that her heart is divided and that she also cares for Aric (Death). These two really made my skin crawl while I was reading.

My favorite past of this book, and also the part that I was dreading, was the time that Evie, Jack, and Aric spent together travelling to rescue Selena. It was my favorite part because I love seeing Evie with Aric (sorry Jack!) together, so I loved seeing more with them together. And I also liked the interactions between Aric and Jack. They are constantly at each other and trying to one-up each other. The reason I dreaded this part was because they finally tell Evie that she needs to make a decision between the two of them. As the journey came closer and closer to its conclusion, the time for Evie to make a decision came closer. As you can probably tell, I'm on Team Aric so I really wanted her to pick him. But I'm not saying who she chooses, you have to find out by reading the book.

The part of this book that surprised me the most is when the Emperor makes his appearance at the end of the book. I'm not going to lie, it was a heartbreaking cliffhanger that this book ended with. The question I was left with was whether the Priestess, who Evie met earlier in the book, is on the Emperor's side or not. So with this kind of ending, I'm really looking forward to the next book.

Rating:

I gave Dead of Winter a 4 STAR rating. This book has some really freaky and scary stuff going on with the Lovers, we see the love triangle between Jack, Evie, and Aric in action and her final choice between them, and a new Arcana makes his presence known is the worst possible way. This series just gets better and better.

I enjoyed the first and second installment of this series, but this Love triangle is a little too solid for me.
Spoiler alert...
Looking ahead it seems it doesn’t get resolved anytime soon and goes down a path that I won’t enjoy.
The intrigue and adventure in this installment is tedious and doesn’t offer respite from Evie’s hand ringing.
This love triangle (and Death) reminded me so much of Shadows Claim, that I’m rereading that instead.
A bit of self reflection: I’m 45, so it isn’t surprising that I like Aric over Jack. Jack annoys me.

There is no way I can write a review and tell why I loved the book without spoilers, so this will not be an accurate review for me. Jackson was my main reason for loving this series. Is still my main reason for loving this series. Hated Death. But now, I like Death. The fact that KC was able to change my opinion is due to her ability to weave a perfect story. I wanted his head on a platter. Now, not so much. I am having issues with the cliff hangers though. I don't like them to begin with. Never have. Jackson being in any kind of danger just kills me. But this one, I'm refusing to let it bother me. And I can't explain why without spoilers. But with a series like this I know cliff hangers are a requirement. I know there are some people complaining about Evie making up her mind, but it's not always that simple. You can love two people. But in the end, you will choose. This is my most favorite series ever. And considering I'm an adult, one of her Immortals readers, that says a great deal. And the only reason I read this one is because I love her writing. Again, counting the days until the next book and the resolution to that blasted cliff hanger. Plus a hundred other questions hopefully answered.
The book was non-stop action, gut-wrenching, funny, horrific, and perfect.

This series is going to be the death of me! Not only "Endless Knight" ended on a cliffhanger but also "Dead of the Winter" ended in a similar manner! Which also left me crying and almost tossing my Ipod to the wall.

Don't worry, the Ipod survived...

So why the missing star? Let's begin with the love triangle. All the story is a journey for Evie, Jack and Death in order to save Selena from the Arcana Card, the Lovers. I'm not going to say the details since I will spoil you but let's focus on the facts:

I liked the way Kresley Cole delivers the anguish and the fear of surviving in her apocalyptic world. I think it's even worse that spending your life on District 12, if you know what I mean.

On the other hand, I couldn't decide if I should strangle Evie or kick her on her rosy butt for her indecision. It's clear that Death had a horrible eternity and I get it but Jack was the one who saved her and LOVED her first. It was unfair for Jack to be treated like this even after everything he did.

Another part I did like on the thrid book was the rest of the Arcana. How they worked together and how amazing their powers are. We also get to meet the High Priestess, another Arcana who I believe will have a major role on the fourth book. She seemed to have a good relationship with the Empress in the past games so I hope she will become an ally.

In the end of the story the most terrifying Card appears: the Emperor who does something unthinkable just to the point where Evie had settled on her feelings. I can't wait for 2016. I need the next book now!

Evie stands at a crossroads, who will she ask to join her... Jack or Death?

So Death has a name; Aric.

As the love-triangle intensifies, we learn more about the history between Evie and Death. He has kidnapped her with the intent to kill her later... if he chooses to.

Jack is in agony. He cannot find Evie and is convinced that he will never see her again.

Evie is desperate to get back to Jack and the others of her troup. During her captivity, she however sees more in Aric that she thought she would. There is undenied chemistry here too making us wonder and debate which one would we choose if in her shoes.

I am a 41 year old female firmly entrenched in "Team Death". But, I want Jack too (at least he should be happy). Before the end of the story, Evie will choose one. I personally think it is too early to make that choice, however, I am sure Cole will place me back in "Camp Jack" by the end of the next book. That is just how she rolls.

After being betrayed by Lark (Strength), I wasn't prepared to like her, but, now I am loving her as much as Evie. The book continues adding cards to the truce with The Tower; Joules, Judgement; Gabriel, The World; Tess, and we are introduced to Cerci; The High Priestess.

And The Emperor appears. What a nasty one that is. I foolishly would have thought that he would have been sympathetic to The Empress Evie, but I got that wrong.

The Lovers play a big role in this book. Creepy stuff, that right there! We know that they clone themselves, and have vowed never to be parted. The way they went about keeping that promise was sick! (but, I loved every minute of it.)

Both Jack and Selena (The Moon) have been "loved" by the Lovers, the evil twins with an upside down card. Neither will speak of their ordeal. But, after learning that the twins enjoy removing eyes with a hot spoon, and proceed to describe it in perfect clarity, perhaps it is best that we don't know what happened.

Jack is now being called "The Hunter" Since I have my list of Major Arcana cards with descriptive traits, I have deduced that he will be one of 3 remaining cards that have yet to be introduced- The Sun, The Chariot, or The Hanged Man. My bet is on The Chariot. The card's description fits him.

We know that one card will not come into his/her power until he kills a fellow Arcana. I am almost betting the Emperor is going down in the next book... and Jack is going to do the deed.

Matthew is sick in most of the book. Again, I will have PTSD is Cole kills him off. Before the end of the book, he will go MIA. It is suggested that too many Arcana in one place causes a psychic overload in him. I hope this is all and he comes back to me well and whole.

No word on Book #4, but, I am waiting for it, like so many others. I am so glad I found this series and YES, I would recommend that you read it too!

Happy Reading!

In Poison Princess and Endless Knight we’ve been exposed to a lot of things. Jackson (swoons), the apocalypse, drastic changes of life after the end, Evie’s Arcana powers and Death. But that was only the beginning.

Dead of Winter doesn’t waste a single minute before it’s diving into the deep end. Then again, why would it wait? Jackson was captured and was in the hands of potentially the two most sadistic people left in the world. If Evie doesn’t get to him in time, who knows what could happen...

Jack may survive and all may be well, but it seems too perfect for things to stay like that. Matthew knows the future, and through the incoherent jumbles he usually speaks, the news he has to offer isn’t the best. Together Jack, Evie and Aric have to ride together to complete a mission together, or it might be Evie who finds herself the next Arcana to fall.

Dead of Winter was....interesting. Whilst I impatiently waited for this book I’d gone and conjured all types of things in my head yet when I started reading Dead of Winter I couldn’t have been more off the mark. There were a lot of things I didn’t expect, however they were all welcome surprises. I could get enough of the twists and turns Dead of Winter had to offer.

Personally, one of my favourite things was Jackson (surprise, surprise). I felt like his character started blossoming here, we saw his potential. Him being such a closed book so far it was heart warming and exciting to watch Jack show this whole new side, not just with his easy love confessions for Evie, but himself as a person. In Dead of Winter we get to see Jackson as a true leader, as a person who truly cares for others. Same goes for Selena. I wasn’t sure on her character, purely because of how she was with Evie, but I’ve grown to love her in this novel.

As for the love triangle we got a glimpse of in the previous book, we saw become slightly more dominant, however, though I knew who I wanted Evie to be with *cough* Jackson *cough*, I had not a single clue now things were going to plan out. It's clear that all three characters have issues and some self discovery to be had. Jackson with his...well, everything, and Evie evolving into her powers more. As for Aric, he's still quite unknown. We know how he feels for Evie, but as an individual, his book is locked shut. I'm loving how everything isn't as I'd guess.

I laughed, I cried and the end almost made me have a break down. But I can easily say that this book is battling for the best book of the year.

I love Kresley Cole's Arcana Chronicles so I've been waiting over a year to get my hands on Dead of Winter and I couldn't wait to start reading it. One of the things I love about this series is how easy it is to dive back into the world, the author does a great job of reminding readers about important events without spending a huge amount of time recapping previous books and I never once felt lost even though it's been such a long time since I read Endless Knight.

At the end of the previous book we saw Evie escape from Death's lair because she found out that Jack was in trouble and the story picks up pretty much immediately in Dead of Winter. Evie has been travelling for days to meet up with Matthew, Selena and the others so that she can help them rescue Jack from the Lovers who are holding him captive. Things get off to a pretty explosive start as we see a daring attempt to free Jack but we also discover just how depraved the Lovers are and I don't think we even know half of what Jack went through as their prisoner.

I missed Jack in the last book so I was thrilled that Evie was back in his company here, I just love the two of them together - the banter and the scorching chemistry between them always makes me swoon. Death did grow on me during the last book but I'm still not sold on the idea of him and Evie as a couple and I'm definitely sticking on team Jack. I have to admit that I started to get a little fed up of the love triangle here and I'm really hoping that this doesn't continue to play such a major part in future books. I've never been a fan of triangles, especially when it takes time away from the rest of the story and in a world as fantastic as this one I think I would have preferred spending more time with the other characters and learning about the other Arcana.

Dead of Winter is still a fantastic read though, the series just gets darker with each book and the Lovers are a truly creepy and terrifying enemy. There are some quite gory torture scenes that turned my stomach in places but the action was fantastic and I loved seeing Evie and her allies working together against a common enemy. It gives me some hope that they'll find a way to end the game without everyone dying! One warning I have to give you is about the ending, if you thought the cliffhanger at the end of Endless Knight was bad you have no idea what you've got coming in this one, I was literally flicking back and forth on the last couple of pages trying to magic up a few extra chapters because I'm DYING to know what happens next. I don't think the next book even has a title yet but I do know that it will be jumping to the top of my to read pile the very second I can get my hands on a copy and I can't give this series much higher praise than that!

Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

Kresley Cole has tackled so many genres and in my opinion, has succeeded in them all. However, in the wake of the Immortals After Dark series and the erotically charged The Professional, the Arcana Chronicles gets slightly overlooked and I think it’s due to the fact that it’s marketed as Young Adult. Yes, the characters are younger, but don’t be fooled into thinking it tackles those younger subjects you find in most YA books. Cole creates a much more grittier world that dabbles with a lot of sexual themes. Even in the first book of the series, Jack and Evie battle this intense lust for one another that gets explored more in the following books. As a result, you get a series that is sensual and deadly.

DEAD OF WINTER wastes no time at all getting to the heart of the matter. Evie is back in action, fighting for her life all while having to choose between which guy she wants – Death or Jack. The Lovers have taken him and as the pressure mounts and the stakes continue to get higher, the question of whether Evie can get Death and Jack to work together is a challenge all on its own.

Cole’s writing is a bit different in this series. It’s a bit more choppier, more action-focused than the other books she has written. Though not my preferred style of writing, I can definitely understand why she did it. A lot of things go on, things based on prophecy and predictions that nothing is quite set in stone. Readers are tossed into the story quite quickly without any real warning. But if you think because it’s YA, it isn’t as intense, you’re wrong. Cole injects the series with heady passion and pulls off some amazing twists and turns.

Fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Lux series, Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy and Wendy Higgins’ Sweet trilogy would definitely get a kick out of this!

Dead of Winter is a very surprising book. While the plot and characters were as fantastic as always! The book leaves off with a huge cliffhanger that makes you curl up in a ball and cry.

As Evie races to save Jack, Death races after his wife in order to stop her, but Evie is determined to save Jack from the hands of The Lovers. But when The Lovers capture another member of the alliance, it is up to Jack, Evie, and Death to race through the land covered with baggers and militia in order to save the people she loves. As things heat up between Death and Jack, Evie has to finally make a choice of which on owns her heart.

Honestly I don't have that much to say about this book, if you've read the first two books in the series and you loved them, then you will love this one as well. There are no major changes in the characters, and if there are, its for the better. This book is action packed, and has a romance that tears your heart apart.

While I thought this book to be absolutely flawless, my opinion was soon changed after reading the ending. Thinking that this was the last book in the series, I was really surprised when I finished the book. It leaves of with one of the biggest cliffhangers I've ever seen, and it honestly set me into a panic thinking that pages were missing out of my book.

My advice for reading this book would be to wait till the last book is released or close to being released because the cliffhanger will drive you mad for months if you read it as soon as the book came out (like I did).

Either way, I still highly recommend this series, This author does a fantastic job writing. I couldn't be more impressed with the series. Just a slight warning for this book.

I just started reading the Arcana Chronicles series when this book came out recently, so this is the first time that the cliffhanger was actually a cliffhanger. I just have to say that it is beyond awful to not know what happens next! The action never stops in Dead of Winter and I loved every second of it. From the opposing armies, to the Bagmen, the slavers, and the cannibals, this apocolyptic world is one tough place to live in. Throw in a game where twenty-some teenagers represent tarot cards that have to kill each other, and you've got one hell of a story. Kresley Cole has done an amazing job with this series so far. I picked up the first book, Poison Princess two days ago, and read all three books in practically one sitting. I cannot get enough! I love learning more about Evie's past lives as The Empress, even though she was completely evil. I think seeing all the horrible things she did before is really what keeps her from unleashing her full powers now. She thinks that it's Jack that keeps her grounded, but I believe she's capable of reigning it in all on her own. A big part of this book was the love triangle between Evie(The Empress)/Aric(Death)/Jack. I really feel bad for Evie that she's in love with both of them. They are both great guys who truly love her, so there is no easy choice. As for myself, I'm team Aric. Aric and Evie have a history that goes back thousands of years, and since he's been the winner, thus immortal, he's been waiting on her all that time. Evie is the only person in the entire world that can survive Death's touch so she is made for him. Also, his only option. He literally has no life without her and has been waiting centuries for her to be reborn. Add in the fact that she betrayed him by marrying him and trying to kill him on their wedding night, and she really does owe him some happiness. With Jack, he's a normal teenage boy who has no part in the deadly game of the Arcana, and therefore has a few options for his future. Being the great guy that he is, he's trying to rebuild the world and change it for the better. He has goals and a purpose without Evie. He can also touch anyone he wants, so he's even got a chance at falling in love with someone else in the future. So yes, even though they're both great guys, I'm totally hoping she'll end up with Aric. Since I read these first three books all in a row, this is the first time I've had to suffer the cliffhanger, and it's a doozy. Right after Evie says that she chooses Jack, it looks like Jack dies and then Aric reveals that he found Evie's grandmother for her. I don't think Jack is dead, even though I really don't see how he could have survived. But, the story just wouldn't be the same without that love triangle, so I feel certain he survived somehow. I'm just hoping Evie truly falls for Aric before discovering he's alive again. I know, that's awful. But Aric has waited long enough. Dead of Winter is an all around great story. It's full of action, adventure, suspense, and romance. And the romance is age appropriate for teens so people of all ages can enjoy this series.

You know, all this time I was kicking myself because I started to read a review for this book and its first sentence was that this book ended just like the previous one had. All through the book, I was getting more and more into the storyline, but didn’t get too excited because I “knew how it would end”. Boy, was I thrown for a curveball! By the time it ended, I was slack jawed and practically pulling my hair out because I wanted more, and I knew I would be waiting over a year to find out what happened. Yes, that means there is a mega cliffhanger, and not at all like the last book… BEWARE!

This book was action packed with the basis of a love triangle throughout the whole book. I see where Evie, the main female character, is coming from. I‘m just an innocent bystander looking in, and it was even hard for me to choose. Personally, I LOVED the first book in the series. It’s right up there with being one of my all-time favorites. The next two books were good too, but there was nothing like reading about Jack and Evie’s start. That was enough to push me over to “Team Jack”. It was still hard though.

I LOVE the whole concept of this series – Tarot card characters destined to kill each other off and gain immortality. It’s amazing how much life comes from the pages when the Arcana group together. Besides the love triangle, this book had fights, suspenseful encounters, and witty banter. Evie herself made me laugh out loud a few different times.

In this book, the Arcana have a plan to save Jack and stick it to The Lovers. It’s a plan that you can’t help but get behind. Throughout the book though, we also got the opportunity to get to know the other Arcana. That was a treat in itself. A character that you would be more than happy to see exterminated in the beginning, by the end you want to see them survive. I wanted to be immersed inside of their world, fight zombies and slavers, okay… and maybe take over the discarded male Evie chose not to pick. That would be my cross to bear. Anyways, I highly recommend this book!

I know I’ve said this time and time again, but Kresley is wickedly awesome! I’m loving the Arcana Chronicles. I am all team Death! I like Jack but he is no Aric!

The story starts out strong. Evie left Death to help Jack, who was captured by two of the most sadistic players in the game. I’m going to go out on a hunch and say Jack is totally Arcana. I mean really, he has endured a lot and he’s still alive…
Aric has grown so much as a person. He is willing to do anything to prove his love and loyalty to Evie, his wife! In this installment Aric does a lot to prove to Evie he can be trusted and he’s in it for her. And boy does he prove it. We learn so much background on Aric and it totally breaks my heart. I need Evie and Aric to stay together. Their soul mates. The love triangle thing going on is driving me crazy. With all that being said, I can’t wait for the next book. I’m so glad there are more to come. It’s just too good to end.

Two armed sentries passed us. Each wore a hooded camo poncho and carried a rifle. They nodded politely. Under my breath, I said, “Arcana don’t freak them out? Gabriel’s wings alone should throw them.” “At first, yeah. But they look to J.D. to see how to act. They hero-worship ‘the hunter.’ ” Charismatic Jack could be so compelling when he wanted to. “He uses our help to maintain order,” Selena said. “The Azey might have the twins, but J.D.’ s got three Arcana himself—a psychic, an exquisite bow-goddess, and an illusionist.”

Evie has return to Jack and the others from Death's castle and she's changed, they don't know if for the better.

“Don’t let any humans know what we’re planning.” “Understood.” I furtively kicked Selena’s boot; she straightened and said, “Oh. Thanks, Gabe. I won’t forget this.” “It will be my pleasure, Selena. I look forward to it.” His eyes widened. “I mean, not that I am pleased about the occasion.” Selena let him off the hook. “I look forward to kicking serial killer ass.” He grinned. “Precisely.”

The action doesn't stop just because Evie was gone... Jack and the rest of her alliance has tracked down the Lovers and hope to end the sadistic twins reign of terror.

When things get out of control and someone ends up in enemy clutches the two main men in Evie's life must set aside their differences in order to save them.

I gave this book a 4.6 out of 5 stars. Ms. Cole doesn't fail to provide the action in this latest addition to the Poison Princess series. As always she sucks you into the world after the Flash and you are forced (you have no choice you have been sucked in after all) to follow Evie's adventures in this post-apocalyptic tale. So, I still like Evie but Aric is my favorite.

This audiobook was #4 on my most anticipated reads of 2015 list, so it’s with a heavy heart that I give it 3-stars. The dystopian universe created by Kresley Cole in THE ARCANA CHRONICLES that I’ve come to adore was dwarfed by this series’ love triangle, and the plot whittled down to Evie’s boy toy choice. Now, perhaps I’m slightly bitter because she didn’t go with the team that I was rooting for, but in the end that really didn’t seem to matter because the author threw another cliffhanger at us making the heroine’s decision moot.

My primary fascination with these novels stemmed from the world-building’s link to Tarot, and so far we’ve met new cards in every installment, until DEAD OF WINTER. Ok, that’s not entirely accurate because The High Priestess and The Emperor threw their lot in with the rest, and we also learned more about The Lovers and The World’s abilities, however these elements were so microscopic in comparison to the drama between Evie / Jack / Aric that I barely took note of them. I did enjoy the flashbacks to what happened to Death and the Cajun post ENDLESS KNIGHT, but again, I needed more.

This story was all about the love triangle which just plain sucked because the trio wound up working together for the better part of this book, and that in turn lead to angst, angst, and more angst. Subsequently, all of the originality was siphoned out of this series in favour of the biggest Young Adult trope of them all. In the past, I’ve liked the apocalyptic flavour of THE ARCANA CHRONICLES, yet this latest installment was no longer about surviving Baggers, cannibals, and the game, but rather what boy Evie Greene’s heart belonged to. Yes, that quagmire was solved, except no, not really.

Emma Galvin’s narration was like a lighthouse in a storm because without her delivery to keep me listening, I most likely would have finished this audiobook in a week instead of two days. I enjoyed the intensity with which she performed this tale, and the slower pace at which she reads this series definitely draws you in. Jack piles on the French in this novel, and that was unfortunate because Galvin’s mastery of that language really leaves something to be desired, but she tried her best, and this particular shortcoming is only noticeable to francophones, so I let it slide.

DEAD OF WINTER could have been a grand conclusion to THE ARCANA CHRONICLES; instead there will be a book 4.

I have been looking forward to this next installment in The Arcana Chronicles for so long! I fell in love with books 1 and 2, and was undeniably hooked after reading Endless Knight. But nothing prepared me for the awesome that was waiting in Dead of Winter.

Basically, Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole follows main character, Evie, and her two loves, Jack (the Cajun hotty) and Aric (the sexiest version of Death I’ve read thus far). The main mission? To destroy the The Lovers (who, btw, are a couple of messed up Arcanas omg). The secondary mission? Evie must make her choice. Aric and Jack are done waiting for Evie to decide. They have given her a deadline, and when that time comes, she must give them both her decision.

Will she choose Aric who can give her anything her heart desires and with whom she’s had a connection with that has lasted through multiple lifetimes? Or will she choose Jack, her first love?

The storyline in Dead of Winter continued pretty much right from the end of book 2. I was fully immersed back into the world of the Arcana, and I loved every minute of it! The characters and their past situations and encounters all came flooding back to me, and it felt as though I had never left. What got me the most excited was the fact that I was reunited again with Aric, a character that I fell totally head over heels in lurve with in Endless Knight. What’s even better? I got to read interactions and scenes between Jack and Aric. It was a novel length pissing contest that had me giggling like a school girl

I also really enjoyed (and was a little shocked tbh) reading about The Lovers (aka Violet and Vincent). The craziness that goes on their heads and what the different types of torture techniques they used on their victims was gag worthy. I mean seriously? How does one (victim) get over witnessing and/or experiencing any of that? Crayyyy-zeeeee. These two are a whole lotta messed up…and yet I could not turn away!

But if I’m going to be completely honest, what I loved the most about this installment was Aric. Even though he is Death (aka The Reaper), his honesty, his demeanor, his actions, his words, his everything (!) just had me falling deeper and deeper for him. I laughed with him, I sighed for him, and I shed a tear or two for him. He is most definitely my number one book boyfriend.

What did I not like the most about this one? Evie… I haven’t really been a big fan of hers. The way she thinks sometimes blew my mind. Thinking first with her heart instead of her head? Maybe… One thing I will tell you. She does something that enraged me. I couldn’t fathom her reasoning! I didn’t agree with it, I won’t agree with it, and I love that author, Kresley Cole, made me feel this so strongly!

I recommend Dead of Winter to fans of The Arcana Chronicles and I recommend this series to those interested in books that involve tarot cards, anyone looking for unforgettable characters (for me it was Aric), stories about teens with “superhuman” strengths, tales involving revenge and vengeance, and anyone who is looking for a storyline that you can get lost in. I am so looking forward to the next book!

I discovered the first two books in the “Arcana Chronicles” last year and was obsessed. Kresley Cole gives us a new paranormal romance series that is fresh and clever. I thought the use of tarot cards representing x-men-like abilities in teenagers was so cool. And throw them in to a post-apocalyptic hunger games-like setting and I was all in. Or so I thought until I read “Dead of Winter.”

I know this book is for young adults, but it just felt way, way too juvenile for me. Evie had so much personal growth in the first two books, this seemed like such a regression for her. She spends the whole book mooning over the two male leads. Of course our love triangle is forced on a road trip together due to Evie’s determination to “save” her arcana friends and end the game.

This whole book is just one big reason to force Evie to choose between Jack and Aric. Oh, Jack and Aric. They are the new Jacob vs. Edward. Personally, I’m team Aric. I just find Jack to be extremely annoying. The Cajun accent kills me. And we can’t overlook the fact that Jack is constantly drinking whiskey. But then again, that’s what all the characters in Vampire Diaries do so I guess it’s okay. Anyway, I remember reading scenes between Evie and Aric in the previous books that made my heart skip. In this book, I found myself rolling my eyes and laughing. Teenagers of the world will be swooning but for me, it was sooo sappy and cheesy. The author gives all these convenient contrived moments for the boys to profess their love to Evie, but never reminds us why Evie is supposedly so desirable. She has one moment in the whole book where she has a bit of a realization about her powers, but other than that, it’s other people protecting her and saving the day.

The overall storyline progresses very little in this book, and the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger. At the rate that this is going, the series could end up being extremely long, and at one book per year, I’m not really sure I want to continue.

For me, this book was a huge improvement over Endless Knight. I liked that there was more action, the return of Jack and Selena to the storyline, and the progression of the love triangle. Depending on which side you fall (Aric vs Jack), Evie's choice may seem simple, I am not too old to remember what teen angst and young/first love feels like. Choosing is not always so simple and Cole's writing was quality enough to make me feel for all of the characters involved.

I was annoyed that the Red Witch didn't make a full appearance and can only hope that Cole makes up for this in the next book. And what a cliffhanger! As a lover of series and cliffhangers, I don't mind this at all and am eagerly anticipating when I can pre-order book four. I feel that this was a solid addition to the series and hopefully there will be more than just four books in this great series!

I wait breathlessly for the new book every year. I also got my sixteen year old daughter started on these books. I almost hate to finish these books on the Arcana Chronicles (even though I rush to read them when released) because I have to wait for the next book in the chronicles. I held my breath while waiting on Evie's decision then almost cried when the ending came. These books have captured my heart and I look forward to what happens next with Evie, Death, and Jack. I am waiting to see which cards come into play with the next book and who is the card that is not yet activated. I don't know what is more suspenseful, what the major players will do in the next book or who is the card who is not activated. All I can say is I will wait patently (only because I have no choice) on the next book. It cannot happen soon enough.

Severely disappointed in this 3rd installment of the series. Although Cole has a great imagination, her writing doesn't envelope you, in my opinion. I like to lose myself in books and that didn't happen.

For one thing, with so many characters in play at once, it takes a skilled hand to keep them "activated." Most of the time when several of the Arcana were together, it was like some of them were frozen while two or three were speaking. I would imagine that, given the state of the world and their powers, we would have been engaged with them more often. I was often left wondering, "Gee, I wonder what so and so is doing now."

The other really bad thing about this book is the weak and corny descriptions of the intimate scenes. I was reminded of the many romance novels I read as a kid. Either skip the descriptions or lose the southern modest sensibilities. I speed read through these.

Finally, the last 1/2 to 1/3 of the book was about Evie weighing her choices -- over and over and over and over -- ad nauseum. Was that realistic? You're in an apocalypse and just maybe Grandma can really help you. Screw the, "who will be my man" crap! Focus on Grams or just surviving or figuring out the Red Witch. The love triangle was only interesting up to a point.

I'm still rooting for Death! That probably sounds really bad if you haven't read this series, but then again if you haven't, you need to stop reading this review and read my review of the first book in this series instead. Then read that book! Okay, I'll stop being bossy now. *wink* I like how this group of characters is really pulling together. They're trying not to let history repeat itself, and it's making them a wonderful unlikely team of sorts. There were some slower parts where my focus wandered, but the overall plot keeps building.

I did enjoy this book, but I feel like it did not move the overall story line along enough. There is a lot to wrap up in one more book (at least I think it is one more-I thought this was originally just supposed to be a trilogy but I was obviously wrong about that). The love triangle is taking up way too much time and taking away from the overall plot. I really, really dislike love triangles, for the record. I tend to enjoy series more when the main character has firm relationships, friends and (possibly-not required) a love, to support her throughout the adventure.

SPOILERS BELOW!!!

Back to disliking love triangles, I was desperately hoping Evie would come to a decision early on in the book so we as readers could move on with the Arcana. She waffles and waffles, back and forth like a ping pong ball, mooning over these two guys. I personally feel like Jack and Evie have lost some common ground and don't really have the spark anymore that they had in the first two books. Jack was always a bit condescending to her anyway, and they fought constantly for most of their scenes together when they weren't making out. I hope I am remembering the first two books well enough. It has been quite some time since I have read about these characters.

I also think that Selena would have been a great match for Jack, if Evie would have let him naturally gravitate away from her. But no, she keeps him dangling, awaiting her ultimate decision, which she refuses to make in any sort of timely manner. Aric and Evie are most definitely better suited and get along better overall. Not to say I don't like Jack, because I do, but Jack still treats Evie like the helpless girl he once knew, not the powerful entity she is becoming.

And, to address this powerful red witch business, Evie really needs to pull it together and start making decisions, taking action, and stop behaving like a helpless idiot who needs guys to fight most of her battles. Cole can write tough female characters (look at her IAD series for examples), and she should definitely start giving Evie a backbone. The whole damsel in distress thing is overdone, and not fitting in a post apocalyptic world like this series is set in. Halfway through the book I was hoping that Evie would ditch BOTH the guys and forge ahead on her own. She obviously needs to learn what her powers are and how to use them, and having guys fight her battles for her is not helping her become a strong, powerful young woman. This whole issue brings me back to why I HATE love triangles. By default, there is always a man there to pick up the slack and the girl never explores her own thoughts or mind to her fullest potential. God forbid Evie should have to rely on her own powers and intelligence to solve a problem for once!

I have my guesses about what is going to happen in the following books-Jack becoming Arcana himself, not being dead after all (not sure how he managed to escape the lava but I am certain he did). I wish I could say that Selena is somehow alive because I really enjoyed her character, but I know she was definitely killed. Can we leave one best girl friend alive, please? If Lark bites it, I'm done.

I wish I had more to write about concerning the plot progression overall, but it took an entire book just to take down the Lovers. There are a lot of cards to introduce still and of course the resolution of the question about if they will be able to stop the game if they stick to their alliance. I hope that this series doesn't drag out for too long, but I have the feeling we are looking at several more books to come. I do want to find out what happens and will keep reading, but I hope Cole picks up the pace in future books.

Despite its flaws, this series is entertaining and I will keep reading. I can't promise I will stick with it if the triangle isn't resolved soon though. I REALLY want to find out what happens with the overall plot, but that's coming at a snail's pace.

Maaaaaaan That woman knows her way. I mean, don't get me wrong. This is the less good of the three so far. And I've read the first two twice. But it's still pretty good. Actually I have to say : I'm so in love with the story. The background. It is very much refreshing. And fascinating. And the arcana are very interesting. All of them. Including the twin lovers so sick these too. Ugh ! But you really can pity them. After all they're all kids. Well I do have hard time with Serena. I believe it's the author purpose. She's like that little b**** that reminds you of all your flaws. Don't like those very much.
But that's not the point. I'm probably being awful there but I might be a little content with the last pages. I'm was so not okay with her choice. And she's not. Obviously there has to be something to make the balance shifts a bit. Although I recognised that my fascination with the Aric character is totally insane. I'm more of the black haired type of guy.
So while I'm glad for the event of the end I'm a bit disappointed by how ... I could easily foresee something like that. Matthew have been leaving trails of that the hole book. The name *spoiler guys* emperor was practically written at every page by the end. But I am founding myself very much interested by this new persona. Circe. ( no the new guy, I'm not really a big fan. I said I prefered Aric not that I didn't like the Cajun ). She seems to be the only one having had a positive relationship with the empress. She intrigue me. And she kind of seems funny. In a way only arcana can be I suppose. You have to reconsider you standards with people like them.
Finally I find it sad that when I get to finally like a bit Serena ( funny that while i'm team Aric I find a woman liking the Cajun totally despicable. I'm a woman myself, what can I say ?) she's out of the game.
Not cool.
So clearly, while I find this book really good, I will say he's a bit under the others. A bit to predictable if you ask me. But it does leave a super opening for the next one. I will continue to be part of the adventure !

Wow! This sorry did not disappoint and had me turning page after page and craving more!!! I didn’t think it was possible to love the characters more than I did but it was. Evie is as feisty and amazing as ever, Jack is just as daring and sweet, and I really fell for Death! I can’t wait to read the next installment!

Amazing series by Kresley Cole that delivers it all: love triangles, hot alpha males, epic battles, intriguing characters, and life after the end of the world. I have been a long-time Cole fan, but I confess that I did not think I would like these Arcana Chronicles. I will happily confess that I was wrong, I loved them and am eagerly awaiting the next installment as this novel left off on a major cliffhanger. Pick up this series today, a great read and you won't be sorry.

Since Endless Knight I became a huge #TeamAric , not that I don’t like or cheers for Jack to have a happy ending, but honestly, Death finally deservers his turn at happiness after desiring, hoping and waiting for our dear Evie to love him back, and now that they do, how can they wait it after thinking it might never happen again? #TeamDeath

But what troubled me was having to choose between two guys…I mean, really? Haven’t we seen that enough by now? It’s a YA cliche. I always expect more from KC and when she announced a new YA series I felt somewhat unsure. The plot for this series is very creative, and I fell in love the characters, but all in all, the progress made in this installment when it comes to plot and character development was underwhelming. The protagonist position hasn’t changed and Jack’s growth was predictable. As the third book, I would expect the events moved a little faster and I feel like she could’ve made this the last book, but I don’t know what the author has up her sleeve yet.

Now some notes about the secondary characters. Scariest lovers ever, the twins, serially, you won’t imagine what they’re capable of; the high priestess was a nice addiction to the group, I’m very curious about her; Matthew is a direct parallel to IAD’s Nix, just as crazy but not in a million years as funny…And grandma, what can I expect?

While I find Dead of Winter a good read, this series shouldn’t be stretched out over more than four books. On the other hand, I trust Kresley will surprise me once more by the end of this series, and will I read the next title? Heck yes!

Love love love right up until Evie's surprising choice. I didn't expect that, much less how she totally embraced it once decided. *Shakes head* What are your thinking, Empress? Come to your senses girl. Argh

This is the third book in the Arcana Chronicles. Right now there are 4 books in this series with a fifth book, The Dark Calling, scheduled for a spring 2017 release. I believe there are six books planned for this series. This book is very engaging and fast-paced. However, I really struggled with how much time was devoted to the Evie, Jack, Death love triangle. I did enjoy the interactions with the other Tarot Cards.

In this story Evie and her group mostly deal with defeating The Lovers. There is a ton of time devoted to how much Death and Jack hate each other. They are constantly trying to undercut each other and monopolize Evie’s time. The story and world definitely take a backseat to the love triangle in this book.

I have to comment on the above because it is such a large part of the story. I have absolutely no understanding of how Evie could ever want to be with Jack. He belittles her abilities and is constantly trying to shove her in the background to “protect” her. Jack underestimates Evie at every turn and is actually stunting her ability to grow and be a competent individual. In addition to that Jack just can’t stop constantly lying to Evie about things, which is a definite no-go in a relationship.

Death on the other hand constantly pushes Evie to explore her abilities and supports her in strengthening herself. Yes, Death was coercive in the 2nd book...however he was honest about his coercion. Someone who is as strong as Evie needs a person who she can’t over-power, who is as strong as she is, and who is honest and calls Evie on her BS when she starts whining. Death will help Evie to realize her own path and destiny, not hobble her with over-protectiveness. So...yes, I am pro Death.

Given the above Evie pretty much absolutely disgusted me with some of her decisions in this book. By the end I was mostly just anti-Evie. For such a “special” and “powerful” female lead she is awfully stupid.

I am struggling with deciding whether or not I will read the next book in the series. I love the idea of the Tarot Cards being teens with special powers and enjoy meeting more of them. I also was excited when The Emperor entered the story right at the end, he sounds awesome. However, I dislike Evie and her boy issues intensely.

It does look like the love triangle may not be an issue in the next book; at least that's what I am hoping....however I am betting that it comes back to haunt us.

Overall this was an engaging read plagued with way too much love triangle angst. I most likely will not read the next full book in the series; Evie just pisses me off too much. I have already bought Day Zero and plan on reading that collection of stories.

This book was intense. Two of the creepiest bad guys I've ever read about. Even with the baddies in the rest of the series, these stand out. Kresley Cole never disappoints me. Then we get another bad guy who's ruining my life. Can't believe that ending!

Why you should read it: The Arcana Chronicles is one of my all-time-favorite series. (Favorite narrator Emma Galvin also does this one! Look for an interview with her on HEA on Monday, Jan. 12.) The heroine, Evie, evolves so much, she's so conflicted, and the love interests? Let me tell you, this love triangle is the real thing. Each hero is perfect for Evie in different ways, I didn't feel like the triangle was just a plot pusher, but it was perfect. I have always been Team Death, and my mother Team Jack (we have awesome arguments over their merits). In this book both Team Jack and Team Aric get their fill. Evie travels with them to save Selena from the Duke and Dutchess most Perverse, and we get to see them in so many new ways. What I love about Kresley is that every book is filled with romance, action, adventure and life. I'm never bored, I'm always rooting for the characters and these cliffhangers she's ended EVERY BOOK ON?!?! Beautiful! Now I'm champing at the bit for the next book because man, oh, man, the last page will tear you up!

Evie has grown every book. Actually, I would go so far as to say almost every chapter. She's not a static heroine, and she's not a perfect one. While I got a bit annoyed when she was constantly comparing Jack and Aric (I was, like, go with Aric, duh …), I still could feel her hurt, pain and knowledge that no matter who she chose, part of her heart would ache. A lot of my friends commented, "She's the freaking Empress, she should just have both!" And while I totally agree (Cajun and old-world romance? Yes!), both Jack and Aric are so dominant, so alpha, that neither one would ever be able to share Evie. I simply cannot wait for the next book, and I pre-ordered the audio version the moment it showed up on Audible. Be it by sight or sound, I definitely recommend picking up this series. It has everything, and it's captivating.

To see what Kesley has to say about Jack and Death head over to the HEA Blog!

Wow, this series is intense! Emotionally draining... but in a good way. This is by far the most intense book of the series so far. It should honestly come with caution tape around it. I just finished it a few days ago and I still woke up this morning feeling the effects of the ending(no spoilers, I promise!). I recommend this series even if its not your usual grab. Anything by Kresley Cole is amazing really. She's one of those authors you can count on to give you something great every time.

Revenge, rescue, redemption and romance—the highly anticipated third book in The Arcana Chronicles, Dead of Winter, delivers all three in spades as this action-packed saga continues. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kresley Cole pens what may be the most intense and electrifying book in the series to date. The love triangle between Jack, Evie and Death scorches the pages and promises to confuse even the staunchest defender of either of these enigmatic men. In addition, the stakes in this deadly game have never been higher as alliances get tested and new enemies emerge.

“Love is the most destructive force in the universe.”

The story picks up shortly after Evie escapes from Death, racing the clock to rescue Jack from the Lovers’ terrifying vise. Violet and Vincent Milovnici are the story’s primary villains, a duo so cruel and frightening that they brought a more chilling quality to the story. The Lovers’ are ruthless, promising to love in their own way… a torture brutal to those who love another. Evie must strengthen and leverage her previous alliance, now fragile after staying willingly with Death (Aric) over the last few months. Plus, she must accept her powers fully, learning to both unleash and muzzle the all-powerful ‘Red Witch’ inside of her.

“Power was my burden. It weighed as much as a crown of stars.”

As Evie runs to save Jack, her feelings for him flood back in, creating a confusing swirl of emotion. Her heart is divided, between the man she loved first, and the man with whom she’s undeniably connected. It’s a choice between the unquenchable fire of first love and the endless connection with a soulmate. It’s figuring out if she can trust a man with so many secrets or love a man whose immortal intrigues would prove difficult beyond compare.

“One love fated. One love endless.”

And as the Lovers’ powers take hold and promise a harrowing retribution, the game calls for Death, Evie and Jack to work together for them to survive.

“Me, Jack, and Death on a mission. What could possibly go wrong?”

Their journey is filled with non-stop action and barely bearable emotional tension. I felt for all three of our protagonists, all who have evolved much throughout the story. As a strong defender of ‘Team Death’ going into this third book, I can honestly say that both our heroes commanded my attention and I ended up ‘Team Confused’ by the story’s end. Much has changed with Jack since Evie left him, as he becomes an unexpected but brave leader, determined to walk alongside Evie until the very end.

“Your mine. And I’m yours. You’re goan to find your way back to us.”

We also see Death emerge from the eternal stasis of his own life, to engage in a way that Evie never anticipated as he vies passionately for her heart.

“… you must know that you have my love. It’s given, sievā. Wholly entrusted to you.”

Expect your affinities to waver, your heart to pound furiously, the game to escalate in ways that are surprising, thrilling and scary. This third book in The Arcana Chronicles is not to be missed.

Such a great series ... all the Arcana Chronicles books keeps me interested and engaged with their unique concept. Cole’s has a gift of story telling that allows the readers to unfold the intense twists and turns making you crave the next book in her series.... omg I wish Evie can keep both of them. ?.

Normally when a book sets up two heros for the protagonist, I have a fairly strong opinion by the end of the book about which one should end up with the heroine. In this case, I'm truely torn, and I think it's due to the fantastic writing and strong characters in this book. Both Jack and Death have a compelling backstory and different but equally valid strengths. I can't help but hope that everyone, Evie, Jack, and Death, all get a happy ending, though it make take a few books to get there. I also liked how all three characters grew and changed throughout the course of the book.

SPOILER

That said, I am sad about what I think is the character death at the end, as that was an example of a really nice strong bond between several of the main characters, and I'll miss that dynamic. And while I understand that this book is the middle of a series, it also didn't advance the larger mystery of the game and whether it can be stopped forward much.

I must admit I began reading Ms. Cole's IAD series because of her connection to UF. The fact that she researched her IAD series in the same library where I researched my own graduate work is kind of cool. I put off reading the Arcana series but it has surpassed my expectations. While not as great as the first two installments, I believe book 3 is setting up something bigger. I’m excited to continue the journey.

***SPOILER*** Poor Matthew... Even I am starting to understand what he's trying to tell Evie. The vision of her on the ground having been stabbed in the back with Matthew telling her not to hate him. Seriously Evie, "you listen poorly!"

I understand why Evie chose Jack and I know he's not dead. I was cheering for Jack in the first book and hoped he could stop being a jerk long enough for their relationship to blossom. However, since the second book I have honestly switched over to Team Aric. When I was younger I dated Jack (lots and lots of Jacks, metaphorically speaking) and in their defense, many have since become successful men in their own right. But then… I grew up, and I married worldly, steadfast, and trustworthy Aric who supports and encourages me to live up to my true potential. These quotes from Aric explain it all for me, to Jack he says, "Whereas you view her as merely a girl, I've been on the receiving end of her powers...I know her for the goddess she is." And then later while discussing her grandmother and ending the game, Aric says "I don't have to believe that she holds the key to the game's end. You do-and I believe in you." Jack feels good to Evie because he connects her to where she came from. She is still that girl, but wont be for long. It’s cool though, I would have made the same decision at her age, but I digress.

My real reason for writing this review is to say that if Evie never has the “ah ha” moment with Aric, I’m fine with that. In fact, I’d really like her to realize her strength and strike out on her own to stop the game, save the world, etc. So many of these YA heroines are supposedly such special little world saving snowflakes but there is nothing truly extraordinary about them or their abilities. I don’t want that for Evie. I think she does hold the key to uniting everyone and turning this thing around.

Ms. Cole, if you happen to read these reviews, and from one Gator to another, PLEASE by the end of this series, give Evie that girl power moment that she so desperately deserves, with or without the men in her life.

This book has definitely been the weakest of the three. Come on, people. That's NOT a cliffhanger ending. That's a predictable ending at this point. It's obvious the author favors the alcoholic, verbally abusive boyfriend who just wanted into her pants from day one. And now, we have a weak heroine who can't think whenever a guy has his shirt off in the room. She's the character we're supposed to admire and root for? Not so much.

Let me just start by saying, that I was soo sad when this book ended. I want #4 to come out, like now!!!
This love triangle is suspenseful, and I don't even know who I want her to pick. I feel what she feels. I love her, I love death, I love jack, I love all the charcters. on top of the love triangle, you have the Arcana fights. one of my favorite new series.

This book is so amazing. It's probably the book that has made me the most emotional. Although I wish Kresley Cole would give a release date or the title of her next book!!! The cliffhanger is tearing me apart!!! I don't know if I can survive until the next book comes out!!!

WARNING THIS NEXT SECTION CONTAINS CONTENT FROM THE BOOK, IF YOU HAVE NOT READ IT DO NOT READ FURTHER!!!!!!

On the question of team Jack or team Aric I'm honestly more ton the team Jack side, don't get me wrong I was tied between the two, but the knot was still a little on side Jack. JACK. CAN. NOT. BE. DEAD. It's impossible, my mind will not accept it. I think he migh be one of the hidden cards.

One of my theories on Jack not being dead is that the Emperor took him prisoner. I still get sad when too much mention of Jack hapens. Like I said before... JACK. CAN. NOT. BE. DEAD.

I know some things were random, sorry it's just too much to take in.

**VAGUE SPOILERS**
Another excellent entry in the Arcana Chronicles. Even when I think I can guess where she's going with the story, Kresley Cole surprises me. I'm Team Death all the way and that ending was gut wrenching, but still leaves me with hope. I still think Jack is the unactivated card and I thought for sure it would be revealed in this book. I cannot wait for the next book and no matter what happens, I trust Kresley Cole to write a satisfying ending. (but seriously, she needs to be with Aric..:)

I gave DOW four stars because, while I was disappointed with the content, the writing was, as always, riveting. This book had more action than EK and was fast paced. I have read many of Cole's books. I know she has such a creative mind. This is why I'm uncertain with her choice to draw out a love triangle, something well played out by now.

About mid-way through the book I had to put it down. I couldn't help but be wearied by the back and forth between Jack and Aric. The constant, 'who should I choose?', from Evie made me feel irritated. I began to dislike her character, and to feel like that about the main character is troubling. It makes one reconsider if they'd like to continue the series.

***Possible Spoilers*** Cole spent nearly the majority of EK building a deep relationship between Aric and Evie. I can't put into word the brilliance with which she weaved their story. Death became endearing, fiercely protective, and seductive. I'm sure Cole had intended for her readers to change their minds about him, and even fall for him as Evie had. I mean, who doesn't want a guy like that? Fast forward to DOW Cole splashes ice cold water on her reader's faces. Aric comes to bring Evie home, Jack determines to make Evie his, and Evie can't seem to decide for herself which man she wants. That's pretty much the bare bones of the book. Sure, there's more action, and we meet two new characters, but that's pretty much it. Look, I wasn't disappointed in the content because I'm "Team Aric", I was disappointed in the book because Cole made their love triangle her focus in this book.

***Def. Spoilers here*** I was irritated that after devoting an entire book to Evie and Aric, their growing feelings, and guiding 'some' readers hopes to Evie choosing Aric, Cole ends up having Evie choose Jack. Maybe it's JUST me, maybe it's the fact that it's been too long since I've read PP and I forgot the relationship Cole started between Jack and Evie, but in my opinion it was the wrong choice for her main character. It didn't feel right. It felt pushed. It worries me that she's chosen to go the path of some other authors that I've read who seem to have their minds set on one path in one book and then by the second book they've completely changed course with their ideas for the path the story should take. It reminds me of the popular Divergent series. Book one was phenomenal. Book two? Not so much. In the first book Roth wove a seamless relationship between the two main characters. A strong one. But, by the time book two rolled around, it's like she changed her mind that they should be together and there was incessant fighting between them. Completely out of character for either one of them. I hated the ending of that series and I fear Cole is making those mistakes. I feel like Cole's mind was in one place during EK but by the time she got into DOW it had changed, jerking the rest of us around with her.

I enjoy KC's work, but I didn't enjoy the irritation I felt with Evie's indecision. In the last scene when Death returned for Evie, saving her buns yet AGAIN, I couldn't help but feel like she wasn't worthy of his character any more. I believe in KC's creativity though. I believe she can and will pick a path for Evie and stick with it. If you read these reviews, Ms. Cole, I say to you that Evie isn't the only one that seems unable to make up her mind. Will it be Aric or Jack? Pick one, for your readers' sakes, and weave him a story we can fall in love with. The only author I've ever seen make a love triangle work and end with a truly satisfying story was Cassandra Clare in the Infernal Devices series. For anyone wanting to know whether the book is worth their money or not, I would tell you it most definitely is. KC is a phenomenal author and you should judge for yourself whether you like the direction she takes the characters.

Holy hell. My favorite series in years. Post apocalyptic with an amazing cast of characters and a suspenseful romantic storyline that hasn't let up since book one.
Death.
Jack.
Evie.
Notice the order of prominence for the two swoonworthy leading men.
And our Emperess heroine kicks ass.
Read. Reread. And recommend to all.
Outstanding!!!

WTF! I need book 4 now! Right now! I have hope that this ending is not what I think it is. But I won’t know that for sure until #4 comes out. Kresley Cole, you’re killing me… just killing me. This book was so awesome. Must read before you die.

Don't know how to hide spoilers on an the store review, so see my profile's website link for spoilers.

Love triangles are a nuisance, but when KC writes characters like Jackson and Aric, Evie is in an intriguing, engaging dilemma. The decision us made, but it comes with a heavy heart...and a cliffhanger, of course.

Cannot wait for book 4 of this amazing series!!!

Although I love this series, I hate the cliff hangers!!!! My heart hurts as much as Evie's does in choosing a love! I definitely don't agree with her choice.... I know, I can't help it though. Ms. Cole has an amazing series here. I'm not sure I can wait for 2 more books!!!!!!

Going into this with lower expectations, having read some of the reviews, being a little underwhelmed with the last 2 Immortals books, and knowing it is a middle book with a cliff hanger, I really liked it! I thought it was fast paced and appropriate. If you are a regular reader of Kresley Cole you might feel that these 3 books combined follows the rhythm of one Immortals series book as far as spacing and pacing of events.

Unlike other reviewers, I was not put off by the relationship conflict/indecision aspect, I expect it at this point in one of her books. I also am not put off by the triangle. I think it's a testament to her writing abilities that both male heroes are written with an equality of character that leaves fans divided. Usually the third leg of a triangle is sort of an also ran, but I could easily see Evie with either of these characters. I obviously have my favorite and it is not who she picked in this book, but I don't think my favorite is out of the game at all. In fact, I think he's right there like he's always been. Kresley never hangs out her heroes to dry.....for long. If something is fated, it happens, it may not happen when you want it to or the way you want it to but it always happens. I am eager to see how that plays out, if her editor got the chills, I think I will be pleased as well.

My only gripe? I don't like cliff hangers. Who does really? Having to wait a year for the next installment is absolute torture. I wish the clues Kresley writes were a little more obvious. I know when I am reading something that is going to come back as an important detail, but not having enough information to predict how, why or when that will happen, combined with a cliff hangers, just sucks. I don't want this series to be more than 4 books. While I think if the relationship aspect were more solid it could extend many more books, but that is not how Kresley writes. After the relationship conflict is resolved, there is usually one large conflict and then the HEA. I do think Evie's choice in this book is not the final end all be all for Evie. But I think to drag it on for more than 1 more is way too much, for me. It makes me want to wait and binge read the last books.

*****Spoilers below*****

I really think that if we listen to what Matthew keeps saying, it is not what it seems, some might not be so upset about Evie's choice. Anything and everything can change in the blink of an eye. Things are often not what they seem in her books.

The point Jack makes at the end, pleading his case, I never thought about Evie and Death being together and aging while the game was still in play, as seniors. That really would be a downer for both of them, and the epilogue, so that is likely a clue that will have some major resolution. The current solution of one of them being offed by another arcana is a little heartbreaking. Just because they are not together doesn't mean she will forget him. And just because they are not together now does not mean they will not be by series end.

I read quickly but I do think there was one very important scene where Evie sees herself face down in the mud with 10 swords sticking out of her back. I definitely think all the talk about the sun again rising and the Swords suit and that particular card is incredibly important. As soon as I read that scene I felt it was a big deal. It's just a feeling, but seeing and reading about the 10 of swords tarot card was a little chilling and possibly telling. ;)

Some speculations.

The inactivated card is maybe the Sun card. It's not listed on Kresley's site with a character title, which I think would give too much away, and all the talk of the Sun rising again is not coincidental. The connection to the 10 of swords and the Sun is my speculation after seeing the actual printed card pic with the sun pushing up the night and the man lying with the swords in his back, has something to do with Evie and Evie at rock bottom, total despair, etc. will be with then Sun card is activated, possibly? I WAS thinking the unrevealed card almost has to be Jack. Maybe that's a the deal breaker? But the tarot description of the Sun does not seem to fit Jack's character except possible in reverse as the twins card was? Or maybe The Chariot, Wicked Champion is a better fit for Jack, for sure in reverse in Jack's history, which has slowly been changing throughout the series. I don't know, pure speculation. Thoughts? Share in comments please!! But there are no other humans or non arcana that we know and it's not like Kresley to spring on a new character slated with this kind of importance that we have not met before. It would be weird for it to be random new person. Brandon, maybe, is not dead? There seems to be a need for a resolution for Jack and his parentage, so that seems plausible to me. Or not. Obviously, Jack is not gone. Maybe the ending sequence is what triggers his card, we find he's immortal? I think Death will take Evie away from the scene before she knows for sure if Jack is gone, thus leading Evie into total ruin and despair. I don't know, but I really am not looking forward to the year wait to find out. But I am looking forward to the next installment.

I really enjoyed the third book in the series, but not as much as the first two. I found myself getting a little bit annoyed with the love triangle situation. I kind of wanted Evie to just say, "I'm fine on my own." But she didn't and it tended to drag on toward the end of the book. Then the last chapter leaves the reader hanging BIG TIME. So I guess I'll be reading the next book in the series. I love Kresley Cole's writing style with this series and I've been hanging out with the characters for so long I feel committed to them. Like Evie I'm torn between Jack and Death, but unlike Evie I'm pretty solid in my choice.

Evie was emasculating and indecisive in this book. But I ain't mad at her. Reunions, loads of action, and a killer finale still made this a great read. Now the wait begins...

*Purchased through Audible*

DEAD OF WINTER - Book Three of The Arcana Chronicles
By: Kresley Cole

The second book in this series ended on a cliff-hanger. Evie has started to develop feelings for Death (Aric), but she also still has feelings for Jackson. At the end of ENDLESS KNIGHT Evie learns that Jack has been taken prisoner by a sadistic pair of Arcana known as "The Lovers'. This title is an oxymoron, these two are not lovers, they are actually twin siblings who share a perverse love of torture and degradation. Evie is desperate to save Jack from their evil hands. She is so desperate that she asks Death to help her rescue Jack. However, Death refuses. He hates Jack for no other reason but for the fact that he is jealous of him. Aric cannot stand the thought of losing Evie to Jackson. He is so consumed by thoughts of losing her that he attempts to imprison her so that she cannot get to Jack.

Evie feels that she has no choice but to escape from Death's mansion and she sets off to rescue Jack.

When she meets back up with her former alliance members it quickly becomes evident that things have changed. Evie has spent the past few months living in relative luxury (even though most of that time she was being held against her will.) The rest of her alliance had not been living in comfort and some of them are wounded.

While she was away from them, her alliance members sustained several injuries and have also started using humans to create their own army; an army that follows Jack as their leader.

Desperate to reestablish trust and destroy The Lovers, "Evie doesn't know what will prove more impossible; surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen, and other Arcana - or convincing Jack and Death to work together."

"There's a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn't know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat the Lovers without killing one another first....?"

Evie must also decide whether her destiny and her heart belong to Jack or to Death. She is torn in two directions and she feels deeply for both men. Is one truly the love of her life? How can she be sure which one to choose? And what happens if she chooses incorrectly? The results could be devastating, not only to herself, but also to the future of humanity.

Although this series is considered 'Young Adult Fiction' there are some situations and scenarios in this book that I would not deem appropriate for anyone under 16 years of age. Some sexual scenarios are a bit more detailed than you usually see in young adult stories.

The plot is intricate and vast in scope, but the author superbly navigates through it and readers will be enthralled. This book is hard to put down.

The crazy, post-apocalyptic world Kresley Cole has created is so detailed that readers can easily envision what it looks like. This takes serious talent and skill to achieve. There are a LOT of post-apocalyptic or dystopian future type novels on bookshelves currently, but this series rises above the rest.

The characters are achingly real and they are not portrayed as being solely 'black or white'. Each character is made up of varying shades of gray. This makes them all the more believable. People tend to become a product of their nature mixed with influences of their environment. Imagine adding past lives, wondrous powers, hopes, dreams and the raging, often barely contained emotions (and hormones) of teenagers and you can see how the Arcana members have come to be as they are in this series. Their internal as well as their external conflicts are expertly portrayed. Author Kresley Cole has created a stunningly compelling read; one you will not want to put down.

This book neatly wraps up one of the mysteries of this series, but also expands and deepens other mysteries. Once again the reader is left with a nail-biting, exciting cliff-hanger that will have you wishing for book four's immediate release.

To find out more about this author, visit her website at www.kresleycole.com

To find out more about this series, visit www.TheArcanaChronicles.com

To read more of my reviews, visit my blog at amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com

I rate this book as 5 out of 5 stars and have added Kresley Cole to my list of favorite authors. I can't wait to get my hands on the fourth book of The Arcana Chronicles.

What the....... Kresley Cole is beginging to be the master of cliff hanger.... How could you leave the book like this. Im practically clawing my hair out just imagining what is going to be next. This book had me entrance i barely winked between chapters. Death and Jack cooparating what!!! awesome. This book was one big adventure after another, this arcana have to bee something as they barely slept. Kresley please please do i have to wait a whole year to see what happends next. This book will have me dreaming and imagining what comes next,, thnaks kresley i will be very unproductive waiting for the next one.

That feeling when of hatred when the author leaves you with a big cliffhanger. Yeah thats how i feel right now. I couldnt put the book down i was anxious to figure out what came next and i didnt want it to end like that! Great book tho definitely worth the wait.

What can I say about this book without giving away massive spoilers…? I guess I’ll just have to be as generic in my descriptions as possible. But I’m not sure that’s entirely doable for someone like myself. So please, try not to read my review unless you have already read at least the first book in the series. Thanks!

Kresley Cole does an amazing job when it comes to building worlds. The Arcana/P.F. world is so unique and awesomely insane that I don’t think I would have even thought about something like this in my wildest dreams. However, as much as I love Kresley’s writing, both adult and YA, I think she went a little overboard in this book with the amount of teenage love/lust angst in the love triangle she has going on.

Evie is supposed to be a sixteen(or is she seventeen now?) year-old girl. And love triangles can sometimes be wonderful additions to a storyline. I mean, who doesn’t like hunky man-flesh in their books? BUT, Evie’s character took things waaaaaay too far. She was constantly thinking about “Should I be with Jack?” or “Should I be with Aric?” or “Aric will be lonely…” or even “Jack is sooo dreamy” I just felt that Evie needed to grow a pair, especially when they kept forcing her to choose. She needed to say, “Look here. I’m a strong, bada$$ woman who doesn’t need your manly-macho crap!” Alas, she never did say anything like that.

Plus, I really don’t understand the appeal of Team Death. He’s a douche. A douche who seems to like to prey on women. He reminds me of Warner from Shatter Me. Everyone likes him, but they forget how despicable he was. Sure, you can feel sorry for him, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior. Whereas Team Jack has been busting his butt to help Evie and everyone else. I think her decision should be obvious. (But as I said earlier, she should have just told both of them to BACK THE *bleep* OFF! After all, the apocalypse was going down; they had more important things to be worrying about.)

I loved the new characters Kresley added. These books have sooooo many awesome people with unique powers that it’s like a dirtier (as in actual dirt), grittier X-Men! I could totally see myself reading spin-off books about the other characters in this series. I’d just be bummed about there being a lack of Jack. Even the villains in this book were so weird and creepy that they made me love them (see what I did there?).

Moving on from all that, I had only one other problem with the book—how short it was. This issue was helped by the book’s ending. I mean, WHAT THE H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STICKS, KRESLEY!? What kind of ending was that?! You did that to us in the second book and then we had to wait more than a year to get any sort of closure! I can’t go through that again. (Also, there’s an event that I just KNOW is going to happen and have been waiting for since Endless Knight but still hasn’t come to fruition yet. I can’t wait another year for this reveal Kresley!)

In the end, I love most of the characters in this world and every time I pick up the sequels in this series it’s so easy to remember what happened. That being said, I’m more than ready to pick up book #4 any day now. Preferably yesterday.

4/5 stars

*Note: I borrowed a copy of this book from my library. This in no way altered my opinion/review.

I am a fan of all things Kresley Cole, so I read all of her books, including YA. If you are looking for an all in one, I highly recommend this series. Great plot, world-building, and conflict.....I could ask for nothing more....except the slow releases, that is the only frustration I have with KC, she is VERY good at taking her sweet time to publish for her slavering fans!!!! But it's always worth the wait!

Loved this book. The characters all developed and grew in so many different ways. Although Evie still seems like a young girl in so many ways she has to make decisions and choices most 90 year olds haven't had to face. The choices of the heart confound those of all ages and she is no different. Although I don't agree with her decision at the end I can see how fear and youth influenced her choice. Fear of true love and fear of an eternal commitment in her case. Kresley Cole has no competition in her ability to world build and this installment was no exception. You can feel the slavers eyes on you and breathe the stench of bagmen you get so caught up. Jack was a bit annoying to me in Poison Princess but in Dead of Winter he seemed to grow on me a bit. I guess he earned my respect and it was a bit shocking and felt a bit traitorous on my part because I am Team Aric all the way. Speaking of Aric, he stole my heart again with the glimpses of vulnerability he allowed Evie to see and his pain was palpable as he mourned for his family and the future he had only been allowed to dream of as he became Death. If you want a series that pulls you in and keeps you breathless with the action so rarely seen in YA this one is for you.

I really enjoyed this story but it was really a uncomfortable read regarding the love triangle...
When she picked the guy i wanted her to pick, I literally cried with happiness and joy went through me...except now, im not so sure how true her feelings toward that decision is :(

**** spoilers*****

I don't see Aric (Death) being anything like what other fans are saying....i kno its not just me.
charming? please.
the way he pushed at Jack to make him feel like crap, especially regarding being poor? that was low
Holding Evie responsible for a marriage that has nothing to do with her life now.
Stalking her and manipulating her into picking him? Probably doesn't even kno what love is.
I see him as a controlling,inconsiderate ass im sorry....haters, don't hate, its my opinion
Every time i try to like something about Death,it gets trumped somehow, i don't kno why....i mean, at the end, he admitted to having her grandmother? like, how long have you held her captive?? and Evie gonna except that? hmm

Ive always been a Team Jack, even after reading EK, and knew that his actions would be explained in this book
I feel that her decision in the end of DOW wasn't true to her heart as she kept looking back at the other guy.
And now that the disaster happen? who knows if she'll be faithful in her decision which really upsets me after reading this....my joy after she picked Jack went downhill....not because of the disaster.....but because i kno shell be spending more time with her "other love"
haven't we seen enough bonding between Evie and Death? Jack and her never have that chance before this book, and when they did for a time, i enjoyed it so much! watching there relationship blossom more and talking too!
This series is my favorite and alot of fun

but if Evie chooses Aric in the forth book after choosing Jack. Il be pissed. I don't even think Aric( or even Aric/Deaths fans) would appreciate that, just cuz he'd be second choice,
...but then hes obsessed so he'll probably take what he can get :/

Overall, the action was incredible, and fast paced, and downright amazing.
I've always been a fan of Kresley's work, and will stalk her Facebook( not ashamed here lol) for any updates regarding this 4th book!!

Great Job

I just finished reading the third installment of the Arcana Series and im still completely in love with it. I could not put the book down for one minute. i laughed, i got angry, my heart jumped after every word. alongside Evie im falling in love Jack and Death (Aric) and with all the character of this fantastic book.
Definitely top five on my reading list!

(Spoiler free) I was so excited to read this book, especially after such a long wait. And now, after finishing, I just feel disappointed. The world Kresley Cole has built is so refreshing and I absolutely loved the first two books. I knew after the 2nd book we would have to deal with the love triangle, but I thought it was focused on way too much in Dead of Winter. I ended up being annoyed with all 3 of the main characters throughout most of the book. And I also didn't see the reasoning behind the ending (it seemed like it was decided on the flip of a coin). There was action and development of the other Arcana, but not enough for my tastes. Again, too much focus on the love triangle. I love romance and both Jack and Aric, but come on! I just want to shake some sense into Evie and tell her to just make up her mind.

Honestly? It felt like everything could have been wrapped up in this book but instead it has been drawn out so that it can be another series that ends up dragging for years.

I'll keep reading, but I'm no longer eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Loved it! Lots of people are "Team Death" but I am "Team Cajun" I also believe Jack is going to be be the Chariot card. It seems to fit him pretty good. I love this series and hope there are many more books in the series. We still have the minor cards that could come into play. The audio books narrated by Emma Galvin are excellent also.

This series keeps getting better and better! Kresley is a genius! The relationship between the characters is better than most other books and the tension is unbearable at times. That just makes for an excellent read. Can't wait for the next book in this series!!

This book is just as wonderful as all of Kresley Cole's books wind up being. I have read and loved all of her books and series, and this one is no exception! Just be prepared for a HUGE cliff hanger at the end! Can't wait for the next installment!

Sort of underwhelming, and I was annoyed by the ending. Evie's decision between Jack and Aric should've been much simpler, in my mind, and the back and forth just got really old. I wish it hadn't been such a central part of the story because it just dragged on. I have kept up with the series but not sure if I'll continue to the next book.

Make sure you clear your schedule and order in some food (and wine!) because you're not going to want to put this puppy down. The setting, the plot, and my god the CHARACTERS are so well written, I'm considering a marriage proposal to Kresley as I type this! In fact, I got SO into Evie's decision that I screamed in frustration when she chose the WRONG GUY !! Nonetheless, I know that Miss Cole will find a way to reconcile this, or my heart just won't take it!

OMG #TEAM JACKSON what just happened i have been re reading and re reading this book and I am still like what happened all i can say is i don't trust death in the first book Mathew kept warning her about death's touch. Think about it why death cut off the general???????? #TEAM JACKSON

I read the first two books and they were pretty good, so I would like to read this one but there is no way I am paying $11 for a kindle edition book! That is ridiculous! That is way to much and don't even get me started on the hard cover and paper back prices. Craziness!

I hate that I can only give this book 2.5 stars because I am a huge Kresley Cole fan, but this book is so confusing. My main concern is time between installments. By the time the next book comes out it has been so long since I read the previous one it takes me half the book to catch up. No Fun. I don't mind reading series, but please don't make the time between books so long.