Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole is the latest book in her Arcana Chronicles.

Heartbreaking decisions
Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her- until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, the Lovers.  She will do anything to save him, even escape Death's uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts...and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on the Lovers.  Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying.  Evie doesn't know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana- or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Tow heroes returned
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...?

The Breakdown:
1. I am a big fan of Cole, read all her books.  I enjoy her writing styles, and her strong female characters.  Women that can hold their own against the boys, and sometimes are the ones that save the day.  It is no different in her Arcana Chronicles.  Evie is obviously one of the most powerful Arcana.  Despite the fact she could easily crush her allies, she has a big heart, and is determined not to be the ruthless Red Witch of the past games.

2.  I love that Cole runs a long game in her series.  Each book building to her crescendo, and keeps me so engaged in the story that I can't wait for the next book when I finish this one.  I love that she continues to peel back layers to each Arcana both their power and purpose in the game.  The introduction of each new Arcana brings in both surprises from Evie's past and new strategies to the game.

3.  The quest of Evie, Jack, and Death made for quite interesting reading.  Both Jack and Death doing all they can to win Evie and get her to pick them.  The grudging respect that Death and Jack develop for each other.  I thoroughly enjoyed Jack and Death getting drunk together.

4. Cole is killing me with that ending!  The things she reveals, the consequences of Evie's choice, and Arcana revealed at the end.  I can't believe that the next book does not even have a title, yet.  Although, rumor is that it will be the last book of the series, so I can't wait to see how Cole ends things.

To Read or Not to Read:
Must Read