Although fun at first, too many erotic scenes peppered throughout the entire book ruined my reading experience. While there were parts where my curiosity was piqued, the second half focuses lesser and lesser on the actual plot while devoting too much time to Isolde and Adrian's sex life. While I initially breezed through the first half, the second half was harder for me to get through. Seeing things in the mirrors in the hallways and in her dark dreams unhinges Isolde, who soon starts to get tangled up in Adrian's murky past. When vengeful witches and cruel deities got added to the mix, I was quite excited to see where it would go. Isolde learns more about vampire politics and culture while trying to reconcile her feelings for this man who is supposed to be her king and enemy - but is soon turning into a lover. Although their relationship follows a predictable path, It is quite delicious to watch them navigate the waters of their testy marriage, especially as they soon make it to Revekka, where Adrian rules. The first time Isolde meets Adrian, you can pretty much tell what is about to happen. The reason? That is for Isolde to muse over and for readers to find out. He asks Henri for the hand of his feisty daughter, Isolde, in marriage… so that she can be the queen of his kingdom Revekka, and rule with him.
While Adrian (the vampire king in question) accepts his surrender, he also makes a particular demand in return. Ultimately leaving the reader on a tantalizing cliffhanger.Henri, the king of Lara, chooses to surrender to a vampire king who has been ravaging the rest of the kingdoms on the continent. It wasn’t until the final third where the story picks up, and motives become more defined. There are strong themes of men fearing powerful women, oppression, strength, and the ability to persevere. The first two-thirds of the book was rather drawn out with an emphasis on telling us about characters versus developing the characters through action. The majority of the story focuses on world backstory and moving players into new positions. As the two strive to protect their kingdom and reclaim Isolde’s home, the lies between friends and foe blur significantly, leaving all characters in a murky grey. Adrain is also grappling with the opportunity cost of being gifted his long-lost love along with his role as an incarnate. Having regained some of her memories from her former life as Yesenia, Isolde struggles with reconciling the actions of the past with the consequences of the present.
We uncover more information about the various goddesses vying for power, the conflicting religious views, and the cultural differences between territories. Book two of the Adrian X Isolde series succumbs to the sedate pace of a middle series book.
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