Book Review for Shadow's Claim (The Dacians #1) by Kresley Cole

Shadow's Claim (The Dacians #1)
by Kresley Cole
  5 stars

Reviewed by: Angels
Format:Paperback

Published:Pocket Books
Source:Purchased copy  Genre: Paranormal Romance

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About Book

Shadow's Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament—to the death.

He won't be denied...

Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people, striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself—until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore's most fearsome villains.

She's bound to another...

Desperate to earn her guardians' approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she's lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.

A battle for her body and soul...

Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina's heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium's worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away—or stoke Bettina's own desires to a fever-pitch..


My Thoughts

Let me start of by saying that Kresley Cole is one of my top favorite authors.I have purchased all her books and read them all and she never seems to disappoint me.I love them all ! I also have to mention that the cover to this latest novel is just awesome. If I had been browsing and seen this sitting on the shelf I would have picked it up for the cover alone . (lol) Crazy right ? But, I do that sometimes ...

This newest series is off to a great start.Looking forward to the books to the series as they follow!

I normally try not to play favorites (who am I kidding ) with the characters I am reading about but, Trehan Daciano had be falling in love with him from the very first pages and that love grew even more as I read on about him.He was just a delight and totally delicious!Trehan was and ancient immortal vampire from a race that was hidden from others. He was mysterious and elusive never fully exposing the cards he held.But, always words were whispered about him calling him the Prince of Shadows a deadly killing machine known only to his foes ! Even though Trehan was a dangerous piece of work he did have a softer side to him that he never reveals to anyone besides his intended bride.As Trehan began to court Bettina we also saw his character grow as well where he becomes a bit softer and  more of an understanding person not so deadly all the time.That was quiet a feat for an ancient vampire ! (lol) The passionate love scenes between Bettina and himself were explosive and they officially hadn't even made love yet .He was a passionate and gentle and a understanding lover giving more than taking.

I made the mistake of starting this novel later at night around bedtime and that was a serious mistake but, I had so be looking forward to this new read. I could not put the book down once I started it I tried and couldn't.So there I was still reading as the sun began to rise and I was still reading!Wow ! what a page turner as the book was action packed from beginning to the end!

Never went to bed that night!
The Book was well worth it !

Bettina is a princess destined to be the Queen of Abaddon.It took me awhile to warm up to her character.I found her to have blinders on all the time when she was around her long time best friend Caspion who she thought she was in love with.He was nothing but, a selfish man whore who only thought about himself. Yes, he did love Bettina as a little sister but, was oblivious as to her true feeling for him hurting her over and over with his selfish deeds and actions even after she told him how she truly felt.Sometimes I just wanted to slap Bettina a few times to wake her up and see him for who he really was instead of making excuses for his selfish actions !That being said Bettina blossomed into a very interesting and strong character.She was a Royal princess who got to live among the morals for a bit and indulged in her passion of creating fashions and later horned those skills a became a sought out jewelry designer. Her designs we beautifully crafted and deadly.

The story developed into a love triangle of sort.The story as it progressed got more and more complex.The lovers were drawn into a dangerous game where Bettina's Godmother and Uncle put it about that there was to be a competition  to all those who would participate they would have to fight each other to the death for her hand in marriage and also become King of Abaddon. All of the characters who entered were the best of the best and suppose to be deadly in the own right.Ms. Cole introduced us to a lots of new interesting species.This made this developing story even more intriguing and exciting. We saw Bettina who you think to be a bit mousy grow some really big claws and we see her grow into a force to be reckoned with!

All in all the book was a total page turner for me.Lots of intrigue keeping you on the seat of your pants most of the time .The blood thirsty battles keep your heart racing .The developing love story between Bettina and Trehan was a touching one he worked so hard to win her affections risking his kingship and all that he has ever known just for a chance at love.He should have been given a medal for patience alone ! (lol)

A recommended read to all be sure to add it to your to read pile! If yours is like mind its always growing....