A Hunger Like No Other

The second book in the Immortals After Dark series introduces the Lykae Clan with it's very sexy pack leader, Lachlain MacRieve. If you think Kresley Cole's vampires are sexy, wait till you meet the werewolves. Imagine Gerard Butler multiplied by hundreds. The Scottish accent, the strength, the alpha male vibe, all of it made me fell in love with Ms. Cole's werewolves.

Lachlain is the king of the Lykae Clan, so he's the ultimate bad boy, alpha male in town. After 150 years of imprisonment at the hands of the vampires, he senses his mate somewhere in Paris and escapes his bonds, even if that means severing his leg (I was happy to realize at this point, that werewolves regenerate ). Now for me that was more than just plain sexy. To show more endanger his life for a mate he hadn't yet met means that he would do anything for her, no matter what. And even after he realizes she's a vampire, he doesn't hurt her just to get rid of her, he protects Emma, trying to see the good in her. It also made me sad, because it meant that he truly was alone before he sensed her, even before he was captured by the Horde vampires.

What I found really maddening were Emma's insecurities. Would her aunts like Lachlain, would they have a problem with him being a werewolf, would they try to hurt him... Not once does she think "Hey, I like him, I'll take him as he is, if they don't like it, so be it!" The little confusion I was having ended when, at a more careful reading, I realized that the events in this book happen at the same time as The Warlord Wants Forever, at which point I understood that Lachlain was, in Emma's eyes, the first "enemy" to mate with a Valkirie. Still, Emma's insecurities bugged me a lot. I understood them, but I still wanted to shake her up a little bit.

This book, although not my favorite in the series, made me hungry for more IAD stories. The main reason I had this moment of "I'm going to read this series as fast as I can" thinking was because of Lothaire. This book introduces "the Enemy of the old", the mysterious bad vampire Lothaire.

But back to the book in question. I liked the fact that Emma finally got past her insecurities and her fears. I wish she would've done it sooner, but better late than never. I loved Lachlain and his entire pack. They all had that "larger than life" air. I hope we'll get more werewolf heroes in the future from Ms. Cole. show less

2.5 Stars simply for the inexplicable need the novel induced in me to keep on reading despite the many reasons not to. I actually find it quite surprising that I didn't abandon the book after the first few chapters featured numerous attempted rape scenes, a control freak of a man (or male, at least) whose violent tendencies are not only portrayed as acceptable, but highly desirable. But, though I was immediately horrified, the book also somehow managed to hold my attention and the writing style, a strange interest in the plot, and a morbid fascination in this destructive relationship forced me to read on.

I'm not at all in favour of this kind of unhealthy relationship where the guy relentlessly pursues a woman, scares her into show more submission, and attempts to rape her so many times that she eventually decides he's kinda hot. I do not find this an appealing romance story. If it was a cautionary tale of abusive relationships... well, then sure! But [a:Kresley Cole|4428|Kresley Cole|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1213398630p2/4428.jpg] seems to celebrate the controlling personality of Lachlain and I find it rather disturbing to see how highly rated this book is. Apparently, he's so "gorgeous" and "sexy" and "protective" and these traits all make up for the fact that he repeatedly sexually assaults Emma, refuses to let her return to her family, demands that she sleep in the same bed as him (to her obvious discomfort as her kind are known for preferring to sleep on the floor), and even picks out the clothes she wears. He picks out the clothes she wears. This is not a romance, it's the story of one person completely taking over the life of another, refusing to let them make any decisions for themselves and calling it love.

Can someone actually let me know why so many rate this book highly? It's not much of an urban fantasy because there's just a random array of creatures that hate each other and no great mythological story going on... and it certainly doesn't work as a romance. Or do I not understand the idea of romance and love? Yeah, I'm 19, perhaps it's me who doesn't get it... but I thought it was about caring, compassion and mutual respect. I honestly want to understand why I read this book and saw abuse when thousands have read this and seen love and sexiness.

And yes, there were some attempts to redeem Lachlain... he began to understand that he had treated Emma badly and felt very guilty that he had nearly strangled her to death... aww, poor Lachlain... *rolls eyes* Whatever happened later, I never supported their violent relationship; plus, even though Lachlain experienced some minor guilt for the attempted rapes/choking, it didn't affect him enough to let Emma make any decisions for herself... nope, she must stay with him and she must sleep with him, but this time she must like it too! Good god. It was painful to read.

Why not 1 star? There were good bits amongst the annoying. I quite liked the scenes where they just talked in the car and he began to learn about the 21st century after being locked up for a couple hundred years; his reaction to the plastic card that has unlimited possibilities was funny, so was his repetitive opening and closing of the sun roof. But there was more of what I don't want to read than what I do want to. I can't and won't wrap my head around the idea of a guy finding his one true mate and treating her in such a cruel, violent and often openly humiliating way. There were times when he obviously enjoyed her discomfort and it infuriated me. For me, love isn't about being selfish and controlling; and for that reason, I won't be reading any more of this series. show less

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

After a lot of arm twisting by fellow readers, getting hooked on Cole’s writing via THE ARCANA CHRONILES, and listening to a sample of Robert Petkoff’s orgasm worthy narration; I finally caved and committed myself to yet another series addiction. I enjoy Paranormal Romance, although somewhat sparingly because action is my one-and-only true love. Ok, that’s not entirely accurate, werewolves are but the two go hand-in-hand, and this audiobook has both AND toe curling hooks ups, so really A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER was win / win / WIN!

You know an author is truly adept when she manages to take two elements that rank fairly low on your list of awesome, and makes you love them. I strongly dislike immortal virgin show more heroines because honestly, how can one live for centuries and NEVER get it on? Granted, Emmaline hasn’t hit the 100 year mark, however Cole spun her innocence in such a way that even I was completely sold. And secondly, Valkyries have become more common in Paranormal than vampires and the female protagonist just so happens to be a mix of the two, and yet I couldn’t have cared less because her character was so well developed that I saw her as a person rather than just the sum on her preternatural parts.

Lachlain was barbaric, offensive, and presumptuous; he whisked unwitting little Emma away to his Scottish castle, tried to force himself on her, and strong-arm her into becoming his werewolf queen—I loved it! The chemistry between them was downright savage. MacRieve hates himself for being unable to resist his mortal enemy, Troy is repulsed by his Lykae nature, and yet they are inexplicably drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Their relationship and the mind blowing romp that followed were indeed show stoppers, however the praiseworthy world-building surrounding the Lore wasn’t too far behind. The plot wasn’t exactly cutting-edge, but enough secondary threads were brought in to keep IMMORTALS AFTER DARK going for a good long while.

As much as I enjoy Cole’s writing style, it was Robert Petkoff’s come-hither brogue that made thirteen+ IAD installments seem like a walk in the park. Yes, the number of pages involved is intimidating, but when you convert them into hours upon hours of listening ecstasy, the only conceivable answer becomes “Where do I sign-up?” His female voices were surprisingly genuine, and there’s no denying the sex appeal of his Scottish accents. Lachlain as a character was… abrasive, however Petkoff’s rendition made him ridiculously irresistible. Now I finally understand why all of my reviewer peers are fawning over this narrator; he truly is in a league all of his own.

A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER made me want to give real life the middle finger, and get drunk on IAD until I overdosed. show less

Very good book. I resisted reading it because I thought it was about vampires since I prefer werewolves. Turns out the hero is king of the lycans and the heroine is half vampire half valkyrie. Very well written and extremely well rounded world. The love of the hero for the heroine is very touching. I prefer books where a human is interacting with a magical creature and learning to accept and adapt. This one was okay because she was not real familiar with other magical cultures and so had a bit of that needing to accept and adapt thing going. I'm wondering about the next one because it seems to be about a valkyrie and a vampire so that human element will be missing. There were a lot of valkyries which seemed over the top but the love show more story was very good and I like tortured males who are saved by a female. So it was a good read for me. show less

Partiamo dal presupposto che è un bel libro. Letto in una notte, mi ha tenuta incollata alle sue pagine con avvincente maestria.

La storia è molto originale, ben scritta ed i personaggi sono vivi ed assolutamente ben caratterizzati. L'evoluzione del loro rapporto è coerente e fluida, senza colpi di testa o sciocchi amori a prima vista fra due esseri che dovrebbero naturalmente odiarsi.

Purtroppo però ci sono stati alcuni elementi che mi hanno reso la lettura di questo libro leggermente disturbata.
Primo fra tutti la trduzione che è fatta veramente male. Non posso dire, in tutta onestà, che sia colpa del traduttore e non, magari, dello stile confusionario della scrittrice ma credo che gli errori di grammatica e i refusi sparsi per show more tutto il libro possano essere imputati alla Zorro Editori.

Secondo appunto: il prezzo. E qui mi infervoro. Vogliamo scherzare? Dopo questa saga e quella di Lara Adrian ho deciso che non darò mai più un euro alla Zorro Editori. Non sopporto di essere presa per i fondelli e questa casa editrice l'ha fatto.
Prima mettendo un prezzo di lancio di 5€ per farci abboccare come con Lara Adrian e poi sbarbandoci per una VERSIONE ECONOMICA un prezzo di 12€ SCONTATO. Il che significa che gli altri costeranno 15€. Stiamo scherzando? Per una versione economica e perfino tradotta male e trascritta peggio? Mi dispiace, per me può anche chiudere, con me ha chiuso ed anche queste saghe VEDREMO come si evolveranno, nulla esclude che cesserò di acquistarle.

Terzo punto leggermente a sfavore è questa mania delle autrici straniere di sfruttare il loro 'unverso' per fare delle saghe per poi abbandonare i personaggi parlando di altri. La Confraternita del Pugnale Nero della Ward è comunque una bellissima saga che è riuscita, sfruttando questo espediente, a portare avanti TUTTI i personaggi ed un unico grande filone, la Cole non so cosa farà. Vedremo.

Ripeto, a livello puramente di trama e personaggi ho divorato questo libro e mi è piaciuto davvero tantissimo. Soprattutto per l'assoluta originalità.
Comprerò il secondo, senza dubbio, ma prima seguirò bene gli sviluppi delle trame, questo è certo. show less

The first part of this book went over the line imo.
Things happen to the mc which I would describe as coercion, extortion, abduction, and sexual assault which stretches uncomfortably far into outright rape. All of this is later explained away and excused as water under the bridge and remembered fondly yadda yadda.

After this initial shockingly inappropriate section, this is pretty much just a well-executed run-of-the-mill paranormal romance brimming over with the MINEs and the MATEs.

The plot is decent but the main focus is always on the romance.

I am aware that there is an audience for the "says no but wants yes" and I am not judging. I understand how this might be problematic in reality especially if the dominant partner makes show more inappropriate assumptions but I am not a "full verbal consent to everything is the only way" kind of person. In books, I am fine with a lot of things that go quite far if, as a reader, it becomes clear that from the inside there is more consent going on than is obvious from the outside. I am babbling, you know what I mean...
No feminist leanings or anything over here.
Regardless, the first part of this book is quite fucked up not because of what happens but because of how it is portrayed.
I came to know quite a few rape victims because of the environment I lived in and have become intimately familiar with emotional scaring that still hurts just to think about even after more than a decade despite not being the one with the scars myself.
The first part of this book describes things with the potential to scar a person for life to the point of never being able to freely enjoy sexual intercourse again. It is all shrugged off just like that after the "mate" thing and true love become involved later on.
It comes close to some kind of rape scenes facilitated by some kind of lust potion just that in this case there is no potion and it is not a bad thing but somehow romantic instead.
Even tho I might have enjoyed the rest as a solid 3-star book I will not give them because that first part was a nogo for me. It just broke all suspension of disbelief for me.
As judgemental as this review might sound, as long as it stays in fiction, you do you. If you enjoy fantasies like this go along, I don't judge.
In the end, it's just a book and some people get enjoyment out of much worse fantasies I guess. show less

Thea's Review: I suppose you could say that I had it coming to me.

After reading that blurb, how on earth could I possibly believe that this book would be a serious paranormal fiction entry? All I can say in my defense is, I plead temporary blindness. I hated almost every aspect of this book, and only kept reading it because I had paid $7 for it, and I'd be damned if I didn't finish the thing.

Why did I hate this book so much? Good question. I can summarize by saying this is the exact type of ridiculous drivel that gives GOOD paranormal fiction/romance a bad name. This story was nothing but your typical brawny hero possessing his mate. The only difference was there were some vague inclinations and descriptions of vampires, werewolves, and show more fae. This book failed as both a romance for me, and in its attempt at paranormal lore, leaving only...what? Its washed out, horrible characters? Thanks, but no thanks. I can think of a dozen writers in the paranormal fiction world that do it much better than Ms. Cole.

First and foremost, this is not about paranormal creatures and their worlds. Not really. It is a romance novel...which automatically wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I didn't let that deter me though; if done well, the paranormal romance thing can be fun and interesting. However, this was not the case for me reading this book.

Our hero, Lachlain, begins trapped in a pit of eternal suffering, being burned alive and then regenerating (since he is a werewolf) beneath the streets of Paris. This has some promise--it's demented and sick, and after being subjected to such torture for centuries, enough to drive anyone completely mad. Then, all of a sudden, he scents his true mate walking above him. Driven mad by his need for her, he tears himself from his shackles (tearing off and having to regenerate a limb in the process), and sets off hungrily to find and possess her. Eventually he makes it up to street level and is able to track his mate down...and immediately pins her, rips her shirt open and tries to mate with her on the spot. (First red flag being flown up the pole right about now) Emmaline, the heroine, has no idea what is going on. She is a half vampire half valkyrie (fae) creature that is only 70 years old (young so far as immortals go), on a trip to Paris on her own for the first time to find her long lost vampire father. She is innocent, sickeningly sweet, beautiful, etc ad nauseam. She has no idea how beautiful she really is, so she is terrified and has no clue why this hulking male creature has tracked her down and is attempting to force her to get down with him. In the middle of the street, no less.

What ensue are a series of painfully embarrassing scenes that attempt at sensual hotness. Lachlain goes up to Emmaline's room (she's under threat of rape), and he watches then helps her take a shower (WTF?). After rest, and then discovering ZOMG! Emmaline is part vampire! (the ever sworn dreaded enemies of the Lycans--and she is the only female vampire in existence...why? I have no idea), Lachlain is still determined to have his way with her, and forces her to drive with him to his clan's palace in Scotland, lying to her that once she gets there he will let her go (and she the complete imbecile believes him).

Along the way, there is lots of sexual tension, more threats at rape, Emmaline feeds on Lachlain and finds it ever so erotic, oh yeah and they fall in love with each other.

I hated the possessive and grossly domineering manner with which Lachlain treated Emmaline. Maybe some chicks like being manhandled by big!strong!manly!men, but I am not one of them. Furthermore, having her stay with him under his thinly veiled threats that he could do whatever he wanted with her just doesn't fly with me. Lachlain is rude and nasty not only to Emmaline, but to her protective family, and while he steals her money and drags her off to his home (like a caveman grabbing his woman by the hair), I couldn't find any pleasure in the situation.

Emmaline is also a mess. I hate stock Mary Sue characters. She is sweet and kind and understanding and meek and everything I really don't want in a heroine. Show some spunk girl!--this strange man is trying to force himself on you and all you can think about is how nice intimacy feels for the first time and how he makes your loins heat up? COME. ON. Yeah, by the end of the novel she fights her ass off and somehow defeats her master vampire father (puh-LEASE, she would have been toasted), discovers her hidden vampire strength and teleportation abilities, and becomes strongwoman! but it felt contrived and pointless to me. Ms. Cole's power hierarchies felt ridiculously amateur.

In terms of the paranormal aspect, we get the typical run of the mill vamps, weres and fairies. The only really emphatic praise I can give for this book is from steering away from the sexy vampire stereotype (which is completely overdone and drives me batty). I liked that the vampires were badass, animal-like creatures that were to be avoided at all costs...but the final showdown between Emmaline and her father was ludicrous. If he was such a badass boss vamp, I'm pretty damn sure things would not have gone down the way they did. Cheesy, horrible nonsense.

The best written characters and the best part of the story in my opinion were Emmaline's badass aunts. The Valkyrie were fun, nasty harpies (a nice departure from brooding Lachlain or ho-hum Emmaline). I would be interesting in reading more about these characters...but then I think about how much I suffered through this book and pretty much refuse to give Ms. Cole another chance. She'd probably turn these cool fae into simpering ninnies at the hands of their dominant men.

Notable Quotes/Parts: I was in hysterics giggling over the actual writing Ms. Cole used to convey Lachlain's Scottish accent. "Doona tell me ye doon't love me Emmaline!" The whole 'doona' thing was frustrating to read. It was *nearly* as bad as Elizabeth Haydon's cockney accent in Rhapsody. For good use of accents in writing, see Joanna Bourne or Diana Gabaldon. This was just distracting.

Additional Thoughts: One random note on the cover--which is cringe-worthy for me as well. It's not even right! Lachlain is a werewolf, not a vampire! It is Emmaline who is the vamp, so this cover is just ridiculous without even being accurate.

If anyone reads this book as one of their first paranormals, PLEASE I IMPLORE YOU DO NOT JUDGE THE GENRE BY THIS. I can steer you towards many other, well written paranormals (that have romance too) that aren't so cringe-worthy. And hey, they actually have plots that make sense, heroes worth rooting for, and intricate monster lore.

Verdict: Horrible. I want to donate this book to my local goodwill as soon as possible.

Full Review at:
http://thebooksmugglers.blogspot.com/2008/02/on-attack-hunger-like-no-other.html show less