Book Review: Arcana Rising by Kresley Cole

Release Date: August 15th, 2016
Read: August 19th-20th, 2016
Publisher: Valkyrie Press
Series: The Arcana Rising, #4
Format: Kindle Edition, 280 pages
Source: Publisher in Exchange for honest review

Description from GoodReads:

   When the battle is done . . . 
   The Emperor unleashes hell and annihilates an army, jeopardizing the future of mankind--but Circe strikes back. The epic clash between them devastates the Arcana world and nearly kills Evie, separating her from her allies.

   And all hope is lost . . . 
   With Aric missing and no sign that Jack and Selena escaped Richter's reach, Evie turns more and more to the darkness lurking inside her. Two Arcana emerge as game changers: one who could be her salvation, the other her worst nightmare.

   Vengeance becomes everything.

   To take on Richter, Evie must reunite with Death and mend their broken bond. But as she learns more about her role in the future--and her chilling past--will she become a monster like the Emperor? Or can Evie and her allies rise up from Richter's ashes, stronger than ever before?

Review:

   What was one more icon?
   After a somewhat long wait, the cliffhanger in Dead of Winter, and after reading Day Zero, I was officially ready to read Arcana Rising. Although, it definitely wasn't what I was expecting.
   Starting with the fact that the book was only 280 pages unlike the rest of the series that were at least 320 pages, the book definitely felt shorter too. The book also somewhat felt like it didn't have a purpose or an object to overcome. I understand that Evie's main objective was to bring back Jack, but that little adventure only went on for maybe an 1/6 of the book then it stopped, and then we were at nothing, no one tried to do anything else. Honestly besides things between Death and Evie, it felt like nothing was happening Arcana wise. There was all this talk about killing the Emperor, but when was that actually going to happen? It honestly felt like half the book was missing.
   Like in Day Zero, I really enjoyed the Sun or El Sol. He was somewhat bubbly, and you just couldn't not be attracted to his character after you heard what he does on a daily basis for his 'family'. I honestly can't stop thinking of one of the final scenes of the book with him and the waving bagmen. Then there's Fortune, I'm really not enjoying her character. I think the 'powers' that she's using to fight the Arcana is sort of cheating, so I really hope something small and lame takes her out so that I can get a good laugh.
   I was really disappointed with Evie's grandmother, we had such build up with her from the other books. She was supposed to be the all knowing, and Evie's saviour in a way, but in the end all we got was a quick bit of insanity and no real questions answered. I really wish she was a whole different person entirely, someone that could actually further the plot.
   Unfortunately for me, I also think my ship is sinking. Even if the ship was actually confirmed in the book, I feel like a majority of it was just filler, and that the ship can't really go further. There isn't anything for it to go onto at this point, and no that cliffhanger doesn't mean anything towards the ship in my opinion. And focusing on that cliffhanger for a moment, are you kidding me? I felt ridiculous just reading it, I understand that that sort of thing happens, but really? Did the book really have to take that direction in order for the plot to keep moving? I don't know what to expect for The Dark Calling anymore.
   Arcana Rising had its ups and downs, I definitely enjoyed reading it, but I think that this one would have to be my least favourite in the series at this point. Although I feel that way, I still am eagerly looking forward to The Dark Calling, I'm excited to see what Cole has planned!

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"Your future refuses to behave."

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Dystopian, Apocalypse, Tarot Cards, Battle to the death