Serpent's Kiss (Elder Races Novels) [Audiolibro] [CD de audio]

I loved Dragon Bound. It was an amazing and fresh book, with a good storyline, inventive action sequences, and lively dialogue. I'm a big believer in good dialogue, with characters having a sharp wit, and generally-speaking a touch of sarcasm and humor. The dialogue and action were two of the best things about Dragon Bound. I read in twice, then couldn't wait for Storm's Heart, even though it was out only a few months later. However, I was a little disappointed in Storm's Heart. Sure, I realize not every book in a series is going to be a favorite. But, I missed some of the humorous, witty banter. Tiago and Tricks just didn't seem to have the same chemistry as Dragos and Pia. All in all, I gave it a 4 rating, and I still had high hopes for Rune's story.

Rune was a great character from the beginning of the series. He was funny. He had good dialogue sequences with Dragos, Pia and the others. I had such high hopes for this book that I pre-ordered Serpent's Kiss, and read the entire thing in one sitting (which I normally do for books I'm dying to read). And... I have never been so let down with a book and an author. Rune was turned into some kind of almost cartoonish character, and Carling, whom I actually liked in Storm's Heart, became a weak-minded (and weak-willed) female (and I'm not referring to the "episodes").

But the thing that really got me, that made me furious with Ms. Harrison, is the way Rune treated Dragos. Dragos told Rune in Dragon Bound that he was his best friend, yet at the drop of a hat, Rune not only deserts him but wonders if he'll ever forgive him. And for what, you ask? NOTHING! Dragos did nothing!! He acted as anyone would do in that situation, without knowing Rune and Carling were mated.... because Rune didn't tell him. Then, even though it's affecting the other gryphons, Rune actually neglects to tell Dragos or his other supposedly long time friends about what's going on. I understand needing to protect your mate, but seriously... "bros over hoes" anyone? These are his BROTHERS/SISTERS for all intents and purposes, and he just leaves them out in the dark about a major events (trying not to be spoilerish). At least Tiago was upfront with everyone when he had to leave, so everyone knew it was because he was mating Tricks. Furthermore, Carling didn't even try to intervene, to try and help Rune repair his relationship with the other Sentinels and Dragos. She was truly selfish, basically just accepting Rune giving up everything to be with her as her due.

Pretty soon, Dragos is going to be left by himself with not one of his friends/sentinels to help defend him and his new mate and child. It's sad. Now, I doubt I'll read the new book. It's not even about any characters I have interest in, anyway. I may read Book #5, which is another Pia and Dragos story, but part of me is afraid she's going to ruin two of my favorite characters. I don't know if Ms. Harrison reads these comments, but please, just go back to the winning formula of Dragon Bound -- good snappy dialogue, strong females and action. If I wanted a introspective, sad sack of a female, I'd watch a Lifetime movie.

I was REALLY looking forward to this book. I really enjoy the world Thea has built in many ways. I read the last two books with enjoyment but they both had gentle heroines that needed rescuing by the big bad wyr. But in Carling, a woman who had raised herself up from slave to queen to the Councillor of the Nightkind through her own merit, determination and strength of character I was excited to finally have a story about a heroine who didn't NEED the big bad wyr to rescue her. I thought it would be a book about the two of them falling in love and her rescuing herself through that process. Or something like that....

I didn't get that. Of all of the things that I thought would happen in this book ... I didn't expect the author to figure out a way to wipe out all that Carling had accomplished herself and attribute it all instead to Rune. But the author did manage to do it. And I am so disappointed that instead of taking the opportunity to stretch herself and write a different story about two people who are equals joining to become an even stronger whole, Thea chose to write the same old story about the boy rescuing the girl.

I don't know if I will read another of book by this author. There is a preview of the next book in the series, Oracle Moon and it is more of the same. Female in trouble needs big strong man to make it all okay. Meh... I've read that. Again and again and again. And frankly I've read it better. I'm not interested in reading a series that just regurgitates the same book one after another.

I've read a TON of books and always check reviews before buying a new one, I'm very picky about the writing style and intensity I expect from my romance books. I was almost scared off of the series when I read some of the negative reviews about this book. I started reading the series and have loved her books. Dragon Bound was great and so was Storm's Heart. I'm not going to talk about the plot because everyone does, but I thought this book was very possibly the BEST one in the series thus far. Rune we've been waiting since the first book to hear about, and he has a wonderful, charming personality. Carling is a very powerful, strong, gorgeous female and I think it's ridiculous that people are saying Rune saves her, he helps in her journey but she always is powerful and strong. The two of them make one of the sexiest power couple I've ever seen in all the romantic novels I've read. I love Dragos too, and I was really worried when people said that Rune and Dragos had issues, but you know what? Dragos wouldn't even hear him out, he was being rude and totally selfish (which was frankly odd, b/c in his book he doesn't come off like that, but then again he is used to bossing people around.) Keep in mind he has Pia, he is happy and he is one of the strongest beings on the earth, I think he'll survive without 2 sentinels (Rune and T-Bird). I also am fairly certain that in later novels they will be friends again and work together. The author loves both characters and won't keep them in a negative relationship. The love story itself in this book grows and is simply beautiful. It isn't just a hot steamy chemistry thing but also so much deeper than that, he also gets to experience very important parts of her life. On top of that, they do have chemisty that gets your heart pumping and I almost cried at how sweet and romantic certain parts of the book are. Point being, this book is excellent. Please read it, you will be surprised what an incredible love story it is. I honestly think the book would be good enough to turn into a stand alone movie. Booya!