Book Review: Lothaire (Immortals After Dark, #11) by Kresley Cole
Ever since I first dipped my toes into Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series, I’ve been captivated by her unique blend of humor, romance, and supernatural intrigue. With the recent release of Lothaire, I found myself not just excited, but practically giddy—like a kid counting down the days until summer vacation. But here I am now, a tad underwhelmed, almost reminiscent of that feeling when your eagerly anticipated vacation turns into a bit of a letdown. Still, as a devoted fan of the series, there were shining moments amidst my mixed emotions.
What Worked:
One aspect of this book that truly resonated with me is the incredible world-building. Kresley Cole has an undeniable knack for weaving intricate details into her fantasy realms, and the introduction of the Dacians, with their blend of myth and reality, was just delightful. The humor and familiarity of IAD characters like Nixie and Thad brought a smile to my face, evoking a sense of nostalgia as I traversed the pages. It’s thrilling to see how Cole intricately builds her universe, offering a tantalizing glimpse at her upcoming series, Realm of Blood and Mist.
Then there’s Elizabeth Ann Peirce, affectionately known as Ellie. I found her character refreshing and brave—definitely not your average damsel in distress. Her dynamic with Lothaire, a centuries-old vampire struggling with his own demons, showcased her intelligence and grit. I admired her backbone and relentless determination in the face of overwhelming odds. Pairing her with a morally gray character like Lothaire was a bold move that paid off for me.
And oh, boy, let’s talk about the ahem sexytimes. They were undeniably steamy—perhaps smokin’ hot—and had me fanning my cheeks. Cole certainly knows how to write a passionate scene, and Lothaire’s initial struggle with his attraction to Ellie added a layer of tension that was hard to resist.
What Didn’t Work:
However, not everything was roses. The tone of their relationship felt off at times, overshadowed by issues surrounding consent. As I read, I could feel that uncomfortable tug of power dynamics in their intimate moments, which made it tough for me to wholly embrace Lothaire as a romantic hero.
Speaking of Lothaire, while I could appreciate him as a brilliantly crafted character, I struggled to feel any genuine romantic connection with him. He may be charming with his sharp wit and arrogance, but his treatment of Ellie made the romantic arc falter for me. The expected groveling and redemption moments I yearned for were disappointingly scarce.
Lastly, the plot involving Saroya’s possession took some getting used to. The early chapters felt slower as I navigated through this concept that brought unnecessary complications to what could’ve been a more straightforward romance.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, while Lothaire provided a rich addition to the Immortals After Dark world, I felt conflicted regarding the romance at its core. The book shone in its world-building and character exploration, though the dynamics of the central relationship left much to be desired. If you’re a longtime IAD follower who thrives on well-crafted worlds and strong secondary characters, you’ll likely still find nuggets of joy in this read.
As I closed the final pages, I reflected not just on the story, but on how anticipation can sometimes cloud judgment. I appreciated the journey, but my heart still longs for a more satisfying romance—one that intertwines not just power, but also respect and connection. Here’s hoping the Dacians in Cole’s upcoming series deliver the depth I crave!
For those interested in vibrant world-building and a touch of supernatural drama, Lothaire might just capture your imagination, even if it leaves a bittersweet taste in the realm of romance. Happy reading!
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