Serpent’s Kiss by Thea Harrison (Elder Races #3)
Paranormal Romance
October 4, 2011
Paperback
Berkley
Reviewed by Mandi
One thing that really stands out in Thea Harrison’s third Elder Races Novel, is how removed the vampyre heroine really is from reality. Carling, once vampyre Queen, is now on the Elder Council. She is very old, and the bite that once gave her immortality, is now slowly killing her. She is desperate to find a cure, but is exhausted and about at the end of her rope. She has removed herself to an island located in Other Land, to live out her days because people are afraid of her. She goes into these episodes where she kind of zones out, but what we soon learn is that events can take place that impact not just present day, but events that have happened through time. She can’t eat anymore, and is becoming weaker by the day.The one high spot in her life is her dog, Rasputin whom she now must learn to cook for because this is the one thing in her life that brings her pleasure. But of course, she has no idea how to cook.
Carling unfolded a well-worn piece of paper and laid it on the polished granite countertop near the stove. She consulted the handwritten instructions that had been prepared for her by a human attendant.
Step one, make sure the wood stove has been lit and the burner is hot. Yes. Did she place the skillet on the burner for step two? She checked the list. No. Step two, spray the skillet with PAM. She did and then she set the skillet on the burner. Now add a few ounces of raw meat to the skillet. Stir with implement. She picked up the implement and considered.
What is this thing called again? Ah yes, it is a spatula.
I love the contrast of Carling being this vampyre that has been around for centuries and has ruled with an iron fist, yet the task of cooking chicken totally baffles her.
Soon, she meets up with Rune, an even more ancient supernatural being. Rune is of the wyr kind and can shift into a gryphon. Although he arrives because he owes Carling a favor of her choosing, he stays because he genuinely wants to help her find a cure for her illness. And because he is extremely attracted to her of course. Carling realizes that there is pleasure to be found again. Her life is not so far gone that her opportunity to interact with others is lost.
Rune was created about the time of the universe so his life really is a contrast to Carling’s. The will to live is vibrant within him and he slowly shares that passion with Carling. He is also a big playboy and a sweetheart and has some extremely sexy scenes in this book. When Thea Harrison’s heroes decide it is time to mate, you better watch out because they won’t stop for anyone or anything.
This book is much different than the first two however. It is a quieter book. The action is more muted, and Carling and Rune are removed from the other Wyr kind. I can’t help but compare each subsequent book Thea Harrison writes to her first amazing book, Dragon Bound. Serpent’s Kiss has a different feel. While we briefly meet Carling in a previous book, she is much more normal than I expected her to be. I wanted a little more crazy in her, as is alluded to in Storm’s Heart. While I like their eventual happily ever after, Carling didn’t grab my attention as Thea Harrison’s previous heroines have done.
Although this can be read as a stand alone, this is such a fun series, I recommend picking up the first two, Dragon Bound and Storm’s Heart.
Rating: B-
Recent Reviews:
All Things Urban Fantasy – 4/5
Hanging With Bells – 4/5
Red Hot Books – Almost 4 stars
Goodreads
Author’s Website l Series Listing
I haven’t read this one but one thing that I like about these books is that each relationship has a different dynamics even if the heroes might seem similar at first glance. Dragon Bound was an incredible book and Storm’s Heart was good but not incredible, although Tricks was a fantastic heroine. I was intrigued by Carling from the moment she first showed up because it looked like she was going to be quite different from Pia and Tricks. Based on your review her personality is a bit more toned down than in Storm’s Heart right? That’s a shame, although I do like books that aren’t that action-packed. I’m reading it this weekend so we’ll see how it goes.
I’m dying to read a book set in one of the other lands though, and with non-wyr characters, this series has a lot of potential I can see lots of books on its future!
You make a nice point – these three relationships have all had a different dynamic. I like that.
And yes, Carling is – normal – I guess I was expecting her be a little crazy. Rune warmed my heart though – he is such a sweetheart but also has that protective, alpha thing going on. Yum!
You meet the hero for Oracle’s Moon in this one – he is a Djinn!!! And the heroine you meet too…both non wyr – it will be fun.
kinda cool that the 5000 year old ancient Egyptian vampire is the normal one!!!!
Loved this book. It was totally unexpected!!!!! I get the feeling you could read it 3 or 4 times and it would still be new and unexpected.
Can’t wait for Book 4
Wondering if Julian is going to get a book…..hoping, anyway….
Fab review Mandi. Can’t wait to read this one. I love Rune from the previous books. Such a wonderful series.
You are going to love Rune!
Can’t wait to read this! Thanks for the great review.
:)
Great review. You know I agree with you on Carling. And I think Brie hit the nail on the head about this series. Part of the reason it’s so good is that Harrison is not afraid to do something different in each book –and subsequently, scores a hit with different readers with each installment.
This one wasn’t my favorite. I think Storm’s Heart was… but a lot of people prefered Dragon Bound… and I’ve heard a few who liked this one the best.
I’m really looking forward to reading Khalil’s story to see what kind of relationship she crafts next.
Yes..they are different, which is why they are more exciting to read :)
And with Khalil’s story..I can’t wait :)
I really loved the first book and I hate that I’m only about to start the second book. I like that each book sounds different than the one before. Really nice review Mandi. I’m not sure I’ll be a big fan of Carling but I can’t wait for more Rune :-)
I hope you enjoy!!
I really loved Rune in this book. Carling took more time for me to warm up to but I liked the book overall. The series is just so good!
Great review.
Rune is so sexy!!! Love him.
Wow, book three already? I’ve got major catching up to do!
Helyce! Get on it ;)
Great review Mandi, you make me very anxious to start it. Hurry up Bookdepository! And thanks for giving away the clue to the next couple ;)
Oh well, pnr works well or just ok for me. I guess that is a good thing cos I can say no then ;)
I enjoyed this one but not as much at the first two. I think I just didn’t connect with the heroine as much. Still, looking forward to more from this series.