Audiobook Review – Dead of Winter (Arcana Chronicles, Book 3) by Kresley Cole (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Older Teen
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Length: 200 pages
Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
Release Date: March 6, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1421541686
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Early and the Fairy series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

“Heartbreaking decisions
Evie was almost seduced by the life of comfort that Death offered her—until Jack was threatened by two of the most horrific Arcana, The Lovers. She will do anything to save him, even escape Death’s uncanny prison, full of beautiful objects, material comforts…and stolen glances from a former love.

Uncertain victory
Despite leaving a part of her heart behind with Death, Evie sets out into a frozen and perilous post-apocalyptic wasteland to meet up with her allies and launch an attack on The Lovers and the vast army they command. Such formidable enemies require a battle plan, and the only way to kill them once and for all may mean Evie, Jack, and Death allying. Evie doesn’t know what will prove more impossible: surviving slavers, plague, Bagmen and other Arcana—or convincing Jack and Death to work together.

Two heroes returned
There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Evie just doesn’t know where she stands with either Jack or Death. Will this unlikely trio be able to defeat The Lovers without killing one another first?”

This is the third book in the Arcana Chronicles. Right now there are 4 books in this series with a fifth book, The Dark Calling, scheduled for a spring 2017 release. I believe there are six books planned for this series. This book is very engaging and fast-paced. However, I really struggled with how much time was devoted to the Evie, Jack, Death love triangle. I did enjoy the interactions with the other Tarot Cards.

In this story Evie and her group mostly deal with defeating The Lovers. There is a ton of time devoted to how much Death and Jack hate each other. They are constantly trying to undercut each other and monopolize Evie’s time. The story and world definitely take a backseat to the love triangle in this book.

I have to comment on the above because it is such a large part of the story. I have absolutely no understanding of how Evie could ever want to be with Jack. He belittles her abilities and is constantly trying to shove her in the background to “protect” her. Jack underestimates Evie at every turn and is actually stunting her ability to grow and be a competent individual. In addition to that Jack just can’t stop constantly lying to Evie about things, which is a definite no-go in a relationship.

Death on the other hand constantly pushes Evie to explore her abilities and supports her in strengthening herself. Yes, Death was coercive in the 2nd book…however he was honest about his coercion. Someone who is as strong as Evie needs a person who she can’t over-power, who is as strong as she is, and who is honest and calls Evie on her BS when she starts whining. Death will help Evie to realize her own path and destiny, not hobble her with over-protectiveness. So…yes, I am pro Death.

Given the above Evie pretty much absolutely disgusted me with some of her decisions in this book. By the end I was mostly just anti-Evie. For such a “special” and “powerful” female lead she is awfully stupid.

I am struggling with deciding whether or not I will read the next book in the series. I love the idea of the Tarot Cards being teens with special powers and enjoy meeting more of them. I also was excited when The Emperor entered the story right at the end, he sounds awesome. However, I dislike Evie and her boy issues intensely.

It does look like the love triangle may not be an issue in the next book; at least that’s what I am hoping….however I am betting that it comes back to haunt us.

Overall this was an engaging read plagued with way too much love triangle angst. I most likely will not read the next full book in the series; Evie just pisses me off too much. I have already bought Day Zero and plan on reading that collection of stories.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Audiobook Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– Paranormal Reading Challenge
– YA Reading Challenge