Review: Dead of Winter (The Arcana Chronicles #3) by Kresley Cole

Title: Dead of Winter
Author: Kresley Cole
Series: The Arcana Chronicles #3

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads | Amazon | BookDepo

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?

“One love fated. One love endless.”

Best book In The Series!!!

When I first started this series, I fell in love with Evie. In Endless Knight, I fell in love with both Jack and Death (his name is Aric btw and yeah Death has a name). But now the time has come to choose between these amazing, amazing males. As in the previous books in the series, I felt so connected with the characters.

I think that the two previous books were preparing us for this unique moment. Evie has to choose but she can only choose one (I really don’t understand why she can’t have both of them!). Her heart is divided between her fated and her endless love.

Dead of winter picks up where Endless Knight left off. Evie escapes Death in order to save Jack, who has been captured by the ruthless Lovers, Violet and Vincent Milovnici. The Lovers consider the Empress, aka Evie, their most hated enemy. In a previous game she managed to separate them and since then, they seek their revenge. And they are about to get it through Jack.

To save him, Evie must strengthen her alliance or form a new one. Because to save Jack, Death’s head is the price and Evie is not yet ready to pay that high a price.

I’m obsessed with this series. I know that lots of people support #TeamDeath (#TeamAric) but since the first book I remain faithful to #TeamJack. I usually hate love triangles but this love triangle didn’t frustrate me. On the contrary, it broke my heart. I wouldn’t want to be in Evie’s position. It was so hard having to choose between Aric and Jack. They have all changed so much.

Aric, in my opinion, has changed the most. He has finally admitted to himself that Evie isn’t the Empress he thought she was. He no longer sees her as the reincarnation of her previous selves. For once is his very long life, death has begun dreaming (and falling in love).

Jack, on the other hand, has proven to be a worthy leader. He may have been “nothing” (his words not mine. To me he was always strong and brave) B.F. but now he has a fortress of his own and prepares an army in order to build a new home for Evie (isn’t that sweet?)

Of course, there are many other active Arcana in the book. Selena, who is working besides Evie to find Jack (she also has a major role in the book), Matthew with his strange behavior and even stranger predictions, Gabe with his blooming feelings towards Selena and finally Tess who proves to be a powerful card.

What I also loved, was seeing Jack and Aric’s memories through Evie. They might not have helped her with her decision but they helped her understand them both better.

Against all odds, Jack, Evie and Death will have to work together to save what’s left of humanity. While in the meantime, the Emperor demands to be noticed and Evie has yet to learn how to control the Red witch.

A journey full of action, suspense, lots of twists and turns and an unexpected end, Dead of Winter will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is bound to captivate you. A must-read.

Highly recommended!

*Copy provided by the author*