Shadow’s Claim (The Dacians, #1)
by Kresley Cole
Published 2012
500 Pages
500 Pages
The Dacians: Realm of Blood and Mist is a spin-off series of
the Immortal After Dark Series, which I loved! (Vampires, werewolves, and rage
demons, Oh my!) Shadow’s Claim is the first book in the series.
Prince Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, is the royal Dacian assassin from the Realm of Blood and Mist. The sorceri’s most hated enemy, the Vrekeners, summoned Princess Bettina, a Halfling demon and sorceress, back to the demon realm in the middle of an attack. She was severely injured and stripped of her powers.
It was the Vrekeners, having killed Bettina’s mother that caused her father to go insane. Summoned by her godfather, Raum, leader of Abaddon, and Caspion the Tracker (the demon Bettina secretly loved), she recovers. Raum then decides that Bettina, having been stripped of her powers, will need a protector at all times. A tournament is arranged in the olden way to determine who will take Bettina’s hand. The winner will also become the King of Abaddon and Bettina his queen.
Prince Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, is the royal Dacian assassin from the Realm of Blood and Mist. The sorceri’s most hated enemy, the Vrekeners, summoned Princess Bettina, a Halfling demon and sorceress, back to the demon realm in the middle of an attack. She was severely injured and stripped of her powers.
It was the Vrekeners, having killed Bettina’s mother that caused her father to go insane. Summoned by her godfather, Raum, leader of Abaddon, and Caspion the Tracker (the demon Bettina secretly loved), she recovers. Raum then decides that Bettina, having been stripped of her powers, will need a protector at all times. A tournament is arranged in the olden way to determine who will take Bettina’s hand. The winner will also become the King of Abaddon and Bettina his queen.
The night before the event, Bettina decides to get drunk on
demon brew and convinces Caspion to claim her, thus removing her from this
horrible contest to which she would be the prize. As the royal assassin,
Prince Trehan is charged with hunting down and killing anyone who leaves the
realm without permission.
He is hunting one such lawbreaker when he is drawn to a light in the demon castle and is compelled to investigate. He finds Bettina unconscious in bed and his heart starts beating, signaling that he has found his fated bride. The prince is thrilled with his good fortune. Bettina awakens and states, “You’ve come at last”. But the name she speaks is the name of another … and it is no name Prince Trehan wishes to hear!
He is hunting one such lawbreaker when he is drawn to a light in the demon castle and is compelled to investigate. He finds Bettina unconscious in bed and his heart starts beating, signaling that he has found his fated bride. The prince is thrilled with his good fortune. Bettina awakens and states, “You’ve come at last”. But the name she speaks is the name of another … and it is no name Prince Trehan wishes to hear!
I really liked this book! It took some time getting to
know all the new species in this realm, but there were some familiar
characters, too (hello Lothaire!). I love Kresley Cole's writing style,
especially her humor! I definitely recommend this read and look forward to
more!
Reviewed by Kelli
★★★★
★★★★
4 STARS