Review ~ Lothaire by Kresley Cole

Goodreads Synopsis ~

ALL FEAR THE ENEMY OF OLD

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness—until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A DEADLY FORCE DWELLS WITHIN HER

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

CENTURIES OF COLD INDIFFERENCE SHATTERED

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millennia-old blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past . . . or risk everything for a future with her?

My Review ~

I was on the fence going into this one.  From the earlier books, we all know that Lothaire is crazy.  I think at this point, since I'm such a strong Valkrie ally, I would say he is the enemy whether he was crazy or not.  Lothaire has been alive a very long time and has endured enough torture, pain and other people's memories, to crack anyone.  I feel like I shouldn't pity him, but his dwindling control on his madness along with the frustration he feels makes me actually feel that for him.  

Ellie is a great heroine.  Ok, just did some backspacing here and trying to reword so I don't leave spoilers.  There is much, much more to Ellie than the blurb says and I don't want to ruin it.  Let's just say Ellie is self-sacrificing and will do anything to save her family and others from harm, and this evil being who snatches her up is definitely a threat to them.

We have two very different creatures that are both extremely stubborn.  There is this little thing called a blooding between them that just cranks up the tension.  How can they be so opposite yet set each other on fire?

Lothaire kind of pissed me off a bit with his attitude.  I know, I know, he's crazy, we have to cut him some slack.  Seriously?  This dude thinks every female should adore him.  He doesn't grasp that the things he says would hurt people.  How can you live that long and not realize you are degrading and hurting someone with your words?  Ugh, he reminded me of a selfish self-centered brat.  Ellie is stubborn but is she determined enough that she could change him?

I thought this book was great.  There were a few times I was scared of what the ending was going to bring.  With Lothaire's madness, you just can't be sure of anything.  I was happy to get to see my old friend the Valkries along with Thad and Hag.  I can't wait for the next one.  I have so many questions about what is going to happen with alliances, etc.  After one scene in this book, I'm sure Lothaire is going to have some major problems with the witches.  

Right now I feel like a toddler being offered up a carrot instead of the candy with Shadow's Claim out there.  I know it's a spin off, but I don't want a spin off, I want the next Immortals book.  *pouts*  I will read Shadow's Claim anyway, even though I'm mad at it for getting in the way of releasing an Immortals book. humph

So, for readers of the Immortals After Dark series, you HAVE to read Lothaire.  Don't stop in the middle of the series, keep it going.  You are going to love the outcome.  My rating is a 4.5.  I know, I know, I need a nice set of rating graphics so I don't have to type this in everytime!