NetGalley Review: Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison

Serpent's Kiss
Book 3 in the Elder Races series
Author: Thea Harrison
Publisher: Berkeley
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9780425244401
Release date: October 4, 2011
Author's website: Thea Harrison

In order to save his friend's life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with Vampyre Queen Carling—without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge.

Recently, Carling's Power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help her find a cure for the serpent's kiss—the vampyric disease that's killing her.

With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling's instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the Queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss…

I loved reading about Rune's characters in the 1st 2 books of this series and was so happy when I learned that he was getting his own book.  After Rune makes a deal with Carling to save his friend Tiago's life in book 2 of the series Storm's Heart, I knew that Rune's book was going to be interesting.  He just didn't know what to expect from Carling and I couldn't wait to find out.  I knew that he was pretty much attracted to her since his jaw dropped to the ground the first time he saw her.  When he arrives at her place to pay his debt he realizes that Carling is a lot different than what he thought she would be.  She isn't quite the woman he thought her to be and as he spends more time with her he finds out why. Carling has many secrets and  eventually she shares with Rune exactly what she is ailing from, the Serpent's Kiss.  A disease that strikes Vampyres that have existed for so long. Eventually she begins to fade and Rune wants to help her even more as he begins to have deep feelings for her. They must seek out The Oracle for help before it's too late. 

What I enjoyed most about this story is the scenes in which the characters go back into the past.  One of the effects of the Serpent's Kiss is that Carling experiences episodes and during these episodes Rune is able to go back into her past to experience certain events through her eyes. These scenes were my favorite part of the book as they show how the past helped shape who they are in the present day. Their lives have been intertwined for a very long time and they both come to the realization just how much they are meant to be together. Another thing I loved about the flashbacks was the opportunity to read a little history.  I love learning about the past and I love how Thea Harrison is able to incorporate that into her books.  When I interviewed her back in August here on the blog, I asked her if she had to  research the different time periods of the past and I was happy to learn that she's a huge fan of it!  It is definitely reflected in her work and she did a wonderful job weaving it through the storyline.  History nerds unite!

I'm giving Serpent's Kiss a rating of:

I knew that Rune's character was going to be a great one from the first time he stepped onto the page in book 1 of the series Dragon Bound.  His concern and love for Carling really touched my heart as I was reading this book.  He did anything and everything he could do to make her life better.  From the past to the present, he always had her best interests in heart and I can see how he became Drago's 2nd in command.  He cares for the ones that he loves and I'm so happy to have gotten the chance to learn more about his character.  This series has truly become one of my favorites of the year and I am looking forward to the opportunity to read more of the characters that I have fallen in love with.

Other books in the series:
Dragon Bound

Storm's Heart