No Rest for the Wicked Book Review

No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole. Photo: Amazon UK

Enjoyable introduction to the author, but the heroine could use some work.

The story follows Kaderin, a Valkyrie assassin who hunts vampires to the end of the Earth to avenge her sisters' tragic deaths. She is known as one of the coldest and cruelest warriors in the world of Lore (folklore).

That is until she meets a weary and miserable vampire named Sebastian. He was living alone in a decrepit castle wishing for death until he lays eyes on Kaderin.

Sebastian is enchanted but Kaderin, whose emotions were deadened long ago wants nothing to do with the bloodsucker.

Instead she's got her eyes on a legendary prize that she must win from a deadly competition where she will go head to head with all of the other most fierce warriors in the Lore. 

A battle of wit and physical strength ensue. Can Sebastian win Kaderin's love and prove to her that she is now the reason he wishes to live. Can Kaderin accept emotions after a thousand years feeling absolutely nothing?

The book had a very interesting premise. I really enjoyed the idea of all folklore creatures competing for some magical prize. However, this also let to a massive let down in the clarity of the story. Because Kresley choose to include so many different types of creatures in her story, it because muddled and confusing. Additionally, she used characters from different mythologies, co-existing in one world - it just didn't make much sense. 

I also didn't enjoy Kaderin's character as much as I wish I had. I love stories where I can really sympathize with the heroine and feel myself rooting for her. Unfortunately I didn't feel that with Kaderin. I found her too abrasive and I did not warm to her at any point in the story. 

I really enjoyed Sebastian's character as I thought he was everything a dashing hero should be. But I didn't fully understand the concept of a vampire's 'Bride.' Apparently it makes their heart start to beat again? Why? Is it like always a love-at-first-sight kind of situation. 

I am sorry but I am a reader that likes a bit of tension before the payoff because it becomes all that much sweeter if I've been teased and waited for it. Kaderin and Sebastian hooked up far too early in the book for my taste. I am aware that then they went back to friction between them (literally) but I enjoy a bit of sexual tension before it snaps and the characters finally give in. When it happens very early like in this book, I don't feel like I got the whole ride of their love story. 

Enjoyed the idea of vampires having the ability to trace places. I have never read that vampire trait in any other book before and I think it was pretty cool. But what was unfortunate for me was that the vampires in this world were hated and ridiculed. Vamps are my favorite folklore creatures so it put me off to read about them not being respected as one of the apex predators. 

I would recommend it to people who like paranormal romances with twists of adventure. But please let it be noted that there is LOTS of sex in this book. Like a lot. I love sex in romance books, but this was a bit heavy handed for my taste.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Buy No Rest for the Wicked here.