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Kat Kennedy's Reviews > The Warlord Wants Forever
The Warlord Wants Forever (Immortals After Dark, #0.5)
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by
Kat Kennedy's review
bookshelves: death-by-paranormal-romance, books-that-deserve-painful-death
Oct 19, 2010
bookshelves: death-by-paranormal-romance, books-that-deserve-painful-death
Do you know a woman who's bitchy, non-compliant and difficult?
According to Cole, the answer to this is that she's just too damn empowered and has too many rights!
Surely relinquishing her unappreciated freedoms and rights will make her abundantly happy... and compliant... and slutty...
I hear an objection from the Kresley Cole fans and in the interest of fair media representation, I'll relay it to the rest of you. "But Kat, the novels ends with Wroth and Myst in an equal relationship where Myst has her freedom and Wroth is remorseful for his treatment of Myst."
That's very true.
But this happens AFTER Myst has been "tamed" and brought to heal like a bitch in heat. It also happens after Myst, who is a two-thousand year-old woman of immense power and knowledge, contemplates how happy she is now that she's no longer in charge of her own life.
I am not exaggerating, either. She reminisces on how, unknowingly, she's been waiting for a man stronger than her to come along, overpower her and take away those burdensome choices.
Stop lying! You're just angry because you don't have a kitchen to go home to!
Note to men: Despite how insanely beautiful and attractive I am, I can assure you that any attempt to kidnap or control me will not end pleasantly on your behalf. Despite my Super Slut Powers, I'm less than likely to fall to pieces at the sight of your sizable "manroot" and decide to exchange regular access to it for my freedom.
I really actually enjoyed how this novel started because Myst was just so badass. She reminded me of Holo out of , which is a great anime if you're new to the genre and are looking for something to convince you that the Japanese aren't all weird and creepy perverts.
My issue with Cole is that she interprets female strength, in this novel, as using your sexuality as a weapon and deceiving men with the illusion of sex. I don't think sexuality mingled with deception is women's greatest weapon or strength any more than I think a man's greatest weapon is his physical strength. In fact, Myst never even really tries to outsmart Wroth, as if it's a useless attempt. Dude, you have like 1300 years on the guy! You don't have one trick up your sleeve that doesn't involve handjobs?
I can think of ten better ways to get a ride out of a guy and I'm only 24, Myst. It's like you're not even trying...
On the other hand, there IS something endearing about this novel.
I just can't quite put my finger on it though...
Okay, this novel really, truly is very sexy. It is it's one redeeming feature other than the ending where I'm convinced that at least this couple has a chance of surviving a relationship together, which I can't say for most romance novels, so that's a positive.
And just in case you didn't get the memo, this book is very, very sexy.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to read every single thing that Kresley Cole has ever written.
What? Like you've never seen a hypocrite before?
According to Cole, the answer to this is that she's just too damn empowered and has too many rights!
Surely relinquishing her unappreciated freedoms and rights will make her abundantly happy... and compliant... and slutty...
I hear an objection from the Kresley Cole fans and in the interest of fair media representation, I'll relay it to the rest of you. "But Kat, the novels ends with Wroth and Myst in an equal relationship where Myst has her freedom and Wroth is remorseful for his treatment of Myst."
That's very true.
But this happens AFTER Myst has been "tamed" and brought to heal like a bitch in heat. It also happens after Myst, who is a two-thousand year-old woman of immense power and knowledge, contemplates how happy she is now that she's no longer in charge of her own life.
I am not exaggerating, either. She reminisces on how, unknowingly, she's been waiting for a man stronger than her to come along, overpower her and take away those burdensome choices.
Stop lying! You're just angry because you don't have a kitchen to go home to!
Note to men: Despite how insanely beautiful and attractive I am, I can assure you that any attempt to kidnap or control me will not end pleasantly on your behalf. Despite my Super Slut Powers, I'm less than likely to fall to pieces at the sight of your sizable "manroot" and decide to exchange regular access to it for my freedom.
I really actually enjoyed how this novel started because Myst was just so badass. She reminded me of Holo out of , which is a great anime if you're new to the genre and are looking for something to convince you that the Japanese aren't all weird and creepy perverts.
My issue with Cole is that she interprets female strength, in this novel, as using your sexuality as a weapon and deceiving men with the illusion of sex. I don't think sexuality mingled with deception is women's greatest weapon or strength any more than I think a man's greatest weapon is his physical strength. In fact, Myst never even really tries to outsmart Wroth, as if it's a useless attempt. Dude, you have like 1300 years on the guy! You don't have one trick up your sleeve that doesn't involve handjobs?
I can think of ten better ways to get a ride out of a guy and I'm only 24, Myst. It's like you're not even trying...
On the other hand, there IS something endearing about this novel.
I just can't quite put my finger on it though...
Okay, this novel really, truly is very sexy. It is it's one redeeming feature other than the ending where I'm convinced that at least this couple has a chance of surviving a relationship together, which I can't say for most romance novels, so that's a positive.
And just in case you didn't get the memo, this book is very, very sexy.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to read every single thing that Kresley Cole has ever written.
What? Like you've never seen a hypocrite before?
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The Warlord Wants Forever.
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Reading Progress
October 19, 2010
– Shelved
February 20, 2011
–
Started Reading
February 21, 2011
–
Finished Reading
January 8, 2012
– Shelved as:
death-by-paranormal-romance
January 8, 2012
– Shelved as:
books-that-deserve-painful-death
Comments Showing 1-50 of 57 (57 new)
message 1:
by
Kat Kennedy
(new)
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rated it 2 stars
Oct 19, 2010 03:14AM
Apparently this gets 'almost awkwardly rape-like' - can anyone confirm or deny this and maybe explain a little? :P I want to know what I'm getting myself into!
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You're going to read Kresley Cole?! Yay! I have to admit when I saw this, the urge to jump up and down was very strong :o) It's been a long time since I read this short story, but I remember thinking that it wasn't up to par with the rest of her series. I actually had no idea that A Hunger Like No Other was considered book #2 until I discovered this one. Honestly, I can't remember the sex scene whatsoever. Like I said, I wasn't terribly impressed with this short story, and this is the only book in the series I don't own. I would strongly recommend that you start with A Hunger Like no Other and then go back and read The Warlord Wants Forever, which is really more of a prequel to this series anyway.
I wouldn't describe A Hunger Like no Other as 'rape-like.' Lachlain is a werewolf who was imprisoned and tortured for centuries by Vampires. When he finally escapes to seek out his mate, he is repulsed to discover that she is a "vampire." In truth, she is part vampire, part valkyrie. He is aggressive and demanding, but he never rapes her. I just want to make that clear! Emmaline is very naive and has no experience with werewolves, nor does she understand how strong the pull between mates can be. So, Lachlain's attentions toward her aren't welcome in the beginning. Emmaline has never been intimate with anyone before and he frightens her, and rightly so because he is a crazed werewolf! However, she still feels a connection between them and desires him.
Sam: I agree. Very demanding and pushy, but not rape. I didn't mean to imply that you thought it was rape. I just wanted to express why I felt the book wasn't rape-like. He knows her to be his mate and she is VERY unprepared for this type of situation, which is why I can see why many readers would view it as 'rape-like.' However, the series is written in such a way that implies that mates can't physically harm one another, so I don't think Emmaline was ever really in danger. Kat: I think you have to read the series now, so you can tell us what you think on the matter!
Kresley Cole is one of my favorite authors as well! It's funny, b/c your least favorite novel in the series is my favorite :o) The ending of the book really was wonderful! Thanks for the friend invite! I agree, strong heads make good friends :o)
*Holds up hands and backs away slowly*Okay, okay! I'll just read it and give my opinion! Though to clarify, Sam really never did say that it was rape.
Kat: I never meant to imply that Sam thought it was rape. I was just trying to express my thoughts on why I thought the book wasn't rape-like. Obviously, I didn't phrase it very well. A Hunger Like no Other is one of my favorite paranormal romances and I may have been a little over zealous in defending it :o) This whole debate has been a little exhausting, but I'm happy to have met Sam and made a friend! I hope you enjoy the series as much as we do!
I'm sure I will! Even if it's out of fear that you'll come after me like a crazed zealot if I don't! :P
Gah! You haven't read the IAD series yet!? I was poking around in your reviews, enjoying myself and noticed you haven't read one kresley cole book! Get to it, I can't wait to read your reviews!
I just have to say that this was the PERFECT review for THIS story! I didn't particularly care for it, but I didn't read it till after book 4 when I was like OH I skipped one, and there was a mention of Myst at one point and I was like crap. I read it and felt that exact SAME WAY! LMAO!!!!!!!
Kresley Cole was my gateway drug <---- as I like to call it, into PNR. I have only been meh on ONE book and it seemed like it was outside the box from the story a bit, but after reading the most current release of hers and a new character introduction I think she had a plan with that book for the future.
A Hunger Like No Other is one of my favs but yes Lochlain is very HE-MANISH, but can you blame him? He wasn't exactly tortured in a 'good way', so he sort of unreasonably vents out on poor Emma that has been sheltered her whole life! So, it could put you off, it could not. Like I said Hunger was my gateway drug. I had never read anything like that before in my life and I was hooked from that point on.
And just a note all her Valkyrie are 'bad-ass' but I think she tries to counteract the whole I'm super old school, independant, and bad-ass by making some of them super vulnerable when they find their men. Its like kryptonite for them almost.
Kresley Cole was my gateway drug <---- as I like to call it, into PNR. I have only been meh on ONE book and it seemed like it was outside the box from the story a bit, but after reading the most current release of hers and a new character introduction I think she had a plan with that book for the future.
A Hunger Like No Other is one of my favs but yes Lochlain is very HE-MANISH, but can you blame him? He wasn't exactly tortured in a 'good way', so he sort of unreasonably vents out on poor Emma that has been sheltered her whole life! So, it could put you off, it could not. Like I said Hunger was my gateway drug. I had never read anything like that before in my life and I was hooked from that point on.
And just a note all her Valkyrie are 'bad-ass' but I think she tries to counteract the whole I'm super old school, independant, and bad-ass by making some of them super vulnerable when they find their men. Its like kryptonite for them almost.
I haven't read this book or any of her books yet, but in any real situation where a woman is kidnapped and ends up having sex with her captor (is that what happens?), then it is hard to say that the sex is consensual. There is a power structure in place. (hmmm, similar to V's book in the BDB series? But he told her she could go, right?) Anyway, I know we aren't dealing with reality, but having been a rape survivor counselor for years (accompnaying women and girls to the hospital after they were attacked), I find it hard to read certain situations that mimick the power imbalance. You know? Kat I love your review. The first full book has a premise where the "heroine" is kidnapped by the hero (I believe), and for this reason I haven't read it. But I keep waffling back and forth. I have heard it is amazing and I even own it (everyone who reads her books loves them), but I hate hate hate that set up. Having said that I greatly fear that once I read the books, I will love them. I plan on reading Hunger Like No Other this month. So I am guessing I will be hungrily devouring the rest of the books despite the premise I dislike.
LOL -- I loved this quote:
Note to men: Despite how insanely beautiful and attractive I am, I can assure you that any attempt to kidnap or control me will not end pleasantly on your behalf. Despite my Super Slut Powers, I'm less than likely to fall to pieces at the sight of your sizable "manroot" and decide to exchange regular access to it for my freedom.
lol. Nice review. I like this quote: "What? Like you've never seen a hypocrite before?" It fits me quite well, I think. I've been hearing how great Kresley Cole is but I've yet to pick up one of her books. I'm just tired of paranormal romances. Unfortunately, this would probably turn me off as well: "In fact, Myst never even really tries to outsmart Wroth, as if it's a useless attempt. Dude, you have like 1300 years on the guy! You don't have one trick up your sleeve that doesn't involve handjobs?"
Thanks for pointing this out. I'll continue ruminating on whether or not I'll try out a Kresley Cole book in the future but for now, she's not a priority new-to-me author.
Okay, Regina and Nique, I don't know whether to recommend these books to you or not.Regina - I completely agree. Sex in a situation where one person is a slave and lacking in free will is still rape in my opinion. But I think if you were to read these books, it would be A Hunger Like No Other, the second book, that will really get to you. For you, it will be because you've worked with women affected by rape. For me, it's because I spent a few years in a country where bridal kidnapping is still practised.
The male protagonist kidnaps and terrorizes the female protagonist and sexually assaults her. This is disregarded by the female protagonist and by Cole herself because no penetration occurs - but that mindset is so disturbing to me that I don't know where to begin. It didn't seem so bad in Warlord Wants Forever because Myst was a powerful, sexually confidant woman - so even though I was offended on her behalf, I thought she could handle herself. Emma is a whole other story... Regina, I think you'd be better off skipping this series. What you read will only make you feel that popular culture is undermining the effects of rape and women who have been terrorized and romanticizing their pain.
Niquae - I don't know. I just don't know. If you can disregard the rapey-ness of these books then I think you'll like them. I'm struggling to do that though.
My issue with Cole is that she interprets female strength, in this novel, as using your sexuality as a weapon and deceiving men with the illusion of sex. I don't think sexuality mingled with deception is women's greatest weapon or strength any more than I think a man's greatest weapon is his physical strength. In complete agreement. I think she wrote herself into a corner and having created such an extreme "heroine," she had to make the love interest extreme too. I didn't respect that her only power was her sexuality/teasing either. That lives up to the worst stereotype of women. So does the fact that the female protagonist in the next book says "no" but eventually enjoys it, etc. So a reader would definitely have to be aware while reading these books that such behavior in real life would be utterly unacceptable and also aware that the dynamics are more controlled fantasy/game than anything approaching real life, e.g. the situations are all in the heroine's favor. Guy's hot, she secretly wants him, he's rockin' in bed, etc., etc. It's not just the werewolf that's fantasy, LOL.
True, new_user. I was on a mother's forum a few months ago when someone posted and asked if any women out there had rape fantasies. I replied quickly that, no, I've never had this fantasy (true) and that I thought that was a myth perpetuated by men (Sure she SAYS no, but she really means YES!)Well, I was wrong. I was shocked how many women replied that this was a fantasy of theirs though they admitted that in real life it was horrible. Maybe I'm just weird. I don't get it. I honestly don't.
While I'm reading A Hunger Like No Other, all I can think is how I'd fight and claw the whole way, how disgusted I'd feel at every turn and how horrifying this situation could be.
That was an entertaining review. I have a few of her books staring at me and I just haven't had the urge to crack them open. The rape thing bothers me.
Hm, maybe that can be your next read. I'm sure there's a book about it somewhere, LOL.
Is it 'rape' fantasy or is it more of the BDSM lifestyle there is a BIG difference. There is a whole trust structure you have to work up to, and a series of proper therapy sessions (That books recommend and proper BDSM users do use) before they even step foot in that world. They know they like it they just need to be properly introduced into it.
As for the whole 'rape' theory. I get it, the book was for lack of a better word 'fucking hardcore'. In the end does the 'hero' feel like a fucking shitbag. UM YES! Do the Valkyrie women come in and save her UM YES! But after she kills her own father! She gains her own power in her own way. Do I think what Lochlain did was right? Not a chance, I think she set up one hell of a situation though, and in their world something like that could happen and that's the reality.
We can sit and we can read book like The Lovely Bones, a book that is technically based on the authors own inner struggles from a sexual assault only she projected that through the sexual assault and murder of a 13 year old girl. We put that on the Oprah Book Club and we go 'OH IT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY, IT WAS SO ELOQUENTLY WRITTEN AND IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL MESSAGE!'
And this is where I have a fucking problem! Because PNR is supposed to be a pretty, wrapped in a big pink bow, and slathered with some honey and sugar in a world full of werewolves, vampires, demons, valkyrie and other paranormal creatures, if we see something 'taboo' we all go SHAME ON YOU! Because its not following 'what society wants out of a PNR' Its not pretty, it fucking ripped at your rational thinking and you went, WHOA! What a fucking minute what am I reading here!
So we trash it, we go HOW DARE SHE! OH! But we can read books like Room, The Lovely Bones and other such titles and call them 'real art'. Why can't we be offended in a PNR book and LEARN from it, why can't rape and brutality of women be put in a PNR format to make shit aware to the world. WHY NOT? Oh, I'm sorry because it only belongs in 'proper books' Right? That has to be it. If rape and spousal abuse can happen in the 'real world' why not their world? It's not different!
And for the record, not EVERY heroine is 'raped and abused' in her books!
I'm gonna leave this discussing before I piss someone off! And I get more pissed off!
As for the whole 'rape' theory. I get it, the book was for lack of a better word 'fucking hardcore'. In the end does the 'hero' feel like a fucking shitbag. UM YES! Do the Valkyrie women come in and save her UM YES! But after she kills her own father! She gains her own power in her own way. Do I think what Lochlain did was right? Not a chance, I think she set up one hell of a situation though, and in their world something like that could happen and that's the reality.
We can sit and we can read book like The Lovely Bones, a book that is technically based on the authors own inner struggles from a sexual assault only she projected that through the sexual assault and murder of a 13 year old girl. We put that on the Oprah Book Club and we go 'OH IT WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL STORY, IT WAS SO ELOQUENTLY WRITTEN AND IT HAS SUCH A POWERFUL MESSAGE!'
And this is where I have a fucking problem! Because PNR is supposed to be a pretty, wrapped in a big pink bow, and slathered with some honey and sugar in a world full of werewolves, vampires, demons, valkyrie and other paranormal creatures, if we see something 'taboo' we all go SHAME ON YOU! Because its not following 'what society wants out of a PNR' Its not pretty, it fucking ripped at your rational thinking and you went, WHOA! What a fucking minute what am I reading here!
So we trash it, we go HOW DARE SHE! OH! But we can read books like Room, The Lovely Bones and other such titles and call them 'real art'. Why can't we be offended in a PNR book and LEARN from it, why can't rape and brutality of women be put in a PNR format to make shit aware to the world. WHY NOT? Oh, I'm sorry because it only belongs in 'proper books' Right? That has to be it. If rape and spousal abuse can happen in the 'real world' why not their world? It's not different!
And for the record, not EVERY heroine is 'raped and abused' in her books!
I'm gonna leave this discussing before I piss someone off! And I get more pissed off!
Lindsey I am so sorry you are upset! I think the problem some people have here is not the writing about abuse or rape in itself, but the glamorizing of it and making it sexy. That is my issue and why I havent read it. I have no problem with books that explore this topic, I do have a problem with any sort of media that doesn't explore this topic but instead uses it to generate sexual heat. But it is all just our opinion. :)
Wow, didn't see this comment when it was first published - but all I can say is:
You're clearly unhinged. This book isn't BDSM - a relationship that requires trust and has equal power between dom and submissive.
This is pretty much a rape fantasy. Enjoy masturbating with your tears tonight!
What happened here? Who is this "deleted member"?
It is the "lIndsyey Kirk" or just "lIndsey" (with an i not a y) who was in the scandals on the forums yesterday and deleted herself as a result. I was surprised you all weren't responding to her post when she posted. Crazy stuff. Her post is erratic and all over the place and goes off on tangents that not only do not make sense, but are not relevant.
*shurgs* I can't keep up with the beserker trolls.This ex-member is clearly deranged.
Wasn't she on Becca's blog too? She had a bit of a meltdown...
Off topic and all, but I can't find this book anywhere, where did you find it Kat? It's not even on TBD!
It is a free download - if you google the title with the author's name and say free ebook -- you will get a link from amazon.
First of all I'd like to say I really enjoyed your review. I've been searching for a new series to read since I've caught up with BDB and the Dark Hunter series (which by the way I recommend you to try!) I have to say I didn't feel eager to track the rest of the series down...I just found everything contrived...The H+H in my opinion share chemistry...I don't know maybe I should read another before I write it off.
Oh HELL NO, Seriously Kelsy Cole? Why? Myst was so cool in the beginning, but she's okay with being enslaved?! UNCOOL!
Lol, Ok. If I hadn't gotten so angry with romantic novels and this kind of plot lately, I would have given into temptation. As it is, I'll pass.
I'm following this discussion, and totally forgot about how mad I was at Kresely cole until I got an email today. Grrr...So ANGRY AT COLE!!! The book with emelie really squicked me out! Not even the good sex in there helped matters!! GAAH I'm incoherent with rage! I better go now.
"Note to men: Despite how insanely beautiful and attractive I am, I can assure you that any attempt to kidnap or control me will not end pleasantly on your behalf. Despite my Super Slut Powers, I'm less than likely to fall to pieces at the sight of your sizable "manroot" and decide to exchange regular access to it for my freedom."AMAZING review, as always, Kat. This comment especially made me keel over laughing.
Kat: OMG I am so glad I found your review, this was brilliant, and sums up what I have been trying to figure out about these books. I will definitely be looking through your favorites list for some ideas of what to read next!! Thank you!!Pack-it-up: "Oh HELL NO ... UNCOOL! ... incoherent with rage!" those were some seriously funny (and honest) posts!
I can't see how anyone is saying this isn't rape. Major plot point of this book is chain that means Myst must now do whatever he says. He takes away any choice she has. In fact, I seem to recall her saying repeatedly "don't do this." It doesn't matter if she ends up with him. It is still rape since her choice is taken away. Similarly, in the second book, the main man abducts Emma. He totally fondles her without her consent. It doesn't matter whether or not she likes it that is still sexual assault. In fact as far as I can tell, the only time the author actually calls rape, rape is when it happens to a man some 10 books in. Nearly all the relationships she portrays are abusive and/or controlling. I find myself wondering why I keep reading these books. I quite enjoy the fantastical elements of the plot of the relationships are so awful.
This is precisely what I find troubling
I want to like this comment a thousand times, alas, I am given only one press of the button. I hate that rape is glamorized so often that it's become the 'in thing' to do. More than that, I wish that we weren't giving our constant agreement by buying the form of media that does it... yet I am still going to get this book to read it. Hypocritical of me.
This review was so entertaining and made me giggle so many times there is no way I could ever hate this book because it will at least remind me of the best review ever written.
"Despite how insanely beautiful and attractive I am," I like your moxie, girl :D
Kat, I could not agree with you more!
How does this compare to Zanetti's Dark Protector series? They were incredibly frustrating, particularly in the serious chauvinism directed toward the female characters, and of course the rapey "I know what you really want" vibes -- which are really disturbing coming from female authors. I heard this series was actually better in contrast.
I havne't read the Dark Protector series. Some books in this series are quite good. Others are quite problematic. It's a toss up.
Ah, thanks. I appreciate seeing critical reviews (and well argued criticisms at that) in the sea of glowing five star reviews. I guess the bar is just set lower for some people.
Hahaha.I was so convinced you hated the book with the ranting and the rating that i laughed a lot which I reached the end of the review.
I just stumbled upon your review, and was quite entertained. Thank you. What you said is often my thoughts with books such as these, and yet I read them. The contradiction that flows within me as I read these type of books is a struggle, but clearly not a strong enough struggle when I'm in this genre mood phase. Soooooo I LOVED your last line (and the section right before)—that's the other truth for the dichotomy contained in many of these books. Thank you for that last line.
Ahah, I was looking for something new to read, with some pieces of sexy in it (if I can say...). I read your review, and told myself "Nope, not going to read that, I am too much of a feminist to accept...", then stopped for a few seconds on the towel picture, read the rest of your review, laughed, came back to the towel and the not-towel... And now I am on my way to read it. Thank you Kat ;)
funny and informing review...good job :P
Just want to say that I love your reviews
