Stalked by the Kraken

I’m not a very big romance novel reader. I guess I usually prefer fantasy. And I guess I reviewed too many romance novels in that book reviewer role. They just became too predictable. Man doesn’t like woman. Woman doesn’t like man. But they end up together, somehow work it all out and get together. There’s some antagonist, and he becomes melodramatic, some odd plot to stop them coming together. It became the same story, in a million ways.

The only exception, is Jane Austen, who adds humour into the mix, with well developed characters, and plots which still seem relatable today.

But recently, I found a novel that changed that. It was called Stalked by the Kraken, by Lillian Lark. And it was incredible.

I guess I prefer the supernatural romances. But even they become predictable. Its usually a werewolf, or a vampire, falling in love with a human. Of course, there are exceptions, and I’ve read some brilliant ones with fae and sirens before. But this felt different.

I’ve always had a little love affair with the kraken. I think its one of the best mythological creatures out there, mysterious but beautiful, deadly but ethereal. For a while, when my sight condition was an enigma to science, I thought that was what might be hiding in the sea of my sight. And even now, that thought makes me smile. That my sight condition is so rare it might as well be. That version of it in Pirates of the Caribbean was fantastic. Plus its rooted in Norse mythology, reportedly spotted by Vikings sailing on the Norwegian seas.

Stalked by the Kraken featured Gideon, part man, part kraken, who falls in love with Rose, a witch who can matchmake people together. It was full of mythology, of humour, and language associated with the sea. It felt relatable, with Rose’s sense of doubt over her abilities, and when she found her confidence, and Gideon’s dual battle with his creature. And it was beautifully written, full of action and romance with a less melodramatic villain, and I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I stayed up to read it, entranced by this wonderful world of magic the author had created, stunning visual descriptions, sensory scenes in bathtubs, and wonderful plot and resolution. It was full of beings you don’t usually see in supernatural romances, with demons, harpies, warlocks and much more, and it was lovely to see. Plus, I’ve just found out aswell as kindle, there’s also an audible, making it even more accessible.

The author has more books, and I will definitely try them. Always love it when you find a new author, who writes wonders, and changes your whole thinking about a genre.