Review: Inferno (Chronicles of Nick, #4)

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Series: Chronicles of Nick, #4
Release date: April 9th 2013
Publisher: Atom
Paperback, 441 pages
Source: Publisher for review
Buy: The Book Depository

The world has fallen in love with Nick Gautier and the Dark-Hunters. Now Nick's saga continues in the next eagerly anticipated volume ...Turning sixteen isn't what Nick Gautier thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he's been told will ultimately kill him. Those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. If he is to survive this latest round, he will ultimately have to sacrifice a part of himself.

Chronicles of Nick is a YA spin-off of Sherrilyn Kenyon’s adult paranormal romance series, which – I have to be honest here – I haven’t read. My initial enthusiasm for these books was mostly due to Holter Graham, the best audio narrator in the history of audio narrators, but even after choosing to read the last two books, my love wasn’t diminished in the least. I guess Nick and I love each other unconditionally now. *wipes tears of joy*

Nick’s voice is fabulously done. He was 14 at the beginning of the series and I assume his gender and age presented a challenge for Sherrilyn Kenyon, but I could never tell. He is a teenage boy with teen boy priorities, just recently rescued from bitter poverty and not quite accustomed to being a blip on the social radar. He is hesitant to speak his opinions, completely insecure around girls, embarrassed by the obnoxious Hawaiian shirts his mother makes him wear, stubborn, hardworking, but easily influenced. Some of these traits can be quite frustrating at times, especially when he gets dragged into relationships that aren’t healthy for him or when he allows a girl to change him into something he’s not, both inside and out. But overall, Nick is a sweetheart I can’t help but adore, even when I wish to strangle him at the same time.

In Inferno, Nick finally learns Nikoda’s true purpose and the two of them break up. Enter Casey, a cheerleader who, a mere month ago, would sooner have spit on Nick than date him. But she’s gorgeous and he’s a hormonal teenage boy, so when she starts influencing him and changing him on every turn, he surrenders without any real struggle. Nick doesn’t trust easily, and it seems that everyone around him has an ulterior motive, but Kody’s betrayal (or what he perceives as betrayal) makes him seek comfort elsewhere.

Truth be told, I was quite angry at Nick throughout this book, but fortunately, all the amazing secondary characters made things somewhat easier. Nick’s mother is still my favorite character by far, her courage and her desire to protect her son unparalleled in YA lit. I have yet to meet Kyrian and Acheron as heroes in the Dark Hunter series, but from what I’ve seen here, I know I’ll adore them both. Ash is eleven thousand years old and he’s been through hell far too many times, but his heart is good and he is still generous.

Despite its few flaws, I was thoroughly enjoying Nick’s story right up until the very last chapter. The ending was so confusing and nonsensical that I still don’t quite know what to think. Things will probably sort themselves out in Illusion, but honestly, that’s no way to end a book. How very cruel of Ms. Kenyon to leave us utterly confused.

Nevertheless, I recommend this series even to those unfamiliar with Kenyon’s work. There’s a lot to love here – if nothing else, the occasional moments of hilarity will make it worth your while.