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amanda_reads13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Leo, Anna, and Dean are headed to the exclusive Kingmakers, the most brutal college in the world, where mafia heirs are trained. Rivalries are created and bonds are broken.
This book is bringing Hogwarts for Mafia vibes. This series needs to be read after the Brutal Birthright series. This book features Leo (Sebastian and Yelena's son), Anna (Miko and Nessa's daughter), and Dean (Leo's cousin).
At first I really felt bad for Dean. He seemed really misunderstood and like the underdog. He is understandably angry at Leo's family for killing his grandfather. My empathy for his situation only lasted for a few chapters. He was out for revenge and would do anything to get it, including persuing Anna. He treated her like a pawn in his revenge plot, like she was an object to be had and manipulated.
I really loved Leo and Anna's relationship. They grow and mature considerably throughout the book, both individually and as a couple. I hated how, eventhough they had such a strong connection, miscommunication drove them apart in a day. I guess that does show how young and immature they are.
I wish that instead of the love triangle, we had more of Leo and Anna growing as a couple.
Tropes: childhood best friends-to-lovers, family rivalries, love triangle, mafia
This book is bringing Hogwarts for Mafia vibes. This series needs to be read after the Brutal Birthright series. This book features Leo (Sebastian and Yelena's son), Anna (Miko and Nessa's daughter), and Dean (Leo's cousin).
At first I really felt bad for Dean. He seemed really misunderstood and like the underdog. He is understandably angry at Leo's family for killing his grandfather. My empathy for his situation only lasted for a few chapters. He was out for revenge and would do anything to get it, including persuing Anna. He treated her like a pawn in his revenge plot, like she was an object to be had and manipulated.
I really loved Leo and Anna's relationship. They grow and mature considerably throughout the book, both individually and as a couple. I hated how, eventhough they had such a strong connection, miscommunication drove them apart in a day. I guess that does show how young and immature they are.
I wish that instead of the love triangle, we had more of Leo and Anna growing as a couple.
Tropes: childhood best friends-to-lovers, family rivalries, love triangle, mafia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, and Abandonment