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csartain's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
fantasilandia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kaydanielsromance's review against another edition
5.0
Everything about this book is amazing, especially if you are a sci-fi, fantasy fan who loves their males to be alpha and their stories to have lots of heat. I'm already in love with all of the characters and the entire storyline, so Ruthless King is a win-win for me in every possible way.
There is something about sci-fi and fantasy that allows your mind to really let go and your imagination to run free. It's probably why when this genre is done well I'm such a huge fan of any trope set in this world.
Ruthless King combines this fantasy universe with a mafia trope which gives these Alpha males another suped-up edge to their already testosterone filled brains. I loved how possessive they already were over their families and then once the mating instinct kicked in with their omega, watch out, that possessive gene goes through the roof.
Their universe revolves around lots of aliens and I won't take the time, nor is it relevant for review purposes to go into Nikolai's and Dahlia's specific features, however, it is pertinent to point out their races have common attributes like barbs and fangs, similar to cats, for mating. Why is this relevant? All inhabitants are either Alpha, beta or omega. Alphas lead, betas serve, and omegas submit. This is the foundation for the very story and built off of this premise is that while Alpha's are in control, although they seem to have gotten a bit out of control, and the omega's have been reduced to nothing more than breeders or whores, but we circle back to that.
Dahlia, from the very beginning doesn't want to be sold into the omega lifestyle, even though she knows that is what she has been preparing for her entire life. She fights her instinct tooth and nail, when it would be so much easier to just give in. It's a good thing Nikolai likes a woman with a little fight in her, otherwise their union might have gone just a bit differently. However, that fight isn't there just to be alluring, she seriously doesn't want to be tossed out like she's seen so many omega's after they have been used. Her fears are deeply seeded and Nikolai may never be able to break through them.
Nikolai is called the Ruthless King throughout the universe for a reason, however, when it comes to his omega there is a softer side to the Alpha. Nikolai believes he is twisted and dark, but he's had to be for a long time to get where he's at. However, he is never that way with his mate. The unfortunate side though of being called the Ruthless King is having your own omega believe it no matter how he behaves around her. He needs her help and the only way to get it is to have her trust. That may be next to impossible.
Alphas and omegas relationships throughout the universe have not had the best reputations, so why would Dahlia believe anything less than what she knows. Why should she open herself to hurt even when Nikolai promises he would never do such a thing.
Together these two struggle not only in their relationship, but also to solve a mystery that is closing in around them. The story is high heat, high octane adventure, and full of emotional depth. I truly loved the beginning of this series.
This first book has left a door open for more stories with several character potentials. I'm very excited to uncover more about their races and who their love interests could be going forward.
Circling back to where I mentioned Alphas and omegas getting along in their past we get a glimpse into some history that their entire society once had a healthier foundation. I'm dying to know exactly what their past looked like and I feel that Alison has just given us a taste. This beginning book is juicy on so many levels, but it is like the first bite of a really delicious sandwich with a footlong more to eat. I can feel that Alison has more up her sleeve and I looking forward to devouring that entire sub.
There is something about sci-fi and fantasy that allows your mind to really let go and your imagination to run free. It's probably why when this genre is done well I'm such a huge fan of any trope set in this world.
Ruthless King combines this fantasy universe with a mafia trope which gives these Alpha males another suped-up edge to their already testosterone filled brains. I loved how possessive they already were over their families and then once the mating instinct kicked in with their omega, watch out, that possessive gene goes through the roof.
Their universe revolves around lots of aliens and I won't take the time, nor is it relevant for review purposes to go into Nikolai's and Dahlia's specific features, however, it is pertinent to point out their races have common attributes like barbs and fangs, similar to cats, for mating. Why is this relevant? All inhabitants are either Alpha, beta or omega. Alphas lead, betas serve, and omegas submit. This is the foundation for the very story and built off of this premise is that while Alpha's are in control, although they seem to have gotten a bit out of control, and the omega's have been reduced to nothing more than breeders or whores, but we circle back to that.
Dahlia, from the very beginning doesn't want to be sold into the omega lifestyle, even though she knows that is what she has been preparing for her entire life. She fights her instinct tooth and nail, when it would be so much easier to just give in. It's a good thing Nikolai likes a woman with a little fight in her, otherwise their union might have gone just a bit differently. However, that fight isn't there just to be alluring, she seriously doesn't want to be tossed out like she's seen so many omega's after they have been used. Her fears are deeply seeded and Nikolai may never be able to break through them.
Nikolai is called the Ruthless King throughout the universe for a reason, however, when it comes to his omega there is a softer side to the Alpha. Nikolai believes he is twisted and dark, but he's had to be for a long time to get where he's at. However, he is never that way with his mate. The unfortunate side though of being called the Ruthless King is having your own omega believe it no matter how he behaves around her. He needs her help and the only way to get it is to have her trust. That may be next to impossible.
Alphas and omegas relationships throughout the universe have not had the best reputations, so why would Dahlia believe anything less than what she knows. Why should she open herself to hurt even when Nikolai promises he would never do such a thing.
Together these two struggle not only in their relationship, but also to solve a mystery that is closing in around them. The story is high heat, high octane adventure, and full of emotional depth. I truly loved the beginning of this series.
This first book has left a door open for more stories with several character potentials. I'm very excited to uncover more about their races and who their love interests could be going forward.
Circling back to where I mentioned Alphas and omegas getting along in their past we get a glimpse into some history that their entire society once had a healthier foundation. I'm dying to know exactly what their past looked like and I feel that Alison has just given us a taste. This beginning book is juicy on so many levels, but it is like the first bite of a really delicious sandwich with a footlong more to eat. I can feel that Alison has more up her sleeve and I looking forward to devouring that entire sub.
maybeitsmaeveline's review against another edition
4.0
This was a solid omegaverse that had a really good amount of alpha/omega dynamics, omegas struggling with being controlled and used, and romance!
The FMC and MMC has great chemistry and I loved their background and their story as it evolves.
This works very much is an alphas rule, omegas are used and I loved seeing the omega cold into herself and her power and also be beloved by her alpha!
The FMC and MMC has great chemistry and I loved their background and their story as it evolves.
This works very much is an alphas rule, omegas are used and I loved seeing the omega cold into herself and her power and also be beloved by her alpha!
peachzebra's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
macnificence's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
eg_m's review against another edition
4.0
I've classed this as dark because the universe is dark. The hero while dangerous and deadly treats the heroine well.