Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - The Annihilator

This book dives deep into the Shadow Man and Lyla's intense, layered relationship, giving us a mix of dark, broody romance and emotional healing. The Shadow Man is everything you'd expect-mysterious, dangerous, and completely obsessed with Lyla. Lyla's story, though heartbreaking, is full of growth, and seeing her step into her own strength was really rewarding.

While this one didn't have as much action as earlier books in the series, it made up for it with all the feels. Their relationship is raw and intense, with some seriously swoon-worthy lines from the Shadow Man that had me blushing. That said, a few parts felt slow, and I found myself wishing for a little more explanation about why the Shadow Man waited so long to rescue Lyla. Still, the emotional depth and twists in the story kept me hooked.

This set the stage perfectly for the final book and I can't wait to start it!

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saj04's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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poupimali's review against another edition

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fast-paced

5.0

That was amazing.

Now I have to wait for the last book.

And I need it like I need water at this point.

The audio is narrated by Heather Stonewell and Gregory Salinas. They are perfect.

Time to bring the light on the Shadow Man.

He is obsessed, he is meticulous, he had planned everything and beyond.

Every piece of each previous books and stories are settling into place.

His obsession is Lyla. For the past 6 years.

His goal: destroying the Syndicate.

But who is Lyla?

What is her place in this maze?

Tropes:

Stalker

Psychopath

Touch her and die

Does everything to empoyer her

Helicopter are the new motorcycle

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cortanasreadingnook's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad 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

4.0

I have mixed feelings about reading this, especially since I put it off for so long even though I knew damn well Luna/Lyla was alive. I’ll be taking a break from romance books after this because I actually feel like my mind’s gonna fucking break. I completely understand the readers who didn’t like Dainn, and I wish I could hate him as much as you guys do, but I can’t find it in myself to despise him at all. What he “didn’t do” for the last six years was for everyone’s safety and he was completely honest about it as well.

Please consider the TWs/CWs before reading this. RuNyx went into detail about the brutality of sexual slavery and the exploitation of women and children, so it takes quite an emotional toll on the reader. I also appreciate the fact that Luna/Lyla’s depression was handled with care. I’m glad nobody criticized how depression was expressed through Luna/Lyla’s character. It doesn’t really go away, it’s just there. You can get better, but it stays. You can’t determine when and where you’ll break and it’s scary because it sucks the fucking life out of you, and I know that all too well.
The revelations here were so unexpected though. I don’t know if I want to cry or throw up because why in the everloving fuck did Luna have to experience all of this? I can’t wait for The Syndicater!

Content Warnings

manaledi's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Ah this wasn't it. The first few books in this series had a better balance of plot and romance and a better balance of dark and hope and this was dark without needing to be. I get why this relationship had to close the plot loops and set everything up and also how little room there was to maneuver with how the shadow man only watches and doesn't help but eish.

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katarinareads7_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-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

5.0

out of all the series, this has been my 2nd favorite.

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aryatiwari2502's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

1.0

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_angelinasbooks_'s review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I have no words. I almost can’t believe its over (for now)😭. This series consumed so much of me and became so important to me it was almost like it would never end 🥹. It’s honestly in my top 3 favorite series’s ever!! This book was beautiful. It’s a story of healing, strength, taking back your power, discovering yourself, the power of love and the light lighting up the dark. Runyx is my favorite dark romance author because she writes it in just the perfect way. The love is still so heartfelt and soul-deep with every single couple without loosing the fun of possessive men who’d burn the world down for you. With the shadow man and lyla their love is almost transformative. They fit together perfectly all their dark parts fitting together perfectly and creating beautiful light that illuminates them both up inside. Watching his constant protection of her and him always knowing what she needs and helping her heal was beautiful. Lyla is so strong, resilient, courageous and also emotional while the shadow man is obsessive, smart, thoughtful (only for her though) and also emotionless. They are the yin to the others yang. Two extremes made whole together. Their love story isn’t pure or for the faint hearted but it is beautiful and passionate. I loved this book so much. I loved their relationship. I loved Lylas character development and watching her find herself and take back her power. I love the shadow man’s character. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do now that I’ve read the series entirely, probably patiently but eagerly wait for the syndicater to release. I can’t wait. This entire series has a very special place in my heart now and I am so damn excited until we can all go back there and also for everything else RuNyx writes!!

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