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A review by sophielaura1
Cruel King by Rina Kent
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
2.25 stars ✨
I want to preface this by saying that I have read a lot of dark romance and have enjoyed it, so the genre not being suited to me is not the reason for the rating.
Where do I start? I’m not sure because I had quite a few problems with this book. First and foremost, why tf is Astrid constantly referencing Viking?! Like I get that she likes the TV show, but oh my god it quickly became annoying and repetitive. Secondly, this book claimed to be set in England……how? Not only was the use of ‘bigger’ ‘shagged’ and ‘arsehole’ repetitive (we do say other things!) but the author used an American schooling system? Literally makes zero sense. Then there was the man child that was the MMC, Levi. The possessiveness, which normally doesn’t bother me ended up being a little cringey. The condom issue was the biggest issue I had with him though. It is COMPLETELY NORMAL for a girl to want the guy they’re having sex with to wear a condom (for the first time might I add), and not have him whinge about her not wanting to have children with him…… THEY ARE 18!!! Major rapey vibes. I hated how Daniel’s issue was completely brushed over and not taken seriously. There was some questionable things written in my opinion; every time the FMC saw this one girl she would refer to her as chubby. I don’t get it? You didn’t point out any other characters weight, you didn’t use the phrase ‘skinny girl’. Was it relevant to the plot? I don’t think so. You could’ve at least called her curvy.The other questionable piece of writing was regarding Ebola. It was used as a joke in an especially ignorant way, when millions of people literally died from the disease! Do better. The writing in general could’ve honestly just been a little better.
I will say that I think the relationship with her dad was well written (purely for relatability factor). This book was definitely a filler read, so it was entertaining in the ‘mind numbing, pass the time’ kind of way. The plot, whilst in the end I did find underwhelming, did keep me intrigued.
Overall, it was an okay filler read. I would probably only continue with the series if I was really in the mood to, but with many other, likely better, bully romances out there, it’s unlikely.
I want to preface this by saying that I have read a lot of dark romance and have enjoyed it, so the genre not being suited to me is not the reason for the rating.
Where do I start? I’m not sure because I had quite a few problems with this book. First and foremost, why tf is Astrid constantly referencing Viking?! Like I get that she likes the TV show, but oh my god it quickly became annoying and repetitive. Secondly, this book claimed to be set in England……how? Not only was the use of ‘bigger’ ‘shagged’ and ‘arsehole’ repetitive (we do say other things!) but the author used an American schooling system? Literally makes zero sense. Then there was the man child that was the MMC, Levi. The possessiveness, which normally doesn’t bother me ended up being a little cringey. The condom issue was the biggest issue I had with him though. It is COMPLETELY NORMAL for a girl to want the guy they’re having sex with to wear a condom (for the first time might I add), and not have him whinge about her not wanting to have children with him…… THEY ARE 18!!! Major rapey vibes. I hated how Daniel’s issue was completely brushed over and not taken seriously. There was some questionable things written in my opinion; every time the FMC saw this one girl she would refer to her as chubby. I don’t get it? You didn’t point out any other characters weight, you didn’t use the phrase ‘skinny girl’. Was it relevant to the plot? I don’t think so. You could’ve at least called her curvy.The other questionable piece of writing was regarding Ebola. It was used as a joke in an especially ignorant way, when millions of people literally died from the disease! Do better. The writing in general could’ve honestly just been a little better.
I will say that I think the relationship with her dad was well written (purely for relatability factor). This book was definitely a filler read, so it was entertaining in the ‘mind numbing, pass the time’ kind of way. The plot, whilst in the end I did find underwhelming, did keep me intrigued.
Overall, it was an okay filler read. I would probably only continue with the series if I was really in the mood to, but with many other, likely better, bully romances out there, it’s unlikely.