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michalice's review
3.0
**2.5 stars*
It's been a while since I read Cartel so going into this I wasn't one hundred percent sure of what I could actually remember, thankfully when I began reading Kingpin it all clicked into place, and the helpful refresher above just made that vague memory even more solid.
Kingpin starts nine years after Mariana arrived in LA, then travels back in time to six months, before coming back to the present. I liked that we got to see a brief glimpse into the past and quick explanations over who was who. Going into Kingpin I knew who I liked from the previous book and did not think my opinion would change of any on them....and I was completely wrong with that thought.
The more I read of Kingpin the more my opinions changed of the characters. Mariana to me didn't feel as strong as the previous book, I felt like she has sold herself out for the company of Dornan in her bed, and I just didn't like her changed attitude. I know she has her family to think of but she has fallen too far into this farce of a relationship to ever get out scot free, it felt more like Stockholm syndrome than actual love.
Dornan was someone who I could have gladly given up on, I honestly disliked him so much. His whole attitude towards Maraina, and his wife was downright disrespectful. The shock twist in the plot was a surprise, and a very big dramatic overreaction from him, I really don't see how his actions will make anybody like him.
There was one saving grace to this complete messed up so called relationship, and that was John. He is Mariana confidant, someone who she can rely on and who has her back. He is one of the few people that know he secret, and can be trusted not to use it to his advantage, he even helps Mariana out of a very bad situation. He may not be the ideal person, but he is Mariana's knight in shining armour.
Final Verdict
However, even with John I am so torn over wanting to end this series now with my dislike of the whole situation, but also continue to see how it all ends. Don't get me wrong I like the idea behind the story, and there was obviously something I enjoyed about it for me to continue reading, but the whole situation between Mariana and Dornan just doesn't sit well with me......but I do know this series is WAAAY out of my comfort zone.
Nine years ago, I'd made a deal with the devil. Emilio Ross, Kingpin of the Il Sangue drug cartel, had been seconds away from slaughtering my entire family for a debt my father owed him. Perhaps foolishly, I'd offered myself up in return for my family's safety. As long as I stayed with the cartel and worked off my father's massive debt, they'd be safe in Colombia.
It's been a while since I read Cartel so going into this I wasn't one hundred percent sure of what I could actually remember, thankfully when I began reading Kingpin it all clicked into place, and the helpful refresher above just made that vague memory even more solid.
Kingpin starts nine years after Mariana arrived in LA, then travels back in time to six months, before coming back to the present. I liked that we got to see a brief glimpse into the past and quick explanations over who was who. Going into Kingpin I knew who I liked from the previous book and did not think my opinion would change of any on them....and I was completely wrong with that thought.
The more I read of Kingpin the more my opinions changed of the characters. Mariana to me didn't feel as strong as the previous book, I felt like she has sold herself out for the company of Dornan in her bed, and I just didn't like her changed attitude. I know she has her family to think of but she has fallen too far into this farce of a relationship to ever get out scot free, it felt more like Stockholm syndrome than actual love.
Dornan was someone who I could have gladly given up on, I honestly disliked him so much. His whole attitude towards Maraina, and his wife was downright disrespectful. The shock twist in the plot was a surprise, and a very big dramatic overreaction from him, I really don't see how his actions will make anybody like him.
There was one saving grace to this complete messed up so called relationship, and that was John. He is Mariana confidant, someone who she can rely on and who has her back. He is one of the few people that know he secret, and can be trusted not to use it to his advantage, he even helps Mariana out of a very bad situation. He may not be the ideal person, but he is Mariana's knight in shining armour.
Final Verdict
However, even with John I am so torn over wanting to end this series now with my dislike of the whole situation, but also continue to see how it all ends. Don't get me wrong I like the idea behind the story, and there was obviously something I enjoyed about it for me to continue reading, but the whole situation between Mariana and Dornan just doesn't sit well with me......but I do know this series is WAAAY out of my comfort zone.
jgilge's review
2.0
The first 80% of this book was just as bad as the first one. Then, for some reason, the last 20% was slightly better. I honestly still haven't figured out why though. Probably because Dornan finally shows that he truly is a piece of shit.
The books are written well, just not a plot that I enjoy.
I really hope the next one is somewhat interesting. I came close to quitting this one a few times. And still might in the next book.
Check out the full review here.
bibliophile90's review
5.0
"We were like a match made in heaven. Wait. That's wrong. We were a match made in HELL."
Kingpin was a great addition to the Cartel series. I never know what to expect from Lili except that it will be dark, twisted and disturbing. There definitely were some parts in this book which I had a hard time reading because it was heartbreaking. Sometimes I forget that it's a book and that it's made up. I am just so invested and feel everything the characters are feeling. My heart broke for Mariana, she already went through so much and continues to do so. There are so many secrets, and she just doesn't know who to trust.
"He's supposed to love me. And I guess the most fucked-up part of all was that he did love me. Even as he held me down, he loved me in the only way he knew how. With violence. With anger. With pain."
Dornan is getting darker and more disturbing. It's like every day he cares about things a bit less. We are seeing how the Dornan from the Gypsy Brothers series was created. In this book we really get to see his dark side more. To survive in the business he is in, you have to turn off your emotions otherwise you won't survive. Mariana sees another side to Dornan that she maybe can't live with, and nobody can't blame her!
John is a great character that is pretty amazing in my eyes. He is definitely the type who wants to save people. However will he be able to save Mariana? I already know what will happen because I read the Gypsy Brothers series before I started this one. However we never really know how it will end. We will have to wait and see it from John and Mariana's POV. I will definitely reread Gypsy Brothers series after I finish this series!
I can't wait to read Empire. I wish it was released already. Again amazing writing by Lili! She definitely has one hell of a dark & twisted mind. (LOVE IT!). I recommend this book to everyone who loves an unique, dark, twisted and disturbing book with anti-heroes!
kellbell898's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nycitybookworm's review
5.0
The things that happen in this book.
Mariana and John coming up with a plan....
Gotta get my hand on Empire to finish this trilogy.
Mariana and John coming up with a plan....
Gotta get my hand on Empire to finish this trilogy.
skuip8's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
corcordium's review
4.75
this is for sure the bleakest dark "romance" series i have ever read. would not consider this a romance though, but a masterpiece as a villain origin story for dornan. man mariana cannot catch a fucking break and i honestly cannot see this trilogy ending on a happy note for her or john. if by the end dornan and emilio do not have the most torturous and painful death ever imaginable i'll come for you lili st germain
ohclaiire's review
5.0
So good!
Brilliant... At times heartbreaking.. Im ready to five in head first to the next instalment! What a rollercoaster of emotions this series has led me on.
Brilliant... At times heartbreaking.. Im ready to five in head first to the next instalment! What a rollercoaster of emotions this series has led me on.
nicspears's review
5.0
God dammit, this series...fuckin Dornan Ross!!!!!!
This book was one hell of a mind fuck and poor Mariana couldn't catch a break.
Set nine years after Cartel we are again taken on a whirlwind of a journey as Mariana continues to fight for her survival after being taken as payment in Cartel.
Dornan...I loved him and I loved the different side we got of him but by fuck have I started to hate him from the end. Now I am beginning to see the malicious bastard from the Gypsy Brothers series.
I can't wait to start Empire, although we know the outcome of Mariana and John from The Gypsy Brothers series I am hoping they manage to at least find some semblance of peace before the end.
A definite 5* read from me.
It was dark, it was brutal and completely mind fucking. It was brilliant.
This book was one hell of a mind fuck and poor Mariana couldn't catch a break.
Set nine years after Cartel we are again taken on a whirlwind of a journey as Mariana continues to fight for her survival after being taken as payment in Cartel.
Dornan...I loved him and I loved the different side we got of him but by fuck have I started to hate him from the end. Now I am beginning to see the malicious bastard from the Gypsy Brothers series.
I can't wait to start Empire, although we know the outcome of Mariana and John from The Gypsy Brothers series I am hoping they manage to at least find some semblance of peace before the end.
A definite 5* read from me.
It was dark, it was brutal and completely mind fucking. It was brilliant.