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jess_theinkspell's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
sofia_santana's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-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? No
4.0
lia18's review against another edition
4.0
Wow last book in the series, it’s been a wild journey.
I loved every single book and this one is no exception, little sad that it’s over
I loved every single book and this one is no exception, little sad that it’s over
teenykins's review against another edition
3.0
It's strange how the two most anticipated books from this series for me, since I read [b:Unhinged|58415294|Unhinged (Necessary Evils, #1)|Onley James|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1624542344l/58415294._SY75_.jpg|91646024], [b:Lunatic|60692918|Lunatic (Necessary Evils, #6)|Onley James|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648289663l/60692918._SY75_.jpg|95681949] and this, were the ones that hit almost no buttons at all. Romance wise, action wise, mystery wise.
I wasn't expecting something different from the other books when it came to plot. I like the whole vigilante stories and I love reading them, and I can't wait to read The Watch and The Jericho Boys and I find it hypocritical to judge that, when you know what you are getting into from book 1. You can't expect that book 4 will make a 180 plot wise.
Anyways... back to this. What I needed to see, and for me it was missing -for others it didn't so take it with a grain of salt-, was the chemistry between Aiden and Thomas. I think it was drowned in Thomas's wallowing. And then it was sex, sex, sex. Aiden's personality was anger. At one point both Calliope and Aiden spoke of "confident and in business mode" Thomas and what a sight to behold he was.... I never saw that, it was never present on page, even when it was supposed to be. What was on page was "woe is me" Thomas all the freaking time. Why they even liked each other?
Thomas has been running from a ghost for so long, he didn't even realize nobody was chasing him anymore.
If that doesn't describe the whole of the story I don't know what is. At least we got all the boys home at the same time, and I mean ALL the boys!! And the some girls as well ;)
Anyways here's to hoping for the new, connected series, and OMG I want to see more of Atticus and Jericho being parents and how they "got" their kids.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I wasn't expecting something different from the other books when it came to plot. I like the whole vigilante stories and I love reading them, and I can't wait to read The Watch and The Jericho Boys and I find it hypocritical to judge that, when you know what you are getting into from book 1. You can't expect that book 4 will make a 180 plot wise.
Anyways... back to this. What I needed to see, and for me it was missing -for others it didn't so take it with a grain of salt-, was the chemistry between Aiden and Thomas. I think it was drowned in Thomas's wallowing. And then it was sex, sex, sex. Aiden's personality was anger. At one point both Calliope and Aiden spoke of "confident and in business mode" Thomas and what a sight to behold he was.... I never saw that, it was never present on page, even when it was supposed to be. What was on page was "woe is me" Thomas all the freaking time. Why they even liked each other?
Thomas has been running from a ghost for so long, he didn't even realize nobody was chasing him anymore.
If that doesn't describe the whole of the story I don't know what is. At least we got all the boys home at the same time, and I mean ALL the boys!! And the some girls as well ;)
Anyways here's to hoping for the new, connected series, and OMG I want to see more of Atticus and Jericho being parents and how they "got" their kids.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
sydney_h's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
meggieliz_7855's review against another edition
3.0
This was one of my most anticipated books for the year… and it feels like it took forever to get here after all the breadcrumbs we were given in the previous books. It’s possible that the build up, the mystery and the drip feed of saving the best and most explosive till last made this book fall flat compared to the rest of the series. I really wanted to love this book and I was so ready to do so, it just missed the mark for me.
Most of the book explored Thomas’s past and why he did things that have had us all yelling at the books but it was a little disappointing to not have as much around Aiden’s past. Aiden had always been the anomaly of all the children, not just because he wasn’t a psychopath but because of how late he joined the Mulvaney’s. Like the previous books the initial chapter covered how Aiden came to join the family but it would have been nice to have a bit more background to the 16 years before that point.
The period of the book where Thomas was discussing his past with Aiden seemed to be missing something between the two. We’ve been told and shown that these two fiercely love each other and that there is so much anger from Aiden but when Thomas is talking about a seriously traumatic past Aiden offers no comfort or emotional response, only logic and reason. Then further in the book criticises the way the brothers react at the story despite having been so disconnected when it was told to him.
Considering how much of a slow burn this relationship was it felt quite rushed in how they came together in the book. We had been repetitively sold that there was so much anger, betrayal and devastation between the two and how their relationship never came to fruition that it seemed quite rushed in how it came to a head in this book.
That’s not to say all of the book was bad. I really enjoyed the power dynamic between the two and having had Thomas portrayed as this infallible rock for the family made it sweet to see him being taken care of and having that other person to lean on. Once the ‘relationship’ started to solidify (i.e Thomas not pushing him away after sex) it was nice to see Aiden starting to take a leading role in the ‘relationship’ and family, giving an offset to Thomas always having to be at the helm. It was quite disappointing though that within this the father/son taboo element of the relationship wasn’t explored more. It didn’t necessarily need it but that element had been pushed in the previous books and it was a let down for it to not have been discussed.
Compared to the sex scenes in previous books in the series, the ones in this book seemed to only highlight that there was a ‘relationship’ between Aiden and Thomas and were quite bland. For how hyped up their coming together was throughout the 6 previous books it felt like their sex would be just as phenomenal. There seemed to be a lack of emotion and relationship development between the two throughout the book. Whilst they have known each other for a long time there is nothing to show for this in the series and every positive move in the relationship is displayed through sexual interaction and Thomas not pushing Aiden away afterwards. It would have been nice to see, when there were scenes that were solely Aiden and Thomas, some interaction outside of the crisis and sex.
The women in this series! What a strange approach to including women in the series. Up to this book there seemed to be a balance between badass intelligent women, motherly devotion and aspiration for more. Then this book happened and all the women ended up having some involvement in furthering the Mulvaney’s desire to reproduce. A disappointing end for Calliope.
Kendrick. This could have been such an amazing story to explore, particularly relating to Aiden’s history but was narrowed down to essentially a line in a chapter that was such a twist and then forgotten about just as quickly that it gave me whiplash.
Most of the book explored Thomas’s past and why he did things that have had us all yelling at the books but it was a little disappointing to not have as much around Aiden’s past. Aiden had always been the anomaly of all the children, not just because he wasn’t a psychopath but because of how late he joined the Mulvaney’s. Like the previous books the initial chapter covered how Aiden came to join the family but it would have been nice to have a bit more background to the 16 years before that point.
The period of the book where Thomas was discussing his past with Aiden seemed to be missing something between the two. We’ve been told and shown that these two fiercely love each other and that there is so much anger from Aiden but when Thomas is talking about a seriously traumatic past Aiden offers no comfort or emotional response, only logic and reason. Then further in the book criticises the way the brothers react at the story despite having been so disconnected when it was told to him.
Considering how much of a slow burn this relationship was it felt quite rushed in how they came together in the book. We had been repetitively sold that there was so much anger, betrayal and devastation between the two and how their relationship never came to fruition that it seemed quite rushed in how it came to a head in this book.
That’s not to say all of the book was bad. I really enjoyed the power dynamic between the two and having had Thomas portrayed as this infallible rock for the family made it sweet to see him being taken care of and having that other person to lean on. Once the ‘relationship’ started to solidify (i.e Thomas not pushing him away after sex) it was nice to see Aiden starting to take a leading role in the ‘relationship’ and family, giving an offset to Thomas always having to be at the helm. It was quite disappointing though that within this the father/son taboo element of the relationship wasn’t explored more. It didn’t necessarily need it but that element had been pushed in the previous books and it was a let down for it to not have been discussed.
Compared to the sex scenes in previous books in the series, the ones in this book seemed to only highlight that there was a ‘relationship’ between Aiden and Thomas and were quite bland. For how hyped up their coming together was throughout the 6 previous books it felt like their sex would be just as phenomenal. There seemed to be a lack of emotion and relationship development between the two throughout the book. Whilst they have known each other for a long time there is nothing to show for this in the series and every positive move in the relationship is displayed through sexual interaction and Thomas not pushing Aiden away afterwards. It would have been nice to see, when there were scenes that were solely Aiden and Thomas, some interaction outside of the crisis and sex.
The women in this series! What a strange approach to including women in the series. Up to this book there seemed to be a balance between badass intelligent women, motherly devotion and aspiration for more. Then this book happened and all the women ended up having some involvement in furthering the Mulvaney’s desire to reproduce. A disappointing end for Calliope.
Kendrick. This could have been such an amazing story to explore, particularly relating to Aiden’s history but was narrowed down to essentially a line in a chapter that was such a twist and then forgotten about just as quickly that it gave me whiplash.
aubreysmith9412's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
Thomas Mulvaney is the patriarch of the family. Always in control. Always has the answers. Always supports his sons. And Aiden is hopelessly in love with him - has been since Thomas took him in as an angry teenager with a thirst for vengeance and violence. But Thomas keeps his distance, keeps the walls up. Until he needs Aiden's help.
The past has come back to haunt Thomas, and he reaches out to the only man he knows won't deny him the help he needs. Together, they set out to uncover who could possibly know the Mulvaney family secrets, and is determined to blackmail Thomas, or tear his family apart from the inside out.
It doesn't take long before, in classic Mulvaney fashion, getting to the bottom of the case turns into a family affair. All of Thomas' most important people - including Calliope! - are called in to work the case. And in the meantime, Aiden works on Thomas' walls. And he succeeds.
Aiden isn't the vengeful 16-year-old he was when Thomas took him in. He's built a life for himself - away from most things Mulvaney - and he's proven that this time, they can make things work. They can build a relationship on equal footing, and they can be happy. Together. And there's nothing Thomas wants more, his own trauma be damned.
As they wrap up the case, Thomas and Aiden weather the scandal storm together. And they do what they were meant to do - be happy, support their eccentric, large family, and take out the trash exactly where it belongs. Happily ever after.
The past has come back to haunt Thomas, and he reaches out to the only man he knows won't deny him the help he needs. Together, they set out to uncover who could possibly know the Mulvaney family secrets, and is determined to blackmail Thomas, or tear his family apart from the inside out.
It doesn't take long before, in classic Mulvaney fashion, getting to the bottom of the case turns into a family affair. All of Thomas' most important people - including Calliope! - are called in to work the case. And in the meantime, Aiden works on Thomas' walls. And he succeeds.
Aiden isn't the vengeful 16-year-old he was when Thomas took him in. He's built a life for himself - away from most things Mulvaney - and he's proven that this time, they can make things work. They can build a relationship on equal footing, and they can be happy. Together. And there's nothing Thomas wants more, his own trauma be damned.
As they wrap up the case, Thomas and Aiden weather the scandal storm together. And they do what they were meant to do - be happy, support their eccentric, large family, and take out the trash exactly where it belongs. Happily ever after.
snicf's review against another edition
4.0
*Spoilers
So anyone who knows me knows I was not really looking forward to this book. The Necessary Evils is one of my favorite series of all time, however I was DREADING this release. The reason was Thomas. When reading Moonstruck, I got what Jericho said about it being really messed up that Thomas put this whole experiment together, never asking the boys what they wanted along the way. And I also thought that at certain points in the series, Thomas really didn't want to be a father.
Even with all my problems with Thomas, I did really end up enjoying this read. It's hard for me to hate a book when literally all of my favorite characters are in it. Just listening to the brother bickering put a huge smile on my face. Plus, I loved the epilogue and we got to see where they all are at the conclusion of the series. It made me really happy to see how their lives turned out.
I also thought the overall story was very compelling. One of the most compelling ones in the series since Headcase. And I was right there figuring it out with them. Right when Aiden solved it is when I knew the answer, and I really appreciate it when any form of media can deceive me for that long. Among my friends I am kinda known for being able to predict the endings to things with just the tiniest clues. So when I truly get thrown for a loop, it is really fun.
I was a little disappointed that with all the dark web talk and assassin assumptions there wasn't a cross-over with the Wages of Sin trilogy (another great series), however I get it. That series was co-written so it really shouldn't take place in any one world. I just would have really liked it.
I also really wasn't into the romance between Aiden and Thomas. It didn't necessarily creep me out, I just wasn't there. I thought that they didn't really have a good reason for loving each other. With the other couple you understood what drew them together. However, with them it was having trouble finding it. And honestly, the whole pining and longing for twenty years was a little to much for me, and I am all about the pining.
The last thing I will say is that if Lucas brought up that damn dead snake one more time I lose it. Like yes, it is very scary for a strange man to walk up to your children and hand them something, but at some point I got the feeling that Lucas was more upset with the snake than the walking up to the kids. Like dude, it was dead, it couldn't bite them.
So anyone who knows me knows I was not really looking forward to this book. The Necessary Evils is one of my favorite series of all time, however I was DREADING this release. The reason was Thomas. When reading Moonstruck, I got what Jericho said about it being really messed up that Thomas put this whole experiment together, never asking the boys what they wanted along the way. And I also thought that at certain points in the series, Thomas really didn't want to be a father.
Even with all my problems with Thomas, I did really end up enjoying this read. It's hard for me to hate a book when literally all of my favorite characters are in it. Just listening to the brother bickering put a huge smile on my face. Plus, I loved the epilogue and we got to see where they all are at the conclusion of the series. It made me really happy to see how their lives turned out.
I also thought the overall story was very compelling. One of the most compelling ones in the series since Headcase. And I was right there figuring it out with them. Right when Aiden solved it is when I knew the answer, and I really appreciate it when any form of media can deceive me for that long. Among my friends I am kinda known for being able to predict the endings to things with just the tiniest clues. So when I truly get thrown for a loop, it is really fun.
I was a little disappointed that with all the dark web talk and assassin assumptions there wasn't a cross-over with the Wages of Sin trilogy (another great series), however I get it. That series was co-written so it really shouldn't take place in any one world. I just would have really liked it.
I also really wasn't into the romance between Aiden and Thomas. It didn't necessarily creep me out, I just wasn't there. I thought that they didn't really have a good reason for loving each other. With the other couple you understood what drew them together. However, with them it was having trouble finding it. And honestly, the whole pining and longing for twenty years was a little to much for me, and I am all about the pining.
The last thing I will say is that if Lucas brought up that damn dead snake one more time I lose it. Like yes, it is very scary for a strange man to walk up to your children and hand them something, but at some point I got the feeling that Lucas was more upset with the snake than the walking up to the kids. Like dude, it was dead, it couldn't bite them.
alessia_g96's review
4.0
part of me was expecting something slightly different. with Aiden and Thomas’ relationship spanning over 20 years, i was hoping we would get some flashback chapters to key moments of their relationship, something with a structure similar to heated rivals (if you haven’t read it- do so, now). like, i want to believe that in spite of them only having each other fully in the present, that there were beautiful moments the two shared. and i wish we could have been privy to them :/
i feel like this is an “issue” i’ve had with the author for Avi’s, Archer’s and Thomas’ books as they all had faster “burns” in my opinion just to favor the steamy aspects of the book. the plot is always very good, the dialogues and the characters are as well, they just could benefit for more breathing room in my opinion.
aside from that, i still don’t feel like giving this book less than 4 stars just because i love aiden’s character too much for that. i’m delighted him and Tommy got their HEA ⭐️❤️
i feel like this is an “issue” i’ve had with the author for Avi’s, Archer’s and Thomas’ books as they all had faster “burns” in my opinion just to favor the steamy aspects of the book. the plot is always very good, the dialogues and the characters are as well, they just could benefit for more breathing room in my opinion.
aside from that, i still don’t feel like giving this book less than 4 stars just because i love aiden’s character too much for that. i’m delighted him and Tommy got their HEA ⭐️❤️