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amanda_reads13's review
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed the evolution of Seb's character throughout this series. You see him go from an outsider in his own family, to the one in charge. In each book, you get snippets of who Seb is becoming. In this book you see him come to embrace his role in the family. At first Seb comes off as selfish and it leads to irrevocable damage to his family. Throughout most of the book he puts his family in danger, first due to infatuation and then his desire for revenge.
Yelena was controled by her father, she was a pawn in his schemes against the Gallos. She put all of her faith in her brother to have her back, but she was ultimately betrayed by the one person she trusted the most. You could see how she truly loved Seb, but she could have told him the truth at any point, maybe then his family would have been better prepared at the wedding.
That scene in the dungeon... He said she could saystop at any point, but he made it very clear that to earn back his trust she had to allow him to do whatever he wanted to her. That was messed up. She was psychologically and emotionally abused her whole life, and he basically did to her what every other man has. What he did was emotional blackmail and, really, could be considered rape.
I LOVE seeing the other characters come back through this book and being able to see how their relationships have progressed. BUT you also get the sense that the family is fractured and the damaged suffered will forever keep the family members on seperate paths. This is solidified in the epilogue when you have no mention of Aida, Dante, or Nero. It insinuates that Dante has remained estranged from his family, Aida and Cal have gone clean, and Nero is probably running his garage.
Tropes: Mafia, instalove, revenge, waring families
Yelena was controled by her father, she was a pawn in his schemes against the Gallos. She put all of her faith in her brother to have her back, but she was ultimately betrayed by the one person she trusted the most. You could see how she truly loved Seb, but she could have told him the truth at any point, maybe then his family would have been better prepared at the wedding.
That scene in the dungeon... He said she could saystop at any point, but he made it very clear that to earn back his trust she had to allow him to do whatever he wanted to her. That was messed up. She was psychologically and emotionally abused her whole life, and he basically did to her what every other man has. What he did was emotional blackmail and, really, could be considered rape.
I LOVE seeing the other characters come back through this book and being able to see how their relationships have progressed. BUT you also get the sense that the family is fractured and the damaged suffered will forever keep the family members on seperate paths. This is solidified in the epilogue when you have no mention of Aida, Dante, or Nero. It insinuates that Dante has remained estranged from his family, Aida and Cal have gone clean, and Nero is probably running his garage.
Tropes: Mafia, instalove, revenge, waring families
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Sexual content, Blood, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Sexism, Confinement, Death, Murder, and Violence
amayne218's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Sexual content
fatkidatheartreads's review against another edition
dark
3.5
Seb and Yelena's story was definitely the darkest and the most 'mafia' of them all. Oh Enzo!!!
Also, I love how Sophie Lark used this epilogue as a segue into the next series.
I can't wait to get into Kingmakers.
Also, I love how Sophie Lark used this epilogue as a segue into the next series.
I can't wait to get into Kingmakers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Gun violence
Minor: Sexual assault
weelasswithabook's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
CW, gun violence, death of a loved one, dismemberment, torture, misogyny, abusive parental relationship, historical DV, SA
⭐ Hidden motive
⭐ Mafia romance
Ooh this had me full of anxiety. So much happened in this book 👀 character deaths that broke my little heart, betrayal, sadness, a hero with such responsibility he didn't want nor need thrust on him, a heroine made to choose between her family (tbh they were dicks so I'd have bounced) and someone she loved.
Uggghhhhh this was just the perfect end to the series and Kingmakers (which I read first for some reason 🤣) is such a natural progression which just flows from Heavy Crown to The Heir.
10/10 would read again.
⭐ Hidden motive
⭐ Mafia romance
Ooh this had me full of anxiety. So much happened in this book 👀 character deaths that broke my little heart, betrayal, sadness, a hero with such responsibility he didn't want nor need thrust on him, a heroine made to choose between her family (tbh they were dicks so I'd have bounced) and someone she loved.
Uggghhhhh this was just the perfect end to the series and Kingmakers (which I read first for some reason 🤣) is such a natural progression which just flows from Heavy Crown to The Heir.
10/10 would read again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Violence, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Moderate: Torture, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Sexual assault, Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Terminal illness
gwynn0715's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Kidnapping and Alcohol
hq_reads's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Spoiler free. What an end to the series! This was a really good book - initially I wasn’t excited to read a book about Sebastian as I wasn’t that drawn to him in the other books, but he had a lot of depth and was very intriguing. Yelena is also an interesting character, with a strong will.
The book starts very romantic and sweet. Like the start of their love for each other and then it takes a quick turn, becoming brutal and violent. I thought the shift was done really well and the characters decisions and reactions were believable under the circumstances.
The book starts very romantic and sweet. Like the start of their love for each other and then it takes a quick turn, becoming brutal and violent. I thought the shift was done really well and the characters decisions and reactions were believable under the circumstances.
I liked the focus on the rival mafias in this book and it was great to read more action than just pure romance. The balance was done really well and was needed given it’s the final book.
TW: There is a sex scene in this that some will consider rough. I was unsure how I felt about the power dynamics during it… and I usually read and enjoy dub consent books. But… I’m still processing how I feel about it ie whether it was hot or wrong.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault
gemin1reader's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
2.5
I didn’t love this one - never a fan of Insta love and I just felt like Seb seemed out of character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Death, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
jenn_reads_'s review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
This was, quite honestly, a disappointing finish to this series. Unfortunately. Maybe it’s because I was looking forward to Sebs story so much, or maybe it’s because there’s that bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to this world and these characters I’ve grown to love (or we’ll, at least partially, I’ll still be reading the spin off series obvs) but I don’t think so.
I just thought the story was all over the place. I’m not a fan of insta love, which meant that the pacing of Sebs and Yelenas romance wasn’t great for me. And they were both being so damn naive and stupid about it all??? Like these are people in their mid to late twenties who grew up in the mafia world all their lives - they sure as hell don’t act like it. In parts I felt like they were acting as immaturely as Dante and Simone had been doing in the first part of their book, difference being those two had <I>actually</I> been young and didn’t know any better.
Also I’ve said countless times before I don’t like miscommunication trope and that stays true until the end of time
I also didn’t like all the family conflict, especially with Dante. It made me sad.
But hey, I guess at least I got more Miko/Nessa content :/
And that twist? Well, I didn’t see that coming, not in that capacity. I was reading all of that with a gaping mouth and hoping it was all just a nightmare squeeze. And then I cried. And after that, I felt like the plot just picked up even more and there was just too much happening with not enough detail to any of it. I guess that’s why this entire series ranged between 3 and 4 stars for me, despite really loving a lot of the characters, because I just can’t connect as well to this rapid pace. That’s just a preference tho - I know there’s at least as many people out there who feel the same way about slow burn (which I adore).
All that to say, it wasn’t what I expected, I guess, and it’s probably the weakest book in my mind. I know I also rated the first book only 3 stars, and I wouldn’t take it back bc that’s how I felt about the book, but throughout the series Aida and Cal have definitely become my favorites, I have such a soft spot for them, probs bc they were the most consistent cameos thorough all five books.
And I <I>am</I> excited for the Kingsmaker series, don’t get me wrong, I still do enjoy Larks writing a lot - in that “this is a fast read that doesn’t require too much out of me emotionally but is entertaining and smutty” way. Nothing wrong with that.
I just thought the story was all over the place. I’m not a fan of insta love, which meant that the pacing of Sebs and Yelenas romance wasn’t great for me. And they were both being so damn naive and stupid about it all??? Like these are people in their mid to late twenties who grew up in the mafia world all their lives - they sure as hell don’t act like it. In parts I felt like they were acting as immaturely as Dante and Simone had been doing in the first part of their book, difference being those two had <I>actually</I> been young and didn’t know any better.
Also I’ve said countless times before I don’t like miscommunication trope and that stays true until the end of time
I also didn’t like all the family conflict, especially with Dante. It made me sad.
But hey, I guess at least I got more Miko/Nessa content :/
And that twist? Well, I didn’t see that coming, not in that capacity. I was reading all of that with a gaping mouth and hoping it was all just a nightmare squeeze. And then I cried. And after that, I felt like the plot just picked up even more and there was just too much happening with not enough detail to any of it. I guess that’s why this entire series ranged between 3 and 4 stars for me, despite really loving a lot of the characters, because I just can’t connect as well to this rapid pace. That’s just a preference tho - I know there’s at least as many people out there who feel the same way about slow burn (which I adore).
All that to say, it wasn’t what I expected, I guess, and it’s probably the weakest book in my mind. I know I also rated the first book only 3 stars, and I wouldn’t take it back bc that’s how I felt about the book, but throughout the series Aida and Cal have definitely become my favorites, I have such a soft spot for them, probs bc they were the most consistent cameos thorough all five books.
And I <I>am</I> excited for the Kingsmaker series, don’t get me wrong, I still do enjoy Larks writing a lot - in that “this is a fast read that doesn’t require too much out of me emotionally but is entertaining and smutty” way. Nothing wrong with that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Sexual content, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Sexism
karina_dreamsinwords's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I have been looking forward to Seb's book since the incident on the dock in Brutal Prince. I knew I was going to love Seb even more after reading his story and I'm happy to say I was not disappointed. Seb is a naturally sweet & caring character but he will step tf up to protect you when it's needed. He is the biggest cinnamon roll in the streets, and dom in the sheets!! (Excuse me Seb, is that YOU??!)
His love interest Yelena, however, was very vanilla for me. Although I didn't much care for her, Yelena and Sebastian made a sweet couple.
IF YA'LL THOUGHT CAL & AIDA'S WEDDING WAS WILD, JUSTTT YOU WAIT! This book packs a punch with twists & all the action! Miss Sophie sure knows how to keep you invested in the story and these characters.
I especially loved seeing the Gallo siblings work together and fight for their family. I especially love Aida. My love for her knows no bounds!
I am sad that the Brutal Prince series has come to an end, but up next is The Kingmakers && I am SOO ready for it!!!
His love interest Yelena, however, was very vanilla for me. Although I didn't much care for her, Yelena and Sebastian made a sweet couple.
IF YA'LL THOUGHT CAL & AIDA'S WEDDING WAS WILD, JUSTTT YOU WAIT! This book packs a punch with twists & all the action! Miss Sophie sure knows how to keep you invested in the story and these characters.
I especially loved seeing the Gallo siblings work together and fight for their family. I especially love Aida. My love for her knows no bounds!
I am sad that the Brutal Prince series has come to an end, but up next is The Kingmakers && I am SOO ready for it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Violence
readwithelle's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Murder, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content