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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Stalking, Suicide attempt
꒰ ⋆ ౨ ruthless empire by Rina Kent ৎ°
⤿ Started: 26.03.2025
⤿ Finished: 26.03.2025
⤿ Rating: ★★★★☆.75
I said that it would shatter me and it did but in a good way and I can’t get red of the feeling because I don’t want to. I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out how the war was going to be won.
⟡ Summary:
Silver and Cole share a complex history marked by tension, rivalry, and unexpressed feelings. While Silver presents herself as the epitome of perfection—intelligent, composed, and seemingly invulnerable—she conceals profound insecurities and grapples with the immense expectations placed upon her by her family. In contrast, Cole embodies ruthlessness and cunning, exuding an enigmatic charm that elicits both fear and attraction. Their dynamic is characterized by a constant push and pull, as they challenge one another's boundaries in a tumultuous blend of love and animosity.
As the narrative progresses, revelations from their past come to light, uncovering the intricate nature of their bond and the underlying causes of their ongoing strife. Their relationship is charged with intense passion, heartbreak, and an undeniable chemistry, rendering each interaction unpredictable. The story delves into themes of power, manipulation, and the delicate balance between love and obsession, all set against the backdrop of the dark, elite environment of Royal Elite School.
⟡ Characters:
The environment of Royal Elite School, along with its privileged and morally intricate characters, is influenced by the "dark academia" and "elite high school drama" subgenres. Comparable themes emerge in works such as The Secret History by Donna Tartt and the Royals series by Erin Watt, where the interplay of power dynamics, concealed secrets, and social hierarchies is essential.
Silver and Cole have known each other for a long time because living closely together with the others they have become friends, but despite this they don’t get along very well; in fact they really hate each other.
Silver Queens and Cole Nash exemplify the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, a theme prevalent in both timeless literature, such as the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and contemporary dark romance narratives. Their tumultuous bond is rooted in a shared childhood, marked by unresolved conflicts and emotional scars that lead to frequent confrontations, ultimately giving way to an undeniable attraction.
Cole is the classic "cold, ruthless alpha male" who dominates his environment, a trait seen in many dark romance heroes. Silver, on the other hand, fits the "ice queen" archetype—strong, intelligent, and emotionally guarded. This dynamic often creates a fiery, tension-filled romance where both characters struggle for power.
Rina Kent's portrayal of characters in Ruthless Empire is marked by a blend of admiration, empathy, and a candid exploration of their deepest flaws. She develops them as intricately layered beings, embodying both cruelty and vulnerability, strength and fragility. Kent refrains from idealizing her protagonists, instead presenting them as raw and imperfect individuals shaped by their traumatic pasts. Kent also embraces the morally ambiguous aspects of her characters, particularly Cole, who, while ruthless and commanding, exhibits a fierce loyalty to Silver, (AND TRUST ME this MANNN LIKE AHHH) Rather than outright condemning his manipulative nature, she frames it as part of the darkness he must navigate.
Similarly, Silver transcends the stereotype of the cold "ice queen"; Kent humanizes her by revealing her battles with familial expectations, self-esteem, and emotional suppression. This nuanced approach indicates Kent's profound understanding of her characters, allowing them to grow through their pain and missteps rather than simply categorizing them as heroes or villains.
Let’s talk about the Character development that is indeed present in this book, unfolding gradually as it closely relates to the characters' emotional challenges and pleasing me to the edge. Silver evolves from a seemingly flawless, composed figure into someone who recognizes her vulnerabilities and opens herself to love beyond societal norms. Meanwhile, Cole, who starts off as harsh and emotionally distant, experiences substantial growth as he faces his need for control and his true feelings for Silver.
⟡ Review:
What I really appreciated about Ruthless Empire was how seamlessly it intertwined with the timelines of the earlier books. It offered subtle nods to past storylines, providing just enough context about other characters to propel the current narrative while also satisfying our desire for connections to the past. As a reader who loves these direct references, especially when seen through another character's perspective, I truly relish those moments. So, I’m grateful whenever they occur.
Ruthless Empire explores themes of redemption, love, and dark desires, intertwined with elements of mystery, murder, and politics. The narrative is rich and thrilling, keeping my heart pounding right up to the conclusion. I adore this couple; it's tough to choose a favorite, but they definitely stand out. Their deep understanding and connection with each other from a young age is something I truly appreciated.
Rina Kent masterfully crafts suspense in her novels, and this one is no exception. She skillfully invites readers to unravel the identity of the true antagonist. In the narrative of Cole and Silver, an additional perspective emerges, piquing my curiosity about this character's significance. The revelation of their true identity left me utterly astonished, as I certainly did not anticipate such a twist.
While my feelings for Silver remained lukewarm, I found myself disheartened by Elsa's treatment of her during a pivotal moment in the story, which I prefer not to reveal for those yet to experience it. Thankfully, Cole stepped in to support Silver after the harrowing events that unfolded near the conclusion. Once again, there is family drama and childhood trauma that make me question every time how these characters managed to survive everything they faced and no matter what I will always love them together. I felt grief for both Cole and Silver as I read both their experiences, both past and present. The story also explains how these two became stepsiblings in the first place, which I had been curious and choked at the same time about.
I've never related to a quote in a book more than this one, and HEAR ME OUT, HE IS A MAN WHO READ.
Do you think that I won’t cry when reading it? Wrong, I will because who thought that a dark man who has been all his life in a hole full of darkness and uncertainty, would be this soft and warm. I love me a MAN WITH SOFT BUT DARK SIDE, but this book has the opposite way and I devoured it in one sitting with no questions. I thought I would hate Silver in this book since she was such a mean girl in the earlier books in the series, but I was sure that there’s something underneath that surface she put on her skin but that is all explained in this book and deep down she is just too scared to let anybody close to her for herself and for them and I loved her so much for that, that I want to hug her for a long time.
Believe me, EACH TIME I delve into a Rina Kent novel, I find myself captivated by the latest offering, which consistently surpasses the previous one. Her dark romances have a unique allure that I simply adore. While Aiden from "Devious King" was undeniably dark and complex, Cole takes that intensity to an entirely new level. Not only does he embody darkness, but he also possesses a chilling edge that suggests a psychopathic nature. With his remarkable self-control and photographic memory, Cole is a fascinating enigma. There’s an inexplicable magnetism in his dangerous allure, making him irresistibly enticing—truly, he is everything one could desire and more.
Well here’s the thing to you two, I don’t mind reading about you all day long. From the very first chapter, I was captivated by their unwavering support for one another during their darkest hours, as they shielded each other and vowed to cherish all their initial experiences together. Cole, despite his doubts about Silver's commitment, preserved his first kiss and every other significant moment for her, revealing unexpected depths in his character that consistently astonished me throughout the narrative. Their relationship is a tumultuous blend of angst, obsession, and a touch of hatred, marked by delusion, passion, and an intense longing that led them to inflict emotional turmoil upon each other. I found Cole's jealous and petty nature particularly endearing, especially when Silver skillfully provoked that side of him through her interactions with Aiden and her feigned engagement.
LIKE seriously I can’t keep up with the happiness and the giggling every time I read these heavenly words. I don't know how but Rina Kent made me once again speechless. And the only scene that I’ve hated so much is when Elsa struck Silver, Cole observed from the sidelines, and Silver couldn't shake the feeling that Elsa might be pregnant, yet she still allowed herself to be harmed. It's difficult to determine what is more reprehensible: Aiden, who was aware of her suspicions yet permitted the violence to continue, or Cole, who stood idly by without intervening. In this moment, my disdain for Cole reached new heights; only the weak lack a sense of possessiveness. He instigated the entire altercation by turning Elsa against Silver, and for someone who seemed to revel in his relationship with his stepsister, he certainly showed no inclination to protect her.
Silver and Cole definitely take the second place couple for me, right below my Kim and Xan.
────୨ৎ────
⤷ Thank you for reaching to this point here and I'm really glad and thankful for you, love you ⟡.
⤿ Started: 26.03.2025
⤿ Finished: 26.03.2025
⤿ Rating: ★★★★☆.75
I said that it would shatter me and it did but in a good way and I can’t get red of the feeling because I don’t want to. I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out how the war was going to be won.
⟡ Summary:
Silver and Cole share a complex history marked by tension, rivalry, and unexpressed feelings. While Silver presents herself as the epitome of perfection—intelligent, composed, and seemingly invulnerable—she conceals profound insecurities and grapples with the immense expectations placed upon her by her family. In contrast, Cole embodies ruthlessness and cunning, exuding an enigmatic charm that elicits both fear and attraction. Their dynamic is characterized by a constant push and pull, as they challenge one another's boundaries in a tumultuous blend of love and animosity.
As the narrative progresses, revelations from their past come to light, uncovering the intricate nature of their bond and the underlying causes of their ongoing strife. Their relationship is charged with intense passion, heartbreak, and an undeniable chemistry, rendering each interaction unpredictable. The story delves into themes of power, manipulation, and the delicate balance between love and obsession, all set against the backdrop of the dark, elite environment of Royal Elite School.
⟡ Characters:
The environment of Royal Elite School, along with its privileged and morally intricate characters, is influenced by the "dark academia" and "elite high school drama" subgenres. Comparable themes emerge in works such as The Secret History by Donna Tartt and the Royals series by Erin Watt, where the interplay of power dynamics, concealed secrets, and social hierarchies is essential.
“My life has become an image. I act a certain way, speak a certain way, and even walk a certain way. I have to sway my hips gently, but I can’t walk too slow like a slut or too fast like a nerd.
I’m a lady. Just like Mum.”
Silver and Cole have known each other for a long time because living closely together with the others they have become friends, but despite this they don’t get along very well; in fact they really hate each other.
Silver Queens and Cole Nash exemplify the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, a theme prevalent in both timeless literature, such as the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and contemporary dark romance narratives. Their tumultuous bond is rooted in a shared childhood, marked by unresolved conflicts and emotional scars that lead to frequent confrontations, ultimately giving way to an undeniable attraction.
”I need her to tell me why she’s crying, because if I know the reason, I can use it and maybe I’ll be able to bring back the look from earlier. Chaos.”
Cole is the classic "cold, ruthless alpha male" who dominates his environment, a trait seen in many dark romance heroes. Silver, on the other hand, fits the "ice queen" archetype—strong, intelligent, and emotionally guarded. This dynamic often creates a fiery, tension-filled romance where both characters struggle for power.
“Our story may not have started in the best way, but we wouldn't want it any other way. Silver is mine and I am hers. in the past. in the present. in the future.”
Rina Kent's portrayal of characters in Ruthless Empire is marked by a blend of admiration, empathy, and a candid exploration of their deepest flaws. She develops them as intricately layered beings, embodying both cruelty and vulnerability, strength and fragility. Kent refrains from idealizing her protagonists, instead presenting them as raw and imperfect individuals shaped by their traumatic pasts. Kent also embraces the morally ambiguous aspects of her characters, particularly Cole, who, while ruthless and commanding, exhibits a fierce loyalty to Silver, (AND TRUST ME this MANNN LIKE AHHH) Rather than outright condemning his manipulative nature, she frames it as part of the darkness he must navigate.
Similarly, Silver transcends the stereotype of the cold "ice queen"; Kent humanizes her by revealing her battles with familial expectations, self-esteem, and emotional suppression. This nuanced approach indicates Kent's profound understanding of her characters, allowing them to grow through their pain and missteps rather than simply categorizing them as heroes or villains.
Let’s talk about the Character development that is indeed present in this book, unfolding gradually as it closely relates to the characters' emotional challenges and pleasing me to the edge. Silver evolves from a seemingly flawless, composed figure into someone who recognizes her vulnerabilities and opens herself to love beyond societal norms. Meanwhile, Cole, who starts off as harsh and emotionally distant, experiences substantial growth as he faces his need for control and his true feelings for Silver.
⟡ Review:
What I really appreciated about Ruthless Empire was how seamlessly it intertwined with the timelines of the earlier books. It offered subtle nods to past storylines, providing just enough context about other characters to propel the current narrative while also satisfying our desire for connections to the past. As a reader who loves these direct references, especially when seen through another character's perspective, I truly relish those moments. So, I’m grateful whenever they occur.
Ruthless Empire explores themes of redemption, love, and dark desires, intertwined with elements of mystery, murder, and politics. The narrative is rich and thrilling, keeping my heart pounding right up to the conclusion. I adore this couple; it's tough to choose a favorite, but they definitely stand out. Their deep understanding and connection with each other from a young age is something I truly appreciated.
Rina Kent masterfully crafts suspense in her novels, and this one is no exception. She skillfully invites readers to unravel the identity of the true antagonist. In the narrative of Cole and Silver, an additional perspective emerges, piquing my curiosity about this character's significance. The revelation of their true identity left me utterly astonished, as I certainly did not anticipate such a twist.
“Here’s the thing, Butterfly, I can’t stop.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re my chaos, and I can’t survive without chaos.”
“I’m chaos?”
“The worst of all. The most beautiful of all. And you know what? You might as well be the deadliest.”
While my feelings for Silver remained lukewarm, I found myself disheartened by Elsa's treatment of her during a pivotal moment in the story, which I prefer not to reveal for those yet to experience it. Thankfully, Cole stepped in to support Silver after the harrowing events that unfolded near the conclusion. Once again, there is family drama and childhood trauma that make me question every time how these characters managed to survive everything they faced and no matter what I will always love them together. I felt grief for both Cole and Silver as I read both their experiences, both past and present. The story also explains how these two became stepsiblings in the first place, which I had been curious and choked at the same time about.
I’ve always thought sleep is a waste of time. Why sleep when you can read?
I've never related to a quote in a book more than this one, and HEAR ME OUT, HE IS A MAN WHO READ.
“I want to be your first.”
“My first in what?”
My thumb wipes the moisture under her eyes.
“In everything, Butterfly.”
“Then I want your firsts, too.”
“Promise me.”
“Promise.”
Do you think that I won’t cry when reading it? Wrong, I will because who thought that a dark man who has been all his life in a hole full of darkness and uncertainty, would be this soft and warm. I love me a MAN WITH SOFT BUT DARK SIDE, but this book has the opposite way and I devoured it in one sitting with no questions. I thought I would hate Silver in this book since she was such a mean girl in the earlier books in the series, but I was sure that there’s something underneath that surface she put on her skin but that is all explained in this book and deep down she is just too scared to let anybody close to her for herself and for them and I loved her so much for that, that I want to hug her for a long time.
“Silver’s not only chaos, she’s also a goddess. The type everyone can watch from afar, but I’m the only one who gets to worship at her altar.”
Believe me, EACH TIME I delve into a Rina Kent novel, I find myself captivated by the latest offering, which consistently surpasses the previous one. Her dark romances have a unique allure that I simply adore. While Aiden from "Devious King" was undeniably dark and complex, Cole takes that intensity to an entirely new level. Not only does he embody darkness, but he also possesses a chilling edge that suggests a psychopathic nature. With his remarkable self-control and photographic memory, Cole is a fascinating enigma. There’s an inexplicable magnetism in his dangerous allure, making him irresistibly enticing—truly, he is everything one could desire and more.
“Well, here’s the thing, Butterfly.” He leans over and brushes his lips against my nose. “I don’t mind self-destructing if it’s with you.”
Well here’s the thing to you two, I don’t mind reading about you all day long. From the very first chapter, I was captivated by their unwavering support for one another during their darkest hours, as they shielded each other and vowed to cherish all their initial experiences together. Cole, despite his doubts about Silver's commitment, preserved his first kiss and every other significant moment for her, revealing unexpected depths in his character that consistently astonished me throughout the narrative. Their relationship is a tumultuous blend of angst, obsession, and a touch of hatred, marked by delusion, passion, and an intense longing that led them to inflict emotional turmoil upon each other. I found Cole's jealous and petty nature particularly endearing, especially when Silver skillfully provoked that side of him through her interactions with Aiden and her feigned engagement.
“Go home, Silver.” I barge in front of him, wrap my arms around his waist, and rest my head against his chest, breathing in his scent.
“What are you doing?” he asks without hugging me back.
“You told me to go home. You’re my home, Cole.”
LIKE seriously I can’t keep up with the happiness and the giggling every time I read these heavenly words. I don't know how but Rina Kent made me once again speechless. And the only scene that I’ve hated so much is when Elsa struck Silver, Cole observed from the sidelines, and Silver couldn't shake the feeling that Elsa might be pregnant, yet she still allowed herself to be harmed. It's difficult to determine what is more reprehensible: Aiden, who was aware of her suspicions yet permitted the violence to continue, or Cole, who stood idly by without intervening. In this moment, my disdain for Cole reached new heights; only the weak lack a sense of possessiveness. He instigated the entire altercation by turning Elsa against Silver, and for someone who seemed to revel in his relationship with his stepsister, he certainly showed no inclination to protect her.
“as long as I have him, I know I won’t need anything else”
Silver and Cole definitely take the second place couple for me, right below my Kim and Xan.
────୨ৎ────
⤷ Thank you for reaching to this point here and I'm really glad and thankful for you, love you ⟡.
dark
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Completely ruined silver's character making her a pushover like all the female characters in this serie .
And cole is just sad and boring and didn't deserve her
The only good thing about t it was the plot twist on how helen was obsessed with silver all along
And cole is just sad and boring and didn't deserve her
The only good thing about t it was the plot twist on how helen was obsessed with silver all along
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
dark
medium-paced
dark
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated