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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexual harassment
My First Taste of Rina Kent: A Cutesy Dark Romance Surprise
I just finished Cruel King by Rina Kent—and let me tell you, it’s been quite a ride. This was my first Rina Kent novel, and honestly, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I chose to start with her Royal Elite books, knowing they lay the foundation for the later Gods of Fury series, which I've heard so much about. And yes, I'm that kind of reader—I like to start with the origin stories, especially when they involve the parents of future main characters. Give me the full lore!
Now, let’s talk first impressions: Cruel King felt like a cutesy dark romance. Not what I anticipated, but still enjoyable. Was it dark? Sure—but not the kind of dark that keeps you up at night. Think moody bad boy with a moral compass, not villain with no mercy. It was tamer than what I usually dive into, especially if you're coming from something like Haunting Adeline or Blood of Hercules. Compared to those, Cruel King is basically dark romance with training wheels.
But what really made the book shine? The characters. Especially the supporting cast.
I was instantly drawn to the "Four Horsemen"—or as Levi (our male lead) affectionately calls them, the “Four Arseholes.” Honestly? Iconic. They stole the show for me. I already know I’m in deep with this series purely because of them. Each one of them oozes mystery, danger, and yes, that dark romance allure we all secretly crave. But Aiden? Aiden owns my attention.
He’s the classic unreadable genius—cold exterior, chess mastermind, and emotionally unavailable in the best way possible. That whole "play the player, not the game" vibe? Yes, please. He's the type of character that dark romance girls lose sleep over, and I’m 100% ready to fall down the Aiden rabbit hole. Luckily, it seems the next three books in the series are about him. Manifesting a full obsession.
Also—quick side note—I saw limited edition versions on Amazon. Do I want them? Absolutely. But first, I need to declutter a bit. Some of my current shelf warmers are probably heading to Vinted soon to make room for these beauties. Books are trophies, and I fully intend to display these like the hard-earned romantic victories they are.
So, overall? Cruel King was a lighter entry into the dark romance world than I’m used to, but it was still a solid, enjoyable read. It may not be the darkest, spiciest book on the shelf, but it did its job: it hooked me into the world, and now I’m not going anywhere. If this was the appetizer, I’m ready for the full-course chaos that Aiden and the rest will bring.
Bring on the darkness.
I just finished Cruel King by Rina Kent—and let me tell you, it’s been quite a ride. This was my first Rina Kent novel, and honestly, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I chose to start with her Royal Elite books, knowing they lay the foundation for the later Gods of Fury series, which I've heard so much about. And yes, I'm that kind of reader—I like to start with the origin stories, especially when they involve the parents of future main characters. Give me the full lore!
Now, let’s talk first impressions: Cruel King felt like a cutesy dark romance. Not what I anticipated, but still enjoyable. Was it dark? Sure—but not the kind of dark that keeps you up at night. Think moody bad boy with a moral compass, not villain with no mercy. It was tamer than what I usually dive into, especially if you're coming from something like Haunting Adeline or Blood of Hercules. Compared to those, Cruel King is basically dark romance with training wheels.
But what really made the book shine? The characters. Especially the supporting cast.
I was instantly drawn to the "Four Horsemen"—or as Levi (our male lead) affectionately calls them, the “Four Arseholes.” Honestly? Iconic. They stole the show for me. I already know I’m in deep with this series purely because of them. Each one of them oozes mystery, danger, and yes, that dark romance allure we all secretly crave. But Aiden? Aiden owns my attention.
He’s the classic unreadable genius—cold exterior, chess mastermind, and emotionally unavailable in the best way possible. That whole "play the player, not the game" vibe? Yes, please. He's the type of character that dark romance girls lose sleep over, and I’m 100% ready to fall down the Aiden rabbit hole. Luckily, it seems the next three books in the series are about him. Manifesting a full obsession.
Also—quick side note—I saw limited edition versions on Amazon. Do I want them? Absolutely. But first, I need to declutter a bit. Some of my current shelf warmers are probably heading to Vinted soon to make room for these beauties. Books are trophies, and I fully intend to display these like the hard-earned romantic victories they are.
So, overall? Cruel King was a lighter entry into the dark romance world than I’m used to, but it was still a solid, enjoyable read. It may not be the darkest, spiciest book on the shelf, but it did its job: it hooked me into the world, and now I’m not going anywhere. If this was the appetizer, I’m ready for the full-course chaos that Aiden and the rest will bring.
Bring on the darkness.
Read better stories by Rina Kent, fun quick read, would probably reread if I’m in a book slump but other than that nothing really special.
I don't play with books that already have what I presume will be on of the MMC hosting at SA and coercion. The football team passing her around was a plan? No thanks
“Astrid once told me I’m a dark night. It’s in dark nights that stars like her shine the brightest”
3.5/⭐️
2.5/
3.5/⭐️
2.5/
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
AHHHH LEVI AND ASTRID. 10 out of 10. I was on the edge of my seat for at least half of the book. This world is so unique, oh my gosh. Levi King 🤭 he’s so dreamy
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I liked this book, however it wasn’t anything special. I have heard that it’s not one of the main royal elite books and is just an add on. I am excited to see what the other characters books are like as we have been introduced to them throughout this book.
3.25⭐️, i like the writing just wasn’t anything remerable.