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A review by plumpaperbacks
King of Greed by Ana Huang
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was promised a grovel book, but all I got was a man throwing a fit because he was forced to face the consequences of his own actions.
Honestly, I feel like Ále and Dom need some time apart—for real, without him “coincidentally” ending up in the same place as her—and both individual and couples therapy to really make their relationship work again. She might’ve learned to put herself first, to stand up for what she wants and needs, but he needs to learn to respect boundaries.
They were divorced for three, maybe four months before starting over, but how much of that time did she really have to herself? He kept sending her messages and gifts, refused to just leave her alone if they wound up in the same public place, and literally followed her to Brazil. Bro went from ignoring her for the better part of a decade to damn near stalking her. That’s a lot of things, but it sure as hell isn’t romantic.
And that reminds me.
“‘I would stalk you if it meant you’d talk to me again.’
‘How romantic.’
‘I’m past romantic, Alessandra. I’m desperate.’”
He’s acting like a child that forgot about their favorite toy and is now throwing a fit because said toy was donated. As if it’s not his own damn fault that he’s in this situation. And it’s aggravating as hell.
All of that aside, there’s something to be said about the fact I read this in a day. I don’t know the last time I did that, or even came close. It might have problems, but damn if it’s not an entertaining read despite them. I’m still cackling about the library scene.
(Although I won’t lie, I’m INCREDIBLY SALTY that there were two weddings in this book and neither of them were for Kai and Isa. They’re the stars of this show and they deserve better.)
Current ranking of the series:
Honestly, I feel like Ále and Dom need some time apart—for real, without him “coincidentally” ending up in the same place as her—and both individual and couples therapy to really make their relationship work again. She might’ve learned to put herself first, to stand up for what she wants and needs, but he needs to learn to respect boundaries.
And that reminds me.
“‘I would stalk you if it meant you’d talk to me again.’
‘How romantic.’
‘I’m past romantic, Alessandra. I’m desperate.’”
He’s acting like a child that forgot about their favorite toy and is now throwing a fit because said toy was donated. As if it’s not his own damn fault that he’s in this situation. And it’s aggravating as hell.
All of that aside, there’s something to be said about the fact I read this in a day. I don’t know the last time I did that, or even came close. It might have problems, but damn if it’s not an entertaining read despite them. I’m still cackling about the library scene.
(Although I won’t lie, I’m INCREDIBLY SALTY that there were two weddings in this book and neither of them were for Kai and Isa. They’re the stars of this show and they deserve better.)
Current ranking of the series:
- King of Pride (reigns supreme)
- King of Greed (is still good)
- King of Wrath (go to hell Dante)
Representation:
- demisexual Brazilian protagonist
- dyslexic protagonist
- dyslexic Brazilian side character
- Filipina-Chinese side character
- Chinese side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Gun violence, and Death
All sexual content is explicit but consensual. One protagonist dealt with abuse and abandonment as a child; it’s mentioned semi-frequently on-page. There are a couple of physical altercations, one involving a gun, but no fatal injuries; none of it occurs between the two protagonists. There’s one unrelated death on-page, but it’s only a guest at an event the main characters attend.