A review by lifeofchrstnlvly
The Predator by RuNyx

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I was searching for a book to help me overcome a reading slump. I was in the mood to read something, but I found it difficult to focus on the details in books. Therefore, I needed something that was quick and easy to read. Based on past experience, spicy books and dark romances always seem to do the trick. This particular series had received a lot of hype, so I decided to give it a try. I'm not sure if I'm glad that I managed to finish this book despite the slump, or if I'm annoyed that I chose to read it. 

The book begins with an author's note, and at the end of this note, the author wrote the following: 

Since the protagonist has an extremely high IQ, there are certain repetitive patterns to her thought. Things she finds fascinating, she repeats to herself over and over. That is why you will note certain phrases mentioned repeatedly through the book. 

No, simply no. It was nothing more than a lazy excuse for a poorly written book. Just read part of the author's note I included above, and you will understand what I mean by "poorly written.” Of course, when I started reading the book, I didn't expect it to be written so beautifully. I knew what I was getting myself into. What I didn't anticipate was how poor the quality of the writing was. 

Aside from Dante, I didn't care about any of the characters in the book. The Predator focuses on Tristan and Morana, but I simply wanted them gone and preferred to read a book solely about Dante. It's not a good sign when you're more interested in a character who will have their own book later in the series rather than the main characters themselves. While I understand that Tristan and Morana dislike each other, it seems foolish for them to choose texting over face-to-face conversations, especially when they are in the same room. They can easily engage in one-sentence conversations, but it seems that they dislike each other too much to do so. Despite Morana being described as having an "extremely high IQ," her intelligence is not apparent beyond her coding skills. Tristan fits the typical mold of a reserved, mysterious, and violent mafia man, but his character is otherwise bland. 

The intimate scenes were... laughable. Perhaps it was due to being in Morana's point of view, but I found myself laughing throughout those moments. I couldn't feel the passion between the characters or their desire for each other. Morana's distracting train of thought during those scenes takes away from the moment. 

Honestly, I'm unsure if I will continue reading the series. I might only do so because of Dante, but I have no interest in reading the second book which will still revolve around Tristan and Morana (even if they were to die, I wouldn't care). Perhaps I will continue with the series if Dante's story continues to captivate me.