A review by dlrosebyh
The Emperor by RuNyx

dark emotional medium-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

3.5

Dante Maroni, heir of the infamous Tenebrae Outfit, has been trained since birth. He has learnt to hide his ruthlessness beneath his charm, his savagery under his suits, and his love for one lady behind his quiet as a silent rebel in the shadows. Dante finds knowledge that shatters his world and causes him to play a dangerous game while infiltrating the Syndicate responsible for the abducted children. 
 
Amara, the housekeeper's daughter, has loved Dante for as long as she can remember. She loses herself, her life, and her home as she knows it when she is abducted and abused at the age of fifteen. Years later, she's regained some kind of normalcy until her world falls again, compelling her to enter the game. 
 
Mysteries are being solved. Secrets are revealed. And their youthful love is replaced by a profound connection, power, and survival. The hesitant king and the unavoidable queen engage in a game. 
 
This was decent, but not TristanMorana good, you know? I enjoyed DanteMara, but their novel didn't live up to the high standards set by TristanMorana. I enjoyed the childhood pals to lovers motif in this novel, but I found the first section to be somewhat dull. The following sections, on the other hand, were incredibly good—if the novel had been that constant in terms of quality, this would have gotten a 4 star. 
 
Amara was the top-notch character in this novel in my opinion. Her point of view was very wonderful to read. She was never into a gang like Tristan, Morana, or Dante. She was such a sweet person until something occurred. Her struggle to find love, not only for Dante, her mother, or Morana, but especially for herself, made me cry. She was one of the most well-written characters I've ever read, given her strength and fortitude. 
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