A review by questionablereads
Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

I was on the struggle bus throughout this read. This was seriously one of the most convoluted stories I’ve ever read. 

It’s a dual perspective read that follows Erika AKA Rika, and Michael. They’re both within the same world of the elite, as Michael is the son of a wealthy man and Erika’s father has business ties with Michael’s father. This is every bit a story of the rich and ridiculous and the pair grow up side by side, even living under the same roof where parents just don’t see anything wrong with the wild and crazy party lifestyle of their children. Can’t relate. 

The book also goes back and forth from past to present, which I didn’t mind too much, but a lot of this book rides on discovery, and you don’t quite understand the connection that Rika has with anyone. Things become clear about seventy percent into the book, and even then, I just found all of the characters to be annoying. Rika just goes along blindly with what Michael and his band of misfits do, and because you don’t quite fully grasp this vital piece of their past, it all just plays out so silly. 

Then there were moments that just came out of left field. There were spicy moments, and definitely sexy for sure (and yes, I loved that) but it didn’t add to the story or the relationship between Michael and Rika at all. I think it was supposed to strengthen their bond, but it just left me feeling cringe. 

Overall, I did not enjoy reading this until Chapter 23, which is page 363 out of 500, and the more that I take a step back to sit on this book, the more annoyed I am at how everything turned out. Basically, weirdness all around. 


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