The Raven King (All For The Game #2)
Book two is an emotional rollercoaster that left me on the edge of my seat, breathless from start to finish. I'm completely shocked, terrified and all together broken. This book is a mess, and well...so am I after this all... The action and conflicts are intensified, with secrets unraveling at every turn. The spotlight on Andrew's past and present is chilling, leaving me trembling and in tears, even after multiple readings.
The darkness of this installment is palpable, with themes of blood, tragedy, rape, aggression, and mental illness woven throughout. While there's a bit less focus on EXY gameplay, it's a relief to delve deeper into the backstory of the Foxes, revealing their brokenness and the way they fit together with their uneven edges.
Neil's character development is striking, as he grows more confident, ballsy and resilient, yet still struggles to accept kindness from others. The way he is shocked every time someone trying to do something nice for him... he still can't really accept that he is not alone anymore. His evolving relationship with Andrew is both complex and compelling, adding layers of depth to the narrative.
Speaking of Andrew… No I still can't talk about him... He is my precious psycho minion and I don't care how crazy he is, or how far he is taking some shit, he is still my favorite from the foxes. I can't describe why, I really can't, it's just a way it is. His enigmatic nature continues to captivate, despite his flaws and troubled past.
Maybe that's why Rene is my favorite from the girls. Because she gets him. And even is she went through hell, she is still a sweetheart.
The supporting cast, including Nicky, Aaron, and Renee, each bring their own complexities to the story, with moments of bravery and vulnerability that resonate deeply. I'm glad we got something finally on Aaron as well, not just staying in a back as in the first book. I was surprised how quickly he reacted when needed, without hesitation, without regret…. And Nicky, well he is a treasure, he is the heart of the team, going through all this bullshit just for them.... We don't deserve him.
The ending is touching and heart-wrenching, leaving a lasting impact with its emotional weight and poignant revelations ( Oh the waterworks... Wymack.... Neil... The number... The scars... The promise... I just can't handle this much in so little time... ). And the burning desire to join the 'Murder the Raven King' group speaks to the visceral reaction this book evokes.
In summary, this installment is a testament to the author's skill in crafting compelling narratives that grip the heart and refuse to let go. It's a brutal, yet mesmerizing journey that earns a solid 10/10, despite the toll it takes on readers' emotions. Bring on the next book —I'm ready for more cruel, psychotic jocks!
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