Corrupt - Book Review
5 stars | 5 spice
Book 1 in the Devil’s Night Series
Focus on Rika Fane & Michael Crist
QUICK REVIEW
I didn’t expect the almost thriller nature of this book! It was so good at keeping me on the edge of my seat! And the mystery aspect was amazing! I had to know more!
Dark romance, thriller and mystery all wrapped together with a dash of humour = chefs kiss.
FULL REVIEW
SPOILERS AHEAD ~ SPOILERS AHEAD
Writing & Plot
I loved the pace of this book. It was just right. I never felt bored at any point. You know sometimes you read a book and you get about halfway through and you’re like, ‘come on, let’s just get on with it’, that did not happen in Corrupt. The book flowed in a great rhythm.
A dark sense of humour that matches my own allowed for small breaks in the tense atmosphere between these characters.
I loved the plot. Twists and turns that I truly didn't expect made for a very exciting read. I think I said 'OH MY GOD, NO WAY' numerous times haha. I thought it was obvious Rike didn't upload the videos, but I had no clue who really did, so hearing it was Michael's brother... I mean, damn it that should've been obvious, but it was also just so good. I didn't see Damon betraying them coming at all though. It was very obvious he hated Rika, and that hate started way before the arrest, but when he let Will be pushed over the edge of that boat... I was gobsmacked. That whole scene my heart was racing. It was incredibly well written.
Characters
Rika is such an interesting character. You can see there’s strength inside her, a leader, and something a little dark wanting to break free, but she seemed to push it down for so long that it took an element of fear to wake her up. Although, was she actually ever afraid? But this is what I mean! She is so fun to try and figure out! Can’t wait to see how she keeps developing in the series.
Michael Crist… Is it terrible I think he’s a good guy? He never really wanted to hurt her and even his plan to ‘hurt her’ never really hurt her… He kept the boys at bay and did everything he could to make what, was suppose to essentially ruin her life, be as painless as possible. He was torn between his love for her and his love for his brothers. I think in the end, he didn’t choose. I don’t think he needed to. I think inside, they’re all good guys (accept Damon, like dude, come on, how can you betray the people you love like that).
They were so consumed with anger, and - I suppose this next thing is largely to do with how they were all raised and the power their families afforded them - they thought that they had to get revenge.
I think once they realised, and I’m pretty sure Michael, Will and Kai at least, said they don’t actually hate Rika, they like her, and started to listen to her (my god why don’t people just listen sometimes, am I right?) they found out they were going after the wrong person.
One thought I kept having was, if Michael would’ve just confronted her when the guys went in prison and asked her if she uploaded the videos, this whole ordeal could’ve been avoided. I mean, Rika was (and still is) OBSESSED with him. She would’ve helped find out the truth and probably helped with the plan for revenge. But, obviously then we wouldn’t be where we are now.
I also think as terrible as some of the stuff was, this was good for Rika. It finally gave her the push to become who she really is. A strong, brave woman who doesn’t need to hide or be protected, and is just as powerful as any man.
Great read.