The Rebel King (All the King's Men, #2)

by Kennedy Ryan

[stacey_is_sassy]

Successful = Selfish

I really enjoyed the thought-provoking, fast-paced, exciting and very sexy first instalment of All the King's Men but The Rebel King left me unsatisfied. I loved the two characters I first met and admired them for their determination and conviction to make our world a better place. In All the King's Men, it seems they've lost that spark I admired. What was left was exactly what I've come to expect from successful people...self-centred and single-minded ambition, to be the best.

Honestly, I nearly gave up at the halfway point. I was bored through most of the first half and thinking the author should have just written one book instead of drawing it out to two. Then, everything went to hell in a handbasket. I didn't like the plot twist and hated that the author went there. The biggest telling point that the author didn't hit the mark was that I scowled instead of sniffled. I just felt that the story didn't really need to go in that direction and the repercussions that followed seemed like an act of martyrdom instead of the drive that it should have been.

I'm not a huge fan of stories that are filled with unnecessary conflict. The angst-driven plot in The Rebel King was guided by the selfishness of the main characters. Careers took priority over loved ones and too many sacrifices were made for the sake of their images. I've never been a fan of keeping relationships secret because of careers objectives. Yes, I understand that women are looked at less favourably when they are sleeping with work colleagues/bosses. But, if you try to hide it like a dirty secret, it's sure to become a dirty secret.

The biggest part that I missed from the first one was learning more about Native American culture and beliefs. I wanted to see Lenix fighting for her people, going for her runs and stepping up to be the face against discrimination and injustice. I was disappointed when right at the beginning of the story, we were given a description of Lenix's shoes. It was obvious that her priorities had shifted. I wanted Maxim to be fighting the people in power in regards to our environment and the damage we are doing to our world. Now, he's all about making money and keeping his investors happy. I just missed that these two characters made me think outside my bubble.

I am definitely in the minority with this one. This was my second attempt at reading a Kennedy Ryan story, and unfortunately, it seems I'm not suited to her style of writing. A lot of my fellow readers loved this one, so please do not judge by my review alone. You may find The Rebel King is perfect for you.