Wow, this book started off so crazy I was like, “Slow down!” and thankfully it did just that.
I’m not going to lie, it dragged a little in the middle. However, once I got to page 300+, everything started unfolding and my mouth was left wide open. Then I had to remind myself this is a 4-book series, so book one had a lot of foundation to lay.
Now let’s talk characters.
Legend is burning me out. I’m hoping he grows on me because blaming yourself for your dad’s mistakes is driving me insane.
Icon? I can’t even front—I actually like him.
Tempo is a headache. You could literally do anything else, but wanting to be in this kind of game is beyond stupid.
And Saint… really? You could be headed to the NBA, but this is what you’re choosing? Wow.
Let’s not even get started on the shady aunt and her crooked wigs. Making deals you know you have absolutely no control over is wild.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed book one and I’m ready to see where the rest of this series goes.
⭐️ 4.75/5 📚📖
Having just devoured 'The Cartier Cartel: The Inc' by Jessica N. Watkins, I'm still reeling from the journey this book took me on. When I first dove into this world, the pacing was incredibly fast, almost like being thrown headfirst into a whirlwind of drama and high stakes. It definitely demanded my attention from the very first page! However, as I settled in, I found that the middle section allowed for a deeper exploration of the characters and their complex lives, building a solid foundation for the series. From my perspective, Jessica N. Watkins truly excels at crafting intricate family sagas within the urban fiction genre. This isn't just a simple crime story; it's a deep dive into loyalty, betrayal, and the heavy burden of legacy. The cover itself, with its striking red roses and snake-like texture, really comes to life after reading, symbolizing the beauty, danger, and temptation that permeate the Cartier family's world. The characters are what truly make this book shine – and sometimes, frustrate! Legend, for example, carries such a heavy weight of guilt, constantly blaming himself for his father's mistakes. As a reader, I found myself wanting to shake him, urging him to see his own worth. Then there's Icon, a character I surprisingly gravitated towards, despite his flaws. His arc promises to be fascinating. Tempo and Saint, on the other hand, made choices that left me scratching my head, questioning their paths, especially when Saint had the potential for an NBA career. It just goes to show how deeply entrenched they are in the family's world. And let's not forget the antagonists, particularly that shady aunt! Her schemes and questionable decisions involving the family's business add such a layer of tension and intrigue. It’s a testament to Watkins' storytelling that even the secondary characters feel so real and impactful. Knowing this is just the first installment of a four-book series, I can appreciate how much groundwork was laid here for future developments. The slow burn in the middle truly pays off towards the end, as everything starts to connect, leading to those jaw-dropping revelations I mentioned earlier. If you're a fan of gritty urban fiction with a focus on family dynamics, power struggles, and intricate plot twists, I highly recommend picking up 'The Cartier Cartel: The Inc'. It's a gripping read that will keep you guessing and eagerly anticipating the next book.
