so typically, i don’t read romances of any sort. HOWEVER, recently i’ve been getting out of my comfort zone and trying something new, which is reading more romance. overall, with this book, the romance wasn’t overbearing, but it was the “spice” near the end of it. i’m asexual, so sometimes i can read those kinds of scenes, and for a while i was managing to be fine reading those scenes. yet, near the end, i was getting tired of the banter and decisions the characters were making, so whenever a scene like that happened, i was just over it.
i thought the beginning and middle parts of the book were really strong! it established good set goals each of the characters had and not making them co-depentent on each other. it was the end that made me give the rating i did, i was just so over it :/
but! i still want to read the rest of the king of sins books (i heard mixed things about the twisted love series, so i most likely won’t pick those ones up) (side note: i don’t care about spoilers in romances, i can see any twist in romances coming so it doesn’t bother me.) i have the second book, king of pride, on standby once i’m done reading shatter me!
overall, i do recommend this book, especially to people who devour romances like this, it’s right up your alley (coming from and aromantic/asexual reader)✨
my poor description of the book:
a hallmark movie + arranged marriage + rich people = king of wrath!
... Read moreWhen I first picked up 'King of Wrath' by Ana Huang, the cover instantly caught my eye. That striking gold ring with a vivid red gem, set against a backdrop of city buildings, really hints at the luxurious, high-stakes world you're about to dive into. It definitely gives off those 'arranged marriage, rich people' vibes that the story promises. It's the kind of cover that makes you want to know more, and honestly, it perfectly sets the tone for the drama within.
Now, let's talk about something many of you are probably wondering: 'Is King of Wrath appropriate for 13-year-olds?' and 'Is King of Wrath dark romance?' From my perspective as an asexual reader, I can tell you that while it's definitely a romance novel, I wouldn't categorize it as 'dark romance' in the traditional sense. It has elements of tension and a morally gray hero, but it doesn't delve into the darker, more graphic themes often found in that subgenre. However, it does contain what readers often refer to as 'spice' – intimate scenes that become more prominent towards the end. For younger readers, or those sensitive to explicit content, it's worth noting these scenes are present. It's certainly not a YA book. The 'spice' wasn't my favorite part, as I mentioned in my initial review, but for those who enjoy a good amount of steam with their plot, it's definitely there without being overly gratuitous or dark.
If you’re drawn to the 'arranged marriage' and 'billionaire romance' tropes, this book absolutely delivers. Imagine a modern-day Hallmark movie but with higher stakes, more tension, and, yes, that 'spice' we talked about. The dynamic between the characters, despite my later frustrations with their decisions, is what drives the story. For those interested in the broader 'King of Sins' series, this is a strong introduction. I'm already looking forward to picking up 'King of Pride' next. Ana Huang is also known for her 'Twisted Love' series, and while I haven't ventured into those myself (I've heard mixed things and wanted to try something new), it's good to know that if you enjoy her writing style here, there's a whole other universe of her books to explore. The 'King of Sins' series focuses on a group of powerful men and their fated partners, each book following a different couple, which I find appealing as it allows for fresh stories within a connected world.
Beyond the story itself, I really appreciate a book that makes you want to engage with it. The fact that my copy ended up with 'Total Tabs: 37' by the time I was done speaks volumes. Whether you're marking your favorite quotes, tracking character development, or simply noting plot points, it's a book that invites interaction. This kind of hands-on reading experience makes the story even more memorable. For romance devourers, especially those who appreciate a well-crafted arranged marriage plot with a touch of modern luxury, 'King of Wrath' is definitely one to consider. It might not have been a perfect 5/5 for me personally, but its strengths in world-building and character establishment are undeniable. It's a journey worth taking if you're ready for a romance that combines classic tropes with contemporary flair.