The Heir
This book was unexpected in the best of ways. We’re introduced to Anna and Leo outside of Kingmakers and join them as they start their journey there, seeing and experiencing it for the first time right alongside them, which I thought was neat.
We get to see these two best friends at the highest and lowest points both together and separately and watch them mature and struggle through their feelings for each other, navigate this ruthless school, and make new friends and enemies.
I loved having the dual/multiple POV bc so often in books with just one it can be difficult to understand the other person’s motives and feelings. Leo and Anna are perfect together; they have literally been together since birth and grown through every stage of life by each other’s side, which was beautiful to see. The pacing of their changing relationship was very believable and artfully crafted.
All this being said though, this book ultimately is also a love triangle (which ordinarily I would avoid like the plague, but it’s Sophie so I knew it would be good!); Leo and Anna are joined by Leo’s cousin Dean, who has been raised in a radically different environment. I think we (and Leo and Anna) needed the triangle to cement the story.
Both Leo and Dean want Anna, although only one has a true love for her. I think Dean believes that he loves Anna but it’s not a true love, just lust mixed with toxic jealously of Leo and a desperation to have someone be his completely; it would be better to say he wants to possess Anna but for all the wrong reasons.
This book will make you feel a roller coaster of emotions; from anticipation, to dread, from anger to joy, from despair to contentment, it has it all. There were times I literally cried I was so angry and heartbroken over what was happening to the characters—that’s how good this author is at making the emotions jump off the pages!
We get to see how Anna and Leo so perfectly fill that inner need that the other has, which can only be met by what the other person provides. The first scuba diving scene I thought showed how Leo was Anna’s ‘North Star’ and her anchor and then later on we see how Anna is Leo’s guiding light and the root of his strength. And the intimate scenes? Whew!! 🤩🥵🌋🔥💥 The infirmary remains my favorite (man, the way it was written and how we see things from Leo’s perspective blew me away!).
And then there was Dean. He’s set up so well in the beginning as the villain that you love to hate. At times I truly despised him for what he did to Anna and Leo’s relationship. He was beyond manipulative and deceitful and some of the things he did were unforgivable (first party anyone?!) but he also showed us snippets of a life and a soul that were so bleak and filled with torment you couldn’t help but still feel a little sorry for him at times too. As much as I wanted to hate him I found myself unable to fully commit; while Dean was an unmitigated a**h***, he never sank into depravity and true cruelty (although he tried his best in the caves!). Honestly I think only the fact that we have his POV saves him from being seen as truly evil; instead we get to see why he does the things he does, get an idea of his motives, and see that while his actions alone may have been despicable, Dean is also all too human and therefore can’t be just one-dimensional.
I have to admit I have a tiny soft spot for tortured and despised male MCs and I love imagining how they could ever achieve redemption so I can’t wait to see where Sophie takes Dean in The Bully! One inner monologue hits you right in the feels with Dean thinking: “I feel nothing at all. Just a dark, empty space where my heart used to be. That’s better, I suppose. I was tired of hurting.” 😭💔😩
Overall a fantastic start to a new series!
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There are 5 books in this series.
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Popular Highlights in this book
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About the author
Such a great start to this series!!!
4.5⭐ 🧩Childhood Friends 🧩Friends-to-Lovers 🧩Love Triangle . “All the light went out of my life,” I whisper. “I’ve been so dark without you.” . Review: I kept seeing this book and I loved the cover, so I knew I had to read it. This was my first book by Sophie Lark, and OH MY GOSH! The world she created and detail she put into it was incredible. I definitely want to go read her backlist now! I got so pulled into this world and the intricate details she gives that I felt as though I was there. I never wanted to stop reading, but I also didn't want it to end. It is told from multiple POV, which I absolutely loved! . Anna has been a chearleader and a beautiful dancer her whole life. She is fiesty, strong and won't take crap from anyone. She can definitely handle her own. . Leo has been the star basketball player with scholarship offers. He is used to being the popular guy who accomplishes anything he sets his mind to. . Anna and Leo have been friends since they were little.They grew up together and spent all their family vacations together. Anna decides she wants to go to Kingmakers and Leo can't imagine being without his best friend. So he goes with her to keep her safe. This world and this school were so intriguing! Kingmakers is a school for Mafia children where they learn the different aspects of their future lives. I was so hooked into the classes and the catergories each person was put in. I was a little afraid it would be dark due to the Mafia world, but it wasn't at all. The suspense and mystery that begins to build is perfect. I fell in love with all of the secondary characters as well, Chay, Zoe, Ares, Miles, Ozzy and even Dean because I know his story will be good. I can't wait for their stories! I need them all! I really loved the start to this series and I am so excited to continue in this world! I highly recommend it.
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2021
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Top reviews from other countries
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IT'S BEAUTIFUL
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Reviewed in Spain on August 24, 2024
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