Dark, Bold, and Unpredictable—But Missing Some Depth
The second novel in the Reina del Cártel trilogy, Reign of Ruin by Santana Knox, delves further into Celia Flores‘ quest of revenge, reclamation, and rediscovery. Celia, formerly known as “Cecilia,” is a complex heroine troubled by her past, family betrayals, and a strong desire to restore her kingdom and identity. The description introduces an intriguing premise: Celia is coming to rise from the ashes, even if it means causing havoc and disaster in her wake. She is willing to confront the men who have wronged her, even if it means sacrificing all for power. Knox does not shy away from dark issues, power dynamics, or emotional romance, and I was quickly hooked by this universe.
Reign of Ruin by Santana KnoxSeries: Reina del Cártel #2
Published: 06/13/2023 by Independently Published
Format: Paperback, 353 pages
Genre: Abuse, Contemporary, Crime, Dark Romance, Death, Erotica, Reverse Harem, Suspense, Violence
ISBN-13: 9798397572842
Language: English
Audience: Adult
Shelve: Read 2024
Link to Goodreads
Rating:
They say if you’re going to dance with the Devil, you might as well lead.
I lied…My name isn’t Cecilia. When the doors of my past were pried open, all of my skeletons came tumbling out. I’d lived my whole life thinking the worst had already happened, and nothing else could hurt me.I couldn’t have been more wrong.
In the wreckage I’m reborn. I’ll do anything to get my revenge on those who’ve wronged me and the man who stole my throne, My uncle. But finding my way back will be painful, especially with the leaders of the Black Crow Brotherhood trying to keep me under their thumb.
And now I owe them.
Mateo Kane, Santos Álvarez, and Ronan Zerkos; they’ve wormed their way into my heart and under my skin. Will my lies and betrayals cost me the trust of the three men left on my side?
I may leave behind a trail of ruin in my path, but I’ve bled for the truth and I know now; when you’re born a Queen you’ll die a Queen. I’ll let the whole world go to waste if it means I’m buried with my crown.
I never said I wasn’t the bad guy.
Welcome home, Celia Flores.Reign Of Ruin: Book 2 of Reina Del Cártel is the second installment of a Why Choose, dark romance trilogy. It should be read in order after Queen Of Nothing. This book contains dark material, explicit language and some trigger warnings may be needed. Intended for readers 18+. This is a why choose romance, meaning the heroine does not have choose between her love interests.
Buy the Book at: Amazon*
Reign of Ruin ♦ Santana Knox
Opinion
Celia is one of the book’s most interesting characters. She’s shamelessly imperfect, bold, and, at times, vicious, refusing to fit into the “good-girl” cliché so common in dark romance. She’s willing to play the “bad guy” if it brings her closer to vengeance and freedom, and her growth is gritty and real. Watching her battle not only her uncle but also the strong Black Crow Brotherhood kept me on the edge. Mateo, Santos, and Ronan are all fascinating individuals in their own right, and the conflict between Celia and these guys is palpable. Their relationships are convoluted, with treachery, desire, and genuine loyalty intertwined, left me wondering who will stand by Celia and who will eventually betray her.
Knox is an expert at building tension and creating steamy, suspenseful moments. Her writing adds a vivid, even cinematic dimension to Celia‘s world, and the cartel underground is both gritty and glamorous. For enthusiasts of dark romance, this is a treat: forbidden romances, morally ambiguous characters, and the never-ending question of who will ultimately prevail keep the pages moving. The book is also gloriously unabashed in its examination of Celia‘s sexuality, which distinguishes Reign of Ruin from the why choose genre.
However, Reign of Ruin does have certain negatives. While the plot is powerful and fascinating, several portions felt repetitious, particularly those involving Celia‘s inner issues. Although the layers of her pain and passion for vengeance are gripping, they occasionally appear to eclipse other aspects of the tale, such as the Black Crow Brotherhood‘s past and the larger cartel dynamic. I also wish the relationships were better developed, especially given how important Mateo, Santos, and Ronan are to Celia‘s trip. Their personalities are intriguing, but a deeper exploration of their past would have brought depth to their respective journeys.
Pacing can also be uneven. There are times when it feels like a lot is happening without much plot movement. While the slower periods show Celia‘s fragility and resolution, the plot can be confusing. Perhaps these moments are intended to reflect Celia‘s own uncertainties and gradual journey from ruin to power.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Reign of Ruin is a compelling, darkly enjoyable read for readers of dark romance and powerful heroines who aren’t scared to face the world. Santana Knox brings Celia‘s narrative to life with passion and a gutsy voice, resulting in a work that will keep readers wondering. It is not without problems, but the sheer intensity and intriguing personalities more than compensate for them. If you’re willing to enter Celia‘s dark world and root for her embodiment of “queen” justice, this is a book worth reading.
Reina del Cártel – Trilogy
| Queen of Nothing (#1) | Reign of Ruin (#2) |
| Empire of Carnage (#3) |
this review was also published at:
| Goodreads | Amazon |
| StoryGraph | Reedsy |
| BookBub |
