Title: Black Knight (Royal Elite Series #4)
Author: Rina Kent
Genre: Dark Bully Romance
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Beautifully written clickbait.
This is spoiler-free.
I’ve been reading this series since the start, and it’s been getting better with each book, Black Knight, by far the best in the Royal Elite Series. It’s compelling and gorgeous in its emotional depth. Kim’s characterization is fantastic and truer than book three, Twisted Kingdom when she came across like a fluffy little cheer queen. But there is so much of this book re-used from Rina Kent’s other books. And much is nonsensical as far as the plotline is concerned. And Xander, where to even start there?
And I’m prepared for the rotten tomatoes and voices of dissent but hear me out before you get angry.
Kim and Xander were besties growing up, completely inseparable. Then one day, Kim and Xan have a level two event on a scale of one-to-ten, he’s cold to Kim and tells her she’s disgusting and hates her. Boys are awful, but this is strange. It doesn’t follow the timeline mentioned in the earlier books, which is ten years old, and this occurs when these two are eleven.
Secondly, there is a point in Black Knight in which a triggering event causes a life-threatening situation. Kim’s life is endangered–wait, didn’t that happen to Ella in Twisted Kingdom? And several times to Reina in Lies and Truth Duet?
My point is we are at clickbait level of storytelling, where we all wait for the next story with the same trope with just a little further pushing of the envelope. I’m not knocking the writing; I’m knocking the lack of creativity. I waited for how many months for this, and I got a regurgitation. What’s worse; It was the wrapping paper of shock value content and a pity party for two of my favorite characters.
Which brings me to Knight, what the — ?
I couldn’t buy into the characterization sold in this book. The problem with dual POV is it ruins the mystery, right? It is also supposed to explain some of the hatred, but this POV insight further trivialized it. It made it seem as if he was unhinged. Not only bonkers–but also foolishly so that the rest of the Horseman pitied him–which is out of character. Previous three books establish Ronan as his best friend, but he comments against this, suggesting he tells his secrets to Aiden.
But that isn’t where my issues start; they are just everywhere. Xander is dealing with many home life and personal problems in this book that are supposed to clarify why he’s such a douchecanoe. We are just dealing with more clickbait fodder. It’s a mountain rather than one manageable and actionable issue. But this is typical Rina reveal fashion. Why be happy with managing one thing when we can reveal personal weakness, betrayal, scandal, lying parents, near-death experience, perversions and degradations, and the ultimate sacrifice. That isn’t necessarily a good thing. Sometimes too much is just too much.
I would like one good book that is less fan service and based on Rina ripping her heart out to write and less trying to use the stuff she’s done before.
About Rina Kent:
Rina Kent in an English author who’s constantly parading between France and North Africa due to her studies and her husband’s demanding job.
When she’s not packing suitcases or hopping from one plane to the other, she’s busy whipping her characters to shape.
Since a young age, Rina has been obsessed with storytelling and flawed, edgy characters. Her heroes are often killers and anti-heroes and her books are always sprinkled with darkness, angst, violence, and lots of heat.
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