Thursday, May 2, 2019

Review: Debase by Rachel Van Dyken


With blood on my hands, I held her. 
With death in my soul, I took from her. 
With the devil in my heart, I coveted her.

There're many definitions of Hell. 
My list was exhaustive, my definitions tragic. 
Tonight I was adding something new to the very top. 
Girl number six thirty-two.

She arrived on my birthday, the same day, every year, I play Russian Roullete and pull the trigger.
She was my omen. 
My end game. 
She made it personal. 
And for the first time in my life, I gave in. 
A virgin mob boss with no soul.

My name is Andrei Petrov. 
They call me the devil.
All I want is for the pain to end. 
All she wants is for me to share it.

I am the last remaining heir to a dynasty that should burn in Hell. 
And my last wish remains for it to die with me. 

Review:  4.75 of 5 Stars

I have to confess, when I opened this book I wondered how I was going to feel about it.  I absolutely adore the Eagle Elite series and the characters.  It is by far the best mafia series out there. But the last couple of books, while great, did not hit me with as much emotion and impact as some of the earlier ones.  But then I opened Debase.  And damn, Andrei Petrov.

Andrei is probably the darkest character that Rachel has written about in the mafia.  Don't get me wrong, they are all ruthless and have their own issues, but they are still fun loving and funny.  I know it sounds weird but it works.  But Andrei was different.  He had some serious issues and I was heartbroken for him and the more I learned the more I wanted to help him.

Girl Six Thirty Two is one of the best female characters as well.  She has her own set of things she has gone through and being born in a family is a big part of it.  But I just love her strength and tenacity.  I loved watching the story of these two unfold.  Even though this book is intense, it is amazing and you won't be disappointed that you read it.  Well done, Rachel!