The Kingmaker (All The King's Men, 1)

I have no idea how I missed this book when it first came out, but I am sure glad that I snagged it while it was free because it absolutely blew me away and I know I will definitely be rereading this one over and over again!

I won’t get too much into the plot or this review will end up being more like a short story, but I will say that there are a couple of time jumps—one small one at the beginning and one 10-year one toward the middle-ish—that I think were handled really well and contributed to the overall story arch and characters really well.

Before I get into the characters, I have to say that the way Kennedy Ryan described the different settings in her book was absolutely brilliant, not only did she paint a gorgeous picture, but she also infused feeling and life into each place. Having grown up in Arizona, I really appreciated the scenes at the Reservation when Lennix participates in the Sunrise Dance because it beautifully captures the spirit, sacredness, and almost magical quality of the land all in one. Then, the scenes in Amsterdam with the wind turbines, and tulips, and secluded alleyways all bring something extra to Lennix and Maxim’s young love. And finally, Maxim’s descriptions of Antarctica left me in chills thinking about the harshness and desolation of the untouched but sometimes fatal land—and I thought it fell right into step with what follows in Lennix and Maxim’s relationship.

As for Lennix and Maxim, those two are drawn to each other like a moth to flame and throughout the whole book you can almost feel the line that pulls them together in the moments when they’re most vulnerable with each other. However, Lennix is a strong woman of courage and conviction looking to heal from the unsolved disappearance of her mother and to return rights that were stripped away from the tribes at whatever cost. That even means letting go of Maxim when she realizes who his father is. I loved seeing Lennix 10 years later in Washington, D.C., because she’s still very much the same girl from the beginning, but now she’s smarter, wiser, and has a cause she’s devoted her whole heart to—all she needs to do is decide if she can let Maxim in it again. Also, I have to say I loved Kimba! She was an amazing loyal, caring friend to Lennix who, thankfully, was always willing to speak her mind with her.

And that cliffhanger at the end totally left me on the edge of my seat—I can’t wait to dive into the next book!

First of all Ms. Kennedy Ryan, how dare you! Second of all, HOW DARE YOU?! Oh my goodness!!! I have been really pumped for The Kingmaker and the All the King's Men Duet since the cover and summary were revealed. I've read a couple of books by Kennedy Ryan and I knew I was in for an emotional treat with this duet too. The minute the book released, I picked it up and then finished it in like half a day, which is almost UNHEARD of for me these days. This book completely wrecked my emotions and after I finished, I spent a solid half an hour in bed staring at the ceiling wondering how the heck I was going to wait THREE WHOLE WEEKS for the sequel, because HOT DAMN, was this good and I NEEDED MORE!!

This review is probably just going to be me shouting about how much I loved it and it probably won't make a lot of sense because truly, this book just about rendered me speechless, but who cares. The Kingmaker and the All the King's Men duet is a saga. It's a love story that spans decades and it freaking hurts, but man is it so worth all the pain. Lennix is probably one of my favorite heroines of all-time. Man, was she fierce. I just about loved everything about her, including her passion, loyalty, and smarts. Her Native American background is a prominent part of The Kingmaker. It was obvious that Kennedy Ryan put her time and effort into researching the cultures and traditions. We stan an author who does her research AND gets sensitivity readers when they write outside of their culture on this blog. I sound very ignorant, but I don't know much about Native American traditions other than some of the historical parts you hear in the news, so this book was super knowledgeable for me, and I always appreciate it when a book teaches me a thing or two. I was very invested in her motivations and her drive, and I was so rooting for her. I also really enjoyed how she tried to help her people by getting involved in politics to help elect Native American politicians. She was truly a powerhouse!

Her love interest, Maxim, was equally alluring. Listen, I haven't swooned as hard for a romance hero in quite a while, and Maxim sure got my ovaries saying hey! Phew, boy! I mean this was a man who was confident, assertive, and was determined to help save the world through his research in climate science. Is there anything hotter than a smart and passionate man? Nah! What about a smart, passionate man who is also a thoughtful lover in bed? NOPE. Maxim's complicated relationship with his big oil dad was at the forefront of this book. He rejects everything that his father stands for and they clashed constantly about their very differing views, but his father's name shadows him all the time. His father also happens to be Lennix' most hated man on Earth, which is why he keeps it from her when they first meet at a pipeline protest when she is 17. They connect, but they are unable to start a relationship as a result of her being underage. A chance encounter brings them together 4 years later in Amsterdam and they begin a short one-week affair that managed to be steamy, and soft at the same time. These two and their chemistry was a palpable force in The Kingmaker and while some readers might argue that their relationship is all about an instant connection, it was a connection that I personally found believable. Though they have no plans to continue their relationship beyond the one week since they both have career aspirations that will take them to opposite ends of the world, they form an attachment. Only, Maxim's secret comes back to haunt them both. I won't reveal what happens next, but you'll have to read the book to find out. Let me just tell you though, it is all good painful stuff!

Fair warning, The Kingmaker ends on a brutal cliffhanger, but thankfully the sequel will be out in just three weeks. I'm so glad I read this book. If you're looking for something that will have you reading while ignoring all your responsibilities, and a book that will leave you absolutely breathless, The Kingmaker is for you,

4.5 “Girl Who Chases Stars” “Doc” “wolf” “Amsterdam” Kisses

I had a reeeeeeally good feeling about The Kingmaker. I can’t really put my finger on exactly what it was…but I mean it had a lot of good things working in its favor. I mean…the blurb…all the teasers I read…that cover!!!! Just wow…seriously, that cover might be one of my favorites ever – but I digress…the icing on top of the cake was the fact that it’s written by Kennedy Ryan. The writing was ah-maze-inggggg…I loved her words so much and seeing what she did with Lennix and Maxim was perfection on the page. It was an angsty romance, it was empowering, it was suspenseful, it was so many things that I was never expecting and I loved how much Kennedy surprised me with this book. I couldn’t get enough of The Kingmaker…truly never wanted it to end…this story is truly unique and Nix and Maxim are completely unforgettable.

Lennix Moon Hunter…a gorgeous name to match an equally gorgeous woman, inside and out. I loved going on the journey of meeting and getting to know Lennix…she is so unique…an old soul, trapped in a time that isn’t ready for her and honestly doesn’t deserve her. I could tell from the first moment I read her thoughts that she was going to be a fierce, impactful character…and I was beyond correct. I loved her passion and her drive…you could feel it with every action she took, with every word she spoke – she fights for everything she believes in with her whole heart and soul and that is an inspiring thing to read. I wish I had half the conviction she has in her pinky…she doesn’t care who she is up against because they have never faced someone like her. She is beyond intelligent…witty…kind…generous…loving…a thoughtful daughter, a caring friend…she is a warrior, an activist, a fighter…she is so many things and I feel like I am barely scratching the surface of how truly amazing she is. Clearly I kind of have a bit of a crush on Ms. Hunter…but luckily I’m in good company ;-)

‘Humor crinkles the edges of those beautiful eyes, and I’m suddenly sad I’ll probably never see this man again. I know it’s crazy. We’ve only shared a few words in not much more than an hour, but I’m the kid so often trapped between worlds, split in two and finding my place. On rare occasion, you come across someone who just gets you, and you don’t have to figure out your place. Wherever you are is okay. I think he could be a “wherever you are” person.’

Maxim Kingsman Cade…good Lord have mercy, I need to send Kennedy Ryan and personal thank you card for creating this man because he’s just too amazing for words. Unlike with Lennix, who I could clearly start a fan club for, it’s really hard for me to try and put my thoughts and feelings about Maxim into coherent thoughts. He is so unexpected…and in a world where he could make easy choices to do the wrong thing and be what is expected of him…he chooses to fight for what he believes is right. He is nothing like you would expect him to be and that was one of the things I loved most about him. I loved how brilliant he was…I loved how much he wanted to fight for the planet and yet also make money too (can’t really blame him for that…he is a Cade)…I loved how charming he was…I just adored him. His determination…his drive…if he wants something, he never gives up and I loved that. I still feel like I’ve not said enough about how amazing Maxim is…not done his character enough justice…he’s absolutely one of a kind – I mean clearly, Lennix Moon wouldn’t have fallen for a guy who was anything less than.

“Ask me how many times I’ve thought about you since that protest.” My voice scratches gruffly against the cool silk of the quiet night. She stares up at me, and at first I think she’ll wave off my question, pretend this is normal, what’s happening between us. But she doesn’t do that. She doesn’t pretend or wave it off. She meets it head-on and answers with unflinching honesty. “Maybe as many times as I’ve thought of you.”

Lennix and Maxim are…chemistry and passion personified. They are so different and yet so much alike…they make come from different backgrounds but they have that same burning desire to do more, be more, and change the world. And they’re doing it. They have an instant connection…obviously some of that is attraction and lust based, but it has roots that are far deeper. They make a mark on each other from the very beginning and it never fades. Lennix and Maxim have staying power…it doesn’t matter what they come up against, there is no denying the power of what they have, it’s as strong as the passion that they have for their separate causes. I loved that this wasn’t a ‘typical’ romance where one person puts his or her own dreams and aspirations to the side so that they can be together – there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with that – but it would not have felt right or authentic with these two. They are more realistic…pragmatic…and it felt so much more genuine – it was a sucker punch to the heart but completely worth it to see them achieve their own goals. Plus…absence makes the heart grow fonder. I loved their connection…their banter…how they each supported each other in what they were passionate about. There is so much right and perfect and wonderful about the bond that Maxim and Nix have.

‘“I’ve been drawn to you since I first I saw you on that hill with stars and stripes on your face. You cried, and there was such conviction in every word you spoke. I didn’t know you were seventeen, but I knew you were young. And I wondered, what made her this way? What shaped her into this remarkable person already? Now I know. That girl, the girl who drew me in that day, I would never expect things to be simple or typical with her.” For a moment, I’m stunned by his vision of me—of how he saw me so clearly. There are few things more affirming than someone seeing you exactly as you aspire to be—for them to say I see that in you.’

Clearly I knew Kennedy Ryan was a talented author…I mean, you don’t win a RITA for nothing…but I feel like The Kingmaker is just a whole other level of brilliance. Granted…I haven’t read all of Kennedy’s books (yet!!! Don’t stone me! I’m working on it!!!) but everything I have has blown me away…and The Kingmaker COMPLETELY blew me away! I loved the way she crafted the story and the characters and it just felt fearless - the way she tackled not only their love story but also the causes that Nix and Maxim were passionate about. With Maxim’s focus on climate change and Nix’s focus on Native American rights, you’ve got two huge, important topics that both mean a great deal to people…it can be very polarizing and (unfortunately) political. It’s impossible not to internalize how Maxim and Nix feel about their own causes…I loved feeling their passion, but there were times when it started to edge toward a bit much for me, mainly because it got a bit repetitive and I felt like I had read the same thing over and over which is a pet peeve of mine. I truly applaud Kennedy for taking the stand and writing about truly important topics – there are things that she mentions in this book that I had no idea about, so it was kind of awesome that I got to read a brilliantly wonderful book and also learn a few things at the same time.

‘What do I want from Lennix? To know if my memory tricked me, and she wasn’t as fantastic as I remember? Do I need that reassurance to move forward? I can’t call this love, the near-obsessive burn in my gut when I think of her, when I saw her last night. She was a candle lit and extinguished too quickly, but the smoke of what we had has endured, lingering in the air all these years. I wouldn’t call it love, but it’s something I’ve never found elsewhere, and I need to know if I could have it again. If I could have her again.’

I didn’t see the last 20% of the book coming at all…I mean, let’s be honest I didn’t see any part of the book happening the way it did. Maxim and Nix took over and I just held on for the right but it was a pretty amazing ride so I’m not complaining in the least. I did however know to expect a cliffhanger – this is the All the King’s Men DUET for a reason…there’s a book two and Kennedy is going to make sure we want to read book two! And she definitely achieved that goal for me. I am the strange reader who loooooves cliffhanger’s – but they have to be GOOD cliffhanger’s and Kennedy definitely gave me a goodie. Totally unpredictable…unique…made sense with the events that was happening and it is not drama for the sake of drama. I absolutely cannot wait to see what she is going to do with The Rebel King…cause I seriously have no idea – I mean if I thought I couldn’t have guessed The Kingmaker, I’m even more clueless as to what she is going to do with my poor Maxim and Lennix…but I’m sure her amazing, creative brain will blow me away again.