The Rebel King (All The King's Men, 2)

WAO just WAO!!! There’s so much I want to say about this exquisite, compelling and emotional story. After 5 days I feel like nothing I say will give justice to the incredible book I read. Once I got to the end I literally stare at the wall in amazement. The level of knowledge and perfection in details that Kennedy put into this duet needs an ovation. I never get tire of saying that with Kennedy’s books there’s ALWAYS a lesson to be learn.

“The past is behind us. The future is ours. Figure out how you can change the world right now, and don’t fear it. Do it.”

The Rebel King was the perfect conclusion to the All the King’s Men duet. It will keep you on the edge of your sit from beginning to end. It is so much more than an incredible and passionate love story. It’s also a story with a socio political lesson. A book that will educate us in culture, human equality, love of the land and even history.

“True empowerment is about choice; figuring out what we want and going after it.”

A book with intrigue and even a bit of suspense throw in the mix to make this a perfect culmination to an already mesmerizing duet.

I don’t feel worthy of writing a review cohesive enough to give you all the powerful feelings this story evoke in me.

Lennix and Maxim have become my favorite power couple. Their convictions, strong personalities and determination are to be admire. There’s nothing this two can’t conquer. Their passionate about their beliefs and can convince anyone to see a better way for the world. They could change the world, I can feel it in my bones. I wish that there would be more humans with their level of passion and knowledge to actually achieve more good and real change in the world.

Lennix Hunter is the kind of woman I wish I grow up to be. She is a fighter a righteous, compassionate and sensible woman. In this book her strength will be challenged but at the end she will succeed fiercely.

Lennix love and connection with Maxim is the kind that you only get once in a lifetime and endures and last forever. It’s beautiful, passionate, powerful and undeniable.

”She’s an extension of me, and I’m an extension of her. She’s a layer of my skin, a chamber of my heart. She’s the tattoo on my chest. Endurance.”

Maxim Kingman Cade is my new book boyfriend obsession. He is power and his possessive and protective side made me melt for him. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do or place he wouldn’t reach for Lennix. If I thought he was delicious in book 1, in book 2 he brought me to my knees in admiration and with pure desires.

”I don’t want any man to ever hear her unravel that way again. She’s mine completely. And I, unequivocally, belong to Lennix Moon Hunter.”

I could keep talking about this book, this duet for hours, days and years. I can’t wait to have more of this world that Kennedy created because I need more. There’s no way I’ll be done with Lennix and Maxim.

What a conclusion! This is going to be a shorter review, but not because I disliked the book. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It is a world in which Kennedy Ryan submerses us in totally and completely. Just understand that this is a duet and you MUST read book one, The King Maker first.

Kennedy Ryan not only writes a book about two people that are strong and both alphas, but she takes on writing about politics. About the environment. About indigenous people and the way they have had life taken from them. She takes it ALL on and puts it on her shoulders, creating a world of beauty, of evil, of strength and endurance, and one in which we want to see our world prosper. But it takes work. AND that is what The Rebel King is all about. Working for the outcome and not just having it handed to you. It's going to be a different journey if you're up for it, but you cannot deny Lennix and Maxim's belief in a better world.

If you read book one, you can understand why you need to read book two. That cliffhanger left us literally on a cliff. And all the things Lennix and Maxim do out of love and duty to each other and for their country is what makes this book easily one of the most unique experiences you will have in a romance. Be prepared for all the feels. Good, bad, sexy, evil, hate, hurt, sadness, love, understanding, frustration....it's all there. Be forewarned that this wasn't an easy book to read. There were things happening that literally broke my heart, but also I knew Kennedy was going to put it back together. My emotions were just splayed in every which direction. Even in the end, I don't know how at ease I felt. But I feel there is more to their story and to the story of the side characters. They were all just too strong and all wanted to make a difference. I need to see that through. I'm ready for more, but will take this Happy For Now ;)

"The past is behind us. The future is ours. Figure out how you can change the world right NOW, and don't fear it. Do it."

4.5 rebel stars

If you thought the road to HEA was a bumpy one in The Kingmaker, you have no idea what you're in for with The Rebel King. This sequel is a harrowing testament to fierce, unwavering love. It's a beautiful account of resilience, fortitude, and conviction. And it's one of the most passionate romances I've read in recent memory. 

The raging emotion between Maxim and Lennix is arguably more intense in this second book than it even was in the first. (And that speaks volumes because the emotion was next level in The Kingmaker!) The Rebel King finds this couple in the most unthinkably perilous situation, circumventing a terrifying course of events that tests their foundation and brilliantly demonstrates the unshakable thread connecting them no matter what obstacles intervene. This is a book that shook me. It was terrifying in moments, brutally devastating at others. But at the core of this book, of this entire duet, is a love story that will not relent. It's all consuming, the fiery chemistry between these characters, and that burn hurt so damn good. So much has changed for Lennix and Maxim in this second book, but we're never allowed to forget who they are, what they stand for, what they continue to fight for, and what they mean to each other. And perhaps most importantly, we're never allowed to forget that one single person can set into motion the profound change they wish to see in the world. 

There truly aren't words. The Rebel King is outstanding! Masterful. Phenomenally written. An edge of your seat, spellbinding conclusion to a wholly unputdownable duet. I was in sheer awe of Kennedy Ryan's writing in this book. I was overcome by the brilliance of her word weaving and seamless storytelling. I was shaken by the palpable NEED between these characters and I was utterly blown away by the way this story unfolded. These characters truly come full circle in this second book, everything they've gone through both together and apart brings them exactly where they were always meant to be and there's a sense of perfect rightness as I closed the final page. 

I devoured this book in a matter of hours today. I could not put it down, could not get over what I was reading. Every word is important. Profoundly impactful. Every page a luminous step in the most unforgettable journey. I won't get over this couple, won't get over the genius of Kennedy Ryan. I can't recall the last time I read a book where the gravity of LOVE between characters leapt from the page and gripped me the way this one did. All The King's Men is an absolute MUST READ duet, one I know I will still be thinking about for days to come.

In true Kennedy Ryan form, I was holding my breath so tightly in my chest while witnessing the ebbs and flows of the main character’s lives. She proved again why she is the best she is at her craft. This was much slower than Kingmaker, but there was a lot of pain and sacrifice on every page. I was very worried about where the story was going throughout this book and that goes back to Kennedy’s writing: she keeps you guessing in a stressed state 😆 I love these two so much and I just want to know more about them! Here is to hoping appearances in Queen Move!