carolina's Reviews > The Annihilator

“The world could tilt on its axis, flamma, and I'd still be the most certain thing in your life.” A soft kiss. “You're the oxygen that feeds my flames—without you, my existence is questionable.”

rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

This book is definitely the darkest in the series so far, I don't think it compares to the previous books because it was very intense and heavy. I felt disgusted, angry, heartbroken and devastated, especially for everything Lyla went through. Yet I loved it.

I was afraid I wouldn't like it because it's been so long since I've read something so dark, especially with a male character like the Shadow Man, and I thought it would be too much for me. I'm well aware that some things in this book are extreme and morality is thrown out the window, but for the sake of enjoying this book, I let go of what I think is right or wrong. Sometimes we need to remember that there's nothing wrong with enjoying a piece of fiction that presents us with a reality very different from our own. We can acknowledge that something is wrong and still enjoy it.

That said, I really liked the way this story developed, although I wish the book was a bit longer. And I understand why the big revelations were at the end, but it did feel a bit rushed. But I'm honestly blown away by how intricate the plot is and how deeply connected everything is. The lives of these characters are all intertwined.

Lyla is such a strong girl who has been forced to live through unspeakable, despicable things, but has never let go of her humanity. I think her growth and development throughout the book was realistic in the sense that she's not magically cured of her traumas. She's still struggling and it's going to be an ongoing battle for the rest of her life, but I'm proud to see that she's trying every day. She's an absolute angel.

Where do I start talking about him, the shadow man? He's someone who's been in the previous books, a major player in this big game, a total mystery. Here we get to see who he is and what his goals are. He's pretty much a psycho, he enjoys killing, he doesn't feel emotions like everyone else, but the truth is he doesn't pretend to be anyone else. And I liked that. And let's face it, it's not like the people he killed didn't deserve to die. I just thought he was a fascinating character and I wish we got more of his POV because it was interesting to see how his mind works.

The relationship between Lyla and him (I'm trying not to spoil his name) was something. It's not your usual relationship and it's a very different dynamic to the previous couples. He's obsessed with her, he stalks her and he's the kind of guy who will kill anyone who gets in her way, the type who would burn down the world for her (and damn if that isn't hot, in a twisted way). She feels too much, he feels too little, but somehow they work. He's possessive and will never let her go, but he's also given her freedom and space to live. I know he has ulterior motives, but he's helped Lyla in a lot of ways. I have some mixed feelings because I think Lyla deserved better, he knew where she was for so long and he knew about her family, he could have gotten her out sooner and told her the whole truth, especially when he knew how much she was suffering. But it makes sense that he didn't, because he's a selfish man and there was always a bigger game to play.

I'm so excited to read the last book and I hope it's coming soon. Now that Lyla knows the truth, I can't wait to see what happens next. I need to see it all come together, every loose thread tied up.