Title: The Beast
Author: Jaden Wilkes
First published March 16, 2014
307 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781311507112 (ISBN10: 1311507116)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
Nikolai Ivanov is a man feared by many, with a past that has left him emotionally and mentally scarred. From the bleak streets of Moscow to the highest ranks of the Russian Mafia, he has seen it all.
After a brutal attack, he’s left with a permanent limp and scars that he hides behind his expensive suits. He’s content with his solitary life, managing his illegal businesses, and has accepted the nickname The Beast from those who have encountered him in the past.
When his path crosses with Emma, a young woman struggling to keep her family’s farm afloat, Nikolai’s world is turned upside down. Emma is unlike anyone he’s ever met before, and despite his initial reluctance, he finds himself drawn to her.
But Nikolai is a dangerous man with a dark past, and Emma is playing with fire.
As their worlds collide, Nikolai and Emma must navigate the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld and confront their own demons. Can Emma tame The Beast and come out unscathed, or will she be swallowed up by the darkness that surrounds him?
This is not a fairy tale, but a story about finding redemption and love in the unlikeliest of places.
About the Author
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Editoral Review
The Beast by Jaden Wilkes is a gripping and intense thriller that explores the gritty world of organized crime and the repercussions of violence and brutality. Wilkes, a Canadian author, has a reputation for creating raw and unflinching narratives that delve deep into the human psyche, and The Beast is no exception.
The novel opens with a gruesome murder that sets the tone for the rest of the book. The story follows the complex relationship between a mob boss, Alexei, and his right-hand man, Ciro, as they navigate the dangerous underworld of the Canadian Mafia.
Ciro is a loyal soldier who will do anything to please his boss, but when Alexei orders him to commit an unspeakable act, Ciro’s code of honor is put to the test. As he grapples with guilt and remorse, he finds himself trapped in a web of violence and deceit that threatens to consume him.
Wilkes’ writing style is unapologetic and raw, immersing the reader in the gritty world of this crime empire. The characters are well-developed, with nuanced motivations and a depth that is often lacking in crime fiction.
The tension is palpable, making it impossible to put the book down until the very end. The themes explored in The Beast are dark and unsettling, touching on issues of loyalty, power, and the destructive nature of violence.
The novel also highlights the harsh realities of life in Canada’s criminal underworld and the toll it takes on those involved. It is a cautionary tale that sheds light on the consequences of our actions and the price we pay for our choices.
While The Beast is a strong novel, it does have some flaws. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some of the subplots feel underdeveloped.
However, these shortcomings are minor in the grand scheme of things and do little to detract from the overall impact of the book. Overall, The Beast is a thrilling page-turner that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.
While it may not be for everyone, fans of crime fiction will find much to enjoy in Wilkes’ skillful storytelling and intricate characterizations. It is a powerful novel that resonates long after the final page is turned.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended for: Fans of gritty and intense crime fiction with complex characters and nuanced storytelling.
