The Elite Kings Club left a trail of fear behind every person who whispered their names throughout the centuries that they’d existed. They were the product of every nightmare you were told as a child, only now, they don’t go bump in the night. They race modified cars, throw parties to conceal their morbid games, and leave behind the kind of chaos that can never be tamed.
They were from an ancient bloodline of the three Founding Fathers, and it was almost time for them to plunge deeper into the depths of hell. Now that they were all on their motherland, and even closer to an island with history as dark as it was ruthless, no one had a say in the carnage of what was to come. And in this case, with War and Halen. Until now, they were nothing but exactly as they appeared on the outside.
He was a brother’s best friend, and a boy Halen had never not known.
She was the daughter of one of the most feared families known to man, and the only girl who ever kindled his rage. They’d push and pull until it tore them apart…if only to feel the shell of their bodies close.
Halen knew crossing that line with him was dangerous ground, yet she yielded her weapon and did it anyway. But history was being challenged, and The Kings were about to learn that not all enemies are discovered on a battlefield.
this was so difficult to read let alone rate because I adore Amo’s other books but this just didn’t live up to the standard I’m used to it. The plot felt incredibly messy and the romance just wasn’t there in the way the original EKC couples were. I felt tension between the other characters and enjoyed the other characters more than I did the main two. It just felt very cold and disconnected. I’m incredibly suprised by the amount of 5* reviews because of how messy and disorganised this book was. I hate writing this because I truly do adore every other book Amo’s written but this just was not up to par and felt like it was written by someone else.
❀ 𝐖𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍 ❀ Is the first full length dark secret society romance book within the (Carpe Noctem) series by author Amo Jones. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.'
Are you ready for the next generation to take the reigns? Because these group of misfits are ready to create chaos!! It's dark, its fast paced, it's steamy, it'll have you screaming for more.
This is the first thing that caught my eye as soon as I opened the book!! This is a...'𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒊𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍' type of book.
If that doesn't get the blood pumping and geared up to dive into this crazy world I don't know what will!!
You can never predict the journey this author takes you on and that's what I enjoy the most about her books, they always keep you on your toes and guessing, the sneak peaks and little teasers thrown around had my anticipation levels skyrocketing and like a junkie seeking my next fix I couldn't wait to dive into this once it hit my kindle.
Side note:War Malum is Nate & Tille’s Son. Halen Hayes is Madison & Bishop’s daughter.
War & Halen had invented their own lovers dance when it came to their push and pull tendencies which had me in a chokehold, their very own love language carved in toxicity had me cursing and gravitating towards them lapping up everything they threw at me, loving the angst these two created, the fire and spice between them bled off the pages.
"If anyone steps into our town and inflicts harm, they answer to our Fathers, and soon… to us."
The Elite Kings Club are known all over the world. There is no one that doesn't fear them. No one that should not fear them. But now it is time for their children to take the reins. The parties, cars, and races come with carnage as well. So when it is time for Haven and War to fulfill their destiny… Will their past interfere? Will their push and pull finally be broken? But most importantly will the ghosts of the past come back to haunt them?
"He has made it his mission for as long as I can remember to make everything difficult for me."
Omg I cannot believe I am saying this but I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!!
"Love was nothing more than a mask used to forgive someone for all the wrongs they did. Love didn't exist. Obsession did."
Halen and War have always been pushing and pulling with each other. They are supposed to be the Kings soon. But will the past come back to haunt them? And will they be able to survive their ghosts? And each other?
"I know I've got him, because there are rules, and as ruthless as The Kings are, we follow are rules."
OK OK OK. Amo Jones people Amo MF Jones. I loved this book legit so much!! I will say check TWs because Amo Jones is the QUEEN of Dark Romance and just as an FYI but omg this book. Halen and War!! I mean come the fuck on! The tension just oozed off the page I am not even joking a mop WAS needed!! Loved it loved it loved it!!
"There was a carnal tug-of-war that always erupted anytime we were near one another, no matter how much we fought it. It was out of our control, so we both did the only thing we could. Stayed away."
First we have Halen Hayes. Daughter of the notorious Bishop Hayes. And she is a daddy's girl through and through but she is also one mother fucking badass. She will stake her claim in the family business and trust me no one will stand in her way. She won't let them. She also might need to remind them sometimes… I loved her character. I mean that twist in the end I was literally on the edge of my seat!! (As per all of Amo Jones' twists let's be fucking real). But OMG this book was worth it for her alone! I would read a full book with only Halen's comebacks I swear to you! The legit sound that was playing in my head was - "walk him like a dog sis walk him like a dog."
"If they want to see me as a problem, I'll be a fucking problem."
"Me? Bow? Now, you and I both know that's not going to happen."
And then we have War Malum. OMG. Amo Jones can write dark heroes. But each time I get punched in the gut by a new one and he takes up %99 of my brain capacity I swear to you and War is no different! As his name suggests he is violent and chaotic and don't we just love that! His relationship with Halen is confusing in the best way!! BTW he will not apologize so do not expect it but holy fucking shit people! I cannot express to you in words how much this man took up my entire thought process thank you very much!
"You know what happens when you run, Halen? I chase you."
As is probably know Amo Jones makes AMAZING playlists!! Not even joking even for fun go check it out!! These are the songs that I added just because I felt like it no real reason.
🎵 "Kings Never Die" - Eminem, Gwen Stefani 🎵 "Castle" - Halsey 🎵 "Ribcage" - Andy Black 🎵 "Love The Way You Hate Me" - Like A Storm 🎵 "Breathe" - Mako 🎵 "Shapeshifting" - Taylor Acorn 🎵 "Fake Fiction" - Picturesque 🎵 "Gasolina" - Daddy Yankee 🎵 "Speed Drive" - Charli XCX 🎵 "New Americana" - Halsey 🎵 "Obsession" - Beds and Beats 🎵 "Set Fire To The Rain (Adele Cover)" - SYCAMOUR 🎵 "Le Monde" - Richard Carter 🎵 "Closer" - Kings Of Leon 🎵 "High Enough" - K.Flay 🎵 "Problem" - Natalia Kills 🎵 "Gangsta - Harley Quinn & Joker Flashback Version" - Kehlani 🎵 "Bad Mother F*cker" - Machine Gun Kelly, Kid Rock 🎵 "salvation" - Christabelle Marbun 🎵 "Desperado" - Rihanna 🎵 "Queen of Kings" - Alessandra 🎵 "Kings & Queens" - Ava Max 🎵 "King For A Day" - Daisy Grenade, Kasey Karlsen, Deadlands 🎵 "I Sent My Therapist To Therapy" - Alec Banjamin 🎵 "People I Don't Like" - UPSAHL 🎵 "Cologne" - SM6 🎵 "Sarcasm" - Get Scared 🎵 "Desire" - MEG MYERS 🎵 "Hypnotic" - Zella Day 🎵 "Taste (Speed)" - Ari Abdul 🎵 "The Drug In Me Is Reimagined" - Falling In Reverse 🎵 "BRAT" - Chrissy Chlapecka 🎵 "Talk" - Retronaut, Salvatore Ganacci 🎵 "Pain" - Jake Daniels 🎵 "THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND" - Bad Omens 🎵 "And So It Went" - The Pretty Reckless, Tom Morello 🎵 "Trigger" - CHINCHILLA 🎵 "I'm Gonna Show You Crazy" - Bebe Rexha 🎵 "Barbie & Ken" - Scene Queen, Set It Off 🎵 "Can't Tame Her" - Twenty One Two 🎵 "My Name Is.." - Once Monsters 🎵 "Make Hate To Me" - Citizen Soldier 🎵 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token 🎵 "Shut Up And Drive" - Rihanna 🎵 "RUNRUNRUN - Sped Up Version" - Dutch Melrose 🎵 "Love into a Weapon" - Madelen Duke 🎵 "Hurt You" - The Weeknd, Gesaffelstein 🎵 "Don't Hurt Yourself" - Beyonce, Jack White 🎵 "Streets" - Doja Cat 🎵 "Woman" - Doja Cat 🎵 "Fighter" - Christian Reindl, Power-Hause, Dream Harlowe 🎵 "You're Not A God" - Jade LeMac 🎵 "do you really want to hurt me?" - Nessa Barrett 🎵 "Flames" - R3HAB, ZAYN, Jungleboi 🎵 "Bodies" - Drowning Pool 🎵 "Na Na" - Trey Songz 🎵 "A Grave Mistake" - Ice Nine Kills 🎵 "FINAL GIRL (too pretty to die)" - PI3RCE 🎵 "You Don't Know Me" - Elizabeth Gillies 🎵 "Psycho Crazy" - Halestorm 🎵 "JENNIFER'S BODY" - PLVTINUM, Chris Grey, Dutch Melrose 🎵 "GASOLINE" - Maneskin 🎵 "Done With Everything" - Line So Thin 🎵 "AVA (Sped Up)" - Natalie Jane 🎵 "When I'm Gone" - 3 Doors Down 🎵 "lovely liar" - Stevie Howie 🎵 "Better Than Revenge (Taylor's Version)" - Taylor Swift 🎵 "Play With Fire" - Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money 🎵 "Hush" - The Marias 🎵 "Partners In Crime" - Set It Off, Ash Costello 🎵 "Pink Rover" - Scene Queen 🎵 "Hayloft II (SMASHUP)" - Mother Mother 🎵 "ever fallen?" - Kate Peytavin 🎵 "Mansion" - NF, Fleurie 🎵 "No Role Modelz" - J. Cole 🎵 "Russian Roulette" - Rihanna 🎵 "This Is Love" - Air Traffic Controller 🎵 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims 🎵 "Haunted" - Laura Les 🎵 "My Last Breath" - Evanescence 🎵 "Haunting Me" - Loveless 🎵 "Imaginary" - Evanescence 🎵 "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" - Lorde 🎵 "Time of Dying" - Three Days Grace 🎵 "Right Thru Me" - Nicki Minaj
And when I said I couldn't stop thinking about War trust me I meant it 🖤🖤
"Little Halen Hayes… who knew you tasted so good."
"I want my name to leave your lips as I fuck you so everyone knows that you're, whose?"
"Then be my good little slut and show me."
👑 Tropes👑
💀 Brother's Best Friend 💀 Frenemies to Lovers 💀 Possessive/Obsessive Hero 💀 Dark Romance 💀 Forbidden Romance 💀 Push and Pull 💀 Secret Society 💀 Touch her and ☠️
This is such a hard review for me to do because I had such high hopes for this one. I absolutely loved everything I've read from Amo thus far, and I'm not sure what happened with this one. It was a struggle to finish, and I was left feeling disappointed and a little frustrated.
I spent the majority of this book completely confused. I thought maybe it was because I hadn't read the First Gen series, even though it was said that it wasn't necessary. The plot was very chaotic.. it bounced between timeframes without warning. It was all over the place, and I couldn't pinpoint the main plot point. I couldn't connect with any of the characters. It really just felt all over the place. I'm not sure reading the first generation series would help understand what was happening any better. Maybe just give a better understanding of all the seemingly random characters that popped in and out.
I really wanted to like War and Halen's characters. And there were a few times I saw the potential and got really excited, only for the plot to take another eradict turn and completely lose me again. I honestly feel like the other characters' personalities shined through more than these 2 main characters did.
This had so much potential, and I was really looking forward to this one. I wish the story was more focused on War and Halen and really dove into their characters and chemistry. And had settled on one plot point and not tried to have a bunch of plots trying to all steal the show. It made for a long and confusing reading process.
I'm struggling somewhere between a 2-3 ☆ rating, and that absolutely kills me.
The whole spiel about how dark this book is in the beginning is cringe, because it’s really not that dark. You spend the whole book not knowing what is going on. I guess that’s this author’s formula but it gets pretty annoying. The dialogue, their actions, the descriptions of how they don’t care, they’re so cool, etc is repetitive. I rolled my eyes so much throughout this book. The characters are written like the rich kids in high school who think they’re everything while everyone else think they’re obnoxious. I think I’m too old for this author. Sex scenes were weird because they’re supposedly 20 but they behave like children.
Ummm. I was literally so confused for about 80% of this book. Was the tension good at times? For sure!! But the plot? What was it? I felt like this was so messy and all over the place and although it did sorta start to make sense towards the end I just am not interested enough to continue..
I’m sad I didn’t love this as it’s my first Amo Jones book 😭 maybe I needed to read another series before this?? Because man this was so confusing.
Also the constant incest talk made me cringe. Didn’t like it.
💀Brothers best friend 💀Secret society 💀Forbidden 💀Obsessed Hero 💀Dark romance 💀Enemies to lovers 💀Possessive Hero 💀Friends to lovers 💀Touch her and d*e From the get-go, we are thrust into the heart of a powerful and ruthless secret society, where secrets, mystery, history, and family tradition intertwine.
From the very beginning, the secret society, answering only to itself, intrigued me and the world-building is steeped in a combination of mystery and tradition, which serves as a compelling backdrop to the unfolding romance between War and Halen.
War and Halen, emerge as more twisted, more privileged, and more unhinged than their parents, given that they are the next generation of The Elite Kings. The intensity of War and Halen's relationship is palpable, recklessness and knows no bounds. The tug of war between War and Halen is fierce and passionate.
While there are many twists and turns, I desired a greater shock factor, and for moments that had me gasping for breath.
My one regret about reading this book is I wished I read the preceding book series aka the parent's books. This would have made for a more enjoyable read. Nevertheless, I am anticipating Priest's book and he is not of the religious type. Priest sparked curiosity as he's seemingly emotionless and I am anticipating the woman who will make Priest, a seemingly unyielding man, fall to his knees.
Wrote a whole review and then my app closed (side eyes Goodreads)…
This book…pure adrenaline, and I’m going to keep this spoiler free.
1. Seeing the whole crew - Priest, Halen, War, River, Vaden and Stella - all grown was so amazing. I need the rest of these standalones now, because if this is how they are starting off, I cannot even imagine what depravity will occur. They certainly live up to the EKC reputation and MORE!
2. The parent cameos were perfect!! Fans will die whenever they pop up, but if you haven’t read them, don’t worry, it won’t alter the plot or understanding of WQ.
3. Read the TW list in front of the ARC, ebook, and paperback or if it is on her website. I have no idea where she is putting it BUT READ IT. When I say these characters are depraved, I mean it.
4. The plot…in true fashion, I’m trying to piece all these breadcrumbs together and surprises keep popping up. I love the new additions to this world, making the Carpe Noctem a whole new world with a new set of players.
5. The relationship of War and Halen is toxic with a capital T. I knew it would be, I was here for every moment. The son of Nate and daughter of Halen. Like, come on. The danced on the hate/love line, and I freaking lived for it. They have the “I’ll burn you and make it hurt, but if someone else hurts you all burn the whole world down with a smile” kind of love.
6. The steamy scenes…let’s just say these characters have their proclivities.
I can tell you I’m already dying for the next book!
I GIVE UP. Life in uni is too short to waste it reading the nonsensiest shit you ever had the misfortune to encounter. 16 year old me might have done it… i cannot. #imfree
The sneak peeks we've gotten so far have me pumped not just for this book but for this series as a whole! I'm so excited to watch these second generation girls knock everyone onto their butts and raise absolute chaos! 🤭
We are starting off with War who is just like his daddy Nate and Halen who has Priest as a brother and Bishop Hayes as a father? YES PLEASE! Talk about starting off with a bang! BRING IT ON! 👏🏻🔥
Tropes to look forward to: 💀 Brother's best friend 🥀Secret society 💀Forbidden 🥀Obsessed Hero 💀Dark romance 🥀Possessive Hero 💀Frenemies to Lovers 🥀Touch her and 💀
It feels so good to be back in the world of The Elite Kings Club. Oh how I have missed it.
The Next Generation…well…we were warned that they are worse then their parents. And they are. Darker. More entitled. More unhinged. More reckless. More lavish. More everything. Their depravity knows no bounds. Heed the warning and check the TW.
War and His Queen is a dark and twisted romance, birthed in a powerful & ruthless Secret Society - steeped in mystery, history & tradition. Answering only to themselves. Their story is all-consuming and pulls you in from the start and doesn’t stop. You will find yourself greedy for all of the words and every detail. Emotions run strong and you feel them all. Prepare yourself.
The time has come for the new generation - Priest, Halen, War, River, Vaden and Stella - to step into their own and take the reins. This is a new age for The Elite Kings Club. Times have changed. They have changed. How they grew up and were raised has changed. They know who their family is and the power they hold. The same power they have been playing around and having fun with for years. And though they have been training to be leaders their entire life, their parents couldn’t prepare them for everything. And part of the change is what’s expected of them. Can they handle who they need to become amongst all the Carnage they have created? In true Amo fashion, be prepared for lots of twists and turns. There’s plenty. Amo does a wonderful job building a very complex and unpredictable story. You will feel lost at times. You’re feeling what they are feeling. Their chaos is palpable.
Each of them has a very unique personality. And brings something different to The Kings and the storyline. You see the influence of the OG Kings and some of their parents personality traits in them. But up the ante, as they are each their own person, standing their own ground.
I loved learning about The Elite Kings Club initiation Ritual in more detail - 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙙 𝙍𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙖. It’s rich with tradition & history. And adds so much to their story. I also liked learning that they kept to tradition, and every new system that is added in has to be carried through to every generation (like the monthly family dinner parties). Amo does an excellent job at world building.
War and Halen’s relationship is toxic, messy and possessive. Full of angst and drama. It can be confusing because they’re confused about how they feel. Their push and pull is next level, neither wanting to relinquish control.
Their chemistry is off the charts. It’s visceral, raw and deliciously dirty. Their connection is undeniably strong. As much as they try to fight it and each other (and they do), they also fight FOR each other. Instinctually. Destined from birth. Soulmates to the Core. They each have their own secrets. Their own personal battles that they have to navigate through. Which unravels into a beautifully chaotic story. Fusing the past and the present.
Pay attention to all the little breadcrumbs given. Everything Amo writes has a purpose. Which will come out eventually. War and His Queen starts to pave the way for the rest of the Carpe Noctem Series, as well. War & Halen take center stage as it’s their love story. But there is a lot going on beyond that. And we start getting to know the other new Kings, too. They are not simply just side characters. They are integral parts of each other’s lives and stories. You will be craving more of them.
I LOVED all the cameos and seeing the previous generation as parents. Their families are extremely close and immersed in each other’s lives. Halen and Bishop have a very special bond. It’s strong and so sweet. I loved seeing that side of the notorious and ruthless Bishop Vincent Hayes.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙮’𝙨 𝘼𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝙈𝙚𝙖…”
Halen loves hard. You can also see that with the girls, Evie, her entire family. Including Preist. Especially Preist. They have a very unique dynamic. Her love for him is strong and unconditional. And regardless of how he may act and his demeanor, he loves her too.
You do not need to read The Elite Kings Club Series to read, understand and enjoy this book. But it will provide insight and background on their parents, the previous generations, and The history of The EKC.
This is by far one of the best books I have read in a very long time and instantly became a new favorite. I fell completely in love with this story and the next generation. All of them. I can’t wait to see what Amo has in store for us with the rest of their stories and this Series. Starting next with Preist and Luna Nox Rebellis. His Anarchist.
Obwohl ich schon einiges an Dark Romance gelesen habe schaffst es Amo Jones jedes Mal mich damit zu schocken, wie düster ihre Bücher wirklich sind. 😭 Es hat sich krass angefühlt wieder etwas zum EKC zu lesen und ich war total gefesselt - ein Twist nach dem anderen und zwischendurch kam ich gar nicht hinterher! Ich freue mich auf die nächsten Bände 🤭 4/5⭐️
4,5⭐️ I LOVED IT SO MUCH. This is one of my favourites books ever, i loved this world so much and when i heard that there were going to be more books in it i could´t wait to read it. Halen and War were so good together, even when they weren´t together. They were equally obssesed with each other. Befoure you read it, please check the triggers, it may not be for everyone. I can’t wait for Priest’s book
If you love your romance dark, twisted and on the other side of crazy...Amo Jones is an author you NEED to add to your list. This was a book club pick and wow! I would suggest reading the original Carpe Noctem books first just so you have a working idea of the world this series encompasses
Need to start by saying I am an original one of the first readers of the EKC… I remember finishing the silver swan and the hangover was so bad waiting for the next book. I have devoured everyone on the release along with midnight mayhem and lost sleep on my favourite characters… madship ruined me for any other books. Goes without saying I was eagerly anticipating this book.
What on earth have I just read! That was one of the most confusing, disjointed, messy and ridiculously unrealistic books I have ever read. I honestly don’t know what’s just happened!
*spoliers* Let me start with the constant random blacking out moments that had no substance or point to them. Towards the end it was like the author forgot herself what happened and was just throwing anything in the mix… I mean random Babies literally just popping in the house and causing baby daddy drama for no reason. The whole rape situation has now been way overdone amongst the midnight mayhem and EKC world… all the way through I was thinking finally a book with no drama, Halen is rightfully a queen just for being bad ass no extra drama and then right at the end get hit with that bomb actually made me quite sad that it’s come up again. I mean our original EKC wouldn’t ever let that happen. It’s like the author has forgotten her original characters!
The whole driving cars from ten thing again just so stupid and unrealistic. I never got that vibe with EKC original, yes they was so extra and and filthy rich but it was believable along with all they went through… yes it was way out there but there was an element of belief. This was just so unrealistic it became silly. I had to plough through the nonsense to carry on with the story as otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to finish. It already took way longer than any other amo book.
War and Halen had absoloutely no chemistry there was hardly any scenes where they just connected. I felt she had more chemistry with Bas. Obviously I love angsty tension but they didn’t even have that going on it was just hate then all of a sudden love and nothing in between. There is way more actual angst and romance in the originals. Just did not hit the mark at all.
Also really confused about some of the scenes that happened like when priest is randomly holding the dead body and possibly doing other things at the party with it. Why is that necessary to put in the book. There’s dark and then there’s that it’s just way too extra. Quite a lot this happened it’s like the Author is wanting to put in shock value but because there’s no flow to it and back story it just is extremely strange. The release was delayed so maybe this had something to do with why it was so thrown together towards the end.
I will obviously read anything else amo puts out in this world Or Mayhem, interested to see how Priest and Vadens stories pan out so will continue to read the series but just hope the next book is more pulled together and lose ends get tied up, just more substance to the story and not random confusing messes just thrown in. Less unrealistic drama, pointless gore shock value and focus on clothes and cars and more actual story please. I had high hopes for the offspring of the EKC that sadly fell flat, I’ll stick with my originals for now thanks.
4 stars ig? i lost a few brain cells while reading this and thats why idk how to rate it tbh. this book was FUCKED UP fr.
the beginning was AMAZING seeing all the kids together and how they brought up their parents history made me scream bc i was so excited to continue but somehow it just wasn’t elite kingsing. taking drugs, smoking and drinking while you’re 14 just doesn’t seem real to me. they acted like they were 24 and not 14 and i just couldn’t understand that bc their parents are perfect and you cant tell me that they didn’t know about that 😭 bc i defo know that they would not allow it.
bishop and nate carried this book and poor brantley just wasn’t…THERE. i dont know what happened to him but it was just bishop and nate. maybe its because war and halen are their kids but still…i’ve missed them so much and thats why i giggled and kicked my feet when they appeared. the moms scenes ate as well but just like w the guys saint was missing 😆 i mean she appeared bla bla but she didnt really say anything-
anyways enough about them. war and halen didn’t really have a romantic relationship like where was the romance? this was like a dark thriller with some sex scenes😭 i don’t know how people who have never read ekc and midnight mayhem can read and understand this book bc there was just too much explaining. i mean amo definitely explained everything i gotta give her that but it was too much to understand. sometimes i even had the feeling that it was just too much of everything. i lost track of what’s happening bc i suddenly didn’t know where they were or how they got there bc it just..happened. these moments were the cause of my brain cell loss. but ofc nothing can top the plots. yes plural bc there were several plots. they just didn’t make sense to me and at some point i just stopped trying to understand them. i literally felt like patrick from spongebob and that says enough. even hamlet was easier to understand atp because i don’t know how all of that STARTED😭. ekc‘s plot twists were amazing in my eyes. i was able to connect the dots and i loved that but that wasn’t the case here. they just came out of nowhere. i don’t even know who all of these people are😭 i only remembered evelyn who is such an amazing person. some might say she is like tate but she definitely isn’t. she is an angel in my eyes bc she is always there for halen and not in the annoying way. its like she immediately KNEW what halen needed and thats what made this friendship so wonderful to me.
i always thought that war would be like nate but unfortunately he is not. nate always made me laugh whereas war didn’t. there weren’t many funny moments in this book and unfortunately the bromance was non existent. brantley bishop and nate were the BEST they were funny af and they were always there for each other but the new generation is the complete opposite. “kids aren’t their parents“ bla fucking bla i know but still. i mean i know that they would die for each other but i just couldn’t feel the connection.
another thing that i would like to mention are the relationships between the siblings. why the fuck did it hurt me that none of them are close like i expected them to be?😀 i always thought that the brothers would love and protect their sisters but the only one who did that was vaden (i love you). he protects stella AND river which reminded me of brantley and tillie btw whereas war only took care of halen and priest took care of no one. i mean yes he is…priest and he is just different somehow but still.
maybe my issue is that im comparing this to ekc when it clearly isn’t ekc but i just cant help it. i know that the following books will be better bc the first book is always a little complicated and different.
what i also liked was the fact that they’re not a copy paste version from their parents and that every single one had a different and unique personality.
long story short i liked the storyline and i loved the group dynamic bc the tension was just >>
Carpe Noctem is my most anticipated series of 2024 and Amo Jones is taking us straight to the deep end of EKC world with War and His Queen. The next generation of the Kings are even more ruthless, more deranged and more twisted. I didn't think it would be possible but well, War and Halen's story is pushing the limits to obliterate any previous standard of darkness in dark romance.
Read the trigger warnings. Very carefully. Don't hesitate to search for them. Because this book is straight up f*cked up. You don't necessarily need to read the original EKC series but why skip the legend in dark romance? Halen is daughter of Bishop and Madison Hayes and the apple definitely didn't fall far from the tree. I am truly terrified of Priest though. That boy is devil itself. He stole the limelight in his sister's book so just imagine when his own book will come, what kind of anarchy he will unleash. Halen is not far behind though. The boys may think the girls have lived a relatively sheltered life but as time comes for the ritual of initiation as the next Kings of their super powerful secret society, they realise that they may have been wrong. Halen and the girls have seen the darkness and they have the same darkness in their hearts too. Halen is a bada&&. She went through hell for saving her family and suffered in silence for years. The pain didn't make her weak, it made her fierce and twisted and ruthless.
I kind of feel sad for War a bit. The son of Nate and Tillie kept his obsession for Halen under control because family comes first and he cannot show weakness but man..Halen just came out with all guns blazing. This is not a roses and sunshine kind of love story obviously. They don't know how to love simply. They hurt each other. They play with each other's hearts mercilessly. So many times I wonder if it is love at all. But for them, this is perfect.
This is a world of debauchery, violence, filthy desires, power plays and mind games. The EKC has to take down enemies constantly and they don't show mercy. Loyalty is the most valuable thing to them. The next Gen has to keep up with their family's reputation as all powerful entity. Amo Jones has a distinct messy writing style that is definitely for everyone. You will get messed up. You will get lost. The puzzle pieces will drive you crazy. You will question your sanity and morality. But for those who can push through it, the experience is such a high. My wait for Priest's book starts as I feel he and Luna will make this book look like a child's play.
I keep wanting authors to make second generation series but then always regret reading them. They never do them any justice and if anything ruin the parents perspectives for me.
I was told this book was going to be toxic, like extremely toxic with so much back n forth and bigger than Nate’s and bishops toxicity. Nope, war and halen barely reached 15%. Their personalities kept changing, I couldn’t keep up. Priest and Halen disappointed me BIG TIME. I want some twin time to see how they feel about one another and actually see it. Not read it, priest needs to be humbled. He’s not even as dark as people tried to make him out to be, if anything I think Vaden can take that title.
““Jesus. You’re right. They are worse.” I hear dad shuffle back in his chair.”
They really aren’t Nate.
Also what’s up with Evie and Priest?? Halen mentions they were friends till she thought they were sleeping together and they stopped being friends after that outburst. Care to explain why? So many things were untouched!! It makes me mad because I’ve been waiting to read this book since she said she’ll publish them.
The only thing I genuinely liked was the parents - even though they could have actually been more of a parent than friends to their children. And I’m not shaming anyone nor them for being close to their children but there’s a line when to parents and when to be their friend. The parents were just their friends.
I’m a born hater so my reviews usually focuses on things I didnt like rather the things i actually did.
“Bonded from birth, our souls were forged together by a fuc*ing firestorm of chaos, one that will burn eternally, and turn everything in its path to ash.”
I’m so emotional writing this review! First because to have received an ARC for this I can’t even put into words what that means to me! But second because this book has me in my feels hard and took me for a ride. Going in to a next gen book you never know what to expect will it be exactly like the first generation, will it completely miss the mark? Well let me just say the world that Amo created within an already written world was truly amazing! It was so set apart from the first gen ECK it truly belonged to and was created by the kids. But the cameos and guidance from the first gen throughout were so perfectly integrated into the story! It was just enough and it made my heart swell and remember each reason I loved all of the OG kings and queens! War and Halen gave the best angst through the whole story. Halen did not come to play when it came to anyone else even breathing the wrong way towards War and War was the same way with her! But the hurt that they inflicted on each other was lethal! But in the end their love showed it could withstand anything I mean ANYTHING!! I won’t lie I spent the better half of the book trying to put the puzzle pieces together but would it be an Amo book if I wasn’t doing that? I love that she made my mind just spin as to what was happening. In true mind fu*k fashion that only our queen can give us I pieced none of it together and was left stunned when all the pieces fell in place ! The ending left me in my feels hard. These kids are not for the weak and are a totally different breed of dark and unhinged and I fell in love with each one of them. We also got just enough breadcrumbs to set up for the next books in the series and I couldn’t be more ready for what’s to come!
the fact that i finished this book just now should be a damn crime. i have so many questions and so little answers and just as Amo did with the EKC series, i just know i’m in for one hell of a mindfuck with this 2nd gen series.
every character we’ve been introduced to within War and Halen’s book had so many different traits yet similarities shared within each one that it’s crazy to me. from the world building, to the wide range of emotions felt when reading each page…everything was just perfect. oh, and add on the smut…top tier (as always, would expect nothing less from Amo)
Halen and War were meant for one another in their own twisted ways and i couldn’t ask for anything better. the end where we see War’s feelings and emotions bubble up to the point of them spilling because of what happened to Halen literally shattered my heart 😭
i’m so so excited for both Priest, Vaden, and Stella’s stories because i just know that they have so much more to tell about both them and their world.
i’m soo glad to finally be diving back into the EKC world, especially through the eyes of their children. ugh. i need Priest and Vaden’s books now or else i fear i just might die 🥹
In true Amo Jones fashion, this book was toxic, twisted, entertaining as hell, and definitely not for those of you who have triggers. The tension and banter between War and Halen was off the charts! If you enjoyed the EKC, just buckle up buttercup! The parents have NOTHING on this new generation. I really enjoyed reading WaHQ and can't wait for the next book in the series!
I have not read the original series so maybe that is the reason I didn't rate this 5 stars. Let me explain, while the story is marketed as a standalone, I do think I should have read the original series. If you are looking for good writing,you have come to the right place though. I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious back and forth between War and Halen. They were toxic as heck but that is why I was here. The angst is there and I loved all the twists and turns. I wasn't sold on the romance until the very end though so, this dampened my overall excitement during reading. I am so excited for the next book though!
Nobody and I mean nobody loves Evelyn Paige more than I do like I got Bishop tied fr we can go toe to toe over his pseudo daughter that’s my baby girl. And next comes Luna. I raised that girl everyone know this.
This plot…all over the place I’ll def be rereading at least my highlights but like what was even going on. I’ve read every book in this universe besides the standalone like sicko and still I was like “?”
war and halen the ship are just not gagworthy and I hate to say it because I’m usually a first book in a series truther yeno no matter how terribly written but even this couldn’t reel me in besides priestluna and vaden, stella…and even Eloise princess bear….pleek bring her back too even if Juliette ends up with Vaden. I think it might be because I don’t really like War. #noahfence but at least we got him out the way and not we can get down to business
DNF at 19% - none of this book makes any sort of sense. it’s boring, confusing, and honestly not well written on top of all that. there are a ridiculous number of characters- we don’t really get a clear explanation who any of them are either they’re just introduced. the author spent like 2 whole pages talking about specific cars, like that was important?, had no idea what she was describing. I cannot put any more time into this, which sucks because the teasers for the book made it sound like it was going to be good.