The Face of the Wicked

by J.K. Jones

Yuli knows a predator when he sees one.

A wide smile, pink lips pulled over rabid teeth.
Ren Hirokazu. A trained assassin who answers to no one.
His stare cripples him. His rough voice unravels him.
Yuli craves exactly what he shouldn’t.
Not a human. An Android.
A criminal. A murderer. A monster.
The sweetest sin.
Then a mysterious discovery forces Yuli to defect from the Yakuza.
Hunted. Branded as a traitor there’s nowhere left to hide.
Yuli must take the devil’s hand. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
And Yuli is about to be consumed.

Warnings: Cyberpunk MM romance, dark MM romance that deals with mature themes of torture with a HEA please be advised.

Genres: M M Romance, Science Fiction, Dark, Enemies To Lovers

ebook

First published December 30, 2021

About the author

I am a passionate storyteller, with a love for literature that runs deep in my veins. I enjoy weaving elements of the artistic and unconventional into my tales, which I tell both during the day and at night. My ideal Sunday is spent indulging in a steaming cup of coffee and immersing myself in the pages of the book I am currently captivated by. My all-time favorite movie is American Beauty, and I consider it a classic. My fondest memories are of the fort I built in my basement, which unfortunately had to be dismantled at the request of my mother. My favorite food is Cheetos Puffs, and while I understand the appeal of crunchy Cheetos, I prefer the texture of the puffs. I do not subscribe to the belief in a "Happily Ever After" ending, but I am open to the possibility if circumstances permit.

Reviews

[Florence . · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 “I’d do anything for you” stars

”You’re the only one who sees me and cares. The only one. I’ll never let you go.”

This book was so much fun to read, I really enjoyed the time I spent reading it.

Brief summary
In Japan in 2074, Yuli is in the Yakuza and he’s sent to track down someone but a rival from another camp, a mix of a human and an android (Ren), gets to his target before him. Yuli and Ren get to know each other and they fall in love.

First, I really enjoyed the relationship between the main characters. I loved how they had every reason to hate each other and how their relationship started as enemies to lovers. I do enjoy a good enemies to lovers and that part of the book and how they went from enemies to friends to lovers really worked for me. The transition was really smooth and worked really well. And once they became friends and then lovers, they had a really good banter that was lovely to read. I really enjoyed how the relationship was done in this book, it really worked for me.

Second, I really enjoyed the cyberpunk vibes of this book. The world was really nicely crafted and fun to read. I really liked all of the different species in the world and how the cyberpunk aspects were developed, they were a lot of fun to read.

Third, I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a ton of fun and I had a good time reading it. But I felt like the book could have benefited from being longer than it was. To me, some of the time I spent reading this book felt like I was randomly teleported into the middle of a country in which I don’t speak the language. I felt like some elements of the book weren’t explained enough and I was a little confused as to what was happening. Things do get explained a little as the book go on but I was still confused about a couple of elements in the book. I just would have appreciate some more details and explanations about what was happening because I was quite confused while reading some parts of the book.

Side note, I just want to mention how nice the author’s writting is, I really liked it.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Drusilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice trigger warnings: This book contains harsh language, scenes of violence, sexuality, sensuality, human trafficking, rape, and other mature subject matter. Extreme warnings: Cyberpunk, vivid imagery, hallucinations, graphic rape, torture, sexual assault.
Well, because of these triggers, I thought this might be quite good. And it is, but only in parts. The narration is a bit odd, but that's ok. What I don't like are the gaps in the plot. I hate it when parts are missing to get the whole experience. Meaning, when I finished the book, I still have questions and there doesn't seem to be a sequel. 🤬
Apart from that, we are presented with a rather interesting dystopian world, which, however, is not described in detail. 😠
You get to know the world and the relevant characters only in fragments, and the relationship between Ren and Yuli is fractured by violence and lost memories.
This could have been exceptionally good, because the book is truly well written. Unfortunately, the question marks predominate for me and make it a less than good read. 😥

[Bob Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...such an amazing story. The author, J.K. Jones, skillfully looks at and takes apart human behavior revealing the good and the bad, the light and the dark which each of us is capable of choosing and living. In the end it comes down to choices. The story presents a world without hope which is ruled by behavior each of us sees all around us, and many of us have personally engaged in. But, just as one of the characters notes in a particular scene, we should not be deceived by what we think we see.

Ms. Jones has an enormous palette of quality words with which she vividly paints pictures that are easily seen in our mind's eye. Even I, a jaded misanthrope, was tearful as I read through heart wrenching scenes. I know I have come across a great book when it elicits involuntary tears from me. I read somewhere that the author does not believe in HEA (happily ever after) endings. I have not read other work by Ms. Jones, which I shall soon correct, but, at least for this novel I disagree. I am unsure whether anyone truly has a happily ever because all anyone can experience is a happy for now. That is how this book, with a grand number of twists and turns truly ends. Kudos to the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marishka Grayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read—fast paced which I like. The author brilliantly captures the atmosphere of a beautiful, but artificial futuristic Japan. It's a lyrical blend of cyberpunk, Samurai sword culture and Yakuza crime drama with a sprinkle of romance. There isn't much dialog to fill in the emotional gaps as told from the third person, only bits and pieces to give the reader a sense that there's a deeper connection between the two main characters Ren and Yuli. Their opponent, the Jade Serpent, is a bit of a caricature, but I think that's part of the charm of the story—it's an homage to the obsessive and power hungry maniac who torments for pleasure. Fighting him are two lost souls. At first apart and later together, they begin to understand the depths of their loss and the depravity of their existence. All because of their arch-enemy, the Jade Serpent. Ren and Yuli are like honed blades, now they must turn their blades against their ruthless enemy to rediscover their humanity.

[S.K. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this wasn't the book for me. I felt that it showed a lot of promise and loved the story idea. However, the execution just didn't work for me. I felt like I was reading (bad) fanfiction. There were leaps in the story that made little to no sense, the character development was non-existent and there was little to no world-building.

I don’t want to tear this down, so will leave it as a 1.5/5 from me, rounded up to 2.

I received an ARC from Booksprout.

[MM Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything like The Face Of The Wicked before with its unapologetic and delicious darkness. I love the creative mind of JK Jones.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Windon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um

I'm not exactly sure what I just read it was very something....or maybe I just had some weird acid trip that's what my brain feels like after finishing this.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn with this one

This was such an intense read
It needed a bit more background(?) during certain scenes
The universe the author created was unique and I was curious, filled with questions.
I would have liked more detail
Both the above are 'me' issues 😂

Loss of stars is due to the editing issues
The fact I read this in one sitting despite the many editing issues says it all about the story and characters

*note at 40%
"I started with an ARC then switched to KU hoping the errors (ie..defecated instead of defected) had been corrected. Sadly 😥 no The story so far is hellaciously solid but hard to read with all grammatical errors. 😕"

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t give up on this book. What a story
I’m gonna be very honest and say I nearly stopped reading this book I found it very intense very confusing and very dark( Although I do really like dark reads ) I don’t know what it was it just kept going over my head I keep having to re-read some pages. And then the story really took off for me and I couldn’t put it down. I was so intrigued with how everything came about and who was who. Give this book a chance because although it is extremely intense at times it does turn into one hell of a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn Tucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

A trained assassin of the Yakuza, Yuli, meets a half human/half android, Ren, that is his best friend that he doesn't remember. Set in a future Japan, Yuli and Ren appear to be enemies until Yuli finally remembers what they mean to each other. They work together to try to take down the Yakuza organization. Not one of JK Jones' best books in my opinion, but that's probably because there are other books they've written that I absolutely love and would rate higher than 5 stars if I could! I just didn't feel the draw to these characters as I have to others in some of the other books. ** I received an advance copy of the book for the purpose of writing a review **

[WY_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Face of the Wicked is a fast-paced story set in a fascinatingly dark world. Yuli is trapped in the employ of the Yakuza, held in check by his body's need for the powerful drug they dispense. A despised android hybrid not only jeopardizes Yuli's fragile place in the organization, he calls into question whether what Yuli believes is, in fact, real. The world-building is good, and the story unspools in tantalizing fashion, leaving the reader questioning until the end. A perfect read for fans of Blade Runner, A Scanner Darkly, and All You Need is Kill.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

2.25 stars

There are good parts and bad to this book. Let’s start with the good: Yuli and Ren. Yuli is a world weary and jaded addict who has nothing to live for. His brother is dead, his body is a tool used against him as often as it’s used to kill others, and his spirit is broken. But when Ren smiles and offers him a chance, Yuli has to take it. If he doesn’t, it means going ‘home,’ going back to the Jade Serpent and the complete and utter loss of self that follows.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think a version of Blade Runner blended with a Mafia story and a protector/protectee relationship story and you will have an idea of the type of story this is. What you have to read it to experience, however, is the great world building talent of this author and the way these characters leap off the page in all their darkness and complexity. These are "good" "men" in the traditional sense, but you'll find you care about them and what the find with each other.

[LifeReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very different style of book and writing that I am used to. The basis of the story was great but I found the story moved around too much as was a bit too fast and choppy at points. I also struggled to feel the connection between Ren and Yuli and I think that’s because I need more interaction and a build up.

I do enjoy JK Jones books normally but this one didn’t do it for me but I know others will enjoy it. Just personal taste and preference.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was interesting and I enjoyed the way it blended the typical crime syndicate with a future with new tech. The story was relatively short and so was a quick read - although short it didn’t feel overly rushed with loose ends tied up throughout.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diann Gondolfi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best advice is read the TW and know that it’s a NSFW audio and you may want to be aware of who is around you.
I was distracted a lot by the names and found myself saying them out loud just because they were fun to say. Aim just getting into audio books while driving so this could play a part in my 3 stars.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They will meet but one is an assassin and life will change for them both. They will soon be on the run from his bosses. Life will bring them closer and closer but can they stay one step ahead of his bosses? How will it all go? Will they finally have a place of their own? See if they will

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story drew me in right from the start. It’s dark and gritty and painful sometimes but well presented. Yuli and Ren are complex, their lives are not their own since childhood but they have this connection that binds them. I love dark romance and this a good one!

[Batwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing fast read. It does start off a bit confusing but eventually you find out everything. Once you do, you will feel so emotional for the characters. Yuli and Ren have such an emotional story. Still very much recommend reading this book.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read, fascinating characters and a very engaging storyline. I had no problem reading it all in one go.

* voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/24/2022)! 🎁

[Tiffany Tremayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

too confusing

I was lost trying to read this book. I feel like I was dropped into the middle of a series, yet it’s a standalone.

[Kailynn Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice job

A nice story even if I did not understand some times good job of them would not. As long a few people think it would have happened and it wouldn't work on it

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

We need more cyberpunk in our lives, but also seems like this could have gone through another round of editing. Could have been cleaner in so many ways.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Tashyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible tale the author told us. Human behavior is examined by author J.K. Jones in a way that reveals both good and bad, light and dark, that each of us is able to choose and live. It all comes down to making a decision. A world without hope is shown in the novel; it's dominated by behaviors that we see all around us and that many of us have even engaged in ourselves. As one character points out in a certain scenario, we should not be mislead by what we perceive to be there. Unabashed and deliciously dark, this novel is unlike anything I've ever read. JK Jones has such a unique and imaginative way of coming up with new ideas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.