Teo Eaton
The plot was non-existent because it was Henry's mindset and philosophy pasted trough the book and in Dorian's mind.
I personally have never met a character with a bigger lack of personality than Dorian. He does not have his own thoughts, his own ideas, his own opinions or anything like this. He is just Henry's mentality copy pasted into another person. Which is not very pleasant since Dorian is supposed to be the main character. It felt annoying and irritating because I felt the need to know more about Dorian apart from what Henry put into him. None of that has been seen.
Message-wise, it was deep and what you'd expect from a classic so beloved by generations of people. Youth and beauty mean nothing in the long run. They may be perks, but they're not advantages. They help you for one, two maybe three years, but overtime they fade. They fade and all you will have left is your inner beauty (which a lot of people nowadays are missing). The book was just another reminder that what you truly need to focus on is making your soul bloom, not your looks. As for Dorian Gray's fate, it highlights the fact that you need to know when it's the time for redemption (which, as you may or may not know, is always an option) and when you should back down from your “youthful” blindness and realize that there's more to life than proving people what you can do with your youth, fame, or beauty. Recognizing your mistakes is the first step towards accepting them and learning from them. And I feel like a lot of people are missing this point. In my opinion, people who are able to recognize and own up their mistakes are some of the strongest people and they're worth admiring.
This book felt like the most bittersweet ending, but also like the biggest slap in the face.
Please give Liwei the ending he deserves, neither Wenzhi nor Xingyin wouldn't be where they are without Liwei. What did he get back? NOTHING.
Although I have never been more disappointed with a protagonist's choice of love interest, this book was the PERFECT goodbye to the Celestial Kingdom and its people. Chang'e and Houyi deserved their ending and I am so glad they're reunited forever.
As for Wenzhi and Xingyin, I cannot say I am happy for them because poor Liwei sacrificed his own happiness only to see Xingyin happy. And I feel like this is the most mature and admirable thing someone could do. Giving up your own wishes for the sake of making your loved one happy (even if she didn't really deserve it imo, Xingyin irritated me so bad).
Vincent DuBois, ladies and gentlemen. Vincent. DuBois! All I have to say.
Opinions on Characters
My babies, genuinely. I loved Vincent and Brooklyn's dynamics from their banter to the closeness they had and how they were always there for each other. Vincent is such a sweetheart and he is definitely in Ana's most unproblematic men top. Vincent, at this point forget Blackcastle Baddies and join Ana Huang's goodies (aka the most unproblematic men in the Anaverse, group named by me; the other members of this group are Mr. Larsen and... breathes in, breathes out... Kai Young my beloved). He literally did nothing wrong but supporting Brookyln and encouraging her dream!
As for Brookyln, she was so relatable and I felt so sorry for her because she worked so hard and also cared too much for people who didn't deserve it (iykyk) but I am so glad she managed to get her life together and find a purpose. She is one of the most enjoyable Ana Huang women (I am...not particularly a big fan of certain women in her books - yes, I am looking at you Isabella and Alessandra).
Also, a MASSIVE shotout to Adil and Noah who carry every single book in this series. I am so sad Adil won't get his book :((
Opinions on Plot
It had me sold from the first chapter. I loved how their love story blended in with the intruder mystery, Vincent's thoughts about his birth mother and Brookyln's family issues. It didn't feel like it was too much and god! I am glad the book didn't have a third act break up. I would have personally cried. It wasn't needed and I am glad Ana didn't add one! I also loved how the whole football team is so close and acting like a family to each other. Truly heartwarming!
The length of the book wasn't too much and not too little either. A solid 5 stars, unlike The Striker, who was initially supposed to have 4 stars, but I added +1 because both my forever favorites (Josh and Kai) appeared in that book!!
I am sooooo excited about Noah's book. I have a strong feeling he will be my favorite. Also, how am I supposed to even wait until October?!
Quotes I enjoyed
“It wasn't even about the lack of romance in my life; it was about being someone's priority. Having an anchor. Knowing there was a person out there”
“Je serais toujours là pour toi, mon coeur. Quoiqu'il arrive.”
“Tu es plus que mon coeur. Tu es mon tout.”
side note: i absolutely DIED when I translated it!
“I realized that the most dangerous person in my world wasn't the intruder or my birth mom or any rival footballer. It was Brooklyn, because she was the only person alive with the power to unravel me.”
I was convinced I will not give this book more than 1.5 stars. That, until I reached the last 10% of the book. I was also convinced I wouldn't read the second book, but I will so read it!
Although I was not a big fan of the very vivid descriptions of medicine-themed things, I tried to focus more on the plot. It was sooo boring until a certain point and to be fair, I nearly DNF-ed it. It reminded me why I rarely DNF books because you never know what one could find.
Hazel's ambition was honestly so inspiring although my choice of field is very different than hers. It's very wholesome to read about people who believe in their dream so much they defy any opinions and society expectations. She definitely is a very strong character.
As for Jack, although he annoyed me at the beginning, he is the main reason I ended up not DNF-ing the book. WHAT WAS THAT EPILOGUE, MR. CURRER?! The only reason I am willing to read the second book is finding out what the hell was that.
Overall, ignoring the rich descriptions relating medicine, bodies, injuries and illnesses (yes, yes I am aware that's the whole point, but I still found it disturbing), the book is enjoyable (-ish), easy to follow, and it also builds enough tension for the following book even though this one is far from being one I would often think about or that I would often recommend to other people.
First of all, it wouldn't be me if I didn't dedicate this first sentence to the best characters that make an appearance in this book: Josh Chen and Kai Young. I initially intended to rate this book 4 stars, but seeing my both of my forever favorites in one book earned that last star!
Now, speaking strictly about The Striker, I'd like to say that I don't normally read sport romance since I am not a big fan of it so even though Ana is my favorite author, I was rather skeptical about it. I'm happy to say it was better than I ever imagined it would be. I hated Asher when he first appeared in Twisted Hate which was another reason why I was so skeptical about it, but it looks like his book did him A LOT of justice. He's just a softie behind that “notorious womanizer” (to quote Josh in Twisted Hate) appearance. About Scarlett, all I have to say is all. my. respect. She's not just a character, she's a life lesson which shows you that even when you thought your dream was taken away from you, if you want it and if you're passionate enough, you will achieve it. I love how the two of them worked things out and how the dynamics between them unfolded so nicely!!
Both Asher and Scarlett are reminders that you shouldn't let your past consume your present and you are not to punish yourself for what had happened. I learnt that you need to continue to live your life and, as the dedication of the book says, love “every version of yourself, even those you want to leave behind”.
I am so so happy to start 2026 with a five-star book! It's the second year in a row I have started my year with one and I'd love to keep a streak out of it!
P.S. I nearly ran out of Ana Huang books to read and I'm so depressed because I only have left to read The Defender + the If Love series. (Im)patiently waiting for King of Gluttony and The Keeper to release!!
I-
You're telling me they haven't spoken face to face for more than half of the book and...they fall in love the second after? It felt very rushed. I was hoping for more, but however this was a nice, quick and cosy read!!
I liked the vision and the plot, but the execution wasn't exactly what I was hoping.
I have no words to express how personal this book felt. I have never in my life felt slapped in the face by a book until now.
Kai may be the most underrated Ana Huang character. He's so well-built and so thoughtful and extremely different from the others. I so hope to see more of him in the series!!
Coming back to the point, this book is more than romance. It's all about feelings, struggles, internal and external battles, overcoming your comfort zone and having faith in yourself.
It's a very personal thing, but King of Pride taught me that you shouldn't let your pride blind you and that asking for help is normal. Kai learnt that the hard way. And I felt that. I rarely ask for help. And I never thought a book will slap me in the face for this. I felt every word coming from Kai as if they're mine. I felt like I am reading my own brain and I have never read a book that felt like this before.
I relate so much to him. We both enjoy living in our comfort zone and get triggered whenever something new and unfamiliar appears. I felt Kai's need for being in control of his life even when it leads you in unexpected directions. Being quiet means being observant. And being called boring is sometimes a compliment. This is how I feel. Kai is not boring, but is one of the best characters Ana ever wrote. All my respect and admiration goes to him.
I will not easily get over this book, it has a special place in my heart. But I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
“I want my greed to be for your love, your laughter, and our life together.”
I have a soft spot for second chance romances and this one didn't disappoint (well, at least not bad). It did feel rushed and repetitive, but I can get past that!
What I can't get over is the fact that Vivian is the only person who didn't break the man's heart until now. I do get Alessandra's reasoning for ditching Dom, but I don't get her ignorance after seeing him getting out of his comfort zone and trying so hard to win her back.
I didn't expect to like Dom, but he really is such a nice character!! My heart broke when reading about his struggles and thoughts and seeing him get over his greed and ambition. Evolution 10/10!!
However, I wish this book was longer. I felt the need for more and something was clearly missing.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series and other glimpses of Dom and Ale.
edit after re-read:
i re-read King of Greed for a prompt in a discord reading server. To be specific, “read a book with a character that has your zodiac sign”. Alessandra is not really my favorite Ana Huang character (I don't like her quite at all, with small exceptions). But as I read it the second time, I tried finding similarities between me and her, which...to my surprise I did! I haven't quite paid attention to this fact when I read it the first time.
My thoughts on the book overall are pretty much still the same. I may in fact like it even more now!