Thank you to Kennedy Ryan, Bloom Books, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy of the traditional release of The Kingmaker, the first story in the All the King’s Men duology.
I am so excited more readers will find The Kingmaker thanks to the lovely people at Bloom Books. I jumped at a chance to re-read a book that is equal parts an important story of Indigenous and climate activism and breathtaking romance. Simply this book is powerful.
This story highlights the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the fear of going missing and the threat of violence is a reality affecting Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals across the United States and Canada. Do not let this book be your only source of knowledge on the topic I urge you to learn more (if you are in Canada consult the Final Report from the Commission on MMIWG).
In a world of haves and have-nots, Maxim Cade’s family and their oil empire have it all… and he wants nothing to do with it. At odds with his mogul father, he’s determined to build his own empire, even if it means traveling far from home, painted as the black sheep.
Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of Maxim’s rules. At a protest for the oil pipeline that threatens to mar her ancestral land forever, they meet in a flurry of stars and sparks, and that one moment changes everything. But Maxim’s family is the one stealing from hers, and his father is the man she hates most. He has to lie in order to have her once, and despite the truth, he’ll do anything to keep her.
Even though Lennix tries to hate Maxim, too, their hearts are pointed in the same direction. The inexorable pull between them, across miles and years, will not be denied.
And neither will Maxim.
From beloved, RITA-award-winning author Kennedy Ryan comes the first in her gripping All the King’s Men duology.
Check out my more detailed thoughts below…
- Characters: This story is incredibly powerful and so are its characters. When we meet Lennix she is a young Indigenous girl, a member of the Yavapai-Apache nation straddling the worlds of Indigenous activism and being an older teen getting ready for college. Her character is inspirational throughout the book for a multitude of reasons. For her indigenous activism, spurred on by her mother’s disappearance Lennix was on the front line of protests from the age of seventeen. I also admire the care she holds for herself, something as simple as the way she treated her virginity was very profound. Of course, you cannot help but admire the hustle of the adult Lennix you come to know, the political activist and campaign organizer. A powerful heroine needs a hero to match and Lennix finds a lover and a rival in Maxim Cade. When you meet Maxim, he decides to forsake his father’s money and name to pursue future studies in the field of climate, something his oil company-owning father abhors. It is very difficult to not fall hard and fast for this charming and caring man. He too is driven and passionate, no doubt the qualities Lennix fell for.
- Setting: This book takes on a few settings as it is told over a period of many years. When you meet our characters it is in Arizona at a protest against the laying down of a pipeline on ancestral lands. The most special chunk of this book is actually set in Amsterdam, as it is where our characters start to fall in love and have many firsts. Much of the later part of the book brings us to the moving and shaking of Washington, DC politics and campaigning. I live for all the political drama and I know others will eat it up too.
- Pacing: The pacing is just so compelling. There are many time jumps in this book and they suited the story so well. It really helps you understand the gravity of Lennix and Maxim’s relationship as it transcends obstacles such as time and distance. I love the start of the book, both the prologue depicting Lennix’s Sunrise ceremony and her mother’s disappearance. As well as the first few chapters thrust us right into an important day: Lennix’s impassioned speech while leading a pipeline protest, Maxim joining in defiance of his father, and their meeting for the first time.
- Romance: The way these characters came together that fateful night of re-connection in Amsterdam, wow it was just electric. Kennedy Ryan did a phenomenal job depicting Lennix’s first time, it had immense meaning and importance, while still balanced against Nix’s agency. I am going to use the word powerful again but I cannot help it, it is a powerful relationship. The way they fall fast and hard is breathtaking. No fear this book’s heavy themes are balanced with scorchingly hot sex scenes. It truly is Kennedy Ryan at her best, with her special mix of powerful storytelling, BIPOC characters, and equal parts activism and adoration.
- I just want to reiterate that there is so much care put into this book. Kennedy Ryan discusses her research into cultural practices and current issues helped along with the assistance of Indigenous women. Kennedy’s admiration for Indigenous culture and womanhood is evident, making this an even more beautiful book.
The Kingmaker receives five out of five stars.
You can pick up the story here.
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Thank you again to Kennedy and Bloom for the review opportunity. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog!
