ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: American Savages
Author: J.J. McAvoy
Release Date: March 19, 2015
The final book in the Ruthless People series is here...
“Villains by Choice."
Betrayed. Melody is nowhere to be found, Liam is in jail, and the Callahan family is cracking, just as Avian Doers, the FBI Director and puppet master behind their downfall, planned.
But just because they’re down doesn't mean they’re out. To fight back, Liam and Melody will have to put everything on the line. The kid gloves are coming off, and no one is getting out alive. Nothing will compare to the reign of terror that is about to envelope the entire country. First they were Ruthless, now they are pure Savages. The end is here, and no one is safe…
MY REVIEW
American Savages by J.J. McAvoy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 I don't want to let go STARS
“Rule #06: Sometimes in order to win you have to lose.”
Once more with feeling. Suspend your disbelieve, buy those interfering morals a one way ticked to Aruba and get the booze ready. Mel and Liam are back, and they are here to wrack havoc, seek revenge and basically take over the world.
All the marks for a wonderfully wrong read.
I have to confess, I'm completely biased when it comes to this series. I'm fully committed to their questionable acts and every time they get away with another murder I just cheer them on a little more. Yes, I am aware that this is crazy on my part...sue me. Honest to god, the Callahans can do no wrong in my opinion. I'm here for the boundary pushing ride. If I wanted a look at human decency and reasonable behaviour I would read another book.
For me the Ruthless People series is like the love child of Scandal, The Sopranos and House of Cards. Scandal for the soap-opera like entanglements. Sopranos for obvious Mafia related reasons and House of Cards for the single minded, cold-blooded and merciless characters. Good times all around!
“You know why they invented superheroes? Why billions cling to fictional characters in movies and books?”He shook his head. “Because they know that here in real life, the villains run the world. Why else do the good die young?”
If you haven't read The Untouchables it is probably best not to read on...
So, where are we at?
Liam is in prison for allegedly 'killing' his wife and Melody is....well, let's call it 'somewhere else'. Because for a good portion of the first half we have literally no clue where she is or what she is doing and it's really hard to stomach for Liam.
In comparison to The Untouchables, American Savages starts out a lot more focused and easier to follow. For starters, we are not assaulted with a truck load of people we don't really remember, primarily thanks to a shorter time period between books. And the second part that worked really well for me is the main focus on Liam in prison and later on far less POV changes.
“All I needed was three days in any jail. The first two days I burned it down, and the third, I built it how I saw fit.”
Speaking about Liam, I always loved this character but in this last book I became obsessed. He is a lot stronger, if that's even possible and more determined. He is a man with a plan and nothing will bring him down. Also, a prison experience with a Callahan is something else entirely, let me tell you.
Melody, once she steps into the picture is the epitome of working mother. She actually does really well with little Ethan, and manages to kick some major ass in the Mafia world at the same time. As far as female characters go, this lady is on top of the list. No, scratch that...she is in a league all on her own. No competition. You hear that Olivia?
“Never have I seen a pair so matched, so loved, and so insane.”
Both Liam and Mel have lost some of their more erratic traits and as a result appear to make more mature decision. As far as that is possible given their nature and business. Their relationship is elevated to whole different level; they struggle, they fight, they love and they are essentially very real.
“Rule #50: We are Callahans, if anyone ever disrespects us, don’t just end them, end everything they have ever cared about both past and present. Make them the example as to what happens when you fuck with the wrong family.”
Now, I really like to be surprised sometimes and being in the characters heads, but still not knowing what they're up to is really f*ckng awesome from time to time.
I can tell you one thing: REVENGE is on the menu! Yes, that is revenge in capital letters. People who think they can mess with a Callahan are sorely mistaken and should bugle up for a bumpy ride. One enemy is already known, but could there be someone hiding in plain sight?
“I always win gentlemen. Even if it looks like I'm losing, I'm winning.”
American Savages was a powerful and emotional read for me. First and foremost I didn't want it to end, because saying goodbye to your favourite characters is always a hard thing. But that's only a small part, this books was also a roller-coaster ride of emotions for the Callahan family. Everyone had to check their priorities, allegiance and face some harsh realities. I was so enthralled by all the things going on that I had a hard time putting my kindle down.
I really liked how every member of the family got their time to shine and step up. Especially Declan and Coraline are up for the MVP-side-character award this time around.
“Rule #14: Be ruthless people to outsiders who know who we truly are. Be generous to those who don't. And be the hart, soul and mind to the family.”
For me, Ms. McAvoy managed the right balance between ruthless shenanigans, absolute mayhem and utter heartbreak. There was this one moment where a big 'road with no return' sign was blinking up above my head....I swear it took my breath away. Make sure you are prepared and willing to go along with everything that happens. I promise when you come out at the other side it will be immensely rewarding and a whole lot of bitter-sweet.
Enjoy! I know I did. ;D
Oh, and before I forget it...there is more to enjoy. If you haven't heard about it by now...I don't know what you're doing, living under a rock or something. But there is a novella out as well Declan + Caroline. Next up for me. Once I can find some time.
Thank you Ms. McAvoy!
**ARC very kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J. J. McAvoy first started working on Ruthless People during a Morality and Ethics lecture her freshman year of college. X number of years later, she is an insomniac who has changed her major three times, and is a master in the art of procrastination. If you ask her why she began writing, she will simply tell you “They wanted to get their story out.” She is currently working on her next novel . . . so please bug her on Twitter @JJMcAvoy
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
BUY LINKS
AMERICAN SAVAGES (BOOK THREE) Release Day March 19th 2015!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ap4nDS
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1ud8FMy
THE UNTOUCHABLES (BOOK TWO)
RUTHLESS PEOPLE (BOOK ONE)
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