Book Review: Cruel Intentions: Rydeville Elite, Book 1 by Siobhan Davis
When I first stumbled upon Cruel Intentions: Rydeville Elite, I was instantly captivated by the tantalizing blend of elite drama and the complexity of a strong female protagonist challenging her fate. Siobhan Davis is an author I hadn’t explored before, but after hearing rave reviews, I was eager to dive into her world—especially one that promised a dark bully romance with twists along the way.
From the very first chapter, I was thrown into the high-stakes life of Abigail Hearst-Manning, a girl caught in a web of elite expectations and family legacies. Davis does a phenomenal job constructing a vivid picture of Rydeville High, where power plays and ruthless ambition shape the daily lives of its students. The duality of Abigail’s existence—performing for the elite while secretly plotting her escape—adds a deep emotional layer that had me rooting for her every step of the way.
One of the book’s standout features is its ability to immerse the reader in a true coming-of-age story where the stakes feel genuinely life or death. Abigail’s tumultuous relationship with her fiancé, the three ruling elites—Trent, Charlie, and Drew—and the new players, Camden, Sawyer, and Jackson, create a rich tapestry of connections and rivalries that kept me hungrily flipping the pages. I felt the tension in the air whenever Camden was around, his disdain for Abigail palpable and intoxicating.
Davis’s writing style struck me as refreshingly sharp and engaging. The pacing effectively balances the moments of pulse-pounding action with those quieter scenes that allow readers to catch their breath. As I worked through the plot, I found myself laughing, crying, and at times, seething with anger. A particular highlight was the raw honesty with which Abigail navigates her flaws and the difficulties surrounding trust and betrayal. There’s a quote that encapsulates this sentiment: “I play their game, but they’ll never take me down without a fight.”
This book isn’t for the faint of heart—a truth echoed in the reviews I came across. Readers praised the intense emotional turmoil and dark themes woven throughout the narrative; I can certainly attest to that! The undercurrent of bullying and societal pressure hits hard, making Abigail’s resilience all the more rewarding to witness.
As someone who enjoys a good, twisty read, I was left reeling from that cliffhanger! Luckily, the next installment is already available, as I’m not sure I could handle the suspense of waiting for too long.
In conclusion, Cruel Intentions is a gripping exploration of power, betrayal, and personal growth that will resonate with fans of dark romances and high school dramas. If you’re keen on characters who have the spirit to fight back against societal norms, you’ll find yourself deeply invested in Abigail’s journey. Siobhan Davis has definitely made it onto my must-read list, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next in this trilogy!
You can find Cruel Intentions: Rydeville Elite, Book 1 here >>