The Annihilator: A Dark Obsession Romance (Dark Verse) Paperback – July 26, 2022

It's been a minute since I've read a book that has drawn so much out of me emotionally I feel genuinely depleted by the end, but here we are. Where to even begin...RuNyx's prose has always possessed this kind of poetic quality to it. Her craft gets stronger with each new book, and the way she evokes the heavier emotions - like trauma or grief - always leaves me feeling seen and raw and aching in a way that can only be described as cathartic.The Annihilator is the culmination of all of the foundation pieces she's laid in the previous Dark Verse books - the main couple in this story (the Shadow Man and Lyla) are the linchpin for the entire series, the driving forces behind everything that has happened, the catalyst that started it all. And watching these two opposites interact, witnessing how perfectly they complement each other - it's a kind of love that makes your soul ache.These two have had literally everything taken from them - Lyla in particular. We watch her claw her way through each hellish day as she struggles to cling to hope. And then we watch her shatter, and it is absolutely gutting because the universality of what she feels is so harrowingly familiar, even if the circumstances (blessedly) are not so dire for the majority of us. But that pain is familiar. That hollow emptiness is familiar. And seeing it captured so perfectly on the page... I bled when Lyla bled, and now I feel a kind of kinship to her.But it's not those darker emotions that will leave this book being so memorable for me. The real beauty comes from the healing, from watching Lyla take back her power after enduring a life so deeply traumatizing and picking up the pieces of who she once was and transforming into something new, something stronger than before.And it is that that RuNyx really excels at in her stories - capturing the unparalleled, transformative power that unconditional acceptance, love, and support can give to a person. Every person who has hurt or ached or been broken deserves to have someone like the Shadow Man in their corner - perhaps not with that level of amoral intensity, but then again, it's his absolutism where she is concerned that gives Lyla the steady ground she needs to pick herself up again and again and again.It's all about trust. And the trust these two share, the consuming intensity of what they feel for each other - it has the power to burn the entire world down around them, and it's beautiful to behold.This book took a lot out of me, but I feel a deep sense of gratitude for its existence (even with the headache I will now have for the rest of the day thanks to how much it made me cry). Moments of this book broke open old wounds, but it also provided catharsis... which has pretty much become standard for any and all of RuNyx's books at this point. She's gotten into the bad habit of breaking and rebuilding me time and again.The writing in this book was exquisite. The story was horribly dark at times, but it only made the moments of light that much more poignant and impactful. The romance between Lyla and the Shadow Man was on an entirely different level. And yes, the spice was immaculate. Our girl went there and then went a little further and I love her for it.I've said this before about RuNyx's books, but it will always bear repeating: this woman has this uncanny ability to touch my soul in places I didn't think could be touched, and The Annihilator has irrevocably left its mark on me.

Wow. Just… wow. The Annihilator absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. After reading the previous books in the series, I was already hooked on Runyx’s dark and addictive storytelling, but this one took everything to a whole new level. I couldn’t stop reading once I started—it was impossible to put down.The character development in this book is just chef’s kiss. The protagonist is as intense and complex as ever, and I found myself completely captivated by their journey. It’s incredible how Runyx can write such morally gray characters who are so easy to root for, even when they’re at their lowest. The emotional depth in this one is so much more than I expected, and I was left reeling from all the twists and turns.The tension between the leads is everything. That slow burn had me on the edge of my seat, constantly waiting for the moment when things would finally erupt. And when they did? Damn. The chemistry is off the charts, and I found myself caught up in every interaction, every charged moment. The romance is just as dark and twisted as the plot, and I love how it’s so intricately tied to everything happening in the story.And can we talk about the plot? The twists were so unpredictable, and I was constantly left trying to catch my breath. Every page felt like it was leading me to something huge, and I was hooked from the first chapter. The action is intense, the stakes are so high, and the world-building just keeps getting deeper and more immersive.The Annihilator is a book that stays with you long after you finish it. It’s gritty, emotional, and addicting in every way. If you love dark romance with high stakes, incredible character growth, and twists that will leave you breathless, you needto read this.I can’t wait to see where Runyx takes us next. This series has completely captivated me, and The Annihilator has only made me more invested. Highly recommend!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

Genre: Dark RomanceSeries Type: Character Series (must be read in order)Book Length: NovelPOV: Alternating DualSetting: Various placesMale MC: Shadow Man is lethal, powerful and mysterious. He encounters Lyla one fateful night and becomes utterly obsessed with her for 6 years. He is her dark protector and saves her from countless evil men. Shadow Man’s age is not revealed but I would guess early 30s. He is tall, muscular, and has dark hair and mismatched eyes - one black and one golden-green.Female MC: Lyla has lived a very sad and dark life. She was taken by an evil Syndicate at a very young age and used and abused her entire life. She meets Shadow Man and becomes enthralled with him as he watches over her. Lyla is 24, petite, and has beautiful red hair and bright green eyes.Endearment: FlammaSpice Level: MediumFrequency of Spice: Low/MediumAngst Level: MediumCliffhanger: Yes, but for the series overall.Epilogue: NoMy Review: This book was intense and so emotional. It was very gritty and raw and I cried for Lyla and the pain and suffering she’s endured. She is a damaged and broken woman but amazingly strong, and I loved her progression throughout the story. Shadow Man is deliciously dark and possessive of her. She is the only thing that makes him feel in his emotionless life and he ends anyone that hurts her. I absolutely adored them together. Their journey is full of painful truths and beautiful healing. The book ends well but there is a lot more to the overall story. RuNyx will be releasing a 6th and final book in the series that will be told from multiple POVs and wraps up all the loose ends. I can’t wait to dive into that and see how everything comes together. I would highly recommend this series, it’s truly amazing!