Rebel indeed! Ryder and Willow are a force to be reckoned with, for each other, and for those who come after them. After she escapes a brutal breeding camp barely alive, Ryder decides to help Willow when her fighting spirit intrigues him. Ryder is not your typical vampire royal. He essentially despises this new world order created by Lilith, and has spent the last century as a recluse, avoiding the outside world as much as possible. Willow, as a human, had hoped to become a vigil, but is sent instead to the breeding camps, where she fought daily for her life. The relationship between them at first is very much a master/plaything type dynamic, as they tiptoe around each other trying to figure out what’s between them. As things progress, sparks ignite, and the passion is infernal. Ryder finds himself wanting something he never thought he would and Willow finds herself wanting something she never thought she should. The story here is full of action. Ryder has piqued the ire of Lilith by claiming territory and not bothering to follow her rules, and the other royals are out for his blood because they want the territory he claimed. Ryder is one of the oldest vampires alive, and has the battle and strategic prowess to match. His best friend, and only progeny, Damien, is his perfect compliment. Their camaraderie is fantastic, the back and forth jabs and snark, as well as the respect and consideration for each other is fantastic. As the female lead, Willow isn’t a shrinking violet. She can pack a serious punch and stands her own ground as she finds her feet in their dynamic relationship. A force to be reckoned with, especially towards the final climactic confrontation. There are so many other aspects that make this story fantastic, and they are often the little touches. Ryder’s interactions with the AI are hysterical, and his conversations and attitude with Lilith are priceless. These little things pull the story together so much better and make it that much more fun to indulge. And the narrators! Oh my goodness, the narrators. They are fantastic. Sarah has essentially become the brand female voice for this author, and Kale is quickly becoming my favorite male voice in her stories. They bring these stories to a whole new level with life and emotion, and make the book that much more enjoyable.