Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is the second book I've read in the series and I have to say that I was anticipating this story after reading book three. I really wanted to know more about Inessa and what her story was going to be.

Inessa has only known herself as 152. She has been trained as a Moya – a sexual slave who is given drugs in order to create a painful sense of urgency – an urgency that means she will die if she doesn't service a man in a specific amount of time. She was taken when she was five and groomed for this life. It is all she knows. However, during moments of clarity, she remembers a boy promising her that he'd free her. Despite knowing the most horrific pain, 152 never loses her ability to love.

Then you have champion blood pit 901. He is the most revered fighter and has never lost a fight. He kills without mercy, hates with every cell of his being, and knows that he will die in the blood pit.

Master is ruthless. He kills without compunction, treats his underlings as property, wants to be feared and is, but not in the way he thinks, and he wants to be at the top of the underworld pyramid. He calls 152 back to him because he has wanted her ever since she was young. Now that he has her, he uses her to get in to the mind of 901. His champion fighter has never really conformed in a way that makes Master believe that he really does control 901. Rather, Master is afraid, surrounds himself with guards and others who are there as his human shields, and when he realizes that his plan for 152 has backfired, he knows only one course of action.

Then you bring in the romance between 152 and 901. I loved how Maya, the Chiri to 152, was able to help them solidify their bond. I think that the secondary characters and their stories were so important to this story and the romance that developed. When the romance develops, you can't help but know that something horrible will happen, but can't look away either.

It all comes to head when the men of the previous book join forces to rid themselves of this underbelly world once and for all. None of them can move forward until this has been done.

I was at the edge of my seat for this whole story. The love is developed, the rage is uncontained, and the results are bloody, satisfactory, and joyous. I loves this story and am so glad that I got to read the conclusion.

I would HIGHLY recommend reading the previous books in the series first.

Unfortunately I have not read this series, but was asked to read this book via netgalley, I struggled as didn't really understand what was going on, therefore in fairness I ha d left unrated until I get a chance to read all the books and do a re-read.

I will re-write my review at this time and Star accordingly xx

Donna

4TLOReading

COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY FOR REVIEW
This is probably the darkest book in the series. This one kind of messes with your head. The Blood Pit is the worst of the worst. It is really brought to home by the author. The violence and mind games are extreme. Rape, murder and torture are prevalent. For the majority of the book, the characters do not know their true names. All they know are the numbers 152 and 901. We know who 152 is because we know her brother. Even though they are in a seemingly hopeless situation, they find each other. The journey to freedom is filled with tension and fear. The entire time, you are waiting for the uprising. You were cheering for them all to make it out alive. The conversations between the characters were emotional. This was a very hard read for me. I was glad to see the epilogue of happy endings. I loved the series.

Riot was a fantastic, epic, suspenseful thrill ride of a story.

We get introduced to 901 the undefeated warrior in the blood put someone who is so focused on one thing, the kill. Then we have 152, if you've read Ravaged I don't need to tell you much about her, don't want to give too much away because this series have a lot surprised that you don't want to give away in review. All I can say is that Tillie ended this series with a BANG!!! Once you start to read you will not want to stop because the story just grips your attention & your heart from the very beginning.

An intense and white knuckling end to the Scarred Souls Series. It can be read as a standalone but in order to really understand the characters and situations, you must read the first three books in the series. I had to stop reading a few times because I was overwhelmed.

4.5 stars
As I sit here I am just….still. Mind blown. Emotions are everywhere. This has been a journey of pain, fear, heart break, gut wrenching and .…..feels.

Tillie Cole writes some crazy, messed up stuff! Her characters have all awakened and come out of the “pit” that has held them each captive in one way or another. The story is emotional as a reunion occurs. The journey to that reunion is hard fought and gritty. Bonds are forever formed. And life, life finally begins…..

The Scarred Souls series is no easy read, dark, raw, gritty and violent. It's awful and horrible to see these men and women used for various reasons. To fight to death or service with their bodies. Truth be told the last two books have been more depraved in a way than the first two. Still the writing and originality of this series maybe much but it held my interest. Tillie Cole is a genius writer that kept me captivated.

152 awakes with little memory they come in flashes that are hard for her to bear. It's hard to know what is real from illusion to her. What with being tortured and all. 901 is the best most prized fighter that showed no weakness. His weakness being discovered 152 and 901 meet not by accident but set up that way. What matters to Blood Pit most is the most raked by the entertainment of the death fights but now that 901 doesn't care for the show the ring leader has upped the ante. It's up to Luka and gang to end this monstrosity of sport. It's a tough battle ahead with even higher stakes involved.

These people were all so interconnected in a way they hadn't realized. The unlikely romance formed between each of them made it more real that they had something to live and fight for. It eventually all comes full circle the memories and stories of each one of them. Their eventual redemption and people getting their just desserts. For 152 and 901 something more and what was lost for them.

A lot of mind games, the drugs and bloodshed and violence, humanity eventually prevails. I can't help but feel the emotional for these guys throughout it all. I'm feel so happy to see them all get the ending they deserve. It was a great way to close out this series. Tillie Cole's brand of dark always seems to work for me, her writing keeps you chained to the story and empathize, it flows so well between each moment. With all it's haunting depravity and gruesome nature it's still terrifically well done series.

Riot by Tillie Cole is the 4th instalment in the Scarred Souls series. From the moment the storyline started in the New York underworld with a Blood Pit death match, I was enraptured. Warrior 901, aka the Pit Bull, is owned by Master Arziani and trained with the sole intent to kill for his master's pleasure. Taken when he was a boy to become a slave or "demon shade" fighter, he was forced to live in a cage, and was beaten, tortured and trained his entire life. 901 knows nothing different. His only undoing is the "mona" or pleasure slave 152, Master's High Mona.

This is the first novel I've read by this author and I quite enjoyed it. It's a bit unlike anything I've read in terms of romance with an intriguing, dark dystopian setting; not your typical romance storyline. This novel is part of a series but can stand alone - that is - you didn't have to have read the previous three in the series to enjoy this book. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review. https://moesbookblog.wordpress.com/

Reviewed: March 18, 2017. Novel Publish Date: March 7, 2017.

I really enjoyed this series of books, each one has had me reading late into the night. This story is gripping,gritty and emotional,you just wont be able to put it down. Fantastic characters. This author is fantastic at writing dark romances. I just couldn't put this book down till I'd finished it then I was left wanting more. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Wow! This book had more twists and turns and required a leap of faith, believing this alternate world view of gulags and slave ownership beyond any other ever known. To kidnap orphans and small children, take away their names and memories and labeling them with numbers. Raising them in this hideous underground dystopian world of fighting and death--The Blood Pit, Georgia, Russia.

Number 152 wakes up into a new reality. No longer a whore for the guards in this underground world of death--she has been chosen to be the High Mona for the ruler of the Blood Pits, Master Arziani. Supposedly this is a move up. After we meet the Master, we know it's not. He's going to drug her into bring his possession. In fact everyone in this world is drugged; that's how the Master controls them, along with force and starvation.

The Pit Bull of the Arziani empire is a huge man with 901 tattooed on his chest. He's survived the brutal training to become the undisputed champion. Unfortunately, the Master is mad at him for not prolonging the fights to get him more money. 901 has gotten a reputation as a stone cold killer, so the master's cronies don't want to send their fighters to a sure death. The master wants 901 to slow down and act like the other fighters have a chance.

All 901 owns in this world is his pride. He'll die before he gives in and slows down and pretends to be something other than the pit bull he has made himself into. After he sees the Master's new Mona, though, things change. The Master sees this and decides to capitalize on his champion's soft spot. He'll use his Mona to make the champion weak.

Forces outside their world are closing in, and while 901 and 152 discover and learn to cherish their time together, the end is coming.

Will they survive?

Fast paced and original, I loved this new world view--thanks for letting me in. I've read one of the earlier ones in the series but now I want to read them all!

I absolutely insanely love this Scarred Souls series by Tillie. I mean crazy love it. Every emotional twist and turn with each man's story made me fall even more so. I couldn't wait to read Valentin's sister's story. I wanted to know what happened to her and how she would be rescued. I couldn't have imagined the beautifully broken man that would take her heart and bring her to freedom. I should have known that Tillie would make this finale epic and she wrote the hell out of it. I loved it from beginning to end.

I give Riot 5 hearts!

Overall Opinion: 4 Stars

Brief Summary of the Storyline: 152 and 901 are thrown together by the Master of the Blood Pit. 901 has been trained to be a warrior, without any feelings. 152 has been trained to be the high Mona.

POV: Multiple POV

Overall Pace of Story: Very good. The pace was perfect. I found myself absorbed in the book so much that I forgot the time.

Instalove: No, although it could be considered quick. 901 is hesitant to understand his feelings because he can’t remember ever having them.

H rating: 5 Stars – Loved him!!!

h rating: 4 Stars – Very strong female character, even though she was in a slave position


Push/Pull: Yes, some. But, it was so beautiful watching the story of their love unfold.

Heat level: 3 stars only because there are some disturbing scenes.


Satisfying ending?: Very satisfying!! I loved the way this ending up and though it wasn’t my favorite in the series, I think this was perfect!

How I got it: Thank you NetGalley!

Raw, haunting, and brutal, Riot is a book that will make your skin crawl with anger at the cruel slavery, and make you fall in love with the characters simultaneously. It’s easily one of the best dark books I’ve read in some while!

Riot is the fourth book in the Scarred Souls Series. This series offers a delicious blend of gladiator style fighters, sex slavery, damaged heroes, and the sweet taste of revenge. The heroes and their females are all overcomers who have managed to withstand the horrors of torture and captivity to experience love and security. In the conclusion of this series, we meet the beautiful slave 152 and the Blood Pit Champion 901. Additionally, we catch up with all of our favorite characters from the entire series as they come together to overthrow the treachery of their enemies.

Number 152 is a slave to the master of the Blood Pit. Her only job is to service him. When the master has a rebellious fighter, who refuses to yield to his demands he discovers a way to tear him down. He decides to offer his beautiful slave to him and then use her as a bargaining chip.

901 is the champion of the Blood Pit. He is indestructible and always wins. Win the Master's Mona is locked in his cell she is under the influence of powerful drugs. If the champion doesn't take her, she will die from the pain. If he does take her, he will immediately be under her spell and be yielding to the master. When he realizes there is no way out, he gives in and takes her. As they grow closer together, the physical connection shifts into an intense emotional connection like they have never experienced before. Both slaves to the master, both only knowing their numbers, they find peace in each other. When the Master's wrath showers down on the lovers, it becomes a fight to the death for them to be able to stay together.

Told in dual POV, Riot is a stunning conclusion to this series. Each book in the series has introduced a different fighter and their harrowing tale. Because this installment features all of the main characters and their fight to overcome, it is especially unique. I found both of the main characters to be well matched and fierce in their resolve. The evil is raw and gritty as the characters are abused sexually and physically by their Masters and guards of the Blood Pit. The fighting is bloody and similar to a Roman Arena where the Gladiators must fight to the death. The blend of action, tenderness, and raw passion make this series, and an absolute must read for readers who enjoy the shock and awe of the battle and the beautiful connection when broken people become healed!

Overall, I highly recommend Riot and this entire series. Tillie Cole amazes me every time with her magical storytelling, complex characters, and passionate moments that make me cry and smile at the same time! If she is writing, I will always be ready and waiting for more!

For me, Tillie Cole can do no wrong. I absolutely love her writing, no matter the series and I have yet to experience differently from her. This book was no exception for me.

In fact, this has to be my favorite book in this series. It was raw and gritty and dark and everything that I love about this series and Tillie's writing. It was also a beautiful story that was heartbreaking and yet sweet and so emotional at the same time.

I loved everything about this story. I refuse to go farther, because I refuse to give up any details about this story. It is definitely one you will have to read for yourself.

This was an amazing book and I cannot wait to see what Tillie will bring us next.

Since book one, Tillie Cole’s Scarred Souls series has blown me away. This series has elements that are gritty and raw, but they’re also so emotionally charged and beautifully written. They’re the type of romances that make you believe in that all consuming, healing, deep and true love.

Riot is different than the first three books in the series in a big way. Not just the hero of the story is a slave, a number… but both are.

901 is known as the Arziani Pit Bull. He’s never been beaten in a fight and he’s indestructible. He’s this way for a reason. There is nothing master can hold over him. He has no weaknesses period. He cares about nothing or no one. It’s safer that way. It’s how he survives.

Then there is 152. She is Valentin’s sister and she is the High Mona. The High Mona has one purpose and one purpose only. To be a sex slave to the master of the Pit.

152 and 901 get thrown together in a strategic way. 901 finds 152 attractive. As much as he tries to hide that, it’s apparent to master and he uses that for his own personal gain. But what master never expects is for 901 and 152 to relate to each other and to fall for one another.

I think what I loved most about this book was the sacrifice that 901 made. He chose to be weak for 152. He’s been strong all his life, showed no signs of weakness, and that’s how he’s always survived. But for her, he would be weak. He would live with the consequences or die with the consequences, but he would be weak for her. It was such an epic love story between these two. My heart broke for them both. Instead of the heroine saving the hero, these two saved each other. Their was something so special in their story. I loved them both so much! 

I’ve gotta say, Riot may very well be the best book of the series for me. Tillie ended the series with a bang. This book gave me all the feels. It was captivating, intense, romantic and thrilling. I loved that the other three fighters story was woven in. The conclusion was perfect and I couldn’t have been happier with how the series ended.

Dark, very dark. Triggers left and right. All sorts of abusive and subhuman situations.

If you can get past that- and allow for typical genre trappings, this is a great read- for exactly what it is.

In the last book of the series Scarred Souls, I met the sweet and dreamy 152 who is the sister of the protagonist of the book 3 Ravage. After, Mistress' death , she was taken back to Georgia to serve as Master's main sexual slave. Her entire life she has been controlled by the drug type B and can not remember many things of her past. And again will be controlled by the Master when she has given to 901, the champion of the pit, but also the most rebellious fighter. 901 as well as strong and bad reveals to be super sweet and has many dreams too, but neither of them managed to live their dreams so easily.

If I had already found Ravage very dark ,this one turned out to be much darker, I do not know if it is because I connected with the couple quite face-on or because it really is more bloody and gloomy. At many times, I had to make strategic stops to breathe, but from the middle when situations begin to move towards the grand finale, the book gained another dynamic. I was stuck to it until the end and without breathing ..... hahahahaha ...and i loved .

It is great the way everything was done with the presence of the other characters and a very beautiful epilogue. Tillie Cole again created an amazing and breathtaking plot alternating views of 901, 152 and Luke.
Special highlight for me was Maya, a chiri servant of 152, a strong girl who was essencial in the plot.
The sex scenes were also very well described, making me fall madly in love with the couple.
Besides finding the best book in the series, I also found the cover more beautiful.
4/5 stars
Kisses, Myl

“Mesmerizing!” “Played out like a movie!” “Tillie Cole outdid herself!” These were among the few thoughts running through my mind as I got to Riot’s end.

There are so many things that I loved about this book…well, the entire series actually. I loved that despite the violence and depravity that all four of these hardened males experienced that they were able to save themselves from the brink of insanity through LOVE.

They are all in their own sense, remarkable and their counterpart females are just as impressive. There was never a doubt about the couples’ pairings. Tillie Cole certainly proved to us repeatedly that each were fated to be together especially in Inessa and Ilya’s case.

“…life had played out as it should. Though tragedy, we were both stronger. And through distance out love was stronger. She was mine. I was hers. Her, the girl, whose soul matched mine. And I, the boy, who was made perfectly for her. Finally home. Happy. At peace.”

Another thing great about this was how the relationships among Ilya, Valentine, Luka and Zaal developed. They weren’t blood-related but their bond was even deeper and profound than that. They all ended up exactly where they deserved to be.

Everything I’ve read so far by Tillie Cole has been outstanding but I must say that the “Scarred Souls Series” is by far my favorite. I definitely couldn’t ask for a better ending in “Riot”, the way she pulled every aspect together in this finale was perfection.

Be still my heart. This book takes you on a wild ride of emotions. There were times when I would have to stop reading and take a break because it would get so intense. Tillie Cole is a master at making you feel like you are experiencing the book right along with the characters.
But beyond all the blood and violence (you may want to take note of that if you're faint of heart) an absolutely beautiful love story is told. Two broken people that become whole together.