RIOT: Scarred Souls #4 by Tillie Cole
2.5 Stars
Reviewed by Rachel & Sharon Thérèse
We both love this author’s writing; however, we’ve had to give her latest read careful thought before giving it our star rating. Taking into consideration the complexity of the plot, we both found Riot, the fourth book in the Scarred Souls series, a tad difficult to get our heads round. It’s quite a bit darker than what we’re used to reading by Ms Cole, and we’d even go as far as saying that some of the scenes were either disturbing or left us with a feeling of frustration. Chapter three is bursting with names from previous stories and caused some confusion, too. One of us was led to believe it could be read as a standalone; nonetheless, her buddy reader warned her that it would most probably be an uneasy ride.
We made no mistake in thinking this story wouldn’t be overflowing with raw grittiness. It was made apparent from the very first chapter where the male protagonist is, what he’s up against, why he’s there and who’s been holding him in a hellhole with no escape. More importantly, the reason he’s still alive is clearly described. The reader discovers 901 is an invincible killing machine, has no recollection of his past or even his real name. His persona is moulded through no fault of his own, and here we have to say that his character development is par excellent. Regardless of the awfully harsh conditions he’s under; a couple of scenarios involving his self-felt thoughts and actions troubled us! That being said, we gave him the benefit of the doubt. As the story progressed, he showed us he was mentally capable of overcoming the worst and our opinion of him changed one hell of a lot. Watching him mellow in no man’s land touched our hearts, worried us, and in our eyes, the lesser of two evils had to win a game of twisted dimensions.
“901 is my prized champion. The undefeated ‘Pit Bull’ of the Arziani pits. No one can touch him. He’s infallible.”
Number 152. Her master commands and if she wants to see the light of day, she has no option but to obey which she does up to a certain point. This poor girl’s situation is horrendous, but as hard as we tried to imagine the bleak scenario offered to us, we couldn’t. It was too much, too extreme, too everything. Hope is inexistent in her world of horror and slavery. Vague memories of the past haunt her dreams, and just when we needed it, we were given a parallel story. This made a whole lot of sense seeing others had been where she is and hadn’t forgotten her or Arziani’s deviousness. Right, we don’t want to divert too much but quite honestly, the only definition we’d use for this individual who makes her and 901 suffer inexplicably is a ‘despicable despot’. He controls his black-market business down to the smallest detail—ruthlessness, lack of compunction and brutality on all levels sickened us. Clients demand, Ariziani’s gives them what they want. Blood!
“I knew you were born to be mine.”
Revenge! Actually, the most interesting part of this story was how the goodies would confront the baddy. We did feel their quest verged on the impossible. For those of you who have read the series, this story sums up a Russian Mafia saga woven in unimaginable scenes in a crudely imaginable setting. We do love a dark, extreme read and that’s exactly what we got but sadly, this book just wasn’t for us. This series doesn’t pull any punches and as usual Ms Cole’s excellent writing skills certainly draw the reader in giving them a truly authentic experience. However, we found the story a tad repetitive and although we do realise this is fiction, we thought the story was in parts very far-fetched. The series is well worth reading but in our opinion, felt this story was the weaker than previously released books.

Wowzers that's one heck of a dramatic series finale!!

For the purpose of this review I'm going to presume you're up to date with Tillie Cole's Scarred Souls series. This time the focus is on 152 and 901 - no I'm not giving you their names because it's a big part of the story and the reveal is something of a spoiler!

The Arziani blood pit is a horrifically dangerous place for warriors and slaves alike, but things take a dramatic turn when 152 finds herself as High Mona (chief sex slave) to the awful Master.

901 is the pit's prize fighter - he's a deadly champion whom Master struggles to control, until 901 notices Master's new High Mona...

The story is dark and pretty hard to read at times but I really liked the sweet relationship between 152 and 901. Their friendship almost develops in reverse, where they go from fear to friendship.

There are lots of dark naughty scenes, some of which I couldn't quite get my head around but others are awkwardly sweet.

RIOT is brutal and surprising, yet hopeful and surprisingly endearing. It is worth noting that due to the adult nature of the book and the dark themes, certain parts may be a trigger.

We get a sneaky catchup with some of our previous favourites as the series comes to a fierce and savage end. Oh the messed up and glorious angst!

3.5 - 4 Stars in my Sky!

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

Wow! I have loved every book in this series & this one is no exception. Each story grabs hold & doesn't let go, your heart us beating out of your chest & you pray for a happy ever after.

One of the best series I have read & a very fitting final book

I have been following this series and have waited for 152’s story to be told and I wasn’t let down. You just have to make sure you are ok with some darkness but this book is all that but a whole lot more. Everyone has a weakness even though in this book it took a lot of underhandedness of the Russian mafia to pull that from a warrior like 901. The Master was pure evil and he took what he wanted when he wanted it as in the case of 152. This may be dark but the love story was one that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. I am a true fan of this series and each and every book was a definite 5 star read.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a freely given honest review.

2.5 Stars: Reviewed by Rachel & Sharon Thérèse

We both love this author’s writing; however, we’ve had to give her latest read careful thought before giving it our star rating. Taking into consideration the complexity of the plot, we both found Riot, the fourth book in the Scarred Souls series, a tad difficult to get our heads round. It’s quite a bit darker than what we’re used to reading by Ms Cole, and we’d even go as far as saying that some of the scenes were either disturbing or left us with a feeling of frustration. Chapter three is bursting with names from previous stories and caused some confusion, too. One of us was led to believe it could be read as a standalone; nonetheless, her buddy reader warned her that it would most probably be an uneasy ride.

We made no mistake in thinking this story wouldn’t be overflowing with raw grittiness. It was made apparent from the very first chapter where the male protagonist is, what he’s up against, why he’s there and who’s been holding him in a hellhole with no escape. More importantly, the reason he’s still alive is clearly described. The reader discovers 901 is an invincible killing machine, has no recollection of his past or even his real name. His persona is moulded through no fault of his own, and here we have to say that his character development is par excellent. Regardless of the awfully harsh conditions he’s under; a couple of scenarios involving his self-felt thoughts and actions troubled us! That being said, we gave him the benefit of the doubt. As the story progressed, he showed us he was mentally capable of overcoming the worst and our opinion of him changed one hell of a lot. Watching him mellow in no man’s land touched our hearts, worried us, and in our eyes, the lesser of two evils had to win a game of twisted dimensions.

“901 is my prized champion. The undefeated ‘Pit Bull’ of the Arziani pits. No one can touch him. He’s infallible.”

Number 152. Her master commands and if she wants to see the light of day, she has no option but to obey which she does up to a certain point. This poor girl’s situation is horrendous, but as hard as we tried to imagine the bleak scenario offered to us, we couldn’t. It was too much, too extreme, too everything. Hope is inexistent in her world of horror and slavery. Vague memories of the past haunt her dreams, and just when we needed it, we were given a parallel story. This made a whole lot of sense seeing others had been where she is and hadn’t forgotten her or Arziani’s deviousness. Right, we don’t want to divert too much but quite honestly, the only definition we’d use for this individual who makes her and 901 suffer inexplicably is a ‘despicable despot’. He controls his black-market business down to the smallest detail—ruthlessness, lack of compunction and brutality on all levels sickened us. Clients demand, Ariziani’s gives them what they want. Blood!

“I knew you were born to be mine.”

Revenge! Actually, the most interesting part of this story was how the goodies would confront the baddy. We did feel their quest verged on the impossible. For those of you who have read the series, this story sums up a Russian Mafia saga woven in unimaginable scenes in a crudely imaginable setting. We do love a dark, extreme read and that’s exactly what we got but sadly, this book just wasn’t for us. This series doesn’t pull any punches and as usual Ms Cole’s excellent writing skills certainly draw the reader in giving them a truly authentic experience. However, we found the story a tad repetitive and although we do realise this is fiction, we thought the story was in parts very far-fetched. The series is well worth reading but in our opinion, felt this story was the weaker than previously released books.

With this series I feel I've read the same book four times. Riot is well written, and has an interesting story, and plot. While it's not word for word the same, and a lot of series/romances kind of follow the same pattern, with this series I felt it more.

Young boy was kidnappen to become an underground fighter. Cold, ruthless, scarred, everyone fears him. Enter a girl with a dark/abusive past as well. The champion fighter falls for her, and she sees beyond his scary exterior. Que "we want freedom", and they find a way to break out. Happily ever after begins.

The fighters, and the girls blur together, evil guy is cruel, and has to die.

While I certainly enjoyed Riot, I even emailed the publisher saying I loved it, which I did while I was reading it. That was my first reaction. A day later the story has sunk in, and I've come to realize that it wasn't spectacular to me.

As a fan of Tillie's writing, I liked this series. If you like darker fighter stories, this series will appeal to you. It just didn't blow me away.

*I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

*****5 KNOCKOUT Stars*****
Where do I even being with this story; Tillie Cole really knows how to work my emotions gets me to cry every time. This series is one of my favorite hands down. Since the first book I was captivated by the modern day gladiators (slaves) conditioned to be fighters, cold-stone killers.152 has been brought to service her new Master; but 152 can’t remember where she was before but she knows she should scared and fears what's to come. 152 learns she the Master “High Mona” now and the new drug she given is nothing like the one she was given before; this drug will have her begging for release and she remembering things from her life before being taken away and a boy she can’t fully remember and a man in a collar controlling him. 901 is the Master unstoppable champion in the blood pit with no weakness; 901 has spent 21 years of his life in this hell becoming the fighter and being submitted to his Master drug to control him. 901 only way to rebel against his Master is not fight the way he told and never taking a mona when his Master sends them to him as prizes. Master always finds a weakness to get what he wants from his fighters but 901 weakness might break Master and kill 901. When 152 is showed her new home and the blood pit by Master 901 attention to 152 does not get noticed by Master. The first time 901 see’s 152 it’s the first time he ever wanted something and he knows that it can also be used as a weakness but he knows he could never have 152 she the Master High Mona and does not want a weakness for Master to use against him. Since 901 continues not to follow Master orders 901 punishment is 152 she ‘given’ to 901 as a prize for him being champion fighter and 901 can’t turn her away Master’s orders. 152 can’t understand what she did wrong being Master High Mona why is she being given to 901. Can 152 and 901 survive Master twisted game? Will 152 remember who the little boy is or the man with collar? Can 901 find happiness with 152? Will 901 and 152 ever be free from Master? Can they be more than just numbers, more than a fighter, more than High Mona?

*****ARC from NetGalley for review*****

We are back in the dark, twisted world of the Scarred Souls series, with more of 152, Inessa, and we are introduced to 901. This book carries on right where the 3rd book ended.

What a raw, heartbreaking, gritty story of forbidden love amongst the bloodshed that is this series.

I could feel the fear, the pain, the emotion leap off the page and crush around my heart like a vice. From the first word to the last, I was on an emotional rollercoaster as our slaves fought for each other, fought against the Master (who is just pure evil), fought for freedom.

I loved that we got the guys and their gals from the first 3 books. None of their stories has been easy, but Riot turned things up a few notches.

Ms Cole has quickly become a favourite author for my darker reads, and can't wait to see what she brings us next.

RIOT: Tillie Cole fast became one of my most favourite authors, there’s nothing she can’t write, she can go light to dark in the blink of an eye, or then she’ll throw you for a loop and set you on an emotional ride of epic proportions, all her books are unique, gripping, gritty, emotional and Riot is no different. This author knows no bounds when it comes to delivering us all exactly what we crave, need, want, seek it's given to us.

Each book within this series just seems to get it’s hooks into you even more, book by book, tortured soul by tortured soul. Each man has been raised in the pits, each man is more scarred than the previous one, a little more lost, a little more fearless. BUT 901 is different, he may not know his name, or age, he may not be scarred or broken within, like his predecessors but he has a drive within himself to not show weakness, to be undefeated, to show weakness is to love and he's not having

"I bore no gratitude whatsoever to my master for condemning me to this hellish life. That I bore no gratitude for being drugged and forced to fight as a kid. That I bore no fucking gratitude to the male who bestowed on me a life of solitude, where having feelings toward someone else made you weak." - 901

In Riot we are introduced to 901, twenty one years of his life has been subjected to living in the Blood Pits, where only the toughest of the toughest survive, he’s one of the most feared, undefeated most prized fighters and is owned by Master Arziani, whose challenge is to find 901’s weakness and he may have found it in 152 'The High Mona' who has been sent to service her Master, and one of the most beautiful females 152 has ever seen, though he tries not to show it, he's captivated by her as soon as he claps eyes on her.

901 has pushed every boundary known to mankind, his master struggles to control him, and now he's set on finding a weakness.
Females were a distraction from the most important thing in this place...Staying alive.

Now she's thrust into 152's cell on lock down, a bracelet that shoots venom through her system can only be relieved through intercourse, and will shoot into her veins at any given time. And now it's up to 152 to help her or she will die.

"He was the most intimidating male I had ever encountered. And I was trapped in his cell. Completely alone. In the unwelcome company of a killer. And there was absolutely nothing I could do". - 152

To love is to get you killed and these two have witnessed this first hand, no matter how they strive to fight their growing feelings it's inevitable.

God this book slayed me with the feels, it has such a feel of Spartacus to it, very similar storyline, fight to the death. A race against time to stay alive.

If you've not read this series I highly highly recommend it. Each book in my opinion just gets better and better.

***5 ‘You are in my scarred soul’ Stars***

From how Ravage ended and knowing that 152 was a Mona, sex slave, I knew that this one would be hard to stomach, not that the previous three were, but this was the first time we would be in the mind of a female slave and if you thought Raze, Reap and Ravage were dark and disturbing you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Tillie Cole unapologetically went balls to the wall with Riot, proving once again why she is not only one of my favorite authors, but one of my favorite dark romance authors out there.

It was hard not to bleed for 901 and 152. Both were taken by the Wraiths at a young age and through drugs and fear molded into what Master Arziani wanted them to be. 901 is the Champion of the Blood Pit and 152 is one of the most beautiful of all the Mona. Both are coveted by Arziani because they, in his delusional mind, are a physical representation of his Godhood. What he doesn’t see is the inner strength that simmers in both of them that, if ever let to boil over could lead to his downfall. The thing with these two is that underneath the layers of protection they had to cast over themselves to survive were two people with amazing hearts that deserved to get out of that hell hole by any means necessary.

As with the previous books, there is a kind of insta-lust that happens between the characters that hits them both and then they are off and running towards their HEA, but of all the couples I felt that 901 and 152 were so evenly matched that it made absolute sense to me that they would end up falling in love with each other. They may be used in different ways, but they both live the horror of it every day and in each other they find a soulmate who will understand exactly what they went through and what they had to do to survive.

With this being the last book in the series, to say shit hits the fan is an understatement, but the end result is absolutely satisfying. Luka, Zaal and Valentin play critical roles in the book as do their women, Kisa, Talia and Zoya and I loved what was shown to us in the epilogue. I will reiterate, Riot is dark, brutal, crazy and chock full of triggers, but it’s all worth it in the end, if you can suspend reality for a few hours. Also, this is not a standalone, don’t start here. Go back and read from the beginning so you can truly appreciate this brutal world and how love can grow in it. The fact that this is the last book is bittersweet for me. Raze was my first introduction to the world of Tillie Cole and I was hooked, so to say good-bye to these characters is difficult, though I do give Ms. Cole mad props for not dragging the storyline out unnecessarily, but at least I can console myself with the fact that there are audiobooks so I can dive back into the crazyness whenever I need a fix, especially of Raze/Luka.

My favorite so far in the series. The three champions were such great unwitting heroes in this story and I loved the pinnacle scene.

This is I believe the last book in the series and though at times this book was slow in certain spots, overall it was a good story. This one focuses on mostly still on the fighting and the fact that 152 is still under control and not free like her brother from the previous book. Now you are introduced to fighter 901 who is the top fighter and one who walks into the circle and really less than a minute later walks out with his opponent dead. Now the master of gulag has decided to give him a Mona. 152 is the Mona that is given to him and he does not want her. What he wants is to be left alone, but she is now locked up with him at night and gone during the day. These are the scenes that make this book. The story between 152 and 901 are touching once you get to that point. First he does not what to be touched, when he finally allows it he begins to want her, but he thinks she is only with him because of the drugs that are being given to her and her being forced every night into his cell. Really though after the first night she is not really being forced just acting. The story of the two of them becoming together is what makes this and all of the previous books. The blood pits is where this begins and ends and really for these books it is a good way. When you are taken back to New York they are still working on a way find where 152 is and when they do they the former fighters, and one assassin must return to the pits and finish the plan. This story has fighting, grit, passion, sex, compassion, and even some hope. The best part for me after the story was over was the epilogue which put everything together. A very good book and series.

How do you review a book that is everything? It's heartbreaking, meaningful, gripping with so many feels. Its mind blowing beautiful. These characters.... geez, I am totally in love with them all. All the way to the start of the series, they have my heart. Their stories tug at my heart and through most of it I'm a blubbering mess.

This is 901 and 152's story. 901 is a champion fighter that's never lost a fight. Stolen from an orphanage as a child he knows nothing but fighting. Never having a weakness, never until her 152.

152 is a mona, her only purpose it to please. She is used to get 901 to do as he is told. She never expects to fall in love with him or to ever be free.

Riot like the others in the series is absolutely beautiful. The writing... wow, it's flawless. The way Tillie tells it you feel as though you are there. I hung on every word and cried many a tears. I am so in love with this book and these characters it's a definite must read.

Riot by Tillie Cole was a rollercoaster of a ride. One I was not prepared for. I must admit I did not read the books prior to this one, but will do so as soon as possible. I am all about dark romances and this one was dark, disturbing and heartbreaking.

152 was stolen and raised to be a subservient pleasure slave. She suffered so much and endured torment that most would not survive. She is the Master’s whore and is drugged to ensure she meets all his needs and expectations.

901 is a top fighter in the pits. He is strong and apparently fears nothing. And that is the problem. He needs to be controlled. But how do you control a man who fears nothing? The Master gifts you 152 and though he fights the connection at first, he eventually wants to help her.

901 accepted his fate long ago. He hates the man who controls him, but learned long ago there are some things cannot be changed. But all that changes when he meets 152. The Master finally found a way to control and break 901. Can they survive the horrors the Master inflicts?

This was such a different type of story, but it pulled me right in with angst, suspense, slaves and fighters. Add in forbidden love and a slow burn and you are captivated. I enjoyed this book. 901 was not your typical hero, but considering all he survived, you wanted him to come out on top.

This was great! Couldn't put it down! Some parts kind of put me off but I loved the hero! Dark and fierce and completely sexy! This was fast paced and sometimes gruesome. Also hot as a volcano! This book is definitely not for the faint of heart but it is worth it! Can't wait for more!

The prefect ending to one of the best dark romance series i've ever read. Tillie Cole manages to transport you through the pages into a world of Russian mobsters, illegal fighting rings and men that are beautiful monsters. Another moving story of love and redemption.

I'm a huge fan of this series, I like how dark and twisted it is yet still a love story.

Her pairing of couples are always spot on 901 and 152. 901 is a disobedient warrior who does want he wants which infuriates his master. His master needs him to be compliant so he needs to find a weakness, his high mona 152.

The pairing of 901 and 152 despite their circumstances they find mutual understanding I found it sweet and romantic how they have each other back, how they lusted for each other.

She writes the best sex scenes, they're fuck scenes that turn into make love moment, erotic but romantic.

I love this series because it's a different way to see love and romance.

The brotherhood and the partnership.

Oh. My. God.
This book. I thought it couldn't get any better, but it did. The whole way through, I could not stop reading. Tillie has just created this amazingly messed up world.
152 and 901 are just heartbreakingly beautiful and haunting.
I am still processing this story...
Wow!

I was enjoying Riot, the 4th and final book in the Scarred Souls series, up until about 25%. I liked that the female lead (#152) was also a prisoner in this world. It was a refreshing change for a series that was getting quite repetitive. We see 152 become groomed as the main interest to the head master. At the same time we learn about 901 who is the master's best fighter. The master is trying to find 901's weak spot so he can fully control him. Now in the past control was obtained through the drugs/hormones they give the fighters. But that's not what happened this time. Instead, for some reason, the master gave his coveted female to the fighter in order to break him and gain total control.

"I wondered why the hell Master had given her to me. He was obsessed with her."

Huh? Me too 901, me too.
It just doesn't make sense that he would share her. [ Or that 901 would be battling with his subconscious about being with her when he is purely living off his most basic impulse, his id. (hide spoiler)] And after that I couldn't connect to the story any more. I read and sometimes skimmed the rest of the book feeling quite detached.

At times the author's writing would pull me back into the story. But the story's construction was just too full of holes.

****An Advanced Copy of this book was obtained from St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin through Netgalley****