I recently read the book An Empire of Maddness by V. Riviere. Victoria Cayne emerges as a formidable force, leading her newly established organization, Apocalys. With aspirations of dominance in a world fueled by speed and adrenaline, she is a woman driven by ambition and an unyielding desire to carve out her niche. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the target of Maddox—a shadowy figure whose fragmented identity is cloaked in a nightmarish exterior. This complex relationship becomes the fulcrum of the narrative, as Victoria finds herself entangled in a precarious dance of dominance and twisted love with her obsessive stalker. Maddox, a character shrouded in mystery, embodies the duality of vulnerability and danger. As Victoria peels back the layers of his intricate persona, she discovers a man haunted by his past, battling the demons of mental illness and trauma. This exploration of character becomes a poignant examination of the human condition, revealing how individuals often wear façades to shield themselves from their emotional scars. Both Victoria and Maddox are driven by deep-seated needs—her quest for power and his desperate need for connection—creating a volatile yet compelling bond that captivates the reader. As the narrative unfolds, Victoria’s foray into Maddox’s world reveals the darker intricacies of the mafia and the underbelly of the street racing industry. It is within this treacherous landscape that she seizes the opportunity to weave her ambitions into the fabric of the criminal underworld. Here, the story delves into themes of power, survival, and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their goals. Victoria’s transformation from a mere participant in the racing world to a strategic player in the mafia illustrates her resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Moreover, the novel poignantly confronts the realities of abandonment and mental illness, painting a vivid portrait of characters wrestling with their inner demons. Through deeply moving passages, the author explores the complexity of human connections, highlighting the fragility and strength that define relationships. The juxtaposition of Victoria’s ambition and Maddox’s torment creates a dynamic tension that drives the narrative forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, this gripping sequel transcends the traditional boundaries of a thriller, inviting readers to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit. As Victoria and Maddox navigate their tumultuous relationship, they reveal the intricate interplay between love and obsession, power and vulnerability. The novel stands as a testament to the ways in which individuals confront their fears and desires, illustrating that even in the darkest of circumstances, hope and connection can be found. In a world rife with danger and unpredictability, the quest for identity, love, and power becomes a universal journey that resonates deeply with the human experience.

Thank you Netgalley and author V. Rivière for the e-copy of this book in exchange for a review.

"Step into Greensburg, a sprawling business city concealing a criminal underbelly rife with a decade-long mafia feud. In this world, power is a prized possession, and betrayal lurks around every corner.

𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘆𝗻𝗲, leading Apocalys, a freshly established organization aiming for dominance in the street racing industry, finds herself unexpectedly ensnared by her own stalker, 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗼𝘅—an enigma hiding his fragmented identity in a nightmarish exterior. Peeling away the layers of his complex persona thrusts her into a precarious dance of dominance and twisted love. Soon, this obsessive man and this opportunity-seeking woman form a perilous and intense bond, each hiding deep emotional needs behind their façades.

However, as Victoria delves deeper into Maddox’s world, unearthing the mafia’s intricacies with his guidance, she seizes the opportunity to carve her own path, weaving her interests into the complex fabric of the underworld.

This gripping sequel plumbs the depths of abandonment, and the resilience of the human spirit. It confronts the stark realities of mental illness and trauma, painting a vivid portrait of characters wrestling with their own demons. With its deeply moving passages and heart-stopping suspense, this novel explores the threads of human connection and the lengths one will go to for power and survival."

I enjoy reading it.

Victoria (also known by the alias Luxuria), is the leader of Apocolys, an aspiring crime family made up of her and 3 best friends. Victoria oversees the cars and street racing side of the business. For the past few months, she's been receiving gifts and love letters from her stalker. Thinking she has it well in hand, she ignores his warnings and travels to Europe on a business trip for Apocolys. After months away from her three best friends, she's kidnapped on her return home by none other than her adoring stalker. Victoria will have to play nice to find her way home, but once she finally lays eye on "the devil" holding her captive, she realizes that might be harder than expected.

I went into this book blind and ended up really enjoying it for several reasons:
- Immaculate mafia vibes
- Time jumps to the past
- Multiple POVs
- Complexity and depth of Victoria's relationship with the MMC

There were a few minor things that I wasn't completely sold on:
- Background info for some supporting characters was glossed over
- Plot points that felt very important had anticlimactic ends
- Victoria uses overly affectionate and unrealistic nicknames for her friends ("my baby, my darlings")

I read this book as a standalone, although it is meant to be read as the second book in a series. I recommend reading the first book since the events that happen in An Empire of Mad(d)nes are directly related. Themes include stalking/kidnapping, enemies to lovers, found family, trauma & comfort, beauty & beast vibes, mafia, and political intrigue. This book is spicy and includes graphic violence.

Thank you to V. Rivière and her publisher for an ARC of An Empire of Mad(d)ness.

I looked this up on goodreads very excited to read it but then I found out it's the second in a series. I would love to read this but I would like to read the series in order