Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Sinister Passion
SERIES: Villains of Vanguard #3
AUTHOR: Ryder O’Malley
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 364 pages
RELEASE DATE: June 14, 2024
BLURB:
Sentinel will suffer my wrath, even if I need to destroy the city.
My time in prison didn’t change my goal. Superheroes are a menace, and I’m going to expose them as arrogant cowards they are. They’ll call me a villain, but I’m doing it to protect Vanguard. But after being defeated by the Centurions, I no longer have powers. This could be a problem, one I will fix by any means necessary.
My presence has brought one of the world’s greatest heroes out of retirement, or so I thought. If he thinks he can charm me into helping save the city, he’s got another thing coming. I’m nobody’s sidekick. When my arch nemesis goes missing, I’ll need to save him… so I can kill him myself.
REVIEW:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the last book in this series. Damien is the quintessential villain, who appeared in previous books as the man we all hated. I couldn’t imagine him getting a redemption arc, or how the book would turn out. I was pleasantly surprised that Damien didn’t turn into a total goody two shoes, he retains that edge of villainy, but it was interesting getting to know more about him and why he is the way he is.
Damien lost his superpowers and is bitter about it, he spends a lot of time thinking about his lost powers and how to get them back, imagine when the superpower serum falls into his lap. Damien is a complex character, there are more shades of grey than black and white, surprisingly, he does a lot of good, but he does his good deeds very quietly as though he is embarrassed to show that side of himself. I really enjoyed exploring his character, he was so much more than a one dimensional villain. Despite his villainous past, Damien is trying to change, he’s grappling with his desire for revenge against his former enemies while also trying to find a way to live a normal life. It seems that his desire for revenge is the only thing important to Damien until Won-Ho appears in his life.
Enter the mysterious Won-Ho, a young man who is trying to escape his own troubled past. Their relationship is a complex and fraught one, marked by their shared pasts and their contrasting personalities. Despite their similarities, Damien and Won-Ho are very different people. Damien is brooding and intense, while Won-Ho is more optimistic and hopeful. Their differences create a tension between them, as they struggle to understand and accept each other. Despite their differences, Damien and Won-Ho are drawn to each other.
Both Damien and Won-Ho have experienced significant trauma in their lives. Damien’s villainous past has left him feeling isolated and haunted, while Won-Ho has been victimized by a powerful organization. Their shared experiences create a bond between them, as they both understand the pain and suffering that the other has endured.
Their relationship is a journey of discovery and growth, as they learn to trust each other and overcome their pasts. It’s a central element of the story, providing a compelling emotional arc that drives the plot forward.
Overall, Sinister Passion is a dark and thrilling romance that explores themes of redemption, love, and the consequences of one’s actions. It’s a satisfying conclusion to the Villains of Vanguard series, offering a complex and compelling story.
RATING: 
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