Books I’ve Read: Vendetta by Catherine Doyle
Image from Goodreads
Title: Vendetta
Series: Blood for Blood #1
Author: Catherine Doyle
Publisher: Chicken House
Publication Date: Jan 2015
Source: Review Copy
Rating: 3.5/5
Synopsis from Goodreads
When it comes to revenge, love is a dangerous complication.With a fierce rivalry raging between two warring families, falling in love is the deadliest thing Sophie could do. An epic debut set outside modern-day Chicago.
When five brothers move into the abandoned mansion in her neighbourhood, Sophie Gracewell’s life changes forever. Irresistibly drawn to bad boy Nicoli, Sophie finds herself falling into a criminal underworld governed by powerful families. As the boys’ dark secrets begin to come to light, Sophie is confronted with stinging truths about her own family, too. She must choose between two warring dynasties – the one she was born into, and the one she is falling in love with. When she does, blood will spill and hearts will break.
Romeo and Juliet meets The Godfather is definitely the right description for Vendetta.
While I have to say that some aspects of the plot are pretty obvious I utterly adored the characters. Told from Sophie’s perspective, her confusion and naivety regarding the situation she finds herself in resonates with the reader. Outcast within the small community she lives in due to an incident surrounding her father. Hints are continually given within the plot allowing the reader to put together the pieces at the same time as Sophie.
Friendship, family and loyalty are huge themes within the narrative, making you question where to draw the line in respect of family duty.
The characters are extremely well portrayed; deeply philosophical aspect within the narrative regarding the masks we wear to other people and who we really are is reflected within the twists within the plot
Although I did find the plot a little obvious I think this may be due to my age and knowledge of both Romeo and Juliet and The Godfather, LOL. I will say that the action is fast paced and the characters enigmatic, ensuring a compulsive level of interest in what occurs with each of them
