I ordered it a couple of days before release because I/my family were given a waterstones gift card for christmas, which is always a great gift. Free Books! And it finally arrived and I read it in two days. I couldn't put it down. I loved it and I probably would have read it quicker but I had visitors over the weekend. It is one of my favourite book series. Ever.
So I have written a review for each of the books, which I must say I look forward to writing each time. So what exactly i'm going to do when I finish writing this and theres no more books to write about, I feel a tear coming. I met the author Catherine Doyle, who I'm sure thinks I'm a slight stalker, I promise I am not, I went to the panel she held at YALC this year and it was really fascinating to listen to her and hear how she writes and what gives her ideas. I've always seen authors say to be a better writer, you have to read more books. But Catherine Doyle was saying its not just about reading more books, its about movies and tv. All media. Which is true, Suzanne collins herself is proof that it works. Its how she got the idea of the hunger games, flicking through the tv channels. It was also funny because when she was talking about scenes from movies inspiring certain scenes I knew what scenes she was talking about. It all made sense and I could see the inspiration. If that makes sense.
So little for warning this does have spoilers, don't spoil this series for yourself. Go read it. Its so good. So to avoid spoilers click off now and come back when you have read the series. Just a warning!
See you in three books!
So Mafiosa starts off two weeks after the events of Inferno, wasnt that an emotional rollercoaster, and we are brought up to speed pretty quickly. Sophie is joining alliance with the Falcones, giving her protection from the Marinos but Sophie, she wants revenge for the murder of he mother. Sophie, naturally after the events of the past two books has developed PTSD. Her mothers death has made her vengeful towards Donata, her father and her uncle Jack. Its quite fascinating to see Sophie's character development from quite a timid, sheltered girl to someone is strong, determined but ultimately knows she's living a lie. Everyone thinks she's coping so well but really she is just getting by day to day. I think Sophie thinks that by killing Donata and Jack, that pain will ease. That she will feel as if she has fulfilled her destiny and avenged her mum. It's a big transition from someone who, up until the end of the last book still had no idea how big a role her father and Jack played in the story.
Now Luca, Luca, Luca. My Bae. He has fallen in love with Sophie but is keeping her at a distance because two warring mafia families is not a recipe for a romantic fairy tale. But especially in this book his true character has been revealed. In vendetta he was dark and brooding and mysterious. In Inferno there were cracks of compassion and bravery and caring. Not forgetting humour either. But in mafiosa, gone is the dark brooding guy in Vendetta but a charming young man who is in a situation not by choice. This is not the path he would have chosen and he is just making the best of it. I still find what I said about Luca seeing himself in Sara. That they were two people stuck in situations not by choice but they stay because its the only life they know. Because its their family. Even if they know they could die. A life unfulfilled because its not the life they would choose. I love Luca, I find him an intriguing character, in his loyalty to his family. I was worried though that at the end he wouldn't save himself. I'm glad Sophie left and let Luca come to her. Made the choice for himself. Because ultimately that was who he had to chose for. To let himself be happy. And I am so glad that the book ended with him being happy.
Moving onto another Falcone brother Nicoli. Where do I begin with Nicoli? Well he didn't take Sophie's 'We're not good for each other' speech. He was trying desperately to prove to Sophie that he is a good guy. I loved each time Sophie was talking about Nicoli and Luca, the parallels between them. Nicoli is not ashamed of his family, he cherishes his blood history. He is blood thirsty and doesn't bat an eye at the thought of Sophie killing people. Whereas Luca knows that once she kills one person, the lines blur and that her mum wouldn't want that. That Sophie so far is untainted in that sense of the word. That it would change Sophie and it would stay with her forever. That if he had the choice he wouldn't be part of that. He knows the strain of the life he leads. I think that is a big difference between Luca and Nic. If they were asked to give up their life in the mafia, Luca would do it but Nic wouldn't. It reminds of Sophie saying to Nic at the end of Inferno about her changing to be who he wanted, she wasnt changing in a romantic manner but she thought that was what everyone wanted. Nic was telling her that was what she wanted to hear. That the only way to get revenge is to kill someone. But sometimes the best revenge is knowing when to let go and live your life.
Now this would be no review without one of my all time favourite characters and no I am not talking about Luca. I am talking about Millie. I want Millie to go down as an all time great character. She has a friendship with Sophie, a real true friendship. She has one liners that have me in stitches. She is just a good character. An all rounder. I love Millie. She was the one person Sophie could count on. Had her back and knew when enough was enough and that Sophie had to walk away. Before she completely lost herself. I loved that about Sophie and Millie's friendship, they trusted each other, there wasn't any secrets. They knew when each other was struggling, when each other needed help. But they also helped to normalise the situation and still act normal if that makes sense, to take Sophie's mind, kind of the drama. They put what was best for each other over what they wanted, especially when Millie told Sophie to go to the safe house, knowing that without some force she wouldn't go and that was what Sophie needed in that moment. Someone to wave the white flag and pull her out before the point of no return. To have perspective. She deserved her life and she needed to forgive herself. I need a Millie in my life. Everyone needs a Millie in their life. I think Millie is the true MVP of this series.
Here are just a few of her one liners from this book - because in whole theres too many to list!
'You know for someone with such a romantic name, he's a real killjoy, isn't he? He's all, Ooh look at me, I'm sensitive and kind and i have a beautiful long name and BAM! Psyche! I'm going to shoot you, You know what I call that Soph? False advertising, and I'm pretty sure it's illegal.
'How is your boo, or is it 'Bae' now. Or would it be 'murder bae'?
'I know its because your secretly in love with my best friend but you're too proud to admit it so you prefer to nag her because its the only way you can show her you care without freaking her out or encroaching on your brother who would flip out if he knew and probably would try to stab you for someone ludicrous reason he still thinks they might get back together, and don't worry you admit it right here so we'll just breeze on past this... anyhoo this is Cris...'
'You control you're own life, Sophie!
"I thank the universe every day for giving me a friend as good and loyal and kind as you are.'
'Its about hope. Its about happiness. It won't always be like this. I just wanted you to remember that.'
'I'm pulling you out Soph, you can come willingly, or you can come by your hair, but this world is about to implode and this life is not for you. I know that. You know that. Choose to recognise it. Please. Choose life. Choose happiness.' 'Try. Forgive yourself.'
We're the real love story here.'
Also can we talk about Valetino and Sophie's heart to heart. I thought it was lovely, showing he's ruthless because he has to be. That in his life he's had to toughen up. Then .... He was killed and I was shocked. I was really starting to get an insight into Valentino. He, being in a wheelchair I guess has probably been thought less of, so he's almost had to prove himself more. Be harder on people and himself. It was lovely to see him care so much about Luca, he wants Luca to be happy because he knows this is not the life he wants. He knows Luca loves Sophie.
YES LUCA SAID HE LOVED SOPHIE! My heart almost burst. The fact he said it in front of his family, Nic and Sophie. I just, I squealed with joy. Then that scene on the roof where Luca was talking about everything he would do if this wasn't his life. I almost shed a tear. I just want Luca to be happy, he is one of those people that you just want to be happy because he is not happy. He loves someone who because of his family, he can't say he's in love and be in love. He can't be a normal person in love and live his life. He deserves to be happy.
Felice, I find him scarily funny. Like he says things but the undertone of them is quite sinister, although he revealed his ulterior motive when Luca was injured and was going to kill him but Sophie got there first. I think it showed that under immense pressure, the most loyal of people can change and turn to an enemy. But we find out he never really supported his family. He thought he should have been the boss. Thats why he didn't do anything to stop Sophie's dad murdering Angelo and turned a blind eye to when Valentino was murdered.
Someone I did a total 180 on in the space of a paragraph was Sophie's dad. Now I know he's a bad guy, he's killed people, he killed the falcones dad but when it came down to it, he was there for Sophie. He saved her. It showed that deep down he never wanted for her to become entangled in the mafia. Then Nic goes and shoots him. I was a little devastated because I was hoping Sophie could have had more of a heart to heart. But I think he knew he was going to die and thats why he wrote that letter to Millie, again knowing the bond her and Sophie have. Knowing she would be the only one to save her. And that she needed saving. I think was a touching moment when Millie showed Sophie the letter.
The scene that really tore my heart was Luca and Sophie's goodbye before she left. I liked how Sophie knew she was being irrational thinking Luca wanted to get rid of her. Even though she knew he loved her and if it was his choice they would not be separated. But they both knew this had to happen. Sophie had to get away from the blood war. And Luca could leave it behind as well but it had to be his choice. But if he chose to stay he couldn't have Sophie there because he couldn't lose her. He would always worry for her safety and it would make him a target. He wouldn't be able to focus. Sophie would be even more of a target. They wouldn't be able to lose each other. I love what Sophie says to Luca, saying that by choosing to stay because he is anchored to his family even though knowing it will most likely end up getting him killed. That by choosing to stay and make decisions like sending Sophie away and not going with, he will end up losing himself. His soul, his humanity, his dreams and wants for his life. He doesn't want this life. He knows its wrong. But yet he still succumbs to it and is sinking from it.
The last few chapters though, I seriously was not expecting that surprise. Evelina Falcone. And her daughter. That was the who was at the safe house. I think it again cemented that Sophie's dad although he had killed people, he was a good guy if that makes sense. He didn't kill Evelina, he saved her. I think it mirrors Sophie and Luca in a sense. He is the boss of his mafia family but he doesn't want that life. Same with Michael, Sophie's dad and how he saved Evelina. Gave back her life. Although he couldn't walk away and save himself, he could save her. He could change the outcome of her and her child's life. Thats why I was also happy that Luca left with Sophie, he changed the outcome. He decided to save himself. He wanted to be the sunlight for Sophie, like Millie is. He wants to be the good person she sees in him.
Oh I was a bucket of nerves finding out who was killed on the yacht. Where Luca was. Well he walked away. He put himself first. I loved the ending. They weren't able to save Sara and all the other casualties of the blood war but they were able to save themselves. To live a life they want. I mean Luca took Sophie to see Phantom of the Opera. Babe or what?! Where can I get a Luca seriously!!!
I do love the open ending as well that the Falcones, the ones that survived, are still out there. It adds a element of danger still but that Luca and Sophie are leaving that behind. The proof that Luca leaving didn't stop them from continuing. They carried on with their lives, just like Sophie and Luca will now do.
I find I'm never going to be able to talk about this book and this series enough. This book series was amazing. I just loved the characters, they were so defined but flawed. You could imagine them in real life. The writing style I loved. Just saying. I'm a little sad about it being over but if this is Catherine Doyle's first book series, well I'm looking forward to the next books written by her. I really recommend people go read this series. Its weird but people do have that one book or book series that just gets them, they love and would always return to. This is mine. Also I rereading them from the start now, because I can, so anything I did miss out in this review I will add because I didn't make notes this time. I know how rebellious!
Also if they ever make a movie of this, again just putting this out there. *Cough* Me! Me! *Cough*I will dye my hair blonde! Serious.
Thank you all for reading, I am now in a bit of a book mourning phase so I don't know what I will read after I have finished rereading them so any book suggestions would be appreciated.
Sophie.
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