Ratings: 5🌈

When it comes fiction that’s categorized as vigilante justice thrillers or found family psychopathic vigilantes, author Onley James’ books are at the top of the list. They are there because of the depth of characterization, the complexity of their storylines, the inclusion of therapy when possible, and that the damage and trauma dealt out is met, if possible, by an equally powerful or more violent ending for those monsters involved. It’s dark fiction for a reason.

It starts with the seven dark fantastic books of the Necessary Evils series and then leads here to Jericho’s Boys, now on its second successful novel.

Jericho, married to Atticus Mulvaney, who became an adopted guardian to a group of troubled teenagers, now young men. They were a part of Jericho’s story in Necessary Evils and the subsequent books.

Paladin was Arseny Lebedev and Ever’s story. Rogue belongs to Levi Akira, a familiar character, and Shiloh

Mizrahi, who becomes the new addition to the growing found family of Jericho and Atticus.

As with each book, James reveals the deep emotional landscape of Levi Akira in every aspect of his personality and history. From his tortured childhood to his current deeply dysfunctional dynamic with his homeless, alcoholic mother, the author’s treatment of Levi is an raw painful , constantly evolving portrayal of a young man who’s never been able to express his complex feelings about himself and what he has been and continues to go through internally.

Add to that, James has created a new monstrous family comprised of a sadistic middle brother, and two other brothers each with their own unique sets of traits and issues. None of which I’ll mention because they are an integral part of the story. But all are so well crafted, cruelly real in one way, and heartbreakingly raw in another. As to the oldest? I’m hoping we get so much more of him.

It starts with a small surprising situation. And then continues to escalate until eventually the Mulvaney’s are involved as well,as they should be. After all, it’s one big family.

The epilogue is very satisfying because it’s HFN, as it could be given their ages and length of time together. They are a work in progress. Luckily we will see them again in the next book and whatever action the Mulvaney family gets involved with.

I’m highly anticipating both. And recommending Rogue (Jericho’s Boys, #2) by Onley James as a must read. But that’s including Necessary Evils as the foundation series.

Jericho’s Boys:

✓ Paladin #1

✓ Rogue #2

◦ Bard #3 – tbd

*Necessary Evils (7 book series) – this is the foundation series for Jericho’s Boys. Many ,if not all , of the couples and characters from this series play important roles in Jericho’s Boy books. So it helps to have read the books first.

Buy Link:

Rogue (Jericho’s Boys Book 2)

Blurb:

Levi Akira’s existence is far from ideal. His mother’s addiction consumes their lives, his academic standing is crumbling, and the convenience store he works at is a constant target for ruthless robberies. But amidst the chaos, Levi finds solace in only three things: his tight-knit group of friends, protecting his neighborhood as one of Jericho’s Boys, and streaming his favorite video game, where he assumes the role of Rogue—a hero who will break the rules for the greater good.

Shiloh Mizrahi’s hope has all but dwindled. With one brother unjustly imprisoned, and the other a sadistic puppeteer, he endures daily torment at the hands of the latter. And his latest demand? Get close to Levi at any cost.

In the midst of another ordinary night shift, Levi’s world is upended when a captivating and terrified stranger appears, brandishing a weapon and claiming he has been forced to kill Levi by his own brother. Levi, torn between self-preservation and an instinctive aversion to harming the vulnerable boy, takes a bold leap—he kisses him. And then, just like that, the boy disappears into the night, leaving Levi haunted by his memory.

Driven by an unshakeable connection, Levi’s path crosses with Shiloh’s once more, igniting a passionate bond that refuses to be extinguished. However, Shiloh harbors a labyrinth of secrets, torn between loyalty and desire. With his brother’s freedom dangling in the balance, can Levi and Shiloh navigate the treacherous path to be together, or will Levi forever remain a hero confined to the online realm?

• Publisher: (February 29, 2024)

• Publication date: February 29, 2024

• Print length: 364 pages