A SEAMLESS SPIN-OFF THAT KICKS-STARTS THE NEW ERA

This is an entertaining spin-off series from the absolutely spellbinding Ruthless People Mafia series and, although I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as its predecessors, it was everything I’d hoped it would be.. even if it did have more or a melancholy feel rather than a humorous one. Nearly two decades have passed since the end of the last series and now it’s 28 yr old Ethan who is the Ceann na Conairte of the Irish Callahan/Italian Giovanni Mafia dynasty that rule Chicago.. the dynasty that Liam and Melody left behind after their bloody bitter battles were finally over and they both paid the ultimate price. The sibling dynamics are still there between Ethan, Wyatt and Donatella.. but they’ve each got very different attitudes and ambitions. You don’t HAVE to listen to Ruthless People before this.. but I hope and urge you to because a) you’ll be missing out on an awesome epic dark yet humorous series.. b) because it gives you the groundwork of the characters.. and c) it sets the pace for the continuation of the Callahan dynasty in this new series.

Ethan is cold, structured and he’s a genius at forward planning, he uses his intelligence rather than his emotions, he’s very much in charge of all things ‘family’ and now he wants a wife.. but not just any woman.. no, it’s got to be rough around the edges Ivy.. a feisty jailbird who has already served seven years of a long sentence for a murder she didn’t commit. The reasons why Ethan chose Ivy will eventually become clear.. this Boss has his heartfelt reasons.. and, when Ivy’s approached with an offer she can’t refuse, Ethan’s manoeuvring and manipulation of players across his Mafia power board will eventually end in a brutal bloodbath.. and not everyone will be left standing.

This gifted author isn’t afraid to deliver painful punches, she knocks you sideways with unseen twists, her dark scenes are chilling, the drama is thrilling and she has you gripped to every single climactic word.. but it’s Joel Froomkin who brings it all to life with his endless acting abilities that’s probably spoiled me for all time. He switches genders, dialects, ages and nationalities with ease making each exciting chapter unstoppable. He was each and every character, he played their parts beautifully and the conversations flowed easily. Although mainly told from Ethan and Ivy’s POV’s, this suspensful story was told from multiple POV’s.. which brings in the major character and shows that, even if all of their moral compasses have been broken, they bleed they feel pain.. and they love deeply.

Worth a credit? Don’t hesitate - they are.

5 people found this helpful

So damn good!! One of my favorites hands down.

I have been a huge fan of the main books of this series and having a spinoff usually comes with very high expectations. This story and audio deliver!!! I enjoyed every aspect of the story... from the scenes that occured in the past, the way the past collided with the present and the chemistry between Ivy & Ethan. Beyond all of the great storytelling is also the amazing character development that occured as it takes place many years in the future from the last book of the main series. It is addict, gripping, engaging, twisty and an overall crazy ride. The narration is outstanding, spectacular and compelling. I can not say enough about how genius this performance is. This is not just a book being narrated, it is performed to the highest levels of acting and I can't get enough. Pure perfection!!

2 people found this helpful

The passion, the loyal, the trust and the truth

I love this family. Never a dull moment with them . Can't wait to read the next book

1 person found this helpful

Another home run!!!!!!!

This was friggin amazing!!!! One of those books where you get pissed when you get interrupted 🤓😂 and feel like you need to take the day off to finish it. Narration was as always superior- Joel words can’t say how talented this man is!

1 person found this helpful

Great Follow-Up to Ruthless People Series!

If you enjoy the mafia and/or mafia romance genres, you will LOVE Children of Vice. This is the first in a three-book series, following the Ruthless People series by the same author.

**I’d highly recommend that you read the Ruthless People series FIRST, because you won’t understand the characters in Children of Vice, nor their backgrounds with the family/mob unless you do. You will get a lot of important history if you read Ruthless People first.**

Children of Vice begins about 10 years after Ruthless People ends, with a new generation of Callahans assuming control of the Irish and Italian mobs. Melody and Liam’s three children are, to varying degrees, involved in the “family business”, although their loyalties (and destinies) are certainly put to the test in this book. Some of the older characters step up their involvement in the business as well, while the cousins and extended family all play some role in the continuation of the Callahan story.

Of course, the characters are brutal and calculating, so there are some very dark moments and not a lot of sunshine in this book. However, if you enjoy this genre like I do, then their savagery - combined with their deep love of family - are huge reasons that you read about the mafia in the first place.

Like the predecessor series, this book has a great deal of humor, which is so unusual - but very welcome - in this genre. There are many LOL moments throughout the book to break up the brutality and violence.

A few other items of interest about this book… There is an nicely evolving - albeit unconventional - romance in the book, along with some mighty steamy sex. In addition, JJ McAvoy always inserts surprises into her storylines. There were some stunners in this one.

It goes without saying that Joel Froomkin is the most versatile narrator ever, amazingly performing the many characters in the story. He voices men and women; old and young; and uses Irish, Italian and south Boston accents with ease. He even speaks convincingly in Irish and Italian from time to time. He is an actor first and a narrator second, and it shows.

This book is well worth the time investment. You’ll want to rewind sections time and time again. It has started out even better than the Ruthless People series, of which I am also a big fan. I highly recommend Children of Vice!

Excellent continuation of the first series

Boy oh boy was this a great follow up to Liam and Mel's reign! Their son is now boss and takes a wife. The all hell breaks loose! Thanks for a another great story with OUTSTANDING narration by Joel!!!!

****SPOILERS ****

Okay no real mother would put her baby at risk for pride or a stupid plan all her books have the main h gets pregnant then does something stupid and selfish which makes her lose the baby. Then they want to act depressed, just no its your fault and your husbands they are to blame no one else. i like how the h is brave but she makes then not care about her own baby not cool. The H is a peice of work he had his ex and his 3 wk old baby killed because he didnt want them, just wow.

Horrible Narration

This was a halfway decent listen. The narrator made all the characters sound like 90 yr old Jewish men and women.
It made the intimate scenes seem kind of sick.
I hope in Book 2 there is a new narrator.

uneventful at times but overall a great read

felt really slow at times but I loved how they really opened up to one another and the idea of Love.

A mind as unnaturally complicated as Stephen Spielberg !

Wow, this is the first book I’ve ever listened to or read, by this author. As I listened, I kept having thoughts of Stephen Spielberg’s story telling. I know that the two authors write in completely different genres, but is the complicated characters and plots that strike me as similar. When reading SS’s works, I have always been amazed and awed by his unique style. I also have almost been afraid of the fact that there is actually someone whose mind is warped and complicated enough to compose such disturbing works of literature. This author’s writing style gives me the same type of feelings. These characters are unique psychopaths that all seem to have multiple personalities. If you have read/listened to the original series, you are prepared for what’s coming. However, if you are new to this, as I was, prepare yourself for a truly frightening ride. There is over-the-Top vicious violence, some of which is perpetuated by a 10 year old child against a priest. There is unbelievable cruelty and mental abuse against children. There are elaborate plans for revenge and there are innocent victims. However, underneath it all, there are beautiful monsters and soul-deep love and loyalty. However, there is a lot of ugly To get through before there is even a glimpse of any beauty, therefore, if you are squeamish and aren’t willing to evaluate events through shades of grey, this series is not for you. This is not a sweet romance with a hero who sweeps the Heroine off her feet. This is gritty and raw and it has left me raw, but also anxious for more.
-V from Kansas