Wretched by Emily McIntire: a deep dive
Emily McIntire’s „Wretched” plunges readers into a dark contemporary romance, the third installment in her captivating „Never After” series. This novel masterfully retells fractured fairy tales, this time drawing loose inspiration from „The Wizard of Oz” and shifting the focus to the villain’s perspective. Published in 2022, this 282-page gripping narrative, with an average rating of 3.84 stars, explores the intricate machinations of the Westerly family and the dangerous dance between love and deception. Set in the atmospheric town of Kinland, known for its Irish American heritage and mob influence, „Wretched” promises an action-packed journey filled with witty banter and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Trigger warnings for Wretched
„Wretched” by Emily McIntire delves into mature and often disturbing themes, making trigger warnings essential for potential readers. The novel contains significant elements of violence, including drug-related crime and its consequences. Readers should be prepared for explicit discussions of betrayal, particularly within family structures, and the pervasive atmosphere of revenge that fuels many character motivations. The dark romance aspect also involves complex psychological manipulation and morally ambiguous characters whose actions may be challenging. Given the book’s focus on a drug empire, themes of addiction and its impact are present.
Plot summary: Eveline’s tangled web
The heart of „Wretched” beats with the story of Eveline Westerly, the intelligent and morally gray mastermind orchestrating her family’s vast drug empire. Her world is built on a foundation of deception, particularly concerning the production and distribution of a drug known as 'The Flying Monkey.’ Eveline’s meticulously constructed life begins to unravel with the arrival of Nicholas Woodsworth, an undercover DEA agent operating under the alias Brayden Walsh. His mission: to infiltrate the Westerly family and dismantle their operations from the inside. As Nicholas draws closer to Eveline, he finds himself increasingly captivated by her, complicating his duty. A pivotal plot twist reveals Eveline’s devastating discovery that her sister, Dorothy, was responsible for their sister Nessa’s death, igniting a firestorm of grief, betrayal, and a burning desire for retribution that propels the narrative towards its intense climax.
Characters in Wretched Emily McIntire
Eveline Westerly: the mastermind
Eveline Westerly stands as the compelling and complex protagonist of Emily McIntire’s „Wretched.” She is the sharp, resourceful, and morally ambiguous architect of her family’s formidable drug empire. Eveline is not merely a figurehead; she is the strategic mind behind the operation, meticulously cultivating poppies in a secret underground greenhouse, the source of their illicit trade. Her independence and intelligence are her greatest assets, but they are also intertwined with a deep-seated capacity for manipulation, born from a life steeped in crime and family secrets. Her journey is one of navigating treacherous waters, balancing her responsibilities with burgeoning, complicated emotions.
Nicholas Woodsworth: the undercover agent
Nicholas Woodsworth, operating under the clandestine alias Brayden Walsh, is the dedicated DEA agent tasked with the dangerous mission of infiltrating the Westerly family’s drug operation in „Wretched.” His objective is clear: to gather evidence and bring down their empire. However, his mission becomes profoundly complicated when he finds himself drawn to Eveline Westerly, the very woman he is meant to betray. Nicholas grapples with the intense conflict between his sworn duty and his undeniable attraction to Eveline. His undercover persona allows him to observe her closely, but it also forces him to confront his own moral compass as he witnesses her complexity and the harsh realities of her world.
Themes and analysis of Wretched
Betrayal, revenge, and family legacy
„Wretched” by Emily McIntire is deeply steeped in the destructive cycle of betrayal, revenge, and the enduring weight of family legacy. The narrative intricately weaves these themes through the lives of the Westerly family, where trust is a rare commodity and past grievances cast long shadows. Eveline’s discovery of her sister Dorothy’s culpability in Nessa’s death serves as a potent catalyst, igniting a quest for revenge that is both personal and driven by a desire to protect what remains of her family’s fractured honor. The book explores how the sins of the past, particularly those tied to a criminal family legacy, inevitably shape the present and dictate future actions, often with devastating consequences for all involved.
The dark romance and its complexities
The dark romance at the core of „Wretched” is as intense as it is complicated, primarily due to the clandestine nature of Nicholas Woodsworth’s presence and the opposing loyalties he and Eveline Westerly represent. Their connection is a slow-burn, forged in an environment of constant deception and underlying danger. The romance is further amplified by the psychological complexities at play; Eveline’s morally ambiguous nature and Nicholas’s internal struggle between his mission and his burgeoning desire create a palpable tension. McIntire, known for her steamy novels featuring morally gray characters, expertly navigates this intricate relationship, showcasing how love can bloom even in the grittiest of circumstances, challenging conventional notions of heroism and villainy.
FAQ about Wretched by Emily McIntire
Is Wretched part of a series?
Yes, „Wretched” is the third book in Emily McIntire’s „Never After” series, which is celebrated for its unique fractured fairy tale retellings.
What fairy tale is Wretched based on?
„Wretched” loosely draws inspiration from „The Wizard of Oz,” focusing on the villain’s perspective and reimagining familiar elements within a dark contemporary romance setting.
What are the main themes in Wretched?
The primary themes explored in „Wretched” include betrayal, revenge, family legacy, grief, and the complexities of a dark romance, all set against the backdrop of a drug empire.
Who are the main characters?
The central characters are Eveline Westerly, the intelligent and morally ambiguous mastermind of her family’s drug empire, and Nicholas Woodsworth, the undercover DEA agent tasked with infiltrating her world.
What is the approximate page count for Wretched?
„Wretched” has approximately 282 pages, offering a substantial and engaging reading experience.
What is the general rating for Wretched?
Based on numerous Goodreads and Amazon ratings, „Wretched” by Emily McIntire generally receives a rating of around 3.84 out of 5 stars.