You know that feeling when you finish a book and just sort of stare at the wall for twenty minutes? That's the God of Pain experience. It isn't just another dark romance novel floating around BookTok; it’s a specific kind of emotional wrecking ball that Rina Kent swung at her readers, and honestly, some of us haven't recovered.
Creighton King is a problem.
If you’ve been following the Legacy of Gods series, you knew he was coming, but nothing really prepares you for the sheer, quiet intensity of the "silent" King. It’s the second book in the series, following God of Malice, and while Killian was chaotic, Creighton is a different breed of dark. He doesn't scream. He doesn't have to. He just exists, and the world—specifically Annika Volkov—bends to his will.
The Gravity of God of Pain
Let's get into the weeds of why this specific story hits harder than the others. Most dark romance authors rely on the "alpha" being loud and aggressive. Rina Kent took a gamble with Creighton. He’s the stoic, observant one. He’s the guy who remembers every single detail about you not because he’s sweet, but because he’s calculating. It’s a "he falls first but he falls like a landslide" trope done with surgical precision.
Annika Volkov is the perfect foil. She’s sunshine, but not the annoying kind. She’s the daughter of Adrian Volkov (from the Deception trilogy), so she’s got that internal steel that makes her more than just a victim of Creighton’s obsession. Their dynamic works because it’s a collision of two very different types of trauma.
The plot kicks off with a forced proximity situation that feels genuinely claustrophobic. It’s not just "oh no, there's only one bed." It’s "I am trapped in a house with a man who might be a literal monster, and I’m starting to like how he looks at me." The tension is thick enough to choke on.
What People Miss About Creighton King
People often talk about the spice—and look, it’s a Rina Kent book, so the spice is definitely there and it is high heat—but the psychological aspect of Creighton’s character is what actually drives the engine of God of Pain. He is a man who feels too much but expresses nothing.
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He’s deeply protective, almost to a pathological degree.
Think about the way he handles the "threats" to Annika. It isn't just about winning; it’s about total erasure of anyone who dares to touch what is his. This is where the "God" title comes from. He isn't just a boyfriend; he’s an atmospheric force.
Why the Legacy of Gods Series Works
If you’re diving into this book without having read the parents' stories (the Royal Elite series or the Deception trilogy), you’re going to be a bit lost on the cameos. But you don't strictly need them. God of Pain stands on its own two feet because the chemistry is so localized between the two leads.
Rina Kent has this knack for writing interconnected universes that feel like a reward for long-time fans without being a barrier for newbies. Seeing Adrian Volkov as a father is... an experience. It adds a layer of stakes because we know how dangerous these families are. You aren't just worried about a breakup; you're worried about a literal war between Russian and British criminal legacies.
The Problem With Dark Romance Expectations
Lately, the genre has been flooded with books that try too hard to be "dark" without having any soul. They just throw in a few triggers and hope for the best. God of Pain avoids this by anchoring the darkness in the characters' history.
Creighton’s silence isn't a gimmick. It’s a defense mechanism.
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When he finally speaks—really speaks—it matters. The pacing reflects this. The first half is a slow burn that feels like a prowl. The second half is an explosion. Some readers found the transition jarring, but if you look at the psychological profile of the characters, it makes total sense. They were a powder keg waiting for a match.
Breaking Down the "Pain" in the Title
Pain isn't just physical in this book. It's the emotional weight of expectation. Creighton is the son of Elsa and Aiden King. If you know Aiden, you know the pressure Creighton is under to be the perfect, untouchable heir.
Annika represents the one thing he can't control.
Control is the central theme here. Most of the conflict stems from Creighton trying to maintain a grip on his environment while his feelings for Annika cause him to spiral. It’s a mess. A beautiful, high-stakes, "please don't do that but also maybe do that" kind of mess.
Navigating the Triggers
It’s worth noting—seriously, don't ignore this—that this book comes with a heavy list of trigger warnings. We're talking about dub-con (dubious consent), extreme voyeurism, stalking, and violence. It is not a "sweet" romance. It is a "dark" romance in the truest sense of the word.
If you’re coming from TikTok looking for a cute "grumpy x sunshine" read, you’re in for a shock. Creighton isn't grumpy; he’s dangerous.
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The Verdict on the Hype
Is it the best book in the series? That’s debatable. A lot of fans swear by God of Malice or God of Wrath. But God of Pain holds a special place because it’s the most atmospheric. It feels like a fever dream. The setting, the internal monologues, and the sheer intensity of the "King" legacy make it a mandatory read for anyone serious about the genre.
Rina Kent’s writing style is punchy. She uses short, sharp sentences to convey tension.
"She is mine."
It’s a simple statement, but in the context of this book, it carries the weight of a death sentence. That’s the magic of her prose. She doesn't need flowery metaphors when a blunt force trauma sentence will do.
Actionable Steps for Your Reading Journey
If you’re ready to tackle this book or you’ve just finished it and need a way to process the madness, here is the best way to move forward:
- Read the Prequels: If you haven't read God of Malice, go back. It sets up the brotherhood and the hierarchy of the "Gods" at LUR (London United University).
- Check the Family Tree: Rina Kent’s world is massive. Keep a fan-made family tree open on your phone while you read. It helps you keep track of who is a King, a Volkov, or a Steel.
- Don't Skip the Epilogue: Kent is famous for her "extended" looks into the future. The epilogue in God of Pain provides crucial setup for the rest of the series.
- Join the Community: Head over to Goodreads or specific Facebook groups for Rina Kent fans. There are theories about Creighton’s future that you’ll want to see, especially regarding how he interacts with the other "Gods" in later installments like God of Ruin.
- Listen to the Audiobook: If the physical book didn't hit hard enough, the dual narration in the audiobook adds a layer of gravelly intensity to Creighton’s voice that honestly changes the whole vibe.
The story of Creighton and Annika is a masterclass in how to write an obsession that feels earned rather than forced. It’s dark, it’s messy, and it’s exactly why we keep coming back to these types of stories.