“Rush” by Maya Banks – An Odyssey into the Darkness

Rush by Maya Banks is the first book in what is known as The Breathless series, and it tells the story of Gabe Hamilton, one of the richest and most powerful men in the country. However, beneath his charming exterior beats a heart with much to hide from everyone. 

One day, he notices Mia Crestwell enter into the bathroom of his grand hotel, a young lady on who he had a crush ever since she was a teenager... and little did he know, Mia felt the same way towards him. 

And so they embark together on an ill-advised relationship, one which could threaten the integrity and honor of their families if it was to ever be exposed. However, it’s not as if all is fun and games, as Mia begins to learn about some of the darker tendencies Gabe hides from the world, going on a long and perilous odyssey into the darkest reaches of the human soul.

I have to say that even though I expected the first book to be some kind of run-of-the-mill love story, I was happy to see that despite everything, it does strive to evolve above that and explore deeper, existential themes. Of course, it all remains within the context of this type of book, with the main exploration being limited to human drives and desires, what is considered right and wrong, and of course, why. 

Rush by Maya Banks (Book cover)
In addition to that, the story itself is written quite well, with Maya Banks having a pretty good knack for choosing the proper words and making the whole thing feel mature. Also, I have to admit that it was nice to see that even though Mia was somewhat naive, she could stand up for herself and wasn’t just a lamb taken out for the slaughter.

As far as the meat of the book is concerned, the relationship between Gabe and Mia, I have to say that I was slightly disappointed in the general direction that was taken. While it was still interesting to read, it lacked originality, following the same structure multiple such stories before it have.

Nevertheless, the characters are still interesting to watch while they grow and develop, and on the whole, despite its flaws, the book is an interesting start to the trilogy and I believe anyone who likes stories such as Fifty Shades of Grey will take a liking to this book as well.

Maya Banks (Author)

Maya Banks


Personal site

Maya Banks is part of the writing movement in the United States which wants to bring erotic romance novels to casual readers. In one way or another, Maya Banks has ensured every one of her books to be grounded in romance, whether spiritual or physical.



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