Deviant King, by Rina Kent, is the first installment in the Royal Elite series that combines elements of dark academia, suspense, and turbulent romance. This novel is not for the faint-hearted, as it delves into sinister psychological edges, blending drama with an intense emotional narrative. It’s a story that catches its readers by its throat from the very beginning and does not let go easily.

The narrative wheel of Deviant King revolves around Aiden King, the enigmatic and mysterious leader of the Royal Elite School's most influential students—a band that might as well call themselves royalty in the context of their private school's social ladder. Aiden's presence is overwhelming; he exudes a certain charismatic yet terrifying aura that demands both reverence and fear. He embodies the perfect archetype of the dark, brooding male protagonist who hides a sea of unspoken secrets.

Enters Elaine, our female lead, who finds herself thrust into the tumultuous waters of Royal Elite School. Elaine's character contrasts sharply with Aiden; she’s more naive and less worldly, which makes her the ideal target for Aiden’s domineering tendencies. However, what makes Elaine stand out is her inherent strength and the resilience she displays in face of adversity. Her journey from a scared newcomer to a determined survivor speaks volumes about her tenacity. Kent captures the essence of her struggle with a remarkable precision that grips the reader’s empathy.

One of the strongest suits of Rina Kent in Deviant King is her ability to write a palpable tension. The interaction between Aiden and Elaine stretches beyond simple conversations—it’s almost palpable, thick enough to slice through. As their relationship evolves, albeit tumultuously, Kent masterfully explores the themes of power, control, and the grey shades of consent. These are difficult subjects to handle, yet Kent approaches them with a necessary bluntness and a hint of sensitivity that is required to not turn the narrative into an exploitative ordeal.

The plot itself is tightly woven, with clever twists and intrigues that keep the pages turning. Kent employs a dual POV that gives readers an insight into both Aiden and Elaine’s thoughts, providing a deeper psychological perspective into their actions and decisions. This technique effectively heightens the tension and suspense, as readers find themselves privy to conflicting emotions and secrets that the characters themselves are not aware of from each other.

The tone of Deviant King is explicitly dark, interspersed with moments of cruelty that might unsettle a regular reader of romance. The dominance games and the manipulative tactics used by Aiden can be disturbing, but they are essential constructs of the story’s central narrative fabric. These darker elements are not just for thrill; they provide a fertile ground for character development and thematic exploration which Kent uses judiciously.

What makes the novel stand firmly is its secondary characters that are equally compelling. From Aiden’s friends to Elaine’s classmates, each character adds a layer to the complex social hierarchy of the Royal Elite School. They act not just as extensions of the school’s social order but have their arcs that are intriguing and often provide a reprieve from the intense central narrative.

However, Deviant King is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the relationship dynamics troubling, and sometimes the emotional intensity can edge towards the extreme, feeling a bit contrived. Additionally, the pace, while brisk in the unfolding of events, can sometimes rush psychological transitions making them seem abrupt.

Conclusively, Deviant King by Rina Kent is a compelling start to the Royal Elite series. It’s a tangled web of emotions, power, and survival within the vaulted halls of an elite educational institution. For those who revel in dark romance novels that are not afraid to explore deep, sometimes distressing human emotions and interactions, this novel offers a potent mix of all. Kent’s narrative prowess ensures that readers are not just passive observers but become emotionally invested in the characters’ world, making it a memorable, though complex, reading experience.