New York Times bestseller Amy Tintera’s YA fantasy trilogy blends the romance of Kiera Cass’s Selection series and the epic stakes of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war; her parents were killed and her sister was kidnapped. Even though Em is only a useless Ruined—completely … though Em is only a useless Ruined—completely lacking any magic—she is determined to get revenge.
Her plan is simple: She will infiltrate the enemy’s kingdom, posing as the crown prince’s betrothed. She will lead an ambush. She will kill the king and everything he holds dear, including his son.
The closer Em gets to the prince, though, the more she questions her mission. Her rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.
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Soo good
Actual Rating 3.80
I have to say I enjoyed Ruined a whole lot more than I thought I would. Don’t get me wrong, there were things that annoyed me about this book, but it in no way impacted the fact that I could not put this book down. I didn’t even care that this revenge plot fed into so many things I’ve read about time and time again.
So Emelina was a character that I both liked and hated. She is too calculated and cold that it was rather annoying. I mean she infiltrates the lives of the people that killed her family and people and she’s constantly thinking of ways she can randomly kill all of them. Oh look at that innocent knife over there, I can simply reach for it and slit everyone’s throats in .10 seconds. Yes we get it, you’re very good with a knife. Emelina was also so controlled by her emotions that I was surprised it took as long as it did for her to be found out. The rage and loathing for the Royal family was in no way disguised by her. I wasn’t convinced of her feelings for Casimir either.
But pay no mind to that. I still loved the action and seeing Emelina being able to handle herself with a sword. The calculating way to her personality wasn’t always annoying. I loved the world Amy Tintera created and thought the Ruined were a great set of people and their powers were very interesting. Casimir was someone I did end up liking, although he should totally kill Emelina. I liked how he spoke up for things he thought was right no matter his parents and cousins opinions and need to decree things to work in their favor. They were something else.
Ruined really had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I’m a sucker for a revenge plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and hope the next book only gets better. Although I only gave this book 3 stars, some of the little things I talked about kinda kills the story a little bit, but I would recommend it.
In book 1, we determine there is a kingdom killing off every once-powered (as in superpower) person from a neighboring kingdom to make sure they aren’t at risk of being overthrown, should those abilities come back. A young woman from that targeted kingdom infiltrates the royal family of the other, posing as the prince’s arranged bride. She intends to kill her groom, his parents, and all other remaining members of the royal family in revenge for the relentless slaughtering of her people–including that of her parents, and the kidnapping of her sister by the king. Then she falls in love with the prince and starts to see that maybe there are other options.
In book 2 we learn more about how this happened, and the ramifications of releasing Em’s (very angry) sister from her dungeon.
In book 3 we see alliances form and reform, the true colors of people who are changing, and characters becoming who they want to be rather than tools in a war they didn’t start.
I tore through this trilogy. It had a solid romance in it, interesting secondary characters, surprises, and a good amount of diversity (in this world, they don’t label sexuality or raise an eyebrow at who you decide to date…also, gender isn’t always such a social construct. For example, yes the bride is sent from another land in a dress to marry a man for political reasons, but jobs, clothes, respect aren’t so gender-based). I don’t like when “war stuff” gets too complex or weighs down the character arcs in the story, and this had just the right amount. The people behind the decisions during power struggles and battles were changing, and it was reflected in those battles.
A fun series I recommend, each book just as good as its partners.
Finally got my hands on this book and let me tell you it was a wonderful read and was the best decision I had made!! Reminds me a bit of how the book “Snow like Ashes” (I believe that’s the title) was similar. Great book, characters, wit, and action are my favorite combos!! Thank you Amy Tintera!! Will also get book 2 and 3 🙂
I’m currently reading this book.
This is a wonderful book with fantastic characters, action that makes you want to keep turning the pages, and a romance that will have you swooning!