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ashleyvharris's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Ruined was a solid page-turner that romance fans will love.
While I didn’t exactly get what I expected going into the first book of the trilogy, Amy Tintera crafted compelling characters and plot that kept me reading. I was expecting more work-building, fantasy, and political repartee, but found that the heart of this story is the romance between Em and Cas.
The progression of their relationship didn’t seem to outlandish until they began a passionate affair after Em’s plan and betrayal has been revealed . The pain these two characters experienced at the hands of one another’s families makes it hard to believe their fresh but seemingly insurmountable feelings for someone they don’t know well. Somehow, despite that cavern of unbelievability, I still found myself rooting for them.
Tintera is fantastic at building tension and chemistry between characters, whether their friends, family, or lovers. The intracies of Cas’s relationships with his family and Galo were compelling, as was Em’s with Aren and her love for Olivia. It would have been great to have even more moments where we so those vulnerabilities and humorous interactions.
While I will definitely give the next book a try, I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone looking for a meatier fantasy or political drama. Romance fans will find Cas and Em irresistible though.
Ruined is a romance-heavy, but promising, trilogy starter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death of parent, Death, Genocide, Kidnapping, Murder, Physical abuse, Violence, and War
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