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A review by indigoivee
Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe
4.0
I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book.
The writing, the way the classic story was retold, the romance the angst, everything was just absolutely amazing. It invites readers into a captivating world of magic, secrets, and self-discovery. The story revolves around Mae, an orphan yearning for acceptance and knowledge of magic on the Prosper's island. As she unravels the hidden truths behind the affluent Prosper family, Mae must confront betrayal, death, and the complexity of her own desires.
The story begins at a steady pace, introducing readers to the intriguing dynamics of the Prosper family. While the initial chapters may feel slow, the story continues to keep us engaged with a blend of predictable elements and unexpected twists. The plot's predictability, due to it’s inspiration drawing from the Shakespearean classic “The Tempest”, is counteracted by the suspenseful "how" of the unfolding events, maintaining an air of mystery that propels the narrative forward.
One of the novel's standout features is its well-developed and endearing characters. Mae's journey to find her place in the world resonates with me, making her relatable and sympathetic. It took a couple of chapters for me to warm up to Ivo, but once I did, it was all I desired for Mae and for the story! The diverse cast, including Coco, Miles, and the unapologetically douchebag, Alasdair, adds depth and complexity to the story. The character growth, particularly in Coco and Miles, enhances the overall reading experience.
The writing style is commendable, with a smooth flow that ensures a seamless reading experience. The novel's quick and enjoyable pace, coupled with well-crafted prose, contributes to its status as a delightful read.
The ending of the story is something that had me up at night wondering about, leaving me wanting more!
By far the best book I’ve read all year.
The writing, the way the classic story was retold, the romance the angst, everything was just absolutely amazing. It invites readers into a captivating world of magic, secrets, and self-discovery. The story revolves around Mae, an orphan yearning for acceptance and knowledge of magic on the Prosper's island. As she unravels the hidden truths behind the affluent Prosper family, Mae must confront betrayal, death, and the complexity of her own desires.
The story begins at a steady pace, introducing readers to the intriguing dynamics of the Prosper family. While the initial chapters may feel slow, the story continues to keep us engaged with a blend of predictable elements and unexpected twists. The plot's predictability, due to it’s inspiration drawing from the Shakespearean classic “The Tempest”, is counteracted by the suspenseful "how" of the unfolding events, maintaining an air of mystery that propels the narrative forward.
One of the novel's standout features is its well-developed and endearing characters. Mae's journey to find her place in the world resonates with me, making her relatable and sympathetic. It took a couple of chapters for me to warm up to Ivo, but once I did, it was all I desired for Mae and for the story! The diverse cast, including Coco, Miles, and the unapologetically douchebag, Alasdair, adds depth and complexity to the story. The character growth, particularly in Coco and Miles, enhances the overall reading experience.
The writing style is commendable, with a smooth flow that ensures a seamless reading experience. The novel's quick and enjoyable pace, coupled with well-crafted prose, contributes to its status as a delightful read.
The ending of the story is something that had me up at night wondering about, leaving me wanting more!
By far the best book I’ve read all year.