Ruined
Author: Amy Tintera
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Ruined Book #1
ISBN: 0062396609
ISBN13: 9780062396600
Genre: YA Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents’ brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia, was kidnapped.
But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge, Em sets off on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera’s borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. But in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.
In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera’s throne. If anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir’s true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it’s the only way to salvage Em’s kingdom and what is left of her family.
Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em’s rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.
We learn a lot about Emelina, her family and Ruina in RUINED. Em is useless in the eyes of Ruina's people as she has no magic. Just because she doesn't have any magic doesn't mean she can't take care of herself and kick ass. She definitely can and proves it time and time again throughout RUINED. I found Em to be pretty fierce and I really liked her determination. Having said that, after learning all that is revealed I was shocked with Em's determination to save her people and her sister from Lera. I don't want to go much into it because learning is part of the story, but I don't know if I would be so gun-ho to fight for these people if I was in her shoes.
Prince Casimir is nothing like I was expecting. I found him to be loyal to those he considers worthy, caring and genuinely willing to listen to all sides of an issue before making a judgment on something—which was surprising after seeing and hearing about his mother and father. The romance between Em and Casimir is turbulent but sweet. There original relationship is built on lies, but there are true feelings and after Casimir learns the truth he still cares deeply about her. They have a lot to work through though.
RUINED is fast paced and full of action. I'm not usually a fan of multiple POVs but both characters were interesting and Tintera made the transitions nice and smooth.
I honestly can't even begin to put into words how I feel about Emelina's sister. I can't believe Em sees her as Ruina's future. I know there will be some epic issues with her and the way she handles things in book two when it comes out next year. I definitely want to see where things lead, so book two is already on my wishlist.
I gave it 4/5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
