Ruined by Amy Tintera

Author: Amy Tintera

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: May 3, 2016

Pages: 368

Format: Hardcover

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Links: [Chapters/Indigo] [Amazon]

Goodreaders Synopsis:

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.

Review:

I'm writing this review on my first re-read. I actually read it when it came out in May 2016, and had given it a 4 star rating at the time. However, since re-reading it I found out I loved it even more a second time and had to bump up my rating to 5 stars.

When I read the synopsis I was so intrigued, epic-fantasy and a revenge story what more can I ask for?! I was so excited to read the book and I wasn't disappointed at all!

"Mary swung at her again, and Em grabbed her wrist, yanking the arm with the dagger to the sky. With her other hand, Em drove the sword into the princess’s chest."

It didn't take long for the action to start in the first couple pages and people were already dying left and right. And if that only happened in the first couple pages just imagine what would happen in the rest of the book. When I finished this book I just sat on my bed staring at the cover until everything finally sank in, and just started thinking about how I couldn't wait for the sequel! And the same thing happened when I re-read it! I'm so happy that I get to read the sequel soon, and I have a feeling the sequel wont disappoint.

I loved everything about this book! The only thing missing was a map, oh how I love maps! I just love following on the map where the characters are going and they are always just so pretty!!!!

It's an epic fantasy and it sure did live up to its name! Totally EPIC!! There wasn't a single page that I was reading and found myself bored!

"My wife didn't smother me with a pillow! Must be love!"

It had some funny dialogue, as you can read from the quote above. Don't worry this quote in from the beginning of the book, there are many more sarcastic moments too. Those moments had me laughing OUT LOUD and my family just staring at me like I'm insane but I didn't care cause I LOVE IT SO MUCH! (I was just like Donald in the GIF).

"No one feared Emelina Flores, the useless daughter of the most powerful queen Ruina had ever known. But they would."

Ruined has a dual point of view:

1) Emelina/Em - who is the princess of Ruina and one of the few Ruined that managed to survive the attack on her home. Em is set on revenge, she has nothing left, her home was destroyed her parents murdered and her sister was taken away from her. She's on a mission to find her sister and kill the royal family of Lera and strip the enemy's kingdom of its power and stability. Even though she has no magical abilities and is considered useless to her people she can wield a sword like no other! She's skilled in battle and combat, fearless... basically SHE IS AMAZING! She acts all nice to the people around her while in her mind shes plotting ways to kill them with the things surrounding her! She's a strong woman that doesn't let anyone push her around and stands her ground. #Goals

2) Prince Casimir/Cas - Cas was funny and sweet and just amazing! I L.O.V.E. HIM. He's so sweet, funny and strong and just adorable! Did I mention that hes a great swordsman...no? well he is the greatest. Cas's father (The King of Lera) fears the Ruined, them having magical abilities that he cant counteract. Having started a war in getting rid of the Ruined and hunting every last one down until there kind is no more. I didn't like or hate the King. He was a great father to Cas and loved him a lot. Cas has different points of views than his father. He likes to listen and think then take action until his father who likes to take action first and does what he wants without taking in consideration what anybody else thinks.

I didn't love or hate the King of Lera because you can sympathize with him. As with the Ruined. You get to see the conflicting sides of both. Basically they are both evil. I couldn't chose which side I want to succeed if possible...both? I JUST CANT CHOOSE! THERE BOTH EVIL AND GOOD IN THERE OWN WAYS! I liked that though, that we were basically understanding both sides of the battle ground.

I'm very glad that I picked up this book and I hope you pick it up to and love it as much as I did.

#youngadults #5stars #amytintera #fantasy #epic