Avenged by Amy Tintera

Author: Amy Tintera

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

Pages: 416

Format: Hardcover

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Links: [Chapters/Indigo] [Amazon]

Goodreaders Synopsis:

A war that will fuel her. A bond that will destroy her. Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister, Olivia, from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory. But just because Em and Olivia are out of Lera doesn’t mean they are safe. Their actions over the past year have had consequences, and they are now targets of retaliation. Olivia will destroy everyone who acts against Ruina. Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. Lera may have destroyed the Ruined for decades, but Em knows that Cas is different. And now that he’s taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement. Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, she faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.

Review:

I really enjoyed the sequel. There was a lot of character development, which I hadn't expected. I thought that the characters were set and that they didn't need to grow anymore but boy was I WRONG! Each character grew and are still continuing to grow, especially Cas. Cas bothered me a bit he was always looking for reassurance from his friends and he made himself look weak. But don't worry Cas I still love you <3.

I loved Em even more in the sequel. She once again showed that even though she's "useless" she can still do so much for her people and she does. She always thinks of them, and always wants to do right by them even if sometimes it not what she really wants. She puts the needs for her people before herself, just like a true Queen.

Olivia is insane and blood thirsty, she's crazy and terrifying. Just how I expected her to be! She's also unreasonable, and spoiled. It was always her way or the highway! The main terrifying thing about Olivia wasn't that she was so powerful, it was that she had no remorse for those she killed, even for the ones that didn't deserve her wrath.

I was a little disappointed that there weren't many sarcastic moments like in Ruined. Or if there was I didn't laugh. I really liked how the joked helped take some of the weight of the war and all the issues around them. I was really looking forward to that but oh well, next book maybe?

The romance was still present though it was more in the background. It wasn't the main focus of the story or even with the characters. It didn't take away from the plot and all the craziness happening. Plus the characters seems to understand that there were more pressing matters than love.

Avenged is filled with action, politics, bloody battles, magic, and many many twists. Can't wait for the third instalment!

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