I really enjoyed the audiobook as well as the more simplistic worldbuilding.
I would have rated 4 stars if not for the very abrupt ending.

3 Stars

Content: death, murder, violence, kissing, talk of wedding night (never happens) ( )

I felt like this book was... ok. There's nothing wrong with it. But there's nothing about it that particularly stands out from the crowd either. It felt very much like a run-of-the-mill ya/fantasy book. The world building felt a bit flat, and I didn't really understand some of the motivations of the characters, or why they chose certain actions. Everyone beyond the main character felt extremely 1-dimensional, and even she felt flat as well.

I've liked other Amy Tintera books, so I'm going to give the sequel a try and hope it's just the author hitting her stride in a new series. ( )

Not the worst thing I've ever read, but not very good either. Feels a bit like all the cliches from 2017 YA fantasy put into one, in terms of characters, writing, plot and setting. It was very easy to read and get through, but I wasn't attached to the characters at all, and I was annoyed by seemingly pointless scenes, unrealistic conversations and unexplained/not fleshed-out concepts. It had potential, but unfortunately, did not live up to it. It would be interesting to read something of Amy Tintera's now, to see if her writing has changed at all. ( )

This is so good ( )

I think my original review still sums up my thoughts on this book pretty well... Not that I actually know what it says, but I'm lazy, and have a million RTC's already, sooo... I loved it just as much this time around, therefore my options on it are exactly the same still. That logic works, right?

---------

WOW! I’ve been wanting to read this book for ages, and I was NOT disappointed! It’s also taken ages for me to get around to actually reviewing it. So, oops. But whatever, at least I am actually reviewing it.

I loved the plot of Ruined. Em is desperate to get revenge on the royal family of Lera, for killing her parents, and taking her sister prisoner. She disguises herself as the prince’s betrothed, so that she can get into the castle to spy on/kill the royal family. Then of course, she falls in love with the prince.

It’s not exactly the most original plot, but it was very well done, and I admit, it’s a plot line I love. Every. Single. Time.
Also, although it isn’t the most original concept, there was also some fairly unique aspects to the plot. And I just really liked it.

I also found it really cool how there’s two different sides to it, and yet I don’t think either side is really wrong. I can’t even decide which side I’m rooting for. And I love that.

I ADORED the characters in this! They were awesome, and wonderful, and very funny! And I just loved them so much!

OVER ALL
I WANT BOOK TWO!!! Yes, this is a valid, and completely coherent description of my feelings about this book. Don’t question this.

Trying again!

This was a wonderful book, and I desperately want the sequel. Or just to reread this one. Ideally both. Basically, I just want more about these wonderful characters. And, you know, I sort of want to know what happens. ( )