Wee Shubba's World: *Book Review* Ruined by Amy Tintera

Title: Ruined (Ruined #1)

Format: e-Arc

Pages: 368

Published: 3rd May 2016

Publisher: Harper Teen

Source: Edelweiss

Genre: YA Fantasy

Shelfability: Covet

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depo / Wordery

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.

Opening Sentence: "The wheels of the carriage creaked as they rolled across the dirt road. "

WOW WOW WOW!! Ruined was quite simply freaking fantastic!! With characters who were kick ass and likable and plot that was gripping, exciting, action packed and very witty. Ruined was just a perfect read that I devoured in one sitting. And yes I sat until nearly 4am to finish because I could not put it down!

Having witnessed the brutal murders of her mother and father and watching helplessly as her younger sister, Olivia was kidnapped, Emeline (Em) is out for revenge. To get rid of her enemies and find her sister. However, as her mission progresses she expected to get rid of the royal familyof Lera with ease but what she doesn't plan for was Prince Casimir (Cas) and how her feelings for him could ruin everything she had planned.

"No one feared Emeline Flores, the useless daughter of the most powerful queen of Ruina had ever know.

But they would"

Ruined had me enchanted from the first page. I was hooked. Straight away we get to see just how amazing and kick-ass Em is. I connected with her straight away. Which is always a good thing because for me if I don't connect I usually end up not liking the book as much. Em has been through so much over the past year. She watched her family being torn apart and her kingdom become nothing but rubble. Em home is Ruina. Most Ruina people have magic. However, Em doesn't have any magic but she proves she doesn't need it.

"Stop worrying about what you don't have and start focusing on what you do. Make people tremble when they hear your name. Fear is your power."

I instantly loved her. While she can come across a bit cold hearted at times it's easy to understand why. Her chemistry with Cas is a slow burner which is fantastic. He is charming and kind and this throws Em. She doesn't want him to be kind as it makes it all much harder to follow through on her plan.

Ruined is got to be one the best YA fantasy books I have read. It has everything to keep the reader entertained. The story is very fast paced and has the right mix of serious and humour. It is rather witty and some of it had me in stitches. Even in the middle of fighting and running for their life's, the characters still manage to find things that make them smile. Now maybe using humour in such a serious story can put people off but for me? It works. I am one of those people who try to find humour in the most serious situations just to keep my sanity.

If you like YA fantasy reads then this is a must read. The author has created an unique tale that will keep you on the edge of seat and leaving you gasping and begging for more.