Emelina is a Ruined. And she's the worst form of a Ruined -- she has no magical powers. The Ruined are an oppressed people; they are in a war and the enemy is trying to exterminate them. Em's parents have been murdered and her sister has been kidnapped. In order for her to rescue her sister, she has murdered the princess who is betrothed to the enemy prince. She will pose as the princess, marry the prince, and in the process find her sister. The Ruined have also made an ally and they are planning to attack the enemy kingdom.
You know going into this one that Em and the enemy prince are going to fall in love, it's just a matter of how is it going to happen. And what about Em's vow to kill the entire royal family, including the prince?
Em is a very determined character and a great swordsman, which helps get her out of several serious predicaments. The action keeps coming, so even though the romance is inevitable, there's enough other stuff that keeps you from dwelling on it. The political turmoil is interesting, if a bit familiar. The ending isn't all "happy ever after," and this is the first book in a series, so I'm interested in seeing where this story goes.
Teens who can't get enough of these female heroines who are trying to take over the world will enjoy Ruined.
Published by HarperTeen, May 3, 2016
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
368 pages
Rating: 4/5
Sounds like fun read. Thanks for the familiar tropes warning. I might have passed this one because of them but I do like the sound of Em. I think I'll give this one a shot.
ReplyDeleteOh, yay! I'm so excited to read this one!
ReplyDeleteKim @ Divergent Gryffindor: BLOG || VLOG
a girl trying to take over the world sound right up my ally. love strong heroines. Great review.
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