Ruined
Amy Tintera
BOOK REVIEW

In a world where survival hangs by a thread, Ruined by Amy Tintera electrifies every page with a fierce energy that grips you like a vice. It immerses readers into the heart of conflict and raw humanity, showcasing a land torn apart by war, where power struggles overshadow the very essence of life itself. Set against the backdrop of two warring kingdoms-Lera, the land where everything is shattered, and the rival kingdom of Ruina, inhabited by those deemed "monsters"-this novel is a pulse-pounding adventure that speaks both to our deepest fears and our strongest desires.
The protagonist, Emelina, is anything but ordinary. She is a girl driven not just by revenge but by the haunting echo of loss that resonates with anyone who has loved fiercely and lost tragically. The beauty of Emelina lies in her vulnerability, layered with an iron resolve; she embodies the struggle of countless individuals across history who have shunned the shadows, refusing to be victims of their circumstances. Tintera's writing lends her an almost mythical quality, transforming the narrative into a visceral journey filled with heartbreak and redemption.
Readers will find themselves wading through the murky waters of betrayal, loyalty, and the blurred lines of morality. Those who finish Ruined often express feelings of empowerment-it's a story that doesn't shy away from the trauma of war; rather, it embraces it, forcing us to confront the quiet complicity of neutrality. There's an intensity that propels the action forward, enchanting the reader while drawing them deeper into Emelina's world, where hope often feels like an elusive mirage.
Tintera doesn't craft her characters as mere players in a grand game of thrones; instead, she breathes life into them, making each choice they face palpably real. The complexity of Emelina's relationships-especially with the enigmatic prince, a man who could be her greatest ally or her worst enemy-creates an electric tension that ripples throughout their interactions. Their dynamics are steeped in an understanding of shared pain, and this intricate dance of hearts will leave readers breathless.
Critics of Ruined highlight the vivid backdrop of a fantasy world teeming with political intrigue, likening it to the likes of Game of Thrones but infused with a unique female perspective that digs deeper than just the surface of warfare. They cheer for Tintera's ability to balance action with heartfelt emotions, showcasing the consequences of actions taken in the heat of battle. However, some readers yearn for richer world-building, hoping for more details that could fully flesh out the vibrant realms Tintera has created.
Nevertheless, the risk they take by diving into Emelina's tumultuous journey proves rewarding. So many readers find themselves enmeshed in the web of anxiety and exhilaration that Tintera spins. As the plot thickens, the stakes rise steeply, prompting an urgent need to turn each page-to voraciously consume every word, desperate to uncover the fate that awaits Emelina and her tumultuous comrades.
As you journey through Ruined, it becomes evident that Tintera taps into universal themes that resonate deeply with our contemporary issues: the struggle for identity, the fight for justice, and the paradox of power. Her prose is imbued not just with adventure, but a reflection of the human experience. Those who've tread this literary path often express an eagerness to explore their own moral compass, spurred by the conflicts within Lera and Ruina.
In the end, Ruined isn't merely a tale of vengeance-it's a call to action! It implores us to break our silence against injustice and fight for those silenced. It beckons you, yes you, to confront your own "ruined" self and strive for something greater. It shouts a vehement reminder that from the ashes of destruction, we can rise anew.
So, take a leap, dive headfirst into this remarkable narrative, and understand why Ruined is more than just a fantasy-it's an emotional odyssey that, once experienced, never truly leaves you. 💥
📖 Ruined
✍ by Amy Tintera
🧾 363 pages
2016
#ruined #tintera #AmyTintera