I am here to graciously update your (otherwise boring) day with the knowledge that: RUINED IS BRILLIANT. THE END OF REVIEW.
Hahahhahah. Just kidding. I have so much more to say than that. I actually finished this book, looked at my dog and said out loud, “So so so good” because I was that impressed. (FYI: my dog is uncultured swine and didn’t care and just left the room. Do not be like my dog.)
I had a feeling I would adore Ruined before I started because a) epic fantasy is my darling, and b) Amy Tintera is the author. About a billion ago Amy Tintera wrote Reboot (I’m kidding, it was like in 2013. Actually, wait. That IS a billion years ago) which I UTTERLY ADORED. I’m pretty extra sure this makes me a rabid Tintera fan now because I will read whatever she writes. (I demand a fandom name. I demand we be called Tinterathans.)
- An epic world that was actually EPIC.
Excuse me and hello, my name is Fussy. It takes a LOT to impress me with epic fantasy because I read so very much of it (particularly versions where the worlds are poorly built). BUT THIS WAS SO GOOD. (It was only missing a map, seriously…where was my map????) It managed to give me THREE races of people that all stood apart, didn’t have confusing names, and had interesting and different cultures.
- Let us just FLAIL for the morally grey!
Um, wait. That sounds bad. I AM NOT EVIL. HEAR ME OUT. I just really love when you honestly can’t pick the “good” side. In Ruined, two races really LOATHE each other. The magical people (the Ruined) are being hunted and killed by the Lera. But the Ruined are TORTURERS and they’re brutal as vicious killer whales. (More “killer” than “whale” though I suspect.) And then the Lera? They look like happy frolicking roses on the outside, BUT THEY ARE VIOLENT AND UNFORGIVING TOO. The Lera king is such bad news. So honestly everyone was evil and I am a fan.
- The protagonists are adorable viciously stabby cinnamon rolls.
It’s dual narrated by Em (who is actually non-magical BUT still a Ruined) and Cas (who is the future king of Lera). Aka — they’re enemies. Em is like “STABBY STABBY” and Cas is like “NICEY NICEY” and hold me while I adore them both so so much. Em literally meets people, acts all polite, and meanwhile mentally plots how to kill them. (Like, don’t we all?) Cas is super NICE and also a wicked good swordsman and his sarcasm is LETHAL.Naturally, Em is pretending to be someone else (in order to take down his kingdom) so she ends up married to him and HAHHAAHH. OH DEAR. They’re basically doing the wedding and she’s thinking how she could stab him. #shipit
The king sighed. “I suppose you could’ve done worse than Mary.”
“We should ask the priest to say that at the wedding,” Cas said. “‘And now we unite Casimir and Mary. They both could have done worse.”
- Did I mention the high levels of sarcasm yet???
Because I AM IN LOVE WITH THE SARCASM. The dialogue is perfection. I adored how flawlessly the banter wove in with the tense moments and how perfectly dry Cas could be. It is my favourite.
My wife didn’t smother me with a pillow. Must be love!
- Okay fact time: everything is just GOOD here.
Like what evil can I say??? NOTHING. I can only give lists of the gloriousness. For instance:- Plot = perfectly interesting. It used a lot of average tropes but turned them on their head to be interest and unique.
- It had the “tough heroine who don’t need no man” but who ALSO HAD FEELINGS AND WAS GREAT.
- Also Em’s #1 goal was to rescue her little sister. N’awwww.
- (PS. Her little sister is kind of TERRIFYING BECAUSE MAGICAL POWERS AND CAN PULL PEOPLE’S SPINE OUT THEIR NOSE, KINDA THING.)
- Cas is super bored of everyone’s faces but still manages to be adorably winning.
- Lots and lots and lots of blood.
- Like, just kill the darlings. KILL THEM ALL.
- Torture. Jungles. Running. Bleeding. Sneaky kisses.
- The romance is slow burn and never throttles the plot.
- Magic is VICIOUS and stunning. The Ruined can split people from the inside out which is freaking awesome.
- Also, naturally, best ending EVER.
aHHHHHHHHH. It’s nearly a cliffhanger (I mean, it is) but it’s also satisfying. And I’m 100000% in need of the next book because it promises so. much. awesome. Aka this book ended with all madness breaking loose and I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT HPPENS NEXT.
Basically perfect book is perfect.
And my only teeny tiny negative comment is that Em and Cas were VERY like Wren/Callum from Reboot. But then since I adore both couples, this really isn’t a problem.
Anyway. I’m sure no one is actually still reading this review because you’ve all dashed MADLY ACROSS THE CONTINENTS to snabble yourselves up a copy. Good job. I haven’t read many 2016-published epic fantasies that I like…but THIS ONE IS AMAZING.
“Cheese bread,” he said. “Every time you come to the city, you buy one. It’s a rule.”
“It’s delicious,” she said…
“I’m glad you like it. The marriage might not have worked out if you didn’t.”
“How tragic. The union between Lera and Vallos destroyed over cheese bread.”
THANK YOU TO ALLEN & UNWIN FOR THE REVIEW COPY. Ruined (#1) by Amy Tintera was published April, 2016.
Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war; her parents were killed and her sister was kidnapped. Even though Em is only a useless Ruined – completely lacking any magic – she is determined to get revenge.
Her plan is simple: She will infiltrate the enemy’s kingdom, posing as the crown prince’s betrothed. She will lead an ambush. She will kill the king and everyone he holds dear, including his son.
The closer Em gets to the prince, though, the more she questions her mission. Her rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life – and her family – on the line, love could be Em’s deadliest mistake.
Goodreads Purchase Allen & Unwin Author’s Website
Ruined was on my TBR list, and has now risen nearly to the top. It sounds like my kind of book (romance, killing, sarcasm, etc.). The cover is amazing too. I haven’t read Reboot, but a friend of mine loves it, so I might have to consume that one too. 😀
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OH GOOD. Your TBR is graced with its glorious presence. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT SOOOO MUCH TOO!! AHHHHHH. I mean, what book isn’t 29898% improved with a good dose of sarcasm, hmm? (And also Reboot is WONDERFUL. It involves breaking bones and romantic dances. Like, at the same time. <3 So good.)
This sounds awesome. I WANTS. (except in my case I will have to literally traverse continents to get a copy withough amazon charging me and arm and a leg and a kitten). YAS SARCASM AND FOOD FOR THE WIN. I too loved Rebel and Reboot so I bet this is awesome. And I love moral greyness. *hunts on library for Ruined* *returns sad and vengeful*
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Don’t let Amazon TAKE YOUR PRECIOUS KITTEN. Except, omg, reality, right?! *glares at Amazon* But SARCASM MAKES IT ALL WORTH IT. Also Cas has great food appreciation, especially in the cheese bun scene. He literally would cut you if you said you didn’t like good food. #CasMyDarling
I’M DASHING OFF TO GET THIS.
I got it.
I’m so excited.
BUT REALLY. Your review said all the things that make me squeal, the banter, the humour, the sarcasm, the romance sounds *sings* wuuuuundaarfell *clears throat* THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS ON THE RADAR. I love you. Stay awesome Cait <3
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AHHHH GOOD JOB. You have done well. *flails regally* Omg it has like the perfect CHECKLIST of things that are wonderful in this world. :’)
Welp, guess I should pick up an Amy Tintera book.
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YES. YES YOU SHOULD. THE QUEEN HAS SPOKEN.
OMG this sounds so good! I read Reboot a while back – I need to finish the series, actually – and I remember liking it. I had no idea Amy Tintera was writing something else! Adding this to my TBR. SARCASM AND ENEMIES TO (PROBABLY) LOVERS? HERE FOR IT.
Reboot only has two books BUT YES YOU GOTTA READ REBEL. Callum gets a POV in it too! He is just too adorable omg. (This is seriously making me need to reread them aHHHHH😂)
The sarcasm though. <3 'Tis the best weapon here.
YES. I gotta get my hands on Rebel. I couldn’t find a copy anywhere, but I think the bookstore near my parents’ place has it. I’ve just got to wait a couple of months lol.
This is my next read! I am currently reading The Leaving and not loving it. But I really enjoyed Reboot, so I am pretty excited to read it.
I have heard different things about it, but I think it’s one of those books that you need to read yourself.
Thanks for the review!
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AWK. That’s really sad about The Leaving. D: I’m actually super looking forward to that one because I have a book I want to write that seemed similar.😂 BUT ANYWAY. I hope Ruined works out better for you!!
WHY DO WE HAVE MATCHING READING LISTS? I bought Ruined two weeks ago after seeing it in the bookstore, mainly because I’d never read Amy Tintera and I was curious enough because I know of her sci-fi duology, and because of the premise! It seems really simple unlike the books with overcomplicated plots. All in all I guess I just wanted a fantasy that’s essence is just SIMPLY fantasy and nothing with lace or strings added in.
*I will admit I have not read it yet BUT like many other books I will get to reading it. I promise. Before the end of 2016, I will be done with Ruined. HOPEFULLY.* 😂
BECAUSE WE ARE MATCHY TWINS, ANDREA AND WE ARE AWESOME. And omg you are so right: it is a simple plot. *nods* But done with flairs and interesting elements so that it doesn’t feel simple??? But it really isn’t massively complicated either. I THINK THAT’S REASON #9389 WHY I LOVE IT.
(Yes yes read it ASAP and then come flail with me!!😂)
AAh this sounds so good! I love sarcastic narrators – so funny! Cas already seems like he will be my favourite character… 😀 Definitely going to read this one! Thanks for sharing 🙂
AHHH I’M SO GLAD I HAVE CONVINCED YOU. *shrieks joyfully*
Wow, this is high praise indeed! I adored Reboot, too, but somehow I have yet to pick this up. I must have started and stopped about 7000 times already. I will now go and finally read this book. You just watch me, Tinterathan!
YAYYY FELLOW TINTERATHAN! *hi fives* Ruined is just so so so good. I’m actually confused as to why I haven’t seen many people reading it?!? *wildly throws it at people*
YASS I’ve been needing to read this book ever since it came out. IT SOUNDS SO AMAZING.
And yes, I am a great fan of magical cheese bread. In theory. Since I’ve never had magical cheese bread(I have had cheese bread, though.)
Oh gods just one book with epic levels of sarcasm?! THERE ARE SO MANY. UGH. Basically all of Rick Riordan and Cassandra Clare’s books.
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YOU NEED IT. I’M LIKE 99% SURE EVERYONE IN THE UNIVERSE NEEDS IT. *squawks* Ahem. And I haven’t had magical cheese bread either??? I think I’m not living??? We should both add it to our imminent to-do list. Or just regular cheese bread, I suppose, IF WE HAVE TO BE BORING LIKE THAT SHEESH.
And omg YES to Riordan and Clare’s levels of sarcasm. THEY ARE SO SO GOOD AT IT.😂
*glares at universe* I don’t understand why magical cheese bread hasn’t been invented yet. The world is seriously lacking in inventiveness.
Mironiel Blokzyl recently posted…The Trials Of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan | Apollo’s Back With More Ridiculously Awesome Haikus
Sometimes the universe HONESTLY lets us down, sheesh.
Absolutely want to read this! It sounds perfect, especially since I loooove cheese bread! It’s almost pizza so enough said right? Also a big fan of magic and sarcasm. Sarcastic people = best people! Although somehow I can’t think off any books with epic levels of sarcasm right now 🤔 *off to look through my books…*
DUDE, YES. Cheese bread is like pizza’s small but much loved cousin. Infinite adoration for it. (Tbh, Cas has SUCH a thing about food, I think he threatened to knife someone at one point if they didn’t take the food seriously. <3) And yessss to loving epic levels of sarcasm. Cassandra Clare is my go-to author for sarcastic quips, mostly.😂
You make Ruined sound so good! Just marked it as ‘want to read’ on Goodreads. Sarcastic humour in books are definitely GREAT, especially in couples ^^ And with MAGIC? YES.
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AFJDSKALD I AM SO GLAD YOU THINK IT SOUNDS GOOD!!! *flails wildly* The sarcasm is wholly glorious. <3
Thanks Cait, now I have a desperate need for this.
GOOD. Because you definitely do need it and I AM HERE TO INFORM YOU OF YOUR NEED.
OH MY GOODNESS I CAN’T WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK. Maybe in ten years when I finally have a spare moment. CAIT, I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS, BUT YOU MAKE THIS SOUND SO AMAZING I AM ALMOST A TEENSY TINY BIT TRYING TO CONSIDER HOW I MIGHT READ IT IN JUNE. TELL ME NO OTHERWISE I MIGHT JUST DISINTEGRATE FROM TRYING TO DO TOO MANY THINGS.
AHHHHHHH I’M SO GLAD YOU THINK IT SOUNDS GOOD.😂 I’m a wildly rabid fan as is not obvious, I’m sure. 😉 But awk, I TOTALLY understand the feel of wanting to read everything but having no time. AHHHHH LIFE IS MEAN TO US.
(okay getting a reply from you like minutes after I comment is REALLY WEIRD. ALSO WHAT TIME IS IT THERE??? GO TO BED, CAIT.) ahem. YES. TIME. HELP. I read a middle-grade book yesterday in like three hours and it was SO NICE TO JUST READ SOMETHING even if it was a quick read. BOOOOOOKS I NEED BOOKS CAIT HELP. WHY IS ADULTING LIFE TRYING TO TAKE ME AWAY FROM BOOKS. *bangs it over the head with a heavy book**like Winter**yes Winter is good for hitting life over the head*
DON’T TELL ME HOW TO LIVE, LISA. 😂 (It’s like 10:00pm, c’mon now … not THAT late!!) Ahhh MG books are nice for times like this. They make one feel very productive too, hehehe.
Adulting though. Sheeesh. It conspires to eat aaall the time in one’s day. IT DOES.
(okay that’s not as late as I thought it was. But literally every time I see you on when I get up in the morning I’m like “GO TO BED CAIT IT’S LATE” But I always thought it was like 11 or 12 XD TEN ISN’T THAT BAD XD)
MG books ARE nice! I always forget how much I like to read them. Maybe I can check out some from the library and eat them in just a few hours. That way I can READ without getting too emotionally and mentally involved, or needing days to finish a book XD
Bookworm problems XD
NEED. NEED. NEED. Seriously, a character who smiles whilst secretly plotting to kill you, and a character with all the sarcasm? Why did no one tell me about this book sooner?
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People are HIDING the goodness of this book clearly. (Actually I’ve barely sen anyone reading/reviewing it??? What is WRONG with the world??!) *throws it at everyone*
I AM CONVINCED I AM CONVINCED I AM CONVINCED. This book sounds epic and it has sarcasm and a ship that sounds adorable and YAS, I need this in my life.
OH GOOD. MY JOB HERE IS DONE. *awards self cake for epic convincing skills*
All you had to do was write the words morally grey and sarcasm and I’m wondering where I can sign up for this book. It sounds actually perfect. I’m already in love with the characters and all I know is one is continually plotting how to kill people (something we all obviously do day to day because some people deserve me thinking about pushing them under a bus for being stupid whilst I stare disapprovingly at them with my headphones on saying nothing) and the other is sarcastic. I am ready to read and fall in love. They should market all books in this way. And to think, I wasn’t even interested reading about this book when I saw it everyone else’s blog.
Great review, you definitely have me convinced to throw my money at people tog et me a copy.
*shrieks* I AM GLAD. I mean, I should probably be concerned about how much we all like morally grey books but pffffft. I LOVE ‘EM. NOT EVEN SORRY ABOUT IT. Ahem. And like, isn’t Em totally relatable with her death plots? It’s just a thing we all do, basically, while smiling nicely. Humans. Ugh.
I am especially good at convincing people to read books tho. YOU GOTTA ADMIT. Publishers are like “epic action plot!” and I’m like “CHEESE BREAD AND SARCASM”. #winning
Ha, you should definitely find a way to market books for publishers, people are far more likely to get buying. You raise the important points to convince folks to impulse buy to their hearts desires.
Okay, I am definitely adding this book to my to-read list. I love the premise of Em pretending to be someone else so ends up married to her enemy.
Also, fun fact: my grandfather’s name was the Polish version of Casimir. 🙂
You have a lot of books in that photo alone 😛
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Ohhh, that is really cool about your grandfather’s name!! 😀 (Also Casimir and derivation are AWESOME. I have a character named Cas. <3)
Bahahah, yes.😂 I was worried my photos are all starting to be similar so I'm like "Eh just DUMP THE BOOKSHELF OUT ON IT. THAT'LL BE UNIQUE".😂
This sounds so good!! Now I want to read this!!
OH GOOD. MY JOB HERE IS DONE. ;D
Favorite book with epic levels of sarcasm? “The Man Who Was Thursday” ALL THE WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. Seriously the dialogue in that book is DEADLY. Brilliant. Amazing. You’ve got to check it out.
“The town is in arms as I said it was. I can only wallow in the exquisite comfort of my own exactitude.” (Possibly one of my favorite literary quotes of all time.)
Omg I have not heard of that but I CLEARLY NEED IT IN MY LIFE ASAP. Especially with the sound of that dialogue!! *shrieks* *dashes off for goodreads*
YES READ IT. IT IS BRILLIANT. I just finished a re-read a few days ago and I fell in love all over again. It’s just that good.
I adored reboot too so I was excited to see this book come out. So much you said makes me want to read this book even more. I love sarcasim, the morally gray,and a not confusing fantasy land. I need this book. Really I do. Great review.
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YES YOU REALLY DO. Everyone does! Even my uneducated dog. Although he’s proving really hard to convince #uneducatedswine BUT YOU MUST TRY IT, JENNRENEE!! 😀
All the way for the magical cheese bread and the sarcasm. That’s all I needed to hear to get me to read this book. So yes, I am going to read it now, even if this the first time I’ve heard it. The review sold it to me. Also, I guess this makes me all nice and polite on the outside and stabby stabby on the inside ( check out what my name is XD ). It is actually VERY VERY TRUE though. Just don’t tell anyone. It’s easier to fool people if they think I’m nice. XD
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I knooow right?!? Food and sarcasm will sell ANY BOOK TO ME EVER. I think this author knows what’s up. *nods* OMG IT’S YOUR NAME TOO AHHHHH. Okay Reason #98398 why you must read it now. And of course, of course, I shall tell no soul. Your stabby stabby secret is safe with me.
Your review made me SO EXCITED about this book that I went over to Goodreads to put it on my to-read shelf…but it was already there. Which is weird, because I have NO MEMORY of adding this book. But sarcasm and cheese bread?? I need to read this ASAP.
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AHHHHH so clearly past-you was just already onboard with how much you were going to need this in your life. *nods*
I am going to read this just for the sarcasm, anything else will just be icing on the cake.
I like how you think, Skye. EXCELLENT LIFE DECISION.
I’m going to start using the phrases “Stabby stabby” and “nicey nicey” from now on. They will fit in quite nicely with my normal vocabulary where I often forget the word “headlights” and instead use the term “the blinking-flashy thingies”. OH, WE WRITERS ARE A VERY ARTICULATE BUNCH.
And gosh, this book is sitting on my bookshelf right this very minute BUT I STILL HAVEN’T READ IT. Which is very clearly horrible. Based on your review I think I will like it very much.
(also, psst, I’ve been stalking your Twitter account even though I can’t remember the password for my account for the life of me, and I noticed you talk about hedgehogs a lot. Did I ever tell you I had a hedgehog? maybe?)
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WE ARE SO ARTICULATE. I mean, just look how eloquent I always am here??? I’m sure it puts everyone at ease to how good my novel writing will be. *nods* (I use “thingie” in reference to everything. FOR GOODNESS SAKES, I collectively call my niece/nephew Frank because names. Ugh.)
YOU HAVE A HEDGEHOG. *SCREECHES* Okay but I demand you let me visit so I can kidnap it. What’s its name? TELL ME MORE AINE. *sobs with hedgehog love*
I HAD a hedgehog. We had to put her down last November; she had a tumor in her mouth that would have eventually made it so she couldn’t eat, and to take it out the vets would have had to remove her eye and part of her jawbone, and there was no guarantee it wouldn’t be back.
But her name was Holly. I was a very imaginative child, because I can think of at least three stuffed animals and one doll that I named Holly, also.
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OMG I AM SO SORRY. *cries bitterly* That is super sad. Although I do understand…we had to put a dog down about 7 years ago or so and it was the worst. Anyway, Holly sounds adorable. (I used to name ALL my toys “Rose” when I was a kid for some reason???? Hmm. Dubious childhood choices there.) But still. I really really think I need a hedgehog in my life. I would name it Frank.
Woah, sounds like a fabulous book! I’m adding it to my list. 🙂
*shrieks* YAYYYYY. My job here is done. *gives you cheese bread*
I heard about this book and all of the reviews are super positive, so I’m for sure going to pick this up! It sounds awesome!!!! I love moral grey areas!
~Sara
AHHHHH I’M GLAD!!! I actually haven’t seen many people talking about it!? MADNESS😂 It needs all the love!
I have been in such a fantasy kick lately, but I keep picking up books (and starting series) that is not what I’m looking for!! Booo! But I added this to my TBR just now because HELLO HIGH FANTASY. Seriously, one episode of time travel should not qualify a book as fantasy. I”m looking at you, Outlander. *side eye*
Ugh, I’ve been on SUCH a bad fantasy run too. *sad noises* I think 2016 hasn’t been giving us much fresh epicness???? DISGRACEFUL. But anyway. heh. Ruined definitely is hiiiiiigh my recommend list. ;D (I have not attempted Outlander and tbh I don’t know if I will😂)
Woah, that book sounds soooo epic! Sarcasm. Yup, that sounds just my thing. I was wondering what ages you’d recommend this for? Those quotes you put in are just HILARIOUS! 😀
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YUS IT IS ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUS. Omg ages…ahhhh. I have no idea.😂 YA is technically 12+ I believe? And it’s YA so. (I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT AGES HONESTLY AHHHH.)
Okay, that’s fine. I was just wondering if you had any reservations about youngerish people reading it. 🙂 But if not, that’s all cool, I totally want to read it!
Hehe, sorry I’m not more helpful with the ages thingy.😂 I just have no idea what kids read, honestly. *collapses in a puddle of unknowledgeable-ness*
I read Ruined last week! Your posts are always so convenient, thank you:) I like your cover of Ruined, I have the U.S. version and it’s so plain. I did like this book, though I was very iffy starting it, this was an unexpected surprise. I didn’t love the book, but I don’t hate it, but all the points you labeled above, I agree. Except I haven’t read her Reboot series, I don’t think I will, my TBR list is already so long. I loved how she had to choose someone to fight before she was married. GENIUS! I love fight scene’s. Her sister is awesome. The ending was awesome. I want more of her sister. And I love books with sarcasm. I think some of my favorite sarcastic books are Six of Crows, Winger, Sarah J. Maas books, and I like Nesbitt’s sarcasm from Half Wild. Sassy, Stabby, and Sarcastic are how I like my books;)
Ahh, we must have a very similar TBR, Leah. *hi fives* 😂 And I’m glad you did like it, even if it wasn’t love.😂 I think I was majorly hungry for an epic fantasy and this ticked ALL the right boxes. I’M SO HAPPY. And yes, omg was Olivia awesome?!?? I really can’t wait for her in the next book. I have a feeling she’s going to be slightly terrifying.
NESBITT IS WONDERFUL. <333 I like my characters stabby and sassy too. xD
Well now I have another book to add to my every growing TBR list. What are you doing to me?!
Just kidding, keep reading and reviewing because I have found some of my now-favorite books through this blog. Bless your heart.
I am TORMENTING YOU and your TBR, Laura. Am I sorry? PRETTY MUCH NOPE. *cackles wildly*
…..Okay wow. O_O I don’t know if I have ever seen you be so enthusiastic about anything ever…? o.o (at least if it wasn’t by Maggie Stiefvater. XD) I MAY HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK WOW.
AND my favorite snarky book I’ve read recently (besides The Dead Boy and the Paper Cut but duuuhhh that is so obvious) is Paper Crowns by Mirriam Neal because oh my word such glorious snark!!! So. Much. Like, every character in that thing is so awesome and SO snarky and it’s just GLORIOUS!!! Hint hint you should totally read it because it’s practically written for you because it has snark and humor and stabbed stabbings and muffins that can kill you and magical origami and a blue shapes hitting snark cat plus of course it’s by Mirri so obviously it’s brilliant and awesome fantasy and just perfect! (Also there’s this super snarky grumpy character named Azrael who you will love because he’s so fabulous and bad tempered and actually your Thomas reminded me of him, like if Azrael was a 16 year old and dead…) ANY WAYS THAT WAS RANDOM BUT NOT REALLY BECAUSE YOU ASKED ABOUT SNARK AND THIS BOOK IS LIKE SYNONYMOUS WITH SNARK FOR ME PLUS YOU LOVING A BOOK SO MILUCH MADE ME THINK OF ONE I THINK I IS PERFECT TOO SO. 😀
Anyways awesome review I’ll HAFTA check that book out!
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Oh it’s just been a LONG WHILE since I’ve done a flailing review I think.😂I was pretty wild for Lady Midnight a few months back. BUT YES OMG MY NEW LIFE GOAL IS TO FORCE THIS BOOK INTO THE HANDS OF EVERYONE OF EVER. *nods*
Awww, 😂 I’m so glad you like my Dead Boy snark. Thomas is a precious little terror. 😂 And Ahhh yes I’ve seen snippets of Paper Crowns and the snark looks pretty A+ there too! 😀 I’m pretty sure I read like 50% of it when she was first drafting it???
(Also sorry for all the typos, apparently phone autocorrect is horrendous… I obviously meant “stabby stabbings” and “shapeshifting blue cat” and yes.)
Deborah O’Carroll recently posted…Paper Crowns Blogtour: Mirriam Neal Interview
Such high praise!! I tend to avoid epic fantasy because I had a bad Tamora Pierce experience when I was younger but I’ve been working on dabbling a bit more and I love the ‘two people who don’t like each other forced to marry’ scenario. I don’t know what that says about me but we’re not examining my psyche right now so it’s okay. And I’m very interested in her little sister’s terrifying ability. Like who even comes up with an idea like that? It’s kind of amazing.
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Omg, I love the two-people-marrying-but-hate-each-other scenario sometimes a lot too.😂 Especially when they’re kind of just like awkward teenagers. AHHHH. IT’S SHIPPABLE. (Cas is adorable and Em is terrifying and it works.) This author is genius, clearly.
WELL THIS SOUNDS GLORIOUS.
Deathly levels of snark, a romance that doesn’t throttle the plot, epic fantasy that IS epic, morally grey areas, and stabby peoples?? I feel a need for this book like I feel the need to own a pet griffin. WHICH MEANS I NEED IT QUITE BADLY.
*rushes off to order copy from library*
It is like the most glorious CHECKLIST (!!) of all the things I need an an epic fantasy!! *gives you dragon to speed you on your way to the library*
oooh ooh this sounds wonderful! It’s been a while since I read a really good high fantasy. Also the dialogue sounds amazing and the characters and everything. Is there any food? I like the sound of the magical-ness!! And I really liked your last photo for some reason. Cas and Em seem very shippable and I love a good ship (with ‘stubby stabbing’? YES PLEASE) So maybe I should try to get this from the library?
Ahhhh, it’d been a while since I read a good high fantasy too until this one! *flails happily* AND YES THERE’S FOOD. Cas has an addiction to cheese bread and he’s very serious about his love for it. (I… I’ve found the kind of boy I want.) It calls to you, Shar. IT CALLS WILDLY.
Epic fantasy is not really a big thing I read but OMG I AM GOING TO READ THIS BOOK the sarcasm got me like YES PLEASE WHEN CAN I PICK THIS UP and omg it all just sounds amazing. Plus cheese bread. THIS BETTER BE OUT IN THE UK!!!
I’m 99% sure it’ll be out in the UK because this is the UK edition.😂 Australia and the UK are uuuuuusually kind of similar in release dates I THINK? ANYWAY REGARDLESS, GOOD LIFE DECISION. I APPROVE.
Okay, the quotes win me over. Love that sarcasm and the semi-adversarial relationship.
Nikki recently posted…Review – The Sudden Appearance of Hope
Sarcasm is always so wonderful. :’) And it’s so nice when the romance starts out as two people wanting to stab each other. #shipit
CHEESE BREAD! With peperoni especially. xD I might actually check this one out! Ohhh, um, A Time to Die was hysterically sarcastic.
Cheese bread is one of humanity’s greatest inventions tbh. :’)
Fantastic review! I absolutely need this book in my hands now. 🙂
You definitely do. *nods* It CALLS TO YOU, LAUREN.
You convinced me to download this book and read it. It’s all I can do to put it down to do things like eat, sleep, go to work. Thank you for the recommendation. 🙂
AHHHHH THIS IS SUCH GOOD NEWS!! *shrieks* Honestly this has made my day.😂
I am not going to lie… I am awful and judge-y and I probably never would have picked this one up because I’m not a fan of the cover, but I think you’ve converted me with your review! I am SO into epic fantasy right now, and also the whole “morally grey” thing sounds right up my street. Because who even needs morals, really??
Plus, sarcasm throughout? YES PLEASE. I actually giggled at the quotes you posted. GIGGLED. (I don’t even know who I am anymore.)
And slow-burn romance is my ultimate favourite, because I like being tortured and made to experience too many feels and then finally, FINALLY have that !!!!!!!! moment when it happens. So, yes, good. I think I will purchase this now.
Thanks for a wonderful review as always, Cait. ^_^
This is the UK cover and *whispers* I honestly think the US cover is a lot nicer.😂 BUT DON’T TELL MY COUNTRY THAT. AHem. Anyway!! YAYY THAT I CONVINCED YOU ANYWAY!! And of course. Pfft, who wants good vs evil. When we can have evil vs more evil? #winning
*runs to library to get both books*
Reasons:
1. SARCASM
2. GOOD PLOT LINES
3. “STABBY STABBY” “NICEY NICEY”
That is all.
OK, so that’s actually NOT all, but it sums up my thoughts nicely.
Sami Nuxoll recently posted…neon
IT’S LIKE THE CHECKLIST FOR EVERYTHING A BOOK SHOULD BE #winning
WELLLL now I want cheese bread. ALSO THIS LOOKS EXCELLENT. Loving the dry humour. My Strayan sense of humour approves. Shame about the cover though :'(
I have a craving for cheese bread too now…omg. WHO WROTE THIS POST. IT’S A CHEESE BREAD CRAVING CONSPIRACY. *stamps foot* Ahem. And dude, YES, this book is for the ‘Strayians. *nods*
I had a feeling you were going to love this Cait! I completely agree (unsurprisingly, of course) – it was absolutely amazing. It had the perfect blend of action, characterization and romance. I am just so glad you enjoyed it as much as I did! And the sarcasm was amazing, wasn’t it? Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! ♥
Zoe @ Stories on Stage recently posted…A Little in Love
YES! As soon as I saw you’d give it 4-stars I was like “Omg I am 100% going to love this”.😂😂 The sarcasm was ON POINT SO MUCH OMG. It was beautiful. :’) Writing #GOALS
I saw this on insta a week ago and was thinking it looked interesting. Now I’m thinking, “I MUST HAVES IT!” This book sounds awesome especially the SARCASM, oh yeah, and the plot too. 🙂 Awesome review!
YES YES I THINK YOU’D LIKE THIS ONE ASHLEY!! *throws it enthusiastically at you* !!!
Who can resists sarcasm? Seriosuly, who can? I love it more when the heroine is spiteful. Maybe because my sarcasm more often dwells in my heart and I am often tongue tongued when the real life/adult life bullies talk. But after that I keep thinking ” I shouldve told that” ” I shouldve told this”. Maybe I should create a character who says everything I want to say but havent.h
NO ONE CAN RESIST. *nods* I love sarcasm in books and there should be more of it honestly.😂 I wanted to save two million of the sassy lines omg. AHHHH. Ahem. (And I’m the same with getting my actual IRL sarcastic quips like 9 hours after the incident. *facepalm*)
I like sarcasm too. I will add to my TBR list 😀
Thank you Cait 😀
Btw, I am glad you had wonderful reading 😀
It’s SO nice to read an excellent book!! *flails* Thank you, Hana!
Wow, your review makes me want to pick up this book RIGHT NOW. Damn it sounds so good from this review!
I LOVE a character that can fend for herself and knows how to fight etc. I love that she doesn’t easily fall in love. And that sarcasm? So funny! Now I’m really looking forward to this! It just moved up my TBR list 😀
This was an awesome review by the way!
Jordon @ Simply Adrift
Jordon @ Simply Adrift recently posted…Sci Fi books I just couldn’t get into
YAYYYYYYY *flails wildly* MY JOB HERE IS DONE THEN. *nods* And YES. It’s was nice that the romance was insta-love or anything, not even insta-attraction tbh.😂 Very refreshing!
SARCASMMMM THO. <3 Sarcastic characters are just beauties, the end ok. xD and iT'S ACTUALLY KIND OF HARD SOMETIMES. TO MAKE SARCASTIC CHARACTERS LOVEABLE. Because sometimes they just flop and turn into bitter little pineapples and nobody likes bitter pineapples. XD ALSO ALSO ALSO SLOW BURN ROMANCES + JUNGLES + SNEAKY KISSES = omg i need to read this books stahhhp. <3 such favorite elements right there omg!!
Pineapple Abbie recently posted…The #TeamPancake VS #TeamWaffle Tag + My Best-Ever Waffle Recipe!
AHHHH YES THAT IS SO TRUE. I mean, I do love bitter pineapples mostly, but yess, ergh, they can also get annoying. I think the trick is to make the sarcasm self-depreciating as much as possible?? I’m never a fan of the type of sarcasm that just involves tearing other people apart. BUT THIS WAS REALLY REALLY GOOD SARCASM *NODS*
This sounds like such a good bread! …. I was thinking of the cheese bread when I typed that, ahhahaah! What I MEANT was that it sounds like a good book! I’ll definitely pick up a copy either on my Kindle or hard copy.
I LOVE MAGIC. Like, why doesn’t it exist in real life? That’s my request to you as future ruler of the world: magic.
And the magic in this book sounds horrible (in what it can do), but sooooo coooooollll.
And yes, cheese bread is yummy. *drool*
And sarcasm is great! I do enjoy reading about it, and the excerpts you put in your review made me laugh. I’m not sure what book I prize over others for sarcasm? My mind tends to draw blanks when I need to think of these things.
Great review, Cait!
Rayna @ Reader Rayna recently posted…May 2016 Wrap Up
I totally admit this book gave me terrible cravings for the gloriousness that is cheese bread😂 But, dude, YES TO MAGIC. It is very high on my to-do list when I’m world ruler, of course. Magic and cake and dragons. I’ll get this universe sorted out.
AH I haven’t seen a lot of reviews for this one so I am so happy that the first one is GOOD. I bought this book recently but haven’t read it. Now I’m SUPPERRRRRR excited to!
Molly @ Molly’s Book Nook recently posted…2016 Reading Goals Reevaluated
You have made SUCH A GOOD LIFE DECISION MOLLY. *flails happily for you*
Your glowing review has made me put a hold on this book because why not? It’s not like I have a stack of books on my floor waiting to be read…
AHHHH I’M SO GLAD! MY JOB HERE IS DONE! *flails wildly*
This is so exciting that you loved the book Cait! The reason that it’s compared so closely to Reboot is actually why I’m not too keen on it. I was more excited about the concept but then it went wayyy too romancey and just turned me off lol. But the banter and sarcasm sound like so much fun. Lovely review!
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence recently posted…The Square Root of Summer Review: I Fell into a Wormhole of Confusion
So you tried it and it didn’t work for you? Ahh, too bad. ;D But not every book is for everyone.😂😂
I’ve been so curious about Ruined, and I LOVE hearing that you loved this one! I adore sarcasm and fantasy and all of that good stuff, so I cannot wait to check this out too.
IT IS SO VERY GOOD, ALEXA!!! READ IT!!! *tosses it at you kindly*
I’m so excited for this one! Have you checked out Tintera’s Reboot series? MIND BLOWING!
I HAVE! I loved it. 😀 Zombies are the best, right?!?!? Callum and Wren were so totally deadly and cUTE.
I’ve been looking for a great book to read and I think I found it. I like savage people, LOVE sarcastic ones more, I almost always read ONLY epic fantasy. I think this book is for me.
DUDE, THIS BOOK IS 100% FOR YOU THEN. It calls to you. It begs you to read it. *kindly tosses it at you*
What a coincidence! I just finished reading this book yesterday and now come onto your blog to discover this review.. which oh-so-accurately describes my feelings on this!! <3 This book was SO AMAZING and omg the characters were so so good. I adored both Em and Cas, and the Ruined and their powers and everything was just so good and I could hardly put this book down!! *Okay, Analee, breathe. Breathe.* Sooooo yeah. I am now dying for the next book!!
Analee @ Book Snacks recently posted…I’m totally not a week late on this…! | 2016 May Book Releases
OMG WE ARE BOOKISH TWINS ON THIS THEN?!?! *hi fives for our epic taste* I am soooo the same. I couldn’t stop reading and then I just wanted the sequel immediately. Omg, Olivia, right?!?? SHE IS SCARY AND AWESOME.
I have this book from Edelweiss and I haven’t read it yet. Obviously, I need to fix this. Now.
YES YOU 100% DO NEED TO FIX THAT AND READ IT ASAP.😂 I got it from Edelweiss too but was procrastinating it for some reason and then the Aussie publisher sent it to me.😂 I HEAR YA, PUBLISHERS. I’m so glad I read it. AHHHHH.
The title of this review alone made me want to read this book, even before I read the review lol
OH THAT IS GOOD NEWS. And I promise the insides are even better than the title.😂
I will be relistening to Reboot this week in preparation for reviewing it this month. It was one of those books that I was surprised by how much I liked it.
I have Ruined on my Priority list (i.e. sequels & books by authors I like). The plan is to read it after I finish Rebel (yes I am way behind).
Got My Book recently posted…text: I Interview an Audie Winner | Sunday Summary #5
YES TO REBOOT! I wasn’t surprised I loved it because zombies = yessss for me.😂 Wren and Callum were adorable little dead things and their DANCING. *ships aggressively*
This book actually isn’t on my TBR because I am probably the most hesitant person in the world when it comes to adding the first book in a series to my TBR. I am currently reading something like EIGHTY series, and I just cannot stomach adding a new book to the TBR and reading it and then bumping that eighty up even higher. I really just need to finish reading the series that are finished, so that I can start to read some new ones (and then it’ll be eighty again in no time, haha).
It sounds awesome, though! And I will definitely keep it in mind (along with Rebel of the Sands because that also sounds awesome). I love sarcasm and epic worldbuilding and slow-burn romance that doesn’t take over the plot. So I am pretty sure I will enjoy it. Once I get around to it, that is, haha!
Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity recently posted…Simply Sunday (#36)
Awk, I do understand about the reading a gazillion series. It actually doesn’t bother me anymore?!? I feel like I’ll never finish all the series BUT EH, MAYBE I’LL ACCIDENTALLY BECOME IMMORTAL AND THAT’LL FIX IT. #sensible The probably is reading so many series and then forgetting things between waiting years for the next book. *facepalm* I hope I remember the details of this one while I wait for the next. MY BRAIN IS SO HOLEY THESE DAYS.
OMG this sounds amazing!!!! I own Reboot and Rebel and never read them… Maybe I should, I hadn’t read them so I hadn’t considered buying another book by the author. But you have me utterly convinced that this is something that I need to read. I am going to go and order myself a copy asap. I need more fantasy in my life!!! 🙂
AHHHHH. *awards self for excellent marketing skills* 😂😂 I think this one is probably better than Reboot, but I DO still have a soft spot for Reboot in my soul. <3 I mean, though, it's been 3+ years so I do wonder what I'd think of them now. PrOBABLY STILL LOVE, THOUGH, BECAUSE OF ALL THE SASS.
I am super excited to start Ruined. I purchased it a week ago and it is sitting on my shelf just begging me to read it.
That cheese bread quote it utterly amazing! Now I definitely need to open up my copy!
Thanks for sharing, Cait!
Amanda Marie recently posted…May 2016 in Review
AHHHHH I hope you love it too!! *shrieks* If you do, COME AND FANGIRL WITH ME BECAUSE CHEESE BREAD AND SASS AND STABBY CHARACTERS FTW.
Cait, did you like this book? I was just wondering. You were being so vague about it all. Geesh, this is not like you at all! Ha ha! I have been MIA, but I am here to finally comment spam. 😀
I’M TRYING TO BE SUBTLE, I KNOW. I LIKE TO KEEP THINGS MYSTERIOUS AROUND HERE.😂
I haven’t read this yet, but I really want to now, but I had been considering it for the incredibly strange reason that it clearly has the same cover artist as Sabriel. And I love Sabriel, so why wouldn’t I love a book that shares the same cover artist? Makes complete sense.
THAT DOES MAKE SENSE. Although I shamefully haven’t read Sabriel yet. I KNOW. HORROR. I mean, it’s like by an Aussie author and it’s a classic??? Sheesh. *puts it on to-do list*
Hmmm. I did like Reboot. And I did read a few pages of Ruined but wasn’t feeling it. Maybe I will try again!
Jen @ YA Romantics
It is pretty similar to Reboot I thought! 😀 Although not every book is for everyone, right?! 😉
Okay. SO. Ruined and I have been having an Amazon-anointed staring contest for quite a few days now.
Ruined: BUUUUUY MEEEEEE.
Me: I can’t afford you.
Ruined: YOU CAN SURVIVE UP TO 3 WEEKS WITHOUT FOOD.
Me: But I don’t want to. That sounds terrible.
Ruined: MORE TERRIBLE THAN BOOKLESSNESS?
Me:
Ruined:
Me:
Ruined: Exactly.
HOWEVER, said back-and-forth was mainly due to my not having bought a book in so many weeks, and due to its pretty cover. Truth be told, I didn’t even know what it was about. (Probably why I haven’t caved yet. I like to vet my books before purchasing them. Well, that and the concept of three weeks without food.)
BUT, Y’KNOW, I WAS ALREADY PRIMED TO BUY IT. AND NOW THIS…?! MORALLY GREY OPPOSING RACES? A RICH EPIC FANTASY WORLD? STABBY-STABBY AND NICEY-NICEY ENEMIES NARRATING IN DISTINCT VOICES? SARCASM? BANTER?
EXCUSE ME ONE SECOND, I NEED TO… NOT EAT FOR 3 WEEKS. BECAUSE RUUUUUUUINED, MAAAAAN! THOSE ARE ALL MY FAVORITE TROPES IN ONE! *FEEDS YOU CAKE FOR THIS GLORIOUS REVIEW*
*DASHES OFF TO SPEND MY MONEY (UN)WISELY*
Lexie @ The Honest Bookclub recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: THE NATURALS BY JENNIFER LYNN BARNES
OMG I FEEL BAD FOR DEPRIVING YOU OF FOOD FOR 3 WEEKS THOUGH, LEXIE. *sends you virtual cake to sustain you* It was on Edelweiss if you’re signed up for that?? I’m not sure if it still is though.😂
but it’s so SO SO SO SO GOOD OMG. It even got to my “best of the year” shelf on goodreads. :’)
YES YES YES TO ALL OF THIS. I’ve always loved Amy and I think she doesn’t get the amount of flails she deserves.
This book was awesome and I can’t even wait to see what the next book looks like.
EXCELLENT REVIEW IS EXCELLENT.
stacee @ adventures of a book junkie recently posted…The time they saved me wristbands
ZOMG EXACTLY. She deserves ALL THE FLAILS. I want to give her books to every mortal and let them know what they’re missing. *FLAILS WILDLY*
Stabby stabby nicey nicey hahahhaha. Oh gosh, that made me laugh 😀 And I do like sarcasm, plus I loved 2 of the 3 other books you mentioned (haven’t read the 3rd yet). Ruined sounds like a book I’ll have to read soon! I love a good fantasy book with awesome worldbuilding and grey characters.
Morgan @ Gone with the Words recently posted…Bitsy Words: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
YES YES READ RUINED, IT CALLS TO YOU MORGAN AND WISHES YOU TO BE FRIENDS WITH IT.
I didn’t hear of this one until now, thanks for sharing!
*looks at massively growing TBR pile on Goodreads*
Uh…I need to start catching up on this pile and try vainly to resist adding more to it… 🙂
Okay, can you please stop making me buy books now. This is why I never visit your blog, my bank account is always depleted afterwards. (I’m kidding, I still visit it, I never learn.)