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A review by booksbystarlightandshadows
Ruined by E. Bishop
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I've rated this as a three star read as there were parts I did enjoy but it didn't quite hit the mark for me overall. I kept coming back to the pacing; I liked the time jumps at the start as I didn't feel the need to read pages of bullying to set the scene and the way the first few chapters are written worked well. The only point I would make is that they were only together for two weeks before the fountain incident and I think if I had seen more of this specific period it would have had a bigger impact. As a tool to empathise with Athelia who also didn't understand what just happened it was fine but I just never really invested in the relationship from the start as these MMCs are not remotely likeable for a lot of the book. They manipulate Athelia several times and it just made it hard to root for them.
However, the main issue I had without giving away spoilers is the reason behind the initial miscommunication and how it was resolved. What Athelia went through was truly awful and was scarily believable in the digital age; however when it all came out though and the reason was dealt so swiftly it all fell a little flat for me after that. This was the plotline with the most potential and just seemed like a missed opportunity when it was over so quickly. I'm also not sure what the guys jobs added to the story - it didn't really go anywhere however it does set up plenty of scope for a further instalment as did Haven's plotline.
There is a lot of spice in this and there is some questionable consent in some scenes; the degradation is pretty intense. By the end I was tapped out and was more interested in some of the other plotlines (like where Haven was) rather than another scene with Athelia and the guys. I actually really liked the idea of Athelia's revenge; I thought it worked quite well with her character and the MMC's seemed to quickly forget that Athelia put up with their bullying (and other things) for years and they more than deserved it. I also liked that Athelia had normal parents that actually cared about her as they are usually few and far between in dark romances!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
However, the main issue I had without giving away spoilers is the reason behind the initial miscommunication and how it was resolved. What Athelia went through was truly awful and was scarily believable in the digital age; however when it all came out though and the reason was dealt so swiftly it all fell a little flat for me after that. This was the plotline with the most potential and just seemed like a missed opportunity when it was over so quickly. I'm also not sure what the guys jobs added to the story - it didn't really go anywhere however it does set up plenty of scope for a further instalment as did Haven's plotline.
There is a lot of spice in this and there is some questionable consent in some scenes; the degradation is pretty intense. By the end I was tapped out and was more interested in some of the other plotlines (like where Haven was) rather than another scene with Athelia and the guys. I actually really liked the idea of Athelia's revenge; I thought it worked quite well with her character and the MMC's seemed to quickly forget that Athelia put up with their bullying (and other things) for years and they more than deserved it. I also liked that Athelia had normal parents that actually cared about her as they are usually few and far between in dark romances!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault