A review by theappalachianbookworm
Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

In this 1920s-infused take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest, we follow Mae as she navigates the politics and power of the family-ruled island she calls home. The cutthroat Prosper family has everything Mae has always wanted - magic, power, a sense of belonging. All of that changes in one night when Mae finds out that the family patriarch is keeping secrets and not everything is as it seems.

What I loved:
• The world-building and magic system were wonderful. Well thought out and beautifully executed. It was interesting, especially the spirits and their music.
• Although there were times that I disliked Mae, I loved her character growth. She is quiet and a bit of a pushover because she’s desperate to fit in with the Prosper family. When she finally stops doing that, and calls her so-called friends out, it was just perfect.
• Of course, my favourite character was Ivo. I always go for the sad, reclusive, mysterious men. Especially if they’re powerful and self-deprecating.
What I wish were different:
• I wish there had been more. Not just because I wanted to keep reading but because I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and like it isn’t finished yet. Perhaps the author ending things like this for a sequel if they wished to.

Overall, Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe was a great read and I would definitely recommend it. It was a well-paced and incredibly intriguing YA fantasy about forbidden magic, ambition, and family secrets. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings