Ruined

by Jus Accardo

• ISBN10: 1622661842
• ISBN13: 9781622661848
• Publish Date: 30 December 2013
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Entangled: Embrace
• Format: eBook
• Language: English

Reviews

[Linda]

Ruined was a very different take on demons, Cain and Abel, and on how the choices we make can make a difference for so many more people than those we take into account at the time we make those choices.

COYER scavenger hunt item #64 : Read a book you've won in a giveaway (4 points)

This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews

[Angie]

I received an ARC through NetGalley.

Ruined was interesting. Jax is tainted, and a descendant of Cain. What this ultimately means is that he shares his body with a demon and has uncontrollable urges for violence. He's stayed away from his hometown for three years, because he was going to kill his twin. His brother is the person his demon hates the most, of course. But he comes back when he learns that his uncle is dying, but he stays when he finds out that the girl he loves is being stalked by demons. He wants to protect her, but he also needs her to hate him, so he'll stay away before he hurts her too.

I really liked the premise of Ruined. Ever since Cain killed Abel, his sons have had a mark on their souls. Not all of them, as it can skip generations, but his descendants are paying for his crime. Jax is currently that one, and he tries to control it by creating fear or anger in humans to feed his demon. It's not enough though, so he does kill every few days to keep the urges at bay. At least he targets criminals and not the innocent. I generally enjoy stories where the hero attempts to use a curse for good.

Ruined also has a really awesome kind of, but not really, sorta love triangle. No, it's not between Jax and his brother, although in the beginning it does look like it'll go that way. It doesn't. It's between Jax and his demon. Jax has been in love with Sam forever, but being with her literally causes him pain. The happiness essentially drains the demon, making him need to feed again that much sooner. But Jax's demon can take control of the body, while still having Jax aware so that he can be with Sam. She just has to accept and want both of them, not just Jax. I loved that! It's so bizarre! She has to love the body and the invading demon, and it's kind of awkward, but also kind of hot. It's just great!

The plot of Ruined was okay. I liked it better in the beginning and middle, when it was all about not letting hell break loose. Literally. But toward the end, it kind of morphed into something else. Of course, Jax saves the world (temporarily), but then there's this issue of balance and sacrifices. And it starts to focus on the romance. Like instead of saving the world from demons, Jax has to find a way to be with Sam. It was a weird switch, and doesn't really leave me wanting to read more.

I like Ruined a lot, especially the romance. But I'm not sure that I'd like all of this awesome mythology being wasted on the romance. If that make sense? I want interesting plot with demons and curses, with a side of bizarre romance. I may or may not continue this series.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

[lizarodz]

The premise of Ruined is very different. From the synopsis you have a very good idea of what the story is about. I just can’t imagine the pain of always living with another being inside that is always hungry for pain and fear.

Poor Jax, my heart broke for him. He tried so hard to be good, knowing all the time that a demon lived inside of him. It must be a terrifying feeling of helplessness. However, he is strong, loyal, with a big sense of responsibility and a healthy dose of ‘I don’t care’. Of course, it always helps that he's hot, sexy and strong.

I’m not sure what to think of Samantha. She is definitely Jax’s match and partner in crime. She is stubborn, strong, and tries her best to be fearless. I admire that she was able to accept Jax because I don’t think I would be able to. Jax and Sam’s relationship is really complicated and I suspect that it will become more so.

Chase is supposed to be the good twin brother, but I just didn’t like him from the beginning. He was way too happy to torture his brother and he was an expert at letting others take the blame for everything he did. Overall, the characterization is good, I really sympathized with Jax and his predicament.

The plot is good and some of the twists and turns are unexpected, but I have to confess on having my strong suspicions from the beginning. The demon world building is based on common believes and well fleshed out. This is obviously the first book in a series and the ending left a lot to be desired. The writing is really good and the hotness level was way up there :)

This book was different from my usual YA reads. Not bad by all means, just different and definitely more for NA and adult readers.


I will definitely read the next book in the series, I need to know what happens with Jax and Sam next (a loophole please!)

[kimbacaffeinate]

The tale is delivered from dual points of view, a trait I love in this type of novel. We get up close and personal with Jax and Samantha, “Sam”. Besides being smexy, I quickly fell for Jax and his tortured soul. He struggles with the demon side and willingly gives up all he holds dear to protect them. He is loyal, fierce and protective. The man wears black from head to toe and oozes dangerous and sexy. Picture Neo’s wardrobe from the Matrix. Yum! Samantha is complex and struggled after Jax abruptly left town. Accardo slowly peels back her layers and reveals why she returned home. I loved getting to know their shared history. Sam tackles thing head-on and confronts her fears making her quite the kick-ass. I loved how brazenly she talked to the demons and I found myself giggling at her snark. We do hear from Azirak; Jax’s dark passenger and I look forward to learning more about him. Sadly secondary characters aren’t fleshed out and only what is needed for the plot is revealed. Perhaps the most fascinating character was Heckle, and I am truly hoping we learn more about him.

Ruined started off slow for me, and I actually got a little nervous, but as things were revealed the action kicked up a notch and I found myself fully immersed. While the plot, gave me moments of déjà vu, Accardo owned it adding her own twists. The Demons, their hierarchy and the use of the biblical story of Cain and Abel added an interesting element to this paranormal. The villain was a surprising twist, although I pieced things together much sooner than the author intended. Accardo has an easy flow to her tales, and I thought the shared history of the main characters added depth to their romance. The ending is climatic and ends in a minor cliffhanger. Not pull your hair out but enough to have you eager for more.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review​. Full ​Review​ originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewe​r​