Book Shelf: Avenged (Ruined #2) by Amy Tintera

A war that will fuel her. A bond that will destroy her.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together have devised a plan that will rebuild Ruina to its former glory.

But just because Em and Olivia are out of Lera doesn't mean they are safe. Their actions over the past year have had consequences, and they are now targets of retaliation. Olivia will destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn't as sure.

Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir's betrothed in Lera, she's started to see another side to this war. Lera may have destroyed the Ruined for decades, but Em knows that Cas is different. And now that he's taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em's romantic feelings for Cas are just colouring her judgement.

Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies--and her blood--before she's the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.
 
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Review:

Avenged is the sensational sequel to Amy Tintera's thrilling novel Ruined and is an incredible follow up to its predecessor, full of all the excitement, danger and riveting romance that made the first novel so brilliant and mixing action, adventure and unexpected development in spectacular fashion.

Emelina Flores has returned to her home of Ruina, having successfully infiltrated the Lera castle and rescued her sister Olivia, who went through a year of torture at the hands of the Lera King. Brimming with anger and hatred , Olivia wants to destroy anyone who stands against Ruina yet after her experience posing as Prince Casimir's betrothed, Em isn't so sure. Being with Cas opened Em's eyes to a new side of the war and though Lera may have been responsible for thousands of Ruined deaths, Cas is different. Determined to right his parents wrongs, Cas has plans to bring peace to Lera and Ruina, but with Olivia's hatred of Lera knowing no bounds, Em's sister will stop at nothing to make their enemies pay even if it means destroying their chance at peace. Torn between love and loyalty and with the lines between right and wrong greyer than ever, Em will have to make some tough decisions if she wants to protect her people and stop the endless array of death....

Amy Tintera has done it again! Giving it's predecessor a run for it's money, Avenged was an absolutely thrilling sequel that incorporates everything I loved about the first novel as well as adding new layers and new dynamics to this alluring fantasy world. Opening new doors in the series, Avenged explores new aspects of Tintera's world; allowing the reader to straddle the line between the "good" guys and the "bad" guys as Tintera blurs the lines between the two.

As her characters come alive, motivations and desires are explored spectacularly. I love that all the characters are so complex and multi-dimensional. Friends become enemies and enemies can become true friends. No one is really right or wrong as we follow a margin of characters from two opposing sides of the war. Amy Tintera has made me care for and adore so many of her characters--both Ruined and Leran.

Em remains our beloved heroine who is strong and capable and who honestly wants the best for her people, but who no longer sees violence and destruction as the answer to saving them. Cas is a kind and honorable male lead and love interest for Em who honestly is the best thing for his Kingdom and who if able may be able to change everything. I really did fall for Aren and Iria in this novel too. Aren who has been so angry and jaded but who realizes that Olivia's way isn't the right way and Iria an Oslo warrior who has become a friend to Aren and Em's cause.

Filled with brilliant fight sequences, beautiful romance and powerful displays of friendship, Avenged is a sensational read with high stakes, betrayals and multi-layered characters. Readers will fall in love with the characters and become immersed in their journey. Ending as good as it begins, I for one cannot wait for the next novel Allied to see what Amy Tintera does next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Format: Parperback
Australian RRP: $16.99
Release Date: April 26th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I abdolutely adored Avenged and cannot wait for more. I love everything about this series and am dying to join Em and Cas again!