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Grace and Fury #2
De la furia a la victoria
Expulsadas por Asa, Nomi y Malachi se dirigen hacia una muerte casi segura. Ahora que Asa se sienta en el trono, nada le parará para asegurarse de que Malachi no regrese a palacio. Su única esperanza es encontrar a Serina, la hermana de Nomi, en la isla-prisión de Monte Ruina. Pero cuando llegan allí, no es un panorama de mujeres sometidas lo que ven, sino una isla en plena revuelta, liderada por Serina.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2019
177 people are currently reading
8240 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Banghart
13 books946 followersTracy Banghart grew up in rural Maryland and spent her summers on a remote island in northern Ontario. All of that isolation and lovely scenery gave her the time to read voraciously and the inspiration to write her own stories. Always a bit of a nomad, Tracy now travels the world Army-wife style with her husband, kids, and pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 905 reviews
August 17, 2021
Es war okay, aber nicht meins.
Die Grundidee gefällt mir noch recht gut. Zwei ungleiche Schwestern kämpfen gegen die Unterdrückung, für die Freiheit und für die Rechte der Frauen, die in dieser Welt so gut wie nichts gelten.
Ich fand das Buch aber unnötig gewalttätig, wenn man bedenkt, dass es ein Jugendbuch ist.
Da wird erschossen, erstochen, Augen ausgestochen,... Alles wie nebenbei und ohne Skrupel; so kam es jedenfalls bei mir an.
Gerade bei Serina ist das für mich auch nicht wirklich glaubwürdig, wenn man bedenkt, dass sie ihre ganze Kindheit hindurch eigentlich nur dazu erzogen wurde, dem Prinzen bzw. Männern zu dienen, lieb und artig zu sein, keine Widerworte zu geben und Anordnungen auszuführen...
Die ganze Geschichte hat mich nicht überzeugen können.
Die Grundidee gefällt mir noch recht gut. Zwei ungleiche Schwestern kämpfen gegen die Unterdrückung, für die Freiheit und für die Rechte der Frauen, die in dieser Welt so gut wie nichts gelten.
Ich fand das Buch aber unnötig gewalttätig, wenn man bedenkt, dass es ein Jugendbuch ist.
Da wird erschossen, erstochen, Augen ausgestochen,... Alles wie nebenbei und ohne Skrupel; so kam es jedenfalls bei mir an.
Gerade bei Serina ist das für mich auch nicht wirklich glaubwürdig, wenn man bedenkt, dass sie ihre ganze Kindheit hindurch eigentlich nur dazu erzogen wurde, dem Prinzen bzw. Männern zu dienen, lieb und artig zu sein, keine Widerworte zu geben und Anordnungen auszuführen...
Die ganze Geschichte hat mich nicht überzeugen können.
July 7, 2019
3.5 Stars
I'd gone into this with high hopes, maybe slightly too high? I absolutely ADROED Grace and Fury and was so excited to read this, but I wasn't as drawn to it as what I had been.
I loved the complete girl power throughout this book and really seeing Nomi and Serina come into their own but for me it didn't pick up or things seemed to happen at the 56% mark.
After that it was action packed and the whole sense of the uprising and certain characters doing certain things, your girl isn't here for spoilers...
I really wish we'd of got an epilogue a few months down the line because I was left feeling a little bit dis-satisfied which is a shame, other than that I did quite enjoy my read.
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17.06.2019
YA GURL GOT AN ARC woooo woooo!
Time to re-read Grace and Fury first to refresh my memory and just read a re-cap... Think I'm going for the re-cap because I'm far too excited right now!
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When you’re not even half way through and already know that you’re needing the next one ASAP...
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12.09.18
GURLLLLL we have a cover!
———
I'd gone into this with high hopes, maybe slightly too high? I absolutely ADROED Grace and Fury and was so excited to read this, but I wasn't as drawn to it as what I had been.
I loved the complete girl power throughout this book and really seeing Nomi and Serina come into their own but for me it didn't pick up or things seemed to happen at the 56% mark.
After that it was action packed and the whole sense of the uprising and certain characters doing certain things, your girl isn't here for spoilers...
I really wish we'd of got an epilogue a few months down the line because I was left feeling a little bit dis-satisfied which is a shame, other than that I did quite enjoy my read.
-------
17.06.2019
YA GURL GOT AN ARC woooo woooo!
Time to re-read Grace and Fury first to refresh my memory and just read a re-cap... Think I'm going for the re-cap because I'm far too excited right now!
------
When you’re not even half way through and already know that you’re needing the next one ASAP...
———
12.09.18
GURLLLLL we have a cover!
———
July 15, 2019
3.5 stars
I loved Grace and Fury, but this one fell a bit flat. Pacing was off, the book felt too fast and too slow all the at same time. The ending seemed particularly rushed. I liked Nomi's story the most and it's what kept me reading, but I cannot help but wonder what happened with this book. It just wasn't up to the standard of the first one.
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I loved Grace and Fury, but this one fell a bit flat. Pacing was off, the book felt too fast and too slow all the at same time. The ending seemed particularly rushed. I liked Nomi's story the most and it's what kept me reading, but I cannot help but wonder what happened with this book. It just wasn't up to the standard of the first one.
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July 29, 2019
Queen of Ruin was the conclusion to the Grace and Fury duology and while it was better than the first book, I still found it a bit lacking.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
At the start of the novel, the two sisters, Serina and Nomi, were reeling from the disastrous events that unfolded in the previous book. Serina, while battling her grief and guilt, was trying to lead the women of the Mount Ruin prison to freedom. Whereas, Nomi was struggling with Asa's betrayal of her trust and wanted to keep her family safe. However, they ended up joining together to fight for the rights of all of the women of their country and wanted to change the ingrained sexist ideologies surrounding women.
I liked the way Serina's character went from strength to strength. In this book, she truly became a fierce leader and warrior. Nomi's character development was subtler but she definitely became more confident and sure of herself. I admired them both for their courage to fight against a system that had suppressed women for years and years.
I also liked the other female side characters because they were nuanced and complex but sadly, just like the first book, the male characters were as flat as cheese crackers. Malachi was broody; Val was nice, nice, nice; Renzo was really nice too and Asa was the classic unhinged emotionless villain.
The reason I found it 'a bit lacking' was because barely anything happened considering it's a few hundred page book. I thought there was too much repetitive filler and not as much interesting content.
Queen of Ruin was a quick read with fairly deep themes but all in all not very impressive or original. I'd recommend it to people who enjoyed the first book.
Thank you to Hachette Children's Group for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
At the start of the novel, the two sisters, Serina and Nomi, were reeling from the disastrous events that unfolded in the previous book. Serina, while battling her grief and guilt, was trying to lead the women of the Mount Ruin prison to freedom. Whereas, Nomi was struggling with Asa's betrayal of her trust and wanted to keep her family safe. However, they ended up joining together to fight for the rights of all of the women of their country and wanted to change the ingrained sexist ideologies surrounding women.
I liked the way Serina's character went from strength to strength. In this book, she truly became a fierce leader and warrior. Nomi's character development was subtler but she definitely became more confident and sure of herself. I admired them both for their courage to fight against a system that had suppressed women for years and years.
I also liked the other female side characters because they were nuanced and complex but sadly, just like the first book, the male characters were as flat as cheese crackers. Malachi was broody; Val was nice, nice, nice; Renzo was really nice too and Asa was the classic unhinged emotionless villain.
The reason I found it 'a bit lacking' was because barely anything happened considering it's a few hundred page book. I thought there was too much repetitive filler and not as much interesting content.
Queen of Ruin was a quick read with fairly deep themes but all in all not very impressive or original. I'd recommend it to people who enjoyed the first book.
Thank you to Hachette Children's Group for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 24, 2020
Many thanks to Little Brown for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
this is going to be a little mini itty bitty microscopic review because I read this nearly a year ago and mostly don't remember what happened whoops
From what I remember, I have to say that this book was meh. I didn't particularly enjoy the first book but that mainly because I was in a bad headspace while reading it.
This one was basically the same.
And that's all I have to say because I don't remember this book.
Also, I definitely recommend you check this series out. I personally didn't enjoy it but I definitely think others might.
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review to come
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August 21, 2019
The Good:
- Girl Power
- Malachi <3
- Nomi being stubborn
- Serina being a BOSS
- Conclusion
The Bad:
- Less tension
- The hookups were pretty mediocre
- Zero history lessons/world building
- It was all just a little too easy
I enjoyed it, but mostly because I love the themes of this story. But I think that's also its weakness? The feminism is strong in this one and the ladies are facing some heavy duty oppression, which means it resonates with real world issues. The problem is that it's too black and white - oppressing women is bad, all the soldiers are evil, 'if we overthrow the evil men, women can finally be acknowledged as being equal with men and have rights and wages etc ...' - there's no grey. Aside from the love interests, there are basically no sympathetic males, and no blissfully unaware women. There is no glimpse of the okay-ish side of things, no real exploration of the depths of characters who feel differently. It's just the badass women fighting back against an evil tyrant.
Don't get me wrong - I loved the badass women fighting back. It's what made the first book so powerful. But I think this book wrapped things up a little too quickly and neatly. I'm hoping for a third book where everything falls apart, and at the very least I want the history lessons, because I want to know more about the warrior queens of the past. Also, what the heck is going on in other nations while all this is going down? Do they not even care?
The scope of this story was so TINY so while I loved it it did feel a little ... shallow. I am invested in this world for the long haul - now gimme the haul, dammit! (Please.)
Overall though it was a fun read and it went pretty easy on my emotions for which I was thankful. I mean, tbh, I was expecting a lot more, darker drama than I actually got. So my emotions didn't really go far beyond 'YASSSS QUEENS!' and 'Awwww Malachi <3'.
I have really enjoyed this series, though, so I'm hanging out for more!
- Girl Power
- Malachi <3
- Nomi being stubborn
- Serina being a BOSS
- Conclusion
The Bad:
- Less tension
- The hookups were pretty mediocre
- Zero history lessons/world building
- It was all just a little too easy
I enjoyed it, but mostly because I love the themes of this story. But I think that's also its weakness? The feminism is strong in this one and the ladies are facing some heavy duty oppression, which means it resonates with real world issues. The problem is that it's too black and white - oppressing women is bad, all the soldiers are evil, 'if we overthrow the evil men, women can finally be acknowledged as being equal with men and have rights and wages etc ...' - there's no grey. Aside from the love interests, there are basically no sympathetic males, and no blissfully unaware women. There is no glimpse of the okay-ish side of things, no real exploration of the depths of characters who feel differently. It's just the badass women fighting back against an evil tyrant.
Don't get me wrong - I loved the badass women fighting back. It's what made the first book so powerful. But I think this book wrapped things up a little too quickly and neatly. I'm hoping for a third book where everything falls apart, and at the very least I want the history lessons, because I want to know more about the warrior queens of the past. Also, what the heck is going on in other nations while all this is going down? Do they not even care?
The scope of this story was so TINY so while I loved it it did feel a little ... shallow. I am invested in this world for the long haul - now gimme the haul, dammit! (Please.)
Overall though it was a fun read and it went pretty easy on my emotions for which I was thankful. I mean, tbh, I was expecting a lot more, darker drama than I actually got. So my emotions didn't really go far beyond 'YASSSS QUEENS!' and 'Awwww Malachi <3'.
I have really enjoyed this series, though, so I'm hanging out for more!
July 6, 2019
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight .
Okay, this is how you finish a duology. I am two for two with sequels this week alone and wow. Just wow. This was everything I had hoped for, and then some! I really enjoyed Grace and Fury , and was obviously thrilled to read the sequel. But you know, sometimes sequels are scary! But this is how you wrap up a series! Here's the thing: This isn't the most unique premise out there. It can even be a little tropey at times. But honestly? When it's done right, there's a reason we enjoy certain tropes. And this book reminded me precisely of that. So now it is time to gush about the stuff I extra loved!
•The characters are incredible. Truly, they make the whole book. Not just the main characters, though they're a big part of it which I will expand more on. But no, the author somehow made me care about every random side character she introduced. Everyone served a purpose in the story; everyone's life mattered. So if someone, anyone, died, it felt like a real gut punch, not like some rando bit it.
•Speaking of the main characters, their sisterly relationship was unparalleled. Usually when I read about a sister relationship, it's kind of a Katniss-Prim dynamic: One is the heroine, and she generally needs to save the other in some way. Not so here! Nomi and Serina are both fierce and strong and capable. Sometimes it's in different ways, but neither sits around waiting to be rescued. They both have assumed charge of their destinies. And absolutely they want to protect each other, but not in a way that implies one of them is helpless. They want to protect each other because they love one another, simple as that.
•And while we're talking about love and protection, every single one of the romantic partnerships in this book saw each other as equals. Didn't matter who the coupling was, they were complete partners in every sense. Even the side characters' relationships were viewed in this very equal and refreshing light. No one, man or woman, was a damsel waiting to be saved by their lover. The level of respect that the couples treated each other with was fabulous, and every single book should strive to portray relationships in this manner.
•Holy high stakes! I genuinely did not feel like anyone was safe during the whole book. It was a brutal and vicious world, and these women (and a few men) would stop at literally nothing until they were both safe and saw a change. So as you can imagine, there is room for a lot of bad junk to go down.
•It had many feels and much excitement. I was so invested that I started the last 40% when I got a bubble bath (thanks, Kindle Paperwhite!) and literally could not stop. My hot water had long run out, I was straight up shivering (and fine maybe crying a little, shh) and I still couldn't even pause to go get warm. It was so compelling that I just needed to know how it ended. And it was perfectly satisfying and worth every minute!
Bottom Line: It was the perfect high-octane finale to a really great series. I cannot wait to read whatever the author writes next, for I have no doubt it'll be phenomenal!
Okay, this is how you finish a duology. I am two for two with sequels this week alone and wow. Just wow. This was everything I had hoped for, and then some! I really enjoyed Grace and Fury , and was obviously thrilled to read the sequel. But you know, sometimes sequels are scary! But this is how you wrap up a series! Here's the thing: This isn't the most unique premise out there. It can even be a little tropey at times. But honestly? When it's done right, there's a reason we enjoy certain tropes. And this book reminded me precisely of that. So now it is time to gush about the stuff I extra loved!
•The characters are incredible. Truly, they make the whole book. Not just the main characters, though they're a big part of it which I will expand more on. But no, the author somehow made me care about every random side character she introduced. Everyone served a purpose in the story; everyone's life mattered. So if someone, anyone, died, it felt like a real gut punch, not like some rando bit it.
•Speaking of the main characters, their sisterly relationship was unparalleled. Usually when I read about a sister relationship, it's kind of a Katniss-Prim dynamic: One is the heroine, and she generally needs to save the other in some way. Not so here! Nomi and Serina are both fierce and strong and capable. Sometimes it's in different ways, but neither sits around waiting to be rescued. They both have assumed charge of their destinies. And absolutely they want to protect each other, but not in a way that implies one of them is helpless. They want to protect each other because they love one another, simple as that.
•And while we're talking about love and protection, every single one of the romantic partnerships in this book saw each other as equals. Didn't matter who the coupling was, they were complete partners in every sense. Even the side characters' relationships were viewed in this very equal and refreshing light. No one, man or woman, was a damsel waiting to be saved by their lover. The level of respect that the couples treated each other with was fabulous, and every single book should strive to portray relationships in this manner.
•Holy high stakes! I genuinely did not feel like anyone was safe during the whole book. It was a brutal and vicious world, and these women (and a few men) would stop at literally nothing until they were both safe and saw a change. So as you can imagine, there is room for a lot of bad junk to go down.
•It had many feels and much excitement. I was so invested that I started the last 40% when I got a bubble bath (thanks, Kindle Paperwhite!) and literally could not stop. My hot water had long run out, I was straight up shivering (and fine maybe crying a little, shh) and I still couldn't even pause to go get warm. It was so compelling that I just needed to know how it ended. And it was perfectly satisfying and worth every minute!
Bottom Line: It was the perfect high-octane finale to a really great series. I cannot wait to read whatever the author writes next, for I have no doubt it'll be phenomenal!
Want to read
September 15, 2018Ugh...not only are we stuck with cover models again, but they are not even the same ones? WHY!?
October 4, 2022
Fast-paced, beautifully scripted, and amazingly easy read. Every twist and turn was worth it, and never what you expect it to be. One second, I’ll be wholeheartedly rooting for their freedom, and it would seem it was within their grasp, then just at the right moment there will be a plot twist that gets me yearning for another victory around the corner.
Nomi and Serina were two strong women that fought to free the women in their country from the oppressive rule of men. The oppression was so deep rooted into the culture of the country that fathers were turning their daughters in to be sent to prison for being defiant, caught reading, or standing up for themselves.
The several plot twists was gut wrenching but the victories were worth it. I had a fantastic time with this series. Five stars.
Nomi and Serina were two strong women that fought to free the women in their country from the oppressive rule of men. The oppression was so deep rooted into the culture of the country that fathers were turning their daughters in to be sent to prison for being defiant, caught reading, or standing up for themselves.
The several plot twists was gut wrenching but the victories were worth it. I had a fantastic time with this series. Five stars.
September 21, 2019
Honestly, the best thing about this book was Serina's character development. Still have no idea what the world is supposed to be like though.
November 20, 2018
A rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor. Banghart pushes her characters beyond their limits to a conclusion that is as satisfying as it is empowering.
September 20, 2019
The women of Mount Ruin have revolutionised the brutal island prison, their oppressors imprisoned although continue to threaten the now united female community with violent consequences of their insolence. In protecting her sister, Serina Tessaro was sentenced and ostracised from the Kingdom of Viridia, a disgraced Grace accused of literacy in a society in which women are denied an education. Although Serina pleads her innocence, sister Nomi is a rebellious young woman refusing to adhere to the male patriarchal society and with the knowledge of the slain Superior and Prince Malachi, is sentenced to Mount Ruin.
Although Serina and Nomi are contrasting siblings, they care and support one another profoundly. As children, Serina often believed that Nomi holding her rebellious morals were little more than dissent towards her role as handmaiden, her furtive education culminating in the Tessaro sisters both convicted and sentenced to the island mountain so Prince Asa can rule unopposed. The abhorrent Asa clearly underestimating the power of women, an island where women have been forced to fight to the death is revolting against the male dominated society and with Nomi's newfound knowledge of Viridia's history, the sisters are determined to take back what is rightfully theirs. Freedom, respect and power.
Serina and Nomi are formidable characters who have undergone an incredible amount of growth since arriving in the Viridia capital. Serina was a Grace who's beauty and poise is ingrained within her from an early age while Nomi rebelled against the oppression women faced. Now reunited, the sisters are about to part ways again, this time Serina will commandeer the prison transport vessel and guide the women of Mount Ruin to safety while Nomi will accompany Prince Malachi back to the mainland, in the hopes of finding her brother, parents and ending Asa's rein.
The duology challenges stereotypes with its subtle themes of feminism within the patriarchal society. That women are homemakers, concubines and uneducated simply because men fear them and what women are capable of. Seeing the women of Mount Ruin rise as one to fight back against their oppressors was inspirational and ignites conversations about women and women's rights, our bodies and our right to the same freedoms that men overwhelmingly enjoy.
The romance throughout is incredibly subtle with the focus on friendships and female empowerment. The male love interests barely rate a mention, they're simply supporting characters who both support the equality of women. Women are the main focus and drive the narrative through their fierceness and determination, I loved each and every moment.
Although Grace and Fury is a duology, the ending left me wanting more. What happens to a society where males now become displaced? Their power stripped and women given equal rights? There's so much more of the story to tell and I hope Tracey Banghart will revisit this amazing world she's created again sometime soon.
I live for books like the Grace and Fury duology, it's why I read young adult novels. Strong female characters within an oppressive world isn't too far from reality for so many teen girls, denied an education, denied the rights to their own bodies and denied the freedom that so many of us take for granted. It portrays women as fighters, the quiet rebellion of reading or a warriors call to arms to fight against the patriarchy, every female voice is important. It's entertaining, inspiration and just an incredible read. It's for every woman who has been told to sit down and be quiet... And who stood up anyway.
Although Serina and Nomi are contrasting siblings, they care and support one another profoundly. As children, Serina often believed that Nomi holding her rebellious morals were little more than dissent towards her role as handmaiden, her furtive education culminating in the Tessaro sisters both convicted and sentenced to the island mountain so Prince Asa can rule unopposed. The abhorrent Asa clearly underestimating the power of women, an island where women have been forced to fight to the death is revolting against the male dominated society and with Nomi's newfound knowledge of Viridia's history, the sisters are determined to take back what is rightfully theirs. Freedom, respect and power.
Serina and Nomi are formidable characters who have undergone an incredible amount of growth since arriving in the Viridia capital. Serina was a Grace who's beauty and poise is ingrained within her from an early age while Nomi rebelled against the oppression women faced. Now reunited, the sisters are about to part ways again, this time Serina will commandeer the prison transport vessel and guide the women of Mount Ruin to safety while Nomi will accompany Prince Malachi back to the mainland, in the hopes of finding her brother, parents and ending Asa's rein.
The duology challenges stereotypes with its subtle themes of feminism within the patriarchal society. That women are homemakers, concubines and uneducated simply because men fear them and what women are capable of. Seeing the women of Mount Ruin rise as one to fight back against their oppressors was inspirational and ignites conversations about women and women's rights, our bodies and our right to the same freedoms that men overwhelmingly enjoy.
The romance throughout is incredibly subtle with the focus on friendships and female empowerment. The male love interests barely rate a mention, they're simply supporting characters who both support the equality of women. Women are the main focus and drive the narrative through their fierceness and determination, I loved each and every moment.
Although Grace and Fury is a duology, the ending left me wanting more. What happens to a society where males now become displaced? Their power stripped and women given equal rights? There's so much more of the story to tell and I hope Tracey Banghart will revisit this amazing world she's created again sometime soon.
I live for books like the Grace and Fury duology, it's why I read young adult novels. Strong female characters within an oppressive world isn't too far from reality for so many teen girls, denied an education, denied the rights to their own bodies and denied the freedom that so many of us take for granted. It portrays women as fighters, the quiet rebellion of reading or a warriors call to arms to fight against the patriarchy, every female voice is important. It's entertaining, inspiration and just an incredible read. It's for every woman who has been told to sit down and be quiet... And who stood up anyway.
July 5, 2023
This is certainly a duology I really wish there was more of. It was really good and well thought out.
Read my review for the first book Grace and Fury: HERE
Though I certainly enjoyed the duology, I will bear repeating that I wished that it was only Selina's POV due to the fact that her journey was well worth reading. Her struggles felt real and her fight for freedom was riveting.
I did get tired of Namoi internal dialogue about it was her fault for giving the superior power and it was her responsibility. Also, another thing that was repeated a lot was her getting caught on this journey to make things right again. Her unreasonable explosive anger showed how unreasonable and young she is. Also, her decision making doesn't make sense as well.
I was sad that this was over, but I am glad that it was wrapped up nicely and it was really fantastic read in my opinion.
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Read my review for the first book Grace and Fury: HERE
Though I certainly enjoyed the duology, I will bear repeating that I wished that it was only Selina's POV due to the fact that her journey was well worth reading. Her struggles felt real and her fight for freedom was riveting.
I did get tired of Namoi internal dialogue about it was her fault for giving the superior power and it was her responsibility. Also, another thing that was repeated a lot was her getting caught on this journey to make things right again. Her unreasonable explosive anger showed how unreasonable and young she is. Also, her decision making doesn't make sense as well.
I was sad that this was over, but I am glad that it was wrapped up nicely and it was really fantastic read in my opinion.
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December 12, 2019
Queen of Ruin
The second book in the Grace and Fury Serie.
I needed a few pages to remember were the first book ended. I had still the plot of Ash Princess in my mind while starting this one. That was a bit confusing to be honest.
After 50% I got the hang of it! Loved the ending!
The second book in the Grace and Fury Serie.
I needed a few pages to remember were the first book ended. I had still the plot of Ash Princess in my mind while starting this one. That was a bit confusing to be honest.
After 50% I got the hang of it! Loved the ending!
Want to read
January 2, 2023I am HYPED
July 25, 2019
3/5 ⭐
Before we start, I just want to say that I am a huge fan of Grace and Fury. I received it last year in a Fairyloot box and fell in love. I truly hadn't planned on getting it had it not been for Fairyloot. however, because reading on the bus can be complicated when it's packed, I decided to read it as soon as I got it because its format was fairly small. I did not expect to love it so much, I finished it in two days and read during my lunch break and everytime I had the chance. I even used it to write a college essay on Feminism. Naturally, it was with very high hopes that I opened the pages of Queen of Ruin and dived back into the world.
Don't get me wrong, this book was still good, but I think I loved the first one so much that I had too high expectations for this one.
The Plot
Let me start by saying that my main issue with it is that it felt slow. I don't know why because a lot happened, but the action really started to pick up after the 50%-ish mark. The story starts right where Grace and Fury stopped. Nomi and Serina find each other on Mount Ruin and Serina and co took power over the guards. Nomi and Serina then quickly decide they can change their world with the help of Malachi, the Heir.
As I said before, this story was slow and the ending was, for me, a little bit too convenient and a bit rushed considering the unnecessary moments described on Mount Ruin. One thing I liked however, was the way women were in charge in this book. The more I read, the more I thought men were going to steal their spotlight but nope, so that was great. Even if this world describes a very oppressive patriarchy, the author still incorporated "healthy" men in her story, which is often something that is brushed one because usually in this kind of world it is more like "AlL mEn ArE eViL" so that was truly an aspect I enjoyed.
The Characters
Serina
She's an absolute badass. I already loved her in Grace and Fury and I still do in this book. Her character truly grew to become a fierce warrior leader of a revolution who gives no sh** about what anyone one else thinks. She handles are situation amazingly well and doesn't let life get in her way. We stan an icon.
Nomi
Nomi was... kinda useless? I mean, she did do something very important towards the end, but other than that she just travelled with Malachi and that's all. I was just feeling kinda meh about her to be very honest. Serina did all the work and she was just... there?
Final Conclusion
As a final conclusion, I would say this book was still very good and wraps everything up quite well, although a bit too quickly in my opinion for the actual ending. The empowerment of women is incredible and, as I said, I liked that not all men were utter trash in this worldbecause surprise, not all men in our world are bad either. The sisterly relationship was what really made it for me as Serina and Nomi would do everything to protect each other. A good conclusion for a great series!
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Before we start, I just want to say that I am a huge fan of Grace and Fury. I received it last year in a Fairyloot box and fell in love. I truly hadn't planned on getting it had it not been for Fairyloot. however, because reading on the bus can be complicated when it's packed, I decided to read it as soon as I got it because its format was fairly small. I did not expect to love it so much, I finished it in two days and read during my lunch break and everytime I had the chance. I even used it to write a college essay on Feminism. Naturally, it was with very high hopes that I opened the pages of Queen of Ruin and dived back into the world.
Don't get me wrong, this book was still good, but I think I loved the first one so much that I had too high expectations for this one.
The Plot
Let me start by saying that my main issue with it is that it felt slow. I don't know why because a lot happened, but the action really started to pick up after the 50%-ish mark. The story starts right where Grace and Fury stopped. Nomi and Serina find each other on Mount Ruin and Serina and co took power over the guards. Nomi and Serina then quickly decide they can change their world with the help of Malachi, the Heir.
As I said before, this story was slow and the ending was, for me, a little bit too convenient and a bit rushed considering the unnecessary moments described on Mount Ruin. One thing I liked however, was the way women were in charge in this book. The more I read, the more I thought men were going to steal their spotlight but nope, so that was great. Even if this world describes a very oppressive patriarchy, the author still incorporated "healthy" men in her story, which is often something that is brushed one because usually in this kind of world it is more like "AlL mEn ArE eViL" so that was truly an aspect I enjoyed.
The Characters
Serina
She's an absolute badass. I already loved her in Grace and Fury and I still do in this book. Her character truly grew to become a fierce warrior leader of a revolution who gives no sh** about what anyone one else thinks. She handles are situation amazingly well and doesn't let life get in her way. We stan an icon.
Nomi
Nomi was... kinda useless? I mean, she did do something very important towards the end, but other than that she just travelled with Malachi and that's all. I was just feeling kinda meh about her to be very honest. Serina did all the work and she was just... there?
Final Conclusion
As a final conclusion, I would say this book was still very good and wraps everything up quite well, although a bit too quickly in my opinion for the actual ending. The empowerment of women is incredible and, as I said, I liked that not all men were utter trash in this world
My Bookstagram
November 12, 2022
Lo reconozco, me lo he leído en diagonal, si el primero estaba vacío aquí ya no se ha esforzado en nada. ¿Cómo en un libro de 330 paginas sobran como unas 150? no hay ambientación, todo se soluciona por que si, por patatas, y por supuesto las hermanas, las protas, siguen tan insípidas y tontas como en el anterior, hay una mejor que otra eso es verdad pero sus historias me son totalmente indiferentes, solo son puñados de clichés puestos de la forma mas sosa. Por cierto podría haber sido un libro autoconclusivo perfectamente. Al menos se lee rápido.
March 14, 2019
Dieses Buch verlief schonmal anders, als ich erwartet hätte.
Die beiden ungleichen Schwestern werden schnell vereint und durch ihre Erzählungen erinnert man sich wieder gut an die Handlung des Vorgängers.
Wie auch im Vorgänger fand ich Serina wieder sehr stark und Nomi eher weinerlich.
Während Nomi sich Gerechtigkeit und auch Rache wünscht, weil sie sich so hintergangen fühlt, beweist Serina sich als Anführerin und Kriegerin, die versucht, selbst gerecht zu sein und den Frauen eine Stimme zu geben.
Ich fand es etwas enttäuschend, wie viel Zeit wir noch auf der Gefängnisinsel verbracht haben, nachdem es ja schon im Vorg��nger zu so vielen Kämpfen kam. Daher hatte ich schon das Gefühl, auf der Stelle zu treten, vor allem, weil ich mir hier nun mehr den Kampf der Frauen um Gleichberechtigung gewünscht hatte. Ich wollte also, dass sich die Handlung weiterentwickelt, aber sie bleib genau da, wo sie war, erst das Ende lieferte das Versprechen auf mehr.
Fazit
"Iron Flowers - Die Kriegerinnen" war eigentlich ganz nett, aber ich hatte mir mehr gewünscht. Diese Geschichte ging kaum über den Vorgänger hinaus.
Die beiden ungleichen Schwestern werden schnell vereint und durch ihre Erzählungen erinnert man sich wieder gut an die Handlung des Vorgängers.
Wie auch im Vorgänger fand ich Serina wieder sehr stark und Nomi eher weinerlich.
Während Nomi sich Gerechtigkeit und auch Rache wünscht, weil sie sich so hintergangen fühlt, beweist Serina sich als Anführerin und Kriegerin, die versucht, selbst gerecht zu sein und den Frauen eine Stimme zu geben.
Ich fand es etwas enttäuschend, wie viel Zeit wir noch auf der Gefängnisinsel verbracht haben, nachdem es ja schon im Vorg��nger zu so vielen Kämpfen kam. Daher hatte ich schon das Gefühl, auf der Stelle zu treten, vor allem, weil ich mir hier nun mehr den Kampf der Frauen um Gleichberechtigung gewünscht hatte. Ich wollte also, dass sich die Handlung weiterentwickelt, aber sie bleib genau da, wo sie war, erst das Ende lieferte das Versprechen auf mehr.
Fazit
"Iron Flowers - Die Kriegerinnen" war eigentlich ganz nett, aber ich hatte mir mehr gewünscht. Diese Geschichte ging kaum über den Vorgänger hinaus.
Want to read
July 28, 2018I am dying from anticipation. I will swim to Mount Ruin on my swimming floatie to find these characters.
July 10, 2019
*Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
Now this, this is the rebellion book everyone needs in their lives. Queen of Ruin was so good, so good, that I had goosebumps on my arms during one of the (many) freaking intense scenes near the end, and I could not put the book down, I had to keep going until I reach the conclusion. And what an ending it was too! I am happy to report that there is no cliff hanger, things are very well wrapped up to my judgey satisfaction...but that is not to say I don't hope there will be a next book, with different kinds of problems to overcome but with awesome new Graces waiting in the wings.
I know that I have said this before, but I really love Serina. Here is this girl who was raised to master the art of being beautiful, gentle, compliant, but instead she is thrown into a situation she could never have prepared for and she thrives. This girl is so kick ass, she is who I want to be when I grow up. She is not interested in being in charge, getting power or recognition, she just wants to do the right things for everyone- which in turn makes her the best leader possible. And she is not afraid to get her hands dirty in battle. I cheered her on in every scene, regardless of the violence she had to use to overcome. Side note, she totally wears the pants in her relationship with Val, who is most certainly the sweet, tenderhearted one out of the two of them.
And that brings me to the other voice in the story, Nomi. I struggled with Nomi in the first book and I will admit that I still struggled with her here. Her action have lead her family down this path of heartache but I really do not think she learned her lesson. Sure she is on the right direction for atonement, but still I think she had a much easier time than Serina ever had. But maybe while Serina had to 180 her personality to survive, Nomi has to live with the mental anguish forever, no physical stress can rid her of the demons.
Queen of Ruin took Grace and Fury and amped it a notch. This was an intense ride that had me on the edge of my seat, full of non-stop battles and plot twists I never could have seen coming. Tracy knows how to suck a girl into her dark world for certain and I will gladly come back for more. I highly recommend this series for anyone who likes dark action packed story with an almost dystopian feel - and lots of murder.
Now this, this is the rebellion book everyone needs in their lives. Queen of Ruin was so good, so good, that I had goosebumps on my arms during one of the (many) freaking intense scenes near the end, and I could not put the book down, I had to keep going until I reach the conclusion. And what an ending it was too! I am happy to report that there is no cliff hanger, things are very well wrapped up to my judgey satisfaction...but that is not to say I don't hope there will be a next book, with different kinds of problems to overcome but with awesome new Graces waiting in the wings.
Nomi continued, her voice steady and clear in contrast to her wild, unsteady heart. “In particular, the women of Viridia have suffered. We have been broken down, stripped of our choices, our agency, our dignity. We have paid a heavy price for fear. Women once ruled this country”— a gasp from the assemblage—“ until they were erased. We have hidden our queens and subjugated their descendants. But no longer.”
I know that I have said this before, but I really love Serina. Here is this girl who was raised to master the art of being beautiful, gentle, compliant, but instead she is thrown into a situation she could never have prepared for and she thrives. This girl is so kick ass, she is who I want to be when I grow up. She is not interested in being in charge, getting power or recognition, she just wants to do the right things for everyone- which in turn makes her the best leader possible. And she is not afraid to get her hands dirty in battle. I cheered her on in every scene, regardless of the violence she had to use to overcome. Side note, she totally wears the pants in her relationship with Val, who is most certainly the sweet, tenderhearted one out of the two of them.
And that brings me to the other voice in the story, Nomi. I struggled with Nomi in the first book and I will admit that I still struggled with her here. Her action have lead her family down this path of heartache but I really do not think she learned her lesson. Sure she is on the right direction for atonement, but still I think she had a much easier time than Serina ever had. But maybe while Serina had to 180 her personality to survive, Nomi has to live with the mental anguish forever, no physical stress can rid her of the demons.
Queen of Ruin took Grace and Fury and amped it a notch. This was an intense ride that had me on the edge of my seat, full of non-stop battles and plot twists I never could have seen coming. Tracy knows how to suck a girl into her dark world for certain and I will gladly come back for more. I highly recommend this series for anyone who likes dark action packed story with an almost dystopian feel - and lots of murder.
January 3, 2021
Das Cover von „Die Kriegerinnen“ ist angelehnt an den ersten Teil und ist sehr gut gelungen. Besonders die Farbgebung finde ich sehr ansprechend. Zu Beginn des Buches werden einige Aspekte des ersten Bandes erneut behandelt, was einen Einstieg erleichtert.
Die Geschichte der beiden Schwestern Nomi und Serina wird in diesem Band weitererzählt. Insgesamt fand ich die Handlung deutlich spannender, als noch im ersten Band. Dennoch gab es auch hier ein paar Längen, doch besonders zum Ende hin verdichtete sich die Handlung und wurde dynamischer und spannender.
Ich hatte gehofft, dass einiger der Nebencharaktere, insbesondere der Grauen ein wenig besser aufgebaut und charakterisiert werden. Doch leider bleiben sie bis zum Schluss ein wenig blass. Dafür konnte mich Serinas Entwicklung begeistern. Ich mag die Stärke, die sie im Laufe der Geschichte entwickelte. Nomi konnte in meinen Augen ihr Potential, dass sie noch im ersten Band hatte, nicht ausschöpfen. Ich mochte sie sehr gerne, doch in diesem zweiten Band erschien sie mir leider ein wenig eindimensional und dadurch sehr langweilig.
Generell finde ich die Geschichte immer noch zu oberflächlich erzählt. Es gibt viel Potential, doch leide wird immer nur an der Oberfläche der Problematiken gekratzt. Charaktere und Setting blieben so sehr blass und dadurch sehr austauschbar. Leider kein Highlight, aber nett für Zwischendurch.
Die Geschichte der beiden Schwestern Nomi und Serina wird in diesem Band weitererzählt. Insgesamt fand ich die Handlung deutlich spannender, als noch im ersten Band. Dennoch gab es auch hier ein paar Längen, doch besonders zum Ende hin verdichtete sich die Handlung und wurde dynamischer und spannender.
Ich hatte gehofft, dass einiger der Nebencharaktere, insbesondere der Grauen ein wenig besser aufgebaut und charakterisiert werden. Doch leider bleiben sie bis zum Schluss ein wenig blass. Dafür konnte mich Serinas Entwicklung begeistern. Ich mag die Stärke, die sie im Laufe der Geschichte entwickelte. Nomi konnte in meinen Augen ihr Potential, dass sie noch im ersten Band hatte, nicht ausschöpfen. Ich mochte sie sehr gerne, doch in diesem zweiten Band erschien sie mir leider ein wenig eindimensional und dadurch sehr langweilig.
Generell finde ich die Geschichte immer noch zu oberflächlich erzählt. Es gibt viel Potential, doch leide wird immer nur an der Oberfläche der Problematiken gekratzt. Charaktere und Setting blieben so sehr blass und dadurch sehr austauschbar. Leider kein Highlight, aber nett für Zwischendurch.
April 6, 2019
Pre-release: I'M SO HYPED FOR THIS! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MY PRECIOUS CHILDREN TAKE DOWN THE PATRIARCHY!!
My heart is so full, my feels! I loved this book so freaking much! The characters have evolved so much from when we first met them. I'm like a proud mama being like look how much my children have grown.
Speaking of crying I did tear up at the end, it got me all gooey and whatnot.
My heart is so full, my feels! I loved this book so freaking much! The characters have evolved so much from when we first met them. I'm like a proud mama being like look how much my children have grown.
Speaking of crying I did tear up at the end, it got me all gooey and whatnot.
December 19, 2019
I really liked this sequel. Again, Banghart uses two different pov's. I really looked forward to reading Serina's part of the story whereas Nomi's story sometimes fell short. I feel that Serina's grown a lot more as a character than Nomi.
Just like in the first book, I feel that some parts were rushed. However, Queen of Ruin is a very nice read and a decent sequel to Grace and Fury.
Just like in the first book, I feel that some parts were rushed. However, Queen of Ruin is a very nice read and a decent sequel to Grace and Fury.
January 30, 2019
German Review: 3,5 Stars
Anmerkung: Ich habe das Buch als Rezensionsexemplar vom Verlag bekommen. Danke dafür. Die volle Videorezension findet ihr auf meinem YouTube Kanal namens schokigirl.
Meinung:
Band 1 mochte ich gern. Es war nichts was mich vom Hocker gehauen hätte, aber ich hatte Spaß damit. Dasselbe gilt auch für diesen 2. Band, obwohl ich hier mehr Kritikpunkte habe.
Diesmal hat mir Serinas Geschichte wieder besser gefallen, als Nomis. Es war einfach actionreicher, spannender & interessanter. Das war deshalb so, weil es mir nicht ganz so erschien, als hätte ich das schon des öfteren gelesen. Klar war es auch nichts Neues, aber Nomis Geschichte ist dann doch mehr 0815. Aber auch hier hatte ich diesmal ein paar mehr Problemchen. Serinas Entwicklung ging mir hier wirklich zu schnell. Besonders in dem Übergang von Band 1 zu Band 2. Zu Beginn dieses Buches war sie auf einmal eine Anführerin & Strategin, konnte in kürzester Zeit schwierige Entscheidungen treffen & auch noch super kämpfen, ohne ein schlechtes Gewissen wegen dem töten zu haben. Wo kommt das den auf einmal her? Das ist eine zu große Wendung, um so über Nacht zu kommen.
Außerdem ist mir in ihrem Strang zu viel passiert. Es ist seltsam, dass ich mich darüber beschwere, aber ich denke, dass das mit der fehlenden graduellen Entwicklung zu tun hatte, da dafür bei der ganzen Action einfach keine Zeit blieb. Trotzdem habe ich die Spannung genossen & auch wohin die Geschichte sich entwickelt hat. Im Vergleich zu Nomis, hat mir auch Serinas Liebesgeschichte viel besser gefallen. Sie hatte ganze 2 Bände, um sich langsam & realistisch zu entwickeln & das hat die Autorin auch gut hinbekommen.
Mit Nomis Geschichte hatte ich noch ein paar mehr Probleme, außer das es mir teilweise sehr bekannte vorkam, da ich sowas ähnliches schon öfter gelesen hatte. Das ist nichts schlimmes, aber es ist halt auch nichts, was mich begeistern könnte. Das galt übrigens nicht nur für die Geschichte, sonder auch für Nomis Charakter & ihre Entwicklung, aber immerhin hatte sie eine, wenn auch keine große.
Einiges konnte auch Nomi hier einfach, ohne es zu lernen bzw ohne Schuldgefühle & dergleichen, was vorher unmöglich erschien. Aber es war bei weitem nicht so auffällig, wie bei Serina. Was mir eher aufgefallen ist, ist wie einfach das meiste war, was sie getan hat. Auch wenn sie mal Rückschläge hatte, hat sie das meist nicht lange aufgehalten. Es war nicht alles super logisch oder klug, aber dafür hatte sie wirklich viel Glück, was nicht immer realistisch war. Dafür war ihr Erzählstrang spannender & es passierte mehr als noch in Band 1. Ihre halbe Insta Lovestory habe ich auch nicht abgekauft. Das ging mir einfach zu schnell & außerdem war auch hier zu wenig Zeit für Zwischenmenschliches, damit das natürlicher hätte wirken können.
Fazit:
Ich sage das zwar nicht oft, aber hier ist es definitiv der Fall: Mehr Seiten pro Buch oder ein Zwischenband hätten dem Ganzen gut getan. Es bräuchte mehr Zeit, um die Entwicklungen aufzuzeigen & die Ereignisse realistischer darzustellen. Trotzdem hatte ich Spaß beim lesen, weil es einfach ein gutes Buch für Zwischenbuch mit einem Denkanstoß Richtung Feminismus & anderen Messages ist. Es ist kurzweilig & die ganze Reihe ist nach diesen zwei Bänden auch schon beendet. Auch das große Finale hat mir ganz gut gefallen, obwohl auch das an manchen Punkten etwas zu schnell & einfach ging. Es gab jedoch eine interessant erzählte Kriegsszene. Daher habe ich 3,5 Sterne vergeben.
Anmerkung: Ich habe das Buch als Rezensionsexemplar vom Verlag bekommen. Danke dafür. Die volle Videorezension findet ihr auf meinem YouTube Kanal namens schokigirl.
Meinung:
Band 1 mochte ich gern. Es war nichts was mich vom Hocker gehauen hätte, aber ich hatte Spaß damit. Dasselbe gilt auch für diesen 2. Band, obwohl ich hier mehr Kritikpunkte habe.
Diesmal hat mir Serinas Geschichte wieder besser gefallen, als Nomis. Es war einfach actionreicher, spannender & interessanter. Das war deshalb so, weil es mir nicht ganz so erschien, als hätte ich das schon des öfteren gelesen. Klar war es auch nichts Neues, aber Nomis Geschichte ist dann doch mehr 0815. Aber auch hier hatte ich diesmal ein paar mehr Problemchen. Serinas Entwicklung ging mir hier wirklich zu schnell. Besonders in dem Übergang von Band 1 zu Band 2. Zu Beginn dieses Buches war sie auf einmal eine Anführerin & Strategin, konnte in kürzester Zeit schwierige Entscheidungen treffen & auch noch super kämpfen, ohne ein schlechtes Gewissen wegen dem töten zu haben. Wo kommt das den auf einmal her? Das ist eine zu große Wendung, um so über Nacht zu kommen.
Außerdem ist mir in ihrem Strang zu viel passiert. Es ist seltsam, dass ich mich darüber beschwere, aber ich denke, dass das mit der fehlenden graduellen Entwicklung zu tun hatte, da dafür bei der ganzen Action einfach keine Zeit blieb. Trotzdem habe ich die Spannung genossen & auch wohin die Geschichte sich entwickelt hat. Im Vergleich zu Nomis, hat mir auch Serinas Liebesgeschichte viel besser gefallen. Sie hatte ganze 2 Bände, um sich langsam & realistisch zu entwickeln & das hat die Autorin auch gut hinbekommen.
Mit Nomis Geschichte hatte ich noch ein paar mehr Probleme, außer das es mir teilweise sehr bekannte vorkam, da ich sowas ähnliches schon öfter gelesen hatte. Das ist nichts schlimmes, aber es ist halt auch nichts, was mich begeistern könnte. Das galt übrigens nicht nur für die Geschichte, sonder auch für Nomis Charakter & ihre Entwicklung, aber immerhin hatte sie eine, wenn auch keine große.
Einiges konnte auch Nomi hier einfach, ohne es zu lernen bzw ohne Schuldgefühle & dergleichen, was vorher unmöglich erschien. Aber es war bei weitem nicht so auffällig, wie bei Serina. Was mir eher aufgefallen ist, ist wie einfach das meiste war, was sie getan hat. Auch wenn sie mal Rückschläge hatte, hat sie das meist nicht lange aufgehalten. Es war nicht alles super logisch oder klug, aber dafür hatte sie wirklich viel Glück, was nicht immer realistisch war. Dafür war ihr Erzählstrang spannender & es passierte mehr als noch in Band 1. Ihre halbe Insta Lovestory habe ich auch nicht abgekauft. Das ging mir einfach zu schnell & außerdem war auch hier zu wenig Zeit für Zwischenmenschliches, damit das natürlicher hätte wirken können.
Fazit:
Ich sage das zwar nicht oft, aber hier ist es definitiv der Fall: Mehr Seiten pro Buch oder ein Zwischenband hätten dem Ganzen gut getan. Es bräuchte mehr Zeit, um die Entwicklungen aufzuzeigen & die Ereignisse realistischer darzustellen. Trotzdem hatte ich Spaß beim lesen, weil es einfach ein gutes Buch für Zwischenbuch mit einem Denkanstoß Richtung Feminismus & anderen Messages ist. Es ist kurzweilig & die ganze Reihe ist nach diesen zwei Bänden auch schon beendet. Auch das große Finale hat mir ganz gut gefallen, obwohl auch das an manchen Punkten etwas zu schnell & einfach ging. Es gab jedoch eine interessant erzählte Kriegsszene. Daher habe ich 3,5 Sterne vergeben.
November 11, 2019
Creo firmemente que ésta segunda parte no debería existir. Para lo que ocurre en éste libro, hubiera bastado con añadir unos cuantos capítulos a la primera entrega. El libro es monótono, lineal y predecible.
A diferencia del anterior, las escenas de la isla resultan cargantes y repetitivas. El mensaje de libertad y empoderamiento sigue visible aunque sin cambios. Si el world building ya era muy escaso en la primera parte, en ésta directamente desaparece.
Haciendo una valoración de la bilogía no llegaría al 5 por culpa de ese final sin trama y sin sorpresas. Una auténtica decepción.
A diferencia del anterior, las escenas de la isla resultan cargantes y repetitivas. El mensaje de libertad y empoderamiento sigue visible aunque sin cambios. Si el world building ya era muy escaso en la primera parte, en ésta directamente desaparece.
Haciendo una valoración de la bilogía no llegaría al 5 por culpa de ese final sin trama y sin sorpresas. Una auténtica decepción.
February 7, 2019
Fantastic! Review to come once I can think of something with semi non-spoilers....but you'll want to get your hands on a couple once it comes out!
December 19, 2022
dalsza część historii nomi i seriny po raz kolejny pochłonęła mnie całkowicie. pokazanie siły kobiet nawet w drugiej części naprawdę sprawiły, że książka stała się jedną z moich ulubionych
September 12, 2020
Queen of Ruin is clearly a call to rise up. Being more action-packed than its predecessor, the novel swirls with cliffhangers, development, and captivatingly written women.
Nothing is at was supposed to. Nomi and the Heir are banished by the new Superior, forced to end their days at Mount Ruin. Where Nomi hoped to reunite with her compliant sister, she stumbles upon the determined leader of a revolution. Serina is forever changed, and revenge is the only future she is fighting for now. Pain, brutality and manipulation have created a chasm between the two sisters, but Nomi is hell-bent to reclaiming Bellaqua as well. They have their own paths to cross and their own stakes to conquer, but change is inevitable. No matter how, the world will be rebuilt again.
The novel takes off immediately where Grace & Fury ended, as expected. It sparks with rebellion and feminism as our female narrators embark on a quest to take back power. This time, the narrators dwell to other cities, even to other islands, where women do have rights. Yet, I felt like no particular aspect really got enhanced, making the world just as confusing as before. Honestly, while I do love fast-paced short fantasies, a few more chapters to illustrate the setting could have helped. Nonetheless, the action was bloody, incessant and astounding. Queen of Ruin was even darker than its predecessor, and at times, I really didn’t expect a good ending. The continuing hopelessness was too scary, but unfortunately, too realistic as well. As a consequence, it also made the recurring plot twists far more effective. The stakes had never been higher, and Queen of Ruin was definitely more surprising than Grace & Fury. Especially the characters manage to warm your heart, and you can’t help but root for every complex but badass warrior in Serina’s crew. In this sequel, they turn even more nuanced, repeatedly showing strengths and values, both to be admired.
After seeing the worst of what men can do, Serina will no longer be submissive, but hungry for liberation. She’s not soft anymore, but a warrior who has clearly grown in her role to lead and motivate others. She’s braver, and immensely loyal. She refuses to give up, and beams with authority. Hiding her emotions has never been difficult for her, so she makes it her task to give hope to the hopeless. While her development may have been the grandest, it was Nomi that won me over now. I may have thought her childish and annoying before, but this time, she became my favorite narrator. After her easy trust, Nomi feels naive now. She has always been eager to disobey, but she’s not used to the grave violence she now has experienced. With a heightened sense of resolve and responsibility, she isn’t ready to trust anyone soon. All she’s left with is anger and grief, and desperation for an outlet. Her fear feeds her, turning into someone stronger, capable of change. She has always been intelligent, and now, she knows how to think things through, and how to make herself be heard. As the girls have grown edges, so has their relationship. They are capable of gruesome actions, and manage to find admiration in that. They don’t hold any mistakes against each other, and are finally ready to become equals. Both become warriors, but not in the same way, and that’s what made it so important to include.
Queen of Ruin is a riveting fight for freedom, but also a journey of finding companionship and equal understanding. Nonetheless, I feel like the plot progressed very slowly. In fact, I was surprised when I reached the half mark and nothing had really happened yet. As for the romance, I still couldn’t be completely bothered by the love interests. The male characters were, to be honest, as two-dimensional as plain vanilla ice cream. The sisters’ relationships just raced forward without any significance. Luckily, the romance didn’t take the spotlight this time, so I didn’t have to focus on it. The Sapphic sidecouple, on the other hand, warmed my heart completely. The ending was phenomenal, and highlighted all the empowering values the book was going for. In a court setting, an ending can rarely be happily perfect, and Banghart knew this. Even the lack of an epilogue added to the realism of it all. Queen of Ruin isn’t perfect, but did score better on some points, hence the 4 stars. If you like strong female characters beating down oppression while being devoted to a sisterhood, this series is definitely something for you.
Nothing is at was supposed to. Nomi and the Heir are banished by the new Superior, forced to end their days at Mount Ruin. Where Nomi hoped to reunite with her compliant sister, she stumbles upon the determined leader of a revolution. Serina is forever changed, and revenge is the only future she is fighting for now. Pain, brutality and manipulation have created a chasm between the two sisters, but Nomi is hell-bent to reclaiming Bellaqua as well. They have their own paths to cross and their own stakes to conquer, but change is inevitable. No matter how, the world will be rebuilt again.
The novel takes off immediately where Grace & Fury ended, as expected. It sparks with rebellion and feminism as our female narrators embark on a quest to take back power. This time, the narrators dwell to other cities, even to other islands, where women do have rights. Yet, I felt like no particular aspect really got enhanced, making the world just as confusing as before. Honestly, while I do love fast-paced short fantasies, a few more chapters to illustrate the setting could have helped. Nonetheless, the action was bloody, incessant and astounding. Queen of Ruin was even darker than its predecessor, and at times, I really didn’t expect a good ending. The continuing hopelessness was too scary, but unfortunately, too realistic as well. As a consequence, it also made the recurring plot twists far more effective. The stakes had never been higher, and Queen of Ruin was definitely more surprising than Grace & Fury. Especially the characters manage to warm your heart, and you can’t help but root for every complex but badass warrior in Serina’s crew. In this sequel, they turn even more nuanced, repeatedly showing strengths and values, both to be admired.
After seeing the worst of what men can do, Serina will no longer be submissive, but hungry for liberation. She’s not soft anymore, but a warrior who has clearly grown in her role to lead and motivate others. She’s braver, and immensely loyal. She refuses to give up, and beams with authority. Hiding her emotions has never been difficult for her, so she makes it her task to give hope to the hopeless. While her development may have been the grandest, it was Nomi that won me over now. I may have thought her childish and annoying before, but this time, she became my favorite narrator. After her easy trust, Nomi feels naive now. She has always been eager to disobey, but she’s not used to the grave violence she now has experienced. With a heightened sense of resolve and responsibility, she isn’t ready to trust anyone soon. All she’s left with is anger and grief, and desperation for an outlet. Her fear feeds her, turning into someone stronger, capable of change. She has always been intelligent, and now, she knows how to think things through, and how to make herself be heard. As the girls have grown edges, so has their relationship. They are capable of gruesome actions, and manage to find admiration in that. They don’t hold any mistakes against each other, and are finally ready to become equals. Both become warriors, but not in the same way, and that’s what made it so important to include.
Queen of Ruin is a riveting fight for freedom, but also a journey of finding companionship and equal understanding. Nonetheless, I feel like the plot progressed very slowly. In fact, I was surprised when I reached the half mark and nothing had really happened yet. As for the romance, I still couldn’t be completely bothered by the love interests. The male characters were, to be honest, as two-dimensional as plain vanilla ice cream. The sisters’ relationships just raced forward without any significance. Luckily, the romance didn’t take the spotlight this time, so I didn’t have to focus on it. The Sapphic sidecouple, on the other hand, warmed my heart completely. The ending was phenomenal, and highlighted all the empowering values the book was going for. In a court setting, an ending can rarely be happily perfect, and Banghart knew this. Even the lack of an epilogue added to the realism of it all. Queen of Ruin isn’t perfect, but did score better on some points, hence the 4 stars. If you like strong female characters beating down oppression while being devoted to a sisterhood, this series is definitely something for you.
July 9, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Teralyn Mitchell
Queen of Ruin is the sequel to Grace and Fury, by Tracy Banghart. Queen of Ruin is a powerful story about women empowerment and finding your voice. Serina and Nomi both had to reinvent themselves throughout the series but more so in Queen of Ruin when they were faced with obstacles that threatened to tear them apart forever.
Queen of Ruin starts right where Grace and Fury left off with Serina and the women on Mount Ruin having led a successful revolt and overpowered the guards and Nomi on a boat with Maris and Malachi headed to Mount Ruin. The sisters are reunited and learn what the other has been through to since they were separated. Malachi needs to get back to the palace so that he can gain his rightful place back from his brother. The story progresses from there with Nomi and Serina having to go their separate ways, this time by choice. Nomi needs to go back to Viridia to find her brother and parents. Malachi goes back with her so that he can gather up an army to oppose his younger brother, Asa. Serina needs to make sure the women of Mount Ruin get to Azura safely. Both Serina and Nomi have to deal with obstacles and challenges while fighting for their rights as women in Viridia.
Serina grew so much from the first book to this one. She was submissive and polite in Grace and Fury when she was sent to Mount Ruin for reading a book. The world of Viridia has put women down for centuries because they feared what giving women power could lead to based on a history they’ve suppressed. Women were not allowed to be educated, any wages they made were given to their husband, and they were basically property of those husbands. The highest honor for a woman was being a Grace which was just a courtesan to the superior (one of many wives). That was what Serina was raised to be and she did so with no thought to what could be better but being sent to Mount Ruin and being around a lot of other women who had been sent there for minor to major infractions and forced to fight just to survive, she realized that the way she’d been taught all her life wasn’t the right way. She became a leader to those women and formed a strong sisterhood with all of them. I loved seeing Serina grow into a warrior and a fierce, strong woman who even when scared, did what she had to do to protect the ones she loved and cared for. She went from being one of my least favorite characters to one of my all-time favorite characters by the time the series concluded.
Nomi was the rebellious sister that realized it wasn’t fair that she did not have the same rights and opportunities as her twin brother. She hated being a Grace and hated that her sister had been sent away for something that she’d done. She was always fighting to get what she thought she deserved. Sometimes it made her reckless and blind to obvious things but her heart was always in the right place. I felt like Nomi grew as well throughout the series and especially in Queen of Ruin. Her ordeals and the losses and the betrayal she had to deal with made her stronger but also made her more cautions and made her think more before she acted. She was always willing to do what she had to do to protect the ones she loved.
The love interests of the sisters, Val and Malachi, were good characters as well. I loved how Val never tried to undermine Serina. He let her be a leader and supported her in everything she did. He was a guard on Mount Ruin and was the only one who wasn’t killed or imprisoned. He could have tried to force Serina to do things the way he thought they should be done but he seemed to understand that was not what Serina needed. She needed him to be supportive and that’s what he did. Malachi was a bit different but he still never tried stifle Nomi. He was understandably upset with her for helping Asa betray him and take his throne but he eventually got over that. Their relationship was more of a slow-burn one that they didn’t explore until after everything had happened.
I enjoyed Queen of Ruin immensely because of the strong female relationships, the storyline and the amazing world. This book dealt with issues that we have today and made them work in the context of the world the author created. Queen of Ruin was a powerful and entertaining read that kept me engaged until I turned the last page!
Queen of Ruin is the sequel to Grace and Fury, by Tracy Banghart. Queen of Ruin is a powerful story about women empowerment and finding your voice. Serina and Nomi both had to reinvent themselves throughout the series but more so in Queen of Ruin when they were faced with obstacles that threatened to tear them apart forever.
Queen of Ruin starts right where Grace and Fury left off with Serina and the women on Mount Ruin having led a successful revolt and overpowered the guards and Nomi on a boat with Maris and Malachi headed to Mount Ruin. The sisters are reunited and learn what the other has been through to since they were separated. Malachi needs to get back to the palace so that he can gain his rightful place back from his brother. The story progresses from there with Nomi and Serina having to go their separate ways, this time by choice. Nomi needs to go back to Viridia to find her brother and parents. Malachi goes back with her so that he can gather up an army to oppose his younger brother, Asa. Serina needs to make sure the women of Mount Ruin get to Azura safely. Both Serina and Nomi have to deal with obstacles and challenges while fighting for their rights as women in Viridia.
Serina grew so much from the first book to this one. She was submissive and polite in Grace and Fury when she was sent to Mount Ruin for reading a book. The world of Viridia has put women down for centuries because they feared what giving women power could lead to based on a history they’ve suppressed. Women were not allowed to be educated, any wages they made were given to their husband, and they were basically property of those husbands. The highest honor for a woman was being a Grace which was just a courtesan to the superior (one of many wives). That was what Serina was raised to be and she did so with no thought to what could be better but being sent to Mount Ruin and being around a lot of other women who had been sent there for minor to major infractions and forced to fight just to survive, she realized that the way she’d been taught all her life wasn’t the right way. She became a leader to those women and formed a strong sisterhood with all of them. I loved seeing Serina grow into a warrior and a fierce, strong woman who even when scared, did what she had to do to protect the ones she loved and cared for. She went from being one of my least favorite characters to one of my all-time favorite characters by the time the series concluded.
Nomi was the rebellious sister that realized it wasn’t fair that she did not have the same rights and opportunities as her twin brother. She hated being a Grace and hated that her sister had been sent away for something that she’d done. She was always fighting to get what she thought she deserved. Sometimes it made her reckless and blind to obvious things but her heart was always in the right place. I felt like Nomi grew as well throughout the series and especially in Queen of Ruin. Her ordeals and the losses and the betrayal she had to deal with made her stronger but also made her more cautions and made her think more before she acted. She was always willing to do what she had to do to protect the ones she loved.
The love interests of the sisters, Val and Malachi, were good characters as well. I loved how Val never tried to undermine Serina. He let her be a leader and supported her in everything she did. He was a guard on Mount Ruin and was the only one who wasn’t killed or imprisoned. He could have tried to force Serina to do things the way he thought they should be done but he seemed to understand that was not what Serina needed. She needed him to be supportive and that’s what he did. Malachi was a bit different but he still never tried stifle Nomi. He was understandably upset with her for helping Asa betray him and take his throne but he eventually got over that. Their relationship was more of a slow-burn one that they didn’t explore until after everything had happened.
I enjoyed Queen of Ruin immensely because of the strong female relationships, the storyline and the amazing world. This book dealt with issues that we have today and made them work in the context of the world the author created. Queen of Ruin was a powerful and entertaining read that kept me engaged until I turned the last page!
August 23, 2019
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Queen of Ruin is the second and final installment in author Tracy Banghart's Grace and Fury Duology. The world of Viridia has put women down for centuries because they feared what giving women power could lead to based on a history they’ve suppressed. Women were not allowed to be educated, any wages they made were given to their husband, and they were basically property of those husbands. The highest honor for a woman was being a Grace which was just a courtesan to the superior (one of many wives).
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Queen of Ruin is the second and final installment in author Tracy Banghart's Grace and Fury Duology. The world of Viridia has put women down for centuries because they feared what giving women power could lead to based on a history they’ve suppressed. Women were not allowed to be educated, any wages they made were given to their husband, and they were basically property of those husbands. The highest honor for a woman was being a Grace which was just a courtesan to the superior (one of many wives).
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
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