Destroyed

Untamed #4

by Madeline Dyer

LOVE. DEATH. SACRIFICE.
THE LAST NIGHT HAS BEGUN.

Seven Sarr, the most powerful human in the world, is alive—and she’s on the run from her enemy. With the Dream Land gone, the Gods and Goddesses dead, and the Untamed’s number of Seers at a record low, Seven knows her people must attempt to work with the Lost Souls—including the most volatile and dangerous spirits—if they’re to have a chance of beating the Enhanced Ones once and for all.

But when the Enhanced impose a new threat and Corin’s life is at stake, Seven must make her hardest choice: save the man she loves and let her people perish, or allow Corin’s death so the Untamed can survive.

Locked into a tight countdown to her own demise and solitary entrapment within a torturous realm, Seven must make her decision quickly. Her Seer powers are the strongest, and her death will end the War of Humanity once and for all. When the new morning dawns, the world as she knew it will be gone. What—and who—will be left behind is up to Seven.

Will her love shape the future of the world?

Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia

560 pages, Hardcover

First published November 20, 2018

About the author

Madeline Dyer is a Lambda Literary Award finalist. A novelist, poet, and anthologist, she is drawn to all things dark, spooky, and scary.

Reviews

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the entire series, this was hardest to read. It was just as incredible as the others, but knowing that it was the last book and knowing Seven’s fate before the book ended was very difficult to bear. That’s why it took me awhile to finish. I think this book is among one of the most thrilling conclusions to a series I’ve ever read.
Of all the books I’ve read in this series, Destroyed was easily the best in regards to Raleigh’s — the series’ main antagonist — characterization and increasing corruption. Though he was a terrible character personality-wise (I mean... duh, he was the antagonist), he was definitely the most interesting in this book and it was very intense to watch his corruption reach its absolute peak. This series was absolutely full of twists and turns, and I think that definitely shows with Raleigh and his relationship with the rest of the Enhanced.
Speaking of characterization, I think I definitely need to talk about Seven again. I think it was in the third book when I mentioned my mixed feelings regarding Seven’s characterization, but she definitely redeems herself in the final book. If anything, Destroyed shows her selflessness — she knows what her fate will be after the war’s end from the very beginning, but she still does everything she can to end it and save her people. Seven does a *lot* of back and forth regarding her loyalty in this series, but Destroyed really shows where her final alliance lays. She is an *extremely* flawed character — she’s a 17 year old who has to save all of her people, so who wouldn’t be? — and I think she’s an absolutely fantastic fit for the “ideal” YA protagonist. (I used quotations because I know that opinion differs from reader to reader, of course).
I also rather liked the expansion that was done in this book regarding the Spirits. They’re introduced in book one, as is the Turning, but I feel like relatively little is known about them in the majority of the series. To actually give them more backstory and interaction was an excellent move on Dyer’s part — I definitely loved the paranormal expansion, and the further explanation on who the Spirits are and what the New World is. That background is one of the many little details that can make or break world-building, and Dyer excels.
And... the ENDING. THE FRICKIN’ ENDING. Definitely among one of the best series’ endings I have *ever* read. I, of course, will not spoil that for anyone, but I will say this: that plot twist absolutely SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE and the sadist in me frickin’ loved it.
Overall, I applaud Dyer for her EXCELLENT work on the Untamed series and, as if I haven’t said this enough times, I DEFINITELY recommend it to any dystopian fan. If you like dystopia, it is an absolute must-read. Absolutely gripping.

[S.E. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the jaw-dropping ending to Divided, a lot of questions lingered about the new shape of the world. And it looks grim: the gods are all dead, the dreamland, destroyed, and the survivors of the massive seer battle are few and far between. Seven must lead them all to safety, knowing that the end is near, for better or for worse. 

It's impossible to put down this book. So much happens, and so quickly: Seven must try to rally the remaining Untamed while learning to balance her new incredible power, but it seems to hopeless. You can feel the oppressiveness of a dying world, and the feeling that the end times are really here. We meet new characters, pockets of Untamed surviving the only way they know how. Seven is faced with tough decision after tough decision, trying to lead her people through the worst possible times. 

Seven has grown so much since we first met her, all those books ago, learning her mother had just died at the hands of the Enhanced. She's stronger now, and incredibly powerful, but at the same time, she's just as scared and uncertain as any teenager. She struggles with the weight placed upon her but does what she must, showing true bravery - while not always being the wisest. Her relationship with Corin has also grown, though it's tough to maintain an air of romance when the world is ending. 

There are some truly mind-blowing moments. Certain characters reveal secrets I never saw coming, and per usual Rayleigh is up to his mind tricks, but more intense than ever. We never know who to believe -  if even Seven's own mind can be trusted. An incredible price must be paid to save the Untamed, if only she's willing to pay it. 

And the ending... that ending... I had to read it over three times to be sure I saw what I saw really did just happen. I need more people to read it so I can freak out with them about it! 

Destroyed is the epic conclusion to one of the most exceptional dystopian series of the decade. Brilliantly plotted and complex, it is a powerful finale that will break many a reader's heart. 

All I can say is: bring tissues. You'll need them.  But not for what you think!

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read, well written with a great plot and characters. I was absorbed from beginning to end. What a finale to an fantastic series. This is a fast paced, pager turner that you will not want to put down. There are also secrets revealed, some of which I didnt see coming! Seven has come a long way from the first book she is more pwerful and stronger but is still an uncertain, scared teen. She has a big decision to make when it comes to saving the Untamed.....but is Seven willing to make the decision? Highly recommend this book and the Series! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Laura Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ending!

Gripping plot, and characters to both love and hate! A great ending to this series; eager to see what Miss Dyer comes up with next!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destroyed is the fourth and final book in the Untamed series following the harrowing adventure of a reluctant heroine, Seven, and her stalwart, loyal companion, Corin. What a ride! The dark, gritty, dystopian world was harsh on its inhabitants. Two types of humans straining to hold onto their own kind of life at war. I had my doubts that good was going to overcome. Even the ending, continued to show the promise of even harder things to come. It was a hard, but good read. I don't recommend it for the faint of heart. The trials, struggles, and downright tumultuous times were a bit difficult to take at times.

[LauraAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I'm sorry I know this seems like a really low rating..... I had really high yay hopes for this....
This book picks up where we left off... Dream Land gone... god and goddesses gone... seers not much left there either...

I really felt like this book moved super slow, which I see from a few other reviews is the complete opposite of others... It took forever to get to the point of this book and a lot of it felt like it was filler information that wasn't need. (Please don't hate me!)
I loved the other books in this series.... LOVED.... I liked the new characters that were introduced but there wasn't a lot of development with them either.
The back and forth with Seven and Raleigh was annoying because that hasn't changed the entire time with the books. it gets kinda old after a while and I understand they are the good/bad in the book but it is the same thing over and over. Yes he does pick up his craziness a little more in this book and there are a few twists and surprises that make the book great. But I still can't feel like this was just way too dragged out. Once again so sorry :(
And the ending... I cant even... because I am so confused and maybe that is just me... but I don't like finishing a series with a question... because it could have ended 2 ways...
So while I enjoyed the first 3 books... this one just was slow and tedious. :0(

I received a free a free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destroyed is a fitting finale to an amazing series. The Untamed series has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and there is no let up through the adrenalin filled events of Destroyed. Where sometimes the final book in a series is just used to tie up the loose ends, this is in no way the case with Destroyed. The twists and turns just keep coming, and every time you think that the battle must surely be over, you find yourself thrown in a completely different direction.

The vivid imagery that has been present throughout Madeline’s writing continues here, as we are taken on an exploration of new lands and cultures. The worldbuilding involved in creating something so fantastical, but at the same time deeply believable is a real skill, and one that Madeline has in spades.

As sad as I am to be saying a final farewell to Seven, Corin and their friends, and even to Raleigh, I thoroughly enjoyed the way in which the series came to a head, and I loved seeing some familiar faces from the past, which really added to the sense of closure given by this book.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting as long as I did for this book nearly Destroyed me. (See what I did there?) It’s a bit longer than the others in the series, but that’s because there’s a lot of ground to cover. It’s impossible to describe just how intense this book is without getting even a little bit spoilery, so I’ll leave you with this… you cannot prepare yourself for the end of Seven’s story, because it will surpass, and dump on any/all expectations. Read this book – you will not regret it.

[J.D. Cunegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suppose with a title like Destroyed, an unhappy ending was inevitable.

And that's all I'll say about the ending, because to spoil the ending would be to deprive you of the satisfying yet heart-wrenching conclusion to one of the best, most intense, most well-written dystopian series I've read. Madeline Dyer is at her best in Destroyed, the fourth and final installment in the Seven Sarr series. The result is a fast-paced, action-packed, intellectually-fraught read where neither the characters nor the reader can relax and take a breath.

The pacing issues from previous installments are a thing of the past. Seven is at her strongest now, but she's also stretched beyond her limits, she constantly questions herself... as Chosen One tales go, I feel like this series does a great job of balancing the certainty of action with the uncertainty of being human.

Being the Chosen One is a heady responsibility, one I feel most in this genre forget. Dyer makes sure her protagonist never feels relief from the weight that responsibility places on her. And with such a worthy antagonist in Raleigh, who is at his most devious (if not his most violent), and this is the satisfying build-up and payoff a series finale should be.

I did have to read the ending twice, because I'm so conditioned to expect a zig that any zag, of any degree, hits at first with a sense of "...Huh?" But it fits perfectly with Destroyed, and it fits perfectly with the series as a whole. The TV show Angel's finale was controversial in some circles because of how different it was, but it fit the overall philosophy of the show.

Such is also the case with Destroyed.

Dyer has become an author whose work I will support no matter what genre she tackles, and given how deft she showed her skills in Destroyed, I eagerly await her next narrative venture. If YA dystopias are your thing, and the Untamed series isn't on your shelf, then you are seriously missing out.

[Liesbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit even though, for me, the story doesn't really end happy. I was intrigued by the writing style of the story, unusual choice of representing the story line, really written dystopian. More times I felt the story of Seven and all the unfairness that is befallen her. At times, I felt her confusion and all the horrors that comes with responsibility of imaginable power. Sometimes I felt so lost or scared that I would put down the story, unable to read any further. But I couldn't leave it for long, as they journey Seven and Corin are taking is one of bravery, no matter the outcome.

I actually felt sad when the story ended and it felt like this story is a never ending story, as the future Seven knows what her past Seven is going through and I am amazed that she wouldn't choose a better outcome. It was an amazing story, the hardship, the horror but also finding family in unusual corners and when all seems to be lost, Seven fulfills her augury that was set for her by the gods and goddesses and the God of Death.

It was worth the read of the four books and a semi happy ending. It felt so really I really wished a better happy ending for Corin and Seven.

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven's story is still very good and gripping - I have taken a while to review it as I was not totally at ease with the time travel aspect of the book. I truly enjoyed the first 3 books and recommend them - this one is good to read and I shall be getting the next book as I want Seven to overcome the enhanced world.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.

Wow, what an incredible conclusion! Jam packed with action, intrigue and suspense, this makes for an addicting read you just cannot put down. Especially after reading the previous books in the series, I was just as impressed with this one.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending was just awful and I can't believe it ended on such a depressing note.

[Dave T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and complex

For the most part the author keeps telling you how the story has to end and she keeps her word with a couple of surprising twists thrown in.