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Ruined
A gripping YA supernatural novel set in New Orleans: Twilight with a ghostly twist.
Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her Aunt Claudia, who reads Tarot cards for a living. And at the snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of the city.
Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her Aunt Claudia, who reads Tarot cards for a living. And at the snooty prep school, a pack of filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of the city.
309 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2009
373 people are currently reading
13563 people want to read
About the author
Paula Morris
38 books544 followersPaula Morris, a novelist and short story writer of English and Maori descent, was born in New Zealand. For almost a decade she worked in the record business in London and New York. She now lives in New Orleans, where she teaches creative writing at Tulane University.
Paula's first novel, Queen of Beauty, won best first work of fiction at the 2003 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Hibiscus Coast, a literary thriller set in Auckland and Shanghai, was published in 2005 and has been optioned for film. Her third novel, Trendy But Casual, was published by Penguin New Zealand in 2005.
Paula's first short story collection, Forbidden Cities (2008) was a regional finalist in the 2009 Commonwealth Writers' Prize.
Ruined, her first YA novel, was published by Scholastic in 2009.
Paula's first novel, Queen of Beauty, won best first work of fiction at the 2003 Montana New Zealand Book Awards. Hibiscus Coast, a literary thriller set in Auckland and Shanghai, was published in 2005 and has been optioned for film. Her third novel, Trendy But Casual, was published by Penguin New Zealand in 2005.
Paula's first short story collection, Forbidden Cities (2008) was a regional finalist in the 2009 Commonwealth Writers' Prize.
Ruined, her first YA novel, was published by Scholastic in 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,482 reviews
June 14, 2015
Ruined is marketed as a ghost story and it is a story about a ghost, but it's not what I expected. It's not scary, or spooky or spine-tingling. It's just about a girl who happens to be a ghost. The plot is quite good and we are introduced to Rebecca, who is the only person (or so she thinks) that can see the ghost, Lisette. They form a friendship, but behind it there is a secret which Rebecca slowly unravels and discovers the truth.
Rebecca is a nice girl, but we don't really get to know her, and it's the same with all the other characters. We are given glimpses of their personality, but then they just fizzle out and go flat. They are not really developed enough for my liking.
It is a nice easy read, as the writing is fairly simple, but I did find it a little hard going at times, as it is quite slow paced and there isn't any action in the book to help move the story along. The atmosphere is non-existent, although I did get an essence of New Orleans, but the graveyard, which Rebecca frequently visits isn't eerie or chilling. I wasn't riveted by this book, but I did want to find out about Lisette, how she died and how Rebecca was tied up in it all.
During the last few chapters things do pick up when the truth is finally revealed and there is a potential murder and sacrifice. But then, it ends, just as it begins to get interesting.
Verdict:
Overall, this is a nicely written book, but not outstanding. It did keep my interest but didn't grip me. If you are looking for a scary ghost story, this isn't the book for you, but if you want an easy read with a mystery twist, then this may be the book you're looking for.
Rebecca is a nice girl, but we don't really get to know her, and it's the same with all the other characters. We are given glimpses of their personality, but then they just fizzle out and go flat. They are not really developed enough for my liking.
It is a nice easy read, as the writing is fairly simple, but I did find it a little hard going at times, as it is quite slow paced and there isn't any action in the book to help move the story along. The atmosphere is non-existent, although I did get an essence of New Orleans, but the graveyard, which Rebecca frequently visits isn't eerie or chilling. I wasn't riveted by this book, but I did want to find out about Lisette, how she died and how Rebecca was tied up in it all.
During the last few chapters things do pick up when the truth is finally revealed and there is a potential murder and sacrifice. But then, it ends, just as it begins to get interesting.
Verdict:
Overall, this is a nicely written book, but not outstanding. It did keep my interest but didn't grip me. If you are looking for a scary ghost story, this isn't the book for you, but if you want an easy read with a mystery twist, then this may be the book you're looking for.
June 29, 2018
This was my first ever library book. Lol. There were almost no interesting books available . So I picked this one up . Surprisingly satisfactory . This not horror . Just as Twilight is has vampires . This has a ghost . So don't expect to be horrified . But the descriptions of New Orleans were breath taking .
May 8, 2012
Rebecca's Dad has to go to Japan for six months and is going to have to go and stay with her Aunt Claudia. As if leaving New York isn't bad enough, she also has to start prep school. All of the girls are pretty snotty and have a high opinion of themselves, being from the richest familys in New Orleans.
One night Rebecca hears voices and sees several of the girls she goes to school with along with some boys from boys' prep school. She decides to sneak out of the house and see what they are doing in the graveyard at midnight. The group gathers at the tomb of one of the boys, Anton Grey. Mr. Popularity himself, all of the girls want him. Seeing Anton get up to check that he locked the gate behind him, Rebbecca high tails it out of there and gets lost in the process. Tripping and falling she looks up to see a young girl and asks directions. Getting them she starts off again and when she turns around to thank the girl she is gone.
Returning to the graveyard she finds the girl and learns her name is Lisette...and she's a ghost. Rebecca makes friends with Lisette and as time goes on she catches Anton's eye. She also learns that a sighting of Lisette could mean impending doom.
Pretty good book. It kept my attention, had a good story line, and didn't divert from the main plot. I think it is a good YA read.
One night Rebecca hears voices and sees several of the girls she goes to school with along with some boys from boys' prep school. She decides to sneak out of the house and see what they are doing in the graveyard at midnight. The group gathers at the tomb of one of the boys, Anton Grey. Mr. Popularity himself, all of the girls want him. Seeing Anton get up to check that he locked the gate behind him, Rebbecca high tails it out of there and gets lost in the process. Tripping and falling she looks up to see a young girl and asks directions. Getting them she starts off again and when she turns around to thank the girl she is gone.
Returning to the graveyard she finds the girl and learns her name is Lisette...and she's a ghost. Rebecca makes friends with Lisette and as time goes on she catches Anton's eye. She also learns that a sighting of Lisette could mean impending doom.
Pretty good book. It kept my attention, had a good story line, and didn't divert from the main plot. I think it is a good YA read.
May 1, 2024
It was a good story but maybe I should have read it sooner or my book slump or something, idk but I probably wont read it again.
May 10, 2011
this was a poorly written story that obviously needed to be revised, with hardly any good character. It was like they were all literally ghosts, no emotions whatsoever. I could sum up the book in just a few paragraph's as easy as this;
Great, im moving in with my voodoo aunt, who isnt really my aunt, and ive only met her a few times, wait why do i call her auntie? Im best friends with my twelve year old cousin,and im 16, beat that. So my aunt tells me that people get murdered in the grave yard, and just out of curiosity, i march on in there to spy on other people. Aww yea.
SO I walk a few steps to find them, and i sit there listening in on there conversation. Then i get turned around, where is the gate? I only walked for five minutes and im lost. hard to see the gate around these foot tall graves. :/
But wait there is a girl who is staring at me with shock and horror! I'll ask her. Oh found my way out. Right in front of my face. Need to get hot guy to unlock it so i can get out. Cool. i think im in love. There is a mean girl at school so i make her think im an even bigger loser. that's right. so i see the guy in the coffee shop, offers to show me around town, and oh, look at that, he's got no personality either! Someone mentioned my mom, but im to guidy and happy of a persone to even reconize a bit of sadness that she died. oh well.
I try and find the girl that helped me in the grave yard to thank her. um wait, didn't i already say that? and turns out she is a ghost, ya that's right, she came right out and told me. We became the bestest of best friends, and she took me to see the place where she died ! :D Not even a hint of sadness in that girl when she tell's me the storry of how she was murdered. She must of been pre darn depressed. oh wait, no emotions, almost forgot :/ .
So on my third date with mister hottie, he kisses me. third date. and i know im in love. for sure this time. doesnt matter that im ruining his life. pfft. Then i figure out meen girl is gonna die because she is seeing the ghost that im seeing. that doesnt hint anything at aaaaaall. and suddenly oh my god! im feeling something! is that.. sadness?
Turns out that im gona die to though. shucks. thats okay auntie said maaybe ill die, ive got nothing to worry about (: So off i go to through beeds at people in the carnival, trying to catch miss meanie's eye, so that i can figure out if i will die or not, but nope missed her house. oops. and then a hand goes over my mouth and im kidnapped. oh no! the whole town wants to kill me! because my botfriend tatled on me. eh, whatevs. but dont worry here comes ghost girl to save the day, and a statue falls on mean girls head! She die's not me. what a happily ever after that was. *sigh* good times.
yup thats pre much the story of ruined,, whata great story that was! :/ lol seriously if you're gonna read it, i suggest going and getting it from the library, dont waste ur money or time.
thanks for reading(:
Great, im moving in with my voodoo aunt, who isnt really my aunt, and ive only met her a few times, wait why do i call her auntie? Im best friends with my twelve year old cousin,and im 16, beat that. So my aunt tells me that people get murdered in the grave yard, and just out of curiosity, i march on in there to spy on other people. Aww yea.
SO I walk a few steps to find them, and i sit there listening in on there conversation. Then i get turned around, where is the gate? I only walked for five minutes and im lost. hard to see the gate around these foot tall graves. :/
But wait there is a girl who is staring at me with shock and horror! I'll ask her. Oh found my way out. Right in front of my face. Need to get hot guy to unlock it so i can get out. Cool. i think im in love. There is a mean girl at school so i make her think im an even bigger loser. that's right. so i see the guy in the coffee shop, offers to show me around town, and oh, look at that, he's got no personality either! Someone mentioned my mom, but im to guidy and happy of a persone to even reconize a bit of sadness that she died. oh well.
I try and find the girl that helped me in the grave yard to thank her. um wait, didn't i already say that? and turns out she is a ghost, ya that's right, she came right out and told me. We became the bestest of best friends, and she took me to see the place where she died ! :D Not even a hint of sadness in that girl when she tell's me the storry of how she was murdered. She must of been pre darn depressed. oh wait, no emotions, almost forgot :/ .
So on my third date with mister hottie, he kisses me. third date. and i know im in love. for sure this time. doesnt matter that im ruining his life. pfft. Then i figure out meen girl is gonna die because she is seeing the ghost that im seeing. that doesnt hint anything at aaaaaall. and suddenly oh my god! im feeling something! is that.. sadness?
Turns out that im gona die to though. shucks. thats okay auntie said maaybe ill die, ive got nothing to worry about (: So off i go to through beeds at people in the carnival, trying to catch miss meanie's eye, so that i can figure out if i will die or not, but nope missed her house. oops. and then a hand goes over my mouth and im kidnapped. oh no! the whole town wants to kill me! because my botfriend tatled on me. eh, whatevs. but dont worry here comes ghost girl to save the day, and a statue falls on mean girls head! She die's not me. what a happily ever after that was. *sigh* good times.
yup thats pre much the story of ruined,, whata great story that was! :/ lol seriously if you're gonna read it, i suggest going and getting it from the library, dont waste ur money or time.
thanks for reading(:
October 7, 2010
Well it was an interesting one. I loved it from start to finish and it was an interesting look at today's society levels.
At first I was a bit irritated that the South was painted in such a mean way, when Southerners are usually quite nice people. Then again I've never met the high society Southerners like Helena Bowman so I can't know if its that bad or not. But I got over it really quick and loved the way Morris depicts ghosts in this story.
All the characters where rich and believable and it always is a good book in my opinion if it can make me throw my copy against the wall because of its contents. ^_^. The twist was good (I guessed it) but still good and if it wasn't for my two years in college english studying literature I may not have gotten it right.
Very good book.
At first I was a bit irritated that the South was painted in such a mean way, when Southerners are usually quite nice people. Then again I've never met the high society Southerners like Helena Bowman so I can't know if its that bad or not. But I got over it really quick and loved the way Morris depicts ghosts in this story.
All the characters where rich and believable and it always is a good book in my opinion if it can make me throw my copy against the wall because of its contents. ^_^. The twist was good (I guessed it) but still good and if it wasn't for my two years in college english studying literature I may not have gotten it right.
Very good book.
March 29, 2016
Like the main character, Rebecca, I knew very little about New Orleans before Katrina. What I did know came from sources like movies, novels, comic books and random historical facts that stuck in my head from American history classes. Pop culture painted a surrealistic view of the city--populated by a people who have lived and thrived on traditions for centuries and Mardi Gras, was the talk of the world. I was intrigued and terrified by the thought of going to the city.
And then Hurricane Katrina hit and suddenly the world knew about New Orleans and it was all you heard about for weeks, months and even years later. One of America's oldest cities, so much culture and history swept away by nature. But Morris doesn't hide the fact that New Orleans has a dark underside--not just in its past, but its present as well--entangled with all the glitz and glamorous parties.
I found myself fascinated by what Lisette, the ghost, told us about New Orleans and what Rebecca learned on through her independent study. An entire culture of people and lifestyles I never imagined was discussed. I enjoyed those parts moreso then the rest of it honestly. The curse and troubles of the present day were slow to really pick up speed. For a good half of the book there's barely any mention of the curse at all and other then some rather suspicious behavior and statements made by Rebecca's 'aunt' Claudia and father, there wasn't much to tie in with Rebecca.
Character motivations were murky at best, shifting and tangling with other secrets revealed a little too late in the game and making many of the characters seem inconsistent and feckless. I liked Anton until Christmas Break, but then he became just as secretive as every other 'old family'. His explanations at the end seemed off center and even a little cowardly. Tradition dictates, but he had spent the better part of the first half of the book proving that he was more than tradition demanded.
The end itself was poetic justice in a way. How the curse ends that is. It made me wonder just how much of the curse was true 'supernatural' intervention and how much of it was really coincidence and self-fulfilling prophecy. The first two 'deaths' of the curse could be mere coincidence and given the time period entirely understandable. It was after those that the family began to actively try and circumvent it, so who's to say that didn't bring it about ten times worse?
And then Hurricane Katrina hit and suddenly the world knew about New Orleans and it was all you heard about for weeks, months and even years later. One of America's oldest cities, so much culture and history swept away by nature. But Morris doesn't hide the fact that New Orleans has a dark underside--not just in its past, but its present as well--entangled with all the glitz and glamorous parties.
I found myself fascinated by what Lisette, the ghost, told us about New Orleans and what Rebecca learned on through her independent study. An entire culture of people and lifestyles I never imagined was discussed. I enjoyed those parts moreso then the rest of it honestly. The curse and troubles of the present day were slow to really pick up speed. For a good half of the book there's barely any mention of the curse at all and other then some rather suspicious behavior and statements made by Rebecca's 'aunt' Claudia and father, there wasn't much to tie in with Rebecca.
Character motivations were murky at best, shifting and tangling with other secrets revealed a little too late in the game and making many of the characters seem inconsistent and feckless. I liked Anton until Christmas Break, but then he became just as secretive as every other 'old family'. His explanations at the end seemed off center and even a little cowardly. Tradition dictates, but he had spent the better part of the first half of the book proving that he was more than tradition demanded.
The end itself was poetic justice in a way. How the curse ends that is. It made me wonder just how much of the curse was true 'supernatural' intervention and how much of it was really coincidence and self-fulfilling prophecy. The first two 'deaths' of the curse could be mere coincidence and given the time period entirely understandable. It was after those that the family began to actively try and circumvent it, so who's to say that didn't bring it about ten times worse?
October 14, 2011
Hi! I just posted this review on my blog: http://katieeoh.tumblr.com/post/11431...
First and foremost, I loved the cover. Its very mysterious and at the same time it tells a dark, witty story. For me I love books that are filled with mystery, horror and suspense. But I never loved books that’s all about vampires and werewolves and fallen angels…whatever. I hate those kind of books. It shifts my mind into something that is so unraveling and simply…weird. I never loved it, just like Twilight, Fallen, whatever, etc. So this book is just sitting in the corner of some shelves while I was shopping for books two weeks ago and I got interested a lot. Since its about ghosts, its a bit not-what-I-like book, but I purchased it anyway, and I’m happy I did.
Well, I can say that the book really is intriguing. This book was as much a historic delight as a ghost story delight. There’s some romance too, with Rebecca and Anton, and some moments where she spend most of the time with Lisette, learning different things about New Orleans and the rich people who lives there. Paula Morris is a great writer because she did that balance between horror, suspense and romance, in a better, orderly manner. Its a great read, and I really recommend this book to those who doesn’t want to be scared much but wants to enjoy.
Ruined was exciting at times, frightening at others, and often oddly interesting. It’s nicely written and organized well, and it’s certainly the kind of book that could be an absolutely scrumptious read at night!
More reviews on my blog here
First and foremost, I loved the cover. Its very mysterious and at the same time it tells a dark, witty story. For me I love books that are filled with mystery, horror and suspense. But I never loved books that’s all about vampires and werewolves and fallen angels…whatever. I hate those kind of books. It shifts my mind into something that is so unraveling and simply…weird. I never loved it, just like Twilight, Fallen, whatever, etc. So this book is just sitting in the corner of some shelves while I was shopping for books two weeks ago and I got interested a lot. Since its about ghosts, its a bit not-what-I-like book, but I purchased it anyway, and I’m happy I did.
Well, I can say that the book really is intriguing. This book was as much a historic delight as a ghost story delight. There’s some romance too, with Rebecca and Anton, and some moments where she spend most of the time with Lisette, learning different things about New Orleans and the rich people who lives there. Paula Morris is a great writer because she did that balance between horror, suspense and romance, in a better, orderly manner. Its a great read, and I really recommend this book to those who doesn’t want to be scared much but wants to enjoy.
Ruined was exciting at times, frightening at others, and often oddly interesting. It’s nicely written and organized well, and it’s certainly the kind of book that could be an absolutely scrumptious read at night!
More reviews on my blog here
March 18, 2018
EDIT: HOOOOOLLLLDDDDD up, does the description really say 'Twilight With a Ghostly Twist'? That is the most ridiculous thing I think I have ever seen. First off, talk about dating this book. Second off...no. No. No. No. This book has absolutely all of 0 in common with Twilight. (And I'm no lover of Twilight. I just really can't think of anything these books have in common that aren't held in common by Every. YA. Novel. Ever.)
.....
I'm soooooooo.....FRUSTRATED.
This book could be the poster child for my what-might-have-been shelf. It dripped with potential. I enjoyed the writing and the overarching plot but the details left me so very, very underwhelmed.
It somehow feels worse because I kept expecting it to get better. It had the potential to be The Raven Boys good, or maybe even Unspoken good. By itself, it was enjoyable enough. But when compared to what it might have been...
Maybe it just isn't a fair comparison.
This is a fairly predictable story that - to its credit - skates away from too much teenage angst. Unfortunately, it accomplishes this by avoiding any in-depth emotions. I didn't particularly like or dislike any of the characters primarily because I didn't know them. I found the plot laughably predictable and the stereotypes (rich, blond mean girl, hot bad(ish)-boy love interest, quirky outsider main character, etc.) frustrating.
Besides perpetrating literary stereotypes, this book feels like a mixed bag of social commentary on race, socioeconomic status, and post-hurricane Katrina recovery. Here I feel it really had room to shine. Unfortunately, frequent references to Katrina (and Gossip Girl, incidentally) do little more than date the book. In someways, I find this the most frustrating part of the entire thing because it read like a rough draft. With a good editor, I feel like the greater themes of this story could have been drawn through for a more decisive and nuanced reading.
I seem to be heaping condemnation on this story. I don't really mean to. I did enjoy it. I just wish it lived up to its potential.
Also ~ side rant since this bugged me from the beginning ~ why are otherwise "sensible" teenage girls always willing to go along with the hot boy? I suppose the answer is 'hormones' but it always annoys me to death. Just because he has a nice smile does not mean you should give him the time of day.
Side, side comment to counter that rant, I feel like this author did a really good job - or at least as good a job as she does for anyone - making Anton feel like a real teenage boy. He wasn't all suave and cool. He was kind of awkward and clueless and helpless. Now, does that make him a good love interest? I'd say no, but I appreciated it. It made him at least feel more real.
.....
I'm soooooooo.....FRUSTRATED.
This book could be the poster child for my what-might-have-been shelf. It dripped with potential. I enjoyed the writing and the overarching plot but the details left me so very, very underwhelmed.
It somehow feels worse because I kept expecting it to get better. It had the potential to be The Raven Boys good, or maybe even Unspoken good. By itself, it was enjoyable enough. But when compared to what it might have been...
Maybe it just isn't a fair comparison.
This is a fairly predictable story that - to its credit - skates away from too much teenage angst. Unfortunately, it accomplishes this by avoiding any in-depth emotions. I didn't particularly like or dislike any of the characters primarily because I didn't know them. I found the plot laughably predictable and the stereotypes (rich, blond mean girl, hot bad(ish)-boy love interest, quirky outsider main character, etc.) frustrating.
Besides perpetrating literary stereotypes, this book feels like a mixed bag of social commentary on race, socioeconomic status, and post-hurricane Katrina recovery. Here I feel it really had room to shine. Unfortunately, frequent references to Katrina (and Gossip Girl, incidentally) do little more than date the book. In someways, I find this the most frustrating part of the entire thing because it read like a rough draft. With a good editor, I feel like the greater themes of this story could have been drawn through for a more decisive and nuanced reading.
I seem to be heaping condemnation on this story. I don't really mean to. I did enjoy it. I just wish it lived up to its potential.
Also ~ side rant since this bugged me from the beginning ~ why are otherwise "sensible" teenage girls always willing to go along with the hot boy? I suppose the answer is 'hormones' but it always annoys me to death. Just because he has a nice smile does not mean you should give him the time of day.
Side, side comment to counter that rant, I feel like this author did a really good job - or at least as good a job as she does for anyone - making Anton feel like a real teenage boy. He wasn't all suave and cool. He was kind of awkward and clueless and helpless. Now, does that make him a good love interest? I'd say no, but I appreciated it. It made him at least feel more real.
December 18, 2011
Isn't that cover absolutely gorgeous, if a bit misleading (the ghost in the story is a young black girl and the woman in the picture, well, she doesn't look young or black, does she?)
It being a ghost story wasn't really what pushed me into this purchase, rather it was because the ghost story's setting is New Orleans. I have no ties with NOLA outside of doing the touristy visits. Still, in all of the places that I have travelled, NOLA is the only city that I can still visualize, the only place where the streets come alive in my head. The smell, sound, and vibrance of the city is a being of its own. There really is something mysterious and magical about this city.
Rebecca, our wonderful heroine, learns this lesson in Ruined. She comes to the city unwillingly. Her father must do business in China and a not-really-her-aunt-but-close-enough-that-she-is-referred-to-as-such is to watch over her for sixth months. Rebecca is coming from New York and the change is drastic. Plus, the city is old in tradition and bloodlines, something that she doesn't understand. Not only does she have to be the new girl midyear, she is automatically outcasted because she has no history with the city.
Then, as if that isn't a big enough burden, Rebecca meets a ghost in the Lafayette Cemetery. Lisette is trapped in the cemetery and a few other areas and has been so for the past hundred and fifty years. She was murdered and until the curse gets lifted, she cannot move on.
The book was initially slow for me. There was something in the beginning that just nagged me, didn't fit, didn't settle. Now, I couldn't tell you what it was, because the book just captivated me. I loved how the author drew in the history and wove it within her own ghost story.
Ruined is a great book to read on a rainy day.
It being a ghost story wasn't really what pushed me into this purchase, rather it was because the ghost story's setting is New Orleans. I have no ties with NOLA outside of doing the touristy visits. Still, in all of the places that I have travelled, NOLA is the only city that I can still visualize, the only place where the streets come alive in my head. The smell, sound, and vibrance of the city is a being of its own. There really is something mysterious and magical about this city.
Rebecca, our wonderful heroine, learns this lesson in Ruined. She comes to the city unwillingly. Her father must do business in China and a not-really-her-aunt-but-close-enough-that-she-is-referred-to-as-such is to watch over her for sixth months. Rebecca is coming from New York and the change is drastic. Plus, the city is old in tradition and bloodlines, something that she doesn't understand. Not only does she have to be the new girl midyear, she is automatically outcasted because she has no history with the city.
Then, as if that isn't a big enough burden, Rebecca meets a ghost in the Lafayette Cemetery. Lisette is trapped in the cemetery and a few other areas and has been so for the past hundred and fifty years. She was murdered and until the curse gets lifted, she cannot move on.
The book was initially slow for me. There was something in the beginning that just nagged me, didn't fit, didn't settle. Now, I couldn't tell you what it was, because the book just captivated me. I loved how the author drew in the history and wove it within her own ghost story.
Ruined is a great book to read on a rainy day.
October 22, 2010
Ruined is a creepy, gothic ghost story, the perfect read for the Halloween season. The setting and the entire tone of the book are so eerie! The book is never too scary, but it gives the reader the perfect amount of chills and thrills.
I'm usually much more into characters than settings, but in this story, New Orleans seems like it's own character. I learned so much about the city's history as well as how the upper class live there today. Rebecca is very much involved with the "old families" in town and how their shady pasts come back to the haunt them, so their world is her world.
I loved the eerie atmosphere of the old cemetery where Lissette, the ghost, lives. The way it contrasts with the gilded mansions of the old families adds to the creepy factor. And of course, right on the same street as the cemetery and the mansion is Aunt Claudia's shabby shotgun house. The author weaves all three worlds together effortlessly.
The Mardi Gras season and parades were so much fun to read about. The costumes, decorations, and all the expense of the Mardi Gras celebration was pretty spectacular. The author really knows her stuff when it comes to New Orleans.
Rebecca was a great lead, strong but also known to make a few mistakes. I enjoyed her friendships with Lissette and her perky cousin, Aurelia.
This is the perfect book to read on a dark and stormy October night!
sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I'm usually much more into characters than settings, but in this story, New Orleans seems like it's own character. I learned so much about the city's history as well as how the upper class live there today. Rebecca is very much involved with the "old families" in town and how their shady pasts come back to the haunt them, so their world is her world.
I loved the eerie atmosphere of the old cemetery where Lissette, the ghost, lives. The way it contrasts with the gilded mansions of the old families adds to the creepy factor. And of course, right on the same street as the cemetery and the mansion is Aunt Claudia's shabby shotgun house. The author weaves all three worlds together effortlessly.
The Mardi Gras season and parades were so much fun to read about. The costumes, decorations, and all the expense of the Mardi Gras celebration was pretty spectacular. The author really knows her stuff when it comes to New Orleans.
Rebecca was a great lead, strong but also known to make a few mistakes. I enjoyed her friendships with Lissette and her perky cousin, Aurelia.
This is the perfect book to read on a dark and stormy October night!
sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
March 18, 2010
Ruined
By
Paula Morris
This great book was a true ghost story. I truly enjoyed reading it. It took place in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. I loved the historical references in the story. They gave an aura of truth to what I was reading. In a nutshell…
Rebecca has been told by her father that he has a 6 month stay in China. They are New Yorkers and Rebecca is not happy about the fact that because of this she must spend the next 6 months with her Aunt Claudia in New Orleans at a private school. Of course the girls who “matter” do not like Rebecca and love telling her as well as showing her that she is an outsider and unwelcome. Rebecca deals with this and sort of relishes her role as an outsider. Her aunt’s house is conveniently just across the street from a cemetery that Rebecca has been told to stay away from. Of course she doesn’t and secretly follows them one night as the “in crowd” gathers to drink a bit and party. This is when Rebecca is welcomed by a mysterious new friend that only she can see.
The main stream of the story revolves around a 150 year old curse that affects a founding New Orleans family. The story at this point becomes action packed and mysterious with a reasonably exciting ending.
Again…I loved the setting…the story was not predictable but exciting and absorbing. I loved learning about the history of various parts of New Orleans. I would love reading more from this author.
By
Paula Morris
This great book was a true ghost story. I truly enjoyed reading it. It took place in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. I loved the historical references in the story. They gave an aura of truth to what I was reading. In a nutshell…
Rebecca has been told by her father that he has a 6 month stay in China. They are New Yorkers and Rebecca is not happy about the fact that because of this she must spend the next 6 months with her Aunt Claudia in New Orleans at a private school. Of course the girls who “matter” do not like Rebecca and love telling her as well as showing her that she is an outsider and unwelcome. Rebecca deals with this and sort of relishes her role as an outsider. Her aunt’s house is conveniently just across the street from a cemetery that Rebecca has been told to stay away from. Of course she doesn’t and secretly follows them one night as the “in crowd” gathers to drink a bit and party. This is when Rebecca is welcomed by a mysterious new friend that only she can see.
The main stream of the story revolves around a 150 year old curse that affects a founding New Orleans family. The story at this point becomes action packed and mysterious with a reasonably exciting ending.
Again…I loved the setting…the story was not predictable but exciting and absorbing. I loved learning about the history of various parts of New Orleans. I would love reading more from this author.
November 30, 2020
The beginning was very boring and confusing, but it slowly got better in the middle. There were many instances where I wanted to give up and move on but my friend, who had read it before me, told me that it was worth finishing and she was right. The ending is worth getting bored in the beginning. I was so surprised as to how everything turned out. And I am still thinking about this book even though I read it last year. I would recommend this book with a warning of how slow pace it is in the beginning.
August 13, 2009
I am a sucker for these things: the south, graveyards, good writing, a well spun multi-generational yarn, a curse, ghosts, and tarot card readers. How could I not like this book? Different books fit into my bookshelf in different ways, and I have very few like this one. So happy to have it!
July 28, 2022
Recensione originale: https://sonnenbarke.wordpress.com/202...
Non conoscevo Paula Morris prima di imbattermi in questo libro, ma a quanto pare è una scrittrice prolifica i cui libri, però, non mi pare siano stati tradotti in italiano. Neozelandese ma di madre inglese, oltre che in Nuova Zelanda ha vissuto in Inghilterra e negli Stati Uniti, dove ha anche insegnato cinque anni alla Tulane University di New Orleans. Questo particolare è importante perché in Ruined sembra quasi di stare a New Orleans tanto sono pregnanti e vivide le descrizioni di questa città e dei suoi abitanti.
Rebecca è una ragazza sedicenne che vive a New York insieme al padre, ma quando questi deve andare per sei mesi in Cina per lavoro, la manderà a New Orleans per stare con la zia Claudia (che in realtà non è veramente sua zia, ma solo un’amica di famiglia). Qui Rebecca frequenterà la scuola Temple Mead, frequentata per lo più da ragazze dell’alta società di New Orleans, e per questo motivo si sentirà un pesce fuor d’acqua e le mancherà tantissimo la sua città.
Ruined viene presentato come una storia di fantasmi e infatti ben presto Rebecca conoscerà un fantasma, Lisette, una ragazza poco più grande di lei con cui finirà per fare amicizia. Il libro è chiaramente un “paranormal” e immagino che molti lo definiranno un “paranormal romance”, per quanto il romance non sia parte centrale della storia. Il fulcro della storia è invece una maledizione che grava sulla casa e sulla stirpe dei Bowman, forse la famiglia più in vista di New Orleans.
Il libro mi è piaciuto molto e si fa leggere bene, non si vorrebbe mai interrompere la lettura perché c’è sempre la voglia di scoprire “cosa succede dopo”. Infatti il libro è pieno di misteri e di verità nascoste e mai davvero rivelate, risulta evidente che Rebecca viene tenuta all’oscuro di molte cose ma non sappiamo di cosa, anche se a dire il vero non è difficile immaginarlo. Mi sono piaciuti i personaggi e soprattutto la rappresentazione di New Orleans, che come dicevo è molto realistica e ben rende la bellezza e le enormi contraddizioni di questa città. Naturalmente, non essendoci mai stata non so se l’impressione di realismo corrisponda alla realtà, ma posso dire che dà proprio quell’idea. Il romanzo ha qualche ingenuità, forse qualche forzatura serve a meglio attirare il pubblico di ragazzi (e soprattutto ragazze) a cui è destinato, ma comunque l’ho apprezzato davvero. C’è anche un seguito, Unbroken, che probabilmente leggerò prima o poi.
Consigliato agli amanti del young adult e del paranormale.
Non conoscevo Paula Morris prima di imbattermi in questo libro, ma a quanto pare è una scrittrice prolifica i cui libri, però, non mi pare siano stati tradotti in italiano. Neozelandese ma di madre inglese, oltre che in Nuova Zelanda ha vissuto in Inghilterra e negli Stati Uniti, dove ha anche insegnato cinque anni alla Tulane University di New Orleans. Questo particolare è importante perché in Ruined sembra quasi di stare a New Orleans tanto sono pregnanti e vivide le descrizioni di questa città e dei suoi abitanti.
Rebecca è una ragazza sedicenne che vive a New York insieme al padre, ma quando questi deve andare per sei mesi in Cina per lavoro, la manderà a New Orleans per stare con la zia Claudia (che in realtà non è veramente sua zia, ma solo un’amica di famiglia). Qui Rebecca frequenterà la scuola Temple Mead, frequentata per lo più da ragazze dell’alta società di New Orleans, e per questo motivo si sentirà un pesce fuor d’acqua e le mancherà tantissimo la sua città.
Ruined viene presentato come una storia di fantasmi e infatti ben presto Rebecca conoscerà un fantasma, Lisette, una ragazza poco più grande di lei con cui finirà per fare amicizia. Il libro è chiaramente un “paranormal” e immagino che molti lo definiranno un “paranormal romance”, per quanto il romance non sia parte centrale della storia. Il fulcro della storia è invece una maledizione che grava sulla casa e sulla stirpe dei Bowman, forse la famiglia più in vista di New Orleans.
Il libro mi è piaciuto molto e si fa leggere bene, non si vorrebbe mai interrompere la lettura perché c’è sempre la voglia di scoprire “cosa succede dopo”. Infatti il libro è pieno di misteri e di verità nascoste e mai davvero rivelate, risulta evidente che Rebecca viene tenuta all’oscuro di molte cose ma non sappiamo di cosa, anche se a dire il vero non è difficile immaginarlo. Mi sono piaciuti i personaggi e soprattutto la rappresentazione di New Orleans, che come dicevo è molto realistica e ben rende la bellezza e le enormi contraddizioni di questa città. Naturalmente, non essendoci mai stata non so se l’impressione di realismo corrisponda alla realtà, ma posso dire che dà proprio quell’idea. Il romanzo ha qualche ingenuità, forse qualche forzatura serve a meglio attirare il pubblico di ragazzi (e soprattutto ragazze) a cui è destinato, ma comunque l’ho apprezzato davvero. C’è anche un seguito, Unbroken, che probabilmente leggerò prima o poi.
Consigliato agli amanti del young adult e del paranormale.
September 24, 2013
Rebecca, a 15-16 yr old teen from NY stays in New Orleans( Post hurricane Katrina) for 6 months while her father works in China. While there she lives with her aunt and attends a snobbish school with established families children. She end up in the local cemetery and meets a ghost, she does not figure that out right away. There is a great and terrible history behind this ghost and Rebecca is thrust into it. She tries to remain strong, but the darkness being reveled is truly shocking, and could change many lives. She meets a handsome and mysterious boy(Anton) and has mixed feelings who Anton really are. Rebecca figures everything out, Now she must fight for her life.
Excellent writing,a wonderful historical delight with the Lafayette Cemetery/New Orleans/ Mardi Gras /Voodoo details. I think this is the best ghost book I have ever read, perhaps because of the history of my near and dear New Orleans.
Excellent writing,a wonderful historical delight with the Lafayette Cemetery/New Orleans/ Mardi Gras /Voodoo details. I think this is the best ghost book I have ever read, perhaps because of the history of my near and dear New Orleans.
January 5, 2021
Rebecca is forced to move to New Orleans while her dad has to leave for work in China. she is going to be living with her "Aunt Claudia" and her daughter Aurelia, who she has met once in her life. She is trying her best to immerse herself into a new lifestyle so different from her life in New York. Her highschool definitely has a hierarchy that she doesn't seem to fit with and the culture is so unique it is hard for Rebecca to understand the enthusiasm for traditions that seem strange to her.
Rebecca, although warned, finds her self in the cemetery and sees a group of kids creating havoc. She also meets Lisette, who is a ghost, there is a connection between them that gets revealed. Lisette needs Rebecca help and Rebecca is going to have to balance school, her new home, a new interest in Anton and helping Lisette. Who can she trust?
This was different then what I expected. I thought the author was spot on with the feel and culture of New Orleans and it made you feel like you were there. I liked Rebecca and felt for her, she is conflicted with her feelings with the newness of her situation as well as the teenage issues in her school. Would pick up the next book.
Rebecca, although warned, finds her self in the cemetery and sees a group of kids creating havoc. She also meets Lisette, who is a ghost, there is a connection between them that gets revealed. Lisette needs Rebecca help and Rebecca is going to have to balance school, her new home, a new interest in Anton and helping Lisette. Who can she trust?
This was different then what I expected. I thought the author was spot on with the feel and culture of New Orleans and it made you feel like you were there. I liked Rebecca and felt for her, she is conflicted with her feelings with the newness of her situation as well as the teenage issues in her school. Would pick up the next book.
March 26, 2024
This book has been on my tbr for YEARS (like 10 years!) and I only now just got around to reading it!
The book itself was a pretty fast-paced, entertaining read, albeit intended for a much younger audience—and it did help me get out of a reading slump! Overall, a solid 3 stars :)
The book itself was a pretty fast-paced, entertaining read, albeit intended for a much younger audience—and it did help me get out of a reading slump! Overall, a solid 3 stars :)
October 4, 2011
If you're a reader that's looking for a teeth grinding, heart pounding, sleep with the lights on ghost story, read no further. You will likely be disappointed by Paula Morris' freshman effort, Ruined. Not that Ruined is a poor book - - far from it. But it's more like a ghost story with less calories and a lighter taste.
Ruined is aimed for the Young Adult audience but it's perfectly acceptable as an adult read as well. This adult enjoyed it thoroughly from page one. And while it's marketed as a ghost story, and there is indeed a central character that is a ghost, there is far more to it than that. It's also the story of a displaced girl, a high school hierarchy and New Orleans history.
The New Orleans history was one of my favorite parts of the book. I could easily see the grand old plantation homes with their stately pillars and expansive grounds, as well as the bustling and colorful streets of the Quarter. The very best scene in the book, in my opinion, involved the ghostly Lisette walking Rebecca through New Orleans and the many ghosts wandering around the city, elbow to elbow with the living. It was a colorfully well written passage, alternating between those lost souls who either didn't realize they were no longer living or were waiting to avenge their deaths and the living who inexplicably bumped into something that wasn't there or got a cold chill. It definitely makes you wonder about that other realm, particularly in old cities like New Orleans with so much history. And voodoo.
Voodoo plays a part in Ruined but not a huge one and readers who object to the magical or dark arts shouldn't take serious issue with Ruined. By the same token, there is no objectionable language and no sexual scenes. The violence is kept to a minimum with descriptions of the appearances of ghosts as Rebecca sees them - - they appear as they did at the time of their deaths, with the cause of their deaths at times very apparent.
I wouldn't say that Ruined is a dark book, maybe a little bit shaded and young readers could find certain sections to be a little much for them.
Rebecca is a good heroine; despite being new to the area she seems fairly secure in herself and doesn't seem to be looking for acceptance by the "cool crowd" at school. While she doesn't have a somewhat typical teen attitude, she does sneak out of the house at night which is probably her most serious fault.
I found Ruined to be a read that I lost myself in for a couple of days and was happy to do so. I look forward to author Paula Morris' future efforts.
On a shallow note, the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
Ruined is an entertaining story that will make you think, at least a little, and will certainly make you appreciate the glorious history of New Orleans.
Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net
Ruined is aimed for the Young Adult audience but it's perfectly acceptable as an adult read as well. This adult enjoyed it thoroughly from page one. And while it's marketed as a ghost story, and there is indeed a central character that is a ghost, there is far more to it than that. It's also the story of a displaced girl, a high school hierarchy and New Orleans history.
The New Orleans history was one of my favorite parts of the book. I could easily see the grand old plantation homes with their stately pillars and expansive grounds, as well as the bustling and colorful streets of the Quarter. The very best scene in the book, in my opinion, involved the ghostly Lisette walking Rebecca through New Orleans and the many ghosts wandering around the city, elbow to elbow with the living. It was a colorfully well written passage, alternating between those lost souls who either didn't realize they were no longer living or were waiting to avenge their deaths and the living who inexplicably bumped into something that wasn't there or got a cold chill. It definitely makes you wonder about that other realm, particularly in old cities like New Orleans with so much history. And voodoo.
Voodoo plays a part in Ruined but not a huge one and readers who object to the magical or dark arts shouldn't take serious issue with Ruined. By the same token, there is no objectionable language and no sexual scenes. The violence is kept to a minimum with descriptions of the appearances of ghosts as Rebecca sees them - - they appear as they did at the time of their deaths, with the cause of their deaths at times very apparent.
I wouldn't say that Ruined is a dark book, maybe a little bit shaded and young readers could find certain sections to be a little much for them.
Rebecca is a good heroine; despite being new to the area she seems fairly secure in herself and doesn't seem to be looking for acceptance by the "cool crowd" at school. While she doesn't have a somewhat typical teen attitude, she does sneak out of the house at night which is probably her most serious fault.
I found Ruined to be a read that I lost myself in for a couple of days and was happy to do so. I look forward to author Paula Morris' future efforts.
On a shallow note, the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
Ruined is an entertaining story that will make you think, at least a little, and will certainly make you appreciate the glorious history of New Orleans.
Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net
November 30, 2009
My thoughts...This book can best be described as flavorful. The reader gets tastes of New Orleans history, Mardi Gras excitement, Haitian magic and an old-fashioned ghost story. The main character Rebecca is thrown into post-Katrina New Orleans in a house with a view of the famous Lafayette Cemetery. Curiosity gets the better of her and she finds herself face to face with a real ghost. Her aunt believe in old magic and voo-doo. She gives Rececca several warnings to stay out of the cemetery and out of the way of some of the local kids, but of course, they fall on deaf ears. Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an 150 year old curse.
Ruined was very well written. The characters were interesting and like-able. The plot was fast-moving and very interesting. The history of Mardi Gras created a great background for the story. I actually found it fascinating. There must have been tons of research done to complete this novel. There were several themes included in the story including racism. Many of scenes described old New Orleans, an area which is rich in history-good and bad. The ending was a bit predictable, but there was quite a bit of foreshadowing in the form of visions that gave clues. It was very well written and kept me turning pages until the end.
As for cons, I really can't think of any. It wasn't very scary, but I didn't open this book expecting to be frightened. I would recommend this book to kids 12 and up as well as adults. It was very enjoyable.
Ruined was very well written. The characters were interesting and like-able. The plot was fast-moving and very interesting. The history of Mardi Gras created a great background for the story. I actually found it fascinating. There must have been tons of research done to complete this novel. There were several themes included in the story including racism. Many of scenes described old New Orleans, an area which is rich in history-good and bad. The ending was a bit predictable, but there was quite a bit of foreshadowing in the form of visions that gave clues. It was very well written and kept me turning pages until the end.
As for cons, I really can't think of any. It wasn't very scary, but I didn't open this book expecting to be frightened. I would recommend this book to kids 12 and up as well as adults. It was very enjoyable.
January 17, 2013
Why do these things happen? Another bunch of trees wasted just to publish this atrocity.
First things first. What makes up a good story? Good characters. Riiiight?? Someone you can relate to, someone that you admire, someone that you vouch for throughout the book. Epic. Fail!
Rebecca was a snooty little brat that I can't believe got the main lead. Seriously. "OMG I am so better than everyone. I'm cool, and I don't need any friends." And then she wonders why nobody likes her. She didn't even know the "snotty prep girls", and when they tried to talk to her she just wrote them off as bitches and talked crap to them. What. The. Fiddlesticks! And then when Anton payed attention to her, she's all "of course he would!" as if she were the best and RAWR!!!! She just got on my nerves. She had no humility, and was very unlovable most of the time.
The plot was eh. Which, in a story, means its a bunch of shiii- crap. A plot is something like a rock. It's there, and you can always rely on it. Unfortunately, this one was all over the place. It changed personalities often, and in truth got pretty lame. Can't believe I wasted my time with this one.
First things first. What makes up a good story? Good characters. Riiiight?? Someone you can relate to, someone that you admire, someone that you vouch for throughout the book. Epic. Fail!
Rebecca was a snooty little brat that I can't believe got the main lead. Seriously. "OMG I am so better than everyone. I'm cool, and I don't need any friends." And then she wonders why nobody likes her. She didn't even know the "snotty prep girls", and when they tried to talk to her she just wrote them off as bitches and talked crap to them. What. The. Fiddlesticks! And then when Anton payed attention to her, she's all "of course he would!" as if she were the best and RAWR!!!! She just got on my nerves. She had no humility, and was very unlovable most of the time.
The plot was eh. Which, in a story, means its a bunch of shiii- crap. A plot is something like a rock. It's there, and you can always rely on it. Unfortunately, this one was all over the place. It changed personalities often, and in truth got pretty lame. Can't believe I wasted my time with this one.
Read
June 29, 2011Ruined is my very first read by Paula Morris. I was thrilled that it finally came in at the library so I could read it.
The characters are pretty likeable. Of course, there are some you just love to hate anyways. The main character, Rebecca, was pretty likeable. She wants to fit in at her new home and new school, but she really doesn’t seem to care when she doesn’t. I really didn’t see much of a connection between Rebecca and Anton, unfortunately. There’s definitely not a lot of romance in this book, and I found myself wanting more. I think Anton would have been an easy character to like, if we had seen him more, and knew more about him. The only other character I really liked in the book was Rebecca’s ghost friend, Lisette. The other characters were just so-so for me.
I thought this book was an interesting take on the ghost story genre. The back story on the characters and the history of New Orleans was interesting. The plot was simple and the writing style was easy to follow. The place was a little slow in some areas.
Overall, this was a really interesting read.
The characters are pretty likeable. Of course, there are some you just love to hate anyways. The main character, Rebecca, was pretty likeable. She wants to fit in at her new home and new school, but she really doesn’t seem to care when she doesn’t. I really didn’t see much of a connection between Rebecca and Anton, unfortunately. There’s definitely not a lot of romance in this book, and I found myself wanting more. I think Anton would have been an easy character to like, if we had seen him more, and knew more about him. The only other character I really liked in the book was Rebecca’s ghost friend, Lisette. The other characters were just so-so for me.
I thought this book was an interesting take on the ghost story genre. The back story on the characters and the history of New Orleans was interesting. The plot was simple and the writing style was easy to follow. The place was a little slow in some areas.
Overall, this was a really interesting read.
July 9, 2011
Loved this book! I loved the way the author used the old legends of New Orleans and mixed it in with modern day. I've always been interested in the subcultures of New Orleans. It's city with such history and this book played on that. So much history is immersed in the story.
The characters were intriguing, especially Anton who I really couldn't figure out the whole book. As for our lead Rebecca, I was constantly trying to figure out the connection between her and the "old blood" families of New Orleans. The book always managed to stay one step ahead of me, giving me just enough to satisfy but also to question.
The ending came a little fast, but I couldn't stop reading it. It had me turning page after page trying to solve this mystery.
The characters were intriguing, especially Anton who I really couldn't figure out the whole book. As for our lead Rebecca, I was constantly trying to figure out the connection between her and the "old blood" families of New Orleans. The book always managed to stay one step ahead of me, giving me just enough to satisfy but also to question.
The ending came a little fast, but I couldn't stop reading it. It had me turning page after page trying to solve this mystery.
October 23, 2016
This book was a lot more interesting than I thought it would be. Ghosts and other paranormal-y things can often be cheesy but I think it was done really well! I liked her writing style and I liked the different characters!
Even though I liked it, it took me awhile to get through and I don't really know why, but it made me enjoy it less. And I also feel like the ending was sort of random and abrupt and wasn't really explained. So the book as a whole was just alright in my opinion.
(This is such a lame review. Whoops.)
Even though I liked it, it took me awhile to get through and I don't really know why, but it made me enjoy it less. And I also feel like the ending was sort of random and abrupt and wasn't really explained. So the book as a whole was just alright in my opinion.
(This is such a lame review. Whoops.)
May 1, 2015
This was one of those books that reminded me that I'm actually not in the age group that teen books are targeted to.
November 7, 2017
1. I hate myself.
2. I hate my teaching group.
3. Awfully boring YA book.
Mini RTC.
2. I hate my teaching group.
3. Awfully boring YA book.
Mini RTC.
September 30, 2020
The beginning is a bit boring but the ending... THE ENDING WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!
November 18, 2019
I've had this book on my To Read list for a while and finally got around to it. Unfortunately, it wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped it would be. This book took me over a month to finish. I really should've DNF'd it since I put it down for several weeks and didn't have a want to pick it back up. I was on my last renewal of this book with my library, and decided to finish it up since I had less than 100 pages to go.
I feel like the story did progress quite a bit towards the end, but it wasn't enough to push the level of enjoyment up for me. The twist at the end wasn't really surprising to me and I disliked the reasoning for a lot of the secrecy and actions that were taken. I was surprised to discover this is the first book in a duology, as I feel like the story is contained in this installment. That being said, I will not be reading the second book, though I may try another book by this author in the future.
I feel like the story did progress quite a bit towards the end, but it wasn't enough to push the level of enjoyment up for me. The twist at the end wasn't really surprising to me and I disliked the reasoning for a lot of the secrecy and actions that were taken. I was surprised to discover this is the first book in a duology, as I feel like the story is contained in this installment. That being said, I will not be reading the second book, though I may try another book by this author in the future.
May 20, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. The sense of place was wonderful, the characters interesting and the storyline a bit on the tragic side but still fun. However, I found the ending a little bit too surreal and the main character of the story making some stupid decisions. Granted she's young and there is always the peer pressure and clicks thing going on, but still. She seemed level-headed throughout other actions. I dunno.
Minus this last bit I very much enjoyed it.
Minus this last bit I very much enjoyed it.
April 8, 2022
It was very good I loved the book very good
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