Review: Original New Adult Paranormal!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 10, 2014
Okay, if you’ve read my blog for any amount of time you’ve probably noticed a theme when it comes to my reviews. I only post reviews of books I like. First, because—big surprise—I like them and think you might like them too. And second, because I don’t like posting bad reviews. I know how much work goes into writing a book and how personal an author’s work becomes. I don’t want to write a review, which are always subjective, that may be considered negative. After all, what I don’t like, you may and vice versa.  I mean, I remember when Pulp Fiction (the movie…remember that one?) came out and the critics fell all over it. They thought it was the best thing since the invention of the wheel. Me? I turned it off after twenty minutes. I didn’t see the appeal. To each his or her own. So there. That’s why all my reviews are positive.  The negative reviews I file away in my secret little drawer called the shredder.So, that being said (or typed as the case may be), you won’t be surprised by my next sentence. I LOVED “Ruined” by Jus Accardo. I could end my review right now because, really, enough said. The book is that good. It doesn’t need a review. It stands on its own.“Ruined” was one of the most original, creative pieces I’ve read relating to demons in, well, ever. In fact, it’s probably one of the most creative stories I’ve read in months. I loved the whole Cain and Abel angle. The “demon within” and fratricide thing. It was so very new and exciting. I read the book in a day and still wanted more.This was the first book of Accardo’s that I’ve read. It’s always a crap shoot when you pick up a new author’s work. You never know what you’re going to get (yeah, I thought about making that whole “life’s like a box of chocolates” joke. I barely restrained myself. Mainly because I’d really like some chocolate right now.) But I was really surprised by “Ruined.” Accardo’s work is not only original, but well thought out, has great pacing and well-defined and likable characters. And writing style that most readers will appreciate. What more can a reader ask for?Oh, I’ll answer my own question…Jax. More Jax, puhleese! Yeah, he’s part demon, but he’s all kinds of swoony-male-hotness. Just the kind of brooding bad boy that makes for great male characters. But the thing about this bad boy? He’s not all bad. Even if he thinks he is. And that just makes him all the more swoon-worthy. Yeah…Jax. Sigh.But the good characters might start with Jax, but they don’t stop there. “Ruined” is filled with them. Jax is the evil twin, so of course there is a “good twin.” Enter Chase. He seems to have life wrapped up and tied with a golden bow, but things aren’t all that they seem. Then there’s Samantha, the jilted ex. She’s a great female lead. She’s not perfect. She has her own set of problems to deal with. She’s relatable and likable. She makes the perfect second half of Jax’s character.  “Ruined” also had a well-rounded cast of secondary characters that I found added a lot to the story, instead of being storyboard cut-outs.Bottom Line: Jus Accardo hit a home run with “Ruined.” She’s written a great story that’s entertaining and has a cast of great, well-rounded characters. But it’s also a story about familial ties, forgiving yourself, trusting others, and learning to believe in yourself. Layers, layers, layers. It’s more than just a paranormal romance. There’s substance between the lines of “Ruined” if you look for it. And that’s what’s going to make me search out more of Accardo’s work!