Queen of Ruin by Tracy Banghart

Book two in the duology

Publisher : Little, Brown Books

Publication date : July 2^nd, 2019

Source : Hardcover Fairy Loot edition

Rating : 5 hearts

Synopsis

A fierce sequel full of sisterhood, heart pounding action, betrayal, and intrigue in the royal court in a series that “breathes new life into the feminist story of oppression and resistance” (Publisher’s Weekly).

Banished by Asa at the end of Grace and Fury, Nomi and Malachi find themselves powerless and headed towards their all-but-certain deaths. Now that Asa sits on the throne, he will stop at nothing to make sure Malachi never sets foot in the palace again. Their only hope is to find Nomi’s sister, Serina, on the prison island of Mount Ruin. But when Nomi and Malachi arrive, it is not the island of conquered, broken women that they expected. It is an island in the grip of revolution, and Serina–polite, submissive Serina–is its leader.

Betrayal, grief, and violence have changed both sisters, and the women of Mount Ruin have their sights set on revenge beyond the confines of their island prison. They plan to sweep across the entire kingdom, issuing in a new age of freedom for all. But first they’ll have to get rid of Asa, and only Nomi knows how.

Separated once again, this time by choice, Nomi and Serina must forge their own paths as they aim to tear down the world they know, and build something better in its place.

The stakes are higher and the battles bolder in Tracy Banghart’s unputdownable sequel to Grace and Fury.

Review

Nomi and Malachi were sent into exile on the women’s island. They will find Serina who has taken over the island and will help Malachi to regain his crown.

Nomi and Malachi land on the island and are rescued by Serina, it all starts like that and as much to tell you that a lot of things will happen afterwards.

I loved the story, Nomi is my favorite character even if I admit that at times she annoyed me by not knowing what to do with Malachi. I understand that she may not trust herself, but sometimes you have to forgive yourself.

Serina is the most evolved sister, she has gone from the young girl ready to marry without love and live on a man’s hook, to the ruthless young warrior who will do everything to save her family and friends.

I really enjoyed everything in this book, whether it was the reunion between the two sisters, the tensions within the group or even the trust that is being built between everyone.

Romances are in the background but they are no less important. Nomi and Malachi’s is the most complex, probably due to the fact that he is the future sovereign and that Nomi has difficulty forgiving himself for betraying him. Yet he makes a lot of effort to prove to her that he cares about her despite everything. He is ready to change the world by his side.

That Serina and Val is very nice too, we suspected it since the first book but it comes slowly and I really liked this romance.

Like the first book, I loved this sequel, the girl power is present and there are also men like we would like to see more. And the ending is just perfect.

Quick Word: A story with heroines that command respect.

Chronique

Nomi et Malachi ont été envoyés en exil sur l’ile des femmes. Ils vont retrouver Serina qui a pris la tête de l’ile et qui va aider Malachi a reprendre sa couronne.

Nomi et Malachi débarque sur l’ile et sont sauver par Serina, tout commence ainsi et autant vous dire qu’il va se passer beaucoup de choses après.

J’ai adoré l’histoire, Nomi est mon personnage préféré même si j’avoue que par moment elle m’a agacée à ne pas savoir quoi faire avec Malachi. Je comprends qu’elle puisse ne pas faire confiance mais parfois il faut savoir se pardonner.

Serina est la sœur qui a le plus évoluée, elle est passé de la jeune fille prête à se marier sans amour et à vivre au crochet d’un homme, à la jeune guerrière impitoyable qui fera tout pour sauver sa famille et ses amis.

J’ai vraiment tout aimé dans ce livre, que ce soit les retrouvailles entre les deux sœurs, les tensions au sein du groupe ou même la confiance qui s’instaure entre tout le monde.

Les romances sont au second plan mais elles n’en sont pas moins importante. Celle de Nomi et Malachi est la plus complexe, probablement dû au fait qu’il est le futur souverain et que Nomi à du mal à se pardonner le fait de l’avoir trahi. Pourtant il fait beaucoup d’efforts pour lui prouver qu’il tient à elle malgré tout. Il est prêt à changer le monde à ses côtés.

Celle Serina et Val est très sympa aussi, on s’en doutait depuis le premier livre mais elle vient doucement et j’ai beaucoup aimé cette romance.

Comme le premier livre, j’ai adoré cette suite, le girl power est présent et il y a aussi des hommes comme on aimerait en voir plus. Et la fin est juste parfaite.

En bref : Une histoire avec des héroïnes qui forcent le respect.

About the author

Tracy 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, son, cat, and sweet pupper Scrabble.

Links

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40517898-queen-of-ruin?from_search=true

Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Ruin-Grace-Tracy-Banghart/dp/0316471453