Allied – Amy Tintera – Ruined #3 – Harper Teen – Published 1 May 2018

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Synopsis

Emelina Flores and her sister, Olivia, were determined to bring peace to the people of Ruina. But as the war for liberation raged on, what triumph and freedom meant to Em and Olivia slowly changed. As Olivia’s violence and thirst for vengeance became her only ambition, Em was left to pick up the pieces.

But it’s not only Em who is upset by Olivia’s increased violence. Other members of the Ruined army are beginning to see the cracks, and soon a small group of them defects from Olivia’s army and joins Em instead. The two sisters are soon pitted against each other in an epic battle for the kingdom and the future, and only one will win.

My thoughts

Allied is, sadly, the third and last book in Amy Tintera’s Ruined series. This fabulous fantasy comes to a satisfying end with plenty of action, romance and intrigue.

Em and Cas have faced many challenges in their efforts to bring peace to Lera. But Em’s sister, Olivia, will not stop in her quest to bring down revenge on those she sees as responsible for the plight of the Ruined. Em must once again choose between her future with Cas and deserting her sister. As enemies march on Lera, Em and her allies will have to draw upon all their resources to fight for the peace they so want.

I have adored reading the Ruined series. I have loved the mix of epic fantasy, politics, intrigue, friendship and romance. It was all too easy to fall back into Em and Cas’ world. After the chaos of the second book, Allied seemed slightly less tension-fraught. There is still plenty of action, great battles and heroic rescues, but there are also plenty of small (and equally important) moments – shared understanding, growing friendship and rebuilding.

There are a number of romantic storylines in this series and Allied brings them all back together. And yes, fans of the series will be happy to know there are a few happy endings.

The Ruined series always reminds me just how much I enjoy fantasy when it is written in such an engaging way. Allied is the perfect conclusion to this amazing series, and while I am sad to say goodbye to these characters, I have enjoyed their journey.

More information

Category: Young adult fiction.

Genre: Fantasy.

Themes: Friendship, royalty, revenge, magical powers, governance, sisters, romance, LGBT.

Reading age guide: Ages 13 and up.

Advisory: Violence – murder, death and injury, blood, magical fighting. Sexual references and implied sex scenes and sexual relationships – no details.

Published:  1 May 2018 by Harper Teen.

Format: Hardcover, paperback, ebook. 416 pages.

ISBN: 9780062396662

Find it on Goodreads