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Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goes unheeded.
But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat between them leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bind them in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayal neither could survive.
Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerful Healer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows and fused in fire.
wicked-romance
Posted September 22, 2012
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What a unique and deep world Ms. Baker has created in Ruined. I'm jealous I didn't think of it myself. This is a worthy read on many levels. The Well of Souls holds the power of the people and Vale has to watch his brother's life extinguish and the mantel of power fall solely on his shoulders. Jessa is the King's healer and too great a temptation for for the new king. The odds are against the two who struggle to understand their feelings for each other. This is a must read for those with a love of romance.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.karyrader
Posted May 20, 2012
A couple of months ago I saw this gorgeous cover and knew I had to read the book. For those who don't know me, I love fantasy and medieval so this book was right in my wheelhouse.
I was hooked by the first chapter. The world Ms. Baker creates is well-drawn and magical. The Shadow Shifter race is complex enough to build credibility but easy enough for the reader to quickly grasp. Traveling through any shadows, the people can transcend space and time and move from place to place.
IN this world various people are gifted with one of the four spiritual gifts, which gives them supernatural ability in thier area of expertise--Warrior, Healer, Seer, and Sensitive. And in rare cases people are gifted with more than one.
When the story begins we find out Zander, the king is dead and Valerian, his Warrior brother must reluctantly take the throne.
Whenever someone dies, their death must be confirmed by the Senior Healer in the Well of Souls. Enter Jessalyn, Senior Healer and best friend of the decesed king.
While everyone in the kingdom assumes Jessa is the dead king's mistress, it is Valerian (Vale) she is drawn to. Unfortunately, he also belives kingdom gossip despite his strong attraction to the beautiful healer.
And to further complicate matters, the king is never allowed to marry a healer. The deck is stacked against the couple from the onset.
I loved this story. The characters were rich and real. The world well-formed and believeable. The villains were not just story ornaments but had true motivation and depth. And the best part was the chemistry between Jessa and Vale and their growing love for one another. The romantic tension and heat these two generated rocked their world (and mine). I would recommend this delightfully plotted, well-written story to anyone who loves otherworld fantasy with dark villains and magical elements.
Anonymous
Posted January 11, 2012
This book is soooo awsome!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LynnRush
Posted October 26, 2011
Wow. Great read. I fell in love with these characters. I just couldn't put down the book. I had to know what happened next and I love that. Though I lost some valuable sleep it was worth it!!
The passion and intense emotion was captivating. Kinley Baker wove a deep, complex tale that kept me engrossed from start to finish. Well done!!
Jessa has had her named besmirched all because she's a healer. Everyone in her village thinks she has given herself to Vale's brother, King Zander. She's tarnished, wanton, used. When Zander goes missing, she's called to confirm whether she can feel his life force even as it ebbs away. She can't save him if she can't touch him. Though her heart breaks with the loss of her friend, now she'll be forced into the service of his brother, Vale. Vale believes the rumors, that Jessa uses sexual healing and has willingly given herself to his brother, Zander, and it burns into his soul. When he's forced into the Kingship, he stubs the young healer, thinking to replace her, but no one has her talent. When she saves his life, he realizes his mistake. Slowly, as he spends time with the healer, she reveals her secrets, and Vale comes to realize, he must have her for his own... and it is forbidden. A race from a distant place crosses into their realm, hoping to find a home, but what they find is a woman, beaten and battered, something intolerable in their society. Instead, they find themselves forced into war not of their own making and just when King Vale's kingdom finds itself in near shambles. Ruined by Kinley Baker is a fast, fun read with twists and turns, and there's not only a tortured hero, but a tortured heroine, each made for the other. Their people have learned to use the shadows, gifted. When Zander goes missing, Vale is forced to take his place, bringing Jessa and the rebel King together. Vale and Jessa are like coal and flame, and it takes but a spark to ignite their fire. But, even as they consummate their relationship, Vale discovers they can never be married, he must choose another. Though it goes against everything in his soul, he's forced to ask another to be his wife, someone he doesn't want and can't ever love, someone who is already in love with someone else. Crushed beyond reasoning, Jessa agrees to stay, but another problem arises, one she can't share with her lover, Vale, because he has vowed to marry another. Jessa has to make plans to escape his castle, and if she must, their kingdom. To watch Vale with another woman is beyond her capacity. When she recognizes that Vale's intended is pregnant, she knows the time to leave has come. There is evil brewing in the realm, ready to take Vale's place, and this evil is like nothing the realm has seen. Can Jessa live without the one person who stirs her blood? Can Vale understand that Jessa can't share his bed while he beds another? What will become of the love Jessa and Vale share? Ruined is a great read, from the first pages of the book, I was rooting for the love shared between Jessa and Vale, even before he can understand and acknowledge their love. Jessa is an innocent wrongly accused. Vale is the misunderstood brother of the King, hoping to never have to fulfill his obligation. When these two come together, they share more than love, the ancients brand them, one for the other, a perfect match. Both choose to ignore this branding as law forbids Vale to marry any healer. Ruined is a story of lost love and hope, a love story that ignites the pages. It takes Jessa's disappearance for Vale to realize he can't live without her. Evil is brewing in their kingdom, waiting to take Vale's life and his kingdom. Ruined captured my heart as the two young lovers struggle to be together. Paranormal romance lovers and historical lovers should give this one a try. I'm glad I did. 5 fairy kisses!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 8, 2012
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Posted December 3, 2012
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Overview
Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed, he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or lose his family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to use murder as a weapon if their directive to stay ...