I devoured Road to Ruin. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a quick paced speculative fiction adult read. My latest obsession! Keep reading this book review of Road to Ruin for my full thoughts.
Summary
Jin-Lu has the most dangerous job in the wasteland. She’s a magebike courier, one of the few who venture outside the domed cities on motorcycles powered by magic. Every day, she braves the wasteland’s dangers—deadly storms, roving marauders, and territorial beasts—to deliver her wares.
Her most valuable cargo? A prince’s love letters addressed to Yi-Nereen, a princess desperate to escape the clutches of her abusive family and soon-to-be husband. Jin, desperately in love with both her and the prince, can’t refuse Yi-Nereen’s plea for help. The two of them flee across the wastes, pursued by Yi-Nereen’s furious father, her scheming betrothed, and a bounty hunter with mysterious powers.
A storm to end all storms is brewing and dark secrets about the heritability of magic are coming to light. Jin’s heart has led her into peril before, but this time she may not find her way back.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I fell in love with Road to Ruin before I even finished chapter one. It delivers neurodivergent, queer, Mad Max dystopia ‘burn the world down’ vibes. Full of kingdoms brimming with misogyny, the world is compelling and quick to captivate. There’s this world of Talented and Talentless, desert storms, and mad dashes. But I think what charmed me the most were the characters. We get to see through their eyes as they expose their vulnerabilities, naivety, and mistakes.
Full of letters, which not only allow us to get to know Yi-Nereen and Kadrin – and the scope of their relationship – but we also get to see their relationships with Jin. To see them all getting to know each other, the quiet moments and mistakes they’ve witnessed. With our wry and secretive courier who is hiding mistakes and regrets, we have our ambitious princess determined to save the world. And of course our soft boy prince who believes a bit too much in the goodness of others.
Road to Ruin balances fast paced action, a fascinating world, and characters who will rip your heartstrings out. I was utterly swept away. How will they survive these storms and lives where we are used for our talents, trapped in our rules? But that ending? Hana Lee better watch out I need more!
Book Links
About the Author
Hana Lee is a biracial Korean American writer who also builds software for a living. She has an undying love for fantastical stories in all their forms, especially video games, and a habit of writing to moody indie rock playlists. Her short writing has appeared in Fantasy Magazine and Uncanny Magazine. She lives in California with her partner and two beloved cats.
Author Links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25068544.Hana_Lee
Website: https://www.authorhanalee.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k_hana_lee/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_Hana_Lee
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