thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 ★
'Something is wrong on this island, with this family.'

this was so good.

and im going to be completely honest and admit that i did not expect to like this very much at all.

but this story really just scratched an itch in my heart. i loved it.

- the twisted, ambitious, messy family that were the Prospers. i hated and loved every one of them. i have a thing for messed up, rich, power-hungry families, and their dynamic was just fascinating.
'All these wretched Prospers were so wretchedly beautiful.'

- the writing was absolutely lovely. it was lyrical, compelling, and flowed flawlessly- really brought the book to life

- the setting was probably my favorite. it was a historical fantasy set in the 1920's, on this small, mysterious, magical island filled with aether and spirits. it was dark and glittery and sinful and ugh i just loved the atmosphere.

- if you're a fan of chaos, betrayals, scheming, twisted secrets, and revenge, pick this up.

- the fast-paced plot, how there was never a dull moment, the way it all took place in just one day. it fits the story so well. as the book progresses, you can tell the title's becoming true- there's a delicious build-up to this bright, corrupt, lavish party where tragedy and disaster are becoming increasingly imminent.

the ending was so well done. i never would've predicted it and its an understatment to say it left me shocked. and hurt. that was cruel, ms. cohoe. i applaud you.

overall, i loved how refreshing and captivating this story was, and despite the couple chapters it took for me to warm up to the characters, i ended up completely enraptured, and would definitely recommend this.

what a wonderful book to start the new year with.

I absolutely loved this book and read the last 80% in literally one sitting! The setting and characters were so cool and exciting! Not to mention the world building!! It was incredible! The island was so whimsy and fascinating, along with the magic found on it. Learning the secrets of the island and its spirits had me on the edge of my seat.

I really enjoyed the characters a lot, especially Mae because her growth was really well done. The Prosper family was so mysterious and at times chaotic, you never knew who was to be trusted!

It was a super quick read, despite having a fairly complex world with lots of twists and turns. It was a mystery to its core so you never really knew what was going on until the very end, which made it super exciting and engaging!

But the ending though?! I need to know more! What happens next, I need to know!!

Overall, I completely and totally recommend this ya fantasy/mystery! It was a dark kind of whimsical that keeps you on your toes!

A YA Fantasy retelling of The Tempest that I like a whole better than Shakespeare's play. I feel like this would be a good book to get teens interested in Shakespeare or at the very least give The Tempest a shot.

Loosely inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe follows the story of Mae, an inhabitant of the island controlled by the Prosper family. While magic is integral to the Prosper family and way of life, Mae has only ever been on the outskirts of it. Desperate for approval and access to magic of her own, Mae embarks on a journey of twists and turns that has her questioning what she truly wants, who she truly loves, and whether things are ever really as they seem.

This story drips with glamour, deceit, and betrayal, and I loved every moment of it. While the story revolves around Mae (known as “Mousey Mae” by the less-than-likeable characters), the drama stems directly from the Prosper family. In a way, the members of the Prosper family remind me of the characters in Clue: each one has their own distinct personality (womanizing drunk, elitist attention-seeker, vengeful bastard, darling wild child), but each has a reason to be considered a “villain.” There is no “perfect” good character here.

I loved that this story kept me on my toes with its constant twisting and turning of events. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Cohoe would reveal another betrayal or another family secret. This story also makes fantastic use of the epilogue. Throughout the story, readers see Mae begin to grow out of her “people-pleaser” shell, but we don’t really get to see her blossom into herself within the actual story. The epilogue, however, provided all of the closure I needed there. It’s one of the few books I’ve read where the epilogue adds something to the main story itself rather than just wrapping up loose ends.

One thing I had a hard time believing in the story was the romantic interest elements. I didn’t feel like there were enough interactions between Mae and the love interest to show how their personalities meshed well beyond references to how they’d been friends in the past. That being said, I still enjoyed that particular storyline.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy, the roaring twenties, and schemes of the incredibly wealthy. If you enjoyed the drama and intrigue of Anna Godbersen’s Bright Young Things, this story is one you should pick up as well.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

As a fan of the Tempest and The Great Gatsby, the synopsis of Bright Ruined Things intrigued me, as Cohoe appeared to blend the two and add a dash of mystery to boot. This is a wildly entertaining and imaginative ride through these influences.

The setting is at once this decadent Gatsby style island, a seat of privilege and power, while also being this darker Gothic style centre of death and destruction. That duality is at the centre of the book, as the overall struggle is essentially between temptation and redemption. Power rules everything, shown here through the use of magic. Unsurprisingly this magic has a darker side, kickstarting a series of mysterious events and deaths that Mae must follow along. The story here transforms into an intimate character study as we unpick the complex dynamics of this twisted, corrupt family. Everyone here has something to hide and their own desires intertwined with their motivations, leading to a suspenseful and intriguing atmosphere.

Mae was an interesting protagonist. She has quite literally lived a sheltered life on this island, cocooned in this complex dynamic and family power struggle. At the start of the story, she is so naive and trusting. However, she sees everything that occurs, giving readers some fascinating pieces of the larger picture. That naivety and innocence fades as events unfold, but I liked how her spirit remained hopeful to the very end of the book. While she is fundamentally changed by these events, she still just wants to belong. It is that very pursuit of magic and its accompanying power that may lead to her downfall though. I loved how Cohoe kept this ethical discussion going throughout, culminating in an ambiguous ending with just a touch of romance and optimism.

Bright Ruined Things is a wonderful reimagining of a classic tale, drawing from many literary influences to create a cohesive and original tale.

This is a pretty fast paced story that only took me a few hours to get through, and while it kept me interested enough to want to see what was going to happen next, and how everything was going to come together.. Out of all the characters the only that I really like was Ivo. I really wanted more of him, and to see what could happen between him and Mae... If she wasn't besotted with Miles.. The magic system was very interesting, and i really loved the setting of the island.

he whole Prospero family seemed only to have use for Mae when they need her for a specific reason. She wasn't really a servant or part of the family, but she did what ever she could to keep them happy with her for fear they would ship her off the island. The only home she has ever known.
In the beginning of the story Mae is definitely more of a doormat to the Prospero family, but towards the middle she really starts to realize where she falls in the family and starts to begin standing up for herself and questioning everyones motives. However this leads her to make some very hasty assumptions and decisions that end up making her act like a jerk. Thankfully towards the end she comes to her senses and realizes what a horrible mistake she almost made.
I really liked the way it ended, once the action started it was nonstop until we hit the finish line. Mae really finds herself and that she doesn't need the Prospero's to survive, she can and does land on her feet and can take care of herself... and with the way it ended I can still have some hope that a certain someone actually survived the destruction that Mae and a few others left behind.

**Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changed my opinion**

I read Samantha Cohoe's debut novel and enjoyed it, so when I was offered this one I was excited to read it. I think once again she shows that she's a strong writer and very good at writing intriguing female protagonists. While I think Bright Ruined Things is a stronger book overall than A Golden Fury, I think I have a similar issue with this as I did the other, which was once again the Romance aspect. Cohoe is great at giving me a romantic interest I love but that the protagonist has zero interest in.

I know this is loosely a retelling of the Tempest. I have read quite a bit of Shakespeare, but that one isn't as familiar to me. So, I watched a summary of it to get the general understanding. With that in mind, I don't think every character has a direct counterpart to the source material. My understanding is that Mae is meant to be the Miranda character, but there are times she seems to take on parts of Caliban's storyline, which was interesting to see. I would agree with Chloe Gong's blurb that Cohoe has taken the themes of the Tempest and reworked them instead of going in expecting a direct retelling set in a different time period.

Which brings me to the love interests because I still do not understand the appeal of Miles. Mae has lived on this island for her whole life. She is known to be sheltered. I don't understand why Miles holds ANY appeal for her other than he's pretty, I guess? He's so hot and cold with her and she keeps telling me that she realizes he doesn't care for her as much as she does him, but she still wants him even though there is nothing there? I don't understand unrequited pining. I would much rather be with someone who wants me than pine for someone who never will, so if you like that trope, this part might be up your alley but it wasn't for me. I was much more interested in what was going on with Ivo and that kept getting sidelined for Miles. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get more of Ivo than we did, despite him being a pretty influential secondary character..

The other grandchildren were...fine. I don't really see the appeal of Coco, either, if I'm honest. She's not a great friend and she's just kind of there. I didn't feel a deep enough connection between her and Mae to feel much of anything as the story went on with them. Apollonia and Alasdair were both the "spoiled, rich cousin" and while one gets more depth (sort of) at the end, the strengths of this book are really the protagonist, the secondary character of Ivo, and the character who turns out to be the villain. The cousins are all kind of cardboard cut-outs who didn't have much depth or development.

The Fantasy elements were great and the reason I got hooked so quickly. You can see Mae's struggle between want for a place in her home and for magic and doing what's right when it comes down to it. The way Cohoe gradually makes clear what's going on kept me at the edge of my seat and wanting to know what happened next. So while I thought the Romance wasn't my favorite and the cousin characters weren't necessary, I think the aspects that were done well were done exceptionally well and would recommend picking this up when it releases in February. Cohoe's Fantasy skills are strongly on display here, as they were in A Golden Fury. I would continue to read her books.

4/5 stars

this took a lot to get into and overall just wasn't my vibe especially since I am a mood reader but I feel like if you are in the mood for it its great

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books.

I love Shakespeare. I do not love The Tempest. When I found out Samantha Cohoe was giving it a shot I was VERY excited. I feel The Tempest has some great ideas but is very boring and pretentious. I was entranced!

The themes explored here actually kind of made me want to read the source material again to draw parallels.

I loved it so much!

her adoptive home. Taken in by the Prosper family, she lives on their remote island running, yearning and hoping that she too may one day touch the magic and wealth that is theirs. The family patriarch harnessed magic to harvest the unique island resource, tether the spirit inhabitants and produce unimaginable wealth and power. Mae lives in the shadow of this wondrous family seeking her own path. Her friendships all lopsided: by their wealth and her lack; their ability to leave the island and her inability to do so; their ability to use magic but never her. Mae never feels authentically herself, always making herself invisible and smaller, shaped to fit the needs and expectations of the family she wants to be hers but somehow never will. Maybe the marriage to Ivo will create a place for her, but what about her feelings for the dark, brooding Miles? Once a year this glittering, fascinating family hosts the First Night celebration. This year’s will reveal everything: secrets, truths and more threatening everything Mae and the Prosper family hold dear.

This layered mystery reads a bit unreliable narrator since some secrets Mae has hidden even from herself. What begins as an orphaned girl seeking love and belonging resolves into a thought provoking discussion of power and gallops to an expected and dramatic conclusion. Sure to be popular with readers who enjoy retellings, love triangles, drama and self discovery. This is a well done reinvention of The Tempest that brings new life and encourages a return to the original

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of BRIGHT RUINED THINGS by Samantha Cohoe. I really enjoyed A GOLDEN FURY last year, so I was excited to read Cohoe's newest. I actually forgot it was a Tempest retelling until I saw a review of it on Twitter today, but I'll admit that I've never watched nor read that play so I don't have that to compare it to. Regardless, I enjoyed this story. I really related to the MC Mae and how everyone ignored and underestimated her for being quiet, which for her came from being seen as a lesser servant all her life. I enjoyed all the twists and turns and the growing mystery that kept me turning pages. There were a lot of unlikeable people in this book, but I think it worked for the tragical bent of the story and everyone stayed true to their character throughout. I enjoyed how Mae's character developed and how strong and determined she was by the end. The mysterious, magical island setting was also really fun and the historical period too, though that wasn't a big part of the plot, I'd say. All in all, I enjoyed myself and I look forward to more books from Cohoe!

🎆🎆🎆🎆 Four Stars (as rated in the fireworks at midnight)

On an island where the magical family Prosper rules supreme, “mousy” Mae is regarded as an outcast and even a nuisance. Known for her meek and eagerly obliging nature, all Mae has ever truly wanted is to be accepted by the family she depends on and to learn the magical skills for which they’re known the world over. On the eve of the summer solstice, Mae stumbles on something that could very well be her ticket into the world that’s always shut her out. With her days on the island numbered and her options limited, Mae is determined to finally take what she’s always wanted. But this magic comes with a price that Mae isn’t exactly in a position to pay. At least, not without a little help…

“I had finally realized how little I could wring from the Prospers by trying to please them. If I wanted more, I would have to take it.”

Real Talk: Shakespeare’s The Tempest is just not that great of a story. The thing drags, the characters are tiresome and forgettable and I always leave it wondering what the actual point of it was. Understandably, I went into Bright Ruined Things (being a retelling of the former) with very low expectations. Its predecessor just doesn’t have that much for one to work with. So you can imagine my utter delight at what this turned out to be. Cohoe has taken one of Shakespeare’s most lackluster comedies and exponentially improved it by –*gasp*– turning the thing into a tragedy! What island magic is this!? BRT is the ultimate glow up for what is an otherwise pretty uninteresting story. So here I say, “Samantha Cohoe, if you’re reading this, what are the chances of us being gifted another Shakespeare retelling by you one day? And would you consider doing The Comedy of Errors next?”

✨ Read this book because: you’re into books set in the 1920’s, flawed characters, complicated friendships and love stories that aren’t at all what they seem – or even what you wanted them to be.

✨ Content warnings for this book: bullying, neglect, threats of sexual violence, adultery, abuse, imprisonment, kidnapping, trauma, fire, death, enslavement, gaslighting, toxic relationships

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3-3.5/5 ✨

I received this free ARC from NetGalley, the review reflected below is my opinion.

So I thought the book was a little slow in the beginning but it pulled me in about 30% in. There were quite a lot of characters in this book, which for me personally can be hard to keep up with. However, I didn’t have much of a problem and it all made sense throughout.

This book id describe is a magic mystery. At some points I got howels moving castle vibes and some
Sorcery of thorns vibes as well. There are a two love interests in this book and it ended interesting- I think I saw the Maes outcome as the only viable one for her character and the others. It made the most sense.

I enjoyed the family drama and there were
A few subplots or topics which motivated some of our other side characters as well. All in all I liked where the book went. I wish there was more focus on the lore for the island and spirits though- I would have liked more Aeris interactions and explanations.

I give this book 3.5/5 stars, but sometimes when I think on it enough I could go to a 3 or up to a 4. I think certain parts were lovely and others could have been expanded upon to be better. Again a lot of that for me was the magic and spirit lore.

I recommend the book for anyone who like a more contemporary magical mystery type book. I can see book boxes picking this book for a further box for the month it publishes in.
Thanks NetGalley for the free ARC!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

This was a RIDE! But, it was an incredible one! I'm not even sure how to describe what I'm feeling other than I really enjoyed this? That ending? Is there a sequel? I have questions.

I think Cohoe has such an intriguing voice and her prose left me continually turning the pages. It was so great that I just wanted more. I think my only big issue was that the ending was unresolved. It also did take a few chapters to really get into the story, but once you get there it is non-stop. The ending was almost like a roller coaster that's fun, but at parts give you whiplash from going so fast in multiple directions. While it did bounce around a lot at the end with an abundance of information, I thought it made sense and was easy to follow.

Mae is such a different character. While she is very set in her ways, she's always open to learning and trying to understand other points of view. I thought her growth in the novel was really well done. Her relationships with Coco, Ivo and Miles were all so interesting and different. I loved watching her interact with them and how their relationships grew and changed. It was really well done!

I think for the most part, this did have nice pacing, until.the end when a lot of information comes hard and fast. But, I did enjoy it! If you like a fantasy retelling with a bit of history- I think this would definitely be an enjoyable read!

Bright Ruined Things is an amazingly conceptual young adult novel that combines The Great Gatsby with magical realism. Mae, a girl with no magic living on an island alive with it, longs for more and finds herself admits the nucleus of a growing secret and all of the islands spirits.
A must read for fantasy readers and a truly enjoyable book.

I really enjoyed this! Read quickly and hooked me from the start. Would totally read anything else from this author

I absolutely adore the description the author uses. The characters are three-dimensional and almost bouncy. I love the writing style which makes it so much more interesting and exciting to read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5 stars

Let me begin this by saying that I am not an expert on The Tempest or the 1920s, and went into this reading with little knowledge of both. I was however, fascinated by the idea of a magical island and eager to see more. Bright Ruined Things does hit that mark.

We follow Mae as she searches for the truths of the island, the magic, and her own story. While I wasn't in love with any of the characters for their personalities, I was intrigued by them. I wanted to know more about the power-hungry rulers, and a lot of the conflict felt very teenage for an older cast around the 18+ age range. There are an array of relationships and I am still not convinced on who I want where, and in the end I think they all have a lot to grow with on their own.

The pacing starts slow, with a lot of required worldbuilding to create the magic system, but it definitely picks up towards the end! If you're looking for magic and drama this will suit your needs!

I just got this in a physical copy and I’m halfway through and oh my goodness is it fabulous! Cannot wait to update you all on my reading journey and how much I love this novel. Literally jaws dropping amazement

Though I've said it before, The Tempest is my favorite Shakespeare work.. so it should come as no surprise that when I spotted a new retelling in 'Bright Ruined Things' by Samantha Cohoe.. I was quick to want to read it.

While the original story is rife with those signature dramatic swings, Cohoe managed to put me through the emotional wringer with her take on the classic. I found myself in tears at times I didn't expect to be, wondering how I got there.. and by the end my eyes were just an aching, swollen mess.

Cohoe does a beautiful job of developing the reader's feelings toward her characters, both for better and worse. The relationships amongst the family and our protagonist.. Mae Wilson.. are all extremely complicated. Each character is richly layered in their own right and while we're learning about them, many of them are still learning about themselves as well.

There's no stated era, but somehow the story feels like it takes place in the Forties. Everything centered around the family has a glamorous sheen to it, in no small part I'm sure due to the abundance of Prosper wealth.. with anything beyond them seeming to be just a distant echo in the background.

I really enjoyed Mae and her struggle to carve out a better place for herself. She's a likable character even when she's self-pitying a bit and I wanted to cheer her on. Likewise, I love the depth reverberating within Ivo, Miles, and Coco. Almost no one is really what they seem to be and their truth is so much more interesting than their image.

The themes of betrayal were harnessed expertly, the magical elements were creative and distinctively rendered in the mind's eye of the reader, and there is such a feeling of loss that just builds throughout the story. There are lessons here to be learned.. perhaps about right and wrong, the many shades of unkindness, and most definitely about the pain of hindsight.

Sitting here now in the silent aftermath of this read, I am deeply moved by all of them. It's a beautiful book and I'd highly recommend it for anyone who might enjoy the story of power.. in its many forms.. that comes at a cost. If you enjoyed The Chosen and the Beautiful, These Violent Delights, or Where Dreams Descend.. this is probably the one for you.