Review: The Ruining by Anna Collomore

Release Date: February 7th 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:
Annie Phillips is thrilled to leave her past behind and begin a shiny new life on Belvedere Island, as a nanny for the picture-perfect Cohen family. In no time at all, she falls in love with the Cohens, especially with Libby, the beautiful young matriarch of the family. Life is better than she ever imagined. She even finds romance with the boy next door. All too soon cracks appear in Annie's seemingly perfect world. She's blamed for mistakes she doesn't remember making. Her bedroom door comes unhinged, and she feels like she's always being watched. Libby, who once felt like a big sister, is suddenly cold and unforgiving. As she struggles to keep up with the demands of her new life, Annie's fear gives way to frightening hallucinations. Is she tumbling into madness, or is something sinister at play?

 Review:
Nothing is more rewarding than a book that meets every one of your expectations. At first I was transfixed on the picture on the cover but from the very first word till the last it was captivating to say the least. Once you start you cannot put it down. Trust me, I put it down once only to pick it up again. The Ruining is an intense and somewhat creepy thriller that takes you on a psychological ride through the depths and crevices of what it is like to be sane.

The author perfectly blends the intensity of

 a psychological turn with romance. In some stories the romance is so overwhelming but in The Ruining it is a nice touch to the insanity of it all.  The twists and turns keep you teetering and although you think you know what is going to happen, its not entirely what you think.

The never ending struggle between Libby and Annie was very well written. At times I could feel the tension and it just draws you in, making you want to turn the page and find out what happens next.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Although the only problem that I encountered has to do with the ending. I won't ruin it for anyone who hasn't read it but I was strangely conflicted about how it ended. To me, the ending either seemed drawn out at times or completely rushed at other times. Anna Collomore does an incredible job in setting an atmosphere and tone throughout her book that just surrounds you and takes you down a spiraling road towards insanity. A definite recommendation to all.