Hi everyone. Today, I have a book review for you from an author new to me. Although I don’t usually go in for historical fiction, I’m so pleased I gave this one a look. A Splendid Ruin is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I’ll definitely be checking out Megan’s other books 🙂

About the Book:

A spellbinding novel of dark family secrets and a young woman’s rise and revenge set against the backdrop of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
The eve of destruction. After her mother’s death, penniless May Kimble lives a lonely life until an aunt she didn’t know existed summons her to San Francisco. There she’s welcomed into the wealthy Sullivan family and their social circle.
Initially overwhelmed by the opulence of her new life, May soon senses that dark mysteries lurk in the shadows of the Sullivan mansion. Her glamorous cousin often disappears in the night. Her aunt wanders about in a laudanum fog. And a maid keeps hinting that May is in danger. Trapped by betrayal, madness, and murder, May stands to lose everything, including her freedom, at the hands of those she trusts most.
Then, on an early April morning, San Francisco comes tumbling down. Out of the smoldering ruins, May embarks on a harrowing road to reclaim what is hers. This tragic twist of fate, along with the help of an intrepid and charismatic journalist, puts vengeance within May’s reach. But will she take it?

My Review:

I haven’t read this author until now and will make sure to check out any other books of hers. I enjoyed A Splendid Ruin immensely.

Set around the time of the 1906 San Fransico earthquake and subseqent devastating fire, this book is first foremost about betrayal. Newly bereaved, penniless May Kimble, the MC, accepts an invitation to stay with her aunt, whom she’s never met.

I won’t say more as I don’t want to put in spoilers. What I will say is that this book entranced. I found it satisfying and entertaining, as well as intriguing and gripping. The characterisation and world building was excellently done. If you love a good historical saga and/or family drama, you’ll adore A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance.

This fun read gets a solid five stars from me.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …

US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082SWYS91/

UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B082SWYS91/