Ruby Brooks and her Aunt Liddy's last year was a bit rough, so her Aunt Liddy decided that they both needed to get away. They packed up everything and moved to the small town of La Luna, New Mexico. It's one of those quiet towns where everyone knows everyone, including everything about them. It's a completely different surrounding than what they are used to, which could be exactly what they need to heal their hearts and their minds from the past year. Losing her mother really took a toll on Ruby, so getting close to anyone was going to be a bit hard.

Shortly after coming into town Ruby meets not one, but three guys. She doesn't want to get into any kind of relationship unless she knows it's what her heart really wants. With her heart still mending from her mother's death, she doesn't think that her heart is ready for anything. These boys are making it really hard though, between mesmerizing good looks, charm, and even mystery.

Instantly upon starting this book I was hooked, especially by the great detail the author put into her words. It made it really easy to picture the scene with which surrounded Ruby and her friends. It was like the haunting forest behind Ruby's house was right in front of me, and it made me want to hike through those trees myself. She really brought to life both the terrain, as well as the history that is New Mexico.

I couldn't figure out whether I liked Ruby or not, even through the entire book. I'm still thinking about it. At times I felt like she was timid and quiet, and afraid to voice what she really thought. Other times I felt like she was a completely different person, using her appearance or ability to flirt as a way to get what she wanted. It honestly made me feel like she just needed to be honest with herself, and with the boys she was interacting with. She also seemed very needy, like she expected everyone to drop whatever they were doing to help her or be with her. This was probably my least favorite characteristic of hers. She was however friendly, which made me want to like her more.

I really liked the other characters in the story, especially Angel and Ezra, two of the boys that Ruby interacted with on a daily basis. Angel was sweet, and just seemed like he wanted a fair shot to be with Ruby. Ezra on the other hand was mysterious, honest, and some times a little harsh. I liked him for this though, he didn't hold back, and he didn't seem to care what anyone thought of him.

I think my favorite part of this whole book was all of the folklore, and history that Edelson packed into the pages. I feel like I learned so much about this beautiful place, and it makes me want to pack up and visit New Mexico myself. I'm looking forward to reading more of this trilogy, and seeing where things go with Ruby and the mystery that is surrounding her. I will definitely be picking up more of her books in the future!

I received an advanced reading copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ( )

Name: Between Wild & Ruin
Author: Jennifer G. Edelson
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: 3/5
Review:
Between Wild & Ruin is a surprisingly intriguing story that brings out the curiosity of the readers in this enigmatic world of folklore, superstitions, and suspense.
After the untimely death of her mother, Ruby Brooks moves to the small town of La Luna of New Mexico. Filled with the history of wars, lore, and ruins, this town marks a new beginning for Ruby. Since her arrival, she receives a warm welcome from the people and gains the attention of three good-looking guys, Angel, a cop who fell for Ruby, at first sight, Ezra, a rude jerk with a mysterious past, and Leo, a guy who only appears around the ruins. Ruby finds herself drawn by these boys, folklores, and ruins, which calls for her.
At first, this book reminded me a lot of Twilight and Outlander, but later I realized how wrong I was. Jennifer G. Edelson definitely has amazing world-building and writing skills. I enjoyed the writing style, it is engaging and absorbing. The story is very descriptive and vividly drawn together.
At some point, I started feeling that most of the characters in this story are vague. During the first 200 pages, nothing happens. The story catches pace after that, so one needs to be patient through these 200 or so pages. I felt that the first half of this book has been too stretched, it could have been shortened. I felt most of the characters are okay, I liked Ezra's character the most (though I am not sure why!). Three guys were attracted to Ruby as soon as she moves into the town, I find that really unbelievable.
This is an interesting story that will be enjoyed by those who like reading YA Fantasy/Paranormal romance, but they need to have a lot of patience while reading this story. I am giving this book 3/5 because of the points I mentioned above. ( )

Between Wild and Ruin by Jennifer G Edelson follows Ruby, a teen transplanted from LA to La Luna after her mother's death. She's torn between the adventure of it all, and being removed from known friends and places. Ruby lives with her Aunt Liddy in a beautiful home a ways out of town. This tiny town in New Mexico holds unfathomable secrets just waiting to be discovered.

Hiking up the mountain near her home, Ruby discovers an ancient ruin from the Pecos Indians. Legend says it is a gateway to Ottomundo, the otherworld. Up at the ruin, Ruby meets the mysterious Leo, an impossibly handsome and utterly arrogant man who apparently cannot leave the mountain. As Ruby and Liddy get settled in, they begin to make friends. Angel and Torrance, two of the officers in tiny La Luna, are among the first to make them feel welcome. And Ruby makes a point to befriend Ezra, a scarred curmudgeon so begrudgingly allows Ruby into his world.

Wupatki Pueblo Ruins.

This story started out seeming very young adult contemporary, a story about a girl moving to a small town, making friends and finding her new place in life. It gradually morphed into more of something urban fantasy. I felt the change was actually handled pretty well. I loved the history of the Pecos Indians, and influence of Native American lore. It was a welcome change from urban fantasy full of werewolves and vampires. Considering Dracula is my favourite classic horror novel, it says a lot that I've come to loathe vampires in literature. It's become trite, as have werewolves.

Wild & Ruin sadly doesn't pass the Bechdel-Wallace test. Ninety-five percent of the female to female conversations revolve around boys. Ugh on that count. I also guessed pretty early on all of what Ezra was, his connection to Leo, and the truth of the mountain lion that stalks Ruby's property. Part might be my interest and knowledge of myth and legend, so I won't say it's real easy to guess. This was a pretty easy read. It flowed well, and is a great addition to young adult urban fantasy.

**** Reviewed for the Seattle Book Review ( )