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Ruthless
Ruth Carver has always competed like her life depends on it. Ambitious. Tough. Maybe even mean. It’s no wonder people call her Ruthless.
When she wakes up with a concussion in the bed of a moving pickup truck, she realizes she has been entered into a contest she can’t afford to lose.
At a remote, rotting cabin deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ruth’s blindfold comes off and she comes face-to-face with her captor. A man who believes his mission is to punish bad girls like Ruth. A man who has done this six times before.
The other girls were never heard from again, but Ruth won’t go down easy. She escapes into the wilderness, but her hunter is close at her heels. That’s when the real battle begins. That’s when Ruth must decides just how far she’ll go in order to survive.
Back home, they called her Ruthless. They had no idea just how right they were.
When she wakes up with a concussion in the bed of a moving pickup truck, she realizes she has been entered into a contest she can’t afford to lose.
At a remote, rotting cabin deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ruth’s blindfold comes off and she comes face-to-face with her captor. A man who believes his mission is to punish bad girls like Ruth. A man who has done this six times before.
The other girls were never heard from again, but Ruth won’t go down easy. She escapes into the wilderness, but her hunter is close at her heels. That’s when the real battle begins. That’s when Ruth must decides just how far she’ll go in order to survive.
Back home, they called her Ruthless. They had no idea just how right they were.
256 pages, ebook
First published July 14, 2015
204 people are currently reading
10.2k people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Lee Adams
4Ìýbooks102ÌýfollowersCarolyn Lee Adams is originally from the Seattle area, breeding ground of serial killers and those who write about them. She attended USC Film School and graduated with a BFA in screenwriting. RUTHLESS (Simon Pulse, Summer 2015) is her first novel. When she isn't exploring the dark side of human nature in her writing, you'll find her on stage as a stand-up comedian. Because those things go together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 550 reviews
July 28, 2015
Yup, this book was amazing, guys.
(and seriously, watch the video - I did another reenactment there!)
A summary of why the book's awesome:
- It's atmospheric. Guaranteed to put you on your toes. I mean, a psycho's out there; you can't let your guard down now, can you?!
- It's character-driven and plot-driven at the same time, which is actually a very great combination here.
- The heroine is fan-fucking-tastic. She is smart, tough, goes through a lot of HARD obstacles and fights through them tooth and nail.
- It's good, period.
Fun fact: You'll notice that a few seconds were cut from my re-enactment. I was recording this in the middle of the night and was completely alone in my room. But, when I watched the video, I noticed something strange and eerie. As soon as I asked, "Is anybody there?" (I was talking to the camera), a small voice from the background replied, "Yeah", which, honestly, is FRICKING CREEPY AS HELL. I decided to cut that portion out because 1.) creepy; 2.) I don't want to give y'all nightmares; 3.) just in case... I don't want to be haunted, just in case O.O
May 26, 2019
“I'm not going to be raped. I'm not going to be murdered. I'm going to bring him to justice so this never happens to anyone else. I'm not going to think like a victim. I'm going to think like a winner. Because that's what I am. I'm Ruthless, by God, and I need to act like it.�
---
We'll call this one closer to 3.5 stars, but I didn't feel right rounding up.
Right from the get-go, I'll be honest, I don't like Ruth's character very much. I found her to be arrogant, rude, and I got tired of the repetition of her constant inner chattering about what a winner she is, and how good and strong and brilliant she is, and what a prodigy she's turned out to be... It got old fast. I attempted to rein myself in and not deduct too many points for her attitude, however, because the bottom line was that Ruth is, well... Ruthless. She does what needs to be done to survive, and I genuinely appreciated her steadfastness. She's a fighter to the very end, and that was a refreshing change of pace from the "damsel in distress" story arcs that were popular in my childhood.
I also have to say that I found Wolfman to be a very intriguing villain: he's disgusting, horrific, and absolutely the worst kind of man - there's no excusing any of his actions - but I appreciated the way Adams wrote in a back story for him through those fleeting changes of perspective that we received, dating all the way back to his childhood, when his mother ruined redheaded women for him forever. I also found it interesting that he had this sort of creed; he wasn't just kidnapping/raping/murdering girls for sport, but because something broken in his mind told him he was making them atone for their sins, as it were. It was an incredibly raw and fucked up view into the mind of a predator and it was much more honest than I find most authors are comfortable writing in the YA genre.
Speaking of this book being a YA thriller, the biggest reason that this book has stayed with me is because I was stunned by how far Adams was willing to take it within this genre. My experience with YA thrillers has been mostly subpar storylines with very little real action or shock, and Ruthless blew that expectation out of the water. There is some sexual content, violence, and a great deal of intensity that I think a lot of average YA readers may be uncomfortable with.
All in all, this book was one hell of a ride, with some very unpredictable (and infuriating) moments. It held my attention well enough that I read it in a day, but I can't say that I would rush to reread this one. That said, I think it bridges the gap between YA books and thrillers smoothly, so I would feel comfortable recommending this even to readers who generally pass up the YA genre entirely. If you enjoy an intense, action-packed, suspenseful thriller - and don't mind an MC with a larger-than-life ego - definitely pick up a copy of Ruthless and let me know what you think!
Trigger warnings: sexual abuse, abduction, child abuse/murder.
---
We'll call this one closer to 3.5 stars, but I didn't feel right rounding up.
Right from the get-go, I'll be honest, I don't like Ruth's character very much. I found her to be arrogant, rude, and I got tired of the repetition of her constant inner chattering about what a winner she is, and how good and strong and brilliant she is, and what a prodigy she's turned out to be... It got old fast. I attempted to rein myself in and not deduct too many points for her attitude, however, because the bottom line was that Ruth is, well... Ruthless. She does what needs to be done to survive, and I genuinely appreciated her steadfastness. She's a fighter to the very end, and that was a refreshing change of pace from the "damsel in distress" story arcs that were popular in my childhood.
I also have to say that I found Wolfman to be a very intriguing villain: he's disgusting, horrific, and absolutely the worst kind of man - there's no excusing any of his actions - but I appreciated the way Adams wrote in a back story for him through those fleeting changes of perspective that we received, dating all the way back to his childhood, when his mother ruined redheaded women for him forever. I also found it interesting that he had this sort of creed; he wasn't just kidnapping/raping/murdering girls for sport, but because something broken in his mind told him he was making them atone for their sins, as it were. It was an incredibly raw and fucked up view into the mind of a predator and it was much more honest than I find most authors are comfortable writing in the YA genre.
Speaking of this book being a YA thriller, the biggest reason that this book has stayed with me is because I was stunned by how far Adams was willing to take it within this genre. My experience with YA thrillers has been mostly subpar storylines with very little real action or shock, and Ruthless blew that expectation out of the water. There is some sexual content, violence, and a great deal of intensity that I think a lot of average YA readers may be uncomfortable with.
All in all, this book was one hell of a ride, with some very unpredictable (and infuriating) moments. It held my attention well enough that I read it in a day, but I can't say that I would rush to reread this one. That said, I think it bridges the gap between YA books and thrillers smoothly, so I would feel comfortable recommending this even to readers who generally pass up the YA genre entirely. If you enjoy an intense, action-packed, suspenseful thriller - and don't mind an MC with a larger-than-life ego - definitely pick up a copy of Ruthless and let me know what you think!
Trigger warnings: sexual abuse, abduction, child abuse/murder.
June 6, 2017
Leider konnte mich die Geschichte nicht wirklich überzeugen. Es fängt gut an, ist actionreich & hat auch ein paar spannende Momente, dennoch hat es mich letzten Endes enttäuscht. An den sehr rasanten, teilweise abgehackten Schreibstil konnte ich mich nicht gewöhnen & gegen Ende fand ich es einfach nur noch laaangweilig! Schade!
October 5, 2018
Finding herself on the truck bed, Ruth Carver knew she's been abducted by a mysterious man. She doesn't have any recollection of what has happened and any motives why she's taken. Her kidnapper was a psychopath with a fascination on mean redheads but this man eventually underestimated Ruth. She's raised to win on all things. She is ruthless with her intelligence and courage, she's going to play a deadly game with this man. She's not letting herself to be killed at all cost.
If there's one character from another book who I can put in Hunger Games, Ruth Carver will likely to survive. She's resourceful, brilliant, and feisty. This heroine has an amazing survival skills and can outsmart her opponent. Being stuck on a forest finding a way to escape with no one to help is scary but she manages to stay calm and focused. The killer was creepy and his back story was kind of sad. His awful life turned him a big bad wolf.
The writing style is great and the story is intense and gripping. It's indeed a great YA thriller novel. Thank you to Faye's video review on this book. It motivated me to read this book :)
If there's one character from another book who I can put in Hunger Games, Ruth Carver will likely to survive. She's resourceful, brilliant, and feisty. This heroine has an amazing survival skills and can outsmart her opponent. Being stuck on a forest finding a way to escape with no one to help is scary but she manages to stay calm and focused. The killer was creepy and his back story was kind of sad. His awful life turned him a big bad wolf.
The writing style is great and the story is intense and gripping. It's indeed a great YA thriller novel. Thank you to Faye's video review on this book. It motivated me to read this book :)
August 22, 2023
Overall Rating : A+
"My thoughts from the night before return to me. Am I perfect? No. Are there things I'd change about myself if I got the chance? Yes. But there's nothing wrong with being tough, with being a fighter, with being a winner. And my last thought before passing out was the right one : No one deserves this."
Ruth, a tough, down to earth, and sometimes, harsh horse girl, gets kidnapped by a deranged serial killer, and soon it becomes a battle of wills to see who is strong enough to survive the other. And Ruth plans to make sure she won't go down without a fight.
Just as amazing the second time around. Less than 300 pages and each page is a never-ending, nail biting, heart-pounding ride, keeping you wondering how the hell Ruth is going to survive the next obstacle in her path. With POV's from Ruth and the Killers past sprinkled in, you get a more in-depth look at how both of them became the person they were at that point. Beautifully told. 10/10 would recommend too EVERYONE
"My thoughts from the night before return to me. Am I perfect? No. Are there things I'd change about myself if I got the chance? Yes. But there's nothing wrong with being tough, with being a fighter, with being a winner. And my last thought before passing out was the right one : No one deserves this."
Ruth, a tough, down to earth, and sometimes, harsh horse girl, gets kidnapped by a deranged serial killer, and soon it becomes a battle of wills to see who is strong enough to survive the other. And Ruth plans to make sure she won't go down without a fight.
Just as amazing the second time around. Less than 300 pages and each page is a never-ending, nail biting, heart-pounding ride, keeping you wondering how the hell Ruth is going to survive the next obstacle in her path. With POV's from Ruth and the Killers past sprinkled in, you get a more in-depth look at how both of them became the person they were at that point. Beautifully told. 10/10 would recommend too EVERYONE
June 27, 2015
***I received the ARC ebook free as a review copy from the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review***
A thrilling, suspenseful book that had me holding my breath, gasping and every other reaction that came from the torrent of emotions I felt right alongside Ruth. This book took everything out of me and just writing this review is bringing it all back, leaving me reeling. So much went into it because it was more than just another thriller and the psychological aspects worked perfectly in that I didn’t know what to think!
It’s impossible to imagine myself in a situation similar to Ruth’s (god knows I don’t want to) but I do know that it’s rare to be so strong. She had plenty of moments when everything became too much and the easy way out was right in front of her, but after reminding herself why she fought; not just for herself too, the path was clearer. Metaphorically speaking since dark, treacherous woods do not make for an easy getaway�
The descriptions of the atmosphere added to the overall feeling of disaster that carried through this book, and reminded me to check out what else Carolyn Lee Adams has written. She writes so vividly, and the flashbacks to Wolfman’s past were great (if disturbing) additions to an otherwise amazing book.
A more mature read, that is sure to keep you on your toes!
Posted on:
A thrilling, suspenseful book that had me holding my breath, gasping and every other reaction that came from the torrent of emotions I felt right alongside Ruth. This book took everything out of me and just writing this review is bringing it all back, leaving me reeling. So much went into it because it was more than just another thriller and the psychological aspects worked perfectly in that I didn’t know what to think!
It’s impossible to imagine myself in a situation similar to Ruth’s (god knows I don’t want to) but I do know that it’s rare to be so strong. She had plenty of moments when everything became too much and the easy way out was right in front of her, but after reminding herself why she fought; not just for herself too, the path was clearer. Metaphorically speaking since dark, treacherous woods do not make for an easy getaway�
The descriptions of the atmosphere added to the overall feeling of disaster that carried through this book, and reminded me to check out what else Carolyn Lee Adams has written. She writes so vividly, and the flashbacks to Wolfman’s past were great (if disturbing) additions to an otherwise amazing book.
A more mature read, that is sure to keep you on your toes!
Posted on:
August 27, 2019
Is it just me or the girl on the cover looks awfully like Octavia from the show The 100?
Anyone? No?
Anyone? No?
July 9, 2015
Imagine waking up in the bed of an old, filthy truck, concussed, bound and blindfolded, disoriented and scared, only to realize that a near stranger took you from your family and friends, for reasons unknown, and that he’s taking you deep into the woods where no one will think to look for you. That is exactly what Ruthless puts us through on its very first pages, not caring how hard our hearts will beat or how scared we’ll be.
There can be no winner in the seemingly endless mind game that ensues. Everyone needs to lose something and sacrifices have to be made. Ruth is forced to face some hard truths about her life and become a different person, a better person, if she is to survive.
“I think I learned something in our first conversation. He wants to break me down, get to the core of me. My truth is his crack.�
We also jump back several times, at various intervals, to peek into the killer’s mind, see several events through his eyes and learn how he became who he is, how his mind and psyche got irreparably damaged. The scariest thing is that it’s so easy to see, to track the line of events that broke him beyond repair.
Ruth isn’t the most sympathetic of heroines. She is known as Ruthless among her peers because she always does what needs to be done. She too is the product of her circumstances, hard and unyielding because life often gave her no choice. But although we don’t agree with some of her actions, her fear and courage are palpable. Her strength easily translates into sheer determination to survive and such a huge admirable quality instantly brings her closer to us.
There is just a touch of romance as we see signs of love unrecognized and unacknowledged during our glimpses into the past. It’s enough to give us another reason to fear for Ruth and wish for another chance for her and the boy she loves.
Ruthless is one of those rare convincing YA psychological thrillers that challenge you on many different levels. It’s frightening because it can easily happen to any of us, but it also forces you to look deeper and understand both the monster and the girl who simply refuses to become his victim. Highly recommended.
July 10, 2015
Holy nightmare-inducing batman! Ruthless is one of THE best YA thriller books that I have read in a very long time. I read this one in a matter of hours and by the end, I just wanted someone to hold me and shield me from all the nightmares I was bound to have that night. Starting the book at 12 in the morning while everyone else was asleep was certainly a bad idea.
The book opened up in a big bang with the main character, Ruth, waking up with a concussion unable to see clearly around her on a moving truck. She can't remember how she got there and where she was. From then on, the book was non-stop action that had my heart racing to the point where I had to know how it was going to end. One of my biggest gripes with YA thrillers and mysteries is just how naive and dumb the main characters tend to me. With Ruth, I had no such complaints. She was one heck of a smart heroine and I seriously loved her beyond words for it. This was a heroine who used her brain so as to outrun the serial killer chasing her. Oh and she did it all while she's with a concussion and is naked in the woods. I honestly don't know how Ruth managed to keep her sanity because every time I imagined myself in her place, I wanted to cry. Ruth was strong and admirable and seriously the best kind of heroine for this sort of novel. There were moments when we see cracks in her, like her trying to torture the serial killer, Jerry Balls, the same way he did her and the other girls he raped and killed, and I kept wondering why she wouldn't just kill him and run for safety. The author probably did it for realism, however. This is after all, a girl who has a concussion, and was incredibly angry at the psycho for his actions. I actually liked how her mental balance wavered because it felt real to me. All in all, I thought Carolyn Lee Adams' portrayal of Ruth was spot on.
We also see snippets of what it was like growing up inside the serial killer's head. It was oddly fascinating to see the psychosis work through his brain over the years and how his outlet for anger was murder. Being inside his brain definitely amped up the creepy factor by a thousand fold. The book was in itself very hard to put down and like I said, I was able to finish it in a matter of few hours. My only complaint would be that I felt the book ended a little too soon. I wanted to see Ruth a few weeks into the future after her rescue and also her parents' reaction to her kidnapping, because they weren't aware of it. I guess I wanted the author to explore the psychological impacts a traumatic event like this would undoubtedly have on her. That being said, I'm in awe of Carolyn Lee Adams' writing skills and I hope to see a lot more from her in the future because this is one talented author. If this debut is a preview of what's to come, well I can't wait!
Ruthless was a thriller book with non-stop action, a strong and intelligent heroine and a creepy serial killer who will give you goosebumps while you're reading the book. If you enjoy YA thrillers and mystery books, please pick up this book asap.
February 16, 2018
This book wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. There were parts of it that I found to be super intense and very interesting, I really liked the main character Ruth by the end of the novel. However, towards the end the novel dragged to the point that I really started to not care about whether she lived or died. I thought starting the story right in the middle of the action was great but if you're going to do that as a writer you have to follow through and keep the story that intense!
Longer review coming soon!
Longer review coming soon!
December 11, 2016
NOTE: You may want to skip the interlude between Chapters 5 and 6. Piglets, their mother, and a dog all killed. The violence is implied, but nonetheless hard to read.
Serial killer novels are tricky, especially when written from the POV of a potential victim. You know there has to be reason why this character is the protagonist, rather than any of the previous victims. You know there's something different this time around - because Ruth Carver is ruthless.
This is uncomfortable, because it relies on the trope of "she's not like other girls", which compares girls instead of appreciating them on their own merits. I had a similar problem reading Cheryl Rainfield's Stained, also from the POV of a serial killer's captive, which implies that the previous victims "didn't try hard enough" to save themselves.
In short, this is an awkward situation that I'm not sure any author can get right. But Carolyn Lee Adams does include the previous victims in a spiritual sense, having them work together with Ruth. She wasn't around to save them, but they'll do what they can to help her. After all, they've all been targets of Wolfman.
It's so hard to write antagonists. If you write them as too obviously evil, they lack nuance. But if you give them back-story, it's like humanising them. It's kind of no-win in this aspect. Ruthless gives Wolfman a history and reasons why he kills, but there's no excuse for murder. I particularly dislike the trope of "this person bullied me, so I'll kill everyone who reminds me of them". Is this how anti-bullying is taught in the US? "If you bully someone, they'll bring a gun to school and shoot you"? Are we supposed to feel sorry for Wolfman? I don't. But maybe if he'd received better mental healthcare, he may not have become a killer. Who knows?
Ruth Carver's persistence in surviving takes her from Wolfman's cabin to out and about in the Blue Ridge Mountains - hiking, hiding, and hunting. Nature is both a help and a hindrance, while the kindness of strangers can't be counted on at all. A spooky, atmospheric read, Ruthless isn't easily forgotten. At first, Ruth just wants help. But then she wants revenge.
Wolfman must be stopped before his misogyny kills again.
Recommended listening: Kings of Leon's played in my head during the driving scenes.
Quote of interest: "You ever heard of trich? It's not even a bacteria or a virus; it's a protozoa. A little animal."
Serial killer novels are tricky, especially when written from the POV of a potential victim. You know there has to be reason why this character is the protagonist, rather than any of the previous victims. You know there's something different this time around - because Ruth Carver is ruthless.
This is uncomfortable, because it relies on the trope of "she's not like other girls", which compares girls instead of appreciating them on their own merits. I had a similar problem reading Cheryl Rainfield's Stained, also from the POV of a serial killer's captive, which implies that the previous victims "didn't try hard enough" to save themselves.
In short, this is an awkward situation that I'm not sure any author can get right. But Carolyn Lee Adams does include the previous victims in a spiritual sense, having them work together with Ruth. She wasn't around to save them, but they'll do what they can to help her. After all, they've all been targets of Wolfman.
It's so hard to write antagonists. If you write them as too obviously evil, they lack nuance. But if you give them back-story, it's like humanising them. It's kind of no-win in this aspect. Ruthless gives Wolfman a history and reasons why he kills, but there's no excuse for murder. I particularly dislike the trope of "this person bullied me, so I'll kill everyone who reminds me of them". Is this how anti-bullying is taught in the US? "If you bully someone, they'll bring a gun to school and shoot you"? Are we supposed to feel sorry for Wolfman? I don't. But maybe if he'd received better mental healthcare, he may not have become a killer. Who knows?
Ruth Carver's persistence in surviving takes her from Wolfman's cabin to out and about in the Blue Ridge Mountains - hiking, hiding, and hunting. Nature is both a help and a hindrance, while the kindness of strangers can't be counted on at all. A spooky, atmospheric read, Ruthless isn't easily forgotten. At first, Ruth just wants help. But then she wants revenge.
Wolfman must be stopped before his misogyny kills again.
Recommended listening: Kings of Leon's played in my head during the driving scenes.
Quote of interest: "You ever heard of trich? It's not even a bacteria or a virus; it's a protozoa. A little animal."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2015
Originally posted at:
WOW. Holy crap, what a RIDE. I devoured this one in two sittings–I had to stop reading at night otherwise I would traumatised–and my head is still reeling from what just went down. Again, HOLY CRAP. I don’t think I’ve ever read a survival story like this! Right from the beginning, the action kicks in. There’s this constant feeling of dread with this book, because even though things look bright for a while, it all comes crashing down now and then.
Say what you want about Ruth’s character, but man, I would not be as brave as her if I was in the same situation. No joke, I would have probably given up all hope. I liked seeing her thought process and how she planned each thing step-by-step. Ruthless’s chapters alternate between the present situation and flashbacks into the captor’s and Ruth’s lives. While I did get why we get flashbacks of the captor’s story, I didn’t get why Ruth’s was there. I mean, sure, it showed us as readers what she was like previous to the kidnapping. But it sometimes dragged on a little bit which got me frustrated because all I wanted to do was read about how she plans to survive. Ruth’s thoughts were also here and there, but I do think that’s honestly what I would do in that situation–start thinking about things that aren’t very relevant to the situation at hand.
As I mentioned before, it’s very up and down. You think that Ruth is safe, but NOPE. Every time there’s a twist that comes along. I found myself holding my breath each time because the story relayed such a horrifying experience and obviously I wanted Ruth to get out of there alive. This book really has the potential to become a movie! I noticed that the author actually has BFA in screenwriting (which is what I’m studying too!) and so maybe that’s why it had action-packed scenes balanced with some raw, emotional ones.
An intense game of cat and mouse, Ruthless was a fantastic story. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL BOOK PEOPLE. With a headstrong and determined heroine, Carolyn Lee Adams quickly pulls us in into a terrifying narrative that only gets better and better with every word. Don’t pass this one up!
WOW. Holy crap, what a RIDE. I devoured this one in two sittings–I had to stop reading at night otherwise I would traumatised–and my head is still reeling from what just went down. Again, HOLY CRAP. I don’t think I’ve ever read a survival story like this! Right from the beginning, the action kicks in. There’s this constant feeling of dread with this book, because even though things look bright for a while, it all comes crashing down now and then.
Say what you want about Ruth’s character, but man, I would not be as brave as her if I was in the same situation. No joke, I would have probably given up all hope. I liked seeing her thought process and how she planned each thing step-by-step. Ruthless’s chapters alternate between the present situation and flashbacks into the captor’s and Ruth’s lives. While I did get why we get flashbacks of the captor’s story, I didn’t get why Ruth’s was there. I mean, sure, it showed us as readers what she was like previous to the kidnapping. But it sometimes dragged on a little bit which got me frustrated because all I wanted to do was read about how she plans to survive. Ruth’s thoughts were also here and there, but I do think that’s honestly what I would do in that situation–start thinking about things that aren’t very relevant to the situation at hand.
As I mentioned before, it’s very up and down. You think that Ruth is safe, but NOPE. Every time there’s a twist that comes along. I found myself holding my breath each time because the story relayed such a horrifying experience and obviously I wanted Ruth to get out of there alive. This book really has the potential to become a movie! I noticed that the author actually has BFA in screenwriting (which is what I’m studying too!) and so maybe that’s why it had action-packed scenes balanced with some raw, emotional ones.
An intense game of cat and mouse, Ruthless was a fantastic story. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL BOOK PEOPLE. With a headstrong and determined heroine, Carolyn Lee Adams quickly pulls us in into a terrifying narrative that only gets better and better with every word. Don’t pass this one up!
September 14, 2015
Do you have any idea how nice it was to read a book where the chick doesn't 'fall for' the serial killer!!!! That isn't a question, because I know so many of us are sick of the glorification of the psycho path. In this day and age we call a woman 'unlikable and unrelatable' when she actually fights back against the serial killer. We put the book down, call it boring, and disregard it because the author didn't glamorize a man that assaults and murders innocent girls. Yes, this dude was a real winner. He puts down a certain type of woman because she can 'taint' the world with her dominance and independence.
This story was well paced, and left you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. Ruth is a fighter, and although she was not the greatest person in the world, she had reasons. They were misguided, but I got it. I understood her drive, and I understood her intentions. She was taking on a lot, for her family, and for herself. She wanted to be a winner for all the right reasons but they pushed people away from her. All but Caleb. God, I'm so glad for Caleb!
This story showed a true strong woman. How she had the will to live, even when faced with death right in her face! What an exceptional story that broke all the popular tropes in todays writing world, and she broken the Young Adult genre wide open by giving this amazing story to the world. As I was reading this book I could see it playing out in my head with such vivid clarity. I mean seriously, I get why people thought this book was 'boring'. Because they realized Ruth wasn't going to bend over for her killer and 'love him'. She fought, and I adored Ruth for her fight, her will to live, and her desire to bring down this evil set upon the earth!
If you are looking for a book to read, PLEASE pick this one up! This author deserves the spotlight! In a sea of books all the same, with the same formula and trope, this book stands out!
*I borrowed a copy of this book from the La Verne Library*
This story was well paced, and left you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. Ruth is a fighter, and although she was not the greatest person in the world, she had reasons. They were misguided, but I got it. I understood her drive, and I understood her intentions. She was taking on a lot, for her family, and for herself. She wanted to be a winner for all the right reasons but they pushed people away from her. All but Caleb. God, I'm so glad for Caleb!
This story showed a true strong woman. How she had the will to live, even when faced with death right in her face! What an exceptional story that broke all the popular tropes in todays writing world, and she broken the Young Adult genre wide open by giving this amazing story to the world. As I was reading this book I could see it playing out in my head with such vivid clarity. I mean seriously, I get why people thought this book was 'boring'. Because they realized Ruth wasn't going to bend over for her killer and 'love him'. She fought, and I adored Ruth for her fight, her will to live, and her desire to bring down this evil set upon the earth!
If you are looking for a book to read, PLEASE pick this one up! This author deserves the spotlight! In a sea of books all the same, with the same formula and trope, this book stands out!
*I borrowed a copy of this book from the La Verne Library*
April 17, 2017
3.5 stars. Ruthless is a badass, high-tension thriller that I genuinely enjoyed a lot.
Her kidnapper is an old guy who’s decided that he needs to punish “bad girls� like Ruth. While Ruth has been horrible to people in the past, she is never blamed for what’s happening by the narrative, which I loved. Ruthless showcases how misogyny can grow into something truly terrifying.
The book kinda skipped over the whole she's-a-possible-sex-slave bit, and Ruth’s personal response to that, which annoyed me a bit. Also, a vaguely forced-in-there romance dominates the conclusion. It’s supposed to show how Ruth has changed, but honestly, I think I’d rather see her with her family.
Neither of these flaws are book-ruining, and all can be forgiven for Ruth’s sheer badassery. She’s an enjoyable heroine to follow because she’s a clever fighter. She’s not lying down and letting herself die, or letting herself be found; she’s fighting every step of the way. She enjoys beating the shit out of her kidnapper, which was great for realisticity.
Recommended to fans of thrillers!
| My GR Account
Her kidnapper is an old guy who’s decided that he needs to punish “bad girls� like Ruth. While Ruth has been horrible to people in the past, she is never blamed for what’s happening by the narrative, which I loved. Ruthless showcases how misogyny can grow into something truly terrifying.
The book kinda skipped over the whole she's-a-possible-sex-slave bit, and Ruth’s personal response to that, which annoyed me a bit. Also, a vaguely forced-in-there romance dominates the conclusion. It’s supposed to show how Ruth has changed, but honestly, I think I’d rather see her with her family.
Neither of these flaws are book-ruining, and all can be forgiven for Ruth’s sheer badassery. She’s an enjoyable heroine to follow because she’s a clever fighter. She’s not lying down and letting herself die, or letting herself be found; she’s fighting every step of the way. She enjoys beating the shit out of her kidnapper, which was great for realisticity.
Recommended to fans of thrillers!
| My GR Account
February 21, 2017
Damn, that was intense. I'm not used to YA thrillers being so edge-of-your-seat kind of thrilling. This is a one sitting read for sure. The author didn't hold back - they went pretty gritty for a YA. I was pretty surprised. Doesn't tip-toe around sexual assault, graphic violence or pedophilia.
Review to come.
Review to come.
July 18, 2015
Lots of suspense throughout the book. I couldn't stop reading until I was done. Great first novel.
July 8, 2015
Ruthless is very much like Saw—without the hard-core torture porn. And without the deliberate sawing off of body parts, of course.
Ruth “Ruthless� Carver finds her self in the back of a truck, barely conscious and unable to remember how she got there. The only thing she’s got going for her is her dogged determination to return to her family, alive and mostly unharmed. Her capturer, though, thinks otherwise. For him, “bad red-headed girls� like Ruth need to be punished.
And his punishment ends in her death.
The first thing I noticed myself falling in love with as I read? Ruth’s tenacity. This girl is fucking amazing. She’s got mad survival skills, almost like she was trained to run from homicidal freaks. She finds herself in a ton of unpleasant and lethal situations, but manages to smart her killer and get out of each problem alive. Barely, of course, but alive and ready for the next challenge. She is smart and tenacious, and a born winner. Many times throughout the course of the book, Ruth flashbacks to all the tough times in her life, wherein she learned to grow a tough skin and fight to win. Not to say that she isn’t resilient on her own, but these flashbacks of a younger and more delicate Ruth helped me understand how exactly she became so strong.
The villain of the story is undoubtedly Ruth’s captor, Wolfman. He has a real name—obviously—but I’m trying to maintain some semblance of a non-spoilers review so please, bear with me. Wolf man is relentless, patriarchal, and will only stop once he has Ruth’s blood. I’d say that, as a girl, Wolfman was my worst nightmare. Ruth’s torture at his hands was the kind that would leave ample scars on her—sexual, mental, in fact her whole way of thinking would change after the trauma. But like I said, Ruth was a fierce thing to behold on her own…and I was so, so sure that she would get out of this alive. There were a couple of times where I felt like Ruth behaved out of character—for a smart girl with ridiculously good survivor skills, she sure felt daft sometimes—but all in all, Ruth was badass and she totally knew how to kick some ass.
But what really brings this book to life is Carolyn Lee Adams, whom I must commend for writing something so scary, and yet soÌýfucking necessary. This book was the type that made me sit back and re-evaluate on something I should have done long ago—Would I be able to sucessfully defend myself in any situation like Ruth’s? And I think that is the specific message that this book should bring across to all the audiences that will have the pleasure of reading it. Ruth defaulted to survival mode—she did what she could to ensure that she was unharmed and alive, no matter what her captor had in mind for her. She was smart and fast, but she was also one with the willpower and strength of great rarity.
Ruthless was very, very different from what I’ve been reading lately and it turned out to be the best kind of surprise. The book is a fight-or-die kind of a story, and Ruth fought and she fought well, goddammit. The book is all dark thrills and chills and if you’re new to the Thriller genre, then I do believe Ruthless is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the genre!
*I was provided a free ecopy of this book in exchange of an honest review. This did not in any way, however, influence the content of this review.*
Ruth “Ruthless� Carver finds her self in the back of a truck, barely conscious and unable to remember how she got there. The only thing she’s got going for her is her dogged determination to return to her family, alive and mostly unharmed. Her capturer, though, thinks otherwise. For him, “bad red-headed girls� like Ruth need to be punished.
And his punishment ends in her death.
The first thing I noticed myself falling in love with as I read? Ruth’s tenacity. This girl is fucking amazing. She’s got mad survival skills, almost like she was trained to run from homicidal freaks. She finds herself in a ton of unpleasant and lethal situations, but manages to smart her killer and get out of each problem alive. Barely, of course, but alive and ready for the next challenge. She is smart and tenacious, and a born winner. Many times throughout the course of the book, Ruth flashbacks to all the tough times in her life, wherein she learned to grow a tough skin and fight to win. Not to say that she isn’t resilient on her own, but these flashbacks of a younger and more delicate Ruth helped me understand how exactly she became so strong.
The villain of the story is undoubtedly Ruth’s captor, Wolfman. He has a real name—obviously—but I’m trying to maintain some semblance of a non-spoilers review so please, bear with me. Wolf man is relentless, patriarchal, and will only stop once he has Ruth’s blood. I’d say that, as a girl, Wolfman was my worst nightmare. Ruth’s torture at his hands was the kind that would leave ample scars on her—sexual, mental, in fact her whole way of thinking would change after the trauma. But like I said, Ruth was a fierce thing to behold on her own…and I was so, so sure that she would get out of this alive. There were a couple of times where I felt like Ruth behaved out of character—for a smart girl with ridiculously good survivor skills, she sure felt daft sometimes—but all in all, Ruth was badass and she totally knew how to kick some ass.
But what really brings this book to life is Carolyn Lee Adams, whom I must commend for writing something so scary, and yet soÌýfucking necessary. This book was the type that made me sit back and re-evaluate on something I should have done long ago—Would I be able to sucessfully defend myself in any situation like Ruth’s? And I think that is the specific message that this book should bring across to all the audiences that will have the pleasure of reading it. Ruth defaulted to survival mode—she did what she could to ensure that she was unharmed and alive, no matter what her captor had in mind for her. She was smart and fast, but she was also one with the willpower and strength of great rarity.
Ruthless was very, very different from what I’ve been reading lately and it turned out to be the best kind of surprise. The book is a fight-or-die kind of a story, and Ruth fought and she fought well, goddammit. The book is all dark thrills and chills and if you’re new to the Thriller genre, then I do believe Ruthless is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the genre!
*I was provided a free ecopy of this book in exchange of an honest review. This did not in any way, however, influence the content of this review.*
July 30, 2015
I picked up Ruthless because I wanted to read a book that would keep me on the edge of my seat and cause me to have minor heart attacks- and what other book to do that than one about a girl being chased by a serial killer rapist?
At the beginning of this book, Ruthless did exactly that.
I was fully engaged in the storyline and Ruth's chances of survival, but as the story progressed everything slowly went downhill- the plot began to drag and become almost boring at parts.
So unfortunately, overall, this book did not induce the feelings of anticipation and anxiety that I was desperately hoping for.
Also, when the action did begin to pick up again, the author made the suspenseful parts happen very suddenly, instead of stretching them out so the reader could savor every moment.
The last complaint I have about this book is Ruth.
Sure, she was a strong, tough character that was determined to survive (which I admire), but beneath all of that was a girl who disregarded her friends and family.
She only cared about herself, which made it hard for me to actually like her.
At the beginning of this book, Ruthless did exactly that.
I was fully engaged in the storyline and Ruth's chances of survival, but as the story progressed everything slowly went downhill- the plot began to drag and become almost boring at parts.
So unfortunately, overall, this book did not induce the feelings of anticipation and anxiety that I was desperately hoping for.
Also, when the action did begin to pick up again, the author made the suspenseful parts happen very suddenly, instead of stretching them out so the reader could savor every moment.
The last complaint I have about this book is Ruth.
Sure, she was a strong, tough character that was determined to survive (which I admire), but beneath all of that was a girl who disregarded her friends and family.
She only cared about herself, which made it hard for me to actually like her.
February 20, 2020
Love Ruth as a character, she’s not the most likable character but she’s fierce and strong and complicated and she struggles. And I love the message. Women can be ruthless, they survive and have so much strength. but it’s also okay to be weak sometimes and to need help and to cry, have emotions, etc.
But where this book lost me is the plot, it’s a little disjointed and some parts are confusing.
But where this book lost me is the plot, it’s a little disjointed and some parts are confusing.
September 25, 2024
2024
2023
2020
2019
Ruth has spent the majority of her young life around horses. Her mom and dad have quite a few marital issues and horses never talk back. She is focused and driven. Ambitious. A winner. She competes in huge horse shows. A wins. Regularly. It's still not enough to make her happy.
Her competitive attitude tends to drive people away (with a few notable exceptions, like Caleb). They call her Ruthless. They have no idea.
Ruth is having a typical morning in the barn when she is abducted. She doesn't know why, but she does know that she is a fighter.
Ruth is spirited, that is for sure. She knows that she must escape, but her abductor has done this before. He just doesn't know that he's taken someone who isn't docile enough to just go quietly into the night. Previously, I believe, he has mainly taken younger girls. Ruth isn't a young girl who will let things happen to her. She belies in making her own way. In winning. Her abductor, Wolfman, definitely has the upper hand because he knows the woods like the back of his hand. Maybe even better. He can track like he was born into it. And he has absolutely no qualms or morals or issues with killing anyone who gets in his way.
I liked the way Ruth handled everything. She ran into a few issues with other people (she desperately wanted help, but not everyone is a hero). And she handled it much better than I would have. I would have done more than scream at people for not helping me. I probably would have ended up thrown in jail myself (although, at least I'd be safe from Wolfman in there haha). Plus, she has brains. She thinks about digging through someone's trash in order to find some desperately needed food. And she makes her own shoes after she breaks into an abandoned house. And the way she does get away from her captor is genius (I would have been too busy shaking in my bare feet to even attempt to get away). She's a brave girl, that Ruth.
I could see how Wolfman (as I will forever remember him) would have targeted her (I mean, besides the hair color, which was incredibly important to him). In the flashbacks, she's not the kindest, most generous, sweetest person, but I think underneath it all she's just protecting herself from getting hurt. Everyone in her life is a risk. Well, maybe not Caleb. But her family is constantly on the verge of breaking apart. It's got to be safer to harden your heart than to worry about which parent you'd rather go live with if they eventually do get divorced.
Honestly, she's lead a pretty hard life, so I feel kind of sorry for her. And I really liked how spunky and feisty and real she was in the forest. Even when she was kind of wavering in her sanity (which makes total sense. You probably can't be quite normal for a while after going through what she was going through). And, after reading through the book and gathering my thoughts, I do think she is pretty likable. She's a good strong character put into an impossible situation.
Very good read.
2023
2020
2019
Ruth has spent the majority of her young life around horses. Her mom and dad have quite a few marital issues and horses never talk back. She is focused and driven. Ambitious. A winner. She competes in huge horse shows. A wins. Regularly. It's still not enough to make her happy.
Her competitive attitude tends to drive people away (with a few notable exceptions, like Caleb). They call her Ruthless. They have no idea.
Ruth is having a typical morning in the barn when she is abducted. She doesn't know why, but she does know that she is a fighter.
Ruth is spirited, that is for sure. She knows that she must escape, but her abductor has done this before. He just doesn't know that he's taken someone who isn't docile enough to just go quietly into the night. Previously, I believe, he has mainly taken younger girls. Ruth isn't a young girl who will let things happen to her. She belies in making her own way. In winning. Her abductor, Wolfman, definitely has the upper hand because he knows the woods like the back of his hand. Maybe even better. He can track like he was born into it. And he has absolutely no qualms or morals or issues with killing anyone who gets in his way.
I liked the way Ruth handled everything. She ran into a few issues with other people (she desperately wanted help, but not everyone is a hero). And she handled it much better than I would have. I would have done more than scream at people for not helping me. I probably would have ended up thrown in jail myself (although, at least I'd be safe from Wolfman in there haha). Plus, she has brains. She thinks about digging through someone's trash in order to find some desperately needed food. And she makes her own shoes after she breaks into an abandoned house. And the way she does get away from her captor is genius (I would have been too busy shaking in my bare feet to even attempt to get away). She's a brave girl, that Ruth.
I could see how Wolfman (as I will forever remember him) would have targeted her (I mean, besides the hair color, which was incredibly important to him). In the flashbacks, she's not the kindest, most generous, sweetest person, but I think underneath it all she's just protecting herself from getting hurt. Everyone in her life is a risk. Well, maybe not Caleb. But her family is constantly on the verge of breaking apart. It's got to be safer to harden your heart than to worry about which parent you'd rather go live with if they eventually do get divorced.
Honestly, she's lead a pretty hard life, so I feel kind of sorry for her. And I really liked how spunky and feisty and real she was in the forest. Even when she was kind of wavering in her sanity (which makes total sense. You probably can't be quite normal for a while after going through what she was going through). And, after reading through the book and gathering my thoughts, I do think she is pretty likable. She's a good strong character put into an impossible situation.
Very good read.
July 18, 2015
Ruthless is a survival story done right. It’s just the right amount of creepy, thrilling, and pulse pounding. From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat, praying that Ruth would find a way out of her situation. There wasn’t a second that went by where I wasn’t terrified of what was going to come next.
Ruth Carver is not a perfect heroine, not by a long shot. She’s a little full of herself, a little rude, and she is pretty much just obsessed with things that benefit her. She was willing to trample people to get where she needed to be and while I didn’t necessarily approve of those methods, I obviously still didn’t think she deserved anything this guy had in store for her. I think this in this case, it doesn’t matter about the heroine’s past, as long as she will have a future. It’s not like anyone is going to root for her to die.
Let me just say, this is not one for the faint of heart or a young reader. Carolyn Lee Adams does not pull any punches. I was terrified for Ruth’s life and sanity, every page of the book. The guy who abducts her is seriously creepy. The bulk of the story is told from Ruth’s point of view but there are flashbacks in his point of view and he is extremely messed up in the head. I was sickened and terrified. I don’t mind that from a book but if you do, this is not the one for you.
The story itself isn’t so much all about Ruth being abducted but also about how she escapes and spends her time in the wilderness. She is on her own, no supplies, and no help in sight. Like I said, this is a survival story above all else. It’s not just about surviving the ordeal with her abduction but surviving her escape as well. There isn’t a second that goes by where you don’t fear for Ruth’s life. Even if she isn’t killed by a crazy madman, the elements could get her just as easily.
Overall, Ruthless is truly one story that stands out in the YA market. I have never read anything like it and it definitely made me eager to see what Carolyn Lee Adams is going to do next.
Ruth Carver is not a perfect heroine, not by a long shot. She’s a little full of herself, a little rude, and she is pretty much just obsessed with things that benefit her. She was willing to trample people to get where she needed to be and while I didn’t necessarily approve of those methods, I obviously still didn’t think she deserved anything this guy had in store for her. I think this in this case, it doesn’t matter about the heroine’s past, as long as she will have a future. It’s not like anyone is going to root for her to die.
Let me just say, this is not one for the faint of heart or a young reader. Carolyn Lee Adams does not pull any punches. I was terrified for Ruth’s life and sanity, every page of the book. The guy who abducts her is seriously creepy. The bulk of the story is told from Ruth’s point of view but there are flashbacks in his point of view and he is extremely messed up in the head. I was sickened and terrified. I don’t mind that from a book but if you do, this is not the one for you.
The story itself isn’t so much all about Ruth being abducted but also about how she escapes and spends her time in the wilderness. She is on her own, no supplies, and no help in sight. Like I said, this is a survival story above all else. It’s not just about surviving the ordeal with her abduction but surviving her escape as well. There isn’t a second that goes by where you don’t fear for Ruth’s life. Even if she isn’t killed by a crazy madman, the elements could get her just as easily.
Overall, Ruthless is truly one story that stands out in the YA market. I have never read anything like it and it definitely made me eager to see what Carolyn Lee Adams is going to do next.
June 27, 2022
My immediate reaction after finishing this book was woah. I had to sit back for a bit to catch my breath. This story was incredibly fast-paced, intense, surprising, and emotionally engaging� but there was also something that makes me think it isn’t going to stick with me. It was incredibly well-written and the storyline unique, but it was lacking an intangible quality that meant I couldn’t give it five stars.
I’m trying to keep this as general as possible because this is the type of book you need to go into blank. The story will definitely surprise you. It’s gutsy and a little scary. It delves into the psyche of the human mind in a way that I’ve never seen before. I loved the way it got me thinking about what it means to be a ‘good person�.
Ruth wasn’t an easy character to love, but she wasn’t meant to be. She made us question whether her tendency to be rude, snappish, and cold meant she was a ‘bad person� and therefore whether she deserved her fate. I loved the twist of fate in the middle and how it made us look at the situation differently. I loved that it made Ruth think too. It was clever and insightful. Ruth was just the perfect protagonist for this story. She was so strong and persistent. I don’t think I could have handled any of the shit she went through as well as she did.
Overall? This was a well-written, thrilling, and thought-provoking story that I’d definitely recommend. The only thing I would change would be Caleb’s involvement in the end. He wasn’t necessary. Nonetheless, this was a unique story and a fantastic debut. I’ll certainly be anticipating the author’s sophomore work!
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.
� �
I’m trying to keep this as general as possible because this is the type of book you need to go into blank. The story will definitely surprise you. It’s gutsy and a little scary. It delves into the psyche of the human mind in a way that I’ve never seen before. I loved the way it got me thinking about what it means to be a ‘good person�.
Ruth wasn’t an easy character to love, but she wasn’t meant to be. She made us question whether her tendency to be rude, snappish, and cold meant she was a ‘bad person� and therefore whether she deserved her fate. I loved the twist of fate in the middle and how it made us look at the situation differently. I loved that it made Ruth think too. It was clever and insightful. Ruth was just the perfect protagonist for this story. She was so strong and persistent. I don’t think I could have handled any of the shit she went through as well as she did.
Overall? This was a well-written, thrilling, and thought-provoking story that I’d definitely recommend. The only thing I would change would be Caleb’s involvement in the end. He wasn’t necessary. Nonetheless, this was a unique story and a fantastic debut. I’ll certainly be anticipating the author’s sophomore work!
Review copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.
� �
July 4, 2015
Review also found at
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Simon Pulse vie Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication is July 14th, 2015**
This story read a little bit different for me. Although the concept is not exactly unique, it is the first that I can recall that was written entirely in the first person. This kept the story focused entirely on Ruth and her situation and left out any other noise. It felt like a long monologue. A frustrating and terrifying monologue.
As with any suspense cat and mouse type stories I found myself screaming and frustrated as Ruth struggled to escape. Just when you get a moment to breathe, BAM! the story shifts. It reminded me of an eighties horror movie. You know the kind, the victim is running as fast as they can and the bad guy is slowly walking....and still manages to catch up to wreak havoc.
The length of this story was good. I find with this type of story if it is too long my attention tends to wander. In this case it was just long enough to offer up the suspense and action but not to long to overstay it's welcome. My mind...or is it my heart.. can only handle so much of this type plot.
This story is written so that it can appeal across multiple demographics. Both YA and older will be able to follow this. Overall I thought it was a good read and I will be staying away from remote cabins in the mountains for quite some time
**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Simon Pulse vie Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication is July 14th, 2015**
This story read a little bit different for me. Although the concept is not exactly unique, it is the first that I can recall that was written entirely in the first person. This kept the story focused entirely on Ruth and her situation and left out any other noise. It felt like a long monologue. A frustrating and terrifying monologue.
As with any suspense cat and mouse type stories I found myself screaming and frustrated as Ruth struggled to escape. Just when you get a moment to breathe, BAM! the story shifts. It reminded me of an eighties horror movie. You know the kind, the victim is running as fast as they can and the bad guy is slowly walking....and still manages to catch up to wreak havoc.
The length of this story was good. I find with this type of story if it is too long my attention tends to wander. In this case it was just long enough to offer up the suspense and action but not to long to overstay it's welcome. My mind...or is it my heart.. can only handle so much of this type plot.
This story is written so that it can appeal across multiple demographics. Both YA and older will be able to follow this. Overall I thought it was a good read and I will be staying away from remote cabins in the mountains for quite some time
June 18, 2017
I have a new favourite way of picking a book to read. Basically I just pick a book I've never heard of before and read it. Nothing fancy. I first tried this little trick out on the superb , and having trouble settling to a book this evening decided to try it out again. Interesting synchronicies; both are debut novels and both are about survival.
The way I found this book was via an email Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ sent me today. It was a good gambit. Ruth is a fighter. She is determined, headstrong, and a teensy weensy bit self-absorbed. These traits make Ruth unpopular with many, by who she is nicknamed 'Ruthless'. But it is those same traits that see Ruth fight for her life, for her survival, and to not give up.
I don't mind a good thriller every now and then, and I really enjoyed this one. I was absorbed and read it in one sitting. I kept doing the old 'I'll just read one more chapter thing', until I just gave in and settled in for the ride. I'll be interested to see what this author writes next, as she has a great deal of skill. I can be a fickle reader, and to keep me glued to the page when we basically only have one main character whom we follow constantly, and also given there is minimal dialogue (I neeeeeeeds dialogue in books) is no mean feat.
Really enjoyed it!
The way I found this book was via an email Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ sent me today. It was a good gambit. Ruth is a fighter. She is determined, headstrong, and a teensy weensy bit self-absorbed. These traits make Ruth unpopular with many, by who she is nicknamed 'Ruthless'. But it is those same traits that see Ruth fight for her life, for her survival, and to not give up.
I don't mind a good thriller every now and then, and I really enjoyed this one. I was absorbed and read it in one sitting. I kept doing the old 'I'll just read one more chapter thing', until I just gave in and settled in for the ride. I'll be interested to see what this author writes next, as she has a great deal of skill. I can be a fickle reader, and to keep me glued to the page when we basically only have one main character whom we follow constantly, and also given there is minimal dialogue (I neeeeeeeds dialogue in books) is no mean feat.
Really enjoyed it!
July 28, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
“I am Ruthless, and I’m no one to be trifled with.�
Ruthless is author Carolyn Lee Adams debut novel. It is a story that is brutal, as it is heartbreaking. 17-year old Ruth Carver wakes up in the back of a truck covered with straw and manure and a concussion from being knocked unconscious. She soon discovers a man she calls the Wolfman has kidnapped her to punish her for being a bad little girl and plans to kill her like he has a half dozen other so called bad girls.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
*Recvd 12/22/2014 via Edelweiss* Published: July 14th 2015 by Simon Pulse
*Genre* Young Adult, Thriller
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
“I am Ruthless, and I’m no one to be trifled with.�
Ruthless is author Carolyn Lee Adams debut novel. It is a story that is brutal, as it is heartbreaking. 17-year old Ruth Carver wakes up in the back of a truck covered with straw and manure and a concussion from being knocked unconscious. She soon discovers a man she calls the Wolfman has kidnapped her to punish her for being a bad little girl and plans to kill her like he has a half dozen other so called bad girls.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
*Recvd 12/22/2014 via Edelweiss* Published: July 14th 2015 by Simon Pulse
April 24, 2019
RATING: 2 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
I am in the minority on this one, but I just didn't care for the writing style. While the story is interesting, and I was able to finish the novel by skimming, I could not really get into the book. I cannot remember much at this time other than those on my notes.
(Review Not on Blog)
I am in the minority on this one, but I just didn't care for the writing style. While the story is interesting, and I was able to finish the novel by skimming, I could not really get into the book. I cannot remember much at this time other than those on my notes.
July 19, 2015
Liked that it didn't shy away from the gritty, but nothing really stood out for me.
April 1, 2025
THANKS TO THE NETGALLEY AND SIMON TEEN FOR THIS DIGITAL ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
Ruth Craver is nothing if not ambitious. She grew up with instructions to use her survival instincts if she found herself in a bad situation. And that’s exactly what she tried to do when she found herself kidnapped in a truck. Wolfman—the kidnapper and killer—is a creep who kidnaps and kills girls with specific attributes. The story is a detailed experience of Ruth being forced to survive a twisted game with a psychotic killer.
I was instantly hooked. It felt like I was watching a movie, holding my breath throughout the book. The kidnapper creeped me out. Unfortunately, with time, the pacing went off track. Initially, the chasing, hiding, and seeking scenes kept me on edge, but the repetition of the same scenes made me skim a lot. Wolfman's past sob story wasn't convincing enough to justify his actions. Ruth was ambitious, but some of her careless actions made me question her. The story was more about chasing than about building characters or understanding dynamics. The ending felt like a fever dream, and I’m still not entirely sure if I read things correctly.
In the end, Ruthless had its moments, but it didn’t live up to its full potential.Ìý
Ruth Craver is nothing if not ambitious. She grew up with instructions to use her survival instincts if she found herself in a bad situation. And that’s exactly what she tried to do when she found herself kidnapped in a truck. Wolfman—the kidnapper and killer—is a creep who kidnaps and kills girls with specific attributes. The story is a detailed experience of Ruth being forced to survive a twisted game with a psychotic killer.
I was instantly hooked. It felt like I was watching a movie, holding my breath throughout the book. The kidnapper creeped me out. Unfortunately, with time, the pacing went off track. Initially, the chasing, hiding, and seeking scenes kept me on edge, but the repetition of the same scenes made me skim a lot. Wolfman's past sob story wasn't convincing enough to justify his actions. Ruth was ambitious, but some of her careless actions made me question her. The story was more about chasing than about building characters or understanding dynamics. The ending felt like a fever dream, and I’m still not entirely sure if I read things correctly.
In the end, Ruthless had its moments, but it didn’t live up to its full potential.Ìý
August 7, 2015
Ruthless is the most stressful, disturbing, never-wracking and visceral experience I've had with any book in a while. I desperately wanted to keep reading, but at the same time, I stayed away from it for hours at a time because of the powerful impact it had on me. Deeply engrossing, brutal and terrifyingly realistic, Ruthless is a fantastically written story of survival and, simultaneously, a short, fascinating study of both the good and the bad parts of human nature.
When I picked this up, I had no idea this story would be this intense, that it would leave me this stressed and tense and on edge. I expected the typical lukewarm YA thriller, the one with exaggerated and unrealistic odds but still manageable enough for a generic heroine to handle with almost superhuman abilities and unrealistic feats of human strength. Ruthless was nothing like that. In fact, the story actively worked against the main character. With every step and rounded corner, she was mercilessly ambushed by the story, brought down with terrifying brutality. That's what makes this novel so great, because it's all about Ruth as a character. Her tenacity, her strength, her spirit. Adams gave us a magnificent heroine, one that actually deserves to be called a heroine, one the kept fighting, kept struggling and never had anything handed to her by the grace of the story or the author.
What's particularly interesting about Ruth is that, in spite of being one of the strongest heroines I've read about in quite a while, she is nowhere near perfect. She is not unbreakable and definitely she doesn't breeze through this book and the horrible situation she's been placed in. She fights every step of the way with tooth and nails, she never gives up, but she is not left unaffected by this. Her psychological unraveling under the weight of the events that take place in the story is fascinating and extremely well-written. Adams managed to write a book where, the more vulnerable and raw the heroine is, the stronger and tougher she gets. Ruth was so riveting a character and a fascinating heroine to follow. She is flawed and so thoroughly human, she was one of the most compelling aspects of an already compelling story. She was a utterly believable young woman, a realistic heroine all the way through.
Half surviving being hunted, half wilderness survival, Ruthless takes place within the span of two or three days and never once loses it breakneck speed. This is a very graphic and disturbing read, one that doesn't shy away from the horrors of the situation, though it is toned down somewhat. One of my favorite things about the novel is how, using a dual narrative of flashbacks in between the narration of the actual story, it provided a fascinating overview of the two main characters in the novel, the way both of them bordered most of their lives between good and bad choices and how that shaped them into the persons they were today. It laid out the stage beautifully for the situation they found themselves in, the choices they made and the way they acted in it.
There were some religious undertones in the narrative that turned me off a tad from the narration and there was a rather careless use of the word slut at the beginning of the novel that, though I see its need in that moment, still left a sour taste in my mouth, but these are pretty much all the concrete complaints I have of the novel. This book is about human resilience and courage, and it did a fantastic job portraying the good parts of humanity while still allowing for the darkest, more sinister parts of it to show as well, and not only through the antagonist. I particularly loved the climax, the way it all comes down to a close and the impact it had on Ruth. I adored that the novel never tried to make an unrealistic leap from normal teenage girl to invincible avenger out of nowhere, that instead it allowed itself to take a more realistic and strangely powerful turn. I also loved that the novel made a point of showcasing how internalized misogyny can insidiously grow into something truly terrifying and how the careless way in which some people talk about women affects the way women are perceived and treated.
An engaging, well-written, fascinating and disturbing read, Ruthless was more than a pleasant surprise for me. This is a fantastic thriller and survival story, a deeply engrossing study of humanity and probably one of the best YA thrillers I've read in quite a while.
When I picked this up, I had no idea this story would be this intense, that it would leave me this stressed and tense and on edge. I expected the typical lukewarm YA thriller, the one with exaggerated and unrealistic odds but still manageable enough for a generic heroine to handle with almost superhuman abilities and unrealistic feats of human strength. Ruthless was nothing like that. In fact, the story actively worked against the main character. With every step and rounded corner, she was mercilessly ambushed by the story, brought down with terrifying brutality. That's what makes this novel so great, because it's all about Ruth as a character. Her tenacity, her strength, her spirit. Adams gave us a magnificent heroine, one that actually deserves to be called a heroine, one the kept fighting, kept struggling and never had anything handed to her by the grace of the story or the author.
What's particularly interesting about Ruth is that, in spite of being one of the strongest heroines I've read about in quite a while, she is nowhere near perfect. She is not unbreakable and definitely she doesn't breeze through this book and the horrible situation she's been placed in. She fights every step of the way with tooth and nails, she never gives up, but she is not left unaffected by this. Her psychological unraveling under the weight of the events that take place in the story is fascinating and extremely well-written. Adams managed to write a book where, the more vulnerable and raw the heroine is, the stronger and tougher she gets. Ruth was so riveting a character and a fascinating heroine to follow. She is flawed and so thoroughly human, she was one of the most compelling aspects of an already compelling story. She was a utterly believable young woman, a realistic heroine all the way through.
Half surviving being hunted, half wilderness survival, Ruthless takes place within the span of two or three days and never once loses it breakneck speed. This is a very graphic and disturbing read, one that doesn't shy away from the horrors of the situation, though it is toned down somewhat. One of my favorite things about the novel is how, using a dual narrative of flashbacks in between the narration of the actual story, it provided a fascinating overview of the two main characters in the novel, the way both of them bordered most of their lives between good and bad choices and how that shaped them into the persons they were today. It laid out the stage beautifully for the situation they found themselves in, the choices they made and the way they acted in it.
There were some religious undertones in the narrative that turned me off a tad from the narration and there was a rather careless use of the word slut at the beginning of the novel that, though I see its need in that moment, still left a sour taste in my mouth, but these are pretty much all the concrete complaints I have of the novel. This book is about human resilience and courage, and it did a fantastic job portraying the good parts of humanity while still allowing for the darkest, more sinister parts of it to show as well, and not only through the antagonist. I particularly loved the climax, the way it all comes down to a close and the impact it had on Ruth. I adored that the novel never tried to make an unrealistic leap from normal teenage girl to invincible avenger out of nowhere, that instead it allowed itself to take a more realistic and strangely powerful turn. I also loved that the novel made a point of showcasing how internalized misogyny can insidiously grow into something truly terrifying and how the careless way in which some people talk about women affects the way women are perceived and treated.
An engaging, well-written, fascinating and disturbing read, Ruthless was more than a pleasant surprise for me. This is a fantastic thriller and survival story, a deeply engrossing study of humanity and probably one of the best YA thrillers I've read in quite a while.
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