In this second book in the Fury series, Macy continues his exploration of emotions in a vivid and carefully researched tale depicting the ravages of child sexual victimization. He brings to life the trauma experienced by both a mother figure and her abused daughter. Ruined takes place in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. When twelve-year-old Bekah is abandoned by her father after her mother dies, Ann adopts the girl into her life. Just as they are planning to head East, Bekah's father returns and coaxes his daughter back to him; but life with her dad is far from ideal.
Ruined invites the reader into the dark world of abuse. When does fighting give way to acceptance? Why do we blame ourselves for failing to prevent evil? What kind of anchor can keep us from being sucked into deadly confrontations with our fears? How is it we can know something to be true but not believe it? Will Ann and Bekah be able to overcome their trials and meet again?