The Ruins

by Jonathan Pongratz, Mario Lampić (Illustrator)

How do you kill what you can’t touch?

Tyler Collins has it all. Good looks, the perfect boyfriend, and a paranormal vlogging career on the precipice of greatness. Pursuing his dreams of hosting his own paranormal TV show with the backing of his agent, Tyler and his boyfriend Gabe travel to the small village of Altalona, Peru in search of the legendary ruins of Ayar Kachi.

Unfamiliar with their surroundings they quickly exhaust their options, but just when all seems lost a twist of fate leads them to their destination. The ruins of Ayar Kachi have lain dormant for centuries, a foreboding palace of crumbling stone and strange symbols that has never been filmed by a living being.

Eager to make their aspirations of success a reality, Tyler and Gabe descend into the depths, unknowing of the peril they have placed themselves in. For within the ancient grounds lies a great evil, one that threatens the lives of anyone who enters and will stop at nothing until its hunger for the living is sated.

Genres: Horror

242 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2024

About the author

Jonathan Pongratz is a writer and author of action-packed horror, scifi, and other speculative fiction stories. His bold characters are resilient against the sinister and mysterious forces confronting them, but in real life Jonathan is afraid of bees, attics, and large bodies of water. Let’s face it. Jonathan wouldn’t last five minutes in one of his dark tales.

Visit him at www.jonathanpongratz.com.

Reviews

[Iseult Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED The Ruins! It’s the author's best book so far. It’s so tense and scary in places. I didn’t know what was going to happen next - in the best way! And the characters are great.

[David Lenton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Jonathan Pongratz for making 'The Ruins' available for review on BookSirens.

If you're a fan of horror movies like Darkness Falls, The Silence, The Ring, etc., chances are that the format of 'The Ruins' will seem very familiar to you. Essentially, the main character has a paranormal element introduced into their life, which requires a mystery to be solved in order to save them and their loved ones. The details will vary, of course, but there's something almost comforting - if not exactly exciting - in knowing what to expect.

I do wish some more time had been spent developing some of the characters, but I do like Tyler's best friend, Jessica. While most of the characters are in the book for expository purposes, Jessica brings some much needed depth to the story.

The paranormal premise is an interesting take on Incan mythology, but it's best not to ask a lot of questions about how it's all meant to work. Down that path lies some questions you're just not going to be able to answer.

Much like its horror movie counterparts, if you're able to sit down, turn off your brain and enjoy it for what it is, reading 'The Ruins' isn't a bad way to pass a spooky season afternoon.

Rating: 3.5

[Jessica Sundsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping supernatural thriller that keeps you on your toes right until the end! As other reviewers have said, this book feels like a cautionary tale about vloggers chasing YouTube fame and the extent they'll go to achieve it. I really enjoyed Tyler as a character and emphasized with him, and the creepy tone of the book only added to my enjoyment. Right from the beginning, we are thrust into this tense atmosphere with the Peruvian villagers being so secretive and following certain rules, like staying inside at night.

I won't give away any spoilers, but from the moment Tyler and Gabe step inside that chilling temple, the ride begins and I couldn't stop turning the page! I also really enjoyed the dive into Peruvian culture and history. The author definitely did his research here, and it shows.

If you love spooky supernatural thrillers, this book is for you!

[Emily Fruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows supernatural bloggers & boyfriends, Tyler and Gabe, as they search for the hidden ruins of Ayar Kachi. The couple faced trouble and challenges just to get to the ruins but it doesn’t stop there. Throughout the book there are twists and turns, and heart racing moments that have you nervous for how it will end. I felt the longer the book went on, the better it was and the more the story developed. I felt the end was a little short and quick and was hoping for it to be a little longer. At times the dialog didn’t feel as genuine as a normal conversation but overall the book was good and a quick read that kept me wanting to come back. I would probably read it again! overall 4.25⭐️

[Stephanie Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review!

Listen, sometimes you just need that pure escapist fun that some books can deliver. Was this a perfect story? No. Was this a fun ride of a story? YES! And it was made even better that we got some real LGB representation, which was one of the reasons that I requested to read this book. I am so glad that I did!

The story is familiar territory in horror - hubristic people go to explore a place where they're not supposed to go, disturb something that should have been left alone, and terror and death ensue until they can figure out how to undo what they did. I *was* surprised by the death of one character, as that was a bit of a trope breaker, and it truly made for a better MMC.

In all, if you're looking for a fast read, I highly recommend this book!

[Paula Sahraoui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet Tyler Collins a paranormal blogger trying to hit it big time via social media. He takes his boyfriend to Peru to seek out never before explored ruins. In spite of several attempts to thwart them from the locals they do indeed find what they came for and much more.

This is a quick, fun and campy read! The writing is really tight, nice job by the author. Although this book is paranormal in nature it has no real creep factor but it is suspenseful. As far as characters go Tyler is likable with lots of swagger and quite a bit of sass. This is looking like the beginning of a series, which is going to be very appealing to many!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really exciting read, so much so that I read it all in one sitting!

I loved the plot and there were a lot of moments in the book that I could visualize so well, especially near the end. The last six or so chapters really drew me in. The only thing I wish is that we could have gotten more in depth with the characters. Their personalities are so intriguing I wish we could have learned more about them and their lives.

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good horror/thriller!

[J. Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A+++

I received an ARC copy of this book and I LOVED IT. I think this book definitely makes the reader realize how far vloggers will go to get their reviews. I definitely think I have a new favorite author though & a physical copy of this book is in my future.

Already added it to my Must Buy list. Thank you for the read!!

[Jessica Rickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler is a paranormal investigator traveling to investigate mysterious ruins in Peru rumored to be cursed. What he finds is a town hiding a terrifying secret. What transpires next is life shattering and horrifying. This book is captivating and should be turned into a movie! I look forward to more in this series.



I won this book on the Good reads giveaway

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler has a great life. He takes a trip to Peru to search for legendary ruins for his blog. Tyler and his boyfriend Gabe stumble upon the ruins. They aren't aware of what waits in the depths. It is hungry.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Booksirens for providing an e-copy of this novel!

I think I would have liked this book more if I had gone in with different expectations. I thought this was going to be a suspense/horror novel focusing on cursed ruins. And this was the story... for the first 15%(ish) of the book. The rest of the novel read more like a standard urban fantasy novel. I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, I was just really vibing with the suspense at the beginning and was disappointed when it shifted more into fantasy. If you go into this book expecting horror and suspense, you will likely be disappointed. However, if you go in expecting an urban fantasy with some horror elements, I think you will likely have a pretty good time with the story.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. It was a Quick read and i liked Tyler.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Shadows of Ayar Kachi, the author delivers a thrilling blend of paranormal mystery and edge-of-your-seat suspense. The novel introduces Tyler Collins, a charismatic paranormal vlogger with dreams of launching his own TV show. Alongside his supportive boyfriend, Gabe, Tyler embarks on a high-stakes adventure to uncover the secrets of the fabled ruins of Ayar Kachi in Altalona, Peru. What begins as a quest for fame swiftly evolves into a gripping fight for survival against an ancient malevolence. I did not find it too scary, and enjoyed it enough to look for more works by this writer. I was provided an ARC by Booksirens in exchange for a review.

[Tammie Painter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted temples. Creepy hospitals. Secretive villagers... The Ruins delivers all the ingredients of a chilling supernatural thriller!

The basic premise of this book has Tyler and his boyfriend Gabe searching for some ruins that have never been filmed before for Tyler's blooming vlogging career. Well, they find them, and then all sorts of bad stuff starts happening... and it keeps happening (to Tyler and the people he loves) even after Tyler returns home to the States.

I have to say, the story line of this book was excellent. I mean, I kind of knew what the end result would be, but it was still a gripping, page-turning ride watching it all play out and it did keep me wondering who was going to die next. I loved watching the bad guy get stronger and stronger, and Tyler trying to figure out how to stay one step ahead of him.

My only complaints about the book are that I would have liked to have seen more development of the relationship between Tyler and Gabe before the start of the story. Something happens that puts Tyler in a tailspin, and it was difficult to really feel his emotion or motivation because all I had seen prior to this was them flirting and having (off-page) sex. I didn't feel that deep connection Tyler goes on about. I also found the dialogue a little stiff and unnatural at times, but I'm pretty picky about dialogue, so maybe that's just me.

But all in all, definitely worth a read if you're looking for a supernatural thriller that keeps the tension going until the very end (which I loved, since I can't stand those thrillers that wrap everything up, then spend the final three chapters blathering on about what could have been.)

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler is on the brink of having his own paranormal investigation series on television. He just needs to submit one big investigative success to convince his sponsor to take the leap. That goal takes him to Peru and the cursed ruins of Ayar Kachi. He takes his boyfriend Gabe with him, and the two of them find more than they expected—an evil force with an insatiable desire for human life. This is a horror novel and, needless to say, things go from creepy to bad to worse fast.

The book starts with a couple of sex scenes, but once through those, the story gets tense fast, and the first visit to the ruins was riveting enough to make the hairs on my neck stand on end. The tension stays high as Tyler tries to defeat the evil spirit that follows him back to the US and starts attacking the people he cares about and their families. He too is marked for death.

Since Tyler is a paranormal investigator, in many ways the story resembles an investigation, following clues and searching for answers from those who know about the curse and how to battle it. Secondary characters are well developed, and the action is well-described. The pace is strong throughout, and I finished the book in two sittings. Highly recommended to horror fans.

[M.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this novel, and I can tell you it’s another outstanding book by Pongratz. This story is a look at what happens when a paranormal vlogger chases views and becoming the next big thing while pushing everything else to the side. This story is very topical with the continued rise of vlogging and vloggers who have to chase the ‘clicks’ to stay relevant. For me this was a cautionary story of all things not to do in our bids to find our voice and our audience. I loved the paranormal story and the amount of research Pongratz had to do to make this story as real as possible. The author did the work and it shows in his story.

If you are looking for a story that will make you check the doors and windows, as well make you want to keep the lights on, this is the story for you. This is book 1 in a planned series, however the story is a stratifying read and doesn’t leave you on a cliff hangers.

[Geraldine Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ruins by Jonathan Pongratz is a good package of adventure, mystery, and drama. Tyler and Gabe travel to Peru in the hopes of investigating and documenting a local legend in the form of ancient ruins. The action is well done, the suspense keeps you reading, and there are surprises that round out a well-told story. The author does an admirable job of using history of Peruvian culture to tell the legend of the ruins. Overall, a good reading with multiple elements that keep you entertained. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent action packed story that ties in paranormal events with Inca mythology. I had never heard of Ayar Kachi before reading The Ruins, and it turned into an internet trip down the rabbit hole. Such a great villian. Vivid descriptions of scenery and well developed characters suck you right in and leave you looking forward to the next in series.

[ZombiieeX]

DNF @ 39%

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced, action packed, scary good.