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The Ruins of Men #2

Phoenix's Fire

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I rose from the ashes of their lies.

For most of my life, it was always the three of us. Callah, Meri, and me - Ayla. Three girls growing up among those who called themselves the Righteous - but are actually the furthest thing from it. In desperation, I took a risk. One that let me see the truth.

Now my need for revenge is burning inside me.

Meri always tried to be perfect. Obediently, she bent herself to fit the rules, but it was never good enough. She still suffered. Giving up - with nothing left to lose - she tells a single lie.

Little does she know that will light the fuse.

Thankfully, Callah knows how to play the game. I always thought she was the most pious among us, but I was wrong. She learned to manipulate them the same way they tried to do with her.

They tried to tear us apart. They taught us that friendships were wrong, but together we will become stronger than they can imagine. I can't do this on my own - but I don't need to. I have them.

Together, we will make sparks fly, but what price will we pay when everything explodes?



*This is book 2 in a projected 5 book series.

536 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2025

157 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

A.H. Hadley

20 books89 followers

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5 stars
340 (76%)
4 stars
74 (16%)
3 stars
20 (4%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Steph.
468 reviews79 followers
July 23, 2025
4 ⭐️/0 🌶️—A good continuation of the series. Hadley always writes very long, slower-paced books, but I think it does service to her characterization. This is a pretty strange post-apocalyptic reverse harem with little spice so far, but I’m a fan of the story.
Profile Image for Doom Sunshine.
617 reviews74 followers
April 17, 2025
Man, this book is about 400 pages longer than it needs to be. We have to read a breakdown of a conversation/concept/idea several times, each time it's presented.
When a kiss happens, we have to read about the kiss, then three people talk to the guy about how wrong it was (which we read about), all at different times THEN we read about it from the FMC's POV any time sex is brought up.
Meri's introduction in society is there to show up how much the FMC has changed, her perspective added nothing to the story and could have been cut out.
Anytime FMC learns a new skill, we read about it in detail then we reread about the militia people are impressed by that new skill.
Meri has to learn everything new about this society, which we had to read about from the FMCs POV in the first book.
SO. MUCH. DOUBLE AND TRIPLE TELLING in this book.
It wasn't towards the end that the author chose to skip weeks/days.

The story is a familiar one: if you've read A Brave New World or any other kind of dystopian novel, and if you've been watching Handmaid's Tales, the story will be eerily similar. The story is generally good, but I don't know how much more of this retelling I can keep doing.
Profile Image for Mhairi Laing.
31 reviews
March 17, 2025
Another excellent entry in the series! The worldbuilding continues to impress me, though I will say that the game of telephone that seems to be happening between characters can be a little tiresome at times. It was nowhere near as egregious as in the first book but it was still peppered through, which could be a little frustrating at times.

Kind of nervous about where they are going with story. I'm 99% sure I can see the endgame on this one and I'm cautious about it. While I'm super, super stoked to be seeing a sapphic romance developing here, I do find the approach being taken to the a little... meh.

The romance scenes ramped up slightly in this book, though I still feel like I'm in the middle of a super slow burn (which is GREAT, which is WHAT I WANTED). Rymar grew on me a lot in this book - in the last book, he felt the most 'distant' of the guys, whereas in this book he felt close enough to touch. Finding about his unrequited crush was heartbreaking in the best way.

Kanik continued to be my favourite of Ayla's LIs. I've always had a soft spot for the sweet/gentle guys, and he ticks all my boxes.

Zasen is still fine to me. Just fine. I like that he pushes Ayla, I like how strong he is, but I still feel that despite his page-time I don't know him as well as the others. He plays his cards close to the chest and I feel as though all I know about the guy is "the moody one who is a bit impulsive sometimes and is definitely going to get beaten up by the others soon".

The introduction of Tobias' POV was AMAZING. Undoubtedly went from mostly a background character in the first book to one of my absolute favourite characters in this book. He gave a glimpse into the society that we hadn't seen yet and the revelation about made me feel all kinds of things.



Callah was another high spot. She's a clever, clever girl and I really love seeing her bloom. I am being FED by these characters.

Ayla continues to develop. Glad to see her getting bolder. Was a bit pissed but other than that, my girl is doing so well and we love to see it.

Overall, the characters made this book, the setting is great, and while I have some gripes about where the story is going in some areas, it's going strong in others. I already pre-ordered my copy of the next book. I wish it was autumn already.
Profile Image for Sondra.
599 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2025
Cross my heart

Three girls are born into a religious cult, where they have no rights, are abused and are used to bread more children. When the world changed this cult went underground and called themselves the righteous and the rest of humanity the devil. They lied so they could control their people.

However, out of the dust 3 women rise up and are changing their lives and hopefully will save the women and possibly some men from the lues and control they have endured in the cult.

I was surprised in how the story has unfolded as these strong women rise up. It is glorious to see the strength in them as they heal from their trauma.

This is why I love books by A.H. Hadley and the strong women she creates. She brings up so many issues women face or have faced in their lives. I highlighted so many insights in how these women heal, rise up and overcome in such amazing ways. No matter the way you were raised, how you were programmed to believe, Or the trauma we suffer, we can become the strong beautiful people we are meant to be.

I find healing in these books for my own trauma, programmed beliefs and shame. I find hope in the power of women.

3 strong women, Ayla, Meri, and Callah plus the women who gave them birth in the most horrific situation ever.

I can't wait for the next book and see how they are triumphant and heal humanity. I am anxious to see how they find the courage to become everything they dream about plus find love in whatever form that brings.

I also have to mention how I loved Ayla's dog Holly. Everything about such a precious love and connection between her and her dog. Awe!

I am in need of more to this fabulous series ASAP. I know this will become one of my top favorite books that I will read over and over again. I loved it so much!

543 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2025
SIMPLY BRILLIANT !!

A fantastic follow on to book 1 “Wyvern’s Gold”.

Thankfully it’s not too long until book 3 is due!

So, the series overall focuses on three young women who were born in an underground bunker in a dystopian post apocalyptic America. They call themselves The Righteous, the world above burns out of control as a battle rages between God and the Devil.

They lied, in the first book Ayla was aiming for death but was banished because she dared to stab a man she was forced to marry, it was only with a fork but her act of rebellion was enough to have her exiled. Women were made to suffer for the sins of Eve, no vanity, no friendship and rounded off with frequent punishments. Women must be meek, submissive and devoted to their husbands and to God. Forced into marriage at twenty and fated to die after bearing as many children as possible. A life of servitude and abuse. Most of the men didn’t have things easy either.

Ayla got out and she thrived despite living in an almost constant state of fear. In book to we catch up with Ayla and her burning desire for revenge. Meri takes a bold chance, doing something utterly unexpected but incredibly brave, she tells a lie.

A fantastic read, artfully crafted showing two drastically different cultures. The world building is exceptional. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Taylor Marissa.
9 reviews
March 3, 2025
This author has such a beautiful way of weaving her stories in such a profound way that leaves me breathless after each novel! If you’re familiar to how the song “labour” by paris paloma united so many women and how the song truly resonates so deeply, I feel a very similar feeling from this series! Not only do we follow the FMC’s journey, but we also gain POV perspectives from her two dear friends. I am usually a hater of POVs from non-main characters, but I was truly joyed with each perspective change! Is this a romance book? Yes! But does it also spectacularly delve into the intricacies of social issues? Yes! It’s balanced so perfectly and has me more than excited for the next release :) as a person who reads a lot (100+ a year) I can not sing this authors praises more highly than I already am. This series will be one I keep on a constant re-read!
210 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2025
20% in and nothing has happened other than these two cult survivors are being treated like infants still (and frankly kind of acting like them, too).

I remember there was a gratuitous amount of repetition in the first book, but at least there was action. I've just had to read about what a gynecology exam is about four times in two chapters. And there's stuff being repeated several times AGAIN that was beaten to death in the first book (gay kissing, women as equals, abuse is not allowed, etc).

So, I'm bored and vaguely irritated with the way everyone talks to each other (there's no discernable difference in voice between Ayla or any of the men, they all sound the same). I've basically lost all interest or patience in the story.
Profile Image for Sandi Devlin.
246 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2025
Fantastic continuation of the series

This is the 2nd book in the Ruins of Men series and it just gets better.

Ayla’s story continues but we also learn so much more about the other characters and what life is like in the compound and above ground. We meet new people and learn more about the characters we know.

AH does a wonderful job giving us this intense and unique story. I am so invested in what happened and so looking forward to what’s next.

I love all the twists and turns this story took and how it’s like three books in one.

I definitely recommend this and am so excited for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Ally.
401 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2025
So, in terms of writing, 4 Star. In terms of enjoyment, closer to 3. I just couldn’t get into this one until the end. I kept reading a little bit and then putting it down (which is not how things usually go for me). I still love this authors work and believe she’s one of the most talented authors I’ve ever read. I just feel that the last few books have been a bit too repetitive… I hate saying that, but while I believe in the points she tries to make in her books, this series and the Fairytale series just kinda feel like the point is beat to death… I enjoyed the first book much more than this one. Still an interesting plot line though.
Profile Image for ruby missey.
15 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2025
so cool

I love this series. It has so much world building and emotion. I truly feel for these girls and how much strength they have to know they are being lied to and then honestly try to change how they think. How something so simple as a kiss or holding someone’s hand can be so complicated but they keep trying to understand. It’s simply amazing. I love all of this authors books. Honestly i would read anything she put out. She could publish a grocery list and id read it. Can not wait for book three!!!!
Profile Image for 4foxsake.
892 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2025
rebellion rising.

The last sentence gave me chills and I am way too tired from staying up the past two nights reading! I love the complexity of this story. How Ayla is so so strong… yet still not sure of herself. I don’t know if it was intentional but Meri is an ungrateful brat. Yes, she has trauma but my god could she be anymore whiny? Poor me, poor me, I want to be praised - meanwhile everyone else is doing everything to help her. Ugh. Can’t wait for the next book, just hate that I need to wait 6 months.
3 reviews
March 5, 2025
So so so good!

This series just keeps getting better! I like that we get to know the other characters in this book so much better. Adding their point of views adds so much to the book. The patients that the dragons show to the women is amazing and shows how understanding their society is compared to where they grew up. If only all people could be that way in real life. I look forward to the next book and seeing the journey that the girls are on and the relationships they creating.
Profile Image for TheLazyCat.
81 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2025
Once again a 4.5 Star read! So far I am absolutely loving this series! I can’t wait for the third book.

Overall it was a well written book- the only “issue” I had was that the dragons were almost too perfect! They may argue or have doubts, but those are easily cleared through communication (a rare sighting these days)! Seems a bit unrealistic to me at times, but oh well - it’s fantasy!

It is a big long, but the pacing seems well done for me, so that isn’t much of an issue. I believe it’s only that long because the POV constantly switches, which I actually don’t mind!
Profile Image for Birdy reads books.
64 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2025
Somehow this series is turning out even better than I would have thought after the first book.

The world building is amazing. I love that we're getting insights into other characters. I love that we're getting a big cast of lovable people but simultaneously it's not overwhelming at all. I love the growing that's happening for all the characters and that romance isn't pushed on them too early. It feels paced right considering how time is progressing.
Profile Image for M.D..
Author 36 books130 followers
March 4, 2025
Love This Book!

Okay, if you've read anything by this author, you know she's exceptional at storytelling. The characters come to life, the plot makes sense, and its like being immersed inside her world. The only bad thing? When the book ends!
Do yourself a favor, find a quiet spot, turn off your notifications, if you haven't read Wyvern's Gold, do so then scarf up then this book!
Profile Image for Jaimee.
16 reviews25 followers
February 12, 2025
Another phenomenal book from Auryn. Every book I read from her touches on such serious topics and yet I never feel overwhelmed, but instead comforted in the knowledge that there is a happy ever after. Ayla’s strength and growth in this book brought me to tears at times, and her story is so inspiring. Cannot wait to see what comes next.
3 reviews
February 27, 2025
amazing

I was unable to put this down and read it instead of sleeping. Relationships that develop organically, absolutely ENTHRALLING political plots, and the refusal to lump folks of one group as ALL good or ALL evil is just wonderful. Add the excellent writing and enthralling worldbuilding, and this will continue to be a favorite reread of mine for years to come.
54 reviews
March 2, 2025
Great 2nd Book!

This is a great second book in the series! It’s been a hot minute since I read the first but Hadley does an excellent job of providing context to character without taking away from the plot. I’m pretty sure this is the slowest burn that she’s ever written but it makes sense with the plot! Loved it! Devoured it! Can’t wait for the 3rd!
31 reviews
March 4, 2025
Second Read

I cried again at a certain part. Very few books make me cry and for it to happen on my second read? Auryn your writing pulls all the feels. Thank you (and d*** you for making me cry). Women supporting women and found family is always front and center in your books and I can't imagine reading a book without them now. Thank you
Profile Image for Jordan Blackaby.
241 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2025
2/2

This series continues to be a master piece. Another slow burn but it’s incredible to watch Alya and now Meri learn how to be people. I feel like I’m reading a biography from women who’ve been in cults their whole lives. Hadley continues to make the characters believable and the storyline intense. Can’t wait for book 3
18 reviews
July 13, 2025
Wow ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This has been a great read. I love the swapping P.O.V. I love how we get to see the relationships progress. I love seeing the relationship between the friends continuing even if they’re all at separate places and different times in their life. I cannot wait until the next book. This series is definitely one for the books!!!
Profile Image for Toma.
834 reviews
February 19, 2025
Got an arc and devoured the book. Ms Hadley always delivers, even if you do not know what to expect. What I liked most was how different the three girls were and also the short secondary plot which showed not all dragons were good guys.
203 reviews
March 1, 2025
Amazing Story!

What a wonderful progression for all of the characters. The mole women are so resilient. I am really impressed by this novel. I can't wait for the next to see how they succeed and thrive. Highly recommended!
162 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2025
Just as good as book1

Excellent second book. More character development and continuing plot. The cultural differences are striking. The mole people being oppressive and the surface dragons being accepting. Highly recommended but start at the beginning.
Profile Image for K.R. Moir.
Author 2 books
March 6, 2025
Loved it!

This series is amazing! I love the characters and how they grow! The world building is unique and well described. As with all the books this author writes, I couldn’t stop reading it until it was finished…lol
10 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2025
phoenix

I enjoyed the character development and the ground swell of rebellion that is starting in the compound. It is great that Meri is learning her place as Callah starts the rebellion
5 reviews
March 9, 2025
Exceptional Series!

I have read other A. H. Hadley books so it comes as no surprise that her newest series would be so good. The dystopian plot, along with the engaging characters make this a series not to be missed, like her Rise of the Illiri series.
Profile Image for Debra Lindsey.
28 reviews
March 9, 2025
Great series!

I really like this series. Its unique and just vast enough to keep it very interesting. I live that the women are strong even if it takes a while to figure it out. I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
84 reviews3 followers
March 9, 2025
Can I too meet some Dragons?

I choose Dragon over Mole when the world goes to Sh*t. Once again another wonderful series from my favorite author. Read before its banned. Read before they try and control us. Read so the cheeto doesn't turn us in to Moles!
Profile Image for Samantha Cassidy.
75 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2025
seriously amazing

A.H. Hadley you are such an amazing writer! Your imagination is astounding and I hope it knows no end. Thank you for letting me check out of my life for a few hours and immerse myself in your beautiful world building. Can’t wait till the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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