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Les Vestiges du temps
Son cœur a été changé en pierre. Elle le fera battre de nouveau.
Le mythique Vase de la Vénus Aurélia, dont la légende promet amour, richesse et reconnaissance à celui qui le trouve, n'a pas été vu depuis 1932.
Près d'un siècle plus tard, Margot Rhodes décolle pour Pompéi avec sa classe. Après être tombée sur le journal du jeune archéologue Van Keane, mystérieusement disparu, elle n'a qu'une obsession : retrouver les cinq tessons du Vase et le reconstituer. Alors qu'elle suit les instructions cryptiques du carnet, elle s'aventure dans un temple oublié et exhume une statue ressemblant étonnamment à Keane, qui prend soudainement vie.
Très différent de l'image sensible et poétique qu'elle s'en faisait, Margot découvre en Van un homme aussi rustre que charmant. Pour espérer réussir les impitoyables épreuves de Vénus, ils devront pourtant travailler ensemble et creuser dans les vestiges du passé, avant que leur histoire ne tombe en ruines.
Le mythique Vase de la Vénus Aurélia, dont la légende promet amour, richesse et reconnaissance à celui qui le trouve, n'a pas été vu depuis 1932.
Près d'un siècle plus tard, Margot Rhodes décolle pour Pompéi avec sa classe. Après être tombée sur le journal du jeune archéologue Van Keane, mystérieusement disparu, elle n'a qu'une obsession : retrouver les cinq tessons du Vase et le reconstituer. Alors qu'elle suit les instructions cryptiques du carnet, elle s'aventure dans un temple oublié et exhume une statue ressemblant étonnamment à Keane, qui prend soudainement vie.
Très différent de l'image sensible et poétique qu'elle s'en faisait, Margot découvre en Van un homme aussi rustre que charmant. Pour espérer réussir les impitoyables épreuves de Vénus, ils devront pourtant travailler ensemble et creuser dans les vestiges du passé, avant que leur histoire ne tombe en ruines.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
276 people are currently reading
27453 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Moore
3 books535 followersRachel Moore is the author of high-stakes, genre-blending novels. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two cats she’s violently allergic to. (The cats, not the husband.) On the rare occasion she isn’t writing happy endings, you can find her collecting dictionaries, drinking entirely too much coffee, and drifting through the library stacks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,124 reviews
Want to read
August 28, 2024The cover is so damn pretty 😍 like here you go 🫳💳💰💵
Also the tropes 🤭
•Hate to love
•High stake adventure through Italy 😫
•Ancient curse
•Dark academian setting
•Wildest dreams energy 😩
I don't listen to songs but I have listened to wildest dreams constantly last year thanks to Roxy so I can't wait for this book to be WD coded 🤭
Also the tropes 🤭
•Hate to love
•High stake adventure through Italy 😫
•Ancient curse
•Dark academian setting
•Wildest dreams energy 😩
I don't listen to songs but I have listened to wildest dreams constantly last year thanks to Roxy so I can't wait for this book to be WD coded 🤭
July 5, 2024
Falling in love with the statue you brought back to life while searching for the shards of a missing artifact that may grant you your heart's greatest desire? It’s more likely than you think.
Rachel Moore’s sophomore novel is for anyone who loves The Mummy, high-stakes adventures, and romance novels, all wrapped in an incandescent Italian summer. Margot Rhodes, A high schooler known to try everything and commit to nothing, schemes her way onto her school’s archaeological trip to Pompeii but gets more than she bargained for when she accidentally ignites an age-old search for the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia. Enveloped in the architecture of Italy and its history, Us in Ruins centers an unlikely partnership between soft-hearted Margot and stubborn former statue Van Keane, overshadowed by moments of yearning and keen understanding. I needed a fun romantic adventure in my life and this absolutely nailed that, while also serving an unexpected amount of angst. Us In Ruins is for the people who want too much but don’t know how to reach for it, who are so scared of disappointment that they never settle for just one thing — who ultimately find solace in the love that they never expected to be granted. In her latest, Rachel Moore expertly balances adventure, cleverness, and heart, as two complete opposites realize the real quest might be winning the other's heart.
thank you to edelweiss for providing the arc.
Read my full review here
Follow me on Instagram
Rachel Moore’s sophomore novel is for anyone who loves The Mummy, high-stakes adventures, and romance novels, all wrapped in an incandescent Italian summer. Margot Rhodes, A high schooler known to try everything and commit to nothing, schemes her way onto her school’s archaeological trip to Pompeii but gets more than she bargained for when she accidentally ignites an age-old search for the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia. Enveloped in the architecture of Italy and its history, Us in Ruins centers an unlikely partnership between soft-hearted Margot and stubborn former statue Van Keane, overshadowed by moments of yearning and keen understanding. I needed a fun romantic adventure in my life and this absolutely nailed that, while also serving an unexpected amount of angst. Us In Ruins is for the people who want too much but don’t know how to reach for it, who are so scared of disappointment that they never settle for just one thing — who ultimately find solace in the love that they never expected to be granted. In her latest, Rachel Moore expertly balances adventure, cleverness, and heart, as two complete opposites realize the real quest might be winning the other's heart.
thank you to edelweiss for providing the arc.
Read my full review here
Follow me on Instagram
Want to read
March 30, 2024EVERYONE STOPPPP 😩😩 Look at this gorgeous cover 😍😍
August 10, 2024
4 stars
“ℒ𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝒸𝓇𝓊𝑒𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈. ℐ𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓉. ℐ𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓇𝒸𝒶𝓈𝑒, 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝒸𝓉𝓊𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔.”
I was thoroughly absorbed by my first Rachel Moore's novel, which has earned a spot on my 'must-read-again' list. the author's flawless penmanship seamlessly interlaced together heart-pumping Indiana Jones-esque action, intricate family drama, and a dash of mythological and historical insight, effortlessly transporting me to a world of adventure and intrigue.
Margot's discovery of a mysterious journal in her school's library sets her on an unforgettable adventure. the journal, penned by the enigmatic archeologist Van Kaene in 1932, reveals a morbid quest to find the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia. following the cryptic instructions, Margot uncovers hidden treasures and stumbles upon a shocking secret: one of the marble statues comes to life, revealing the true identity of the long-lost archeologist. as Margot and Van Kaene join forces, they embark on a thrilling quest to recover every fragment of the elusive vase. Will their partnership uncover the secrets of the past, or will the treacherous journey claim their sanity?
I adored the striking contrast between Margot and Van, the quintessential grumpy hero and optimistic heroine. the slow-burning romance was perfectly paced, leaving me craving just a bit more of that tender tension. however, the true magic of the book lay in its complex plot, expertly woven with suspenseful twists and turns. the betrayal that unfolded was foreshadowed, leaving me gasping in surprise. the historical backdrop of Pompeii was richly layered into the narrative, and the mythological elements added an air of mystique. from start to finish, this book had me on the edge of my seat, laughing and guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a thrilling adventure with a healthy dose of humor and wit, look no further!
thanks to the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
—————
this cover is a MASTERPIECE !!
“ℒ𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝒸𝓇𝓊𝑒𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈. ℐ𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓉 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝑒𝒸𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓉. ℐ𝓉 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓇𝒸𝒶𝓈𝑒, 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝒶𝒸𝓉𝓊𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔.”
I was thoroughly absorbed by my first Rachel Moore's novel, which has earned a spot on my 'must-read-again' list. the author's flawless penmanship seamlessly interlaced together heart-pumping Indiana Jones-esque action, intricate family drama, and a dash of mythological and historical insight, effortlessly transporting me to a world of adventure and intrigue.
Margot's discovery of a mysterious journal in her school's library sets her on an unforgettable adventure. the journal, penned by the enigmatic archeologist Van Kaene in 1932, reveals a morbid quest to find the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia. following the cryptic instructions, Margot uncovers hidden treasures and stumbles upon a shocking secret: one of the marble statues comes to life, revealing the true identity of the long-lost archeologist. as Margot and Van Kaene join forces, they embark on a thrilling quest to recover every fragment of the elusive vase. Will their partnership uncover the secrets of the past, or will the treacherous journey claim their sanity?
I adored the striking contrast between Margot and Van, the quintessential grumpy hero and optimistic heroine. the slow-burning romance was perfectly paced, leaving me craving just a bit more of that tender tension. however, the true magic of the book lay in its complex plot, expertly woven with suspenseful twists and turns. the betrayal that unfolded was foreshadowed, leaving me gasping in surprise. the historical backdrop of Pompeii was richly layered into the narrative, and the mythological elements added an air of mystique. from start to finish, this book had me on the edge of my seat, laughing and guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a thrilling adventure with a healthy dose of humor and wit, look no further!
thanks to the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
—————
this cover is a MASTERPIECE !!
April 4, 2025
✩ 2.5 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Hate-to-Love
➼ Reluctant Allies
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Adventure Rom-Com
➼ Stand-alone
➼ The Mummy Vibes
➼ Ancient Curse
➼ Third Person POV
With a few changes, I think I could have loved this, but there were some issues I just couldn’t get past. My biggest hang up was the FMC. After following the clues left in his journal, Margot discovers that the MMC (Van) was turned to stone nearly a hundred years ago and she is miraculously able to bring him back to life. This would be an absolutely amazing and terrifying event to witness for her, but can you imagine how traumatic it would have been for him? Any normal person would treat him with kindness and explain what happened to him with care. Not Margot, she immediately starts arguing with him about unimportant things and unceremoniously reveals to him that he had been a statue for 100 years without an ounce of empathy.
She is laser focus on her desire to find the shards and put together the vase and seems unconcerned by what that could mean for Van (you will see that it means a lot). At the very least you would think they would both be concerned about being turned into a statue for good, but I’m not sure that thought ever even crossed their minds. At one point during a discussion/argument she tells him something along the lines of “at least everyone who hated you is dead.” I was shocked by this line. Honestly, how inconsiderate and unfeeling can a person be?
I guess it’s really just the FMC that needed some tweaks. I think the author was trying too hard to make this enemies-to-lovers. Yes, we love that trope, but not everything needs to be enemies-to-lovers and I think this is a good example of that. I would have much rather she have shown him empathy and support as the only person in the world who knew what he had been through. This had so much potential! I really wish I had loved it more!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Whoever is doing this author’s cover art deserves a raise. 🤌🏻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
What to Expect:
➼ Hate-to-Love
➼ Reluctant Allies
➼ Opposites Attract
➼ Slow Burn
➼ Forced Proximity
➼ Adventure Rom-Com
➼ Stand-alone
➼ The Mummy Vibes
➼ Ancient Curse
➼ Third Person POV
With a few changes, I think I could have loved this, but there were some issues I just couldn’t get past. My biggest hang up was the FMC. After following the clues left in his journal, Margot discovers that the MMC (Van) was turned to stone nearly a hundred years ago and she is miraculously able to bring him back to life. This would be an absolutely amazing and terrifying event to witness for her, but can you imagine how traumatic it would have been for him? Any normal person would treat him with kindness and explain what happened to him with care. Not Margot, she immediately starts arguing with him about unimportant things and unceremoniously reveals to him that he had been a statue for 100 years without an ounce of empathy.
She is laser focus on her desire to find the shards and put together the vase and seems unconcerned by what that could mean for Van (you will see that it means a lot). At the very least you would think they would both be concerned about being turned into a statue for good, but I’m not sure that thought ever even crossed their minds. At one point during a discussion/argument she tells him something along the lines of “at least everyone who hated you is dead.” I was shocked by this line. Honestly, how inconsiderate and unfeeling can a person be?
I guess it’s really just the FMC that needed some tweaks. I think the author was trying too hard to make this enemies-to-lovers. Yes, we love that trope, but not everything needs to be enemies-to-lovers and I think this is a good example of that. I would have much rather she have shown him empathy and support as the only person in the world who knew what he had been through. This had so much potential! I really wish I had loved it more!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Whoever is doing this author’s cover art deserves a raise. 🤌🏻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram
February 5, 2025
Was it perfect? No. Was there some flaws in it? Yes. Do i care about those flaws? No✋🏻 I honestly enjoyed it! It was fun and the story was grabbing and interesting! And the cover is STUNNING. I listened to it on audio and i had a great time so yeah.
some quotes
“So, how do you look for love? You don’t. Love comes to you.”
““He was daylight to all her shadows. He’d blinded her, and she’d let him.”
“It takes courage to let people see you for who you really are.”
“You never needed the Vase, you know. Anyone would be a fool not to love you.”
“Venus may have cursed my heart to stone only so that you could chisel it out and make it beat again.”
“But to be loved—to let yourself be known, every soft, scared part of you? It couldn’t be defined by a cinematic moment or a picturesque snapshot—it required flesh and blood, scars and blemishes. A once-broken nose and an unbalanced dimple. A broken heart, healed again.”
some quotes
“So, how do you look for love? You don’t. Love comes to you.”
““He was daylight to all her shadows. He’d blinded her, and she’d let him.”
“It takes courage to let people see you for who you really are.”
“You never needed the Vase, you know. Anyone would be a fool not to love you.”
“Venus may have cursed my heart to stone only so that you could chisel it out and make it beat again.”
“But to be loved—to let yourself be known, every soft, scared part of you? It couldn’t be defined by a cinematic moment or a picturesque snapshot—it required flesh and blood, scars and blemishes. A once-broken nose and an unbalanced dimple. A broken heart, healed again.”
November 9, 2024
This was such a cute, feel-good read! It's a mix of fantasy, adventure, romance, and a little bit of history to keep it interesting.
The start was a bit rocky, though. Margot wasn't the easiest character to like at first and there was some random girl drama in the first few pages that felt unnecessary. But oh boy, did she grow on me! Her ADHD struggles tugged at my heart, and I found myself rooting for her all the way.
Then there’s Van, the ultimate grump to Margot’s sunshine! He was a little prickly at first, but deep down, he had a soft spot and was so sweet with Margot. Their romance was cute, but I do wish their “enemies-to-lovers” thing had been drawn out a bit more. It went from 0 to 100 a little too fast for my liking. But hey, I’m not complaining because they were super cute together, and I devoured the whole thing faster than I expected.
Overall, it was a super enjoyable and fast read, and I’m honestly so glad I stuck with it.
Read this if you like:
🏺 Time Travel-ish
🏺 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏺 Reluctant Partnership
🏺 Opposites Attract
The start was a bit rocky, though. Margot wasn't the easiest character to like at first and there was some random girl drama in the first few pages that felt unnecessary. But oh boy, did she grow on me! Her ADHD struggles tugged at my heart, and I found myself rooting for her all the way.
Then there’s Van, the ultimate grump to Margot’s sunshine! He was a little prickly at first, but deep down, he had a soft spot and was so sweet with Margot. Their romance was cute, but I do wish their “enemies-to-lovers” thing had been drawn out a bit more. It went from 0 to 100 a little too fast for my liking. But hey, I’m not complaining because they were super cute together, and I devoured the whole thing faster than I expected.
Overall, it was a super enjoyable and fast read, and I’m honestly so glad I stuck with it.
Read this if you like:
🏺 Time Travel-ish
🏺 Grumpy x Sunshine
🏺 Reluctant Partnership
🏺 Opposites Attract
September 16, 2024
DNF @ 22%
Okay . . . WTF???
It's insane that these kids are high school students and are on an archeology trip to Pompeii. And they're literally going into dig sites, with very little oversight from actual adults. And these kids act like they're the real deal and are basically professionals because they've taken some archeology classes.
Just . . . what???
If this is the route the author wanted to go down, these kids should've been college age instead. That would make a hell of a lot more sense.
Also, the petty mean-girl BS was annoying. It felt unnecessary.
And how was it that Margot, a high school student, was able to sneak out of the hotel room she shares with two other girls, steal the car keys, and then drive back to the dig site without getting caught??? That's insanity. It's not like active dig sites are just abandoned every night, with no one monitoring them to make sure someone doesn't come in to steal something.
Oh, and did I mention that Margot did all this . . . in her pajamas.
She didn't even properly prepare for this!! She's not wearing the right clothes, doesn't charge her phone enough so the light doesn't go out suddenly, leaving her in the dark, and she somehow is the only one in a century who was able to find this super important hidden room.
Oh, and the only reason Margot is on this trip is because she found Van's journals in the library (which she somehow stole without anyone knowing, also insane) and is crushing on this guy from a century ago. Like, she took this spot from someone who actually gave a shit about archeology.
She's very Mary-Sue-esque, in a way I haven't seen in a while. She's angry that no one takes her seriously, but she's done nothing to warrant anyone taking her seriously. She just does whatever she wants, with no regard to how it affects other people.
I just couldn't keep going.
Okay . . . WTF???
It's insane that these kids are high school students and are on an archeology trip to Pompeii. And they're literally going into dig sites, with very little oversight from actual adults. And these kids act like they're the real deal and are basically professionals because they've taken some archeology classes.
Just . . . what???
If this is the route the author wanted to go down, these kids should've been college age instead. That would make a hell of a lot more sense.
Also, the petty mean-girl BS was annoying. It felt unnecessary.
And how was it that Margot, a high school student, was able to sneak out of the hotel room she shares with two other girls, steal the car keys, and then drive back to the dig site without getting caught??? That's insanity. It's not like active dig sites are just abandoned every night, with no one monitoring them to make sure someone doesn't come in to steal something.
Oh, and did I mention that Margot did all this . . . in her pajamas.
She didn't even properly prepare for this!! She's not wearing the right clothes, doesn't charge her phone enough so the light doesn't go out suddenly, leaving her in the dark, and she somehow is the only one in a century who was able to find this super important hidden room.
Oh, and the only reason Margot is on this trip is because she found Van's journals in the library (which she somehow stole without anyone knowing, also insane) and is crushing on this guy from a century ago. Like, she took this spot from someone who actually gave a shit about archeology.
She's very Mary-Sue-esque, in a way I haven't seen in a while. She's angry that no one takes her seriously, but she's done nothing to warrant anyone taking her seriously. She just does whatever she wants, with no regard to how it affects other people.
I just couldn't keep going.
September 4, 2024
This was cute, I think I'm just not the target audience. I LOVE THE COVER though.
We have Margot, our fmc, who can't exactly find 'her place/passion', She keeps switching interests and this most current one is archeology. She joins a trip to Pompei, where she is on a quest to find a hidden treasure. Along the way she learns to trust herself, ask for help, and deal with her too-big emotions.
This had magical realism, some mythology references & adventure.
----------------------------------------------
I THINK I KNOW WHAT MY NEXT READ IS GOING TO BE
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY
We have Margot, our fmc, who can't exactly find 'her place/passion', She keeps switching interests and this most current one is archeology. She joins a trip to Pompei, where she is on a quest to find a hidden treasure. Along the way she learns to trust herself, ask for help, and deal with her too-big emotions.
This had magical realism, some mythology references & adventure.
----------------------------------------------
I THINK I KNOW WHAT MY NEXT READ IS GOING TO BE
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY
September 6, 2024
Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore is an absolute gem if you're after a mix of adventure, romance, and a sprinkle of mythological magic! 🌍💫 Seriously, that cover alone made me instantly hand over my money 😂💸—it’s so gorgeous, it should be framed in a museum!
✧ Historical Fantasy Rom-Com ✨
✧ Grumpy/sunshine 💕
✧ Slow-burn romance 🔥
✧ High Stakes YA Adventure 🏺
✧ Opposites attract 💖
✧ Time travel-ish ⏳
✧ Mythological elements ⚡
✧ Forced proximity 💝
✧ Banter-filled partnership 💬
Margot, a teen trying to figure out where she fits in the world, somehow ends up tagging along on an archaeological trip to Pompeii. 🏛️ But surprise—it’s not just your typical school trip. She's got her hands on the journal of Van Keane, a teen explorer who went missing in 1932, and next thing you know, she accidentally brings his statue to life. YES, Van himself shows up, attitude and all. Imagine swooning over someone’s poetic journal entries, and then BAM, he’s alive, standing right there with a major case of brooding. 😂
Margot and Van couldn’t be more different—she’s all heart and emotions, and he’s the grumpy, closed-off type. But their banter? Perfection. Their teamwork? A mess, but such a lovable one. ❤️🔥 And the slow-burn tension between them? Ugh, I was turning those pages SO fast just to get to that inevitable spark. Their chemistry was on point—seriously, Van had me wanting to shake him with all his stubbornness, but also... 😍.
Now, it's not all fluff and cuteness—there’s real danger and betrayal lurking around the corner. Their journey is full of deadly traps and puzzles, and the stakes feel real. The plot twists had me holding my breath! That said, I did feel like some of the action scenes lacked vivid descriptions, which made it tricky to picture the intensity at times. Still, the story itself had me hooked.🏺💫
Margot's character growth was a highlight. She’s not your typical sword-wielding heroine, but she’s strong in her own way, emotionally open and vulnerable. Watching her learn to trust herself and grow as a person was refreshing. I loved that she didn’t have to pick up a weapon to show her strength.
As for flaws, while the action scenes were intense, the vague descriptions in parts made them hard to fully visualize, which kind of dulled the impact. But even with that, this was a delightful and light read that left me with all the warm fuzzies.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, heart-fluttering adventure with mythology, treasure hunts, and bickering couples, Us in Ruins will totally sweep you off your feet! 😍✨
✧ Historical Fantasy Rom-Com ✨
✧ Grumpy/sunshine 💕
✧ Slow-burn romance 🔥
✧ High Stakes YA Adventure 🏺
✧ Opposites attract 💖
✧ Time travel-ish ⏳
✧ Mythological elements ⚡
✧ Forced proximity 💝
✧ Banter-filled partnership 💬
Margot, a teen trying to figure out where she fits in the world, somehow ends up tagging along on an archaeological trip to Pompeii. 🏛️ But surprise—it’s not just your typical school trip. She's got her hands on the journal of Van Keane, a teen explorer who went missing in 1932, and next thing you know, she accidentally brings his statue to life. YES, Van himself shows up, attitude and all. Imagine swooning over someone’s poetic journal entries, and then BAM, he’s alive, standing right there with a major case of brooding. 😂
Margot and Van couldn’t be more different—she’s all heart and emotions, and he’s the grumpy, closed-off type. But their banter? Perfection. Their teamwork? A mess, but such a lovable one. ❤️🔥 And the slow-burn tension between them? Ugh, I was turning those pages SO fast just to get to that inevitable spark. Their chemistry was on point—seriously, Van had me wanting to shake him with all his stubbornness, but also... 😍.
Now, it's not all fluff and cuteness—there’s real danger and betrayal lurking around the corner. Their journey is full of deadly traps and puzzles, and the stakes feel real. The plot twists had me holding my breath! That said, I did feel like some of the action scenes lacked vivid descriptions, which made it tricky to picture the intensity at times. Still, the story itself had me hooked.🏺💫
Margot's character growth was a highlight. She’s not your typical sword-wielding heroine, but she’s strong in her own way, emotionally open and vulnerable. Watching her learn to trust herself and grow as a person was refreshing. I loved that she didn’t have to pick up a weapon to show her strength.
As for flaws, while the action scenes were intense, the vague descriptions in parts made them hard to fully visualize, which kind of dulled the impact. But even with that, this was a delightful and light read that left me with all the warm fuzzies.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, heart-fluttering adventure with mythology, treasure hunts, and bickering couples, Us in Ruins will totally sweep you off your feet! 😍✨
September 27, 2024
MÁGICO. MARAVILLOSO. INCREÍBLE.
Italia, como telón de fondo, es fascinante, al igual que los personajes Margot y Van, a quienes amé totalmente.
No hubo ni una sola cosa que no me gustara de este libro. ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Italia, como telón de fondo, es fascinante, al igual que los personajes Margot y Van, a quienes amé totalmente.
No hubo ni una sola cosa que no me gustara de este libro. ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
July 15, 2025
The wait was not worth it!
September 8, 2024
First of all, it's on me that I haven't read the tags, because it's definitely a YA coded book and nothing's wrong with that. I'd say Us in Ruins is something that I would enjoy very much when I was younger. As of right now, it was a good book and you'll like it, if you're a fan of archeology, adventure and a bit of romance.
April 7, 2025
This definitely started off well with the Lara Croft/Indian Jones vibes; however, towards the end it definitely managed to lose some of it's steam. Nevertheless, I thought it was a solid book and I'm definitely looking to check out more from Rachel Moore. 3.5
What Worked: This is my first Rachel Moore book and I was excited to dive into a YA book that explored archeology with a romance budding between the two main characters. Moore does an excellent job building on the mythological lore that ultimately drives the narrative. While I liked the characters, I was definitely more invested in understanding how Margot and Van would ultimately solve the mystery behind the Vase of Venus Aurelia. The mystery makes readers feel as though they are transported straight into a scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Granted those movies don't always hold up, but mannnnnn Moore definitely had me feeling some sense of nostalgia. And when Margot and Van were caught up in a riddle or challenge, I felt the tension and high stakes I believe Moore was going for which ultimately made for a great reading experience. If I was simply rating this book off of pace and world building, I would have rounded it up to 4 stars. Moore excelled in these two areas.
What Didn't Work: To be quite honest, I struggled with both the character development and romance between Margot and Van. Margot has experienced a lot especially in reference to parental abandonment, but she was hard to connect to in some areas. This isn't necessarily connected to her emotional moments (there are a lot), but more so the fact that she was confusing as a character. Margot would have these strong moments and then revert back to moments that skewed her as a much younger character. It gave me whiplash and made her feel very inconsistent in terms of development. I never really connected with Van as a character and I never bought into their romantic relationship. Towards the end, I definitely felt as though their teamwork was strong and well-defined, but their romance felt off balance and out of place. Margot had this attraction to Van prior to actually getting to know him so it felt very fan girl like.
Overall, I think this was a solid read. It definitely could have used some character work, but the world was interesting and I enjoyed the vibes of it. I'll be checking out Rachel Moore's other books sometime soon.
What Worked: This is my first Rachel Moore book and I was excited to dive into a YA book that explored archeology with a romance budding between the two main characters. Moore does an excellent job building on the mythological lore that ultimately drives the narrative. While I liked the characters, I was definitely more invested in understanding how Margot and Van would ultimately solve the mystery behind the Vase of Venus Aurelia. The mystery makes readers feel as though they are transported straight into a scene of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Granted those movies don't always hold up, but mannnnnn Moore definitely had me feeling some sense of nostalgia. And when Margot and Van were caught up in a riddle or challenge, I felt the tension and high stakes I believe Moore was going for which ultimately made for a great reading experience. If I was simply rating this book off of pace and world building, I would have rounded it up to 4 stars. Moore excelled in these two areas.
What Didn't Work: To be quite honest, I struggled with both the character development and romance between Margot and Van. Margot has experienced a lot especially in reference to parental abandonment, but she was hard to connect to in some areas. This isn't necessarily connected to her emotional moments (there are a lot), but more so the fact that she was confusing as a character. Margot would have these strong moments and then revert back to moments that skewed her as a much younger character. It gave me whiplash and made her feel very inconsistent in terms of development. I never really connected with Van as a character and I never bought into their romantic relationship. Towards the end, I definitely felt as though their teamwork was strong and well-defined, but their romance felt off balance and out of place. Margot had this attraction to Van prior to actually getting to know him so it felt very fan girl like.
Overall, I think this was a solid read. It definitely could have used some character work, but the world was interesting and I enjoyed the vibes of it. I'll be checking out Rachel Moore's other books sometime soon.
September 15, 2024
୧ ‧₊˚ Us in Ruins ！
❝He was daylight to all her shadows.
He'd blinded her, and she'd let him.❞
★ | 4 Stars
thoughts ᡣ𐭩 •｡💌 ꪆৎ ˚⋅
If there's two things I love in life it's books and archeology.
This book was perfect for my summer vacation, very atmospheric, and fun, keeping me entertained every time I picked it up! Us in Ruins is a combination of Lizzie McGuire The Movie x Percy Jackson as we follow two teenagers traveling around Italy in the search for pieces that belong to an ancient treasure, The Vase of Venus. Curses and romance getting in the way. Rachel Moore's second novel is perfect for those who want to read a cute rom-com by the beach while simultaneously being transported to a reality where statues come to life, and happily ever afters are guaranteed with a hint of dark academia. Although this isn't one of the best summer books Ive read, its cute and lighthearted, the characters keeping you engaged with the story not to mention the main character is so relatable! Truly refreshing to read about an emotional girly protagonist when it feels like there are only physically strong bad-ass heroines nowadays. And don't get me wrong Margot is strong just emotionally a representation that very much matters for young girls, it's very clear she loves and cares deeply and that's what makes her so great and allows her to have a connection with a certain audience of girls (me)
The twists and trials were so fun, though some were predictable making it feel a little flat. In the end I’m really just a sucker for any type of treasure hunt media so getting this arc was like omg 😭🫶The book was well paced nothing feeling too rushed or slowed, and the romance was super cute making you feel like you're watching a 2000's rom-com! Also perfect for Taylor Swift fans like me who enjoy little mentions or nods to her music :)
Thank you Netgalley and Rachel Moore for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, I truly had a blast!
characters .ᐟ
M.R 🎀💅🏻
My lovely girl! Oh, how I mentioned how much I loved reading about her it’s just it’s so rare to read about a feminine soft MC, because yes I love the bad ass female MC’s but I feel so represented when we get one like Margot! I just want to put her in my pocket <333
V.D 🕰📜
Listen up newsie boy, you bugged me quite a little but in the end you redeemed yourself. I mean I’m all for the moody love interest but why you moody and blonde like choose one. Anywho he was good, entertaining, there was even a part where he kind of gave Mr. Darcy vibes.
book playlist .ᐟ
0:00 ❍──────── -3:68
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
Us - Gracie Abrams & Taylor Swift
I See the Light - Tangled Soundtrack
Pompeii - Bastille
The Prophecy - Taylor Swift
Dreamer - Laufey
Tolerate it - Taylor Swift
Eat Me Alive - Alessi Rose
What Was I Made For? - Billie Eillish
Venus - Shocking Blues
0:00 ────────❍ -000
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
VOLUME: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%
❝It takes courage to let people see you for who you really
are.❞
(switching it to 4 cause i cant stop thinking about them)
❝He was daylight to all her shadows.
He'd blinded her, and she'd let him.❞
★ | 4 Stars
thoughts ᡣ𐭩 •｡💌 ꪆৎ ˚⋅
If there's two things I love in life it's books and archeology.
This book was perfect for my summer vacation, very atmospheric, and fun, keeping me entertained every time I picked it up! Us in Ruins is a combination of Lizzie McGuire The Movie x Percy Jackson as we follow two teenagers traveling around Italy in the search for pieces that belong to an ancient treasure, The Vase of Venus. Curses and romance getting in the way. Rachel Moore's second novel is perfect for those who want to read a cute rom-com by the beach while simultaneously being transported to a reality where statues come to life, and happily ever afters are guaranteed with a hint of dark academia. Although this isn't one of the best summer books Ive read, its cute and lighthearted, the characters keeping you engaged with the story not to mention the main character is so relatable! Truly refreshing to read about an emotional girly protagonist when it feels like there are only physically strong bad-ass heroines nowadays. And don't get me wrong Margot is strong just emotionally a representation that very much matters for young girls, it's very clear she loves and cares deeply and that's what makes her so great and allows her to have a connection with a certain audience of girls (me)
The twists and trials were so fun, though some were predictable making it feel a little flat. In the end I’m really just a sucker for any type of treasure hunt media so getting this arc was like omg 😭🫶The book was well paced nothing feeling too rushed or slowed, and the romance was super cute making you feel like you're watching a 2000's rom-com! Also perfect for Taylor Swift fans like me who enjoy little mentions or nods to her music :)
Thank you Netgalley and Rachel Moore for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, I truly had a blast!
characters .ᐟ
M.R 🎀💅🏻
My lovely girl! Oh, how I mentioned how much I loved reading about her it’s just it’s so rare to read about a feminine soft MC, because yes I love the bad ass female MC’s but I feel so represented when we get one like Margot! I just want to put her in my pocket <333
V.D 🕰📜
Listen up newsie boy, you bugged me quite a little but in the end you redeemed yourself. I mean I’m all for the moody love interest but why you moody and blonde like choose one. Anywho he was good, entertaining, there was even a part where he kind of gave Mr. Darcy vibes.
book playlist .ᐟ
0:00 ❍──────── -3:68
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
Us - Gracie Abrams & Taylor Swift
I See the Light - Tangled Soundtrack
Pompeii - Bastille
The Prophecy - Taylor Swift
Dreamer - Laufey
Tolerate it - Taylor Swift
Eat Me Alive - Alessi Rose
What Was I Made For? - Billie Eillish
Venus - Shocking Blues
0:00 ────────❍ -000
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
VOLUME: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%
❝It takes courage to let people see you for who you really
are.❞
(switching it to 4 cause i cant stop thinking about them)
September 12, 2024
3 ✰ This was probably my most anticipated read of September and I picked it up straight away after finishing my last read….
However it didn’t get me very hooked to the story. Such a shame. 😕
It’s such a light read, fast paced, short chapters YA type of book but the writing was not the best and some historical language got me confused during some scenes.
STATUES ARE SOMETHING THAT DEFINITELY I WILL BE LOOKING OUT FOR CAUSE 🫦😋
Btw can we talk about how mad gorgeous this book cover is 👀💕
However it didn’t get me very hooked to the story. Such a shame. 😕
It’s such a light read, fast paced, short chapters YA type of book but the writing was not the best and some historical language got me confused during some scenes.
STATUES ARE SOMETHING THAT DEFINITELY I WILL BE LOOKING OUT FOR CAUSE 🫦😋
Btw can we talk about how mad gorgeous this book cover is 👀💕
December 26, 2024
3.75 out of 5 stars!
I really need to make a new category on Goodreads dedicated only to the most beautiful book covers. Also, hello? Have you seen this one? It is making me cry of how gorgeous it is!!!
I really need to make a new category on Goodreads dedicated only to the most beautiful book covers. Also, hello? Have you seen this one? It is making me cry of how gorgeous it is!!!
May 13, 2025
⊹ ``꒰🫧꒱ 4 stars!!
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 : 𝗣𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗶𝗶 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲
Okay, let me start off by addressing something very important, which is- the cover.
Honestly, the whole cover screams “romance but make it art history.” Is it a love story, or is she just super into neoclassical sculpture? Guess you have to read to find out, but this cover? It’s a 👏masterpiece👏 of confusion and beauty. (And the sole reason I picked up this book)
꒰🏺𖥻 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
⤷ enemies to lovers
⤷ adventure through Italy
⤷ grumpy × sunshine
⤷ Dark academia-esque/curses
⤷ slow burn
⤷ opposites attract
"𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬. 𝐇𝐞'𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞'𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦."
꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱
꒰🌷 𖥻 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓡𝓱𝓸𝓭𝓮𝓼‧༉˚✧
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵
Margot truly embodies the "Too Much But Not Enough" with her emotional superpowers that make her feel everything right down to her bones. Her empathy is so on-brand it practically spills over into every decision she makes, giving us a protagonist who’s all heart, all the time. Her dad could probably run a hobby shop with all the interests Margot's picked up and promptly dropped. Yet, she’s now thrown herself into chasing the Vase of Venus Aurelia—not just for the shiny gold, mind you, but for the jackpot of earning everyone's love and affection.
I did find her a big unagreeable at the start of the book, from the way she didn't stand up for herself, but as the story progresses, I was able to understand the reasoning behind her actions and it only made me like her more.
"𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠."
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝓥𝓪𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓮 ༉‧˚✧
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆
When Margot manages to snag the journal of Van Keane, a teenage explorer who vanished off the map in 1932, and just like that, she triggers some old-timey magic that brings his statue to life. Yes, the actual Van springs back with all his moody glory. Picture crushing hard on someone’s dreamy journal musings, and then WHAM, he’s there in the flesh, serving some serious brooding vibes and a case of grumpiness that screams "i know it all."
Van did bug me a bit in the start, esp because of the uncaring and selfish vibes he was giving off but, goddamn it, did he proved me wrong. I loved his character development and the way he fell in love with Margot was all VERY rom-commy (which i wasn't expecting bc of the cover but, hey, I'm not complaining.)
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰. 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱
꒰ 🌷𖥻 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
𝜗𝜚 ⤿ this was an definitely an amazing read, esp if I stayed up all night to read it, but there were a few things that didn't sit well with me, resulting in the four stars.
For example, Van was a statue for 96 years, how can he begin high school and get accepted in one of the best colleges?? I mean, you were declared dead under the archeological site, you don't even have an identity, dude. Another thing I didn't particularly love was the pop culture references, and the way the author was constantly using random famous names and nouns/verbs just to make the book funnier. Also, i understand that this was fantasy but, there needs to be some grounding in reality even in that, such as breaking and entering a museum, breaking a few hundred year old artifacts and leaving unscathed.
All in all, this book had a lot of potential but... maybe it needed a little more work.
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫—𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐀 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞."
P.S. I cannot end this review without talking about that scene where they're stuck in the Nymphaems with water reaching the ceiling total fear and adrenaline pounding through their veins. It gave total Tangled vibes and by now we all know about my obsession with that movie. 😭
ᝰ.ᐟ
— Love,
Asra <3
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 : 𝗣𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗶𝗶 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲
Okay, let me start off by addressing something very important, which is- the cover.
Honestly, the whole cover screams “romance but make it art history.” Is it a love story, or is she just super into neoclassical sculpture? Guess you have to read to find out, but this cover? It’s a 👏masterpiece👏 of confusion and beauty. (And the sole reason I picked up this book)
꒰🏺𖥻 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬
⤷ enemies to lovers
⤷ adventure through Italy
⤷ grumpy × sunshine
⤷ Dark academia-esque/curses
⤷ slow burn
⤷ opposites attract
"𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬. 𝐇𝐞'𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞'𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦."
꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱
꒰🌷 𖥻 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓰𝓸𝓽 𝓡𝓱𝓸𝓭𝓮𝓼‧༉˚✧
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗳𝘁
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵
Margot truly embodies the "Too Much But Not Enough" with her emotional superpowers that make her feel everything right down to her bones. Her empathy is so on-brand it practically spills over into every decision she makes, giving us a protagonist who’s all heart, all the time. Her dad could probably run a hobby shop with all the interests Margot's picked up and promptly dropped. Yet, she’s now thrown herself into chasing the Vase of Venus Aurelia—not just for the shiny gold, mind you, but for the jackpot of earning everyone's love and affection.
I did find her a big unagreeable at the start of the book, from the way she didn't stand up for herself, but as the story progresses, I was able to understand the reasoning behind her actions and it only made me like her more.
"𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭. 𝐈𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠."
⇢ ˗ˏˋ 𝓥𝓪𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓮 ༉‧˚✧
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
⋆⸜ 🎧✮ 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆
When Margot manages to snag the journal of Van Keane, a teenage explorer who vanished off the map in 1932, and just like that, she triggers some old-timey magic that brings his statue to life. Yes, the actual Van springs back with all his moody glory. Picture crushing hard on someone’s dreamy journal musings, and then WHAM, he’s there in the flesh, serving some serious brooding vibes and a case of grumpiness that screams "i know it all."
Van did bug me a bit in the start, esp because of the uncaring and selfish vibes he was giving off but, goddamn it, did he proved me wrong. I loved his character development and the way he fell in love with Margot was all VERY rom-commy (which i wasn't expecting bc of the cover but, hey, I'm not complaining.)
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐬𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰. 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱
꒰ 🌷𖥻 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
𝜗𝜚 ⤿ this was an definitely an amazing read, esp if I stayed up all night to read it, but there were a few things that didn't sit well with me, resulting in the four stars.
For example, Van was a statue for 96 years, how can he begin high school and get accepted in one of the best colleges?? I mean, you were declared dead under the archeological site, you don't even have an identity, dude. Another thing I didn't particularly love was the pop culture references, and the way the author was constantly using random famous names and nouns/verbs just to make the book funnier. Also, i understand that this was fantasy but, there needs to be some grounding in reality even in that, such as breaking and entering a museum, breaking a few hundred year old artifacts and leaving unscathed.
All in all, this book had a lot of potential but... maybe it needed a little more work.
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫—𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬. 𝐀 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞."
P.S. I cannot end this review without talking about that scene where they're stuck in the Nymphaems with water reaching the ceiling total fear and adrenaline pounding through their veins. It gave total Tangled vibes and by now we all know about my obsession with that movie. 😭
ᝰ.ᐟ
— Love,
Asra <3
May 26, 2025
Loved the premise, hated the writing style. The main character feels straight out of 2013 and is borderline insufferable. She has never studied archeology, but gets accepted to go on a dig because she wrote a really good fanfiction about falling in love on a dig à la Indian Jones. When people are annoyed that she took the spot away from a deserving candidate, she goes all "woe is me" and is upset that no one appreciates love and whimsy like her. She has a parasocial relationship with a presumably dead archeologist, and when he ends up coming back to life, she gets upset that he isn't the swoon-worthy love interest she expected him to be. I'm sorry, but I hate this girl.
September 21, 2024
it was fast-paced and a light read, with some cute moments, but honestly, I found it a bit too immature. I know it’s a young adult book, but the characters acted more like they were 15 rather than 17/18, and the writing felt like that too.
I think the story had potential, but the execution fell short. Some of the events felt too improbable, you know even in fiction, there needs to be some grounding in reality. I think that lack of realism made the book feel more "childish" too.
But it’s not a terrible book, i think it’s just wasn’t for me.
I think the story had potential, but the execution fell short. Some of the events felt too improbable, you know even in fiction, there needs to be some grounding in reality. I think that lack of realism made the book feel more "childish" too.
But it’s not a terrible book, i think it’s just wasn’t for me.
March 26, 2025
no ♥️
Want to read
April 2, 2024No this book isn't because of the cover in my tbr 🫣
June 7, 2025
3,5⭐️
Un roman qui mêle Indiana Jones et Lara Croft : c’était bourré d’action et de rebondissements, j’ai passé un chouette moment même si j’avoue que certaines choses manquaient un peu d’approfondissement pour moi, notamment dans la réaction des personnages face aux événements. Ça tient au fait que le roman est court et le rythme effréné… c’était donc une lecture très sympa pour l’ambiance et l’originalité mais il m’a manqué un petit je ne sais quoi. 🤗
Un roman qui mêle Indiana Jones et Lara Croft : c’était bourré d’action et de rebondissements, j’ai passé un chouette moment même si j’avoue que certaines choses manquaient un peu d’approfondissement pour moi, notamment dans la réaction des personnages face aux événements. Ça tient au fait que le roman est court et le rythme effréné… c’était donc une lecture très sympa pour l’ambiance et l’originalité mais il m’a manqué un petit je ne sais quoi. 🤗
July 14, 2025
چقدر کاورش دوستداشتنیه😭
September 19, 2024
Lizzie McGuire movie 🤝 the mummy
Very quippy and cutesie with a HEA. Leaned on the younger side of YA and not sure the characters felt 17 but a very cute read. Would be perfect for a summer read 🍝🛵
Very quippy and cutesie with a HEA. Leaned on the younger side of YA and not sure the characters felt 17 but a very cute read. Would be perfect for a summer read 🍝🛵
October 12, 2024
flat 3.000000 stars, bordering so close to 2.99. this could have been so much better than it actually was 💔
November 13, 2024
Well this just proves I'll read anything if you tell me it's like The Mummy. Checking in on that rating, you can probably tell..... that was false advertising and this is not like The Mummy. It almost has similar vibes at the start but it quickly ditches any semblance of them along the way. This fails on many levels but especially just the most basic: Margot's motivations don't make any sense. She has to help Van find the vase because if she does then finding this priceless archaeological artifact will prove to her dad that she's not like her mom, who is not an archaeologist, wasn't looking for this vase, has nothing to do with Italy, and isn't involved in this at all. I don't have any problem with her wanting to find this vase just 'cause it's fucking cool and why not but her professed reasons for it, the burning desire behind it, is literally so fabricated and smooshed to try to fit into this story that I could not go along with it. She could stick with anything to prove to her dad she's a person who sticks with things, there is literally not a single thing that requires it to be this vase her dad does not even know exists???? With magical powers that..... don't really seem legit/like it's been explained well and even if they are you want to magic-whammy your dad into loving you, WHAT???? If anything, she should be ditching the vase quest and just completing the archaeology course she's signed up for because that's the only way to prove the thing she's allegedly trying to prove: her commitment to something, anything.
Anyway, you see how those things.... don't at all go together? Yeah. They don't at all go together. Her motivations don't make any sense. Also, she's just not likable. Normally I can respect an unlikable character if they're consistent because, yeah, I'm not gonna be besties with every protagonist out there but Margot was a fucking lot to be asked to put up with. A lot of it is because her mental maturity stalls out somewhere around fourteen.
Van is lacking any and all charm, he has the taciturn and brooding behavior of a leading man but none of the heartfelt vulnerability or aforementioned charm to endear you to him. Every time he has the chance to give a speech that might make you change the way you see him, he just..... doesn't give it. He tells Margot Atlas betrayed him but doesn't tell you how, what that did to him, etc., etc., that is literally all he says about it ("Atlas betrayed me." Done. End conversation. You find out how later but not through him), which is a missed freaking opportunity if I've ever seen one. When Margot thinks he's betrayed her, he also... never explains himself and just says: how could you not trust me *crickets*. SORRY, DUDE, THE LOGICAL THING THAT FOLLOWS THAT STATEMENT IS AN EXPLANATION. iT LITERALLY DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO STOP SPEAKING THERE, IT GOES AGAINST..... ALL HUMAN NATURE???? I'm sure it's great for the story all the things he holds back (like why Margot shouldn't trust Astrid, which he knew all the fuck along and never explained) but it DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO NOT SAY IT.
Then when he says, "I love you," like..... no, you've known each other for a few days. You barely speak about anything, even stuff you should definitely say, and attraction is different than love. Of course Margot says it back, she's mentally fourteen and was in love with Van when he was a statue so that checks out but, hell, man, at least one of you should know better.
Astrid was another fail. Her shittiness was on par with Beni in The Mummy and remember what happens to Beni in The Mummy? Remember how satisfying that was??? Rick and Evie still get to be the good guys by not offing him but the fact that he never changes his nature ends up being his own downfall. It's a satisfying end to the character. He gets to be himself all the way to his bitter end. Astrid does the same but then some idiotic redemption arc she doesn't want and hasn't earned is wedged in there. WHY. WHAT. HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE. I realize it's YA but like..... you can still off people in those so wtaf?
Honestly, the closer this got to the end, the less it seemed to care about..... anything. Margot and Van escape the booby trap and find everyone racing to the site because every reporter ever apparently has somehow been told, by Astrid, that the vase has been found..... with no proof (because the vase is smashed and buried) and Margot's just like: yeah, we did, we found it. How is this news?! There's NO PROOF to anything you just said!!
I'm..... I mean...... I'm gonna go watch The Mummy.
Anyway, you see how those things.... don't at all go together? Yeah. They don't at all go together. Her motivations don't make any sense. Also, she's just not likable. Normally I can respect an unlikable character if they're consistent because, yeah, I'm not gonna be besties with every protagonist out there but Margot was a fucking lot to be asked to put up with. A lot of it is because her mental maturity stalls out somewhere around fourteen.
Van is lacking any and all charm, he has the taciturn and brooding behavior of a leading man but none of the heartfelt vulnerability or aforementioned charm to endear you to him. Every time he has the chance to give a speech that might make you change the way you see him, he just..... doesn't give it. He tells Margot Atlas betrayed him but doesn't tell you how, what that did to him, etc., etc., that is literally all he says about it ("Atlas betrayed me." Done. End conversation. You find out how later but not through him), which is a missed freaking opportunity if I've ever seen one. When Margot thinks he's betrayed her, he also... never explains himself and just says: how could you not trust me *crickets*. SORRY, DUDE, THE LOGICAL THING THAT FOLLOWS THAT STATEMENT IS AN EXPLANATION. iT LITERALLY DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO STOP SPEAKING THERE, IT GOES AGAINST..... ALL HUMAN NATURE???? I'm sure it's great for the story all the things he holds back (like why Margot shouldn't trust Astrid, which he knew all the fuck along and never explained) but it DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO NOT SAY IT.
Then when he says, "I love you," like..... no, you've known each other for a few days. You barely speak about anything, even stuff you should definitely say, and attraction is different than love. Of course Margot says it back, she's mentally fourteen and was in love with Van when he was a statue so that checks out but, hell, man, at least one of you should know better.
Astrid was another fail. Her shittiness was on par with Beni in The Mummy and remember what happens to Beni in The Mummy? Remember how satisfying that was??? Rick and Evie still get to be the good guys by not offing him but the fact that he never changes his nature ends up being his own downfall. It's a satisfying end to the character. He gets to be himself all the way to his bitter end. Astrid does the same but then some idiotic redemption arc she doesn't want and hasn't earned is wedged in there. WHY. WHAT. HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE. I realize it's YA but like..... you can still off people in those so wtaf?
Honestly, the closer this got to the end, the less it seemed to care about..... anything. Margot and Van escape the booby trap and find everyone racing to the site because every reporter ever apparently has somehow been told, by Astrid, that the vase has been found..... with no proof (because the vase is smashed and buried) and Margot's just like: yeah, we did, we found it. How is this news?! There's NO PROOF to anything you just said!!
I'm..... I mean...... I'm gonna go watch The Mummy.
December 28, 2024
3.5⭐️ | TikTok | IG |
Margot writes a fanfiction of her favorite romance adventure book to score a spot on her boarding school’s archeology trip to Pompeii. Armed with the journal of a very handsome teenage archaeologist from 1932, Van, she embarks on adventure to find the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia. She seeks out the last place Van talks about his journal, only to stumble upon a statue that looks eerily similar to the man himself. When the statue comes to life, it turns out to be Van in the flesh previously frozen as marble for 96 years. Van and Margot team up for a National Treasure style adventure to locate the missing vase.
Expect booby-trap style trials, lots of pining and banter, a little romance, and plenty of adventure.
This is could be a great romantic adventure for middle-grade aged individuals!
While this was a cute little adventure that I think would be a fun read for younger readers I think there are a few things that keep this from being a 5⭐️ book.
The most jarring aspect of this book and the main reason it isn’t getting a higher rating is the frequent obscure pop culture references. I think pop culture references do not have a place in fantasy books. However, under the right conditions (aka a modern setting), a few I can handle. This book however took these references to the max. The FMC needing “three everything showers” to get the grime of the day off was the first fail (does the author understand what an everything shower is?), and then references just kept coming including using “Joe Goldberg” used as an adjective. Nothing dates a book more than pop culture references imo and it really does the writing no favors.
The lack of descriptions of the surroundings during the “trials” made it hard to imagine what was happening and took away from the “adventure.”
All in all not a bad middle-grade book but certainly one that probably will only appeal to a younger audience.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Margot writes a fanfiction of her favorite romance adventure book to score a spot on her boarding school’s archeology trip to Pompeii. Armed with the journal of a very handsome teenage archaeologist from 1932, Van, she embarks on adventure to find the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia. She seeks out the last place Van talks about his journal, only to stumble upon a statue that looks eerily similar to the man himself. When the statue comes to life, it turns out to be Van in the flesh previously frozen as marble for 96 years. Van and Margot team up for a National Treasure style adventure to locate the missing vase.
Expect booby-trap style trials, lots of pining and banter, a little romance, and plenty of adventure.
This is could be a great romantic adventure for middle-grade aged individuals!
While this was a cute little adventure that I think would be a fun read for younger readers I think there are a few things that keep this from being a 5⭐️ book.
The most jarring aspect of this book and the main reason it isn’t getting a higher rating is the frequent obscure pop culture references. I think pop culture references do not have a place in fantasy books. However, under the right conditions (aka a modern setting), a few I can handle. This book however took these references to the max. The FMC needing “three everything showers” to get the grime of the day off was the first fail (does the author understand what an everything shower is?), and then references just kept coming including using “Joe Goldberg” used as an adjective. Nothing dates a book more than pop culture references imo and it really does the writing no favors.
The lack of descriptions of the surroundings during the “trials” made it hard to imagine what was happening and took away from the “adventure.”
All in all not a bad middle-grade book but certainly one that probably will only appeal to a younger audience.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2024
As someone with a background in classics and archaeology, I knew I had to read this after reading the excerpt--and this book was everything I'd hoped it would be! I loved the immersive feel and the magical realism. In the acknowledgements, the author says that this book is a mash-up of Encino Man and the Mummy, which I think is very accurate--I was thinking the same thing while reading it! I also loved the romance (while sometimes a bit cheesy, but I love cheesy) and while both of the MCs had their flaws, they were still lovable nonetheless. I can't wait to see what's next from Rachel Moore!
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2024
One of my most anticipated books of the year. The modern references to Starbucks, phones, and Taylor Swift felt very clunky and forced, and took me out of the book and the atmosphere I was trying to immerse myself in. Margot, the main character, was wonderfully confident in herself, headstrong, and passionate. But her decisions annoyed me at times, not to mention the fact she was surprised Van didn’t want to take her on his expedition despite her having 0 experience in the field of archeology.
Overall, this book has made me realize that I’ve outgrown sections of the YA genre. Which is disappointing, and I’m sad about it. But I know that this book has its audience out there! It just didn’t end up being me..
Overall, this book has made me realize that I’ve outgrown sections of the YA genre. Which is disappointing, and I’m sad about it. But I know that this book has its audience out there! It just didn’t end up being me..
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