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The Ruins Beneath Us
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Expected 3 Mar 26This first book in a romantasy duology by TikTok star Sasha E. Sloan combines a compelling love triangle, luscious worldbuilding, and spellbinding magic to deliver a debut with everything romantasy readers crave.Young elf Lyria has spent her life in hiding while a dangerous war brews between the elven kingdom and human world. Now eighteen, she has grown restless hiding on the outskirts of the forest that surrounds the human world. One day, while her mother is away, Lyria hears a boy in the forest calling for help and rescues him from certain death. Unbeknownst to her, the boy, Finn, is the crowned Prince, and he wants Lyria to become the kingdom's royal apothecary!Terrified that Finn is going to discover she's an elf and she used magic to heal him while he was unconscious, Lyria struggles to fit in with the human kingdom while also hiding her identity. At court, she meets the jaded Head Healer, Cygnus, who is cold, highly suspicious of her, and constantly questions her abilities. But earth-shattering secrets can't lay dormant forever, and after Lyria and Cygnus discover a dark and sinister world hidden underneath the palace, Lyria must decide once and for all who—if anyone—she should trust.This slow-burn YA romantasy will be written by BookTok sensation Sasha Sloan and will appeal to fans of other successful TikTok hits like Lightlark and Assistant to the Villain.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2026
1716 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 29, 2026
I am being so for real. This is one of the best fantasy books I have ever read.
And this is coming from someone who has disliked 90% of all the popular booktok fantasy books and has never understood the hype of any of those. This is one of the few fantasy books that I personally believe, deserve that level of hype. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fantasy genre (only certain types of it though, like if it is fairytale fantasy and nothing too complex or high fantasy) yet struggle to find ones that I like, since most of the ones I like are written by a small circle of self published indie authors. So I tend to be wary with fantasy. I was wary starting this. But this not only blew me away, it actually made me want to expand my horizons and try more mainstream fantasy because I enjoyed this so much. The only mainstream publication fantasy book that has EVER done that for me that I can remember.
A war between the elven world and the human world, a young elf that lives on the outskirts of the forest that surrounds the human world, who inadvertently saves the crown prince who sweeps her away to his palace to be the royal apothecary, not knowing that she’s an elf who healed him using magic. Forbidden romance, and secrets that involve deadly trials to access hidden beneath the royal palace. Phenomenal worldbuilding with phantom isles and an evil underworld, AND THERE’S A MAP? HELL YEAH.
The worldbuilding is not just good, it’s also relevant. The backstory of how the human and elven rivalry began is scarily parallel to what’s happening in today’s political climate. A selfish, greedy human achieved power by leveraging humans’ fear and distrust of magic by using propaganda and lies to turn them against the elves who had that ability. The hatred and lies he spread caused a century of pointless bloodshed, due to the propaganda he spread to sow fear about people who are different, all for his desire of power and expansion.
Sound familiar?
After these, ahem, painfully relevant events, elves can no longer exist peacefully in the kingdom of Verdinae. The ones who were smart and got out and fled to other kingdoms. The others either were killed, or learned to live in hiding. If found, any elves born with magic are killed on sight, whether they follow the law or not. The regime of hate continues, even centuries later.
Lyria is one of the elves with the bloodborne talent, which is the reason her and her mother live on the run. Until, she runs into the first human she’s ever interacted with, saving his life, and he turns out to be the prince. They spend a few days in playful romantic innocence that reminds me of Tuck and Winnie from Tuck Everlasting. Lyria is sheltered and her world is small, with only her forest cottage and her mother. Finn becomes her first ever friend. After he leaves, she fully believes she will never see him again, until he sends royal troops to her to ask for her help to defeat a deadly plague.
The world building once they get past the walls of the Hartlands, oh my gosh. Insane. Some of the most enticing world building I’ve ever seen in fantasy. Such a perfect blend of fantasy with hints of modern touches. Not to mention the opulence and immense wealth once they get into the palace. This book is the DEFINITION of reading for escapism. It’s like traveling without even leaving your couch.
The magic system, something hidden under the palace that takes deadly trials to be able to access, the politics of it all, the guesswork of who you can even trust, THE LOVE STORY, it’s all insanely well written. This is an example of GOOD fantasy in a world where quite a few tend to be misses due to the tropification of it all, and booktok. This is not just a fantasy, it’s a political message. About the dangers of hatred for people different than us. The dangers of falling for propaganda. The danger of a power hungry, hateful leader. But it’s also a story of hope, how the children of these cruel dictators are not automatically just like them, and have the potential for good, and to align with the right side of empathy.
This is fantasy done right. Really, my only feedback is Lyria as a character is aggravating, how she responds in overreactive violent anger to things and cuts people out of her life after one mistake. Not the most likable mc, but Finn made up for it as far as characters. Aside from that, you get worldbuilding that’s actually good, a male love interest who’s actually swoony, and a complex moral and political plot. And idgaf if people disagree, I LOVE Finn. The way he loves and protects Lyria and starts screaming across the palace when she goes missing for days (lol) sorry but this is the definition of a golden retriever prince. A good soul raised in a palace of corruption. His family may be corrupt but I sense a good heart who is trying his best. He truly loves Lyria and he’s just this mopey, sweet, weepy little prince when it comes to her 😭
I had no clue this wasn’t a standalone? The ending broke my heart wtf? Book 2 release date NOW!
Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
And this is coming from someone who has disliked 90% of all the popular booktok fantasy books and has never understood the hype of any of those. This is one of the few fantasy books that I personally believe, deserve that level of hype. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fantasy genre (only certain types of it though, like if it is fairytale fantasy and nothing too complex or high fantasy) yet struggle to find ones that I like, since most of the ones I like are written by a small circle of self published indie authors. So I tend to be wary with fantasy. I was wary starting this. But this not only blew me away, it actually made me want to expand my horizons and try more mainstream fantasy because I enjoyed this so much. The only mainstream publication fantasy book that has EVER done that for me that I can remember.
A war between the elven world and the human world, a young elf that lives on the outskirts of the forest that surrounds the human world, who inadvertently saves the crown prince who sweeps her away to his palace to be the royal apothecary, not knowing that she’s an elf who healed him using magic. Forbidden romance, and secrets that involve deadly trials to access hidden beneath the royal palace. Phenomenal worldbuilding with phantom isles and an evil underworld, AND THERE’S A MAP? HELL YEAH.
The worldbuilding is not just good, it’s also relevant. The backstory of how the human and elven rivalry began is scarily parallel to what’s happening in today’s political climate. A selfish, greedy human achieved power by leveraging humans’ fear and distrust of magic by using propaganda and lies to turn them against the elves who had that ability. The hatred and lies he spread caused a century of pointless bloodshed, due to the propaganda he spread to sow fear about people who are different, all for his desire of power and expansion.
Sound familiar?
After these, ahem, painfully relevant events, elves can no longer exist peacefully in the kingdom of Verdinae. The ones who were smart and got out and fled to other kingdoms. The others either were killed, or learned to live in hiding. If found, any elves born with magic are killed on sight, whether they follow the law or not. The regime of hate continues, even centuries later.
Lyria is one of the elves with the bloodborne talent, which is the reason her and her mother live on the run. Until, she runs into the first human she’s ever interacted with, saving his life, and he turns out to be the prince. They spend a few days in playful romantic innocence that reminds me of Tuck and Winnie from Tuck Everlasting. Lyria is sheltered and her world is small, with only her forest cottage and her mother. Finn becomes her first ever friend. After he leaves, she fully believes she will never see him again, until he sends royal troops to her to ask for her help to defeat a deadly plague.
The world building once they get past the walls of the Hartlands, oh my gosh. Insane. Some of the most enticing world building I’ve ever seen in fantasy. Such a perfect blend of fantasy with hints of modern touches. Not to mention the opulence and immense wealth once they get into the palace. This book is the DEFINITION of reading for escapism. It’s like traveling without even leaving your couch.
The magic system, something hidden under the palace that takes deadly trials to be able to access, the politics of it all, the guesswork of who you can even trust, THE LOVE STORY, it’s all insanely well written. This is an example of GOOD fantasy in a world where quite a few tend to be misses due to the tropification of it all, and booktok. This is not just a fantasy, it’s a political message. About the dangers of hatred for people different than us. The dangers of falling for propaganda. The danger of a power hungry, hateful leader. But it’s also a story of hope, how the children of these cruel dictators are not automatically just like them, and have the potential for good, and to align with the right side of empathy.
This is fantasy done right. Really, my only feedback is Lyria as a character is aggravating, how she responds in overreactive violent anger to things and cuts people out of her life after one mistake. Not the most likable mc, but Finn made up for it as far as characters. Aside from that, you get worldbuilding that’s actually good, a male love interest who’s actually swoony, and a complex moral and political plot. And idgaf if people disagree, I LOVE Finn. The way he loves and protects Lyria and starts screaming across the palace when she goes missing for days (lol) sorry but this is the definition of a golden retriever prince. A good soul raised in a palace of corruption. His family may be corrupt but I sense a good heart who is trying his best. He truly loves Lyria and he’s just this mopey, sweet, weepy little prince when it comes to her 😭
I had no clue this wasn’t a standalone? The ending broke my heart wtf? Book 2 release date NOW!
Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
November 25, 2025
This book has been one of my most awaited releases since it was announced, and I’m so glad to say it did NOT disappoint! I’ve been following Sasha E Sloan’s journey for the longest time, and as a teen who loves to read, she has consistently been one of my favorite and most influential creators. Honestly, this is one of the best debut YA novels I’ve ever read. The magic system and world building are very interesting, and I thought it seemed well thought out and had the capacity to be complex. Overall I liked the characters, although some
of the choices that Lyria makes annoy me (but that’s expected). Also, some of the plot twists are INSANE and keep you right on the edge of your seat, questioning everyone’s true intentions. It very much gives Throne of Glass vibes, and I hope the next book has an Heir of Fire-like arc for Lyria. So incredibly excited for the next installment, and wish Sasha the best of luck with her debut duology!
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this advanced release copy!
of the choices that Lyria makes annoy me (but that’s expected). Also, some of the plot twists are INSANE and keep you right on the edge of your seat, questioning everyone’s true intentions. It very much gives Throne of Glass vibes, and I hope the next book has an Heir of Fire-like arc for Lyria. So incredibly excited for the next installment, and wish Sasha the best of luck with her debut duology!
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this advanced release copy!
Read
November 13, 2025DNF @ 25%
Language: h*ll, d*mn, sh*t, jack*ss, g*d-d*mn, *ss, d*ck. Multiple mentions of each.
LGBTQ: one of the princes is engaged to another prince.
The girl takes off the guys shirt when he is injured and describes his chest rather detail.
Mentions of the prince being a player and not being able to keep “it” in his pants.
People think the main girl is the princes lover and is pregnant with his kid.
Mentions of worshiping gods.
Mentions of an Almighty who the royals do bad stuff in his name.
Ear tips mutilated.
Heads decapitated and place on spikes on a wall.
I didn’t make it too far into this one. There was so much cussing and the prince was a player. Plus the main girl was obsessed with looks and kept going on and on about it. She was also rather disobedient to her mother.
It was only going to get worse and I don’t want to read this type of stuff in books, so DNF.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
Language: h*ll, d*mn, sh*t, jack*ss, g*d-d*mn, *ss, d*ck. Multiple mentions of each.
LGBTQ: one of the princes is engaged to another prince.
The girl takes off the guys shirt when he is injured and describes his chest rather detail.
Mentions of the prince being a player and not being able to keep “it” in his pants.
People think the main girl is the princes lover and is pregnant with his kid.
Mentions of worshiping gods.
Mentions of an Almighty who the royals do bad stuff in his name.
Ear tips mutilated.
Heads decapitated and place on spikes on a wall.
I didn’t make it too far into this one. There was so much cussing and the prince was a player. Plus the main girl was obsessed with looks and kept going on and on about it. She was also rather disobedient to her mother.
It was only going to get worse and I don’t want to read this type of stuff in books, so DNF.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How can this only be a duology? Two books? That can't possibly be enough. I need at least three billion. Not that I would have time to read three billion books, so maybe quite that many :)
This book was so amazing, and I am so sad the next book isn't available already. Which, considering I received an advanced copy of this book and it hasn't even been released, isn't exactly surprising. I have already been recommending this book to people I know and across different online platforms.
As for Lyria, the main character, I just wanted to scream at her the entire book. No sense of self-preservation or common sense at all. Would like to think if this was real life, she would know better or act differently, but people (she's an elf, but whatever) can be so stupid. 😞
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
This book was so amazing, and I am so sad the next book isn't available already. Which, considering I received an advanced copy of this book and it hasn't even been released, isn't exactly surprising. I have already been recommending this book to people I know and across different online platforms.
As for Lyria, the main character, I just wanted to scream at her the entire book. No sense of self-preservation or common sense at all. Would like to think if this was real life, she would know better or act differently, but people (she's an elf, but whatever) can be so stupid. 😞
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
February 1, 2026
First ARC of 2026 🥳
This is a slow burn YA romantasy but it also talks about knowing your worth, and choosing yourself over a relationship which I feel like you don’t see a lot of in romantasy so it was really refreshing! I also think that in a world so obsessed with fae it was nice to see a book with elves for a change and I enjoyed this story from start to finish and will be reading the next book when it’s out ✨
This book starts with Lyria, a teen elf, and her mother living in the forest, hidden from the human world. When her mother leaves and doesn’t come back Lyria ends up in the kingdom working as a royal apothecary, making sure to hide what she is, but she can only hide for so long 👀
Between trying to cure the plague as an apothecary, and learning about the war going on between the humans and elves in the world Lyria has to choose what she’s going to fight for - her people or her love
Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgalley for the eArc
This is a slow burn YA romantasy but it also talks about knowing your worth, and choosing yourself over a relationship which I feel like you don’t see a lot of in romantasy so it was really refreshing! I also think that in a world so obsessed with fae it was nice to see a book with elves for a change and I enjoyed this story from start to finish and will be reading the next book when it’s out ✨
This book starts with Lyria, a teen elf, and her mother living in the forest, hidden from the human world. When her mother leaves and doesn’t come back Lyria ends up in the kingdom working as a royal apothecary, making sure to hide what she is, but she can only hide for so long 👀
Between trying to cure the plague as an apothecary, and learning about the war going on between the humans and elves in the world Lyria has to choose what she’s going to fight for - her people or her love
Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgalley for the eArc
November 2, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC! I have been so excited to read this one.
Oh, Lyria, my heart feels for you. A teen elf who has only ever known her mother and lived in hiding, longs for more of a life and knowing others. She struggles with her magical Talent and as an elf, who must not be known to be alive humans. Her whole little world changes when she saves a human, Finn, from eminent death and he decides to bring her to his world. They develop feelings toward each other; she struggles internally with this, the world she’s brought into, and the other people she encounters. Are the feelings true? Can she really trust Finn? Can she trust Cygnus, head healer who has been tough on her from the moment he met her? What are everyone’s motives? Can she really belong here, and can she help save the lands from this mysterious plague?
There is a lot of inner turmoil in regard to herself and her abilities, her feelings, and the world she’s thrown into. This is a slow, plot driven story, and takes time to unravel many questions faced. As you read, you question as Lyria does and I found myself surprised several times throughout with motives and revelations. There’s so much more I could say about this book but I don’t want to give anything away! The end leaves you excited and wanting to jump right into book two! I cannot wait for The Ruins Beneath Us to be officially published and to see what book two will bring.
I want to note - when I first saw this was a YA Romantasy, I was hesitant to read it. As an elder millennial with a child, reading romance scenes between teens gives me pause. There are only a couple scenes between these 18-19 year olds and I feel they were very well done. They’re feelings focused and enthusiastic consent driven; fade to black and not graphic. I think depicting and emphasizing consent between characters in romantic situations is very important, especially for young adult readers.
Oh, Lyria, my heart feels for you. A teen elf who has only ever known her mother and lived in hiding, longs for more of a life and knowing others. She struggles with her magical Talent and as an elf, who must not be known to be alive humans. Her whole little world changes when she saves a human, Finn, from eminent death and he decides to bring her to his world. They develop feelings toward each other; she struggles internally with this, the world she’s brought into, and the other people she encounters. Are the feelings true? Can she really trust Finn? Can she trust Cygnus, head healer who has been tough on her from the moment he met her? What are everyone’s motives? Can she really belong here, and can she help save the lands from this mysterious plague?
There is a lot of inner turmoil in regard to herself and her abilities, her feelings, and the world she’s thrown into. This is a slow, plot driven story, and takes time to unravel many questions faced. As you read, you question as Lyria does and I found myself surprised several times throughout with motives and revelations. There’s so much more I could say about this book but I don’t want to give anything away! The end leaves you excited and wanting to jump right into book two! I cannot wait for The Ruins Beneath Us to be officially published and to see what book two will bring.
I want to note - when I first saw this was a YA Romantasy, I was hesitant to read it. As an elder millennial with a child, reading romance scenes between teens gives me pause. There are only a couple scenes between these 18-19 year olds and I feel they were very well done. They’re feelings focused and enthusiastic consent driven; fade to black and not graphic. I think depicting and emphasizing consent between characters in romantic situations is very important, especially for young adult readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
I want to thank Netgalley for the eARC as I have been anticipating this book since it was announced. My review might come with a bias as I have followed Sasha and her career for a few years now. Her content has taught me you can be a huge nerd, gorgeous/feminine, smart as hell, and ambitious but still remain kind and compassionate.
That being said, this book delivers on all the values Sasha has founded her personal brand on. Although romantasy has become an overdone genre, with many stories feeling the same, this books is definitely something new and unique and fascinating. An instant page turner. You get lost in the court trying to discover everyone's true intentions
The characters are endearing, complicated, and inherently interesting. Lyria reminds me so much of Rapunzel from Tangled with much darker, intricate powers she's only begun to understand IN THE BEST WAY
Sasha navigates the idea of good and evil being based in our perception and emphasizes that ever-present feeling that maybe history is being incorrectly remembered by the liars who irradicated their opponents and started burning books (reminiscent of the fictional world in Fourth Wing and the very real world in the United States of America) I appreciate the political undertones that are reminiscent of Sasha's speeches while competing to become Miss Utah.
I pre-ordered this book long before I thought I would receive an ARC and I cannot wait for my personal copy to read it again to see all the beautiful foreshadowing that is woven in.
Maybe its because one day I hope I can write and publish a book with a gorgeous fantasy map at the front, but HOLY MOLY
I am so proud of a woman I've never met but have followed on the interent for ages, which feels kind of silly but it is true. Sasha had a dream, let her Slytherin take over and put in the WORK to create an exciting story in a new epically magical world, and managed to say something meaningful with her words. I was not disappointed and can't wait for the world to read this story! (and for me to read the sequel please, ASAP)
That being said, this book delivers on all the values Sasha has founded her personal brand on. Although romantasy has become an overdone genre, with many stories feeling the same, this books is definitely something new and unique and fascinating. An instant page turner. You get lost in the court trying to discover everyone's true intentions
The characters are endearing, complicated, and inherently interesting. Lyria reminds me so much of Rapunzel from Tangled with much darker, intricate powers she's only begun to understand IN THE BEST WAY
Sasha navigates the idea of good and evil being based in our perception and emphasizes that ever-present feeling that maybe history is being incorrectly remembered by the liars who irradicated their opponents and started burning books (reminiscent of the fictional world in Fourth Wing and the very real world in the United States of America) I appreciate the political undertones that are reminiscent of Sasha's speeches while competing to become Miss Utah.
I pre-ordered this book long before I thought I would receive an ARC and I cannot wait for my personal copy to read it again to see all the beautiful foreshadowing that is woven in.
Maybe its because one day I hope I can write and publish a book with a gorgeous fantasy map at the front, but HOLY MOLY
I am so proud of a woman I've never met but have followed on the interent for ages, which feels kind of silly but it is true. Sasha had a dream, let her Slytherin take over and put in the WORK to create an exciting story in a new epically magical world, and managed to say something meaningful with her words. I was not disappointed and can't wait for the world to read this story! (and for me to read the sequel please, ASAP)
November 2, 2025
I want to thank NetGalley for the eARC. I was so excited to read it in March, but now I’m fully convinced I need to preorder a physical copy!!
I seriously could not put this book down. From the moment I started reading it. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a whole book in one day, but I could NOT book this book down.
In a world where it seems so many romantasy books have such similar plots or storylines it was so refreshing to read a book that felt completely new.
I highly recommend you preorder this book!! You won’t regret it!!
I seriously could not put this book down. From the moment I started reading it. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a whole book in one day, but I could NOT book this book down.
In a world where it seems so many romantasy books have such similar plots or storylines it was so refreshing to read a book that felt completely new.
I highly recommend you preorder this book!! You won’t regret it!!
October 31, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, I had preordered the book before knowing there would be a chance to get an ARC and honestly March cannot come soon enough.
I don’t even know how to describe how good this book is was. From the moment I started it I could not put it down. Lyria is such a complex character and seeing her gaining confidence throughout the book was amazing.
I loved the way Sasha showed us that good and evil depends on the perception of who is telling the story. And we’re right there with Lyria finding out what has been done on both sides.
Cygnus, my beloved. I loved him from the moment he was introduced even though he was being a bit of an ass. I do hope we get to see him and Lyria becoming friends again and rebuild that trust.
I don’t even know how to describe how good this book is was. From the moment I started it I could not put it down. Lyria is such a complex character and seeing her gaining confidence throughout the book was amazing.
I loved the way Sasha showed us that good and evil depends on the perception of who is telling the story. And we’re right there with Lyria finding out what has been done on both sides.
Cygnus, my beloved. I loved him from the moment he was introduced even though he was being a bit of an ass. I do hope we get to see him and Lyria becoming friends again and rebuild that trust.
February 7, 2026
* 3.5 stars *
From beneath you it devours….
Growing up all Lyria wanted was to see the world, but with an overprotective mother and a kingdom hellbent on eliminating magic and the Elves she is forced to remain hidden away in the woods. With her mother out she saves the life of a young man by a fabled monster and from that rescue she lands herself a spot as a royal healer looking to save the people from a mysterious plague but as she is pushed to accept her Talent whispers begin of a rebellion to free her people once and for all.
This is an interesting read with a lot of fun elements that I don’t see too often these days which is why I am giving it that little extra bump in my rating. I’ve read a few books that dive into the folklore of Elves and I’m curious to see how that is expanded upon in the series as so much of this one takes place with them all in hiding. It a a unique magic system and interesting creatures lurking below and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story and the tiny pierces of mythology we are given throughout as we lead up to the climax.
The characters however is where I felt the most underwhelmed. There’s a lot of subverting of expectation when it comes to the female characters at Court which I enjoyed as I very much expected a miscommunication trope to happen given the Prince’s reputation and Lyria’s pauper like status amongst the other Ladies. Lyria herself however was very frustrating and I am able to understand that that is the point as it is frequently brought up how naive she is but she spent more conjuring a relationship than Finn spent with her in general. I kept waiting for her to take an honest look at her situation and make a good choice but she was frustratingly loyal. The romance is fine like I said as a reader you see the writing on the wall but the latter didn’t make a strong enough impact to have you root for anything but Lyria to become a villain.
There’s a lot of promise here and it’s one that I find myself more optimistic for the future books to really round out the series and deliver on some of the better elements.
** special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
From beneath you it devours….
Growing up all Lyria wanted was to see the world, but with an overprotective mother and a kingdom hellbent on eliminating magic and the Elves she is forced to remain hidden away in the woods. With her mother out she saves the life of a young man by a fabled monster and from that rescue she lands herself a spot as a royal healer looking to save the people from a mysterious plague but as she is pushed to accept her Talent whispers begin of a rebellion to free her people once and for all.
This is an interesting read with a lot of fun elements that I don’t see too often these days which is why I am giving it that little extra bump in my rating. I’ve read a few books that dive into the folklore of Elves and I’m curious to see how that is expanded upon in the series as so much of this one takes place with them all in hiding. It a a unique magic system and interesting creatures lurking below and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story and the tiny pierces of mythology we are given throughout as we lead up to the climax.
The characters however is where I felt the most underwhelmed. There’s a lot of subverting of expectation when it comes to the female characters at Court which I enjoyed as I very much expected a miscommunication trope to happen given the Prince’s reputation and Lyria’s pauper like status amongst the other Ladies. Lyria herself however was very frustrating and I am able to understand that that is the point as it is frequently brought up how naive she is but she spent more conjuring a relationship than Finn spent with her in general. I kept waiting for her to take an honest look at her situation and make a good choice but she was frustratingly loyal. The romance is fine like I said as a reader you see the writing on the wall but the latter didn’t make a strong enough impact to have you root for anything but Lyria to become a villain.
There’s a lot of promise here and it’s one that I find myself more optimistic for the future books to really round out the series and deliver on some of the better elements.
** special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
February 13, 2026
3 stars. First, thanks a bunch to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the ARC!!
~Tropes~
🌊 Healer x Prince OR Healer x Healer
👑 Elves
🗡️ Oppression
🦊 Prophecy/riddles
Thoughts: So, this was just a classic case of an annoying FMC I think. I really didn’t care about her. She was a little selfish, rash, self-centered, and naïve to me. I just really didn’t care about her problems because she knew most of what she was doing was probably a bad idea and she kept doing it anyway 🤷♀️
Then the first MMC, Finn, was also kind of annoying at times. From the start, he’s described as the fun one, but he didn’t seem all that fun to me. He just seemed starved for affection (wink wink).
The second MMC, Cygnus, was better I think. He was mean at the beginning, but it makes sense by the end why. Idk I was on his side from the start, and lowkey think he can do better than Lyria. He’s really smart, but terrible at riddles. Like, the first riddle was SO EASY. It took me two seconds flat to figure it out, and it took them weeks?? Guys. Be so for real. Cygnus is also just the most compassionate guy. He literally remade a hospital so it would support the common folk.
I really like the princess of Urdunia. I am now realizing I don’t remember her name, it starts with Sad I think? But she seemed cool from the start, and I was right.
Dante’s a cutie patootie and I have mixed feelings about Daisy.
The plot is alright. A little predictable/basic but it’s not boring.
The world is also kind of basic if I’m being completely honest. It kind of felt like a blueprint for a romantasy.
If there’s one thing I definitely liked about this book, it would probably be the magic. I thought it was cool.
Anyway, it’s not bad, but I think there are more unique fantasy books out there. Also, the author said flowers were a big thing in this book, and I feel like they really weren’t, so idk.
(I also read this on my kindle for the most part and the formatting was really goofed up so that was annoying, but that’s an entirely different thing)
Thanks for reading! 💙
~Tropes~
🌊 Healer x Prince OR Healer x Healer
👑 Elves
🗡️ Oppression
🦊 Prophecy/riddles
Thoughts: So, this was just a classic case of an annoying FMC I think. I really didn’t care about her. She was a little selfish, rash, self-centered, and naïve to me. I just really didn’t care about her problems because she knew most of what she was doing was probably a bad idea and she kept doing it anyway 🤷♀️
Then the first MMC, Finn, was also kind of annoying at times. From the start, he’s described as the fun one, but he didn’t seem all that fun to me. He just seemed starved for affection (wink wink).
The second MMC, Cygnus, was better I think. He was mean at the beginning, but it makes sense by the end why. Idk I was on his side from the start, and lowkey think he can do better than Lyria. He’s really smart, but terrible at riddles. Like, the first riddle was SO EASY. It took me two seconds flat to figure it out, and it took them weeks?? Guys. Be so for real. Cygnus is also just the most compassionate guy. He literally remade a hospital so it would support the common folk.
I really like the princess of Urdunia. I am now realizing I don’t remember her name, it starts with Sad I think? But she seemed cool from the start, and I was right.
Dante’s a cutie patootie and I have mixed feelings about Daisy.
The plot is alright. A little predictable/basic but it’s not boring.
The world is also kind of basic if I’m being completely honest. It kind of felt like a blueprint for a romantasy.
If there’s one thing I definitely liked about this book, it would probably be the magic. I thought it was cool.
Anyway, it’s not bad, but I think there are more unique fantasy books out there. Also, the author said flowers were a big thing in this book, and I feel like they really weren’t, so idk.
(I also read this on my kindle for the most part and the formatting was really goofed up so that was annoying, but that’s an entirely different thing)
Thanks for reading! 💙
January 31, 2026
4.75 ⭐️
I loved this book so much. The writing style was absolutely perfect for me. I can’t wait to read the next one. It’s a great coming of age story set in a fantasy world. It was action packed and fast paced with a good amount of necessary world building and exposition with a romance subplot. It’s a fun journey all around and I had a blast every step of the way. I almost gave it 5 stars and have a feeling the next one will be. The only critique is not really a critique for the author but for the main character. I understand why she did what she did in the epilogue but I didn’t like it and that’s because I want Lyria to end up with said character in the epilogue.
Sasha, you truly are so talented and I can’t wait to read what you put out next even if it’s not the final book in this duology.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for sending me an Advanced copy of this book.*
I loved this book so much. The writing style was absolutely perfect for me. I can’t wait to read the next one. It’s a great coming of age story set in a fantasy world. It was action packed and fast paced with a good amount of necessary world building and exposition with a romance subplot. It’s a fun journey all around and I had a blast every step of the way. I almost gave it 5 stars and have a feeling the next one will be. The only critique is not really a critique for the author but for the main character. I understand why she did what she did in the epilogue but I didn’t like it and that’s because I want Lyria to end up with said character in the epilogue.
Sasha, you truly are so talented and I can’t wait to read what you put out next even if it’s not the final book in this duology.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for sending me an Advanced copy of this book.*
December 9, 2025
I've been anticipating this book from the MOMENT it was announced and I am BEYOND thrilled that I have the opportunity to review it. The Ruins Beneath Us by Sasha Sloan is such an original creative story that I had such a fun time reading. The world-building was so well developed and you could really tell that alot of thought had been put into the magic system and the characters themselves. I was impressed with the format of the book overall, it didn't feel like the copy and paste romantasy that is being pumped out right now. The setting really pulled me in as well, I can imagine it being turned into an original movie or tv show with rolling green hills and a game of thrones-esque city.
The one critique I had was that I really wish we would have gotten more time with the side characters. I felt like we had alot of content on Finn and Cygnus, but the princes and princesses were only mentioned a handful of times and we had no real conversation or development there and it felt like a missed opportunity. Also, I wish that we had more time with the mom? That also felt like a relationship I didn't understand and felt alot like mother gothel and rapunzel. I hope with the second book we really explore these characters more!
HUGE thanks to Sasha Sloan, NetGalley, and to Disney Hyperion for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The one critique I had was that I really wish we would have gotten more time with the side characters. I felt like we had alot of content on Finn and Cygnus, but the princes and princesses were only mentioned a handful of times and we had no real conversation or development there and it felt like a missed opportunity. Also, I wish that we had more time with the mom? That also felt like a relationship I didn't understand and felt alot like mother gothel and rapunzel. I hope with the second book we really explore these characters more!
HUGE thanks to Sasha Sloan, NetGalley, and to Disney Hyperion for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2025
Honestly, The Ruins Beneath Us took me by complete surprise. Even the title had me thinking this was going to be a completely different book than what I read.
But to my surprise, it was better than I expected!
The world building was phenomenal! Between Lyria’s home, the castle, and Evermore… my mind is whirling. I loved the fast paced energy, how everything tied together.
You could see so much character development from all the characters. Just when you think you have someone figured out, they level up!
This was the perfect high to end 2025. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series, and from this author!
Plot 5/5 ⭐️
Spice 2/5 🌶️
But to my surprise, it was better than I expected!
The world building was phenomenal! Between Lyria’s home, the castle, and Evermore… my mind is whirling. I loved the fast paced energy, how everything tied together.
You could see so much character development from all the characters. Just when you think you have someone figured out, they level up!
This was the perfect high to end 2025. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series, and from this author!
Plot 5/5 ⭐️
Spice 2/5 🌶️
November 29, 2025
THAT WAS SO GOOD OMG- I can’t believe it’s over now! AND THE FACT THAT SHE ENDED UP ALONE IN THE END?! I LOVE CYGNUS HES JUST A TORTURED SOUL WHO HAS A BIG HEART!!
1) I loved the pace of the story, I like how it was fast and easy to read!
2) I like how romance was more of a subplot, and it didnt feel like the romance aspect took away from the actual story!!
3) HOW COULD FINN DO THAT?! But I literally called it, I was like “I feel like someone is going to betray her” AND BOOM! Betrayal!!!
4) I love the whole world that was created, and I can’t wait to see fanart for this book because I already know it’s going to be absolutely magical!
5) Thank you so much NetGalley and Sasha E. Sloan for letting me read an ARC of this incredible book!!
1) I loved the pace of the story, I like how it was fast and easy to read!
2) I like how romance was more of a subplot, and it didnt feel like the romance aspect took away from the actual story!!
3) HOW COULD FINN DO THAT?! But I literally called it, I was like “I feel like someone is going to betray her” AND BOOM! Betrayal!!!
4) I love the whole world that was created, and I can’t wait to see fanart for this book because I already know it’s going to be absolutely magical!
5) Thank you so much NetGalley and Sasha E. Sloan for letting me read an ARC of this incredible book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
I just finished the arc that I recieved from Sasha at yallfest, and let me tell you: I devoured it.
It began very smoothly, the world building was very easy to understand. The main character Lyria, is very likable, and I found it easy to follow her journey, to sympathize with and for her concerning how she grew up, and was fully invested in her journey as she grew throughout this book.
The story kept me engaged, the mystery of certain events, the romantic tension between characters and suspicion for others, and the developing plot itself was very easy to indulge in.
The ending? I’m shook. I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending it to all of my book girlies. I can’t wait for the release as I will definitely be getting a hardcover copy with the sprayed edges. And I look forward to reading further about Lyria’s story in future books!! (Please I NEED to know how the rest plays out!!)
It began very smoothly, the world building was very easy to understand. The main character Lyria, is very likable, and I found it easy to follow her journey, to sympathize with and for her concerning how she grew up, and was fully invested in her journey as she grew throughout this book.
The story kept me engaged, the mystery of certain events, the romantic tension between characters and suspicion for others, and the developing plot itself was very easy to indulge in.
The ending? I’m shook. I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending it to all of my book girlies. I can’t wait for the release as I will definitely be getting a hardcover copy with the sprayed edges. And I look forward to reading further about Lyria’s story in future books!! (Please I NEED to know how the rest plays out!!)
November 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
I’ve followed Sasha for quite some time, way back to her Miss Utah days. I’ve seen her creativity and had really high expectations for this book. Sasha definitely exceeded those expectations.
Without getting too into the potential for spoilers before publication (don’t worry I’ll add more when publication happens), this book was absolutely enthralling, especially considering the current climate in which we live. The plot feels new and fresh, which in the world of Romantasy is difficult to do. Lyria is a fascinating character, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
I’ve followed Sasha for quite some time, way back to her Miss Utah days. I’ve seen her creativity and had really high expectations for this book. Sasha definitely exceeded those expectations.
Without getting too into the potential for spoilers before publication (don’t worry I’ll add more when publication happens), this book was absolutely enthralling, especially considering the current climate in which we live. The plot feels new and fresh, which in the world of Romantasy is difficult to do. Lyria is a fascinating character, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & Hyperion for the ARC :)
This book is the epitome of what YA fantasy should be!
Digestible prose with a poetic edge, a plot that intrigues without being overbearing, pacing that carries you through from start to finish, and characters that feel tangible and evoke interest. This is what I want to see more of!
Not too juvenile not too heavy handed, this is the exact kind of story I would’ve devoured before age 18 but which also hit every mark at the age of 26.
A take on the classic heroines tale with unique twists, I haven’t been this pleased by a YA story in a while! I highly recommend for those looking for a fun, magic-filled read reminiscent of the 2000s/2010s classics like Red Queen and Graceling. I will be waiting anxiously for the sequel!
If you love:
- Elven Magic
- Love Triangles
- Healer FMC
- Court Intrigue
- Unique Twists
Then The Ruins Beneath Us is calling you, and I very much recommend you pick up!
This book is the epitome of what YA fantasy should be!
Digestible prose with a poetic edge, a plot that intrigues without being overbearing, pacing that carries you through from start to finish, and characters that feel tangible and evoke interest. This is what I want to see more of!
Not too juvenile not too heavy handed, this is the exact kind of story I would’ve devoured before age 18 but which also hit every mark at the age of 26.
A take on the classic heroines tale with unique twists, I haven’t been this pleased by a YA story in a while! I highly recommend for those looking for a fun, magic-filled read reminiscent of the 2000s/2010s classics like Red Queen and Graceling. I will be waiting anxiously for the sequel!
If you love:
- Elven Magic
- Love Triangles
- Healer FMC
- Court Intrigue
- Unique Twists
Then The Ruins Beneath Us is calling you, and I very much recommend you pick up!
October 31, 2025
*I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
I have been excited for Sasha’s debut novel for years, because it was always clear to me that one day, it would happen! I think this book is an excellent demonstration of what YA romantasy SHOULD look like. The pacing is fast, but never confusing, with an easy to digest magic system. The story feels like a familiar fairytale, but she very quickly adds her own spin to it. I also appreciate that while it’s definitely YA, she doesn’t dumb things down for the reader like many other books in the genre.
Above all, I really enjoyed the eloquence and poise of Sasha’s writing style, it shines through the whole book. I will absolutely read the next book in this series and I SO hope she goes on to publish within the adult fantasy genre.
I have been excited for Sasha’s debut novel for years, because it was always clear to me that one day, it would happen! I think this book is an excellent demonstration of what YA romantasy SHOULD look like. The pacing is fast, but never confusing, with an easy to digest magic system. The story feels like a familiar fairytale, but she very quickly adds her own spin to it. I also appreciate that while it’s definitely YA, she doesn’t dumb things down for the reader like many other books in the genre.
Above all, I really enjoyed the eloquence and poise of Sasha’s writing style, it shines through the whole book. I will absolutely read the next book in this series and I SO hope she goes on to publish within the adult fantasy genre.
October 21, 2025
This book was amazing. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
This book follows Lyria, an elf who lives with her mother in hiding, as there is an ongoing war between elves and humans. When Lyria's mother goes out for a trip, Lyria encounters Finn, an injured human in need of her help. She heals him and saves his life. Little does she know, he is a prince. She is then invited to the palace to work on a cure for a plague that is spreading. When she gets to the palace, she meets Cygnus, the young, grumpy, head healer.
With her being an elf, she needs to hide her identity, including her ears and her magic. Not knowing if or when her identity would be revealed kept me invested. Each chapter I read, I wondered if someone was going to figure out her secret.
I could not stop reading this book until I reached the very last page. The story was fast-paced and kept me intrigued, wanting and needing to know what happens next. The last 50 pages or so had some big reveals and twists that have me so excited that I can't wait for the second book! I'm definitely hooked on this series now.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This book follows Lyria, an elf who lives with her mother in hiding, as there is an ongoing war between elves and humans. When Lyria's mother goes out for a trip, Lyria encounters Finn, an injured human in need of her help. She heals him and saves his life. Little does she know, he is a prince. She is then invited to the palace to work on a cure for a plague that is spreading. When she gets to the palace, she meets Cygnus, the young, grumpy, head healer.
With her being an elf, she needs to hide her identity, including her ears and her magic. Not knowing if or when her identity would be revealed kept me invested. Each chapter I read, I wondered if someone was going to figure out her secret.
I could not stop reading this book until I reached the very last page. The story was fast-paced and kept me intrigued, wanting and needing to know what happens next. The last 50 pages or so had some big reveals and twists that have me so excited that I can't wait for the second book! I'm definitely hooked on this series now.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! This was my first ARC ever and I was thrilled that it was for this novel. I have followed Sasha on social media for years and have been so excited for her to release her book.
Our story follows Lyria, an elf who lives in hiding with her mother. Elves are not loved by their human counterparts and Lyria basically only knows her very small world. When her mother leaves to investigate a plague terrorizing the countryside, Lyria breaks the cardinal rule, don’t leave the boundaries, to save a human boy named Finn. Lyria’s whole world is changed because of her choice to save the human and she finds herself navigating hiding her identity, proving herself to Cygnus, the head healer who doesn’t seem to like her, and figuring out what her feelings are for Finn.
Overall, I thought that the story was good. This book is considered YA, which I don’t feel it fully sticks to. There is language and there are some fade to black scenes of intimacy, which I think were handled well, but didn’t give me YA vibes. There were a couple of twists that left my jaw on the floor. All that said, it felt like it was missing something? I can’t quite put my finger on it. I was drawn into the story immediately; I want to know how the story is going to move forward from here, but it just felt like it was missing something that will catapult it into the stratosphere.
I can’t wait to see where Sasha takes it from here and what happens to Lyria, Cygnus, and Finn.
Our story follows Lyria, an elf who lives in hiding with her mother. Elves are not loved by their human counterparts and Lyria basically only knows her very small world. When her mother leaves to investigate a plague terrorizing the countryside, Lyria breaks the cardinal rule, don’t leave the boundaries, to save a human boy named Finn. Lyria’s whole world is changed because of her choice to save the human and she finds herself navigating hiding her identity, proving herself to Cygnus, the head healer who doesn’t seem to like her, and figuring out what her feelings are for Finn.
Overall, I thought that the story was good. This book is considered YA, which I don’t feel it fully sticks to. There is language and there are some fade to black scenes of intimacy, which I think were handled well, but didn’t give me YA vibes. There were a couple of twists that left my jaw on the floor. All that said, it felt like it was missing something? I can’t quite put my finger on it. I was drawn into the story immediately; I want to know how the story is going to move forward from here, but it just felt like it was missing something that will catapult it into the stratosphere.
I can’t wait to see where Sasha takes it from here and what happens to Lyria, Cygnus, and Finn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
I was given an eARC for this book by Netgalley but I’m sad to say it was a DNF. I’ve followed the author on social media for a while and was so excited when she announced her book was coming out soon, however I could not get invested in this book. I’m not sure what the target age for The Ruins Beneath Us is, but it felt like a middle grade book with how the FMC spoke and acted and I just couldn’t get into it.
However, from the parts I read there was a lot of Rapunzel vibes so if you loved Tangled, you might want to give this book a try!
Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC!
However, from the parts I read there was a lot of Rapunzel vibes so if you loved Tangled, you might want to give this book a try!
Thank you Netgalley for the e-ARC!
November 6, 2025
thanks netgalley for this eARC! i’ve been a big fan of my girl sasha for a long time now, and was so excited to hear about her publishing a book!
favorite character?? my boy ragglestaff.
i can definitely see parts of sasha interwoven into the novel. there are some slight nods to taylor swift….✨EVERMORE✨ lol.
“take it easy, you’re not OUT OF THE WOODS yet”
and i’m convinced our boy cygy is mirrored after a young severus snape 🫡 hello HALFBLOOD prince.
all in all, it’s very much what you would expect in a YA romantasy. a fun world with clever twists that i know people will be a big fan of when it comes out in march 2026!
favorite character?? my boy ragglestaff.
i can definitely see parts of sasha interwoven into the novel. there are some slight nods to taylor swift….✨EVERMORE✨ lol.
“take it easy, you’re not OUT OF THE WOODS yet”
and i’m convinced our boy cygy is mirrored after a young severus snape 🫡 hello HALFBLOOD prince.
all in all, it’s very much what you would expect in a YA romantasy. a fun world with clever twists that i know people will be a big fan of when it comes out in march 2026!
November 27, 2025
i sadly didn’t really enjoy this :/ the first chunk is straight info dumping, so i considered dnfing it based on how that was written, but decided i did want to know where the story would go. another thing that bothered me was that we don’t even know what lyria’s “talent” is, just that she can just do a bunch of different stuff. like at first i thought it was healing, but then later she was using it to kill people. so can she just do a bunch of different things related to bodies?? i have no idea because we’re never told.
something that actually irked me SO MUCH was how annoying lyria was. she was so irrational sometimes, and i kept wanting to just yell at her to use her brain. she was upset with other characters a couple times, but if she took one second to actually think, she would realize that what they did made the most sense in those situations.
god, i could tolerate lyria for most of the book, but sometimes how she acted, especially at the end, really tainted my reading experience. it’s just hard to really enjoy a book when you actively dislike the main character.
thank you to netgalley and disney publishing worldwide for the arc!
something that actually irked me SO MUCH was how annoying lyria was. she was so irrational sometimes, and i kept wanting to just yell at her to use her brain. she was upset with other characters a couple times, but if she took one second to actually think, she would realize that what they did made the most sense in those situations.
god, i could tolerate lyria for most of the book, but sometimes how she acted, especially at the end, really tainted my reading experience. it’s just hard to really enjoy a book when you actively dislike the main character.
thank you to netgalley and disney publishing worldwide for the arc!
November 14, 2025
I did not hate this completely. There were things I liked. But Lyria is actually so foolish — for so many reasons — and I disliked her more and more as the book went on, which obviously hindered my enjoyment. The concepts were good, but I couldn’t appreciate the execution. Not just because of Lyria, but because of events that happened, some character arcs, the writing style, the worldbuilding, the ending, etc. The foreshadowing was also quite obvious to me, so I wasn’t surprised by much of anything. It all felt very juvenile, and not in the way a YA book should feel: it was unserious without being endearing. I don't know. I wanted to like this, but Cygnus deserves better.
October 3, 2025
I loved this story.
The characters were raw and emotionally grounded. Sloan doesn’t shy away from trauma, and it shows in how the leads navigate their grief, guilt, and connection. I appreciated that they weren’t polished or overly romanticized—they felt real, flawed, and worth rooting for. Their growth wasn’t linear, and that made it hit harder.
Finn, Cygnus, and Lyria form a tense, emotionally tangled triangle.
Finn is the prince who desperately wants to be king—selfish, charming, and lacking a strong moral compass. He falls hard for Lyria, but he’s not equipped to love her in a way that’s healthy or sustainable. His betrayal feels inevitable, and their relationship, while passionate, always felt doomed.
Cygnus is Finn’s former friend, jaded and angry, but good at heart. He starts off hating Lyria, but slowly sees her for who she is, and their enemies-to-friends dynamic is one of the strongest if understated emotional threads in the book.
Lyria herself is naive, rebellious, and deeply kind. She falls for Finn, builds trust with Cygnus, and is ultimately betrayed by both. Her decision to withdraw and protect herself felt earned, and I genuinely hope she finds her way back to Cygnus someday—there’s something real there. Finn, though? I don’t think he’s ready to be the person she needs.
The romance was slow, aching, and beautifully messy. It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about survival, trust, and finding something worth holding onto in the wreckage. There’s chemistry, but it’s the emotional intimacy that stands out. Every touch, every moment of vulnerability, felt earned.
Plot-wise, it’s quiet but powerful. This isn’t a story driven by twists—it’s driven by emotion. The pacing is deliberate, and while not much “happens” in the traditional sense, the internal shifts are constant. It’s about healing, and the tension comes from watching these characters try to rebuild something from the ruins.
The worldbuilding is minimal, but that’s intentional. The setting is intimate—claustrophobic at times—and it mirrors the emotional state of the characters. It’s not about exploring a vast world; it’s about surviving in the one that’s left.
Other positives: the writing is lyrical without being flowery, the emotional beats are sharp, and the atmosphere is thick with longing. Negatives? None that stood out. If you’re looking for action or fast pacing, this won’t be your thing—but that’s not a flaw, just a matter of taste.
Overall, I loved the book. The characters were emotionally rich, the romance was tender and painful in all the right ways, and the story lingered long after I finished it.
Great for readers who want character-driven romance with emotional depth and quiet intensity. Maybe skip it if you need fast pacing or high-stakes drama to stay engaged.
The characters were raw and emotionally grounded. Sloan doesn’t shy away from trauma, and it shows in how the leads navigate their grief, guilt, and connection. I appreciated that they weren’t polished or overly romanticized—they felt real, flawed, and worth rooting for. Their growth wasn’t linear, and that made it hit harder.
Finn, Cygnus, and Lyria form a tense, emotionally tangled triangle.
Finn is the prince who desperately wants to be king—selfish, charming, and lacking a strong moral compass. He falls hard for Lyria, but he’s not equipped to love her in a way that’s healthy or sustainable. His betrayal feels inevitable, and their relationship, while passionate, always felt doomed.
Cygnus is Finn’s former friend, jaded and angry, but good at heart. He starts off hating Lyria, but slowly sees her for who she is, and their enemies-to-friends dynamic is one of the strongest if understated emotional threads in the book.
Lyria herself is naive, rebellious, and deeply kind. She falls for Finn, builds trust with Cygnus, and is ultimately betrayed by both. Her decision to withdraw and protect herself felt earned, and I genuinely hope she finds her way back to Cygnus someday—there’s something real there. Finn, though? I don’t think he’s ready to be the person she needs.
The romance was slow, aching, and beautifully messy. It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about survival, trust, and finding something worth holding onto in the wreckage. There’s chemistry, but it’s the emotional intimacy that stands out. Every touch, every moment of vulnerability, felt earned.
Plot-wise, it’s quiet but powerful. This isn’t a story driven by twists—it’s driven by emotion. The pacing is deliberate, and while not much “happens” in the traditional sense, the internal shifts are constant. It’s about healing, and the tension comes from watching these characters try to rebuild something from the ruins.
The worldbuilding is minimal, but that’s intentional. The setting is intimate—claustrophobic at times—and it mirrors the emotional state of the characters. It’s not about exploring a vast world; it’s about surviving in the one that’s left.
Other positives: the writing is lyrical without being flowery, the emotional beats are sharp, and the atmosphere is thick with longing. Negatives? None that stood out. If you’re looking for action or fast pacing, this won’t be your thing—but that’s not a flaw, just a matter of taste.
Overall, I loved the book. The characters were emotionally rich, the romance was tender and painful in all the right ways, and the story lingered long after I finished it.
Great for readers who want character-driven romance with emotional depth and quiet intensity. Maybe skip it if you need fast pacing or high-stakes drama to stay engaged.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. There are several pieces of this story that confused me. I don't understand how the castle's Head Healer, Cygnus, can have so much power that he orders the Royal Apothecary around as though Lyria is just another nurse. She was recruited by Prince Finn for a purpose. Speaking of Finn, I found him to be completely detestable. He has no authority, multiple sources accuse him of womanizing, the Head Healer shows him no respect, and Lyria is too naive and sheltered to realize his manipulations. Although he claims to truly love her at the end, I don't buy it with all the deceiving he did throughout the rest of the story.
At one point, Cygnus is expected to remain blind after an injury inflicted by Finn and has been reassigned to another location due to this disability. When Lyria secretly heals him, there is no mention of the surprise of anyone when he regains his sight and is able to continue his duties as Head Healer.
It's hard to keep track of Lyria's pointed ears. She usually covers them with a kerchief; but there are times when a kerchief is not suitable for her attire. Sometimes, it is mentioned that Lyria mutters a spell to cover them. But at the beginning of the book, Lyria mentions her spellwork isn't very good; and her mother is not impressed by her spell to cover her pointed ears, suggesting her mother could still see them. I kept worrying if Lyria's ears were showing at various times. How long does the spell last?
I also wondered several times what clothing Lyria was wearing. When she and Cygnus sneak to the underground tunnels, is she wearing a dress or trousers? When she falls and breaks her leg, she can see the bone sticking out. If Lyria was wearing a skirt, how did she see the injury without a mention of her pulling up her skirt? Trousers were mentioned a few pages later in reference to her attire; but then when she and Cygnus return to the castle and Lyria walks into her bedroom full of people, she is wearing a gown. Did she change at some point?
Overall, I liked the idea of the story: a war between Elves and Humans, Elves surrendering and believed to be mostly destroyed but discovered to be secretly hiding in an underground city beneath the capital of Evermore. I liked the idea of the lost heir being sheltered in the woods and unaware of her heritage and naive to the world around her. It gave me Rapunzel vibes. That naivety made Finn's ability to manipulate Lyria believable. I am glad there will be a sequel and do intend to read it. I like Cygnus, and really hope that Lyria changes her mind about a friendship with Cygnus. Though I can understand Lyria's reasons for pushing everyone away--everyone close to her betrays her in some way--it seems like she's going to need a friend like Cygnus for what's ahead. They make a good team.
At one point, Cygnus is expected to remain blind after an injury inflicted by Finn and has been reassigned to another location due to this disability. When Lyria secretly heals him, there is no mention of the surprise of anyone when he regains his sight and is able to continue his duties as Head Healer.
It's hard to keep track of Lyria's pointed ears. She usually covers them with a kerchief; but there are times when a kerchief is not suitable for her attire. Sometimes, it is mentioned that Lyria mutters a spell to cover them. But at the beginning of the book, Lyria mentions her spellwork isn't very good; and her mother is not impressed by her spell to cover her pointed ears, suggesting her mother could still see them. I kept worrying if Lyria's ears were showing at various times. How long does the spell last?
I also wondered several times what clothing Lyria was wearing. When she and Cygnus sneak to the underground tunnels, is she wearing a dress or trousers? When she falls and breaks her leg, she can see the bone sticking out. If Lyria was wearing a skirt, how did she see the injury without a mention of her pulling up her skirt? Trousers were mentioned a few pages later in reference to her attire; but then when she and Cygnus return to the castle and Lyria walks into her bedroom full of people, she is wearing a gown. Did she change at some point?
Overall, I liked the idea of the story: a war between Elves and Humans, Elves surrendering and believed to be mostly destroyed but discovered to be secretly hiding in an underground city beneath the capital of Evermore. I liked the idea of the lost heir being sheltered in the woods and unaware of her heritage and naive to the world around her. It gave me Rapunzel vibes. That naivety made Finn's ability to manipulate Lyria believable. I am glad there will be a sequel and do intend to read it. I like Cygnus, and really hope that Lyria changes her mind about a friendship with Cygnus. Though I can understand Lyria's reasons for pushing everyone away--everyone close to her betrays her in some way--it seems like she's going to need a friend like Cygnus for what's ahead. They make a good team.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
THE RUINS BENEATH US by Sasha E. Sloan
Book 1 in a YA Romantasy Duology | Releases March 3, 2026
✨ A hidden-identity romantasy with slow-burn tension, court intrigue, and a love triangle set to evolve in all the right ways.
Lyria has spent her life hiding in the forest, one of the last surviving elves in a world where her existence is illegal. When she saves a boy from certain death, she has no idea he’s Prince Finn… or that her act of kindness will pull her into the center of the human kingdom, its political tensions, and its secrets. Forced to conceal her magic and navigate a dangerous court, Lyria crosses paths with Cygnus, the guarded and skeptical Head Healer who seems to question everything about her. But the palace hides more than judgment and what Lyria discovers underground changes everything.
What I Loved:
🍃 A sympathetic, Rapunzel-coded FMC with curiosity, heart, and believable naiveté
👑 A prince who disrupts Lyria’s quiet life and pushes her deeper into danger
🧪 Cygnus as the cold, unreadable, secretly layered character who steals every scene
🗝️ Hidden worldbuilding breadcrumbs that set up future expansion
🕯️ Slow-burn tension centered on trust, identity, and choosing who to believe
🕳️ A dark secret beneath the palace that shifts the entire storyline
Tropes & Elements:
🌿 Hidden Identity
🧝♀️ Forbidden Magic
👑 Court Intrigue
💘 Love Triangle (YA-paced)
🌑 Slow Burn
🔎 Mystery Beneath the Palace
✨ Found Courage Arc
⚖️ Enemies-to-Reluctant-Allies energy with Cygnus
Vibe: soft, curious, tense, building toward something bigger
Spice: YA; chemistry-forward, clean slow burn
For fans of: Lightlark, Assistant to the Villain, Tangled-coded heroines, gentle romantasy buildup, and book-two MMC tension
💜 A promising start to the duology with a compelling foundation, a curious heroine, and layered character dynamics. The ending sets up book two with plenty of emotional and magical tension.
#TheRuinsBeneathUs #SashaESloan #YARomantasy #HiddenIdentityTrope #SlowBurnRomance #LoveTriangleReads #ElvenFantasy #CourtIntrigue #FantasyDebut #Bookstagram #RomantasyTropes
Book 1 in a YA Romantasy Duology | Releases March 3, 2026
✨ A hidden-identity romantasy with slow-burn tension, court intrigue, and a love triangle set to evolve in all the right ways.
Lyria has spent her life hiding in the forest, one of the last surviving elves in a world where her existence is illegal. When she saves a boy from certain death, she has no idea he’s Prince Finn… or that her act of kindness will pull her into the center of the human kingdom, its political tensions, and its secrets. Forced to conceal her magic and navigate a dangerous court, Lyria crosses paths with Cygnus, the guarded and skeptical Head Healer who seems to question everything about her. But the palace hides more than judgment and what Lyria discovers underground changes everything.
What I Loved:
🍃 A sympathetic, Rapunzel-coded FMC with curiosity, heart, and believable naiveté
👑 A prince who disrupts Lyria’s quiet life and pushes her deeper into danger
🧪 Cygnus as the cold, unreadable, secretly layered character who steals every scene
🗝️ Hidden worldbuilding breadcrumbs that set up future expansion
🕯️ Slow-burn tension centered on trust, identity, and choosing who to believe
🕳️ A dark secret beneath the palace that shifts the entire storyline
Tropes & Elements:
🌿 Hidden Identity
🧝♀️ Forbidden Magic
👑 Court Intrigue
💘 Love Triangle (YA-paced)
🌑 Slow Burn
🔎 Mystery Beneath the Palace
✨ Found Courage Arc
⚖️ Enemies-to-Reluctant-Allies energy with Cygnus
Vibe: soft, curious, tense, building toward something bigger
Spice: YA; chemistry-forward, clean slow burn
For fans of: Lightlark, Assistant to the Villain, Tangled-coded heroines, gentle romantasy buildup, and book-two MMC tension
💜 A promising start to the duology with a compelling foundation, a curious heroine, and layered character dynamics. The ending sets up book two with plenty of emotional and magical tension.
#TheRuinsBeneathUs #SashaESloan #YARomantasy #HiddenIdentityTrope #SlowBurnRomance #LoveTriangleReads #ElvenFantasy #CourtIntrigue #FantasyDebut #Bookstagram #RomantasyTropes
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel like I’ve waited my whole life for this book, and now that I’ve had the chance to devour it, I can finally say: WORTH THE WAIT!
From the very first pages, The Ruins Beneath Us feels rich and immersive, like stepping into a new realm. This whimsical romantasy unfolds in a world where humans are determined to eradicate magic. At the heart of it all is Lyria, a magical elf living in secret who is powerful and complex, and Finn, a human prince who can’t stay away. Enter Cygnus, the broody royal healer, and bam, do we have a story!
I was immediately drawn to Lyria’s innocence and desire to explore the outside world and deeply related to her lack of understanding of her own power, both literally and figuratively. Her magic feels ancient and powerful, and I can’t wait to learn more about all she can truly do.
There’s a delicious tension throughout the story, and you know I’m a sucker for a fantastic love triangle. This one checked all the boxes! 😏 Gosh I love a slow burn, and we get that in a multitude of ways in this one. I can’t tell you who I’m rooting for without spoilers, but let’s just say, one of these young men stole my heart!
In terms of side characters, I am OBSESSED with Sandria and need moreeee! Bow down! There were several side characters I absolutely adored and others that I hated more than anything… and I’m glad I trusted my gut.
I absolutely loved that the suspense builds steadily rather than relying on constant action. I was keenly aware of looming secrets, which shows that the author did a great job at keeping me engaged and guessing at every turn.
That said, I absolutely did NOT guess the plot twist at the end and was completely BLOWN AWAY! The last 25 pages felt like a race that I couldn’t read fast enough - jam packed with shocking revelations I did not see coming!
At its heart, this book isn’t just about magic. It’s about loyalty, self-discovery, and stepping into one’s own power. The emotional stakes are just as compelling as the fantastical ones, making the world feel real long after you close the book. I’m counting down the days until book two!
Thank you to the author for this gifted advanced proof. I am immensely proud and can’t wait for the world to read this story when it hits shelves on March 3, 2026!
From the very first pages, The Ruins Beneath Us feels rich and immersive, like stepping into a new realm. This whimsical romantasy unfolds in a world where humans are determined to eradicate magic. At the heart of it all is Lyria, a magical elf living in secret who is powerful and complex, and Finn, a human prince who can’t stay away. Enter Cygnus, the broody royal healer, and bam, do we have a story!
I was immediately drawn to Lyria’s innocence and desire to explore the outside world and deeply related to her lack of understanding of her own power, both literally and figuratively. Her magic feels ancient and powerful, and I can’t wait to learn more about all she can truly do.
There’s a delicious tension throughout the story, and you know I’m a sucker for a fantastic love triangle. This one checked all the boxes! 😏 Gosh I love a slow burn, and we get that in a multitude of ways in this one. I can’t tell you who I’m rooting for without spoilers, but let’s just say, one of these young men stole my heart!
In terms of side characters, I am OBSESSED with Sandria and need moreeee! Bow down! There were several side characters I absolutely adored and others that I hated more than anything… and I’m glad I trusted my gut.
I absolutely loved that the suspense builds steadily rather than relying on constant action. I was keenly aware of looming secrets, which shows that the author did a great job at keeping me engaged and guessing at every turn.
That said, I absolutely did NOT guess the plot twist at the end and was completely BLOWN AWAY! The last 25 pages felt like a race that I couldn’t read fast enough - jam packed with shocking revelations I did not see coming!
At its heart, this book isn’t just about magic. It’s about loyalty, self-discovery, and stepping into one’s own power. The emotional stakes are just as compelling as the fantastical ones, making the world feel real long after you close the book. I’m counting down the days until book two!
Thank you to the author for this gifted advanced proof. I am immensely proud and can’t wait for the world to read this story when it hits shelves on March 3, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Disney & Hyperion for this ARC; I was intrigued by the premise and only halfway through reading did I take a look at the author where I learned I’ve been following and loving her work online for some time!! Color me happily surprised.
Vibes- “Reign” meets “Vampire Diaries” meets “Lord of the Rings” ?!? Tropey and “cheesy” but DELICIOUS and ADDICTIVE!! Put on some instrumental medieval music and prepare to let this book save you in the months-long wait for the next Renaissance Faire season (or that’s me at least) 🏰🧝♀️🧝♂️
As a bookseller I’m always eager to find new YA reads to recommend as we have a fair amount of 14-17 year olds coming into the shop looking for recommendations. This is 100% going to be a book I recommend for that age group. 📚The author herself said she wanted the book to feel accessible while covering a lot of the common tropes we see in adult romantasy and this accomplished that exactly. If fantasy feels intimidating- this world is one that is complex enough to feel dazzling while remaining visible and consumable!
My main reason for staying at 4 over 5 was the predictability of the entire book with no real twists giving me a true shock factor. There are some *spoiler* betrayals but if you read the author closely you can clearly tell who is “good” and “bad” even if our incredibly talented main character appears blinded herself. I am someone who writes in my books and I has equal amounts of underlined bits of GREAT wisdom for IRL quests and challenges as well as underlines saying DUH at times where I felt the FMC was acting much more naive than she deserved.
Its a FUN read and an amazing escape from reality especially during this times!! I can’t wait to put this into some high schoolers hands as well as a few of my friends who are less inclined to full-fledged romantasy. I want to see our FMC make more honest and powerful choices in the future books and can’t wait for more! Huge brownie points to the author for building a world I could visualize, and desire to visit and also for creating the cutest furry sidekick in Dante 🦊
Vibes- “Reign” meets “Vampire Diaries” meets “Lord of the Rings” ?!? Tropey and “cheesy” but DELICIOUS and ADDICTIVE!! Put on some instrumental medieval music and prepare to let this book save you in the months-long wait for the next Renaissance Faire season (or that’s me at least) 🏰🧝♀️🧝♂️
As a bookseller I’m always eager to find new YA reads to recommend as we have a fair amount of 14-17 year olds coming into the shop looking for recommendations. This is 100% going to be a book I recommend for that age group. 📚The author herself said she wanted the book to feel accessible while covering a lot of the common tropes we see in adult romantasy and this accomplished that exactly. If fantasy feels intimidating- this world is one that is complex enough to feel dazzling while remaining visible and consumable!
My main reason for staying at 4 over 5 was the predictability of the entire book with no real twists giving me a true shock factor. There are some *spoiler* betrayals but if you read the author closely you can clearly tell who is “good” and “bad” even if our incredibly talented main character appears blinded herself. I am someone who writes in my books and I has equal amounts of underlined bits of GREAT wisdom for IRL quests and challenges as well as underlines saying DUH at times where I felt the FMC was acting much more naive than she deserved.
Its a FUN read and an amazing escape from reality especially during this times!! I can’t wait to put this into some high schoolers hands as well as a few of my friends who are less inclined to full-fledged romantasy. I want to see our FMC make more honest and powerful choices in the future books and can’t wait for more! Huge brownie points to the author for building a world I could visualize, and desire to visit and also for creating the cutest furry sidekick in Dante 🦊
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