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Beneath the Ruins
DARKNESS FALLS
The month of Darkness is quickly approaching. It is a time when the denizens of the night roam the land freely and the citizens of Arkdale lock themselves behind their high walls seeking refuge.
This cycle has repeated itself for centuries. Now the world is changing. An ancient secret buried deep beneath the land mournfully sings of the approaching chaos.
Now Walt, Rainna, Mallek, and Lucas must race to solve the enigmas of their ancestors before all that they know and love is plunged into eternal darkness.
UNLIKELY HEROES
Once orphans, now outcasts, these four inseparable friends must find a way to survive in a dystopian world where unspeakable horrors have been called forth from out of legend.
Their only hope lies within each other, the only family any of them have ever known.
Together they must rediscover the truths of a forgotten age to endure the surging storm.
But why are they being hunted by Arkdale's mysterious leaders?
Can they trust the strangers that suddenly appear to help them?
And most importantly, what is buried beneath the ruins?
The month of Darkness is quickly approaching. It is a time when the denizens of the night roam the land freely and the citizens of Arkdale lock themselves behind their high walls seeking refuge.
This cycle has repeated itself for centuries. Now the world is changing. An ancient secret buried deep beneath the land mournfully sings of the approaching chaos.
Now Walt, Rainna, Mallek, and Lucas must race to solve the enigmas of their ancestors before all that they know and love is plunged into eternal darkness.
UNLIKELY HEROES
Once orphans, now outcasts, these four inseparable friends must find a way to survive in a dystopian world where unspeakable horrors have been called forth from out of legend.
Their only hope lies within each other, the only family any of them have ever known.
Together they must rediscover the truths of a forgotten age to endure the surging storm.
But why are they being hunted by Arkdale's mysterious leaders?
Can they trust the strangers that suddenly appear to help them?
And most importantly, what is buried beneath the ruins?
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2021
52 people are currently reading
8217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 9, 2023
Interesting, entertaining and highly readable, post apocalyptic novel. With an interesting mix of unique characters and scenarios, it has something to offer to anyone who enjoys this type of book.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
October 30, 2022
Disclosure: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is my kind of book. I truly enjoyed it. I read a lot of sci-fi and horror, especially those involving post-apocalyptic living. While this book shares some common threads with other famous books, the story is packaged in a way that is new and fresh.
We get the weird dystopian vibes of 1984, mixed with a mysterious land full of weirdness like Lost, mixed with AI gone wrong, mixed with science gone way wrong and opening up a portal to another dimension via The Mist. I think where the book ended was great. It allows it to either stay a standalone book or expand into a series.
Normally, I would have some things to critique, but I really enjoyed this book the way it is.
This is my kind of book. I truly enjoyed it. I read a lot of sci-fi and horror, especially those involving post-apocalyptic living. While this book shares some common threads with other famous books, the story is packaged in a way that is new and fresh.
We get the weird dystopian vibes of 1984, mixed with a mysterious land full of weirdness like Lost, mixed with AI gone wrong, mixed with science gone way wrong and opening up a portal to another dimension via The Mist. I think where the book ended was great. It allows it to either stay a standalone book or expand into a series.
Normally, I would have some things to critique, but I really enjoyed this book the way it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
I really liked the first half of this book. The whole setup of this culture rebuilding after some undefined dystopian event had a good feel. It generated interest. I found it captivating. I did have to look past how easily new team members were accepted by the group. They did seem too trusting, but not so much if you view them more as Young Adults.
But as our protagonists slipped past the vault door at the story midpoint, so did my feelings of story continuity/morphology slip. The change was just too abrupt. Our heroes too easily transitioned into their new surroundings. And the action sequence in the last chapters came too fast. There was not enough buildup to a sense of doom should they fail their last challenge.
I will admit that I am not the biggest fantasy fiction fan. I just like more logical jumps from one moment to the next. The sudden introduction of supernatural abilities often leaves me in a state of WTF. Now you are just making up stuff to mess with my mind.
This story can be read as stand alone. There is a clean finish with a setup into the next book(s) in the series. And the conclusion does set up for so many possible paths.
I am not sure if I will be continuing this series. But it may just be your next GoodReads.
I really liked the first half of this book. The whole setup of this culture rebuilding after some undefined dystopian event had a good feel. It generated interest. I found it captivating. I did have to look past how easily new team members were accepted by the group. They did seem too trusting, but not so much if you view them more as Young Adults.
But as our protagonists slipped past the vault door at the story midpoint, so did my feelings of story continuity/morphology slip. The change was just too abrupt. Our heroes too easily transitioned into their new surroundings. And the action sequence in the last chapters came too fast. There was not enough buildup to a sense of doom should they fail their last challenge.
I will admit that I am not the biggest fantasy fiction fan. I just like more logical jumps from one moment to the next. The sudden introduction of supernatural abilities often leaves me in a state of WTF. Now you are just making up stuff to mess with my mind.
This story can be read as stand alone. There is a clean finish with a setup into the next book(s) in the series. And the conclusion does set up for so many possible paths.
I am not sure if I will be continuing this series. But it may just be your next GoodReads.
March 18, 2023
Entirely serviceable - a fun little sci fi with mythic elements. Obviously the first of several, since there's a lot of story still to go. Fun characters, entertaining conceit. Doesn't particularly suffer from having been put down and picked back up repeatedly over months.
May 20, 2021
‘Beneath the Ruins,’ by Louis Woyak, is a post-apocalyptic genre ‘bender’ that draws upon elements of fantasy, adventure, and dystopian sci-fi.
Set in the land of Arkdale before the ‘month of Darkness,’ ‘Beneath the Ruins’ follows four friends (Lucas, Mallek, Rainna and Walt) united by fate who set out to unravel an ancient mystery buried just beyond the walls. Unfortunately for our heroes, there’s a far more sinister secret lying in wait at the HARP: the Draugr, a malevolent force seeking to eradicate the world and construct a new one in its own vision.
What follows is a Goonies-meets-Mazerunner adventure for the ages. Driven by a fierce sense of loyalty (as well as a potent mix of unexpected changes and romantic tension), our group of four tackles a series of challenging mysteries, all the while trying to evade the enigmatic Architects bent on claiming the HARP’s secrets for themselves. Along the way, our protagonists not only learn about the HARP, they learn about themselves, and the shared pain of their past that binds together their futures.
For his part, Woyak’s writing is a pleasant mix of realistic dialogue and vivid world-building. Drawing heavily on his lifelong love of sci-fi and fantasy, the Minnesota-based author skilfully infuses ‘Beneath the Ruins’ with a myriad of trademark genre elements. Be it runes and demons, drones and androids, or the epic quest at the heart of this saga, Woyak has crafted a story that evokes shades of some of fiction's most cherished works. With that being said, ‘Beneath the Ruins’ eventually finds its own footing, and by the end, you’ll likely find yourself engrossed with the world of Arkdale, clamoring for more details about the world beyond the walls.
While ‘Beneath the Ruins’ features a satisfying conclusion, Woyak dangles enough loose threads along the way to more than justify a sequel (or three)—here’s hoping the next installment to this series is right around the corner!
Set in the land of Arkdale before the ‘month of Darkness,’ ‘Beneath the Ruins’ follows four friends (Lucas, Mallek, Rainna and Walt) united by fate who set out to unravel an ancient mystery buried just beyond the walls. Unfortunately for our heroes, there’s a far more sinister secret lying in wait at the HARP: the Draugr, a malevolent force seeking to eradicate the world and construct a new one in its own vision.
What follows is a Goonies-meets-Mazerunner adventure for the ages. Driven by a fierce sense of loyalty (as well as a potent mix of unexpected changes and romantic tension), our group of four tackles a series of challenging mysteries, all the while trying to evade the enigmatic Architects bent on claiming the HARP’s secrets for themselves. Along the way, our protagonists not only learn about the HARP, they learn about themselves, and the shared pain of their past that binds together their futures.
For his part, Woyak’s writing is a pleasant mix of realistic dialogue and vivid world-building. Drawing heavily on his lifelong love of sci-fi and fantasy, the Minnesota-based author skilfully infuses ‘Beneath the Ruins’ with a myriad of trademark genre elements. Be it runes and demons, drones and androids, or the epic quest at the heart of this saga, Woyak has crafted a story that evokes shades of some of fiction's most cherished works. With that being said, ‘Beneath the Ruins’ eventually finds its own footing, and by the end, you’ll likely find yourself engrossed with the world of Arkdale, clamoring for more details about the world beyond the walls.
While ‘Beneath the Ruins’ features a satisfying conclusion, Woyak dangles enough loose threads along the way to more than justify a sequel (or three)—here’s hoping the next installment to this series is right around the corner!
Read
December 23, 2021As a huge fan of anything in the fantasy genre, I was immediately hooked by this story. Woyak doesn’t waste time slowly introducing the plot or the main characters. Each character introduction moves seemingly to the next and though apart initially, they all get together in a seamless way. The book is fast paced and full of vivid imagery of a post-apocalyptic world on the brink of a season called The Darkness.
I loved the friends loyalty to each other and their trust in the two strangers that join them on their journey. I also loved the description of the Draugr…gave me a few bad dreams there because somehow the immense evilness of the creature just sinks into your brain as you see these young humans deal with it.
That level of detail remains strong throughout the entire book, from the ruins on the hill, to the epic discovery beneath it and beyond.
I was pleasantly surprised by the ending…really wasn’t expecting that as things wrapped up pretty smoothly to me, but I’m totally game for the sequel and can’t wait to read it!
I loved the friends loyalty to each other and their trust in the two strangers that join them on their journey. I also loved the description of the Draugr…gave me a few bad dreams there because somehow the immense evilness of the creature just sinks into your brain as you see these young humans deal with it.
That level of detail remains strong throughout the entire book, from the ruins on the hill, to the epic discovery beneath it and beyond.
I was pleasantly surprised by the ending…really wasn’t expecting that as things wrapped up pretty smoothly to me, but I’m totally game for the sequel and can’t wait to read it!
October 5, 2025
I want to thank Goodreads and Louis Woyak for the complimentary copy of Beneath the Ruins for an honest review.
I will be honest, I wanted to read this book simply due to its cover. I was expecting something more horror like but this book was so much better. This wasn't scary at all (okay the monsters were pretty gruesome)but it was a great adventure with a little bit of something for everyone. I found this book so entertaining that I bought a copy for my nephew. This is part apocalyptic, dystopian, and adventure. It has MECHS, ancient runes, and adventures searching for through ruins and finding artifacts. This story also has rotting monsters, battle scenes, and technology. It was so much fun to read. Woyak left the ending of the book wide open and I'm sure there will be another book coming up. I cannot wait to read it.
If you love a great adventure and love the underdogs, this is a great fast moving book to pick up.
Thank you Louis Woyak! I can't wait to read the next one. I hope my nephew enjoys the book! He just received it today.
I will be honest, I wanted to read this book simply due to its cover. I was expecting something more horror like but this book was so much better. This wasn't scary at all (okay the monsters were pretty gruesome)but it was a great adventure with a little bit of something for everyone. I found this book so entertaining that I bought a copy for my nephew. This is part apocalyptic, dystopian, and adventure. It has MECHS, ancient runes, and adventures searching for through ruins and finding artifacts. This story also has rotting monsters, battle scenes, and technology. It was so much fun to read. Woyak left the ending of the book wide open and I'm sure there will be another book coming up. I cannot wait to read it.
If you love a great adventure and love the underdogs, this is a great fast moving book to pick up.
Thank you Louis Woyak! I can't wait to read the next one. I hope my nephew enjoys the book! He just received it today.
December 21, 2021
"Beneath The Ruins" by Louis Woyak is a richly imagined novel that enthralls you from the first page to the last. It has a plot that one eagerly devours while on a comfortable reading chair. Buoyed with creative fantasy elements, some light doses of romance, and resolute heroes and heroines, Woyak transports you on an odyssey of pure escapist entertainment and nail-biting action.
With thoughtful characterization and a richly imagined world-building, "Beyond The Ruins" was an exhilarating read for me. I particularly loved how the author builds suspense right from the onset. I could not wait to unravel what danger lurked in the Darkness that the people of Arkdale had no idea about. I also liked how Walt grew as a character as the story developed.
In my opinion, "Beneath The Ruins" by Louis Woyak is a stunning fantasy novel with a riveting plot that carries you along at an unyielding pace. It is a perfect read for readers who love a plot that defies quick solutions.
With thoughtful characterization and a richly imagined world-building, "Beyond The Ruins" was an exhilarating read for me. I particularly loved how the author builds suspense right from the onset. I could not wait to unravel what danger lurked in the Darkness that the people of Arkdale had no idea about. I also liked how Walt grew as a character as the story developed.
In my opinion, "Beneath The Ruins" by Louis Woyak is a stunning fantasy novel with a riveting plot that carries you along at an unyielding pace. It is a perfect read for readers who love a plot that defies quick solutions.
June 24, 2021
Suspenseful writing, real-life heroes: I always loved stories where the main characters were less than normal, ordinary people, becoming heroes by chance and circumstance. And that's partly why I enjoyed this story so much. The four friends couldn't be more diverse and different, yet the common goal to survive in a post-apocalyptic world full of danger connects them (as well as their pasts that none of them chose). The world itself is scarily similar to ours in many ways, which makes for an even more intriguing read. I read this in one go, because I just had to know what will happen. And I didn't regret it one bit...
July 6, 2021
“Beneath the Ruins” is set in a post-apocalyptic town called Arkdale, a group of friends must find the truth about the HARP before the architects find out first. They must also do it before the DARKNESS.
The book begins as a search for treasure or artifacts, but turns into much more. Why cant they leave the city during the Darkness? What is the darkness and why does it appear? What secrets can be found at the HARP? Who are the architects?
This group of friends work together to find the secrets, save their town, and learn who to trust. It has adventure and treasure and reminded me of The Goonies. This was a great read that kept me intrigued from beginning to end.
The book begins as a search for treasure or artifacts, but turns into much more. Why cant they leave the city during the Darkness? What is the darkness and why does it appear? What secrets can be found at the HARP? Who are the architects?
This group of friends work together to find the secrets, save their town, and learn who to trust. It has adventure and treasure and reminded me of The Goonies. This was a great read that kept me intrigued from beginning to end.
April 10, 2022
Great World Building, Great Characters
I really enjoyed this story of a post-apocalyptic world. The characters are well developed and I could see them in my mind being friends and growing up together in the orphanage. Each had their unique abilities and limitations.
The only reason for the 4-star is I thought the story dragged a bit and was a bit less finished, perhaps a bit confusing, after they entered the HARP(A). The android was a good addition.
Overall a really well-written science fiction story. Would enjoy seeing more. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you for offering it.
I really enjoyed this story of a post-apocalyptic world. The characters are well developed and I could see them in my mind being friends and growing up together in the orphanage. Each had their unique abilities and limitations.
The only reason for the 4-star is I thought the story dragged a bit and was a bit less finished, perhaps a bit confusing, after they entered the HARP(A). The android was a good addition.
Overall a really well-written science fiction story. Would enjoy seeing more. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you for offering it.
December 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
I want to preface this review by saying this is not my typical read. Going in, I was thinking this was fantasy, turned out to lean more towards dystopian. The story ebbed and flowed a lot for me, there were times where I got super into it and by the last 80% I just wanted to be done and started skimming. I didn’t really understand the group getting lost in the space ship type thing and Rainna’s powers at the end. Also, it left off with some pretty big unanswered questions and I thought this was a stand-alone. Thought it was weird that there were massive plot holes at the end. Maybe the author was leaving it open for book 2? Not a terrible book, just not my cup of tea.
I want to preface this review by saying this is not my typical read. Going in, I was thinking this was fantasy, turned out to lean more towards dystopian. The story ebbed and flowed a lot for me, there were times where I got super into it and by the last 80% I just wanted to be done and started skimming. I didn’t really understand the group getting lost in the space ship type thing and Rainna’s powers at the end. Also, it left off with some pretty big unanswered questions and I thought this was a stand-alone. Thought it was weird that there were massive plot holes at the end. Maybe the author was leaving it open for book 2? Not a terrible book, just not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2021
What happens when a group of orphans form a friendship so tight that they become family...
Arkdale ( their city) is about to enter a month of Darkness; a time when all sorts of strange and unique creatures begin to roam the land and Arkdale becomes a locked city for the citizens.
Each of the protagonist have a special set of skills that make this group of friends unique, some of them do not even know what they bring to the group until they try to stop the Darkness.
This dystopian story is filled with action, adventure, danger and, a forged friendship that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
Arkdale ( their city) is about to enter a month of Darkness; a time when all sorts of strange and unique creatures begin to roam the land and Arkdale becomes a locked city for the citizens.
Each of the protagonist have a special set of skills that make this group of friends unique, some of them do not even know what they bring to the group until they try to stop the Darkness.
This dystopian story is filled with action, adventure, danger and, a forged friendship that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
December 14, 2021
I read this book in one sitting, I found it to be a compulsive and intriguing read. The four main characters were people we could empathise with as readers, especially as they grew and developed. The secrets and mysteries that surrounded their town were so compelling they kept me hooked. The world that the author created was well crafted and I found myself treading the post-apocalyptic landscape along with our heroes.
If you are looking for a fun and engaging read I would definitely recommend this book.
If you are looking for a fun and engaging read I would definitely recommend this book.
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July 22, 2021BENEATH THE RUINS is a gripping, post-apocalyptic sci-fi fantasy.
It builds its suspense and otherworldliness skillfully. Both adult and young adult readers will enjoy the book’s well-defined characters, its coherent plot and satisfying ending.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/07/19/stran...
It builds its suspense and otherworldliness skillfully. Both adult and young adult readers will enjoy the book’s well-defined characters, its coherent plot and satisfying ending.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/07/19/stran...
November 27, 2021
As darkness falls around them survival takes precedence in this post apocalyptic world.
Can these reunited friends uncover the secrets of the HARP before the architects? Will they escape the Draugr and its army of half dead creatures?
This book is a memorable, unpredictable journey into a fantasy driven dystopia. You will find this hard to put down.
Can these reunited friends uncover the secrets of the HARP before the architects? Will they escape the Draugr and its army of half dead creatures?
This book is a memorable, unpredictable journey into a fantasy driven dystopia. You will find this hard to put down.
December 19, 2021
Excellent!
Beneath the Ruins is an excellent book with believable characters. The suspense is well-written. The storyline is great. The gender bending aspect adds to the story. It's not just thrown in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and action.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Beneath the Ruins is an excellent book with believable characters. The suspense is well-written. The storyline is great. The gender bending aspect adds to the story. It's not just thrown in. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and action.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
October 15, 2025
you think you know what kind of scifi you’re getting in the first half but then the second half comes and BAM you were wrong the whole time it’s a whole other category of scifi. which was fun if surprising. plus, around 80% through turns out there’s also a nordic mythology twist!
that said, could have used one more strong edit. story was good but writing felt a little unpolished.
that said, could have used one more strong edit. story was good but writing felt a little unpolished.
January 14, 2022
Took me a bit to finish as the pace slowed in the middle, but I was interested to know how the plot would wrap. I liked each of the characters and am excited to see the world building if more books are published.
October 7, 2023
I loved it
I love a story that keeps you guessing, and this story did just that. The characters were well written, and the storyline was great, and the narration was great,well off to my next book
I love a story that keeps you guessing, and this story did just that. The characters were well written, and the storyline was great, and the narration was great,well off to my next book
July 19, 2021
Captivating!
A fast paced read with twists and turns. Mix of steampunk, fantasy, dystopia... all fantastically melded together. A cool storyline that begs for a sequel.
A fast paced read with twists and turns. Mix of steampunk, fantasy, dystopia... all fantastically melded together. A cool storyline that begs for a sequel.
November 24, 2021
What a great page turner. I loved the suspense and the friendships. I really e joyed it and could put it down
February 5, 2022
Incredible read! From the very beginning I was drawn into the story and couldn’t wait to find out more. The story and the characters are fascinating. Definitely worth the read.
June 12, 2022
I couldn't get into this story, form any attachment to the characters, care about where they were going or why they were doing what they were doing.
January 6, 2023
Loved it
I was surprised to find this was a spin of a Norse tale. The way it's written is super. I would recommend reading it.
I was surprised to find this was a spin of a Norse tale. The way it's written is super. I would recommend reading it.
August 6, 2023
Goodreads Giveaway!
I don't usually read fantasy, but this was the most Awesome Book!
Well written, entertaining, never a dull moment!
Will certainly read more from this author!
I don't usually read fantasy, but this was the most Awesome Book!
Well written, entertaining, never a dull moment!
Will certainly read more from this author!
dnf
September 5, 2023DNF @ 5% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. While the beginning of this book was interesting, I don't think this is a book for me.
April 17, 2024
Post apocalyptic ya
Sorta like post-apocalyptic young adult. Violence, no sex. It was ok. It reminds me of something else, but I can't put my finger on it.
Sorta like post-apocalyptic young adult. Violence, no sex. It was ok. It reminds me of something else, but I can't put my finger on it.
November 12, 2025
Fun read
Good character development. Not too many characters. The last 3rd of book was a great page turner. Glad I found it.
Good character development. Not too many characters. The last 3rd of book was a great page turner. Glad I found it.
June 30, 2024
great story
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the story line and characters. I would love to read the next installment.
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the story line and characters. I would love to read the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews