The Ruins Beneath Us by Sasha E. Sloan: Review

March 9, 2026 / March 27, 2026 by Eddie M. | Leave a comment

The Ruins Beneath Us is one of those fantasy stories that feels less concerned with grand battles and more interested in the quiet tension of secrets–who’s hiding them, who might discover them, and what happens when they finally surface.

At the center of the story is Lyria, an elf raised in isolation and taught that the outside world is dangerous for someone like her. When circumstances pull her into the human royal court–under a false identity no less– she’s suddenly forced to navigate a place built on politics, suspicion, and very little tolerance for magic like hers. What I found most compelling was how much of the story lives inside that tension. Lyria isn’t just trying to survive court life; she’s constantly calculting how much of herself she can safely reveal.

The book leans into familiar romantasy territory–slow-burn attraction, complicated loyalties, and relationships that feel like they are always one word from collapsing. Some readers might recognize the tropes right away, but the emotional focus on trust and identity gives those elements enough weight to keep them engaging.

The pacing is fairly deliberate, sometimes lingering on conversations and internal struggles more than action. For me, that worked in the book’s favor because it made the palace setting feel claustrophobic in a good way– like every hallway and conversation might lead to Lyria’s secret unraveling.

Overall, it is a character-driven fantasy that prioritizes emotional stakes over spectacle. If you enjoy stories where drama comes from hidden identities, uneasy alliances, and romance tangled up with danger, this one is definitely worth picking up.

I do however, disagree with the book’s rating of Y.A, hence why I have tagged it as New Adult. Within the first few chapters suggestive commentary and hints at more mature themes are present. I did not find any overtly explicit scenes, but having such topics in a YA book is a little on the nose.

Regardless, a wonderful read.