The Ruins Beneath Us

Debut author Sloan deftly weaves themes of self-discovery, oppression, loyalty, and consent into a luminous fantasy duology opener. All her life, 18-year-old Lyria has lived in hiding, raised by her healer mother in a remote enchanted woodland cottage to conceal Lyria’s Elven heritage and rare magical talent. Lyria finds her quietly isolated existence imperiled after she rescues an injured stranger who turns out to be Prince Finneas, heir to a kingdom intent on annihilating Elves. Lyria is soon summoned to the palace to become the royal apothecary tasked with curing the same plague her mother has been researching. As she navigates court intrigue while keeping her Elven heritage secret, she must reckon with her desire to remain loyal to her ancestors even as her attraction to Finn grows. Simultaneously, a plot to take over the kingdom brews in the shadows. Confident prose skillfully captures Lyria’s internal conflict, and her naivete and emotional growth feel organically anchored in her sheltered upbringing. Queer representation adds dimension to nuanced emotional stakes across an assured tale that promises romance and adventure at every turn. Characters cue as white. Ages 13–up. (Mar.)