2026
WISE Score
Amazon
Forbidden magic, a prince who needs saving, and a brooding healer—it's the YA starter pack, but with better vibes and a secret world under the floorboards.
4.6
4.6View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
The Ruins Beneath Us is a winner for the current 'Romantasy' craze. It’s got enough world-building to satisfy fantasy nerds and enough 'will-they-won't-they' to keep the romance fans turning pages.
It’s not trying to be high literature, but it’s a high-quality, engaging read that manages to be both safe for younger teens and interesting enough for adults. If your kid is asking for books with 'sprayed edges,' this is likely the one they're looking for.
Perfect for 13-year-olds who are ready to graduate from middle-grade fantasy into something with more political intrigue and romantic tension, but it’s still clean enough that you won't have to have 'that' talk after they finish it.
Deals with healthy self-control and the protective (if stifling) bond between mother and daughter. It avoids 'brain rot' tropes in favor of a classic hero's journey, though the 'brooding' romance adds some typical YA angst.
The 'Ruins' concept and the apothecary-based magic system offer a fresh spin on the standard 'elf in a human kingdom' trope. It invites readers to wonder what lies beneath their own feet.
As a YA novel, it contains fantasy violence and romantic tension ('stolen kisses'), but lacks the explicit 'spice' found in adult romantasy. Very safe for the intended teen audience.
Explores themes of systemic prejudice and the ethical weight of keeping secrets versus living authentically. It’s a solid entry point for discussing how societies treat 'outsiders.'
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