THE RUINS BENEATH US, by Sasha E. Sloan, Disney Hyperion, March 3, 2026, Hardcover, $20.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
An elf in hiding joins the court that wants her dead in The Ruins Beneath Us, a YA fantasy novel by Sasha E. Sloan.
She saved the prince. Now she must survive his world.
Lyria and her mother have been on the run from the human kingdom of Verdinae for as long as she can remember. She’s an elf born with magic—a double offence in a kingdom determined to eradicate both. Under her mother’s watchful protection, Lyria learns the rules that keep her alive: stay inside, stay hidden, stay safe, and above all stay calm, lest her magic flair out of control.
But when she finds a human boy being attacked by a deadly monster in the forest, Lyria risks everything by using magic to save him. She doesn’t expect his broken body to survive, and she definitely doesn’t expect him to be the crown prince.
Offered a position at the palace as the royal apothecary, Lyria seizes the chance to step into the light and prove to her mother she can control her unwieldly magic. But Verdinae is not the paradise it at first seems. The nobles are ruthless, the secrets are deadly, and Cygnus—the brooding royal healer—seems determined to expose Lyria’s every flaw. As she navigates a world of glittering gowns, deadly secrets, and stolen kisses, Lyria must keep her identity hidden. . . even from the prince who’s falling for her.
But beneath the palace lies a darkness far more dangerous than any secret. And when Lyria and Cygnus uncover a hidden world that could change everything, she must decide who to trust and how much she’s willing to risk for a love that was never meant to be. —Synopsis provided by Disney Hyperion
The Ruins Beneath Us is a classic YA fantasy that features mythical creatures, court politics, war, a plague and a slow-burn romance.
The story follows Lyria as she saves a prince and deals with the aftermath. Lyria is assured as a person who has essentially been cut off from the world can be. But because of her sheltered past, she doesn’t understand nuances as much as members of the court. She’s quick on her feet but lets emotion drive her.
Author Sasha E. Sloan has developed a plot with a deep backstory and intricate magical system. As The Ruins Beneath Us progresses, you start to realize how much planning went into it. And as complex as it seems to be, it’s never confusing for the reader. Sloan balances “information” for lack of a better word with action throughout. She delves into Lyria’s insecurities while highlighting her strength as well.
The Ruins Beneath Us is a fast-moving read with strong world-building and lots of tension. There are plenty of twists to keep you reading, and the buildup for a sequel is strong.
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