Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton
Published by Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: March 31, 2026
Genres: Book Clubs, Fiction, Dystopian, Literary, Science Fiction
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What if there was another advanced civilization on Earth, older than ours, that has remained undiscovered? Ember is an archeologist who believes this to be true and has spent her life trying to find proof of this pre-historic society. In Ruins, after years languishing in academia, she finally receives an artifact from a colleague supporting her thesis. She’s given funding for her own expedition, with a research vessel and a diverse twelve-person team. They head into uncharted territory where she hopes to find conclusive evidence of advanced life.
Ember is excavated by author Lily Brooks-Dalton as thoroughly as the archaeological site she seeks in Ruins. Driven by the need to validate her thesis, she prioritizes her goal above everything else, showing little regard for danger or the people affected by her choices. Yet the novel remains compelling because her motivation is so clear and authentic. Her curiosity is almost childlike as she approaches the world with wonder and an intense desire to discover what lies beyond the known. Even when her actions have harmful consequences, she’s following an essential part of her nature rather than acting out of malice.
Beyond the characters, the creativity and the imagination in the story are extraordinary. Every step of the way, from an extended sea voyage to a jungle wilderness, evokes curiosity thanks to vibrant, immersive details. Even the novel’s title has layers of meaning as Ember ruins in her search for ruins. Pursuit of her obsession brings it to the people around her and in some sense to herself. The result is a fascinating tension. The reader can see the damage her obsession causes while still being drawn along by the same impulse that drives her forward. In that sense, the novel’s magnetism mirrors Ember’s own attraction to ruins: both character and reader are compelled toward discovery despite the costs.
After finishing Ruins I was left to gather the pieces of my exploded brain because of the way Brooks-Dalton masterfully lulls the reader into a particular mindset only to repeatedly blow everything up. By the novel’s midpoint, the reader’s perspective is completely shattered, shifting with the same force as tectonic plates during an earthquake. I didn’t want Ruins to end and when it did I wanted more, a sequel, anything because there was still so much to discover.
I’d also recommend The Light Pirate by Brooks-Dalton if you like futuristic, climate fiction.
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*I received a free copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
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