The Ruins

by Scott Smith
The Ruins cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Horror
Technical:
  • ID: 919
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-09-23
  • ISBN: 9781446423349
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2023-10-12
  • Formats: 35
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49

Praise for 'The Ruins' includes accolades from the New York Times and Kirkus, highlighting its superior horror and compelling premise. The story begins with four friends seeking adventure during a lackluster Mexican holiday. Their journey into the jungle to find a missing friend leads them to a hillside covered in red flowers and a confrontation with a Mayan horseman. One fateful step into a flowering vine sets off a chain of horrifying events that will change their lives forever./n/nAs the group struggles to survive, they uncover the dark secrets of the Mayan ruins and the ancient curse that binds them. The tension and terror escalate as they fight against both the environment and the malevolent forces that inhabit it. With no respite, not even a chapter break, readers are drawn into a relentless nightmare that tests the limits of human endurance and desperation.

Reviews
Reddit - r/horrorlit · 2024-09-30
terrifying 3.50

The novel is excellent in its horror elements but the reader did not enjoy it due to personal circumstances. The book's impact was influenced by the reader's state of mind at the time.

The Reddit user found 'The Ruins' to be an excellent horror novel, praising its ability to create a terrifying atmosphere. However, they did not enjoy reading it personally, attributing this to their state of mind at the time. This suggests that while the book has strong horror elements, its impact can be highly subjective. The user's experience highlights how personal circumstances can affect the enjoyment of a book.

Quick quotes

    It's an excellent horror novel but I did not enjoy reading it.

    I'm not sure how much was the book vs my state of mind at the time.

    The book has some truly terrifying moments.

Steve Stred Author · Steve Stred · 2022-09-13
engaging 4.00

The book is a solid read with a gripping narrative that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The horror elements are well-executed, making it a mainstream horror novel worth picking up.

Steve Stred found 'The Ruins' to be a solid and engaging horror novel. He appreciated the way the story unfolds, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The horror elements are particularly well-done, making it a mainstream horror novel that stands out. While it follows some familiar tropes, the execution is what makes it compelling. Overall, it's a book that horror fans will likely enjoy.

Quick quotes

    This is a fairly mainstream published horror novel, the book was a solid read.

    The story follows a group of friends who've gone on vacation.

    The book kept me engaged throughout.

Slate · 2006-09-13
mixed 2.50

The book suffers from poor metaphors and unconvincing characterizations, which detract from its overall impact. Despite its flaws, it manages to succeed in some areas.

The Slate reviewer criticizes 'The Ruins' for its use of ditzy metaphors and leaden characterizations, which they feel weaken the story. Phrases like 'Jeff had something about him that made people trust him' are cited as examples of unconvincing writing. Despite these flaws, the reviewer acknowledges that the book succeeds in certain aspects, making it a mixed but noteworthy read. The criticism focuses on the execution rather than the premise, suggesting that better writing could have elevated the novel.

Quick quotes

    The Ruins has so many ditzy metaphors and leaden characterizations.

    It succeeds in spite of its flaws.

    The writing is often unconvincing.

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