Who Would Like This Book:
Get ready for an intense vacation-gone-wrong! "The Ruins" is a nerve-shredding survival horror novel with a punchy, fast-moving plot. Scott Smith traps a group of travelers in the Mexican jungle, and the terror unfolds in deeply psychological and physical ways. The tension barely lets up - it’s basically relentless suspense, with a creeping dread that builds page by page. Fans of gritty horror, creature features, or survival thrillers (think Stephen King or Nick Cutter) will get a huge kick out of this. If you want your stories to make your skin crawl and keep you up at night, put this on your list.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone is going to vibe with this one. Some readers find the characters frustrating, even infuriating, and complain they feel flat or make the world’s worst decisions. If you need your horror grounded in realism, the premise might be a stretch. There’s also a fair bit of gore, a bleak tone, and almost no hope or humor - definitely not for those who prefer uplifting reads or feel-good endings. If you want deep backstories or explanations, the unanswered mysteries might leave you wanting more.
About:
A group of young people vacationing in Mexico venture into the jungle in search of a missing brother, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare as they encounter an ancient and otherworldly presence that leads to horrific and terrifying events. The story unfolds in a remote location, with the characters making bad decisions that result in a collapse of their society, while the environment becomes increasingly hostile, mirroring the deterioration of their relationships.
The plot of the book revolves around a group of tourists facing peril in the Mexican jungle, where they are confronted by killer vines that manipulate and terrorize them. The narrative is filled with tension, suspense, and horror, as the characters struggle to survive the sinister forces at play, leading to a gripping and gruesome conclusion that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The Ruins contains graphic depictions of violence and body horror, along with themes of despair and death, making it a high warning for sensitive readers.
From The Publisher:
HE EAGERLY AWAITED NEW THRILLER FROM THE AUTHOR OF A SIMPLE PLAN
Eerie, terrifying, and unputdownable, The Ruins is Scott Smith's first novel since his acclaimed debut A Simple Plan earned rave reviews and stormed bestseller lists.
The Ruins follows two American couples enjoying a pleasant, lazy beach holiday together in Mexico. On an impulse, they go off with newfound friends in search of one of their group - the young German, who, in pursuit of a girl, has headed for the remote Mayan ruins, site of a fabled archeological dig.
This is what happens from the moment the searchers - moving into the wild interior - begin to suspect that there is an insidious, horrific "other" among them....
Ratings (122)
Incredible (18) | |
Loved It (42) | |
Liked It (28) | |
It Was OK (22) | |
Did Not Like (11) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (293):
Read It (123) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (131) | |
Did Not Finish (7) | |
Not Interested (31) |
1 comment(s)
3.5 rounded up
This books characters were one dimensional. I wanted to feel more, and Scott even pokes fun at them in the book about how they are stereotypical horror movie characters. I don't have to fall in love with everyone, or even like them. I just wanted to feel more. Anyways I was also left wanting that we never get to hear from the Germans POVs. This felt really odd for me. However, I did enjoy this audiobook. (Except the 30ish seconds between each chapter?? What??)
What can you read after
The Ruins?
About the Author:
Scott Smith was educated at Dartmouth College and Columbia University. He lives in New York City.
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