
Member Reviews

Rachel Moore’s Us in Ruins takes readers on a whimsical and exhilarating adventure set amidst the ancient ruins of Pompeii, blending archaeology, romance, and myth. The story follows Margot Rhodes, an enthusiastic yet inexperienced archaeology student, who embarks on a school dig with an ambitious goal: to uncover the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia, last seen in 1932. Her secret weapon? The lost journal of Van Keane, a teenage explorer from a century ago, whose poetic words lead Margot closer to the vase’s shards—and into an unexpected love story.

I would like to state that I may not be the best person to review this however, I was really excited about it because I never get to read books about my professional career. I am an archaeologist. And I think this was an incredibly well written book. There are a few inconsistencies and some things that made me want to scream about how there in Ancient Ruins and they’re not using gloves and they’re not being protective or anything like that and they’re breaking things hurt my heart. I finished this book a day. A DAY. It kept me on my toes it was so interesting and really good. This is a YA fantasy with a subplot of romance I believe this was advertised as a romance but it didn’t feel like romance was the main aspect but that might be because I was so excited about all the archaeological terms because I’m an archaeologist. It was very well written and interesting.

Huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review!
“It wasn’t her fault that her heart had a megaphone and her head had anxiety.”
I was so blinded by the amazing cover and “Mummy” comp on this one that I didn’t notice it was YA, which is perfectly good but definitely a range I’ve moved out of (my bad not the books).
That being said this book is adorable. I think young adults reading a book about a girl figuring herself out, feeling her loud emotions, and being adventurer without sacrificing femininity is so crucial. Additionally, reading about a man who also feels his feelings is so rare to find that it deserves its own shout out.
Some of the book didn’t work for me. I struggled to picture the landscape the author was trying to immerse the reader in, it just never really connected with me and made imagining some scenes hard. I think love stories based on one week of knowing each other (half of which they were “enemies”) are silly and sort of ridiculous. I feel like Astrid got off easy in the end but that is just me.
To me this book felt less like “The Mummy” and more like “The Lost City” (with Sandra Bullock).
Very cute but not for me!

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I'm surprised that the rating on this book isn't higher. I've never read anything like it. I love that it was inspired by the mummy. Nothing inspired by Brendan Fraser could be bad.
I seriously enjoyed this read. I've been in a slump and have had a hard time finishing anything, so it took me a while. But finishing this book was like eating the best, most satisfying, and nourishing meal ever. There were no yucks. Just warm fuzzies and happiness. Bonus- there is a really good romance. But this book is clean. I have a couple of teenage girls in mind to recommend it to.

This book had me absolutely spellbound from start to finish. It made for a quick read, because the pacing is phenomenal. Mostly, it's just a ton of fun! I relate to Margot on a mental level, and I'm not sure that's a great thing for her, but I enjoyed it. Van is so moody, and I guess we'll give him a pass given the circumstances.
Perfection if you like adventure stories with a little romantics chemistry sprinkled in. The adventure is the star, though. And I loved that!
Read this if you could totally see yourself on an archaeological dig, only... what do you even know about archaeology?!

First of all, thank you, thank you, thank you to the publisher and the author for granting me an advanced reader copy of this beautiful book. All opinions expressed henceforth are my own.
Next - this book was so fun, so silly, so beautiful, and so everything I wanted it to be! Main character Margot has tried seemingly every hobby and area of study to find what she loves and is good at. She is also trying to find what will impress her father, who has been distant since her mother left them. Her latest interest is a journal she found in the library of one Van Keane, who was searching for the Vase of Venus Aurelia in 1932 Pompeii. She submits a (fanfiction-esque) essay to gain a seat on the summer archaeology trip to search for the lost Vase herself but what she discovers sets Van free from a nearly century-long curse.
I was surprised that this book didn't contain much of the typical character-from-the-past-is-shocked-by-21st-century-changes. Van and Margot are very focused on their tasks collecting the shards before time runs out. And rightly so because the stakes are high. There is a lot of YA humor to Margot which I found endearing, but Van was honestly a little one-dimensional. There could have been a little more to Van, a little more bitterness to Atlas and the company that wronged him, but overall the book was so action-packed and fun it just came to life so well. I had so much fun with it I honestly can't find fault in the small things. And the cherry on top? THE COVER! SO. BEAUTIFUL. *Chef's kiss*

romance, mystery and a lot of young adult angst. this novel is fun and cozy with the right touch of magic, love and forgotten treasure

RATING: 4.5 stars
VIBES: 💎📚🏺
SONG: Invisible String by Taylor Swift
READALIKE: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
Wow. Simply wow! I have no notes on this book! The voice shimmered with underlying humor and perfectly placed pop-culture references—not too many, don't worry! This contrasted perfectly with the historical context and popping imagery. And Margot?! I cannot get over how much I loved her! She was incredibly relatable to me; a girl who felt better placing herself in the roles of book characters than inhabiting her own body, who struggled with being "too emotional," and who was an utter delight. This was such a charming book, and I've never read anything quite like it! It's a time-travel AND an archeological AND a contemporary! It has Italy and mythology and self-love and peril! What's not to love?? The only thing keeping this from a full five-star: I couldn't quite connect with the side characters! I wanted more out of Suki and Astrid, because they seemed so dynamic, but that just never felt quite wrapped up to me. Also, the romance could've used a little more attention, I think, in order for it to develop in its entirety. They had a lot of banter but not quite enough growth! Don't listen to me, though, I'm overly cynical with these things! Still, I had a blast and a half with this book and was fully enamored!

If you love Indiana Jones, The Mummy, and wish it stared a teenager, than this book is perfect for you! I was so excited to see something set in Pompeii, but it does require the reader to suspend disbelief and go along for the vibes, not necessarily the facts. Being a teen book, it means that a lot of improbable teen like things are going on. But, it is cute and has it's moments. I still wanted to know the ending, but fully recognize that age wise, I was not the target audience. I just couldn't say no to anything inspired by the Mummy!

So SWOONY!! Tbh I almost DNFed it 30% of the way in, but switched to the audiobook and was swept up in the story immediately.
Van is such a heartthrob and the banter is 🥰🤌 Definitely can relate with Margot and there were so many lines I highlighted.
Knocked off a quarter of a star for the slow start and something unrealistic (and honestly quite baffling) that happened at the end. But overall an AMAZING read. I think historical/archaeological fantasy might be a new favorite subgenre.

A rich, gorgeous book. A massive fan of adventure romance, and this one is espcially cool set sometime in the future

A teen girl obsessed with finding an ancient relic that the journal of a boy who went missing in 1932 was searching for leads her to heartbreak, adventure, and finding the missing boy who was turned into stone but is now very much alive. Margot has been obsessed with archeology and trying to find the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia, based on the journal of a teen explorer Van Keane who went missing in 1932 in search of this vase. Margot has fallen for Van, the boy who went missing and is determined to complete his quest using his journal... only she actually finds him as a statue... and now coming back alive and together they must find a way to work with one another if they are to find the vase and figure out their very complicated relationship. Real life Van is nothing like the version she made in her head and Margot is beginning to realize that the real boy in front of her isn't as perfect and that he might be out only for himself. With her heart on the line, a vase to find, and a boy who is hiding so many secrets, can she get her happy ever after? This was an extremely young YA novel and I definitely went in thinking this would be a bit older, this would have worked so much better if Margot and Van were in college. Margot acts like a 14 year old girl and honestly, it kind of seemed a bit off in this book. If I knew this was going to be much younger I think it would have tempered my expectations a bit. I just found myself feeling like this was too juvenile for me and that if it were aged up a bit more it would have been just perfect. I liked the premise of the book and how it was very much "The mummy" inspired and the romance was very light and definitely felt like what a 13-14 year old girl would act and do. So if you like younger YA romances I would say absolutely go for this.
Release Date: September 3,2024
Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)
*Thanks Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Really good YA! I appreciated Margot’s character. We see her grow, and I think her particular blend of what we are led to believe is some form of neurodivergence is relevant today. She is loud and rambunctious and also glamorous and awkward. I would have found her deeply relatable as a teen. I found Van’s character a little lacking. It feels like he takes these big jumps of change, and his interest in Margot feels forced.

"Us in Ruins" by Rachel Moore is a delightful and imaginative YA adventure-romance set against the historical backdrop of Pompeii. Margot Rhodes embarks on her school's archaeological trip with a mission: to find the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia and piece together her broken heart. Equipped with the lost journal of Van Keane, a teenage explorer who vanished in 1932, Margot is drawn into a mystery that takes unexpected turns.
What starts as an archaeological quest quickly becomes magical when Van himself is brought to life. However, the real Van is far from the poetic figure Margot imagined, and their banter-filled dynamic brings a fresh energy to the story. Together, they must face the trials of Venus and uncover secrets that have remained buried for almost a century.
Rachel Moore expertly weaves humor, mythology, and a touch of romance into this fast-paced narrative. The chemistry between Margot and Van is playful yet heartfelt, and the book’s blend of magical elements and historical adventure adds a unique twist to the rom-com genre. Fans of books like *What the River Knows* will enjoy the witty dialogue, thrilling challenges, and emotional depth that make *Us in Ruins* a charming and unforgettable read.

Be still my Indiana Jones loving heart! I loved the Library of Shadows and was so excited to jump in to Rachel Moore’s sophomore novel! I can confirm that this book was a fun adventure.
Margot Rhodes is trying to find her place in the world. As a student at Radcliffe Prep, she discovers the travel journal in the school library of the infamous Van Keane, who went missing in Pompeii. On a whim (and without her father’s permission), she joins the school study abroad trip to Italy to follow in Van’s footsteps and find the missing vase of Venus Aurelia. A not-so-authorized trip to the excavation site has Margot finding more than just the vase; she finds Van Keane (who had turned to stone). Her touch reanimates him and the two begin their quest across Italy to find the pieces of the vase, claim the treasure, and save Van from a fate worse than death.
I will be the first to admit that I am not a big historical fantasy fan, but I very much enjoyed this book! I think I’m just a huge fan of Rachel’s writing and humor! The book was fast paced and action packed, and I loved the story within a story element (from Margot’s favorite historic fantasy).
Also, let me just say that it was so refreshing to read a YA book where the characters felt like young adults (not adults disguised as teenagers). Margot’s snarkiness was hilarious and I loved the banter between her and Van. There was definitely character development and growth, particularly with Margot, but there were also a lot of discussions about family, friendships, and love that gave the story more depth.
Overall, give this book a go if you love The Mummy, Indiana Jones, and Isabel Ibanez’s “What The River Know”.
Thank you to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the ARC!

Book Name: Us in Ruins
Author: Rachel Moore
ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and
HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for an ARC
Stars: 5
Spice: 0 YA
Standalone
Fast Paced
FMC POV
Contemporary Fantasy Adventure YA
- Thoughts.
- Fast Paced
- Theme Finding Our Place
- Hate to Love
- Rivals
- High Stakes Adventure
- Roman Holiday Vibes
- Ancient Curse
- Greek Mythology
- Percy Jackson Vibes
- Wildest Dreams Taylor Swift Vibes
- Dark Academic Light
- Perfect follow-up to Library of Shadows
- mash-up of Encino Man and the Mummy
- Cheesy Factor is There but so good
- Reads like an early 2000’s Rom-Com Movie
LOVE LOVE LOVE

Saw this book trending on TikTok and KNEW I had to read it. Often, if I see an author/publisher promoting a book on social media before it's released, I'll check NetGalley. So I was THRILLED to see this listed and even more excited to receive the ARC, so thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins.
WHAT. A. BOOK. I cannot wait to get this on our library shelves in the hands of our middle/high school readers. "Us In Ruins" has all the makings of a rom-com read that will always be on hold, just waiting for the next patron, never to see a bookshelf again. This mythological, fantasy, adventure romance is sure to appeal to all readers- especially with a main character like Margot, who's teen drama will surely resonate with middle grades and high school students.

𝘜𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘴 is perfect for fans of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘺 and 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴!
This charming YA standalone novel follows Margot's quest to locate an ancient vase while on her school trip to Pompeii. Using a 1932 journal penned by a missing (and handsome) archaeologist, Van, Margot stumbles upon a statue that is rather lively. So lively that her touch brings the statue to life... and she realizes the marble fixture is actually the real Van. Forced to work as a team, Margot and Van banter their way through trials and into each other's hearts.
𝘜𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘙𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘴 is Moore's sophomore book, and much like her debut, I found it to be a cute, quick, and bingeable read. It's heartwarming and emotional, magical and paranormal. While aimed at a younger audience than I typically would read, I still enjoyed the adventure.
The incessant pop culture references broke my immersion in the story, and I think it will quickly date this text. It's my only complaint, and the reason for the 4-star rating.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Us in Ruins is an enchanting blend of adventure, romance, and mythology that captivates from start to finish. Rachel Moore has crafted a story that is as much about the thrill of discovery as it is about the healing power of love. Margot Rhodes is a relatable and determined protagonist, whose quest to reassemble the Vase of Venus Aurelia feels both epic and personal.
The narrative shines with its unique premise—a cursed vase, a long-lost explorer brought back to life, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii as the backdrop. Moore’s writing is lush and evocative, pulling readers into the past with Van Keane’s poetic journal entries, only to jolt them back to the present with the tension between Margot and the newly resurrected Van. The dynamic between these two characters is electric, their contrasting personalities creating sparks that light up the story.
Margot’s journey is not just about finding the pieces of a vase; it’s about piecing together her own heart. The emotional depth of the story is enhanced by the historical mystery and the mythological elements that Moore weaves seamlessly into the plot. The challenges Margot and Van face are both thrilling and perilous, keeping the reader on edge as they navigate Venus’s treacherous trials.
What sets Us in Ruins apart is how it balances the whimsy of a rom-com with the intensity of a high-stakes adventure. The book is perfect for fans of What the River Knows and The Lost City, offering a narrative that is as heartwarming as it is exhilarating. While the ending might be somewhat predictable, the journey to get there is filled with surprises, making it a satisfying read.
Overall, Us in Ruins is a delightful stand-alone adventure that leaves a lasting impression, blending romance, history, and myth into a story that feels timeless.

This book is perfect for fans of The Mummy with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.
Margot has had trouble finding her path in life and decides to go on her school's archeology trip to live the life from her favorite book. She comes across a hidden temple and starts her journey with Van Keane, an archeologist from the 30s who is now free from his stone prison.
While there's nothing groundbreaking about this book, it was an absolutely fun read. Margot and Van are fully fleshed out, living characters, both trying to prove their worth in different ways. Some suspension of disbelief is required (of course they just happen to meet someone who knows how to get into a secret market), but there's a guy who used to be a statue. I think we can handle it for a fun read like this.