Ruby offers a haunting look at a post-apocalyptic world devastated by sudden destruction, with vivid imagery of fireballs and choking iron dust that is both striking and disturbing. Ruby’s quiet strength adds emotional weight to the story, and the novella excels in its exploration of grief, survival, and the human need for closure. However, the emotional connection to the main character often feels distant, and the limited world-building leaves too many questions unanswered about the broader context of the disaster. While the premise is compelling and the atmosphere vivid, deeper character development and a more immersive setting would have elevated this from solid to exceptional in the dystopian genre.