City of Ruin

Ruined Lands #1

by Lindsey Pogue

The Collector is coming.

Centuries ago, the skies turned black. For 300 years, Londoners survived in the dank, underground tunnels of the city, until a stranger from a faraway land offered to save them. Though it wasn't without cost . . . and he has come to collect.

Travel beyond the City of Ruin, through the secret passageways and haunted woods, to a land shrouded in secrets in this atmospheric retelling of Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast.

This is the first book in the richly imagined Ruined Lands, a Forgotten Lands sister series and collection of dystopian fairytale retelling.

*All Forgotten Lands World novels can be read as standalones and in any order.*

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Dystopia, Ebooks, Retellings, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy Romance

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2022

About the author

“[Lindsey] mastered what it is to be human, and the connections we build with one another.” - Goodreads Reviewer

Lindsey Pogue is a genre-bending survival romance author, best known for her soul-stirring Savage North Chronicles. With a master’s in history and her passion for apocalyptic landscapes, Lindsey weaves epic adventures where humanity shines brightest in the darkest of times. Her weather-ravaged worlds defy genre boundaries, inviting readers to escape the ordinary and discover the boundless strength of the human spirit.

When Lindsey's not plotting her next storyline or dreaming up new, brooding characters, she's wrapped in blankets, watching action flicks with her own leading man. She and her husband live in Northern California with their rescue cats, Beast and Blue.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “[Lindsey] mastered what it is to be human, and the connections we build with one another.” - Amazon (Author Unpublished)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue is a master storyteller!" -Tome Tender Book Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Lindsey Pogue does it again!! I absolutely love her writing style."



FOLLOW LINDSEY'S SHENANIGANS:
★ Follow Lindsey's Rogue Reader Community for free access to weekly bonus content and monthly giveaways! PogueGoneRogue.com

★ Join Lindsey Pogue's Rogue Reader BOOK CLUB on the Fable app!

★ TikTok: @authorlindseypogue
★ Instagram: @authorlindseypogue
★ BookBub: Lindsey Pogue

Reviews

[stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm a sucker for retellings what can i say

writing style: magnificent. easy to read and to follow along to the point where at some parts i couldn't stop myself from reading i needed to know what happened next

character development (the main characters): also magnificent. i really liked how everything was gradual and not rushed which gave everything a more "natural" feeling

plot: was pretty good! i didn't really find many faults or negatives i just simply enjoyed this book although i will say i was expecting more fantasy themes than it had and some of the characters were easily forgettable but that may just be because of me and my attention span

also– this was a vibe reading at night 👍

[Lindsey Pogue]

“Gripping, gutting, and beautifully gothic. I could NOT put it down!”
The Collector has come to claim what he’s owed, but the beastly landowner is not all Selene has to fear. Nothing in Briarwood is as it seems in this romantic, atmospheric retelling of Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast.

Perfect for Tanya Bird and Evie Silver readers!

Tropes include:
⚜️ Beauty and the Beast + Jane Eyre retelling
⚜️ A Handmaid’s Tale vibes
⚜️ Gritty, dystopian society
⚜️ Slow Burn
⚜️ Headstrong & nurturing heroine
⚜️ Gothic
⚜️ Rags to riches
⚜️ Historical fantasy
⚜️ Dual POV

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “The world building and characters were flawless.” - Booksandchatt

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "A devastatingly beautiful story." - Michelle Zeplin

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Will draw you in and keep you hooked." - Holly Hill Mangin

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "A stunning Beauty and the Beast retelling!" - Lindsey Sparks, Bestselling Paranormal Romance Author

An interconnected, standalone installment in the Ruined Lands series.

Support the author! You can buy signed paperbacks, ebooks, exclusive swag, and audiobooks in Lindsey’s bookshop! www.payhip.com/lindseypogue

**Bonus Ruined Lands stories and content are available in Lindsey’s Exclusive Reader Membership: www.reamstories.com/lindseypogue

[Nora (NoraLeest) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dystopian gothic story loosely based on Beauty & The Beast. That’s all I had to know before picking this up, and let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed. I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but this was so hard to put down. I only wish we learned more about the dystopian world, but other than that… Chef’s kiss 👨‍🍳🫶💋

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Selene's mother suddenly dies, her brother carries through with her plan to keep Selene safe from her father's nefarious plans. However, due to further tragedy, her life becomes one of hardship and abuse. Her only solace is caring for the children at the orphanage, so when they are suddenly up for purchase, she speaks out in their defense catching the eye of Greyson Blackburn, The Collector, a man known for cruel atrocities. Purchased by Mr. Blackburn to be his daughter's governess, Selene is taken from the city to the mysterious moors to a house shrouded in death and secrets. And here she finds her true purpose, her family, and love.

A dystopian Jane Eyre. Clever. Selene was a difficult one to embrace in the beginning. Her mind was so closed off to her own beliefs, she never actually took in her surroundings. Her judgments against Blackburn were so severe and set, and ultimately, unfair. It was hard to like her with her righteousness. It cast a shadow over the entire household and colored every exchange. However, as she was forced to see the truth over time, she admitted her faults and embarked down a new path much more suited to who she truly was. At that time, she became not only likable but lovable. Blackburn surprised me. His behavior made me fear his future but the reason behind it was different from what I thought, so I too made a hasty judgment. Characters driven by guilt, anger, fear, pain, and finally hope. It's a complex character study and beautifully written. I deducted one star because I felt the final chapters were a bit rushed; maybe deliberately so. However, I would have liked more time with the new relationship, family, and community. Once the secrets all came to light, there was little time to spend with the characters.

I look forward to more stories from this new world. Until then, I will "See you in our memories."

[Elise Herrera-Mishler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selene's life was barely liveable, but now The Collector has come for her and her loved ones, and she has no idea what lies ahead.

More like a 3.5 star rating


I would like to preface this review by saying that I'm not very fond of stories that focus on romance, which has colored my opinions of this story.


It's easier to list out what I did and didn't like, so here's what I liked about it:

I'm a sucker for both a good retelling, and dystopians. This story is a clever mashup retelling of Beauty and the Beast and Jane Eyre with a dystopian (a la Handmaid's Tale) twist.

I like that it was the main character who was made a better person by their partner, as opposed to the other way around. It really enriched Selene's (much needed) character growth.

Paige and the other kids were delightful. 

The villain wasn't defeated the way I expected. I approve of how he was defeated.

Here is what I didn't like:

Most heterosexual romances bore me, so I had a hard time really caring about Selene and Greyson. Also because Selene still felt very much like a child while Greyson is almost 30.

Selene was really difficult to get to like. In the beginning she's a stubborn, narrow minded brat, but ultimately becomes a better person when she accepts that Greyson is a good person with good intentions

I really wanted to love this book because I have truly loved some of Lindsey Pogue's other books,but romances make me roll my eyes a lot. That being said, the book is well written and I AM interested in the world, and am looking forward to brother Killian's story.

[Mary Biz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy this as I sped through it, but I would not call it a good book. The setting and the premise of the alternate history is cool, but it sort of fades away as the story goes on. The plot is not very original but does combine beauty and the beast elements with a Jane Eyre storyline in an interesting way.

[Nadia Debowska-Stephens (Obsessed by Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“At least at Bedlam, I knew what lurked in the shadows. Here there is nothing but ghosts and death.”

The world is in ruins and those that survive are in hell, each day a battle with many wondering if death is not a release and yet some strive to make it a life worth living. She was bartered, sold to pay a debt but fate led her down another path with, her destiny as yet unfulfilled. When the notorious Collector arrives Selena does what she must to protect those she loves. Finding herself in a new environment, unsure who what or who to trust can she be brave enough to embrace the prophecy that haunts her?

The Collector is feared and rumours know no bounds but who is he behind closed doors is yet more of a mystery. Bound by the accords he fights daily to maintain what is rightly is but can he find peace? And at what cost?

This is a wonderful retelling and totally has all the vibes of beauty and beast fused with Jayne Eyre… it’s desolate and atmospheric whilst having the seeds of deeper emotion sown throughout. Evil men with their nefarious ways, taking advantage of a broken society and the frail balance they have sought to achieve to survive and yet there remains hope. It has plenty of plot twists, not everyone will survive but for those lost along the way it is not for naught… I really enjoyed this story and got caught up in the pages transported into a world not so different from ours.

A fantastic five star give a girl a library, it really is the key to her heart read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Lindsey Pogue fan and she did NOT disappoint with this book. The writing is fantastic and I felt like I was right there the entire story. This book gave me the happy smiles and feels after leaving a good movie. This was an epic story of survival, hardships, love, and betrayal. Selene is an amazing character. She is strength, courage, and hopefulness. The hardships she endures and survives leaves you feeling emotionally attached. The unique writing accomplished in tying Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast is just beyond astonishing. I could not put this book down. If you love a good retelling, or just a fantastic read in general this is the book for you. 5 stars, absolutely loved it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge Lindsey Pogue fan, I love the worlds she creates. City of Ruin reads like a gritty fairy tale with just the right amount of romance. Selene is a strong character that had to grow up too soon after losing everything at the age of eleven. When she is sold to the notorious Collector at 20 she remains strong as she begins to explore her new life.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Laurel Heebsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great stand-alone novel set in the Forgotten Lands universe. This is a world rebuilding from the catastrophic effects of environmental destruction. I loved the books set in the Americas.
This new one is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale that happens in New London. It’s told from the perspective of both Selene and “the Beast.” There’s even an amazing library for all you fans of the Disney version! Great characters in an interesting world. I loved it!

[Annalee Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsey has a way of creating characters that you care about quickly, you get drawn in fast and don’t want to put the book down because you have to know what’s going to happen next! Selene leaves you in awe of her strength and you just know more is underneath Greyson’s beast like exterior and you turn page after page knowing the book will get better and better. Beauty and the Beast but the adult, gothic, dystopian version with the steam and grit Lindsey always gives us, well done!

[Jessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I started City of Ruin, I had no idea that adventure they story would take me on. I wasn’t prepared for the characters I’d grow to love. In reading this book, I found new friends and new places I wanted to visit.

‘There will be darkness. There will be fear. But there is hope and goodness—you must trust in that. You must fight for it. You must fight for all of them.’

City of Ruins is a wonderfully woven retelling of Beauty and the Beast, as well as Jane Eyre, with a large dose of dystopian thrown in for good measure. The author takes you on a journey through world building that is rich in scenery, descriptive of surroundings, and perfectly balance by character growth and dialogue. I enjoyed reading this take on a dystopian world with New London and how they had come to live above ground again, despite the many earthquakes that plagued the city. It pulled me in and never let me go.

“If I am to call you by your first name, then you must do the same. And not only when you are angry with me.”

The main characters, Selene, Greyson, and Paige add life and color to the story. Even when you wish to shake some sense into them. Selene’s life before the Blackburn estate was one of uncertainty, abuse, and fear that the children she cared for would be taken away from her too soon and she wouldn’t be able to do a thing about it. She never believed that Greyson Blackburn, The Collector, would be the one to free her from her orphanage prison. Grayson gruff exterior and infamous reputation is one that he wears easily and with pride, for he’s able to do far more as The Collector than he would be as Greyson. I enjoyed reading about their witty banter and watching Selene grow from a distrustful ‘slave’ to a trusting lovely young woman. And watching Greyson really come to life as a person under Selene’s care and love was so soothing. The way he would care for Selene and know her better than she knows herself, was perfect and heartwarming.

“It didn’t reach your eyes,”

I really enjoyed the journey this story took me on because it was so well written, that I almost felt like I was there. I am hoping there’s more to the overall story

“Not to worry. The purpose of reading is to find a happy place, somewhere we can escape to when reality gets a little too frightening or cumbersome.”.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book. A long time ago, Londoners had to live underground, in very unpleasant circumstances. Will there be a chance to change this? Fast paced, with plenty of action. Ready for more.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching and yet enchanting romance.

This book was a gift from a friend on TikTok, and when I saw it was a Gothic Dystopian/Romance, as an atmospheric retelling of Jane Eyre and Beauty & the Beast I was THRILLED!!! Genres I love, and two of my favorite classics, what could be better?!

Well it was even better than I imagined! Rich and lush characters and world building, an engrossing plot and very hard to put down. My emotions went through the gamut, as I fell in love with these enchanting characters, with their hard lives and unhappy backgrounds. Seeing their character growth was emotional and endearing!

I’m so happy to have received this and it is definitely going on my shelf of favorites!!

[DarkTwistedReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

After so many mediocre books I've read recently, it's quite the relief to have a story actually grip me and suck me in.
I was beginning to think I was losing my passion for reading, thankfully I was mistaken.

This is such a unique take on beauty and the beast, the handmaid's tale and Jane Eyre that I've ever read.

I did find the FMC to be a bit annoying at times, and honestly alot could have been avoided if they'd just talk to one another honestly, but I enjoyed their dynamic and their budding romance. It was slow and sweet, it brought a few tears to my eyes while reading.

I loved how Selene treated and took care of the children, despite her own predicament and how she was able to eventually soften the beast as it were.

I'm usually not a fan of historicals, but this didn't really feel like one nor was it written like one imo, so because of that I didn't find it tedious or slow, or boring.

This also goes to show that maybe you shouldn't make assumptions about people, it could save you alot of problems later lol

I really enjoyed this one. Bravo!

[Anendeth]

I don’t really know what star rating to give this.

I got this from stuff your kindle. I didn’t realize it was a B&TB retelling until I got a quarter of the way in. Not that that’s a bad thing. The FMC seemed well fleshed out when it came to the children and the motherly aspect there. However less fleshed out when thinking about the fact that she’s been essentially abused for 9 years but still has sass for the MMC.

Also left with a lot of questions about multiple things. But obviously everything can’t be answered in every book.

“We’ll see each other in our memories” was a super cute line.

[Marta Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half
I found this definitely had more in common with Jane Eyre than Beauty and the Beast so expect female orphan somehow becoming a governess. As for the Collector well his initially dark and distant, almost brooding personality certainly has shades of Mr Rochester particularly with the secrets surrounding his wife. I did find this less dystopian and much more a gothic tale and a lot of what is here revolves around secrets and lies that have been told. Sadly this just wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for although I did finish it I don’t think I particularly warmed to either of the main characters which is a shame. I think I perhaps expected something a lot different based on the synopsis and the villain here whilst obnoxious was a bit too much of a caricature for my taste but at least he got his comeuppance !

[Nicki (BooksandChatt) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindsey Pogue is one of my favorites! I’ll one-click every time! Her world building and character development is always extraordinary!

City of Ruin did not disappoint. Selene is the epitome of strength. Pogue seriously writes some of my favorite characters. Going through tragedies at a young age and the resilience she shows is amazing!

With a spin on Beauty and the Beast she builds this desolate world, where times are desperate and the collector is searching.

Book one in The Ruined Lands series, this book is a standalone. I can’t wait for Book two!!

Definitely recommend!

[S.M.]

DNF at page 88. I kept waiting for the story to pick up, but it never did. The prose isn’t lush enough to warrant that kind of lingering, and the Orsons came across as caricatures instead of genuinely awful people.

[Aoibheann · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a Jane Eyre retelling than a Beauty and the Beast one but it was done beautifully in this dystopian land. A little forgettable and boring at times but I felt connected to the story and the main characters

[Saraha · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly i went into this with low expectations because im not a fan of things set in the real world, even if its a fictional version of it, and i am usually wary of fairytale retellings, but i was pleasantly surprised.

[Isabel]

Not for me unfortunately

[Hira · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no other word for it.
This book is cringe.
I could totally see myself writing something like this when I was 11 but there is potential,I'll probably keep following the author until she gets out of her Mary sue trope.
Contemplating whether I should dnf this at 70%- never been much of a fan of Jane eyre to begin with.

[Blahhh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Sabrina Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s sooo good! The character development and world building are spectacular! There are twists and surprises that I hadn’t expected, and I definitely have a favorite character. I wish I could read it again for the first time!

[Jayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely more Jane Eyre than B&TB! I kinda skimmed the synopsis and didn't read the Jane Eyre part and the whole book I kept thinking to myself "Beauty and the Beast??? Where? This is all Jane Eyre". And then I read the synopsis after and it all made sense lol. I really wanted to love this. It has a very gothic, spooky castle feel to it. But I was bored honestly. Maybe because it was so reminiscent of Jane Eyre? Plus the heroine bugged me. She took every opportunity to be as annoying as possible in the guise of being a strong woman. I'm all for a woman who stands up for herself but it was just stupidity on her part. She goes from an orphanage where she is abused to Mr Rochester's...I mean, Greyson's home. And she repeatedly back talks and runs away and is rude and accusing. She acts without any fear of repercussions. And this is while she still believes Greyson is evil. It felt unnatural, her reactions. She does whatever she wants and says whatever she wants and falls into living in the lap of luxury really fluidly and easily. After years of being sexually preyed upon and starved and working herself to death. None of it made sense. And then the whole thing with the inheritance and how Greyson had to take a wife and have an heir...I didn't like it. And I didn't like that Mona divulged all that info to Jane Eyre(okay fine Selene) before Greyson had the chance to do so.
The relationship felt forced and clumsy. It was a slowburn but it all felt so awkward and weird. Unnatural. I think it was just the way the characters were written. I didn't feel any kind of chemistry at all and so when Greyson would try to be sweet to Selene it felt very weird and sudden.
Also not a fan of selene being so nosy and meddlesome. Sneaking around in the middle of the night. Spying on private conversations. Asking Mr Rochester's daughter questions about her dead mom, about the castle everyone is forbidden to go into(literally for no reason at all), about her stepmom who also died. Idr how old the daughter was but come on, selene. Get your answers from Greyson or from an adult and not from a child.

Anyways...those are my thoughts lol

[Trish R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see no reason to tell you all about the book since so many others have. I will tell you I really liked the book, the struggles Selene went through and how she got her HEA. All the conclusions she jumped to about The Collector were all wrong, which we all knew.

Fade-to-black sex and the F-bomb was used 1 time.

As for the narration: Neill Thorne and Rebecca Woods were wonderful. They spoke the voices as they should be instead of one doing both male and female voices for several chapters then the other taking over. It's awesome done that way. The voices they gave each person was great and their emotions were wonderful.

[Savanna Dark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got to 73% before DNF. It just wasn't meeting my expectations of what I want out of a romance. The MMC was still so devastated by the loss of his wife and barely had any attraction or anything between he and the FMC. I was bored and just don't care for them at this point.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG the romance in this book!!!!

This story follows Selene Sinclair who becomes an orphan after her brother William tries to save her from being sold to a man by her father and gets killed in an earthquake. She is taken in to the Orson's household where they take care of orphans and she lives there until she is twenty. One day, the man known as The Collector comes to get some orphans for his home, and sees Selene and decides to take Selene and five of the orphans with him. They go to The Collector's home with Selene wondering what kind of life they will live now since the world they live in is unforgiving, when it turns out it may not be quite what she thought it would be and The Collector himself is not quite what she expected either.

Now, I will first say I'm not usually one for dystopians, BUT I do love retellings, and romances, so I knew I wanted to check this one out, and I'm glad I did! The setting of this book is very dark and gritty and definitely dystopian. The world is filled with unforgiving people and a council that seems to rule New London that allows people to have slaves working for them, even under unappealing circumstances. And women are viewed as nothing more than breeders. It was tough to read some aspects of that because it is not a pretty world that seems to have no hope in it, and the way we follow Selene through this story from a life of almost misery, to dread, and then maybe hope is so well done. And although Selene irritated me at times at first, I can understand why she may act out the way she did since all she wanted was to find happiness, especially for the orphans. And I think maybe she just needed to learn the hard way that life was actually going to be okay for her and the kids, and that maybe the reason she acted out is because she was already feeling comfortable at Blackburn Manor. Let's just say her development is slow but well done, and I really liked her in the end!

Now for my favorite aspect of this book...the romance! OMG this romance just, I just don't even know what to say! The tension throughout the entirety of this book! I'm just yelling at my book telling them to just kiss already or something, just do something! Gahhhhh!!! It is such a slow burn, it was practically torture sitting there reading how they're feeling, BUT THEY'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT! I mean how can I sit there and read this and not be vocal about?! I loved it! I loved the tension, the slow burn, those long lingering glances at each other, and the "will they or won't they" thoughts. I mean if you don't like dystopians, just read this book for the romance! It is a lovely mix of Beauty and the Beast and Jane Eyre, a lovely dark and romantic romance, and really reminded me why I love my men so broody!

This was just so so good! And I am looking forward to reading Killian's story next!!!! Because the moment I heard about him in this book and what he does and what he likes, I knew he would be a favorite and I want to read his story now! Seriously, just go read this series now!

I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[WyoGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely dark and heavy

There are thematic elements that may be triggers for some readers: implied sexual abuse, grief and loss, murders, natural disaster trauma, and human trafficking and slavery. Due to the dystopian setting, there is little joy to be found.

The female protagonist is a caring person who attempts to protect those she loves, but her negative outlook and distrust of others delays her ability to see the male protagonist in a positive light. He is described as a beastly person by reputation. The author could have done more to reveal his fearsomeness via the protagonist hearing rumors, as opposed to the the protagonist just knowing what she knows.

My main complaint regarding this book is that too much of it is internal dialog instead of external dialog and unfolding events via action. There are numerous comma errors, some awkward sentences, a few confusing details, and some mistakes like plants blooming at the wrong time of year. Also, some plot details are omitted—how is the protagonist highborn? What are the laws regarding betrothals? How are women selected for breeding? The political power situation is fuzzy at times. The calamitous ending seems too easily overcome emotionally by the characters.

On a positive note—There are some passages with vivid sensory imagery. The male protagonist is described frequently (in more detail than the female protagonist). The portrayal of the daughter is insightful. The female protagonist is good about owning her mistakes.