Cade Webster lives in what his peers describe as the projects. As a promising football player with a scholarship to a prestigious prep school, he represents hope for his neighborhood and the potential to escape his circumstances. However, Cade faces numerous challenges: recurring bomb threats that disrupt his games, his father's battle with cancer, and the racial prejudice from his white classmates. However, Cade must confront the darkness within himself and find a way to undo the damage.

The growing sense of dread was palpable and expertly built up, particularly in a shocking scene where Cade helps a woman who falls on the bus before the wish takes place. The integration of supernatural elements into the plot was masterful, especially with the intriguing concept of the Ruin Road. This added significant depth and complexity to the story. The twist at the end, involving the outcome of Cade’s wish, was both surprising and satisfying. While some aspects of the Ruin Road were a bit complex and confusing, they contributed to the book’s unique and compelling nature, particularly in its final chapters.

The bittersweet ending left a profound impact on me, leaving me uncertain of my emotions. Much like The Getaway, I found myself deeply invested in the well-being of the main characters, who, despite their innocence and lack of wrongdoing, are caught in circumstances beyond their control. In the worlds crafted by Lamar Giles, a sense of resolution always seems just out of reach.

I LOVED this so much! Very original plot that kept me entertained the whole time. It was so hard to put this one down! If there’s a sequel, I’m down for it absolutely.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic for the ARC of this book! This will be out in September. Don’t miss it!

"Ruin Road" by Lamar Giles is an electrifying read that plunges you into a world where fear—or the lack of it—holds the power to unravel everything. Cade Webster's journey from a feared football star to a catalyst of unintended chaos is gripping, with every page crackling with tension and unexpected twists. This book made me think deeply about the complexities of fear, power, and identity, and how our desires can sometimes lead us down dark and unintended paths. Giles's storytelling is sharp and unflinching, offering a thought-provoking look at the consequences of our deepest wishes. It's a chilling reminder that sometimes the things we wish for come at a price we're not prepared to pay. If you're into books that blend social commentary with a touch of the supernatural, "Ruin Road" is a must-read.

Thank you to Scholastic for the galley. I read and really enjoyed Lamar Giles' The Getaway, so I was very excited to dive into this story. Our main character is Cade, an all-around good guy, who is one of the only African-American students at his predominately all white (and wealthy) school. One day Cade inadvertently makes a wish that has dramatic consequences.
Overall, this story didn't work as well for me as The Getaway. I really liked Cade and his family. I thought they were well drawn characters, but the evil/demonic storyline didn't work for this reader. That said, I would absolutely read more from Lamar Giles because his stories are well-written and compelling.

What thriller. When Cade stumbles into a seeming normal pawnshop to escape being pursued by police who had been misinformed, Cade's life is changed forever. With Needful Things vibes, Lamar Giles delivers a story that is heartracing and riveting. Many topics are dealt with including police harassment, gang violence and more. You will not be disappointed.

I just finished the book. It feels like Lamar Giles ran me over with his car. All I can say is, "thank you, Lamar Giles."
I loved The Getaway, so this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. I don't read a lot of stories involving this type of supernatural subject matter, so I wasn't sure what to expect going in. What I ended up getting could be distilled down to a mix of teary-eyes, shock, and sheer admiration. This author is such an incredible talent—he writes like it's the easiest thing. I think everyone needs to read his books, and I will continue to shill them to everyone I meet. Would recommend this one for fans of titles like I Feed Her to the Beast, Ace of Spades, and The Weight of Blood.

Thanks to Netgalley and Scholastic for an ARC of Ruin Road.

I have always loved the saying "be careful what you wish for." this book is the epitome of that saying.

Cade walks into a pawn shop after a frightening altercation on the bus, he spots a Patriots Superbowl ring and is immediately enamored with it. At a steal of a price and a wish said out loud, Cade is thrown into a world that he THOUGHT would be better. He finds out at what cost that wish comes along with.

Giles really loves his characters; his writing is so descriptive, and I loved the supernatural element with the explanation of Ruin Road. I really didn't expect that ending and that's ok. It makes it seem more real that way.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the mix of horror and some social justice issues. This is the exact kind of book I want to have on my classroom library bookshelf.
I really enjoyed experiencing this story through Cade’s perspective. I also LOVED the subtle Easter Egg nod to The Getaway (iykyk!). Overall, it felt like an interesting way to tackle the question that many of us grapple with- how can some people be so evil?
I am looking forward to seeing what is next from Lamar Giles, and whether or not that will include some of our beloved Ruin Road characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Ruin Road" by Lamar Giles is a horror YA that looks into the consequences of wishes gone awry. This is the story of a good, honest guy who gets his life changed forever because of an innocent wish. This book made me think of Fear Street but for adults (and higher YA readers as there is some gore/death in this book). I loved Giles’s “The Getaway” and I enjoyed “Ruin Road” even more. Before going into the review, I do want to provide a content warning involving a school tragedy caused by dynamite.

Cade Webster, a standout football star living in the wrong neighborhood (according to his privileged classmates), finds himself trapped between two worlds where he's both admired and feared. But one fateful night, a chance encounter at a pawn shop changes everything when Cade impulsively wishes for people to stop being afraid around him. At first, it seems like Cade's wish has granted him newfound freedom, but soon, the consequences spiral out of control. Acts of violence escalate, and Cade realizes that something monstrous is at play. As he grapples with the ramifications of his wish, Cade must confront the darkness within himself and find a way to undo the damage.

I really liked the story’s intense and unpredictable storyline, which kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There was just a sense of dread that continued to escalate as I was reading, and there was even a scene before the wish occurred that involved a woman falling on the bus and Cade helping her that left me in shock. The supernatural elements were expertly woven into the story, adding depth to the plot, especially with the concept of the Ruin Road, which ties into the supernatural part. I also really liked the twist at the end with the outcome of Cade’s wish. While some concepts of the Ruin Road were a bit confusing and complicated to me, I really like how it made the book really unique, especially towards the end.

I also really enjoyed Cade’s character as he’s just a genuinely nice guy who cares about his family and friends and just wants to be successful at football in order to provide for those he cares about. This is not a book where everything is wrapped up nicely for Cade, which I actually liked. The ending felt authentic, and if Giles were to continue with a sequel, I would definitely read it.

Overall, "Ruin Road" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that focuses on not only the supernatural but also racism and identity. Lamar Giles once again delivered a haunting YA horror story, and I can’t wait to read more from Giles.