10 Fantasy Books Featuring Ancient Ruins
There’s something irresistible about ancient ruins—the crumbling stone, overgrown with ivy and shrouded in mystery, whispering secrets of civilizations long forgotten. These relics of the past hold the echoes of long-lost magic, hidden treasures, and untold stories waiting to be unearthed. When ancient ruins are woven into the fabric of a fantasy world, they become more than just picturesque landscapes; they transform into doorways to otherworldly power, cursed relics, and untold histories. If you’re a fan of exploring the remnants of vanished empires and uncovering the power buried deep within, these 10 fantasy books will transport you to ruined cities, forgotten temples, and long-abandoned realms that pulse with magic and danger.
1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
In the world of The Kingkiller Chronicle, the echoes of ancient ruins are omnipresent. The protagonist, Kvothe, recounts his journey through forgotten cities and desolate temples, where ruins hold secrets that can unravel the fabric of the world itself. One of the most striking places Kvothe explores is the ruins of the University’s secretive archives, which hold knowledge so ancient that it can alter the course of history. The ruins in Rothfuss’s world aren’t just crumbling structures—they are living, breathing places full of arcane power and danger.
2. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
In The Broken Earth series, ancient ruins play a pivotal role in the world’s lore. The ruins of past civilizations, ravaged by the catastrophic power of the Earth itself, are scattered across the landscape. These ruins are not simply remnants of a lost world but also powerful markers of the devastating events that shaped this world. Jemisin weaves a haunting tale of survival, betrayal, and discovery as her characters journey through landscapes littered with the bones of ancient cities and forgotten technologies. The ruins are both a physical and emotional backdrop for the stories of destruction and renewal that dominate this trilogy.
3. City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
In City of Stairs, the protagonist, Shara Thivani, is sent to the ancient, war-torn city of Bulikov, which is home to ruins that once held immense divine power. In this city, gods once walked the streets and shaped the world, but after a bloody revolution, their influence was wiped out. The ruins of their temples and statues are not just historical markers but living reminders of the gods’ fall—and a source of immense intrigue and danger. As Shara investigates, she uncovers ancient secrets that could bring the gods back—or destroy everything in their wake.
4. The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington
In The Licanius Trilogy, ancient ruins dot the land, relics of a forgotten empire that once ruled with unimaginable power. The ruins are steeped in magical artifacts, dangerous curses, and old-world technology that could change the fate of the present world. As the protagonist, Caeden, unravels the mystery of his past, he finds himself drawn to these ruins, where the secrets of ancient magic hold the key to his survival. The allure of these decaying structures is intoxicating, with each step taken in the ruins drawing the characters closer to a truth that could shatter everything.
5. The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart
In The Bone Shard Daughter, ancient ruins are scattered across a mysterious empire, the remnants of a once-great civilization that mastered bone magic. These ruins aren’t just relics of the past—they are places where power still lingers, waiting to be harnessed. The protagonist, Lin, embarks on a quest to unlock the secrets hidden within these ruins, uncovering forgotten magics and hidden truths that could change the course of her world. The ruins are steeped in both mystery and danger, as each discovery forces Lin to confront the secrets of her heritage and the legacy of those who came before her.
6. The Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons
The Ruin of Kings introduces a world where ancient ruins are scattered across the landscape, each one holding secrets to the past and the key to shaping the future. The protagonist, Kihrin, is caught between warring factions and the tangled histories of long-dead empires. The ruins of these ancient kingdoms are more than just empty, crumbling structures; they are filled with lost knowledge, powerful relics, and echoes of the gods who once walked the earth. As Kihrin ventures into these forgotten places, he unravels mysteries that will shape his destiny and the fate of his world.
7. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
In The Priory of the Orange Tree, ancient ruins form a backdrop to a world filled with dragons, magic, and ancient prophecies. As the story unfolds, the protagonists journey through ruined temples and crumbling cities that have been abandoned for centuries, their once-glorious civilizations long since destroyed by the ravages of time and war. These ruins hold the key to unlocking the hidden powers of the world, and the characters must navigate both the physical dangers of these ancient sites and the emotional weight of their dark pasts.
8. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
In The Lightbringer Series, ancient ruins are scattered throughout the land, remnants of a long-lost civilization that harnessed a unique and dangerous form of magic. The protagonist, Gavin Guile, is drawn into a world where these ruins hold the key to understanding the true nature of magic and the dark forces threatening the world. The ruins are more than just abandoned structures; they are a source of power and danger, each one holding secrets that could reshape the world or bring it to its knees.
9. The Bone Weaver’s Orchard by Sarah Read
In The Bone Weaver’s Orchard, the protagonist, Kir, ventures into a haunted forest filled with ancient ruins and forgotten magic. These ruins are the remnants of a once-great civilization, now lost to time and decay. As Kir uncovers the secrets hidden within these crumbling structures, he discovers that the ruins are not just relics—they are the homes of ancient spirits and long-forgotten gods who still hold sway over the land. The combination of eerie ruins, haunting magic, and the remnants of a dark past creates a gripping atmosphere that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
10. The Dark Tower by Stephen King
In The Dark Tower series, ancient ruins are scattered across a desolate world that has “moved on.” These ruins, remnants of past civilizations, play a crucial role in the journey of Roland, the Gunslinger, as he makes his way toward the legendary Dark Tower. The ruins are more than just physical landmarks—they represent lost histories, broken promises, and the fading light of a world once full of magic and wonder. King’s blend of fantasy, horror, and Western elements creates a setting where the ruins are as much a part of the landscape as they are symbols of the series’ deep, existential questions about time, fate, and the cyclical nature of existence.
Conclusion: Unearthing the Past, Shaping the Future
Ancient ruins are more than just relics of the past—they are powerful symbols of what has been lost, and they often hold the keys to understanding the present. In these 10 books, ruins are not just settings, but living, breathing parts of the world, full of magic, danger, and mystery. They beckon to be explored, offering heroes the chance to uncover ancient knowledge, unlock forgotten magic, and face the shadows of the past. Whether they are hidden beneath the earth, buried in forgotten corners of the world, or looming ominously in the distance, these ruins hold the allure of adventure and the promise of discovery. Ready to uncover what’s been lost? The ruins are waiting.
