I picked up RUIN ROAD, written by Lamar Giles and published by Scholastic, predominantly due to its unique cover art—which evoked a nostalgic sense of '80s horror reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. When I learned of the plot, I was intrigued by how it seamlessly weaving elements of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps while echoing the psychological twist that characterized The Twilight Zone.
The plot revolves around Cade Webster, a young man inhabiting a precarious existence between two worlds. By day, he’s the shining star of his high school football team, garnering admiration and accolades for his athletic prowess. However, his classmates reveal a different story; they suggest he lives in the wrong neighborhood, leading to an undercurrent of prejudice against him.
Cade's physicality—his size, speed, and ambition—coupled with societal biases against his race—creates an atmosphere of trepidation among those who encounter him. One fateful night, after an unsettling encounter with the police, Cade makes a desperate choice and ducks into a local pawn shop for refuge. In a moment of impulsiveness, he makes a purchase and articulates a seemingly innocuous wish to the shopkeeper—that people would stop being afraid of him. What starts as a plea for acceptance spirals into an unexpected twist of fate as the wish is inexplicably granted.
Initially, the turn of events appears to be a blessing. Cade experiences a newfound sense of freedom as he moves about his life, now met with courage rather than fear from his peers. However, this shift extends beyond his personal experience; the newfound "courage" Cade inadvertently instills in those around him starts to manifest in alarming ways. Acts of fearlessness morph into reckless behavior, leading to a surge of violence in both his neighborhood and high school.
As the story unfolds, Cade gets caught in a turbulent whirlwind of consequences. With the assistance of his fearless friends, he discovers that he might have only one opportunity to salvage everything he holds dear. However, he must grapple with the question: what is the actual cost of what he wished for?
Though marketed as a YA horror novel, RUIN ROAD diverges from traditional horror tropes; instead, it presents itself as a drama infused with fantasy elements, exploring real-life themes of systemic racism and gentrification. The book marks my first literary experience with Lamar Giles, and I must say, as a storyteller, he demonstrates exceptional skill. The depth of Cade as a character is impressive, making him the standout figure in this story. The dialogue comes alive with authenticity, while the vivid descriptions enhance the immersion of the tale.
Overall, RUIN ROAD presents a fast-paced, dark, and thought-provoking read that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page. ╌★★★★✰
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