Built on Ruins by Kate S. Toll

In a future where there are some that band together and others that survive on their own, a leader meets a loner, and a connection is made. Responsibility for others and his home settlement drives Jan to work hard every day, but when he meets the infamous survivalist, the Vulture, Jan finds someone he might want just for his own happiness. But Shi has led a dangerous life and staying with Jan doesn't seem possible. Built on Ruins is a dystopian novel from Kate S. Toll.

From the blurb:

Generations after The End, there are two ways of living — Gangs of scavengers roam the Wilds and
hunt for relics of lost times, while the re-settlers spend their lives building a new civilization on the ruins of the old. Jan Xiaoli is the leader of Ryningare City — one of the largest and most prosperous settlements this side of the Rift. With the purist movement growing stronger, the scavengers getting more hostile, and the incurable disease spreading, ruling the city feels like sitting on a ticking time bomb.

When he meets Shi Saxe, the infamous Vulture, who lives alone in the Wilds, Jan Xiaoli feels as though the storm raging around him is sneaking its way into his heart as well.

SNik's Review:

Standalone dystopian. Found family. Single POV. 

Jan is the young leader of a prosperous settlement. Responsibility weighs him down, but he is happy keeping his home safe, and then one day he meets the Vulture, a scavenger for whom Jan can’t deny his attraction. 

As Jan crosses paths with Shi again, there are perilous adventures involving predatory animals and humans, while their relationship grows, and a bond is formed over time. 

Tremendous world build, with tons of interesting and relevant secondary characters, and with survival being paramount, this story has two men that feel connected but are unsure how to make it last when they have experienced very different upbringings. 

Jan and Shi are almost too relatable in the mistakes they make and the struggles they encounter, and when they spend time together on page, it is the most enjoyable as they support each other. 

Built on Ruins was thoroughly entertaining, the action and adventure, the discoveries and learning of new things for the characters, the kindness of found families, and the sweet romance that grows between two tough and loyal men.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Built on Ruins is available to buy as an ebook, paperback, or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.