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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Ruhi Anya Purushothaman Aruldevi delivers a gripping, fast-paced debut with The Ryukyu, a suspenseful young adult thriller where a devastating school fire forces a brave teenager to uncover a dangerous web of family secrets and betrayal.
The young adult mystery genre has an exciting new voice, and she is only 12 years old. Ruhi Anya Purushothaman Aruldevi has officially burst onto the literary scene with her worldwide Amazon debut, The Ryukyu. Balancing the complexities of secondary school with a passion for high-stakes storytelling, this young author has crafted a suspense-driven thriller that explores the heavy burdens of family secrets, survival, and the fragile nature of trust.

A Life Upended by Fire and Intrigue
The narrative of The Ryukyu centers on Yumi, a teenager whose already complicated life is thrown into absolute chaos. Traumatized by the loss of her parents and navigating life under the watchful eye of her Aunt Mary, Yumi’s world completely shifts after a devastating fire rips through her school.
Following the blaze, Yumi begins to notice unsettling anomalies in her everyday environment. Bizarre events unfold around her, and she is plagued by the persistent, chilling sensation that she is being watched. What starts as a series of disconnected, strange occurrences gradually builds into a trail of breadcrumbs leading straight back to her deceased parents’ hidden history.
A Dynamic Cast of Unreliable Allies

As the mystery deepens, Yumi is drawn into a web of suspicion alongside a uniquely styled cast of characters, each carrying their own hidden motives:
- Devika: A sharp-tongued, quick-witted new transfer student who harbors deep secrets of her own.
- Elleigh: A mysterious model and enigmatic figure from Aunt Mary’s past. Despite the tense circumstances, Elleigh acts as a comedic anchor, bringing a lighter, cooler energy to the group.
- Hikaru: Yumi’s seemingly “too-cool” older brother, who observes the unfolding chaos from a cautious distance.
The group’s dynamics are put to the test when another classmate, Asa, briefly joins their investigation, only to leave in frustration, leaving even more unanswered questions in his wake.

Late-Night Chases and Fractured Trust
Driven by fast-paced chapters and unexpected plot twists, the story escalates through late-night pursuits and the discovery of a mysterious box carved with Yumi’s parents’ initials. The narrative reaches a breaking point where the tension fractures the group’s internal bond. Ultimately, Yumi, Elleigh, and Devika are forced into a desperate flight for survival, running from an ambiguous threat where staying behind is no longer an option.
At its core, Aruldevi’s debut highlights a protagonist with an unyielding mindset. Yumi’s journey is defined by her fierce determination to uncover the truth, proving that even when the future is terrifyingly uncertain, inner strength and genuine friendships can help overcome the darkest betrayals.
About the Author: Ruhi Anya Purushothaman Aruldevi

Originally born in Tamil Nadu, India, Ruhi Anya Purushothaman Aruldevi’s journey as a writer began remarkably early, as she started penning short stories at just five years old. Alongside writing, she developed a keen interest in chess, drawing, painting, and reading.
At age nine, Ruhi relocated to the United Kingdom, where she found an inspiring creative environment that helped further shape her literary voice. Now residing in Scotland and attending secondary school, this talented 12-year-old author has successfully delivered a well-rounded debut that seamlessly blends emotion, comedy, suspense, and action.
Find more from Ruhi Anya Purushothaman Aruldevi now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4uThS1a
Paperback:: https://amzn.to/44iqhjy
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