Wow, what a book! I’ve been on a streak of great romantasy lately, and The Ordeals by Rachel Greenlaw is another standout addition to the genre. It blends all my favorite tropes—dark academia, rivals to lovers, deadly trials, mystery, and a dash of romance—into one compelling read.
Twenty-year-old Sophia DeWinter is an illusionist, blood-bound to her cruel uncle, the Collector. Her only chance to break free lies in gaining admission to Killmarth, an elite magical college for gifted wielders. But to earn a spot, she must first survive the entrance exam—and that’s just the beginning. Those who pass the exam, known as "hopefuls," must then compete in a series of brutal trials called the ordeals to secure their place as students. And not everyone will make it out alive.
Sophia teams up with a fellow wielder, the enigmatic botanist Alden Locke, and a few other hopefuls. To complicate matters, someone begins murdering contestants between trials—despite the fact that killing outside the ordeals is forbidden. Out of 52 hopefuls, only 20 can secure a spot, making the competition fierce. Sophia will need all her wits to survive, as trusting the wrong person could be her undoing.
I loved this book and couldn’t get enough of it. The magic system is wonderful, featuring different types of wielders: illusionists, masquiers, botanists, and alchemists—each with their own strengths and abilities. On top of that, there are werewolves, vampires, and gargoyles, which add an extra layer of suspense and danger. While the world-building is intriguing, it’s not fully developed here, but it will probably be expanded upon in the next installment.
The storytelling is intense—full of tension and atmosphere. The trials reminded me of The Hunger Games in their ferocity. That said, I did find some of the deaths unnecessary. Couldn't the failed students have just been dismissed instead of killed?
The pacing is even and well-handled, keeping the tension steady without feeling rushed. The writing is smooth and immersive, making it easy to sink into the world and stay hooked from start to finish.
I adored Sophia—her determination, her spark, and her journey of self-discovery. She was taught how to blend in, think on her feet, defend herself, and gather intel, skills she later uses in the trials. She’s strong, fierce, and independent. Alden, on the other hand, is the strategist—powerful and determined, carrying his own demons.
Sophia longs for freedom and fights fiercely for her place at Killmarth, but she never loses her compassion. Even when it threatens her chances, she helps others. She learns that vulnerability isn't weakness. I loved her dynamic with the other characters and how she connected with them.
There’s a slow-burn romance, but it’s not quite enemies to lovers—the attraction is visible from the start. The romance isn’t the focus, but it adds a welcome layer of emotional tension. Sophia and Alden are rivals, but they’re also partners, each learning to trust and open up to the other.
I devoured this book in just a couple of days—I was completely enthralled. The author does an excellent job pulling you into the story and making you care about the characters. While most threads are tied up by the end, a few are left dangling, setting the stage for what’s next.
The book is well-written, cleverly plotted, and the twists—especially at the end—left me eager for the sequel. Highly recommended to fans of the genre looking for a fresh take. If you enjoy dark academia, high-stakes trials, and a mix of mystery and magic, this is the book for you.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "The Ordeals" by by Rachel Greenlaw
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