"The Ordeals" by Rachel Greenlaw

 

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

"The Weaver Bride" by Lydia Gregovi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Selection meets The Rose Bargain meets The Bachelor in this excellent romantasy. I’ve read both books and loved them. Despite the similarity in tropes, The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovi offers a unique spin. The premise is familiar—a marriage competition to win a husband—but the execution is original.

Written in first-person POV, the book follows a silkwitch named Lovett Tamerlane, who uses her wit (a.k.a. secret ability) to open any door—to pilfer from the gentles to survive. In this world, all silkwitches must find a husband who is a Weaver by the age of 21 or be banished to the cloisters.

A meeting with Eliot Lear, the notorious son of a prominent Weaver, changes her path. The two strike a deal: she will enter the marriage competition of his best friend, Noé Alaire—heir to generations of Weaver wealth—and, in return, she will help him uncover what happened to his sister, who died under mysterious circumstances in the previous competition, a.k.a. the Vainglory.

This is no simple competition. Ten silkwitches will be tested, ranked, and gradually eliminated until only one remains—the lucky bride. What follows is an incredible story chock-full of mystery, slow-burn romance, cutthroat rivalry, betrayal, magic, and all the other hallmarks of a great fantasy novel.

I loved the book! The world-building is incredible. There are different kinds of wits, the magic is inventive, and unexpected twists keep you on your toes. Silkwitches’ hair can be woven into objects, making them magical—how cool is that??

The writing is compelling—you can vividly picture each character, setting, and scene. The two main characters are strong and obstinate. You can't remain indifferent to them; you either love them or hate them. I loved them both and found them fascinating. The supporting cast is colorful and kept the book engaging, though not all of them felt fully three-dimensional.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was how easy it was to slip into this world. Lydia Gregovi definitely knows how to capture the imagination. I was hanging on her every word. The book is well-written, well-plotted, and kept me hooked from start to finish. It combines all the elements I love: mystery, witty repartee, a magical world, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a convoluted plot.

Mystery, suspicious deaths, and intrigue woven into a magical world make for an entertaining ride! The twist at the end was fantastic and left me breathless. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m eager for the sequel. The author takes familiar tropes and spins them into something entirely fresh and exciting. Highly recommended to fans of the trope who are looking for an original read!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Weaver Bride" by Lydia Gregovi

"Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith

 

"Little Shop of Horrors" meets "Murder on the Orient Express" in this YA horror gem. "Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith is a thrilling ride, chronicling a teen girl's odyssey to escape her past, only to discover that no one can truly outrun their history.

Lara Williams' dream job aboard a luxury train quickly turns into a nightmare when it’s overrun with botanical cargo. Taking a gap year from school, Lara hoped this job would be her chance to reinvent herself after a toxic relationship left her reeling. At first, she enjoys the escape—even when her ex-friend Rhys turns out to be one of her co-workers. With only a handful of passengers and crew, the job doesn’t seem too demanding. But things take a sinister turn when two mysterious passengers, Gwen and Gwydion, board the train with their peculiar botanical cargo, setting off a series of strange and deadly events.

I loved this book. As a YA horror, it isn’t overly scary, but it has its fair share of creepy moments, violent deaths, and angst. Amy Goldsmith’s writing is taut and suspenseful, expertly building tension and a chilling atmosphere throughout. The dark, gritty setting and the lore surrounding the predatory plants were especially captivating.

The storytelling instills unease, with a strong sense of claustrophobia and dread. The tense atmosphere and eerie occurrences linger, getting into the reader’s head. Goldsmith’s vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there on the train, hurtling toward an uncertain fate. The book features a solid cast of supporting characters, a relatable heroine, and a beautifully constructed setting that truly makes it shine.

Written in the first-person POV of Lara, interspersed with flashbacks to her past, we get a deep understanding of what drives her. Lara is a strong female heroine, and I loved watching her character grow. Her toxic relationship and the control her ex exerted over her were hard to read about, but her journey of self-discovery was incredibly satisfying. It took her far too long to realize that molding yourself into someone else’s idea of perfection brings nothing but unhappiness and prioritizing someone else’s needs at the expense of your own comes at too high a price. This is an important message for teenagers and adults alike.
 
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of strong female protagonists, personal growth, gripping drama, intrigue, predatory plants, and even a touch of romance, this is the book for you. With themes of friendship, greed, toxic relationships, and flawed human nature, Amy Goldsmith has woven a tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Nature may be predatory, but some people are even more so.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own. 

* For more info about the book: "Predatory Natures" BY Amy Goldsmith

"Darkly" by Marisha Pessl

 

I became a fan of Marisha Pessl after reading her "Special Topics in Calamity Physics," so you can imagine my excitement when I discovered her new book. "Darkly" is a dark YA thriller that dives into the mysterious world of a reclusive game designer, old-school board games, and obsessive players caught up in the enigmatic Darkly games.

The story centers on Arcadia "Dia" Gannon, an outsider and loner who helps her mother run their antique shop. Her only friends are two elderly employees at the shop. With her anachronistic mannerisms, she’s the odd one out at school, often the target of ridicule. When the Louisiana Veda Foundation, based in England, announces an international contest for a summer internship, Dia, a self-professed game addict, applies with little hope of success.

To her great surprise, Dia is chosen, along with six other teenagers: Poe from France, Franz from Germany, Cooper from the USA, Torin from Ireland, Everleigh from Iceland, and Mouse from Nigeria. Upon arriving in England, the interns are thrust into a real-life board game filled with tricks, hidden symbols, secrets, and danger. What follows is a grand adventure that puts their lives at risk.

This is a complex story packed with adventure, mystery, suspense, and plenty of twists. I devoured it and found myself wanting to live in its world forever. The plot races from the beginning, constantly picking up pace and growing darker as it immerses the reader into its richly imagined world. There are countless adventures and mishaps, all underscored by a fascinating array of games.

The book is interspersed with illustrations, letters, diagrams, news articles, maps, and photos, all of which enhance the narrative. It’s beautifully written, capturing the reader's imagination from the first chapter. Pessl’s unique style - her poetic language, creativity, wit, and humor -creates a distinctive reading experience. Yes, the prose may be a bit purple at times, but that’s part of its charm and doesn’t interfere with the story's flow.

Tension and drama are key to keeping readers hooked, and this book delivers in spades. While Dia is the most fully fleshed-out character, each of the interns has their own backstory and secret. Amidst the suspense and adventure, there’s also a gentle touch of youthful romance. The plot moved swiftly, keeping me fully engaged and anxious to know what would happen next. However, the ending felt a bit abrupt, leaving me with some questions, though most loose ends were tied up.

Pessl rises above clichés to craft an original story, with twists and turns that keep the reader alert and engaged. Sometimes the technique is not enough if the content is not revolutionary, but this is not the case here. In this case, the "how" is what makes the book, and the "what" is reasonable. I wasn't entirely pleased with the open ending, even though most loose ends were tied up; I would have preferred a more conclusive resolution.

In sum, "Darkly" is a mesmerizing book that I absolutely loved. Dysfunctional families, brilliant game scenes, puzzles, and intrigue are just some of the ingredients that take this book to the next level. The characters, setting, and dialogue feel real, even if the teenagers are far from average. The dark atmosphere is convincingly sketched, making for a gripping read. Marisha Pessl has crafted an extraordinary tale that I highly recommend.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Darkly" by Marisha Pessl