3.5 ⭐️
This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the initial banter between Alden and Sophia… it had me hooked early on. That spark did dip a bit in the middle for me, but thankfully it picked up again towards the end and wow, what an ending.

The trials themselves were clever, action-packed, and a real highlight. I also loved the magic system. Add in some rich history, unexpected twists and a few well-placed surprises and it kept me turning the pages.

I’ve read a lot of strong romantasy lately, which probably makes me a tougher critic than usual, but this still delivered. I’ll definitely be continuing the series… especially after that ending! 🩸

This was a fast-paced, action-packed novel and was fun to read. I enjoyed the magical trials and the unexpected gruesomeness of them. Greenlaw’s writing is accessible but detailed.

For me, I just struggled to get emotionally invested in the story. I didn’t care for the romance, and unfortunately that was a big focus within the story. I think because it is marketed as enemies to lovers but it’s clear from the start that they are interested in each other, and I didn’t really see them as enemies at all. I also wanted a little more background into this fantasy setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Stories for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to HQ and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Unfortunately, this u[coming contribution to the romantasy genre is flat, formulaic, and cringe-worthy at best. The premise of this novel promises a magical revamp of Divergent/Hunger Games, with four different types of magic (wielders) and different stages of cut-throat tasks (ordeals) against a dark academia backdrop. While the structure itself definitely has potential, there is no amount of rescuing to be done for the bland characterisation, plot without style or substance, and the heavy resting on predictable tropes and plays we come to expect from this genre.

The main character and her love interest get together in essentially the first chapter, making the "slow burn" painfully uninteresting and overwrought. The whole novel seems to revolve around their relationship, and yet culminates in almost unreadable s*x scenes and soppy sentimentality that feels extortionate and odd given the novel's pacing and the characters' actual relationship - a lot of tell not show.

Suspension of disbelief is pushed to its absolute limit - we have phones, cars, "tight fitting sports leggings", and running shoes, jarring alongside steam trains, an archaic magic system, and Gods. Not only does something feel off epoque-wise, lending a seriously anachronistic flavour from the get go, but the writer also feels the need to incorporate werewolves and vampires into a magic world and system that had little to no explanation in the first place. There seems to have been very little thought put into not only the logistics, but also the look and feel, of the world-building around the plot, at the expense of getting to the "ordeals", spice scenes, and overdone romantasy tropes which are clearly from where this novel originates.

The main character, Sophia deWinter, is our (first-person, present tense...) narrator, and it is a real struggle to care about anything that happens to her. A traumatic event occurs to her in one of the first chapters which becomes the basis of Sophia's entire motivation and drive - and yet the event itself, and the person to whom it relates, barely has one scene in the book, meaning we have to rely on the author to keep reminding us of just how painful and awful this trauma is, without any real evidence or feeling to match.

I usually read fantasy as a respite from heavier fiction, and do not rate these contrasting genres from the same perspective - fantasy, for me, is an escape, and even less well-written fantasy books have a place somewhere in my reading (usually on holiday!) This unfortunately was so poorly written, that it clouds the whole experience of the novel, providing neither stimulation nor escape.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, it’s 5 stars.

MY HEART! The caps are so necessary just to be clear. I cannot fathom that ending, the false security the author led me into, god I’m a fool. I cried.

Let’s talk about the little side romance plot that unfolds during this because it was fun, the innuendos and banter until they succumbed to their feelings, very hot. The friendships and alliances made are not to be underestimated, the side characters were actually vital for my enjoyment to be honest. I don’t often say the side characters feel that pivotal, but they were a real highlight in this and they compliment our main characters very well.

The magic system is intriguing mixed with the somewhat lawless nature of the world we’re navigating and the political conflicts between different groups of people. The FMC deserves a round of applause because she dealt with so much turmoil and hardship while experiencing a new environment and literally horror at every turn. The Ordeals will keep you on your toes, you won’t know who to trust and whats around the corner of every page, it has been a real good time I highly recommend reading this book.

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

I’ve previously read The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells by Rachel Greenlaw and enjoyed her atmospheric lyrical writing. I was really looking forward to seeing Rachel’s take on a romantasy. The premise of an elite magical academy for magic wielders with brutal trials really peaked my interest and I was excited to read and review early.

Unfortunately my first thoughts are that this should have been a YA book (the spice removed and marketed as such) as I was left wanting more when it comes to adult fantasy/romantasy. It did not hit the spot for the angst and yearning that was promised and the characters read as so much younger than they were, Sophia’s internal thoughts were rather immature as were some of the romantic interactions.There were however some funny and enjoyable moments between Sophia and the MMC Alden so I cannot completely dismiss the romantic pairing.

As well as being advertised as a romantasy, a slow burn romance was also promised. I guess I have a different idea of what a slow burn is as the main characters were kissing in the first chapter, and the attraction was pretty instant. Again I feel that the promotion of this book just set off very different expectations.

As experienced in her previous novel, Greenlaw is a fantastic writer when it comes to creating atmosphere and I could really imagine the location of Killmoor - which is clearly a nod to St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. This setting added to the mystery and the magic of the story and her prose and descriptive language was a highlight.

This was a pretty quick and fast paced read, but there were elements of the story that really could have done with some more development. The character of “the collector” needed more fleshing out. It wasn’t really clear what he did, other than being described as a bad man. I wanted more information about him and what made him so evil. Seeing as Sophia’s whole backstory is about the deal that she made with him and the job that she endures under their agreement there just wasn’t enough to this part of the story.

The Ordeals (trials) created a tense and suspenseful plot, in order to gain a coveted place at Killmoor, the prospective students had to work together to survive possible deadly trials. The magic system comprised of different types of wielders; Illusionists, botanists, alchemists and masquers giving different students an edge as it came to the different trials. Whilst this was an intriguing magical system I did again feel that it could have been developed further.

Possible spoiler regarding plot below:

Killmoor, the elite magical school was the biggest draw for me in wanting to read this book, I thought this was going to be a story about Sophia gaining a place in the school, learning and honing her magic, but it was clear that this was taking a different turn with the hints about vampires. It turned into a take on Buffy the Vampire Slayer with magic and I just wasn’t sold on this storyline, and found myself really losing interest towards the end.

In summary I think a lot of my gripes came from the expectations I had for both plot and the romance and perhaps if this had been marketed differently I would have enjoyed it more.

I would like to thank NetGalley and HQ publishing for the early digital ARC of The Ordeals by Rachel Greenlaw

Firstly this book is as so different from the usually chosen one trope , it was intense from the very beginning making you hate a character for their actions towards a child .

I adored the banter, the sizzling romance of will they won’t they. Alden was a great character damaged by his birthright and the trauma of his father’s demise. Keep secrets so deadly , knowing what’s going on but not being able to ask for help excellent character development.

Sophia now she’s a heroine I can get behind , orphaned…,Trained to hunt barter use herself as the chip to get why she wants. Makes me want to wear more red lipstick .slick cool and strong

Side characters how could you is all I’ll say my wee heart is broken .

The twisty turns make you read faster . The ordeals themselves are very different from other books with trials Magic system , story building and unique setting all very intriguing.

Next book please I’m waiting.

Thank you HQ and NetGalley for the arc I was so excited when I got approved I have already got it preordered

What can I say woo I couldn’t put it down what I loved well basically everything I loved the characters the plot the spice in it very fast paced (which I loved)

The story is a romantasy dark academia vampires werewolves magical system world building action from the get go everything you want and the end it does end up in cliffhanger I need book 2 straight away lol

4.5 stars.

This was so much fun!

- Enemies to lovers
- Academic setting
- Trials
- Interesting magic system
- Werewolves
- Vampires

We follow our fmc Sophia who is bound to her uncle and wants to escape. She finds her way into the tests to join the Killmarth Academy, where she participates in a set of trials called The Ordeals, whilst learning to wield her magic and navigate her relationship with our mmc Alden.

This had a lot of elements I love in a good romantasy book and it was done well, I actually read this all in one day because I was enjoying it so much and had to know how it ended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a stunning book with a good, solid plot and interesting worldbuilding. The character is easy to like and has a lot of problems to deal with!

I loved how the trials were designed, and absolutely adored that romance was the 'side plot'. We got so much more of the story and characters this way. Can't wait to read the second instalment!

I enjoyed this book! Everything from the romance to the plot mysteries were done well and kept me intrigued til the end. On the whole, an interesting world and characters though the ending did feel a little rushed—almost like a cliffhanger for the sake of it, and some of the mystery/world building felt that way too (i.e. we’re training you against Big Bad Threat but like, we’re not gonna tell you fsr bc plot convenience). I’ll probably read book 2.

This book is everything! It has a steamy romance, an amazing magic system, killer trials to enter a magic training school, vampire baddies, a serial killer… it’s a wild ride but one that I am here for every second of!! I could not put this down!!

Old magic. New power. A contest to die for.

This was magnificent. A story and characters that suck you into their world and has you totally invested in them.

Dark academia, magic and monsters.

There had better be a sequel!

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so good! This was a great romantasy read that kept me hooked the entire way. This had a great magic system with multiple types of wielders which was so fun to read about! Fantasy books based in academy settings are some of my favourites types of books and this one did a great job! Not only that but the trials were so engaging and made it so hard to put down the book!

Honestly undecided on this. The atmosphere and premise was great and I was super excited for this but it just fell a bit flat for me.

For some reason I just could not connect with the authors writing style aside from setting the atmosphere. It felt under developed and a little forced.

I did also feel like I was re reading a spin off of many other books all merged. It didn't feel unique for me sadly.

Wow 5* read. I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC I read the woodsmoke woman’s book of spells last year and absolutely loved it and this book the ordeals I may say I enjoyed it even more Rachel is such a good writer I will now read ever book she’s wrote. It’s up there with the likes of fourth wing there’s romance magic vampires werewolf’s and what a cliff hanger it ends on I’m hoping this is the start of a series

Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see how Sophia and Alden stories will continue now the ordeals are over…

I loved the world building and the character development, especially for Sophia as the MFC,
I was obsessed right from the beginning and preordered the physical copy of this book 1/4 the way through reading the ARC.

The twists and turns kept me captivated and there were so many levels to this story that were intertwined perfectly.

This is one of my favourite reads of 2025 so far and definitely one for anybody to put on their TBR. Think I’ll even be doing a re- read when I get my physical copy upon the release date.

Thank you Rachel 🙏 I’ve got another romance / world to obsess over.

I nearly called in sick to work so I could keep reading this book!
Every word earns its spot adding tension, character depth, world building or building relationships.
Has she bitten off more than she can chew? What starts as FMC Sophia DeWinters only chance to escape her trapped life, blood bound to ‘The Collector’ and forged into his weapon, soon becomes a daily fight for survival as the School she is so intent on is much more deadly than the thought.

Firstly - dark academia with deadly trials - I really enjoyed this version. What I liked was the choice in them. At every step, ‘hopefuls’ are given the choice to leave. If you survive an ordeal but aren’t within the rules, you go home. So yes, it’s government sanctioned murder of other young adults, but one they can walk away from repeatedly.

Secondly - the magic system. I loved it. Very creative categories of magic - masquiers, illusionists, botanists & alchemists. Each category has different specialties and in rare cases, there are people that can master two. So you never quite know what someone is capable of, in some cases until its too late!

Thirdly - the relationships. First we have the romance. Possibly why I enjoyed it so much. Its there, its very much part of the character growth but is it the central storyline? Id say no. The spice is very low. But the connection is very high. The friendships are great too. Someone who has been alone and isolated having to learn to trust others to help her survive. Which is hard when there is a murderer running around campus as well. Has Sophia chose. Wisely in her allies? You’ll find out

Weave together an some found family in a world where you’re pitted as rivals, a rivals-to-lovers romance who can’t stay away but can’t quite trust each other, government conspiracy with unstable political borders, and a healthy dose a delightful magic system, werewolves, vampires & gargoyles to make this book an absolute must read.

There’s a few things more I’d love to say but don’t want spoilers or too close but some great twists in here. I picked a few of them, others definitely caught me off guard.

100% will recommend this to anyone.

Thank you to NetGalley & HQ Stories for providing me the ARC of this book to read.

I was absolutely hooked on this book from the start, then had to take a break from reading due to being so busy, and when I came back to The Ordeals it took me a little while to get back into it, but oh my God I loved this book! The last few hours were amazing and I FLEW through them!
Rachel just had me HOOKED! She had me excited, nervous, panicking, happy, heartbroken. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2. Like, I need it now!

I love academic settings in fantasy books when they're well written, and this book delivered. My favourite trope is found family, and Rachel delivered there too! And who doesn't love a nice slow burn romantasy? The love interest in this book is a big ol' bundle of swoon, and does not disappoint!

I already had a copy preordered before I was lucky enough to be gifted the ARC, and I cannot wait for my trophy copy to arrive. Book 2 cannot come soon enough! I need more 🙈

Thank you so much Rachel, the publisher and Netgalley for a fantastic ARC!

Tropes:
○ Academic setting
○ Found family
○ Rivals to lovers
○ Slow burn
○ Forced proximity
○ Magical school
○ Murder/Mystery
○ Trials/tests
○ Magical/Mythical creatures
○ Secret identity

AHH...immersive, atmospheric, addictive and mesmerising!! Loved everything about this book; the writing, the pace, the push, pull and lure of the magic and fantasy and the character development and I devoured it completely. I was captivated throughout and it had my whole being from the beginning. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.

Sophia DeWinter had vulnerability as well as strength and was totally believable and root-worthy as a character....and I can't thank you enough for not making her a 'giggler'.
The relationship between her and Alden was just the right mix of rivals to lovers, and the side characters were perfect. Greg was a firm favourite of mine from the start.
This was truly a perfect example of not wanting to put it down, and not wanting it to end.

Love that it was Buffy inspired...Sophia DeWinter's group is definitely where I would want to be

A truly captivating and spell-binding read!!

😍 Sophia and Alden are amazing together 😍

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this world, I was utterly lost within it.

All the characters were fully fleshed out and I loved reading about what they have all been through in their lives and then what they all go through in the Ordeals. Which in themselves were very well thought out and fun to read.

Sophia is an excellent FMC, following her throughout was gripping and made me cry 😭 The magic system in this book was brilliant and enticing.

I can't wait for the next book, I want to know more about the different powers and how they are going to move forward after that ending!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.