THAT CLIFFHANGER SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!!

Rating: 4 ⭐️

Let me start by saying The Ordeals is one of the most gripping fantasy books I’ve read in a long time and I devoured it in just a few days!

The story follows our protagonist, Sophia, who is desperate to escape the clutches of the Collector by earning a place at the elite magic academy, Killmerth. But first, she must survive a series of deadly ordeals filled with magic, mystery, and mortal danger. Along the way, she reluctantly partners with Alden Locke who is a rival she doesn’t fully trust but can’t seem to ignore, especially when her heart starts betraying her whenever he's in the room.
As Sophia navigates a world of shifting alliances, she must learn to distinguish friend from foe and untangle the secrets that surround Killmerth and her own past.

From the very first page, the world-building drew me in. It was vivid, immersive, and easy to follow. Sophia is a flawed but compelling character, shaped by a dark history, and I loved watching her grow throughout the trials. Her journey including building trust, facing death, and finding strength was powerful and genuine. Not a single page dragged; the plot twists had me saying, "Just one more chapter," until suddenly it was 2 a.m. I especially enjoyed how each trial carried a deeper meaning, adding layers to the story’s themes.

I did knock off one star because the romance occasionally felt rushed. As a romance girlie, I’m always ready to set sail with any ship, and while the chemistry between Sophia and Alden was undeniable, I felt the relationship could’ve used more buildup. There were missed opportunities to deepen their bond, which would’ve made those romantic moments land harder.

That said, this was an incredible read. I’m still dreaming of Killmerth’s shadowy halls and forever awaiting to read about Sophia and Alden’s next ordeal...

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC 🫶

I really needed a palette cleanser after the last book I tried to read and ended up not finishing, and this was it. I really enjoyed this.

I love books that are dark academia and have trials. This is more focused on the trials, but there's an element of dark academia as well.

There are a couple of interesting plot twists in it that I really enjoyed. And I thought that there would be more and was actually pleasantly surprised that there wasn't.

The two main characters were pretty well-written and had a fairly sensible relationship. They both knew their own minds and eventually opened up about the secrets that they were keeping.

All in all, a really good read, and I'm looking forward to the next.

After being trapped into servitude as a child, Sophia is ready to escape at any cost. And the cost seems to be her participation in a dangerous set of trials, where the prize is enrollment at a school for magic.

This is a good fantasy (personally I wouldn't describe it as romantasy - although there is a romance it feels like a secondary consideration of the plot, not the focus) with interesting magic and world building. I enjoyed the characters and will be intrigued to pick up the next in the series!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

I thoroughly enjoyed this magical romantasy with its dark academia, mysterious school with deadly trials vibes. It’s full of intrigue and mystery with an interesting magical system with different types of wielders such as illusionists and botanists. There’s a bunch of supernatural beings such as vampires, werewolves and gargoyles, added to the mix giving it a unique feel. Add to that a rivals to lovers romance between the headstrong main character Sofia and the intriguingly mysterious botanist that seems to pop up when he’s most needed, but that doesn’t overshadow the plot and this could be one of my favourite books of the year!

This book has a really interesting magic system and a fresh perspective. But I think the motivation of the protagonist felt a bit contrived, and overall the narrative felt disjointed. I really wanted to like this book more than I did but it just didn’t feel like everything fit together well enough.

A magical ride I couldn't put down!

This book swept me up from the very first pages and held me captive until the end. This story delivered everything I was hoping for - magic, adventure, and a world I could lose myself in.

The plot moves at a satisfying pace without dragging and the world-building is well-balanced. While some twists were a bit predictable, that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. On the contrary, I found myself so engrossed that I often forgot to check my progress while reading.

The only part that didn't quite work for me was the romance, which felt a little forced. But don't get me wrong, there were some beautiful moments between Alden and Sophia and I feel that there will be more to their love story.

Overall, I had a great time reading this. It was fun, appropriately paced and never a struggle to get through. Definitely one I'd recommend to fantasy lovers looking for their next escape.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Full of atmosphere, really well paced and such good characters. I started reading this one night before bed because I wasn't in the mood for my current non-fiction read, I then didn't stop reading for a solid two hours taking me later into the night than usual.. but this book is so worth it, I enjoyed every aspect, it's a really good take on magical trials and I cannot wait for more in this world (I hope!).
Also because you can't talk about a romantasy book without the romance.. great slow burn but I love how they are still both their own individual people and you could take the romance out and it would still be a great book.

I instantly loved the world building and the magic system of this new book. It felt different to what I’ve read before with the categories of wielders. Sophia was a good lead character with an unknown story of how she became trapped with the Collector. I liked the love interest, Alden but felt that the whole rivals to lovers aspect wasn’t really there in the story as they team up quite quickly.

The cut throat trials really were cut throat and it did grip me to keep reading with the unknown murderer as well as the vampires and werewolves joining the plot line. Overall it was a good read, and I will read the next one to see what happens!

The Ordeals is a darkly enchanting romantasy that blends magical academia with deadly competition. Sophia DeWinter is a compelling heroine, fighting for freedom through brutal trials at an elite magical school. The world-building is rich, the tension high, and the slow-burn romance with Alden adds heart without overpowering the plot.

Though the pacing stumbles early on and the magical system can be dense, Rachel Greenlaw delivers an immersive and emotional debut. A strong pick for fans of The Hunger Games meets A Deadly Education.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Sophia DeWinter is shackled—literally and figuratively—to a Collector, and forced to carry out his bidding. Tricked into signing a contract at just four years old, she’s tracked by an unremovable bracelet that keeps her under his control. But when she enters Killmarth Academy, the wards there strip away all magic not inherently her own, finally freeing her from the Collector’s grasp.

From there, she’s pushed into deadly trials designed to test her raw power and magic-wielding abilities. With twists and turns at every corner, this is a gripping read and a real page-turner. The plot is fast-paced and exciting, with a few truly unpredictable moments that kept me hooked.

Sophia is a likeable lead—confident, strong, and easy to root for. She meets Alden early on, and the chemistry between them is instant. Their relationship is steady and believable, with emotions made clear from the beginning—no sudden love confessions or whiplash romance. Alden is fiercely loyal and protective of Sophia, and I loved their dynamic.

There’s a small amount of spice—just enough to hint at more to come (fingers crossed for the next book!).

Overall, The Ordeals is well-written, engaging, and really enjoyable. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!

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

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!

Wow okay. I have literally just finished this book and devoured the second half in one sitting because wow. It had me hooked straight away even though I went in blind because I liked the authors first book so much I just seen she had a new book out and was like ‘okay yeah I want to read that’

The ending wow. I was intrigued by everything th sminuge I started writing. I think the romance part was really good but the author could work a bit more on the slow burn-ness of her writing because it felt like that’s what she was trying to do but it didn’t quite work out for her. Nevertheless I still really enjoyed all the different aspect of the book and hope there’s. Second because I am thoroughly invested now.

An amazing 4.25 stars from me!! 100% go and read this asap

This book got me hooked straight away and I was eager to find out more about the FMC, The Collector and Killmarth. I did think some of the plot points/twists were obvious fairly early on, which slowed down my reading pace.

I also would have liked more development of the main friendships and the romance as they felt a bit rushed. It felt like the FMC suddenly had strong feelings or connections to characters rather than showing how this developed over time. This made some of the plot points less impactful as I didn’t care as much as I probably should have.

I did really like the premise and the world so I am interested to see how this series develops.

Side note: I am a massive Buffy fan but it is pretty weird to thank Joss Whedon in the book after all he has done.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and how for the chance to read this book. I have the book as one of my preorders for the end of the year and was nervous to start reading. I was not disappointed. I fell in love with Sophia and the magical world Rachel creates. I can’t wait to read more from Rachel Greenlaw, I love the way she describes the characters and the world building is amazing. You have gained a fan. Expected tropes:
- Dark Academia
- Rivals to Lovers
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
- Magic Systems

A terrific first novel in the series setting up for the next instalment. The story charts the progress of Sophia De Winter as she goes through the Ordeals, the only way she can find to escape from the Collector that has hitherto controlled her life. She must pass the four ordeals to be accepted at the magic school, or die trying. Will she learn quick enough or will she die trying…

4.5⭐️ 2🌶️

- Dark Academia
- Rivals to Lovers
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
- Magic Systems

When Sophia hears of Killmarth, an elite academy for magic wielders, she’ll do anything to prove worthy of a place to escape from the sinister Collector to whom she’s been blood-bound since childhood. But to secure her place at the academy, Sophia must first endure the Ordeals – a series of deadly challenges that separate the weak from the powerful. But as the hopeful wielders are picked off one by one, Sophia must swiftly embrace her abilities as an Illusionist and discover who her allies are if she has any chance of joining Killmarth and becoming a scholar. As her feelings grow for her partner Alden Locke, and with the line between enemy and ally so thin, Sophia must figure out who she can trust if she is not only going to succeed but escape the Ordeals with her life.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

The Ordeals is an absolutely stunning, whirlwind of a read! There’s no slow-burn that keeps you waiting on the edge of your seat here; this book is a full-on sprint from the very first page until the last. It’s the first book I’ve read by Rachel Greenlaw, and I was captivated by her utterly immersive writing style. The plot is so cleverly woven that it keeps you guessing until the very end, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down!

The world-building is brilliant, reworking familiar tropes and aesthetics into something unique. I loved the inspiration of St Michael’s Mount; the descriptions of Killmarth and Marazia took me right there. I could literally see Marazion and Penzance in my minds eye!

I was invested in the MCs Sophia and Alden from the very start, and loved that they both fall for each other simultaneously sooner rather than later. Their relationship is sweet and not too over-the-top, the perfect blend of charm and romance!

I do think the writing style steers more towards YA/New Adult, but that really didn’t stop me from loving it one bit.

Perfect for fans of dark academia and Fourth Wing, I can already see how popular The Ordeals will be. I will be thinking about *that* ending for some time - I’m still gathering myself back together! It’s the first book in a duology, so I’m already counting down to book 2 to read the conclusion of Sophia’s story. I cannot wait!

I LOVED this book! I give it all the stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

It’s like Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games. Think magical trials, dark secrets, high-stakes challenges, and a slow-burn romance that had me completely hooked.

Sophia and Alden are the kind of characters you root for from the first page. Both are fierce, independent, and deeply driven in their own ways. I loved how they clashed and challenged each other, but also how their bond grew so organically.

I honestly didn’t want it to end. Highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy with grit, heart, and just the right dash of romance and spice.

Sophia DeWinter is desperate to escape the clutches of the nasty uncle who has taken freedom away by extracting an unfair promise from her when she was a child.

Sophia's only means of escape is through magic, and to achieve her independence, she must there her way to success in a brutal series of competitions known as the Ordeals. But that is easier said than done, ask Sophia is finding out...

A familiar trope argumented by creative world building and a promising cast of characters earns this book 3.5 stars.

10/5★

Obsessively immersive, twisted, and heart-pounding—this is one of the most gripping reads I’ve had in a long time! I was captivated from the very first page to the last.

This book is pure Buffy meets Goblet of Fire, with a badass heroine, a dark academy setting, a fiery rivals-to-lovers dynamic, and a series of brutal, magical trials that will keep you breathless. It only took a few pages to hook me. By chapter three, I was literally jumping out of my seat and screaming. It’s rare for a book to have me this emotionally invested so quickly. I’m loving the thrill, the plot twists, and the absolute chaos. Every chapter felt like a heart attack waiting to happen, in the best way possible!

Sophia and Alden are everything. The banter? Sizzling. The chaos? Delicious. I can’t keep up with them—and honestly, I never want to. I am devouring every moment they’re on the page. The trials were uniquely crafted and unpredictably insane. one of them actually made me stop breathing!

I was jumping, screaming, terrified, hyperventilating, grinning like a fool - just wow. What a wild ride! The author pulled me straight into this world, and I never wanted to leave. It was such an escape from reality, and I am so grateful for it. My heart and soul were completely consumed by this story. Words honestly fail to express how much I loved it. I am obsessed.

The writing? Phenomenal. This was my first book by this author, and I’m so thankful it reignited my love for fantasy. Each chapter was exciting, addictive, and left me wanting more. I need the next book — I can't sleep without knowing what happens next!
And that ending? An absolute banger. It was perfect and left me completely dysfunctional for days.
Please. I’m begging. Can I have the next book? The very fiber of my soul needs it.

Huge thanks to HQ publisher and NetGalley for the early copy—I truly appreciate it. This book felt like a work of art, and every opinion here is 100% my own and from the heart.

Wow where to begin with this one! I was very lucky to get an arc of this book. Thankyou HQ publishers and NetGalley.

Mysterious, chilling, and utterly addicting, I was wrapped up in this from the beginning.
As i was reading, I thought I knew where it was going but it managed to catch me off guard several times!

The aesthetic is unapologetically dark and moody. With gloomy weather, deadly trials & an intriguing magic system. It gave me everything I want from a dark academia book.

The love interests are technically rivals to lovers, but it’s more of a ‘keep your enemies close’ sort of vibe pretty much from the onset. I’d say it’s relatively low spice which i felt fitted perfectly with the story as there’s lots going on.

The ending is a total whirlwind ( in the best way) it had me audibly gasping! And then in tears… and then left desperately seeking the next book 👀

The Ordeals comes out on 7th October this year so If you’re looking for a deliciously dark and thrilling read this autumn, look no further. This book covers it all. This was an easy 5 ⭐️ for me!

I can’t wait to re read this when my SE arrives 😍