This new Romantasy book has all the things - magic, romance, a trial of strength and wits, and memorable characters. I enjoyed the wit and banter of the characters. Did not see the twist at the end coming - Ieft off on a cliffhanger and now I’ll be waiting for book number 2.
Only downside - the book felt a little rushed in terms of the trials. I wish they had been a little more in depth or given more time.
Thank you #Netgalley and City Owl Press for the early access!

I absolutely loved this, ran straight to Amazon to preorder my deluxe edition copy, yay!

I read this in a day, I felt like there was a twist or turn at every corner, I had no idea what was coming and spent most of the time on the edge of my seat.

I actually finished this a while ago but needed to take a moment to collect my thoughts, I was almost winded by that ending.

AMAZING

Yoooooo! The Imrati Trials is a fast-paced fantasy that mixes beloved tropes—an overlooked heroine, forced proximity, and deadly trials—with darker themes of tyranny, sacrifice, and survival.

Here, we follow Nyah (our FMC’s) journey from illegitimate daughter to unexpected power bearer and it is both gripping and emotional. Add in a tense alliance with the MMC and you get intrigue + slow-burn romance.

There are trials, 🐉, a cool magic system, good vs evil, strong bad ass women, and a hot af MMC (or 2??)

I cannot stress enough how much fun this book is! Hooked from the beginning with excellent pacing and the ending cliffhanger??!!

I AM REELING. GIVE ME BOOK 2 NOW. 6 ⭐️

I’d like to sincerely thank Lizzy Gayle and City Owl Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

**May contain mild spoilers**

"The Imrati Trials" plunges you into the world of Nyah, a fiery FMC on a desperate mission to rescue her sister, Leuruna, from their villainous father's sinister plot. From the moment she makes her daring escape, Nyah's path collides with Rivven, sparking a tense captor-captive dynamic in which neither one trusts the other, but this uneasy relationship blossoms into a powerful bond as they discover themselves united against the evil king. Through shared vulnerabilities and revelations of their pasts, they decide to enter the Imrati Trials together—a brutal competition where the victor claims a powerful magical artifact and has the honor of naming the betrothed of Princess Leuruna.

The book itself grabs you from page one with its compelling narrative. The world-building and action is fairly immersive, making Nyah and Rivven's adventures enjoyable to read. While I personally craved deeper dives into Nyah's self-discovery and magic development, along with more insight into the villainous king's motivations and extended trial sequences, these minor desires didn't detract from the story's overall impact or pacing. The banter between Nyah and Rivven is a highlight - witty and engaging, and it adds a layer of charm to their slow-burn romantic dynamic. However, the best part for me was the ending: just when you think you've got it all figured out, the ending throws a curveball that was genuinely surprising. Bravo to the author for crafting a twist that truly caught me off guard!

Overall, "The Imrati Trials" is a lively, entertaining read that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you're looking for a blend of adventure, slow-burn romance, magic, and unexpected twists, this book is a must-read. Four stars!

Ok well this book is just like many other Romantasy books and while not bad it’s certainly not great. The premise is a tried and true one. Runaway Princess x vengeful Warrior and both with secret identities. This would be a decent place to start for anyone new to fantasy romance but if you’ve read any of the amazing series that already exist out there then this one will leave you bored and wanting.

I did like the feisty nature of our FMC. Girl knows her way around a sword and isn’t afraid to use it. I wanted more from our MMC. Everything with him felt surface level especially since we only had one POV. The insta lust left me wanting more tension but the actual act was slow to materialize.

Throughout the majority of the book I was like “where are the trials?” We finally get them in the last 20% but even then they were a mere afterthought to the story. I kept hoping for something along the lines of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and boy was a disappointed. The only thing that saved this one was the crazy plot twist at the end that I absolutely did not see coming. If only the first 90% could have been as exciting as the last 10%.

You will do anything to save your sister. Nyah had no choice but to run from the palace. Somehow her sister gave her all her powers. And she will need to find a way to sign up to the trials. That is the only way she can kill her father the king and save her sister.
Rivven can’t leave her alone out here so she agrees to take her with him. But can he trust her? Will they make it to the trials together? Will they be able to get vengeance?
What a ending so many questions. Did not see that coming can’t wait for the next book to see what is going to happen next.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

The Imrati Trials is packed with everything that usually hooks me in a romantasy: a brutal tournament, forbidden magic, and a slow-burn attraction layered with danger. The premise drew me in immediately—Nyah, a heroine who has lived in the shadows of her father’s cruelty, being thrust into the deadly Imrati after inheriting her sister’s magic, had me excited to see how her journey would unfold.

What worked best for me was the high-stakes setup and the worldbuilding. The concept of the tournament and the legendary powerstone created plenty of tension and I enjoyed the clash between magic, politics, and personal stakes.

Overall, The Imrati Trials has a strong foundation and plenty of potential—it just didn’t fully grip me the way I’d hoped. Still, readers who love magic tournaments, underdog heroines, and morally complex love interests may find themselves swept up in Nyah’s fight for freedom. I’ll be curious to see how this world develops in future installments.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a really good read, it loved the complex FMC and the allusion to trauma, it would have been a 3 star, however the twist at the end caught me by surprise which is very rare and although im not sure how well it holds up, it did shock me. I do want to read more and find out what happens to Rivven
My favourite quotes was “Just because your sister had it worse, doesn’t mean your suffering was invalid.”

The Imrati Trials takes you on a fantastic adventure through worlds, magical beings, dragons and magic.

The only downside was that I paid attention to all the hints in the book, so I predicted how it might end and didn't get to fully enjoy it when Igotto the last chapters.
Regardless, it's an exciting story.

The FMC is Nyah, determined, stubborn and adventurous.
She faces a cruel father, who's the evil king, and chooses to join the Imrati Trials to strike.
Yet, the Trials are not only dangerous, they are treacherous and cruel.

Omg the twist on this was perfection! It left me staring at the wall for 10 mins with my mind blown

I loved the unique blend of action and coziness in this book as Nyah travelled through the world seeing things she had never seen before like the sun, ocean etc.

I really liked both characters and learning more about them and that they needed not just strength but wits to survive.
Can’t wait for the second book!

The magic system and transfer got a little muddy. The family dynamics and politics are complicated and drive the book hard. In fact so much that i feel like some other details get a bit lost. I think the book need a bit of balance for the world building and character building to be more in sync. 3.5 stars.

I just finished The Imrati Trials and I'm obsessed! 🤩 Nyah is such a relatable queen, going from overlooked to total badass, and her magic journey? So good! And Rivven... swoon. Their chemistry is off the charts hot, seriously. 🔥 The Imrati tournament is intense, full of twists, and the stakes are just insane. If you love a strong heroine, a super hot warrior, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat with all the feels, this is your next obsession. Trust me! ❤️

Read this book!

The Imrati Trials is one of my favorite books I have read this year. I absolutely ate it up!
Humans, royalty, mythical creatures, elves, and dragons it's got a bit of everything.

The characters are so endearing, I just love the FMC. Nyah is funny, and badass with also a sweet naivety to her. Hello, new book boyfriend Rivven. He's the morally righteous shadow daddy I didn't know I needed. The reluctant allies to lovers, with funny banter made to romance and spice swoon-worthy.

The magic system is so unique and really cool, I loved the inner workings and how the magic worked with different people and powers.
The trials themselves were perfect, this wasn't another rip-off Hunger Games at all. It made sense, the whole story isn't about the trials, and it worked seamlessly with the plot.

Not many books can blow me away with a twist I didn't see coming..... But, WHOA! This one got me for sure. Perfectly surprised with the unexpected plot twist that left me reeling - jaw on the floor, audible gasp gusped.

The only tiny piece that I thought could use some fine tuning was some of the exposition was a bit repetitive.

If you loved Metal Slinger, ACOTAR, or Powerless Imrati Trials is likely a good pick for you.

I cannot WAIT to read the next book

3.75⭐️
I enjoyed this book! I didnt expect the entire of the trial to be covered in the first book so the trials did feel a bit rushed but I did not expect the twist at the end! I'm intrigued to see what will happen now between Rune and Rivven now because she is technically also Nyah
Looking forward to reading the next book and see where the story goes!!

Thank you Lizzy and NetGalley for this ARC!

Lizzy Gayle does a fantastic job in writing this book, I really enjoyed the way the characters and world were presented and developed. It was a strong start to the Sisters of Magic and Shadows series and left me wanting to read more in this series and from Lizzy Gayle. It was everything that I wanted in a opening chapter and was glad it was everything that I was looking for and am excited for more in this world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 Stars: Stolen magic, a brooding MM, who smells of cedar and tobacco, a baby dragon — and a cliffhanger I cannot forgive until the sequel.

An abusive king drains his eldest daughter’s magic to maintain his own power. When his imprisoned oracle declares that he must invoke the Imrati Trials to fulfill his destiny by collecting the shards of crystal to become godlike, the crown princess makes one last act of defiance: she gifts her remaining magic to her only friend, her bastard sister Nyah. Once shunned and weak in magic, Nyah suddenly carries a power she was never meant to have.

Forced to flee the kingdom, Nyah quickly learns survival is not her strong suit. Hungry and weaponless, she tries to steal supplies—only to be caught. Enter Rivven, the brooding leader of a band of scoundrels, who dispatches her attackers without hesitation. (Naturally he is hot, smells of cedar and tobacco, and comes with his own tragic backstory as the hidden heir to the fallen kingdom of Tromodia.) At first Rivven suspects Nyah is a spy, but once he learns of the Trials he decides to join them—after all, his real goal is slaying the dark king who destroyed his family. Nyah, determined to fight for her sister, chooses to stand at his side.

Their journey leads them through an elven village, where they meet Rivven’s buddy Galan and Nyah acquires a lovely sword. Unfortunately, Nyah’s lack of finesse with elven etiquette (especially that whole “never lie” thing) forces a hasty exit. In the escape Rivven is gravely wounded, and the group splits: Galan registers for the Trials while Nyah struggles to haul a comatose Rivven to the mountain elves for healing. Once recovered, Rivven takes her to his home—a houseboat in Tromodia. He is decidedly not pleased when Nyah insists on training with the local madam, who commands all four elements. Rivven, proficient in only two, would rather have guided her himself, but ultimately her choice proves wiser.

By the time Nyah completes her training, Rivven has already gone ahead to the Trials. When the Imrati finally begin, Nyah crosses paths with Torvo, a charming prince from Astridonia (and of course, good-looking, because why not). Together they tackle the first challenges. Along the way, Nyah acquires an abandoned dragon egg, which hatches into Ven, the most adorable little onyx dragon. (Favorite side character, hands down.)

The story crescendos at the end of the third trial with a twist I truly didn’t see coming. Yes, it was foreshadowed, but subtlety works on me—I missed it completely.

Now I’m left with pressing questions: What happened to poor Ven, wrapped in those blankets? Will we see Nyah again? I need the sequel immediately, because cliffhangers and baby dragons are a lethal combination.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

The Imrati Trials is the first book in the Sisters of Magic and Shadow series by Lizzy Gayle, and it dives into a high-stakes tournament filled with forbidden magic that could threaten Nyah's entire world. This story follows Nyah, the illegitimate daughter of the sorcerer king, who suddenly finds herself in a perilous new realm after her sister transfers her magic to her for safekeeping.

If you loved books like Throne of Glass or Immortality Trials, this one should definitely be on your reading list. I'm excited for the next installment and eager to see how the story unfolds. Lizzy Gayle’s writing style, as well as her character development and world-building, is really engaging.

Nyah, long ignored as the illegitimate daughter of the Sorcerer King, suddenly becomes the keeper of her sister Leuruna’s powerful magic—a gift meant to protect it from their father’s oppressive rule. On the run, she encounters Rivven, a determined young man with his own mission: to enter the Imrati and save the realm.

The story’s competitive elements kept me hooked, with high stakes and tension in every challenge. I loved watching the characters grow and the way their relationships developed—they feel layered and genuine. Action is abundant, keeping the pace thrilling, and the ending twist, while hinted at, was still clever and satisfying.

Some of my favorite moments include the forest meeting and the magic-training camp, which were vivid and immersive, though a few events felt like they happened a bit too easily. All in all, this is a mesmerizing, character-driven tale full of magic, intrigue, and excitement that’s hard to put down.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A 4 star rating from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling and relatable, likable characters. Loved every single second reading it.

4.5 star
Nyah is the forgotten princess, and wants nothing more than to kill her father and set her sister free, in this action packed new world.

Now for my opinions:

The good:
I really enjoyed the stone-collecting plotline. Imagine the king is Thanos trying to collect all the marvel infinity stones, but make it romantasy. Loved it!
I adore Galan. There's nothing I love more than secondary characters that help make the book what it is! And little Ven, I hope we see lots more of her in book 2!

The last 10% of this book is probably the best last 10% I've read in the last 20 books I've read. Makes me super excited for book 2! Wasn't necessarily a huge cliff-hanger, but just enough to leave a reader salivating for more. No angry cliffhanger here. 😂😂

Now for the not-so-good:
I think this was an everything-and-the-kitchen-sink book. Elemental power, gods, seers, illusion magic, dragons, elves, sirens, trials, power stones, pirates, royalties, alicorn, etc. There was a LOT packed into this sub 400 page book. I love worldbuilding, but at the same time because there was so much shown in book 1, we lost out on the details that really hammer in and complete the world-building. I feel like some concepts could've been put off a little an introduced later in the series while focusing on others so we learned a little more.

I didn't particularly like the romance genre crutch, jealousy inserted 75% of the way through the book by trying to form an unnecessary love triangle.

Nyah's storyline was almost too easy. She met all the nice powerful people, who wanted the same things she did, at the correct times and formed easy bonds with them. I was yearning for a backstab somewhere.

Overall, this was a great read, and I can't wait to see what else Lizzy Gayle has planned for this intriguing world.

***Thank you Lizzy Gayle and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***