Quick Synopsis

In this lush, atmospheric romantasy, an illusionist competes in a series of deadly trials for a spot at an elite magical college—that is, if another hopeful doesn’t kill her first.

Publisher’s Synopsis

Twenty-year-old Sophia DeWinter has only known life bound to her cruel uncle, the Collector, thanks to a blood bond he exacted from her as a child. When she learns of Killmarth College, an elite academy for magic wielders outside of the Collector’s control, she knows it is her only chance to finally break free. But to gain entry, she will have to compete against other illusionists, masquiers, botanists, and alchemists in a series of brutal trials that many hopefuls don’t survive—the Ordeals.

Sophia knows her skills as an illusionist are weak; she only makes it through the first challenge by teaming up with a powerful (and insufferably sexy) botanist, Alden Locke. To make it out alive, she will have to hone her magic and learn to identify who is a rival, who could be an ally, and who is a murderer.

Because now, not only does she have to protect her heart but her very life. Hopefuls are being viciously picked off one by one between the challenges. In her haste to escape the Collector’s trap, Sophia may have fled straight toward her own death sentence.

Book Review

The Ordeals is a debut fantasy novel about Sophia, who is determined to escape the cruel grasp of a man called the Collector. Her only option is trying to gain admission to Killmarth College, an elite academy for magic wielders outside of the Collector’s control. But to do that, she must survive the Ordeals and her classmates, who keep being murdered.

The Ordeals is a compelling first novel by Rachel Greenlaw. The plot and Sophia’s back story are both fascinating, filled with tension, and atmospheric, although I would have liked more worldbuilding. I found the magic system to be unique and interesting, featuring different types of wielders: illusionists, masquiers, botanists, and alchemists—each with their own strengths and abilities. While setting a fantasy novel at a university or school feels cliche at this point, I was pleased that the students were past the precipe of adulthood. I am always a sucker for a group of unlikely people becoming friends and working together, so The Ordeals definitely checked some of my boxes.

Despite easily read writing that felt mostly appropriate for an adult novel, I cannot give The Ordeals a completely glowing review for two reasons: the romance and character development. This novel is touted as romantasy, but I would argue it is too light on the romance for that label. While Sophia does couple up, the relationship is as shallow as a puddle. Sure, there is a bit of fun banter, but the tension, build up, growth of feelings, etc. is completely absent. Instead, Greenlaw jumps the story forward in undisclosed intervals, seemingly as a device to escape the work of actually building relationships on page. Rather, there is a bit of insta-lust that is uninspiring. It almost seemed liked she added in the main romance after the fact so that the publisher could market it in the “hottest” current genre.

The characters are easily forgotten as I can no longer tell you a thing about them. While I can vividly remember Sophia’s detailed past and her determination, there is not much else I can tell you. And unfortunately, a backstory does not develop a character. Similarly, Greenlaw vaguely attributed features to the supporting characters, but they did not feel particularly real. What did stick out was that sometimes the actions of a character misaligned with what little we did know about them.

Overall, I did like The Ordeals and plan to pick up the second installment in the series. However, I hope that Greenlaw fills it with more worldbuilding, character development, and actual romance. I recommend this novel more for fantasy readers than those hoping for romantasy. But if you are looking for a truly original story, you will not find it here.