Lovers of Dark Academia rejoice! Rachel Greenlaw has gifted us with a suspenseful new dark academia book that combines magical trials, vampires, and a burgeoning love story - wrapped up in the setting of a magical college on a secluded tidal island. I read this book almost in one sitting, the suspense made it impossible to put down. And while it doesn't really end on a cliffhanger, we don't see everything resolved by its ending, leaving me hopeful that Rachel Greenlaw plans to bring us back to Killmarth at some point in the future.

Sophia De Winter will do anything to be able to leave her uncle, known as 'The Collector', and the magical bargain that she struck with him when she was only four. When she finds out that Killmarth college is holding their entrance exam, The Crucible, she does everything in her power to show up and vie for a coveted spot. Killmarth is a college of sorts, where magic wielders go to hone their craft, and its protected to only allow students to enter the grounds - allowing Sophia to safely flee from her uncle. When Sophia is paired with Alden Locke during the Crucible, the two have to decide if they want to be rivals or partners both in their quest for entrance, and after they arrive at Killmarth. Unfortunately, passing the Crucible doesn't mean that you are guaranteed to study at Killmarth, once they've arrived, hopefuls have to pass a series of four Ordeals designed to test their magic, mettle, and intelligence before they can become one of the elite 20 students to gain an official spot at the college. Once at Killmarth, we quickly learn that all is not as it seems - and not only are students dying during Ordeals, but one of their fellow hopefuls is eliminating students in between challenges as well - something strictly forbidden. Alden and Sophia have to learn who to trust as they hone their magic and compete during the Ordeals.

The pacing of this novel is impeccable. I was enthralled the entire time I read it. Rachel leaves us little clues woven into the story as we learn about the students, the college, and the threat hanging over their country even as the students compete in deadly magical trials. The plot twists were unpredictable, and I found myself second guessing who to trust at every turn. The setting of Killmarth, on a secluded, cold island is atmospheric and the perfect backdrop to all of the tension in this novel.

I very sincerely hope that their is a follow up novel written, because I would love to see the surviving characters during their time at Killmarth, and how they handle the threat to the crown that is present at the end of this book. With The Ordeals, Rachel Greenlaw has become a must buy author for me and I'm so glad that I found this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine/Delacourt Press, and Rachel Greenlaw for allowing me to read an eARC of this novel to review.

~*Brakebills (the Magicians) meets Hunger Games, but more Supernatural*~

Sophia DeWinter discovers a way to dissolve a contract bond she has with her uncle, The Collector - find the exclusive Killmarth school. However, what may be lurking in the shadows may be more dangerous than the Ordeals (trials) themselves. Is teaming up with Alden going to be enough to make it through the Ordeals, or will he be another rival she will have to overcome?

This was a 5 star read for me: it had a (deadly!) magic school, slow-burn romance, unique and defined magic system, plot driven, and well rounded characters.

Right away, I loved the conflict and problem that is set up immediately. There's an internal struggle of what Sophia wants (Alden), her obligations (The Collector), and what she needs (freedom). The promise of those conflicts are echoed throughout the entire book, and it keeps the pacing and rhythm moving nicely.

I appreciated that the magic was not "all-powerful" - there was a cost to using so much of your power at once, so it made the stakes high. Each Ordeal had their own unique twists and turns, it keeps you on your toes of what is happening. With how deadly the Ordeals were by themselves, it adds alot of tension and suspense of not only if they are going to pass the Ordeal, but are they going to also survive the Ordeal.

The underlying driving plot was also engaging. It tied in really well with the lore of the magic, Sophia attending the school and making it through the Ordeals, how the Collector is involved, and Alden's connection to it all as well. Everything had a purpose, and it was fun watching it all come together.

Thank you to the author, Rachel Greenlaw, the publisher Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an ARC review. This review is completely my own thoughts and opinions.

LOVED this book!!!! Kinda gives Hogwarts (magic school) meets Fourth Wing (fight for your life) vibes. Sophia is determined to escape The Collector by going to school for magic training, but you have to complete challenges to be fully “in”. Loved that while it was fantasy, it wasn’t overwhelming with world building. The story never felt boring or slow and I was shocked with some of the revelations! Shoutout to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC.

The Ordeals is an incredibly immersive story with an intense, high-stakes plot, simmering tension, and the cloud of a dark history. I love Greenlaw’s writing style and am always pulled instantly into her worlds.

This story is a perfect blend of dark academia, mystery, and slow-burn romance. The magic system is well-developed and I enjoyed the entire concept of the Ordeals and the added danger from the other “hopefuls.” Greenlaw did a great job keeping up an aura of suspicion throughout the novel. I never knew who to trust or what role Killmarth College played in the overall world.

The attraction between Sophia and Alden was intoxicating. I adored their banter and how they continuously pushed each other’s limits. The ending was action-packed and it’s clear there’s a lot more going on in the world than our tiny view of it in this first book. I’m already eager to get my hands on the sequel!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, Dell Romance, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book had it all, tension, emotional investment, heart racing trials, a little mystery, and a hunger for knowledge.

Think Harry Potter meets a magical trial-based entrance exam, but with some emotional tension. The writing was intriguing and captivating, it pulled me into the depths of the story and did not let go.

High stakes trials had my heart racing, a clever mystery woven into the story had my head running for theories, and the emotional relationships the author explored and developed had my heart twisting.

It did feel like it was a little slow/repetitive in the middle, but sometimes that can’t be helped, and it certainly didn’t take away anything from this story. The ending had me dropping my kindle and wishing I could will the next book into my hands.

(Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc, I will absolutely be recommending it on my booktok, and to friends!)

The Ordeals ⚡️🔮🩸⚔️



This was giving all the dark academia, Harry Potter but with vampires, and magical vibes! I felt like this was a super fresh take on magic and vampires, and Sophia’s story/backstory was so riveting and really kept me wanting to know more. This one isn’t even released yet and I’m ready for a sequel!!!

Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read and review this ahead of time!

Mark your calendars for October 7, 2025 ✏️🗓️

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!

To say I devoured this book is an understatement. I absolutely loved it & read it in one sitting!

There’s is a specific equation for a book to be 5 stars for me: academia in a dark/gothic setting, an intriguing magic system, & a hint of the real world mixed with a fantasy world. This book had it all! The romance was in the background of the actual plot- chef’s kiss for the author for that.

Can we get a book two?!?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

Rachel Greenlaw delivers a debut that blends the classic magical school setup with a raw, personal journey of identity. While there are familiar elements, mysterious trials, elemental magic, a secretive institution but Greenlaw finds her own voice through Sophia DeWinter, a protagonist who’s more determined survivor than chosen one. Her desperation to escape a sinister magical bond adds urgency that makes the early chapters fly by!!

What stood out most to me was the emotional layering. Sophia isn’t just fighting to prove herself, she’s trying to understand her past, her power, and how to trust people when trust has always been dangerous. The romance with Alden Locke develops alongside these questions, and while the relationship didn’t break new ground for me trope wise, it added depth to the emotional beats of the story.

The magic system is structured around four distinct disciplines and was imaginative and accessible, though I found myself wanting just a bit more from the trials themselves… They’re compelling, but at times felt rushed or lacking the psychological depth I expected from “ordeals.” That said, the worldbuilding hints at deeper mythos I’d love to see explored in a sequel.

A few plot choices were overly dramatic, and some of the twists were pretty obvious early on.. but none of that pulled me too far out of the story. If you enjoy dark academia with morally gray characters, magical politics, and survival stakes, this is a great one to pick up, especially on a rainy weekend when you want to be fully immersed in another world!

Thank you to Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Simply put, I couldn’t put this book down. Set against the backdrop of a crumbling college with high-stakes trials for entry, this story features rich world building, a unique magic system, and a touch of dark academia. Perfect if you loved Lev Grossman’s The Magicians.

Sophia DeWinter will do anything to free herself from her cruel uncle’s control- and it seems her only path to independence from his magical binds is admission to Killmarth College, an elite magical academy. To gain entry she must compete against her fellow hopefuls in harrowing mental, magical, and physical competitions designed to reveal the best and the brightest wielders. Amid these trials Sophia must also discover her true identity, the true nature of her powers, and just dangers what these young magic users are being prepared for.

The trials do an excellent job of testing not just magical strength, but emotional connection and teamwork- and for Sophia, that means navigating her immediate attraction to Alden Locke while students drop one by one. Alden and Sophia’s relationship develops in a way that feels believable and emotionally grounded, growing as they face the ordeals together as both allies and rivals. Their flirtation turns into a few steamy scenes throughout the book perfect for folks looking for light spice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love dark academia in fantasy books! My favorite troupe is also found family!
This book delivered so much and more!
I crave a nice slow burn and it keeps me glue in and struggle to stop reading!

Absolute gem!

I think when it comes to fantasy books with the combination of a magic academy and trials, there has to be an element to the story that's unique or that grabs my attention because of how often we see these tropes in fantasies. I didn't quite find that here, so at times I felt my attention wasn't fully captivated. It wasn't anything too original, however I do think it's an enjoyable read that will appeal to many fantasy readers. The magic system was well-done, with 4 classifications of wielded (alchemists, botanists, illusionists, and masquiers).

The book centers around Sophia, an illusionist wielder. She decides to undertake the perilous entrance exam to the magic academy/college, Killmarth, in order to escape the powerful blood bind that forces her to do the bidding of her uncle. I loved the darker vibe in this story, and the author does a great job of establishing a gothic and eerie tone -- I'd suggest this to dark academia lovers.

I'd initially thought that the romance in this book would be rivals-to-lovers (as is also common in many dark academia books), but to me it was a pretty clear insta-love dynamic and I knew where it was headed the whole time. So as a result, I wasn't as invested in the romance because I felt it to be a bit one-dimensional - the chemistry fell flat. In particular, while Sophia was a very strong character, Alden felt like a cookie-cutter love interest.

This book wasn't a slam dunk for me, but it has many familiar and popular tropes that I think will appeal to fantasy romance lovers. Thank you so much to Delacorte and NetGalley for this ARC!

Spoiler-free review: The Ordeals
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dark academia? ✔️ Deadly trials? ✔️ Unique magic system? ✔️ This book was RIGHT up my alley and I was hooked from the start.

The Ordeals follows Sophia DeWinter, an illusionist, trying to escape the blood bind shackling her to the collector, her uncle. Her only chance of escaping him and learning how to wield her magic is by finding & enrolling at Killmarth magical college. Though Sophia soon learns that her place at Killmarth is not a guarantee and the deadly entrance exam was the first of many tests to secure her place as a scholar. On top of that, there’s the mysterious cold ones that seem to be on a hunt…

The magic system derives of 4 kinds of wielders: botanists, illusionists, masquiers, and alchemists. Greenlaw was pretty detailed in developing this magic system and it was fun to read. The ordeals themselves were intriguing but overall weren’t quite as fleshed out and intricate as I would have liked. I felt as though a lot of the plot was pretty predictable and also wish every emotional experience didn’t lead to as many dramatic monologues because the points were pretty clearly established already. But overall, I had a great time and read this in only a couple sittings!

I normally don’t like the insta-love trope (and I’m sure people will argue this was a slow burn rivals to lovers but… it definitely wasn’t) however I really loved the romance in this book and swooned over the MMC.

Highly recommend giving it a go when it’s released this October! Thank you SO very much to Ballantine/Random House, Rachel Greenlaw, and NetGalley for the eARC - The opinions in this review are left here honestly and voluntarily.

4.5 stars ⭐️ The world building and magic system were so fun to dive into! The story is intriguing and intense. I devoured this book and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

What to expect:
- dark academia
- rivals to lovers
- magic system
- deadly trials

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own 🫶🏼

I was originally hesitant going into this book because YA fantasy isn’t a genre I find myself reaching for often but oh boy, was I wrong. The Ordeals was a fantastic read that really put me through the wringer with the story and action.

I found the characters to be entertaining and loveable and really enjoyed their story and how they developed from the start of the book to the end. And if it is a book with trials? I will be there to read it. Overall, this was a great read and I think if you enjoy a decent YA fantasy with some clean romance and trials, I think this is something you’re going to want to check out. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

The Ordeals completely swept me away! The dark academia vibes, the intense magical trials, and the fierce, determined Sophia DeWinter made this an instant favorite. I loved watching Sophia fight for her freedom and carve out her place in a deadly, cutthroat world, all while navigating a slow-burn romance with the swoony botanist, Alden Locke 🌿.

Rachel Greenlaw crafted a story that had me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages late into the night. I am OBSESSED! Highly recommend to anyone who loves dark academia, magic competitions, and a touch of romance. 💀✨

Deadly trials, magical school, found family... felt very Harry Potter adjacent but with villainous vampires. Immersive and dark, with the cutest rivals-to-lovers romance. Several reveals were dropped throughout the book, and while one very big reveal was predictable the rest really threw me for a loop (I really thought I had the murderer figured out - you got me good!). The author did a good job of creating friendships and even mentorships between characters to make a reader invested in more than just the MCs wellbeing. The ending gutted me, and I can't wait for more in this series! Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

I was hooked on this one from the very beginning. The Ordeals has all the dark, moody vibes I love—stormy coastlines, deadly magical trials, and a school that feels more like a trap than a sanctuary.

Sophia DeWinter is an illusionist, blood-bound to her manipulative uncle (appropriately known as the Collector). Her only shot at freedom is getting into Killmarth, a secretive magical college for gifted wielders. But before she even sets foot on campus, she has to survive the entrance exam—and things only get more intense from there.

I was totally invested in Sophia’s story. She’s fierce, vulnerable, and trying so hard to carve out a future for herself in a world that keeps stacking the odds against her. And that ending? Absolutely didn’t see it coming. I’m still thinking about it.

The magic system is intriguing, the setting is dripping with atmosphere, and the whole thing feels like peak dark academia. Gloomy weather, danger at every turn, and secrets that unravel slowly (and sometimes explosively). Basically, it gave me everything I want in this genre.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC—I had such a good time with this one.

beyond excited to see this books hit my inbox- this is one of my most anticipated books of 2025 and i will be sure to post my review on all retailers!! 💞

I’ve always been a fan of magic school stories, so I was pretty excited going into this one. The premise definitely had potential, but unfortunately, the execution fell short. It ended up feeling pretty flat for me. I thought the idea behind the magic system, with alchemists, botanists, illusionists, and masquiers, was interesting and had room to be something unique. But the world-building didn’t go as deep as I was hoping, so I struggled to really feel engaged.

The main character, along with the side characters, came off as one-dimensional, which made it tough to feel invested in any of them. The romance between Sophia and Alden didn’t do much either. Their chemistry needed way more buildup to feel believable. The ordeals plot had potential, but lacked the kind of tension that would really pull me in. On top of that, the twists were easy to see coming, which just left me feeling underwhelmed. There was definitely potential here, but it really needed deeper characters and richer world-building to truly shine.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Ordeals—thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity! Going into it, I didn’t expect to be so thoroughly swept up in the story, especially since YA fantasy isn’t typically my go-to genre. But Rachel Greenlaw delivered such an enjoyable, fast-paced adventure that I found myself completely hooked.

The Ordeals balances high-stakes suspense with elements of romance and magic in a way that’s engaging and surprisingly refreshing. The trials the characters face are gripping and full of tension, and while the romance does have a bit of that classic "insta-love" feel, it actually worked well in the context of the story. With so much action and emotional intensity already in play, a slow-burn romance would have bogged down the pacing, especially during the climax.

This book felt like a lighter read but totally not in a way that lessened its impact. Instead, it was the kind of page-turner that I kept picking back up. The characters were likable, the world-building was immersive without being overly dense, and the plot moved at just the right pace.

Overall, The Ordeals was an unexpected unputdownable, thrilling, and emotionally satisfying read. If you're looking for an adventure with heart and high stakes, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try.