The Ordeals is one of those books that completely pulls you in with its high-stakes magic, layered characters, and just the right amount of danger and heart. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but by the end, I was fully invested in Sophia’s journey and rooting hard for her every step of the way.

Sophia DeWinter is an illusionist trapped in a blood pact with her creepy, power-hungry uncle known as the Collector. Her life is pretty bleak until she hears about Killmarth College, a hidden academy for magical students. It’s her one shot at freedom, but there’s a catch. To even be considered, she has to survive the Ordeals, a brutal series of magical trials that test skill, strength, and nerve. And people have definitely died trying.

Sophia is the kind of underdog I love. She’s not the strongest in the room and her magic isn’t flashy, but she’s clever and stubborn and just refuses to give up. Watching her go from someone who’s been controlled and underestimated her whole life to someone who starts to own her power was so satisfying.

The trials are intense and filled with a perfect mix of magic and danger. The pacing is fast enough to keep you hooked without feeling rushed. There’s also a really lovely connection between Sophia and Alden Locke, a mysterious botanist with secrets of his own. Their relationship builds slowly and quietly, which felt really natural in the middle of all the chaos.

Rachel Greenlaw does a great job balancing the dark, magical atmosphere with real emotional stakes. The world feels vivid and a little eerie, which I loved. There were a few familiar tropes, especially if you’ve read a lot of magical school or competition-style fantasy, but the emotional depth and strong character work made it feel fresh.

4 stars. This is a great pick for anyone who loves magical trials, resilient heroines, and stories about fighting for your freedom. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on what Rachel Greenlaw writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my GOD!! This was such a great read! Thrilling and intriguing from the start. I loved the unique magic system. The wold building was immaculate. The chemistry between the characters had me screaming!

A rough start but a satisfying finish. This book can get a bit silly, but the plot is compelling, the characters likable (if a bit too genuine for my taste) and the romance engaging (if a bit too sweet). I think readers looking for a rivals-to-lovers romance will be disappointed as everyone is essentially a rival, even the MC’s friends, simply due to the nature of the Ordeals. There’s some brutal moments (shocking murders, for example) but they get little reaction from the characters, so this one should be good for those who don’t like too much horror with their fantasy.

This book is a light romantasy. With in my opinion hogwart/twilight vibes. Werewolves, vampires and gargoyle oh my!