Solid book but the end holy shit. Honestly that’s all I feel I can say without spoiling this one. The. End. Omg.

I really didn't know where this was going and then with the trials and everything--it fell a little flat until the end and then WOW. That's where the 4 stars are

It was a good palate cleanser for me. The story was definitely fast-paced and action-oriented.

The premise was interesting, but the writing didn’t really grab me, so the whole time I was waiting more for the end than for turning the page.

The stones were probably the most interesting part of me, but that was maybe because I kept picturing Thanos. In all seriousness, the world-building was super interesting and is what kept me reading.

The love story fell kinda flat for me, but that could have been because of my non-interest in the characters themselves.

Readers will fall in love with Lizzy Gayle's The Imrati Trials, the first in the Sisters of Magic and Shadows series. A world rich in magic and treachery, where loyalty is tested at every turn, and winning might cost more than anyone dares to pay.
Every chapter flows seamlessly, weaving sharp, witty banter through edge-of-your-seat suspense that grabs you from the first page making it impossible to put down. It’s impossible not to fall for these characters. With equal parts strength and vulnerability, the sisters' bond is raw and powerful. And Rivven and Nyah? Their chemistry ignites the page.
This is a must-read for romantasy lovers, and with that jaw-dropping ending! Book two is 100% on my TBR.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 GLORIOUS STARS!)

Oh. My. Trials. This book had me absolutely feral, in the best way. You know when you pick up a fantasy and think, okay cool, another tournament story, let’s see how it goes, and then suddenly it’s 3AM, your tea is cold, and you’re whispering “one more chapter” like a dangerous little prayer? Yeah. That’s The Imrati Trials.

From page one, the energy is chef’s kiss. We’ve got fierce competition, deadly challenges, and stakes that feel like they’re dangling right over your own head. Every trial had me holding my breath, biting my lip, and muttering “don’t you DARE” at the book like it could hear me. Spoiler: it didn’t listen.

But here’s where Lizzy Gayle got me good, the characters. Whew. They’re layered, messy, and so magnetic that even the side characters deserve their own spin-offs. The fmc? Bold, stubborn, clever in ways that make you fist-pump the air. The mmc? Broody with just enough softness peeking through that I immediately claimed him as my new book boyfriend. (Sorry not sorry to the others in my harem lineup.) Their banter and chemistry… electric. Like, I wanted to highlight every line and send it to my friends with a thousand heart-eyed emojis.

The world-building? Immersive and rich without being info-dump city. The magic system made sense (hallelujah!) and the politics felt sharp and believable. And can we talk about the pacing? Perfect balance of action, tension, and those quieter, swoony moments that make you melt faster than hot cocoa on a snowy day.

Honestly, it gave me Hunger Games intensity meets Throne of Glass vibes with its own fresh, addictive spin. And let’s be clear, I devoured it like a tray of cookies straight from the oven. Zero crumbs left.

Final verdict: Lizzy Gayle delivered everything I crave in a romantasy, high stakes, fierce trials, swoony romance, and a fmc I’d gladly follow into the battlefield. If this is just the beginning of the series, consider me signed up, front row, pom-poms out, screaming at the top of my lungs for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and City Owl Press for an advanced reader copy of this book.

It has been a minute since a book has surprised me the way this one did! The ending took a turn I never would have guessed and I am glad for it. I need to know what happens next!

The Imrati trials follows Nyah the illegitimate daughter of a cruel sorcerer king. When a prophecy is given to the king and he announces The Imrati trials will be taking place (with the prize being a betrothal to Nyah’s sister, Leuruna), Leuruna transfers her powers into Nyah so she can flee the kingdom with them. However she ends up crossing paths with Rivven who saves her and kidnaps her in the same breath. They soon realize both of them want the same thing, the king dead, so they form an alliance to enter the Imrati trials to strike. So the games begin!

I enjoyed the banter between Rivven and Nyah, the action and adventure throughout this book, and the side characters! I do wish we got more of the trials in this book, but I thought Lizzy did a great job of pacing. I was always entertained while reading. The last 20% was the most interesting for me and I am so curious how it will unfold in the next book!

Entertaining book, I definitely wanted to keep reading. And I found the ending very interesting and looking forward to hopefully a second book.

This was such an entertaining that I finished in a few hours.
A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages.

I couldn't put this book down for one second. This book was EVERYTHING I wanted it to be, and more. The characters? Loved them. The tension? Sizzling. The plot? MY JAW IS STILL ON THE FLOOR. I can't wait for the next book, I swear I'll jump on it as soon as I see it.

The pacing was great. I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved Nyah from the get-go. She is strong, brave, hard-headed, ruthless, and vengeful (don't we love that?). And Rivven? I think I'm in love. I love how the dynamic between them evolves throughout the book. Even the side characters have a special place in my heart (hi Galan).

And the plot!! The goal was clear from the beginning and it kept me interested the whole time. I loved the creatures, loved the intricate magical aspect, and I am very interested to see where this is all going. Especially after that ending? I need the next book asap!!!

If you want an adventure, a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, while making you slowly fall in love with its characters, this is it.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽

This took a while for me to read due to being poorly.

Honestly absolutely adored this book! The cliffhanger ending 🤯 easily 5⭐️ so fun! Fast paced and loved the main characters and the side ones. This book needs more hype!!

Thankyou NetGalley for this amazing arc ♥️ need book two immediately!

The Imrati Trials is a fast-paced, trope-filled fantasy adventure that balances danger, magic, and just enough romantic tension to keep the pages turning late into the night.

Nyah has spent her life in the shadows, dismissed as the illegitimate daughter of a cruel king and mocked for her weak magic. But when her sister Leuruna, the crown princess, sacrifices herself by gifting Nyah her own immense power, everything changes. Suddenly hunted and unprepared, Nyah finds herself thrust into a deadly game of survival—and into the orbit of Rivven, a brooding, battle-hardened heir with his own vendetta against the king. Together, they’re drawn into the legendary Imrati Trials, a brutal tournament with stakes high enough to reshape kingdoms.

This book delivers many of the hallmarks of YA fantasy: a ragtag band of allies, deadly competitions, morally gray love interests, magical training, and even a dragon companion (Ven, the onyx hatchling, is hands down the most charming addition). The worldbuilding is approachable yet immersive, with elven politics, elemental magic, and shifting alliances that keep the story moving. Nyah’s journey from overlooked outsider to someone who dares to seize power makes her easy to root for, even if some of her choices feel a little reckless.

Rivven is a classic broody hero—scarred, stubborn, and frustratingly attractive—while side characters like Galan and Torvo add flavor and conflict. The romance thread simmers in the background without overwhelming the larger plot, though the banter and tension between Nyah and Rivven are unmistakable.

The Trials themselves bring plenty of action and spectacle, though seasoned fantasy readers may spot a few of the twists coming. That said, the climax delivers a genuinely surprising reveal alongside a cliffhanger ending that all but guarantees you’ll want book two in your hands immediately.

While it may not reinvent the wheel, The Imrati Trials is undeniably fun—full of high stakes, dangerous games, and the irresistible mix of “save the world or fall for the enemy.” It’s the kind of story that scratches the itch for familiar YA fantasy comforts while still offering enough surprises (and baby dragons!) to keep you hooked.

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

Wow, where to start? There is a lot going on in this book. Especially in the beginning. I did find it a bit confusing to keep things sorted out, and it was a little frustrating at times. The ending was worth pushing through. I feel there is a lot more to this story and will definitely keep going to see what happens next.

I had some ups and downs with this read, and overall, I think it could’ve used a bit more development to reach its full potential

I was immediately sucked into this one in the beginning, and then about 20-30% through I fell into a bit of a pacing issue. I felt like some parts dragged on that didn’t need to be as long as they were, and parts that should’ve been more developed were really rushed

I really liked the banter between the main characters and the side characters, this book got quite a few chuckles out of me and I think the character development in this book was really well done. However, I felt like the “enemies to lovers” was more of an insta love situation and I really wish the tension between the MMC and FMC was more developed and we got more of the “enemies” before lovers

I also was pretty bummed that the entire book was focused on the trials, but we only got a couple chapters of the trials, which didn’t seem like as important as it had been made out to be. If the book was an extra 100 pages, and had some well done, tension packed, high stakes trials, I think it would’ve redeemed itself for me

I will say the plot twist at the end was really interesting. I’m not 100% sure how I feel about it but it absolutely took me by surprise.

Overall, I don’t think this was a bad read, and I’m thankful to City Owl and Lizzy Gale for the ARC. If you’re looking for a short read packed with a lot of adventure, this book might be for you

*Please check your trigger warnings, SA is a heavy topic in this book and your mental health matters (no on page SA, but there is attempted and mention of past SA)

I was very excited to get an Arc for this very pretty book! it was definitely a whirlwind of action and I couldn't stop reading it but everything was moving too fast and I would have really loved to see scenes played out more. The whole book felt like it could have been two or three books and it felt like trying to cram the Lord of the rings trilogy into one book or sum it up with a short movie script.

Minor spoilers***

One minute we were in the desert, then we were in the mountains, then by the ocean. In training she figured out with a snap how to work multiple powers and it was just a " and then we did this, and then we did this,..." I wish each new place with their creatures and different species had been fully explored. I would have loved to see the "The Imrati series" as the trials were such a small part of the book. I also did know the big twist from very early on and was disappointed that what I had figured was in fact the way the book was going.

That being said I could not put it down and had to finish reading it. I will probably pick up the next book but please, make it thicker and give us a little more depth to each of their adventures!!!

A Dazzling Romantasy with High-Stakes Action and a Delicious Slow Burn
If you're looking for a new romantasy to get lost in, "The Imrati Trials" is an excellent place to start. Lizzy Gayle delivers an action-packed, fast-paced adventure that will have you flying through the pages. The story hooks you from the start, following Nyah, a compelling protagonist on the run who finds herself in the middle of a deadly, magical tournament.
The standout element of this book is the fantastic chemistry between Nyah and the mysterious assassin, Rivven. Their journey is filled with witty banter and a "will they/won't they" tension that is absolutely captivating. This isn't a simple romance, however; it's a slow burn that feels earned and genuinely compelling as they navigate danger and deceit together.
The world-building is also a high point. The magical trials are creative and a joy to read, and the "stone-collecting" plotline gives the story a fresh and exciting sense of urgency. Gayle expertly weaves together political intrigue, magical creatures, and an enchanting sense of forbidden power. The stakes are high, the surprises are genuine, and the ending leaves you desperately wanting more.
"The Imrati Trials" is a must-read for fans of romantasy. It's a thrilling ride with a captivating romance that promises an exciting new series to dive into. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you so much Netgalley for let me read and review this amazing peace of art

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and author Lizzy Gayle for the opportunity to read The Imrati Trials. This is my honest review of the ARC, and I truly appreciate it.

I expected fantasy with high stakes, morally gray characters, and a some enemies to lovers - and this book has delivered it.
I really liked the stories of the main characters, they are well developed and the fact that there is dark magic - makes everything much more interesting and intriguing, Rivven that's assassin in the flesh that acts swift and lethal - we love that in fantasy!

The whole story about trials and saving the world - a perfect bland for YA fantasy actually and there is enough romance to think what would be and what would not.
The plot was predictable however it didn't make a book any less interesting since the characters were really fun to read.

Would recommend!

Nyah is such a badass and I loved her from the very start! her deep rooted connection with Rivven was perfection and he was the perfect fantasy MMC. the trials were action packed and the ending actually blew my mind! I wish there were even more Rivven/Nyah moments in this book, but I look forward to more in the next!

⚔️✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨⚔️

The Imrati Trials by Lizzy Gayle
Sisters of Magic and Shadows Book 1

This book is everything I crave in fantasy romance with deadly tournaments, forbidden magic, political intrigue, and a heroine who goes from overlooked to unstoppable.

Nyah has always lived in her sister’s shadow, but when Leuruna gives her the magic their tyrant father wants to steal, Nyah is thrust into a dangerous new fate. Enter Rivven, the mysterious, dangerous warrior whose mission is to kill her father. His way in? The Imrati Trials: a brutal competition where victory means a crown, power, and the princess’s hand.

What follows is a whirlwind of betrayal, secrets, simmering romance, and the kind of high-stakes magic that keeps you breathless. The trials are brutal. The chemistry between Nyah and Rivven? Even more dangerous. 👀🔥

If you love:
⚔️ Deadly magical competitions
👑 Tyrant kings, rebellions, and high-stakes intrigue
💔 Sisters bound by loyalty and sacrifice
🔥 Forbidden, enemies-to-lovers attraction
✨ A heroine who grows into her power

…then this book belongs on your shelf immediately.

This deluxe edition is stunning, but the story inside is even better with gritty, magical, and packed with tension. I’m already dying for book two!

#TheImratiTrials #LizzyGayle #RomantasyReads #EpicFantasyRomance #DarkFantasyRomance #FatedLovers #FantasyBookstagram #TournamentFantasy #ForbiddenMagic #victoryediting #owlcitypress #netgalley #reviewsbyliteraryhavoc

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the world that we were in and all of the different magic. It was such a fun experience. I really liked all the characters, but I do wish there was more romance in it and more tension. I got a little taste of it, but I needed more. I also felt like the trials portion of the book was a bit rushed. I would've loved to see more in that setting. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read book 2! And I really can't wait to see more of Ven in the next book.

This was such an adventure to read. The way the story unfolds and the characters grow together. The story intertwines in so many ways that you find yourself rooting for so many different people. I was completely hooked from the first page and it just kept getting better and better. The way all the different magical creatures are brought to life and the darker aspects putting such depth into the characters… it’s like a perfect blend of darkness and light making the perfect story come to life. I felt every feeling from anger to surprise within the book and I have never felt so lost on how to put it all into words. If romantasy is something you love this is the book for you. I am still in shock and plan to just go stare at the wall for awhile and contemplate how this story just rocked my whole being.


Posted on Goodreads and insta and threads. Will also post on Amazon when it releases!

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!