The Leikr Trials by Jo Visuri is a captivating YA fantasy filled with danger, intrigue, and the heart-pounding intensity of a deadly tournament. With its mix of ancient magic, futuristic elements, and slow-burn romance, this story pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

At the center are Elin, Aedan, and Tristan—three characters whose lives intertwine in powerful ways. Elin is drawn into the Resistance and must learn to harness her visions while wrestling with questions of loyalty and love. Aedan faces relentless trials that force him to uncover the truth about his strength and his past. Tristan, long loyal to authority, begins to question everything when forbidden secrets come to light. Each of their journeys is packed with tension, sacrifice, and impossible choices.

Jo’s storytelling strikes a perfect balance between thrilling action and emotional depth. The battles are fierce, but it’s the characters’ relationships and inner struggles that make the novel so compelling. The world itself is richly imagined, seamlessly blending magic and technology to create an atmosphere that feels both immersive and unique.

The Leikr Trials is an electrifying read brimming with danger, romance, and the promise of rebellion. Perfect for fans of high-stakes fantasy, it’s a story that will stay with you long after the final page.

An Intriguing New YA Fantasy with High Stakes and a Compelling World
Jo Visuri’s The Leikr Trials is a solid entry into the YA fantasy genre, offering a compelling blend of Nordic-inspired lore and a high-stakes competition. The story centers on Aedan Grady, a young man thrust into a deadly trial, and the book's pacing is quick, pulling you into the action from the very beginning.
The plot feels familiar in its "deadly competition" trope, reminiscent of series like The Hunger Games, but Visuri adds enough of her own flair to keep it fresh. The world-building is a particular highlight, weaving together ancient magic and futuristic technology in a way that feels unique and well-thought-out. The trials themselves are creative and challenging, and the political intrigue surrounding them adds an interesting layer to the narrative.
While the romance develops at a satisfying slow-burn pace, some of the characters could benefit from more depth to make them truly memorable. However, Aedan is a sympathetic protagonist, and it's easy to root for him as he navigates the treacherous landscape of the Leikr. The story delivers on its promise of heart-stopping battles and unexpected twists, providing an entertaining and engaging read.
The Leikr Trials is a fun and fast-paced adventure that will likely appeal to fans of young adult fantasy. It successfully sets the stage for what could be an exciting series, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Tanks to Netgalley for the arc

The Leikr Trials is the third installment in Jo Visuri’s Nordic-inspired YA fantasy, and it raises the stakes in every way. Combining elements of myth, futuristic intrigue, and simmering romance, this book dives deeper into the world of the clans and the dangerous tournament that binds them.

Elin’s visions and the burden of her power provide the story’s emotional depth, while Aedan’s brutal path through the Leikr delivers relentless action and suspense. Tristan’s arc, full of quiet rebellion and difficult choices, adds nuance and complexity, keeping the story from being just about survival—it’s also about identity and legacy.

Visuri’s writing is vivid and cinematic, with world-building that feels both fresh and immersive. The romantic tension simmers without overpowering the plot, and the pacing keeps you invested throughout. While the story is complex, it never loses sight of its heart: the choices we make, and the costs of survival.

This third book is both a thrilling continuation and a powerful deepening of the saga, leaving me eager to discover what comes next for the Nordri.

Unfortunately, this is not for me. I realized after I got the ARC that it's the 3rd in a series, so I found copies of the first 2 to read before this. But the first book is giving Twilight vibes and I never got into that series so I think this is a pass for me. I like fantasy that is in a fantasy world - not a fan of supernatural beings in the real world.

I don't want to rate low this as others may really like this series. Mid rating just cause it's not my thing