Title: The OrdealsAuthor: Rachel Greenlaw
Pages: 384
Publication Date: Oct. 7, 2025
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
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 towards her own death sentence.
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Wow! What a great story! Dark, suspenseful, and captivating with a compelling cast of characters, a unique plot, a swoon-worthy romance, and an academic setting, The Ordeals ticked a lot of boxes for me. The story follows Sophia, a young thief desperate to break free from the man who has had power over her since she was a child. She knows the only way to break his hold on her is to enter Killmarth College, an elite academy for magic wielders. But when she enters the academic world with the hopes of learning more about her family, she has no idea that she’s entered a world even more dangerous than the underworld she’s come from.
Rich and atmospheric, the setting and world-building are unique and immersive. I was so taken with this world where magic is hidden, secrets are fiercely guarded, and people are often not what they seem. Sophia, the protagonist, is also richly developed and layered. I love her journey from isolation and loneliness to one where she is surrounded by friends and love. It’s a striking contrast to the deadly obstacles she faces throughout her life, and especially in the ordeals.
The ordeals are The Hunger Games level of insanity. My word, this school really puts its potential students through it. It was entertaining and intense and scary, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The love story is fabulous too. It’s an interesting combination of a slow build and insta love, which I found intriguing. It’s clear from the start that Sophia and Alden have a strong attraction to each other, but they also prove that they are stronger and more successful together. Their chemistry and banter are fantastic, and I enjoyed the push and pull between them!
I also adored the friendships in the story, both before Sophia ends up at Killmarth College and during her time there. There are definitely found family vibes that felt even more lovely and significant, considering the dark and deadly setting and atmosphere.
I really enjoyed this read. It was rich and atmospheric, and the layered world and characters are fantastic. Plus, that ending! There are a few shocks that I totally didn’t expect, and they left me shook. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, because there are a few hints of even higher stakes coming for her, Alden, and the others.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- deadly competition
- magic school
- competitors to lovers
- found family
Rachel Greenlaw is the author of ONE CHRISTMAS MORNING, THE WOODSMOKE WOMEN’S BOOK OF SPELLS the COMPASS AND BLADE series and THE ORDEALS duology. She lives on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, where you’ll find her wandering the white sand beaches, searching for cowrie shells and writing her next story.
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I was debating on getting this and now I think I will – thanks! Great review!