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Ironhold #3

Ironhold: Trial Three

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“Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing.”
--Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes)

“I await each release by this author eagerly and have never been disappointed!”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From #1 bestseller Morgan Rice comes the third book in a spectacular new fantasy series, ideal for fans of Rebecca Yarros and Suzanne Collins.

From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes the long-awaited debut of a thrilling new romantasy series.

Reeling from the previous season's betrayal, Lyra Thornwind struggles with trust issues but must form new alliances to survive. Her growing fame brings new dangers as Emperor Tiberius takes notice of her. Lyra is forced to compete in the Champion's Trial, a grueling series of challenges against the most fearsome beasts and seasoned gladiators. Her relationships with both Alaric and Rowan intensify, creating a complex love triangle, even while she secretly trains with Lady Elara, pushing the limits of her beast communion abilities. The season ends with Lyra making a moral choice between saving lives, or a chance at victory in the arena.

In the captivating world of IRONHOLD, romance, danger, and fantasy intersect in a universe brimming with magic and peril. This gripping saga keeps readers of all ages spellbound, offering a unique twist on the genre. Be swept away by a narrative that seamlessly blends destiny, passion and sorcery with fierce combat, set against a backdrop both brutal and mesmerizing. The IRONHOLD series promises an enthralling adventure that will leave you breathless and craving more.

Future books in the series are also available!

“Loved it. Kept me on my toes like the whole time. It made me want to keep reading even when I was supposed to be sleeping.”
--Book Reviewer (Wish)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The beginnings of something remarkable are there.”
--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)

“Has all the ingredients for an instant plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.”
--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer’s Ring)

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 2024

33 people are currently reading
91 people want to read

About the author

Morgan Rice

609 books3,379 followers
Morgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.

TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!

Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!

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5 stars
63 (45%)
4 stars
50 (35%)
3 stars
25 (17%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
56 reviews
March 5, 2025
Interesting Story but Needs Editing

The MFC, Lyra, whines too much but has a good heart and is easy to root for. The romance is tepid but there. It’s obvious the stakes are high for both the character and the empire both. For those who enjoy Roman mythos in fantasy fiction, it’s entertaining. It would be great entertainment if the author hired a competent editor, or at the very least ran a grammar/spelling check. Learning to show not tell would also elevate the experience. The errors jar the reader and flung them abruptly out of any kind of immersion. Learn grammar and syntax, please. Not sure I’m willing to continue to pay for glorified parts of a story when those parts have become increasingly unreadable. A shame because I like Lyra’s character and would have liked to discover how things turn out for her.
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books324 followers
January 4, 2025
I was given an ARC of this book and I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Lyra is a slave, stolen from her village and forced to fight as a gladiator for the pleasure of the emperor and bloodthirsty civilians.

Everyone has an element of magic and Lyra's talent is communing with animals. She uses this to help survive the trials.

I like how Lyra tries not to kill but only to survive the battles. She is kind yet strong and determined to get through five seasons to be set free...

There was a good mix of characters, not all likeable but suitable for the story. There was plenty of action and tension. Well-written and engaging.

I am looking forward to the next instalment.

Recommended.
2,673 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2025
Trust no one!

The people of the city are becoming angry and rebellious. The emperor plans to divert their attention elsewhere by bringing back the Champion’s Trial. Select gladiators will participate in deadly new games designed to give the people the blood they desire and perhaps rid the emperor of a certain annoying beast whisperer. Lyra Thornwind knows she cannot trust anyone but dangerous alliances may be necessary to survive these games.

Ironhold’s world is full of action, battles, magic, and scheming. It grabs you from the first page. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Lucia.
696 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2025
"Ironhold: Trail Three" skillfully blends magic, betrayal, and romance in an action-packed ride. Lyra Thornwind navigates trust issues and a sizzling love triangle while facing the brutal Champion's Trial. With twists that keep you guessing and a moral choice that hits hard, it's an entertaining saga that will keep you hooked and craving more!
104 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2025
Ironhold: Trial Three

I’m really enjoying this series. Gladiators with magic. Very exciting & of course the requisite love triangle. I loved the ending, it took me completely by surprise. I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Lauren Harrington .
2 reviews
January 20, 2025
Riddled with editing errors

I'm really enjoying the story and characters, but the book is riddled with errors that take you out of the story enough to go, "Wait, what?" Annoying. I'll keep reading though.
6 reviews
February 13, 2025
Trial 3

I'm increasingly sucked in to this story. I like how each book is designed around the competitions. Protagonists and antagonists are developing great. I still think proofreading is sorely lacking. Rowan is typed as Robin and Roman within just a few pages.
Profile Image for Lilithya .
185 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2025
The wordlbuilding is getting more complex as the books progress and the stakes go higher and higher and the FMC is realizing the truth.

I thought that the FMC's moral compass while justifiable and easy to root for, is a little naive considering the situation she's in.
Profile Image for Rowan Creech.
1,538 reviews14 followers
January 8, 2025
This was a wonderfully intriguing read with great characters and such a unique storyline. A very good book.
Profile Image for Becca Mairs.
24 reviews
March 25, 2025
Lyra continues to be a likeable character, and we see in this book how she begins to bend to the will of her enemies and take on a nature not her own - but to survive is to kill in gladiatorial games.
More twists and turns in this trial, which 1 thoroughly enjoyed. The plotting and the story are getting better as it goes on. Looking forward to Trial Four.
Profile Image for Alexis.
2,474 reviews
May 26, 2025
admittedly, I'm curious how this series is going to go on for twelve flipping books.
4 reviews
October 23, 2025
Good read

I enjoyed the book, a lot of twists and turns, Some good characters to get to know. Now on to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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