What do you think?
Rate this book
The Third Ring
Ten Trials. Two Oaths. One Chance.
To Adrian, the gods were never anything to be worshipped, just tolerated. But in the walled city of Sanctuary, whether through the religious fervor of the elite or the quaking fear of the poor, the Geist have always been served. And now it's Adrian's turn.
Born into power and raised for greatness, Dante stands for everything Adrian has come to despise, but he may be her only hope of survival. When the two of them are bonded against their will and forced to compete together in the Trials, the god's ancient gauntlet of physical brutality and psychological torture, they have no choice but to set aside old prejudices and work together. Navigating religious zealots, a patriarch intent on breeding the pair for power, and the increasingly obvious cruelty of the gods, Adrian must come to terms with the fact that, whether Culled or Championed, we all serve the gods in the end. And, for her, betrayal has always been waiting just around the corner.
To Adrian, the gods were never anything to be worshipped, just tolerated. But in the walled city of Sanctuary, whether through the religious fervor of the elite or the quaking fear of the poor, the Geist have always been served. And now it's Adrian's turn.
Born into power and raised for greatness, Dante stands for everything Adrian has come to despise, but he may be her only hope of survival. When the two of them are bonded against their will and forced to compete together in the Trials, the god's ancient gauntlet of physical brutality and psychological torture, they have no choice but to set aside old prejudices and work together. Navigating religious zealots, a patriarch intent on breeding the pair for power, and the increasingly obvious cruelty of the gods, Adrian must come to terms with the fact that, whether Culled or Championed, we all serve the gods in the end. And, for her, betrayal has always been waiting just around the corner.
404 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2025
86 people are currently reading
3387 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Horton
14 books116 followersA. N. Horton is a two-time award-winning author living in Nashville, TN with her husband, children, and moderately chunky Corgi. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, baking more cookies than her family can eat, and plotting crimes against her characters. Best known for crafting characters that steal her readers’ hearts as much as they shatter them, A. N. Horton is a cross-genre writer focused mainly on fantasy and romance with her upcoming urban fantasy series, The Third Ring, and her soon to be released historical romance novel, A Promise Kept.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
May 25, 2025
˙₊➴ ꒰ 3-stars★ ꒱ ꒷⊹࣪˖
📜┆ ARC ⤿ A.N. Horton & Veil & Valor Books
✒️┆ Author ⤿ A.N. Horton
💌┆ Pub Date ⤿ 04/15/25 ៸៸ Out now ⭑.ᐟ
In the walled city of Sanctuary, everyone must follow the will of the Geist. Society is divided by the level of rings, and to defy the order is to be branded a blasphemer. Fear keeps most in line, but for those who dare to rise, the only path lies through brutal trials that promise a chance at elevation. And for the rest? They are culled, vanish beyond the walls, to a fate unknown.
When Adrian is forced to make a choice she isn’t ready for, she clings to the final thread connecting her to someone she once held dear. But as she steps into the Trials, the question remains: will she overcome them, or fall to the same fate that claimed the one she lost?
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Characters
⟡ Adrian Bexley - is a Third Ringer, born and raised in the lowest part of the Sanctuary’s hierarchy. Yet despite her place in society, she refuses to stay silent. She stands firm in her beliefs and dares to challenge the injustice around her. Branded a heretic and called names for not honoring the Geist, she chooses truth over blind faith, refusing to worship the so-called gods who do nothing but let her people suffer.
⟡ Dante of House Viper - is the heir and representative of House Viper, one of the most powerful families in the First Ring. Trained from a young age to excel in the Trials and bring recognition to his family, he carries the heavy weight of those expectations. Admired for his status, he stands apart from other First Ringers by refusing to wield his privilege carelessly. Dante has more to him than just being a Viper heir and representative, yet the weight of those titles crushes him from fully seeing the harsh realities beyond the upper rings and the realities he’s never truly been allowed to see.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts
At first, The Third Ring gives off Attack on Titan vibes with its walled city of Sanctuary, the social class divisions across the rings, and the mystery surrounding the world beyond. The rigid adherence to the will of the Geist (the gods) echoes the themes of control and belief systems seen in similar dystopian tales. But the story quickly sets itself apart. The mix of dystopia and urban fantasy felt seamless and natural, and the world-building is detailed and thoughtful, making the characters and story even more engaging as it goes on.
As the story unfolds, it dives deeper into the harsh realities of life within the lower rings: the entrenched poverty, the discrimination faced by those who reject the Geist, and the quiet desperation of living under the elite ruling class. The story explores what it means to live in a society where your place is predetermined, and questioning the system feels both dangerous and necessary.
My only concern was the frequent use of time skips. While it made sense that several months would pass between trials, particularly during training periods, the reliance on time jumps occasionally disrupted the pacing. These skips were useful for moving the plot forward efficiently, but they often glossed over key moments that could have added depth to the story. As a result, some aspects of the story felt underdeveloped. The progression of relationships, character growth, and the evolving political and social climate within Sanctuary sometimes lacked the nuance and emotional weight they could have had.
Overall, The Third Ring is a strong and promising start to a gripping series. While it begins with familiar dystopian elements, it quickly sets itself apart with its world-building, a smooth mix of urban fantasy, and meaningful themes. The trials are exciting, the world is fascinating, and the emotional moments, especially those involving Adrian, feel real and relatable. Despite the frequent timeslips, I still look forward to getting to know and understand more of Adrian, Dante, and the entirety of the Sanctuary.
Still, this is just the beginning. The ending left me with lots of questions and curiosity, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next.
➳ Huge thanks to the author—A.N. Horton—for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review ♡.ᐟ
˚₊ ⟢┊pre-read 🖇️┊⊹࣪⋆
Unfortunately, Silver Elite didn't quite hit the mark for me. But it feels like the universe sent me a blessing in the form of Ms. A.N. Horton, who showed up at just the right moment to offer me an arc. This already sounds promising, and I can't wait to dive into it!🤿🩶
📜┆ ARC ⤿ A.N. Horton & Veil & Valor Books
✒️┆ Author ⤿ A.N. Horton
💌┆ Pub Date ⤿ 04/15/25 ៸៸ Out now ⭑.ᐟ
❝ this whole godsforsaken city could burn to the ground for all I cared, because that was what it deserved for the way it took everything good, everything right in the world, and destroyed it. ❞
In the walled city of Sanctuary, everyone must follow the will of the Geist. Society is divided by the level of rings, and to defy the order is to be branded a blasphemer. Fear keeps most in line, but for those who dare to rise, the only path lies through brutal trials that promise a chance at elevation. And for the rest? They are culled, vanish beyond the walls, to a fate unknown.
When Adrian is forced to make a choice she isn’t ready for, she clings to the final thread connecting her to someone she once held dear. But as she steps into the Trials, the question remains: will she overcome them, or fall to the same fate that claimed the one she lost?
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Characters
⟡ Adrian Bexley - is a Third Ringer, born and raised in the lowest part of the Sanctuary’s hierarchy. Yet despite her place in society, she refuses to stay silent. She stands firm in her beliefs and dares to challenge the injustice around her. Branded a heretic and called names for not honoring the Geist, she chooses truth over blind faith, refusing to worship the so-called gods who do nothing but let her people suffer.
❝ We starve. And then your priests come down twice a year to tell us how lucky we are, how grateful we should be, that not a single one of us or our ancestors has made it through enough of the Trials to be elevated, that our brothers and sisters are stolen from us and sent on to some undisclosed fate we’ll never know, that we can serve the Geist with our sacrifices, with our pain, with our hunger. ❞
⟡ Dante of House Viper - is the heir and representative of House Viper, one of the most powerful families in the First Ring. Trained from a young age to excel in the Trials and bring recognition to his family, he carries the heavy weight of those expectations. Admired for his status, he stands apart from other First Ringers by refusing to wield his privilege carelessly. Dante has more to him than just being a Viper heir and representative, yet the weight of those titles crushes him from fully seeing the harsh realities beyond the upper rings and the realities he’s never truly been allowed to see.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts
At first, The Third Ring gives off Attack on Titan vibes with its walled city of Sanctuary, the social class divisions across the rings, and the mystery surrounding the world beyond. The rigid adherence to the will of the Geist (the gods) echoes the themes of control and belief systems seen in similar dystopian tales. But the story quickly sets itself apart. The mix of dystopia and urban fantasy felt seamless and natural, and the world-building is detailed and thoughtful, making the characters and story even more engaging as it goes on.
As the story unfolds, it dives deeper into the harsh realities of life within the lower rings: the entrenched poverty, the discrimination faced by those who reject the Geist, and the quiet desperation of living under the elite ruling class. The story explores what it means to live in a society where your place is predetermined, and questioning the system feels both dangerous and necessary.
❝ Because it’s easier to blind people with faith than to guide them to the truth and the beauty it beholds. ❞
My only concern was the frequent use of time skips. While it made sense that several months would pass between trials, particularly during training periods, the reliance on time jumps occasionally disrupted the pacing. These skips were useful for moving the plot forward efficiently, but they often glossed over key moments that could have added depth to the story. As a result, some aspects of the story felt underdeveloped. The progression of relationships, character growth, and the evolving political and social climate within Sanctuary sometimes lacked the nuance and emotional weight they could have had.
Overall, The Third Ring is a strong and promising start to a gripping series. While it begins with familiar dystopian elements, it quickly sets itself apart with its world-building, a smooth mix of urban fantasy, and meaningful themes. The trials are exciting, the world is fascinating, and the emotional moments, especially those involving Adrian, feel real and relatable. Despite the frequent timeslips, I still look forward to getting to know and understand more of Adrian, Dante, and the entirety of the Sanctuary.
Still, this is just the beginning. The ending left me with lots of questions and curiosity, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next.
➳ Huge thanks to the author—A.N. Horton—for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review ♡.ᐟ
˚₊ ⟢┊pre-read 🖇️┊⊹࣪⋆
Unfortunately, Silver Elite didn't quite hit the mark for me. But it feels like the universe sent me a blessing in the form of Ms. A.N. Horton, who showed up at just the right moment to offer me an arc. This already sounds promising, and I can't wait to dive into it!🤿🩶
June 24, 2025
omg this was SO GOOD!!! AND THE ENDING !!!! EXCUSE ME ?!?! AGH.
RTC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I need that trial trope fix
RTC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ I need that trial trope fix
March 24, 2025
4.5 Updated ARC Review! Ten trials that haven't been beat in a thousand years, forced bonds, mental connections, political unrest in an urban setting, reluctant teammates to lovers, betrayl, plot twists and more will be found in this book. I am going to need all of my fantasy and dystopian girls to break out their calendars because The Third Ring by A.N. Horton comes out on April 15th and when I tell you I am obsessed and blown away.
This book is set in a world with extreme class divisions that are almost impossible to move up in:
The Deck: EXTREME poverty, no running water, the poeple are starving, truly horrific living conditions.
The Third Ring: Still extreme poverty, but people here can get jobs and struggle to get by if they are lucky.
The Second Ring: Wealthy, I would equate to upper upper middle class.
The First Ring: Extreme wealth, the 1%. Legacy families live in The First Ring.
To set the scene there is obviously extreme unrest and fair treatment, this is a very oppressed society and basically your life is terrible unless you are a first or second ringer. This world is also extremely religious, believing in gods they refer to as the Geist, and they have always been served whether through the religious zealots among the rich or from the fear from the poor. One of the ways they maintain control and reverence is through 'The Trials' that citizens have the opportunity to enter, but the catch is no one has won all ten trials in a thousand years and almost no one has even ever gotten to the second half of them.
The trials are cruel, bloodthirsty, dangerous and physically and mentally taxing, but the First and Second Ring compete in order to elevate their societal status and the poor compete because
successfully completing some of the trials is the only way to potentially drag yourself up out of poverty.
So enter our FMC, Adrian, who is a strong willed Third Ringer who hates this society, the gods, and everything the trials stand for, but she has entered them in honor of her late best friend and a promise they made. Our MMC, Dante, is quite the opposite. A first ring legacy, Dante is a spoiled rich boy who comes from a notorious house and has never had to work for anything, or so we think.
When both Adrian and Dante enter the trials, they get paired together, which is shocking because the trials supposedly match you with your equal. The pair not only are force to work together, they also now have a forced mental bond, so you can just imagine how that goes.
The trials are brutal and legitimately horrid, and it seems the gods are terrible as well if this is what they are asking of their people. As Adrian and Dante get closer, the stakes of this game get higher and the story really just takes off and is so incredible. I will also say the ending was one of the most insane cliffhangers I have read in a minute and I was literally screaming WHAT!? at my kindle because I could not believe it.
This book is excellent and provides so much relevant and spot on commentary surrounding religious, societal, and governmental issues while also being extremely bingeable and entertaining.
The character development we see in both main characters is excellent and I was immersed the entire time reading their story. ALSO-the romance!!!! The romance was done so well, it is a bit of a slow burn, which I love and the tension is palpable.
This book is set in a world with extreme class divisions that are almost impossible to move up in:
The Deck: EXTREME poverty, no running water, the poeple are starving, truly horrific living conditions.
The Third Ring: Still extreme poverty, but people here can get jobs and struggle to get by if they are lucky.
The Second Ring: Wealthy, I would equate to upper upper middle class.
The First Ring: Extreme wealth, the 1%. Legacy families live in The First Ring.
To set the scene there is obviously extreme unrest and fair treatment, this is a very oppressed society and basically your life is terrible unless you are a first or second ringer. This world is also extremely religious, believing in gods they refer to as the Geist, and they have always been served whether through the religious zealots among the rich or from the fear from the poor. One of the ways they maintain control and reverence is through 'The Trials' that citizens have the opportunity to enter, but the catch is no one has won all ten trials in a thousand years and almost no one has even ever gotten to the second half of them.
The trials are cruel, bloodthirsty, dangerous and physically and mentally taxing, but the First and Second Ring compete in order to elevate their societal status and the poor compete because
successfully completing some of the trials is the only way to potentially drag yourself up out of poverty.
So enter our FMC, Adrian, who is a strong willed Third Ringer who hates this society, the gods, and everything the trials stand for, but she has entered them in honor of her late best friend and a promise they made. Our MMC, Dante, is quite the opposite. A first ring legacy, Dante is a spoiled rich boy who comes from a notorious house and has never had to work for anything, or so we think.
When both Adrian and Dante enter the trials, they get paired together, which is shocking because the trials supposedly match you with your equal. The pair not only are force to work together, they also now have a forced mental bond, so you can just imagine how that goes.
The trials are brutal and legitimately horrid, and it seems the gods are terrible as well if this is what they are asking of their people. As Adrian and Dante get closer, the stakes of this game get higher and the story really just takes off and is so incredible. I will also say the ending was one of the most insane cliffhangers I have read in a minute and I was literally screaming WHAT!? at my kindle because I could not believe it.
This book is excellent and provides so much relevant and spot on commentary surrounding religious, societal, and governmental issues while also being extremely bingeable and entertaining.
The character development we see in both main characters is excellent and I was immersed the entire time reading their story. ALSO-the romance!!!! The romance was done so well, it is a bit of a slow burn, which I love and the tension is palpable.
November 12, 2025
this was so great. so bingeable. so fun. why are more people not talking about this????
November 9, 2025
“The Gods Don’t Choose Fairly… They Choose Who Survives.”
🩸🔥💀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Top 10 Reads of 2025
So what’s it about?
The Third Ring by A.N. Horton is the first book in the Sanctum series and one of the best surprises I’ve had from an Indie author in a LONG time. The author reached out to me on Bookstagram and offered an ebook to help hype the series before book two releases on December 2—and THIS is why I adore supporting Indies. Sometimes you pick up a book and realize… oh, this is special.
What you’re getting:
✅ Dystopian epic fantasy
✅ Hunger Games–vibes meets ancient mythology
✅ Unique magic system
✅ Class war social structure
✅ Enemies-to-lovers slow burn
✅ Relentless, brutal, addictive trials
The setup:
Sanctum’s world is divided into three rings—and the higher your ring, the higher your wealth, power, and privilege. Most people stay where they’re born… unless they survive the Trials: the gods’ violent, ruthless gauntlet of physical and psychological hell.
When Adrian’s best friend Darius is unexpectedly culled—sent to the gods before they could take their oath together—she chooses rage over grief. She steps into the Trials alone. If she can survive, maybe she can still honor the promise they made.
Enter Dante.
Trial One bonds you to a partner—your match, your ally, your fate. A bond that literally burns into your skin and ties your life to theirs.
Adrian gets stuck with Dante from House Viper.
A First Ringer. Rich, bred for power, gorgeous, infuriating, and the exact kind of person she’s spent her whole life hating.
Now a Third and First Ring pair must survive nine more deadly trials, religious extremists, a patriarch with dark plans, and gods who do NOT want survivors—only entertainment.
The tension?
The stakes?
The world-building??
CHEF KISS, FULL BANQUET. 🍷🔥
What made this a top-tier favorite?
• The writing is sharp and immersive
• The pacing is relentless
• The magic system is SO unique
• The dynamic between Adrian & Dante gives life
• The world is violent, intelligent, and cinematic
• The emotional punches HURT and I loved every second
I was hooked from chapter one and never let go. It’s brutal, clever, romantic, unpredictable—and everything I want in dystopian fantasy.
Final Verdict:
The Third Ring is a knockout start to the series. If you love enemies-to-lovers, deadly competitions, powerful world-building, and survival against gods who are playing by their own rules—read this immediately.
A.N. Horton, I am invested.
Book two on December 2?
Jk I already have the ebook on my kindle, ty babe.. ✅🔥
🩸🔥💀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS
Top 10 Reads of 2025
So what’s it about?
The Third Ring by A.N. Horton is the first book in the Sanctum series and one of the best surprises I’ve had from an Indie author in a LONG time. The author reached out to me on Bookstagram and offered an ebook to help hype the series before book two releases on December 2—and THIS is why I adore supporting Indies. Sometimes you pick up a book and realize… oh, this is special.
What you’re getting:
✅ Dystopian epic fantasy
✅ Hunger Games–vibes meets ancient mythology
✅ Unique magic system
✅ Class war social structure
✅ Enemies-to-lovers slow burn
✅ Relentless, brutal, addictive trials
The setup:
Sanctum’s world is divided into three rings—and the higher your ring, the higher your wealth, power, and privilege. Most people stay where they’re born… unless they survive the Trials: the gods’ violent, ruthless gauntlet of physical and psychological hell.
When Adrian’s best friend Darius is unexpectedly culled—sent to the gods before they could take their oath together—she chooses rage over grief. She steps into the Trials alone. If she can survive, maybe she can still honor the promise they made.
Enter Dante.
Trial One bonds you to a partner—your match, your ally, your fate. A bond that literally burns into your skin and ties your life to theirs.
Adrian gets stuck with Dante from House Viper.
A First Ringer. Rich, bred for power, gorgeous, infuriating, and the exact kind of person she’s spent her whole life hating.
Now a Third and First Ring pair must survive nine more deadly trials, religious extremists, a patriarch with dark plans, and gods who do NOT want survivors—only entertainment.
The tension?
The stakes?
The world-building??
CHEF KISS, FULL BANQUET. 🍷🔥
What made this a top-tier favorite?
• The writing is sharp and immersive
• The pacing is relentless
• The magic system is SO unique
• The dynamic between Adrian & Dante gives life
• The world is violent, intelligent, and cinematic
• The emotional punches HURT and I loved every second
I was hooked from chapter one and never let go. It’s brutal, clever, romantic, unpredictable—and everything I want in dystopian fantasy.
Final Verdict:
The Third Ring is a knockout start to the series. If you love enemies-to-lovers, deadly competitions, powerful world-building, and survival against gods who are playing by their own rules—read this immediately.
A.N. Horton, I am invested.
Book two on December 2?
Jk I already have the ebook on my kindle, ty babe.. ✅🔥
March 29, 2025
First of all, that freaking ending!!!
Set in a urban world with strict class divisions, the deck being the lowest, followed by 3rd, 2nd, and 1st ring being the elite. Forced bonds, mental connections, a messed up hierarchy, and 10 deadly trials that no one has beaten in 1000 years. Not to mention the culling, branding by gods to never be seen again with no rhyme or reason.
This was absolutely phenomenal!! I know we all love our shadow daddies and deadly games and trials, but this was such a breath of fresh air! The way AN Norton added the trials we all love but with such a new twist I’ve never seen done before, adding in the class division, and the most amazing found family element. This book will have you staying up all night to keep reading, trust me when I say this from experience.
This follows Dante from 1st ring and Adrian from 3rd ring, both having grown up very differently and have very different perspectives of the gods they’re supposed to worship. An unlikely bonded pair that now share a mental connection and have to make it through 10 deadly trials together. After each trial they are bestowed a magical gift. Make it through the 10 trials, die trying, or risk the culling. Being forced to work and have a bond with someone leaves feelings mixed and emotions running rampant. The one they trust the most may just be the one who betrays them in the end.
I don’t think any review I leave could honestly do this book justice, go in blind and do yourself a favor and just read this!
Thank you so much to AN Norton for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review
Set in a urban world with strict class divisions, the deck being the lowest, followed by 3rd, 2nd, and 1st ring being the elite. Forced bonds, mental connections, a messed up hierarchy, and 10 deadly trials that no one has beaten in 1000 years. Not to mention the culling, branding by gods to never be seen again with no rhyme or reason.
This was absolutely phenomenal!! I know we all love our shadow daddies and deadly games and trials, but this was such a breath of fresh air! The way AN Norton added the trials we all love but with such a new twist I’ve never seen done before, adding in the class division, and the most amazing found family element. This book will have you staying up all night to keep reading, trust me when I say this from experience.
This follows Dante from 1st ring and Adrian from 3rd ring, both having grown up very differently and have very different perspectives of the gods they’re supposed to worship. An unlikely bonded pair that now share a mental connection and have to make it through 10 deadly trials together. After each trial they are bestowed a magical gift. Make it through the 10 trials, die trying, or risk the culling. Being forced to work and have a bond with someone leaves feelings mixed and emotions running rampant. The one they trust the most may just be the one who betrays them in the end.
I don’t think any review I leave could honestly do this book justice, go in blind and do yourself a favor and just read this!
Thank you so much to AN Norton for allowing me to read this pre-release in exchange for my honest review
April 10, 2025
The Hunger Games but with 10 Trials that haven't been completed in centuries. So much going on, but it all flows and ebbs perfectly.
The "candidates" are forced together to complete their trials. To either be deemed worthy or die trying. A forced proximity, enemies to lovers. The wealthy and the poor. A mental connection that leaves you with very few options on how you handle things and whether or not you can come out of this.
This is an all immersive fantasy that you won't be able to put down. The twists and the outcomes of the trials. What comes to light when each trial is finished. You'll be ready for the next one before you even get to that ending. 🤯
The "candidates" are forced together to complete their trials. To either be deemed worthy or die trying. A forced proximity, enemies to lovers. The wealthy and the poor. A mental connection that leaves you with very few options on how you handle things and whether or not you can come out of this.
This is an all immersive fantasy that you won't be able to put down. The twists and the outcomes of the trials. What comes to light when each trial is finished. You'll be ready for the next one before you even get to that ending. 🤯
November 28, 2025
Oh my god the ending of this has me stunned!! I was not expecting that plot twist!
This book was fantastic — so gripping and so unique! The Third Ring is an urban dystopian fantasy set in a walled city called Sanctuary, a society ruled by faith, fear, and extreme class divisions. Our FMC, Adrian, comes from the impoverished third ring, while our MMC, Dante, belongs to the privileged first ring. They both enter 10 trials that have not been beaten in over a thousand years, and in the first trial they are bonded and forced to compete together for the remaining trials. Brutal and nearly impossible to beat, these trials are the gods’ way of keeping control over a deeply divided society.
The writing in this is fast-paced and immersive, and it had me hooked from the first chapter! The stakes are high, the world-building is so well done, and the concept of the gods along with the trials were so intriguing. Adrian is such a compelling FMC, and the character development we see from her, as well as our MMC Dante, is excellent. The romance slowly builds throughout this story, and the tension is exquisite!! I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two characters and seeing how their connection developed. And I still can’t get over how INSANE that cliffhanger was!!
If you like urban dystopian fantasy with deadly trials, complex characters, reluctant allies to lovers, political unrest, powerful themes, forced bonds, mental connections, betrayal, and crazy plot twists — you need to read this ASAP!
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out and offering to send me the ebook! Book two is releasing on December 2nd and I’m SO glad, because after that criminal cliffhanger I need the next book in my hands immediately!!
This book was fantastic — so gripping and so unique! The Third Ring is an urban dystopian fantasy set in a walled city called Sanctuary, a society ruled by faith, fear, and extreme class divisions. Our FMC, Adrian, comes from the impoverished third ring, while our MMC, Dante, belongs to the privileged first ring. They both enter 10 trials that have not been beaten in over a thousand years, and in the first trial they are bonded and forced to compete together for the remaining trials. Brutal and nearly impossible to beat, these trials are the gods’ way of keeping control over a deeply divided society.
The writing in this is fast-paced and immersive, and it had me hooked from the first chapter! The stakes are high, the world-building is so well done, and the concept of the gods along with the trials were so intriguing. Adrian is such a compelling FMC, and the character development we see from her, as well as our MMC Dante, is excellent. The romance slowly builds throughout this story, and the tension is exquisite!! I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two characters and seeing how their connection developed. And I still can’t get over how INSANE that cliffhanger was!!
If you like urban dystopian fantasy with deadly trials, complex characters, reluctant allies to lovers, political unrest, powerful themes, forced bonds, mental connections, betrayal, and crazy plot twists — you need to read this ASAP!
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out and offering to send me the ebook! Book two is releasing on December 2nd and I’m SO glad, because after that criminal cliffhanger I need the next book in my hands immediately!!
April 11, 2025
I… have no words. This book was a fast paced, non stop dystopian urban fantasy that hooked me from the start. And the ending… I’m just… 🤯🤯🤯 Any theories my mind concocted while reading just flew out the window… at least until we get book 2.
The Third Ring is the perfect blend of The Hunger Games and Divergent, with some Red Queen vibes thrown in. Full of heart stopping trials, snarky banter, feminine rage and some enemies to lovers romance. I literally could not stop reading this once I started.
Adrian is such a strong FMC, she’s full of feminine rage and I loved that she constantly stood up for herself and spoke out against prejudice. Dante is a broody, morally grey MMC, wanting to escape the pressure of growing up as basically royalty. Never having freedom to choose his own path in life. The trials bind them together as partners and they must learn to trust each other to be successful.
I’m just in awe in how gripping this book was. I’m in a glass case of emotion at that ending and I NEED
more!!!!
Just… do yourself a favor and read this one.
Especially if you like:
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🐍 Deadly Trials
🔥 High Stakes
⚔️ Vengeful Gods
🐍 Feminine Rage
🔥 Unique World
⚔️ Dystipian / Urban Fantasy
Thank you to the author, A. N. Horton for the gifted eArc! I’m looking forward to following you for book 2 updates!!!
The Third Ring is the perfect blend of The Hunger Games and Divergent, with some Red Queen vibes thrown in. Full of heart stopping trials, snarky banter, feminine rage and some enemies to lovers romance. I literally could not stop reading this once I started.
Adrian is such a strong FMC, she’s full of feminine rage and I loved that she constantly stood up for herself and spoke out against prejudice. Dante is a broody, morally grey MMC, wanting to escape the pressure of growing up as basically royalty. Never having freedom to choose his own path in life. The trials bind them together as partners and they must learn to trust each other to be successful.
I’m just in awe in how gripping this book was. I’m in a glass case of emotion at that ending and I NEED
more!!!!
Just… do yourself a favor and read this one.
Especially if you like:
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
🐍 Deadly Trials
🔥 High Stakes
⚔️ Vengeful Gods
🐍 Feminine Rage
🔥 Unique World
⚔️ Dystipian / Urban Fantasy
Thank you to the author, A. N. Horton for the gifted eArc! I’m looking forward to following you for book 2 updates!!!
April 6, 2025
✨spoiler-free✨arc review
my rating: ★★★★★
aesthetic: 🏚️🗡️💀💦💰💍🏛️🐍💪🏼⌛️💨
an absolute masterpiece from start to finish — a gripping, high-stakes fantasy that kept me on edge from the very first page. With a sharp and immersive writing style, Horton masterfully builds a world where power is everything and status is determined by the house you were born into and by the completion of simulation-like trials, making every chapter pulse with urgency and tension.
The trials in The Third Ring are nothing short of incredible. Each one is crafted to test not just strength, but resilience, morality, and wit. Just when I thought I had a handle on the stakes, the story threw another plot twist that had me audibly gasping. The tension never lets up, and every trial reveals new layers of both the characters and the world they’re fighting to survive in.
This book delivers everything I look for in a fantasy: a richly imagined world, complex characters, thrilling twists, and the kind of intensity that makes it impossible to put down. If you love stories that blend strategy, survival, and social hierarchy with a good dose of unpredictability, The Third Ring is not to be missed.
A new favourite — easily a perfect 5-star read.
my rating: ★★★★★
aesthetic: 🏚️🗡️💀💦💰💍🏛️🐍💪🏼⌛️💨
an absolute masterpiece from start to finish — a gripping, high-stakes fantasy that kept me on edge from the very first page. With a sharp and immersive writing style, Horton masterfully builds a world where power is everything and status is determined by the house you were born into and by the completion of simulation-like trials, making every chapter pulse with urgency and tension.
The trials in The Third Ring are nothing short of incredible. Each one is crafted to test not just strength, but resilience, morality, and wit. Just when I thought I had a handle on the stakes, the story threw another plot twist that had me audibly gasping. The tension never lets up, and every trial reveals new layers of both the characters and the world they’re fighting to survive in.
This book delivers everything I look for in a fantasy: a richly imagined world, complex characters, thrilling twists, and the kind of intensity that makes it impossible to put down. If you love stories that blend strategy, survival, and social hierarchy with a good dose of unpredictability, The Third Ring is not to be missed.
A new favourite — easily a perfect 5-star read.
April 13, 2025
Arc review:
First of all - THAT ENDING???? WHAAAAT.
This book was so fast paced, so we’re talking deadly trials, banter, enemies to lovers 👀
Urban dystopian fantasy - I wasn’t sure what to expect when going into this, the world building in this was insane. And I was honestly gripped from the very beginning.
Thank you to A.N. Horton for the arc copy!! I can’t wait for the next one because THAT ENDING IM STILL SHOOK
First of all - THAT ENDING???? WHAAAAT.
This book was so fast paced, so we’re talking deadly trials, banter, enemies to lovers 👀
Urban dystopian fantasy - I wasn’t sure what to expect when going into this, the world building in this was insane. And I was honestly gripped from the very beginning.
Thank you to A.N. Horton for the arc copy!! I can’t wait for the next one because THAT ENDING IM STILL SHOOK
April 9, 2025
OMG! What was that ending😭 I need the next book ASAP! I received this ARC and it was amazing! Dystopian & Romantasy are my favorite genres so combined it was perfection! I really enjoyed the trials aspect of this book they weren’t what I expected at all! It was so unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read and this is a true enemies to lovers which I love! I had so much fun reading this book!
December 23, 2025
This story surprised me in a quiet way. It is not the kind of book that rushes to impress. It settles in, lets you feel the weight of what is happening, and asks the reader to pay attention. I found myself thinking about it between reading sessions, which is usually a good sign for me. It leans more into atmosphere and emotion than nonstop action, and that worked well for the kind of story the author is telling.
The characters are where this book really held me. Adrian feels worn down by life in a way that feels honest rather than dramatic. Her choices are not always clean or easy, and I appreciated that. Then you have Dante that adds to that sense of strain and uncertainty, especially those tied closely to the rules and expectations of the world. Relationships feel complicated, sometimes tense, and often shaped by fear or obligation. Their emotional friction gave the story a lot of its pull.
Pacing is a mixed bag but mostly worked for me. The book takes its time, especially in the middle, and there were moments where I felt the story pause longer than necessary. That said, those slower stretches also helped deepen the emotional impact and made the heavier moments land with more weight. It is not a fast read, but it feels intentional rather than dragged out.
The worldbuilding is subtle and layered. Instead of long explanations, the rules of the world come through in customs, consequences, and the quiet pressure placed on the characters. The concept of the rings and what they represent unfolds naturally, and I liked discovering the meaning behind them as the story progressed. It feels like a world that exists beyond the page without overwhelming the reader with details.
Overall, The Third Ring is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded read. It may not be for readers looking for constant action, but if you enjoy character driven fantasy with a reflective tone and a strong sense of atmosphere, this one is worth picking up. I am glad I took the time with it, and I would be interested in reading more from this author.
The characters are where this book really held me. Adrian feels worn down by life in a way that feels honest rather than dramatic. Her choices are not always clean or easy, and I appreciated that. Then you have Dante that adds to that sense of strain and uncertainty, especially those tied closely to the rules and expectations of the world. Relationships feel complicated, sometimes tense, and often shaped by fear or obligation. Their emotional friction gave the story a lot of its pull.
Pacing is a mixed bag but mostly worked for me. The book takes its time, especially in the middle, and there were moments where I felt the story pause longer than necessary. That said, those slower stretches also helped deepen the emotional impact and made the heavier moments land with more weight. It is not a fast read, but it feels intentional rather than dragged out.
The worldbuilding is subtle and layered. Instead of long explanations, the rules of the world come through in customs, consequences, and the quiet pressure placed on the characters. The concept of the rings and what they represent unfolds naturally, and I liked discovering the meaning behind them as the story progressed. It feels like a world that exists beyond the page without overwhelming the reader with details.
Overall, The Third Ring is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded read. It may not be for readers looking for constant action, but if you enjoy character driven fantasy with a reflective tone and a strong sense of atmosphere, this one is worth picking up. I am glad I took the time with it, and I would be interested in reading more from this author.
August 25, 2025
The Third Ring by A.N. Horton is an emotional fantasy book that blends dystopian tension with slow-burn romance and high-stakes survival. Set in the walled city of Sanctuary, the story follows Adrian, a Third Ringer who enters the Trials to honour a promise to her late best friend. These Trials are brutal, nearly impossible to beat, and serve as the gods’ way of maintaining control over a deeply divided society. When Adrian is paired with Dante, a First Ring heir, the two are forced into a mental bond that challenges everything they believe about each other and the world around them.
The class system in Sanctuary is harsh and unforgiving. From the Deck, where people live without water or food, to the First Ring, where legacy families thrive, the contrast is sharp and painful. Adrian and Dante come from opposite ends of this divide, and their bond becomes a lens through which the story explores privilege, faith, and rebellion. The Trials themselves are intense and imaginative, and each one brings new danger, magical gifts, and emotional weight. The romance builds slowly, with tension that feels earned, and the character development is one of the book’s strongest elements.
While I gave this book four stars, I’m already eager for the sequel. The ending left me stunned, and I’m still thinking about the final pages. Horton’s writing is immersive, and the world she’s built is rich with potential. If you enjoy fantasy books with deadly games, reluctant allies, and commentary on power and belief, The Third Ring is worth adding to your list.
Imagine getting a blender and throwing in The Hungere Games, The Fourth Wing, and many other loved YA books. In a good way.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The class system in Sanctuary is harsh and unforgiving. From the Deck, where people live without water or food, to the First Ring, where legacy families thrive, the contrast is sharp and painful. Adrian and Dante come from opposite ends of this divide, and their bond becomes a lens through which the story explores privilege, faith, and rebellion. The Trials themselves are intense and imaginative, and each one brings new danger, magical gifts, and emotional weight. The romance builds slowly, with tension that feels earned, and the character development is one of the book’s strongest elements.
While I gave this book four stars, I’m already eager for the sequel. The ending left me stunned, and I’m still thinking about the final pages. Horton’s writing is immersive, and the world she’s built is rich with potential. If you enjoy fantasy books with deadly games, reluctant allies, and commentary on power and belief, The Third Ring is worth adding to your list.
Imagine getting a blender and throwing in The Hungere Games, The Fourth Wing, and many other loved YA books. In a good way.
Four out of five stars.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2025
4.5 stars
April 16, 2025
3 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Third Ring *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 And ain't it funny. How you said you were friends? Now it sure as hell don't look like it 🎶
In Sanctuary, the gods are feared, obeyed—and never questioned. Adrian (h) never believed in divine justice, but belief doesn’t matter when the gods choose you. Now bound by blood to Dante (H), a privileged heir raised to revere the very powers she rejects, Adrian is forced into the Trials: a deadly crucible of pain, loyalty, and control.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
I flew through this book. The trials were honestly super entertaining—each one felt different enough to keep me interested, even if the pacing made them feel a bit repetitive. Like yeah, it was kind of “train, then pass the trial after a struggle” over and over, but I was into it. Gave me some Hunger Games vibes (in a good way).
Dante and Adrian?? I ate that UPPPP. The whole “why are we
even paired” to “we have no choice but to trust each other” progression really worked. Their banter was great and the mind-reading stuff added some fun tension. I wanted a little more emotional closeness though—more pining, more moments where I actually felt the love. I caught the attraction but not quite the fall yet. Also Dante… stop mentioning Olympia. I’m begging.
The pacing was quick, almost too quick sometimes, but it kept me turning pages. And the plot actually had depth too—seeing her mindset shift, dealing with grief, all that. And THEN the ending?? The cliffhanger was straight up rude. I need the next book immediately.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
If you like fast-paced fantasy with trials, a duo learning to trust each other, and just enough romance to keep things spicy—you’ll probably love this!
･ ｡ﾟ☆:The Third Ring *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 And ain't it funny. How you said you were friends? Now it sure as hell don't look like it 🎶
In Sanctuary, the gods are feared, obeyed—and never questioned. Adrian (h) never believed in divine justice, but belief doesn’t matter when the gods choose you. Now bound by blood to Dante (H), a privileged heir raised to revere the very powers she rejects, Adrian is forced into the Trials: a deadly crucible of pain, loyalty, and control.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
“Doesn’t matter. You know me now. We’ve been linked.”
“Linked? But I—this doesn’t—how do you know?”
I flew through this book. The trials were honestly super entertaining—each one felt different enough to keep me interested, even if the pacing made them feel a bit repetitive. Like yeah, it was kind of “train, then pass the trial after a struggle” over and over, but I was into it. Gave me some Hunger Games vibes (in a good way).
“Whoever he is,” Warren stood and made his way toward the door, “don’t lose him, Adrian. Saints, do everything you can to never lose him.”
Dante and Adrian?? I ate that UPPPP. The whole “why are we
even paired” to “we have no choice but to trust each other” progression really worked. Their banter was great and the mind-reading stuff added some fun tension. I wanted a little more emotional closeness though—more pining, more moments where I actually felt the love. I caught the attraction but not quite the fall yet. Also Dante… stop mentioning Olympia. I’m begging.
“I was supposed to be paired with someone who is my equal. Like Olympia. We’ve trained together since we were toddlers. We were evenly matched in every way, to ensure we would end up as partners. But then I was linked with you, a nobody from the Third Ring. You aren’t the failure here, Adrian, not as far as they’re concerned. You’re just the physical manifestation of mine.”
The pacing was quick, almost too quick sometimes, but it kept me turning pages. And the plot actually had depth too—seeing her mindset shift, dealing with grief, all that. And THEN the ending?? The cliffhanger was straight up rude. I need the next book immediately.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───
If you like fast-paced fantasy with trials, a duo learning to trust each other, and just enough romance to keep things spicy—you’ll probably love this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thank you SO much to A.N. Horton for the eARC! 🫶💖✨
Okay so like I DEVOUREDDD this book. This dark urban fantasy has everything I could possibly want in a fantasy book. If you like these tropes then I’d say this is the book for you:
🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Deadly Trials
🗡️ Morally Gray MMC
🗡️ Vengeful Gods
🗡️ Original Magic System
This plot felt wholly original and I absolutely loved that. The magic system is so unique and gave me Hunger Games / Fourth Wing vibes. The immersive world-building had me completely locked in, and it was fresh, brutal, and so atmospheric.
What really made this book stand out for me were the character arcs. The FMC’s growth was so satisfying to witness — powerful, messy, and so emotionally real. And the MMC? Morally gray perfection. Their banter?? Top tier. It had me grinning, blushing, and SCREAMING all at once.
Even the side characters were given so much depth and purpose — they weren’t just there for filler; they had real stakes, real voices, and helped raise the tension in such smart ways.
The drama? The danger? The tension? Consider me feral. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m in a full-blown hangover spiral. AND THE CLIFF HANGER???
Here’s my favorite quote and after reading this, I feel like it will be yours too:
“I meant what I said. I’m here for you. I never meant to claim your future. If I could, I would give you a choice in this. But we’re standing on the precipice of the unknown and all I can promise you is my heart. It’s yours, Adrian Bexley. It has been for some time. I’m sorry our world is like this, that it pushes us to make decisions we wouldn’t otherwise make, to participate in things we wouldn’t choose for ourselves. If nothing else, I’m grateful that it pushed me to you. So I will love you. With all of my heart. If not in this world, then in the next.”
Like?! I die 😭🫶💖✨
🌶️🌶️
Thank you SO much to A.N. Horton for the eARC! 🫶💖✨
Okay so like I DEVOUREDDD this book. This dark urban fantasy has everything I could possibly want in a fantasy book. If you like these tropes then I’d say this is the book for you:
🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Deadly Trials
🗡️ Morally Gray MMC
🗡️ Vengeful Gods
🗡️ Original Magic System
This plot felt wholly original and I absolutely loved that. The magic system is so unique and gave me Hunger Games / Fourth Wing vibes. The immersive world-building had me completely locked in, and it was fresh, brutal, and so atmospheric.
What really made this book stand out for me were the character arcs. The FMC’s growth was so satisfying to witness — powerful, messy, and so emotionally real. And the MMC? Morally gray perfection. Their banter?? Top tier. It had me grinning, blushing, and SCREAMING all at once.
Even the side characters were given so much depth and purpose — they weren’t just there for filler; they had real stakes, real voices, and helped raise the tension in such smart ways.
The drama? The danger? The tension? Consider me feral. I couldn’t put it down and now I’m in a full-blown hangover spiral. AND THE CLIFF HANGER???
Here’s my favorite quote and after reading this, I feel like it will be yours too:
“I meant what I said. I’m here for you. I never meant to claim your future. If I could, I would give you a choice in this. But we’re standing on the precipice of the unknown and all I can promise you is my heart. It’s yours, Adrian Bexley. It has been for some time. I’m sorry our world is like this, that it pushes us to make decisions we wouldn’t otherwise make, to participate in things we wouldn’t choose for ourselves. If nothing else, I’m grateful that it pushed me to you. So I will love you. With all of my heart. If not in this world, then in the next.”
Like?! I die 😭🫶💖✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2025
✨𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆✨
Ten Trials. Two Oaths. One Chance.
ᴛᴏ ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅꜱ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴡᴏʀꜱʜɪᴘᴘᴇᴅ, ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴛᴏʟᴇʀᴀᴛᴇᴅ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ᴄɪᴛʏ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴀɴᴄᴛᴜᴀʀʏ, ᴡʜᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜꜱ ꜰᴇʀᴠᴏʀ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇʟɪᴛᴇ ᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ Qᴜᴀᴋɪɴɢ ꜰᴇᴀʀ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴏʀ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴇɪꜱᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ꜱᴇʀᴠᴇᴅ. ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴡ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ'ꜱ ᴛᴜʀɴ.
ʙᴏʀɴ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛɴᴇꜱꜱ, ᴅᴀɴᴛᴇ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ʜᴀꜱ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇꜱᴘɪꜱᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇ ᴍᴀʏ ʙᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴏɴʟʏ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ.
ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀʀᴇ ʙᴏɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛᴇ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀɪᴀʟꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅ'ꜱ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ɢᴀᴜɴᴛʟᴇᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ ʙʀᴜᴛᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘꜱʏᴄʜᴏʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴛᴏʀᴛᴜʀᴇ, ᴛʜᴇʏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ɴᴏ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴛ ᴀꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴏʟᴅ ᴘʀᴇᴊᴜᴅɪᴄᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ. ɴᴀᴠɪɢᴀᴛɪɴɢ ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴢᴇᴀʟᴏᴛꜱ, ᴀ ᴘᴀᴛʀɪᴀʀᴄʜ ɪɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴏɴ ʙʀᴇᴇᴅɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɪʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴀꜱɪɴɢʟʏ ᴏʙᴠɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴄʀᴜᴇʟᴛʏ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅꜱ, ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴇʀᴍꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ, ᴡʜᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ᴄᴜʟʟᴇᴅ ᴏʀ ᴄʜᴀᴍᴘɪᴏɴᴇᴅ, ᴡᴇ ᴀʟʟ ꜱᴇʀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ. ᴀɴᴅ, ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ, ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ ʜᴀꜱ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴡᴀɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʀɴᴇʀ.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘙𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘕. 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘯, 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘯’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨… 𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘈.𝘕. 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵,
𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Ten Trials. Two Oaths. One Chance.
ᴛᴏ ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅꜱ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴡᴏʀꜱʜɪᴘᴘᴇᴅ, ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴛᴏʟᴇʀᴀᴛᴇᴅ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴀʟʟᴇᴅ ᴄɪᴛʏ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴀɴᴄᴛᴜᴀʀʏ, ᴡʜᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜꜱ ꜰᴇʀᴠᴏʀ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇʟɪᴛᴇ ᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ Qᴜᴀᴋɪɴɢ ꜰᴇᴀʀ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴏʀ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴇɪꜱᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ꜱᴇʀᴠᴇᴅ. ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴏᴡ ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ'ꜱ ᴛᴜʀɴ.
ʙᴏʀɴ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴀɪꜱᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛɴᴇꜱꜱ, ᴅᴀɴᴛᴇ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ʜᴀꜱ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇꜱᴘɪꜱᴇ, ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇ ᴍᴀʏ ʙᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴏɴʟʏ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ.
ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴡᴏ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀʀᴇ ʙᴏɴᴅᴇᴅ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴇᴛᴇ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀɪᴀʟꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅ'ꜱ ᴀɴᴄɪᴇɴᴛ ɢᴀᴜɴᴛʟᴇᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴘʜʏꜱɪᴄᴀʟ ʙʀᴜᴛᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘꜱʏᴄʜᴏʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ ᴛᴏʀᴛᴜʀᴇ, ᴛʜᴇʏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ɴᴏ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴛ ᴀꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴏʟᴅ ᴘʀᴇᴊᴜᴅɪᴄᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ. ɴᴀᴠɪɢᴀᴛɪɴɢ ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴢᴇᴀʟᴏᴛꜱ, ᴀ ᴘᴀᴛʀɪᴀʀᴄʜ ɪɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴏɴ ʙʀᴇᴇᴅɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɪʀ ꜰᴏʀ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴄʀᴇᴀꜱɪɴɢʟʏ ᴏʙᴠɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴄʀᴜᴇʟᴛʏ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅꜱ, ᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴇʀᴍꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰᴀᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ, ᴡʜᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ᴄᴜʟʟᴇᴅ ᴏʀ ᴄʜᴀᴍᴘɪᴏɴᴇᴅ, ᴡᴇ ᴀʟʟ ꜱᴇʀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴅꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ. ᴀɴᴅ, ꜰᴏʀ ʜᴇʀ, ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ ʜᴀꜱ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ᴡᴀɪᴛɪɴɢ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʀɴᴇʀ.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘥 𝘙𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘮 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘈.𝘕. 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘯, 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘯’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨… 𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘈.𝘕. 𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵,
𝘙𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
April 15, 2025
Calling all fans of deadly trials, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and reluctant heroes!
This book is an absolute must-read! 😆
The epic world-building is instantly immersive, setting the stage for a thrilling series of deadly trials where the final challenge is a tantalizing mystery.
Each trial ratcheted up the tension, making for a truly gripping experience 🙌
The tension between the main characters is a highlight – both delightful and intensely spicy ❤️🔥❤️🔥.
However, the last chapter left me with a delicious sense of unease and a strong suspicion of what awaits this couple.
Fair warning though: the ending? Prepare for a massive cliffhanger!
I'm left with so many unanswered questions and a desperate craving for the sequel – I need to know what happens next!
Overall, this is a fantastic and incredibly promising start to what I'm sure will be an amazing series. The next book is officially on my radar! 🤩
I received an advanced review copy from the author, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
This book is an absolute must-read! 😆
The epic world-building is instantly immersive, setting the stage for a thrilling series of deadly trials where the final challenge is a tantalizing mystery.
Each trial ratcheted up the tension, making for a truly gripping experience 🙌
The tension between the main characters is a highlight – both delightful and intensely spicy ❤️🔥❤️🔥.
However, the last chapter left me with a delicious sense of unease and a strong suspicion of what awaits this couple.
Fair warning though: the ending? Prepare for a massive cliffhanger!
I'm left with so many unanswered questions and a desperate craving for the sequel – I need to know what happens next!
Overall, this is a fantastic and incredibly promising start to what I'm sure will be an amazing series. The next book is officially on my radar! 🤩
I received an advanced review copy from the author, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily!
December 1, 2025
this was such an unexpected surprise, and i loved it
I found the so plot refreshing and I found the trials ACTUALLY unique! I genuinely have not read a single trial that was identical to any of the trials that took place here— and I read a lot of books with games and trials
I just feel like this whole idea was so interesting and I loved reading about this world and getting to know our characters! I also love the slowburn romance that took place here! The romance did feel like it was sub plot, compared to the main story going on here, but I actually really enjoyed it! I feel like her and Dante’s relationship didn’t have too much tension in yearning written in the pages (as a reader, I didn’t feel that connection between them), but genuinely did not mind here because the actual plot was that good!
Absolutely cannot wait for this second book!
I found the so plot refreshing and I found the trials ACTUALLY unique! I genuinely have not read a single trial that was identical to any of the trials that took place here— and I read a lot of books with games and trials
I just feel like this whole idea was so interesting and I loved reading about this world and getting to know our characters! I also love the slowburn romance that took place here! The romance did feel like it was sub plot, compared to the main story going on here, but I actually really enjoyed it! I feel like her and Dante’s relationship didn’t have too much tension in yearning written in the pages (as a reader, I didn’t feel that connection between them), but genuinely did not mind here because the actual plot was that good!
Absolutely cannot wait for this second book!
March 8, 2025
4.5⭐️, 0.5 🌶️
WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING A.N. HORTON 🤯😳
Arc review - SOOO thankful to have received this arc.
I went into The Third Ring without any prep and was absolutely gripped just two chapters in! I really enjoyed the writing style and character development. This story was incredibly immersive and I found myself needing to know what happened next.
✨Trials
✨Forced bonds
✨Mental connection/bond
✨Political unrest
✨Shocking ending
WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING A.N. HORTON 🤯😳
Arc review - SOOO thankful to have received this arc.
I went into The Third Ring without any prep and was absolutely gripped just two chapters in! I really enjoyed the writing style and character development. This story was incredibly immersive and I found myself needing to know what happened next.
✨Trials
✨Forced bonds
✨Mental connection/bond
✨Political unrest
✨Shocking ending
April 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Arc Reader!
Wow, this is my first A. N. Horton book and I am thoroughly impressed! This is hands down one of the most unique books I’ve read in awhile. Think divergent but add in unique trials created to impress the “gods”.
The cliff hanger at the end of this book has my head currently spinning and I need to know what happens in book 2!
Highly recommend this book if you love action with good plot and a sub plot of romance with a slow burn!
Wow, this is my first A. N. Horton book and I am thoroughly impressed! This is hands down one of the most unique books I’ve read in awhile. Think divergent but add in unique trials created to impress the “gods”.
The cliff hanger at the end of this book has my head currently spinning and I need to know what happens in book 2!
Highly recommend this book if you love action with good plot and a sub plot of romance with a slow burn!
April 14, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
The best book I’ve read this year!!!
Wow. From the very beginning I was hooked and I didn’t want it to end! If you love deathly trials, forced proximity, unfair class systems, vicious rulers and enemies to lovers then you will love this!!
It really had everything I need in a book, a badass FMC, deliciously handsome MMC, action, betrayal, loss and the list goes on!!!
THAT ENDING 😱
I immediately need the second in the series 🤝🏻
The best book I’ve read this year!!!
Wow. From the very beginning I was hooked and I didn’t want it to end! If you love deathly trials, forced proximity, unfair class systems, vicious rulers and enemies to lovers then you will love this!!
It really had everything I need in a book, a badass FMC, deliciously handsome MMC, action, betrayal, loss and the list goes on!!!
THAT ENDING 😱
I immediately need the second in the series 🤝🏻
May 29, 2025
This book is like The Maze Runner meets Divergent with a dash of The Hunger Games—but with its own fierce twist. Horton weaves heart-pounding trials, sharp class divides, and a compelling found family into a story that had me hooked from page one.
Adrian and Dante’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic is electric, and the snarky banter, feminine rage, and high-stakes danger kept me turning the pages all night. The Trials are brutal, brilliant, and unlike anything I’ve read before.
The Third Ring is immersive, intense, and impossible to put down. It’s one of those books you start and can’t stop thinking about. If you’re a fan of high-stakes dystopian with fierce heroines, this one’s for you.
Adrian and Dante’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic is electric, and the snarky banter, feminine rage, and high-stakes danger kept me turning the pages all night. The Trials are brutal, brilliant, and unlike anything I’ve read before.
The Third Ring is immersive, intense, and impossible to put down. It’s one of those books you start and can’t stop thinking about. If you’re a fan of high-stakes dystopian with fierce heroines, this one’s for you.
November 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Loved the concept, but the story didn’t quite deliver. Still, that ending nearly saved everything, and I can’t wait to read the next book!
February 17, 2025
4.5/5 WTFFFFFF I AM SO UNWELL
March 16, 2025
review coming tomorrow, i need some time
well…HERE IT IS
the third ring: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (infinite stars honestly)
🐍invisible string theory
🐍bloody trials
🐍unfair class system
🐍reluctant teammates to lovers (😏)
first of all, thank you sooo much to @authoranhorton for the opportunity to read this arc! i was blown away by this world and these characters and this felt like a classic dystopian fantasy world that i LOVED.
10 trials. 2 oaths. 1 team. no one ever makes it out alive. Adrian has lived in Sanctuary her whole life, but on the third ring, when her best friend is culled, she is determined to keep her promise to him. Dante has lived on the first ring his whole life, with a celeb for a mother he has expectations he has to meet. When they enter the trials and become paired up, it seems the system is against them, will they make it through all 10 trials or die trying?
I absolutely loved this book, one of the best books I have read this year. If you like suzanne collins you will love this. it feels criminal that i have to wait for the next one to come out, but that just means i’ll have to read her back stock now 🤭 i loved Adrian’s fierceness and refusal to back down and Dante’s defying his family, THIS WAS SO GOOD! ALSO THE ENDING, SO CRIMINAL I WAS SO UPSET. this book left me gasping for air and sobbing, GOOD LUCK SOILDERS, please preorder and read this!!!
Out on eBook and Paperback at all major retailers on April 15th!!
ARC review
📱 eBook
🔖indie author
well…HERE IT IS
the third ring: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (infinite stars honestly)
🐍invisible string theory
🐍bloody trials
🐍unfair class system
🐍reluctant teammates to lovers (😏)
first of all, thank you sooo much to @authoranhorton for the opportunity to read this arc! i was blown away by this world and these characters and this felt like a classic dystopian fantasy world that i LOVED.
10 trials. 2 oaths. 1 team. no one ever makes it out alive. Adrian has lived in Sanctuary her whole life, but on the third ring, when her best friend is culled, she is determined to keep her promise to him. Dante has lived on the first ring his whole life, with a celeb for a mother he has expectations he has to meet. When they enter the trials and become paired up, it seems the system is against them, will they make it through all 10 trials or die trying?
I absolutely loved this book, one of the best books I have read this year. If you like suzanne collins you will love this. it feels criminal that i have to wait for the next one to come out, but that just means i’ll have to read her back stock now 🤭 i loved Adrian’s fierceness and refusal to back down and Dante’s defying his family, THIS WAS SO GOOD! ALSO THE ENDING, SO CRIMINAL I WAS SO UPSET. this book left me gasping for air and sobbing, GOOD LUCK SOILDERS, please preorder and read this!!!
Out on eBook and Paperback at all major retailers on April 15th!!
ARC review
📱 eBook
🔖indie author
February 14, 2025
Title: The Third Ring
Author: A.N. Horton
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summary
The Third Ring drops you into a world ruled by strict class divisions, dangerous trials, and demanding gods. In the walled city of the Sanctuary, three rising rings of privilege set the stage for high stakes and deadly ambition as Adrian Bexley, a low class Third Ring woman, fights to complete each new intense Trial to better the life for herself and her family. With strong world building, intense character dynamics, and a sense that not everything is as it seems, this book delivers an addictive mix of action and emotional depth.
What I Loved
-Complex World Building: An immersive world is built for the reader through the Sanctuary’s social hierarchy, religious structures, and brutal Trials.
-High Stakes Trials: The Trials are a mix of both physical and mental challenges where one wrong move can end in death. On top of all of that, they require Adrian to rely on a partner she is not sure she can trust. With each new unexpected twist and turn, your left turning pages to discover what will happen next.
-Character Relationships and Growth: Adrian is strong willed and stands up for her beliefs, but ultimately every decision she makes is driven by her relationships, whether it be with her best friend, Trial partner, or family. Although her station in the Sanctuary has left her ignorant of how her world actually works, as she learns more from the privileged higher rings during her training, she begins questioning what she has been told her entire life.
-Intriguing Themes: Thought provoking ideas appear throughout the story. The book will leave you questioning faith, power, and what it means to be worthy long after you’ve finished the book.
Notes
Some of the world-building elements, like the significance of the trials and the role of the gods, are somewhat complicated at first, but as the story unfolds, they become clearer and more interesting.
This story is a classic enemies to lovers romance. We get all the slow burn tension, but I did find myself wanting a little more detail about how they ultimately find their way together that could have made me even more invested in the relationship.
Some moments feel like they wrap up too quickly. More buildup could have made certain scenes even more impactful.
Final Verdict
If you love books that blend high stakes trials, mythology, and character-driven storytelling, The Third Ring is for you. It delivers on tension, intrigue, and the excellent pace pulled me out of a reading slump and kept me up reading late every night. With that unhinged ending, I know even bigger things are coming in book 2 and I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author: A.N. Horton
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summary
The Third Ring drops you into a world ruled by strict class divisions, dangerous trials, and demanding gods. In the walled city of the Sanctuary, three rising rings of privilege set the stage for high stakes and deadly ambition as Adrian Bexley, a low class Third Ring woman, fights to complete each new intense Trial to better the life for herself and her family. With strong world building, intense character dynamics, and a sense that not everything is as it seems, this book delivers an addictive mix of action and emotional depth.
What I Loved
-Complex World Building: An immersive world is built for the reader through the Sanctuary’s social hierarchy, religious structures, and brutal Trials.
-High Stakes Trials: The Trials are a mix of both physical and mental challenges where one wrong move can end in death. On top of all of that, they require Adrian to rely on a partner she is not sure she can trust. With each new unexpected twist and turn, your left turning pages to discover what will happen next.
-Character Relationships and Growth: Adrian is strong willed and stands up for her beliefs, but ultimately every decision she makes is driven by her relationships, whether it be with her best friend, Trial partner, or family. Although her station in the Sanctuary has left her ignorant of how her world actually works, as she learns more from the privileged higher rings during her training, she begins questioning what she has been told her entire life.
-Intriguing Themes: Thought provoking ideas appear throughout the story. The book will leave you questioning faith, power, and what it means to be worthy long after you’ve finished the book.
Notes
Some of the world-building elements, like the significance of the trials and the role of the gods, are somewhat complicated at first, but as the story unfolds, they become clearer and more interesting.
This story is a classic enemies to lovers romance. We get all the slow burn tension, but I did find myself wanting a little more detail about how they ultimately find their way together that could have made me even more invested in the relationship.
Some moments feel like they wrap up too quickly. More buildup could have made certain scenes even more impactful.
Final Verdict
If you love books that blend high stakes trials, mythology, and character-driven storytelling, The Third Ring is for you. It delivers on tension, intrigue, and the excellent pace pulled me out of a reading slump and kept me up reading late every night. With that unhinged ending, I know even bigger things are coming in book 2 and I can’t wait to see where this story goes next!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2025
ARC Review - The Third Ring
This book had me hooked! I am a big fan of trials and this book has 10 deadly trials. These trials have never fully been completed in over 1 thousand years. Once you enter the trials you get a partner and you are bonded for life. I really liked our FMC Adrien. She is fierce in the trials and will do anything for her loved ones. Adrien comes from nothing while her bonded partner Dante has everything. Their partnership was really interesting to see as they go on with the trials. As they go on with different trials the difficulty gets harder. Besides our main characters we had some interesting side characters that I really enjoyed getting to know.
This book did give me a bit of The Hunger Games vibes. I am definitely shocked with the ending and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
The Third Ring comes out April 15
This book had me hooked! I am a big fan of trials and this book has 10 deadly trials. These trials have never fully been completed in over 1 thousand years. Once you enter the trials you get a partner and you are bonded for life. I really liked our FMC Adrien. She is fierce in the trials and will do anything for her loved ones. Adrien comes from nothing while her bonded partner Dante has everything. Their partnership was really interesting to see as they go on with the trials. As they go on with different trials the difficulty gets harder. Besides our main characters we had some interesting side characters that I really enjoyed getting to know.
This book did give me a bit of The Hunger Games vibes. I am definitely shocked with the ending and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
The Third Ring comes out April 15
Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews