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Trials of the Damned
In the war-ravaged realm of Terretris, Kallea, an Earth Fae with nothing left to lose, enters the deadly Kalmaji trials. Seven brutal tests, each born from a deadly sin, are designed to break her body and soul.
Desperate to save her dying father, she fights for a wish from the Divinities, but temptation and betrayal lurk in every shadow. Friends may be foes, alliances crumble to ash, and trust becomes a deadly gamble.
The trials are more than blood and battle. They will uncover long-buried secrets about Terretris, including erased histories and truths no one was meant to uncover. In a game ruled by gods and monsters, nothing is certain and no one emerges unscarred.
Desperate to save her dying father, she fights for a wish from the Divinities, but temptation and betrayal lurk in every shadow. Friends may be foes, alliances crumble to ash, and trust becomes a deadly gamble.
The trials are more than blood and battle. They will uncover long-buried secrets about Terretris, including erased histories and truths no one was meant to uncover. In a game ruled by gods and monsters, nothing is certain and no one emerges unscarred.
386 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2025
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 29, 2025
I don’t usually read dark fantasy, but I decided to branch out and try something new and I’m so glad I did. This book pulled me in from the very first chapter and didn’t let go. The pacing was spot-on. It was fast enough to keep me hooked and turning pages, but never so rushed that it sacrificed depth or detail.
The author’s descriptive style was a highlight. Every scene trial felt vivid and I found myself easily picturing the characters, their emotions, and the world around them.
For anyone curious about dark fantasy or even long-time readers I’d highly recommend picking this one up. It’s gripping, immersive and beautifully written. I’m already looking forward to diving into the second book in the trilogy.
The author’s descriptive style was a highlight. Every scene trial felt vivid and I found myself easily picturing the characters, their emotions, and the world around them.
For anyone curious about dark fantasy or even long-time readers I’d highly recommend picking this one up. It’s gripping, immersive and beautifully written. I’m already looking forward to diving into the second book in the trilogy.
December 4, 2025
A dark, fantasy slow burn with deadly trials... Welcome to Terretris
Trials of the Damned by Renee Ashley is book one in the Crimson Crown series, and it is a breath of fresh air. Kallea, our FMC, who is fierce, stubborn, and unapologetically herself, enters the Kalmaji Trials which is a series of deadly trials based on the seven deadly sins, all in return for a wish to save her father from a deadly illness.
Kallea herself (from her unique name, which I absolutely adore), to her personality, her motives, and thoughts, is an fmc that I utterly adore. I loved watching her navigate the trials, how clever and resourceful she is, and how much emotion and courage she puts into every decision!!!
Come on, her motto is: "strike first, ask questions later"... how could I not love her?
The Kalmaji trials were... intense. Renee's writing was utterly captivating. Her use of imagery and her writing style transported me right into those scenes. I literally messaged Renee after being creeped out by one of the scenes... yes, it was that good!! (And by good, I mean, I was so terrified but equally impressed by her writing). The worldbuilding in TOTD, too, was just as original and fresh!
And the characters we meet along the way… perfection. Emi and Tarek were so well written!!! Emi's story crushed me!!!
Tarek… oh yes, let’s speak about Tarek. Tarek stole my heart!! He was strong, protective, and loyal to a fault. Watching his grumpy and hard exterior completely melt for Kallea was everything I was hoping to see and so much more. Their banter, their teasing, their friendship, and their love was so well written. I was truly satisfied and engrossed because it didn't feel forced or rushed, which is something I see quite often and struggle with whilst reading.
And then there’s Callan.
Callan, Callan, Callan. True story is that I was rooting for him and Kallea to be endgame in the beginning... Lolll!!! But then I realized he’s meant to be this steady, caring, almost brotherly presence, and well, I loved him so much. Every time he appeared, I got so happy. He trained her, supported her, and every scene with him felt like a warm hug. I even told Renee that I'd be beyond happy if Kallea ends up with Tarek just so I can have Callan. I can't wait for Callan and Tarek to meet!!
And Wren, Kallea's little sister was adorable and the cherry on top!!
Honestly, you can feel the author’s love for all of these characters. Her writing makes them feel like real people. Like friends of mine rather than just words on a page. I genuinely believe that this is exactly why TOTD was a 5 star read. Renee putting in this much thought, effort, and love into the book is what captured the essence of this story fully. Nothing fell short.
The writing is phenomenal. The imagery, the tension, the intensity of every trial, and the plot twists? Out. Of. This. World.
One of them, I did see coming, which made me feel clever… only for a completely new twist to hit me and stop my heart. I loved how smart the author was to give me a sense of false confidence and then completely shock me!!
The romance… oh my gosh...the romance. A slow burn. My guilty pleasure. So romantic. So satisfying. The book is closed-door, so the spicy scenes are fade to black, which is exactly what I wanted because it made their connection feel so much stronger. Every glance and every interaction felt so real.
Finally, the cliffhanger at the end left me reeling. I can't believe I don’t have the second book in my hands right now. I hope the author knows that I would literally enter the Kalmaji myself, just to be able to have book 2 in my hands (waiting for book 2, Renee... not so patiently... loll!!). No I'm joking. Good books take time and I trust her writing.
5 stars for me, everyone!! Be prepared to see me devour book 2 once it's released!!
Please, please, please give Trials of The Damned a read!
Trials of the Damned by Renee Ashley is book one in the Crimson Crown series, and it is a breath of fresh air. Kallea, our FMC, who is fierce, stubborn, and unapologetically herself, enters the Kalmaji Trials which is a series of deadly trials based on the seven deadly sins, all in return for a wish to save her father from a deadly illness.
Kallea herself (from her unique name, which I absolutely adore), to her personality, her motives, and thoughts, is an fmc that I utterly adore. I loved watching her navigate the trials, how clever and resourceful she is, and how much emotion and courage she puts into every decision!!!
Come on, her motto is: "strike first, ask questions later"... how could I not love her?
The Kalmaji trials were... intense. Renee's writing was utterly captivating. Her use of imagery and her writing style transported me right into those scenes. I literally messaged Renee after being creeped out by one of the scenes... yes, it was that good!! (And by good, I mean, I was so terrified but equally impressed by her writing). The worldbuilding in TOTD, too, was just as original and fresh!
And the characters we meet along the way… perfection. Emi and Tarek were so well written!!! Emi's story crushed me!!!
Tarek… oh yes, let’s speak about Tarek. Tarek stole my heart!! He was strong, protective, and loyal to a fault. Watching his grumpy and hard exterior completely melt for Kallea was everything I was hoping to see and so much more. Their banter, their teasing, their friendship, and their love was so well written. I was truly satisfied and engrossed because it didn't feel forced or rushed, which is something I see quite often and struggle with whilst reading.
And then there’s Callan.
Callan, Callan, Callan. True story is that I was rooting for him and Kallea to be endgame in the beginning... Lolll!!! But then I realized he’s meant to be this steady, caring, almost brotherly presence, and well, I loved him so much. Every time he appeared, I got so happy. He trained her, supported her, and every scene with him felt like a warm hug. I even told Renee that I'd be beyond happy if Kallea ends up with Tarek just so I can have Callan. I can't wait for Callan and Tarek to meet!!
And Wren, Kallea's little sister was adorable and the cherry on top!!
Honestly, you can feel the author’s love for all of these characters. Her writing makes them feel like real people. Like friends of mine rather than just words on a page. I genuinely believe that this is exactly why TOTD was a 5 star read. Renee putting in this much thought, effort, and love into the book is what captured the essence of this story fully. Nothing fell short.
The writing is phenomenal. The imagery, the tension, the intensity of every trial, and the plot twists? Out. Of. This. World.
One of them, I did see coming, which made me feel clever… only for a completely new twist to hit me and stop my heart. I loved how smart the author was to give me a sense of false confidence and then completely shock me!!
The romance… oh my gosh...the romance. A slow burn. My guilty pleasure. So romantic. So satisfying. The book is closed-door, so the spicy scenes are fade to black, which is exactly what I wanted because it made their connection feel so much stronger. Every glance and every interaction felt so real.
Finally, the cliffhanger at the end left me reeling. I can't believe I don’t have the second book in my hands right now. I hope the author knows that I would literally enter the Kalmaji myself, just to be able to have book 2 in my hands (waiting for book 2, Renee... not so patiently... loll!!). No I'm joking. Good books take time and I trust her writing.
5 stars for me, everyone!! Be prepared to see me devour book 2 once it's released!!
Please, please, please give Trials of The Damned a read!
November 6, 2025
Enticing, suspenseful and absolutely heart shattering? Yes yes YES! Trials of the Damned ticked every single box for what I love. Games and trials, unique magic(k) system, yearning and straight up violence? ✔️✔️✔️✔️
Kallea is the ultimate FMC, doing all she can and more for her father’s health whilst putting herself directly in the line of fire. Every single side character had a purpose, that ultimately builds to a bomb that’s dropped in the final pages. Don’t be mistaken, this is not a cushy lil fantasy tale, the stakes are high and very very real. The lengths all involved will go to for their own survival is wild. So many relationships are explored, parental figures, siblings, friendship and romantic. I gasped, cried and read pages with my jaw on the floor. Elemental magic is one of my favourite kinds but is explored so uniquely in Trials of the Damned that it was like experiencing it for the first time. Did I mention this is Renee Ashleigh’s FIRST book?! I cannot wait to see where this series goes, book 2 please? 🫶🏻
Kallea is the ultimate FMC, doing all she can and more for her father’s health whilst putting herself directly in the line of fire. Every single side character had a purpose, that ultimately builds to a bomb that’s dropped in the final pages. Don’t be mistaken, this is not a cushy lil fantasy tale, the stakes are high and very very real. The lengths all involved will go to for their own survival is wild. So many relationships are explored, parental figures, siblings, friendship and romantic. I gasped, cried and read pages with my jaw on the floor. Elemental magic is one of my favourite kinds but is explored so uniquely in Trials of the Damned that it was like experiencing it for the first time. Did I mention this is Renee Ashleigh’s FIRST book?! I cannot wait to see where this series goes, book 2 please? 🫶🏻
November 11, 2025
5⭐️!
Tropes:
👑dark fantasy with romance
⚔️trials
👑 unique magic system
⚔️morally grey characters
👑elemental magic
Loved this! The pacing was fantastic, and the worldbuilding and descriptions were so vivid without ever feeling heavy. I really enjoyed seeing the range of emotions the FMC went through — she felt layered and real. The supporting characters were all distinct and interesting, and the plot twists were so well done. For a debut, this was genuinely impressive. I can’t wait to see where book two takes the story! 👑⚔️
A big thank you to Renee for sending me a copy!!
Tropes:
👑dark fantasy with romance
⚔️trials
👑 unique magic system
⚔️morally grey characters
👑elemental magic
Loved this! The pacing was fantastic, and the worldbuilding and descriptions were so vivid without ever feeling heavy. I really enjoyed seeing the range of emotions the FMC went through — she felt layered and real. The supporting characters were all distinct and interesting, and the plot twists were so well done. For a debut, this was genuinely impressive. I can’t wait to see where book two takes the story! 👑⚔️
A big thank you to Renee for sending me a copy!!
October 27, 2025
Trails of the Damned completely hooked me from the first page. Renée Ashleigh knows exactly how to build tension and keep you guessing the whole way through. The characters felt real, flawed, complicated, and impossible not to care about.
I loved how the story balances dark, gritty moments with real emotion. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, something unexpected would happen and pull me right back in. The writing is sharp and cinematic, and the pacing is perfect. There is never a dull moment.
It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you finish. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Renée Ashleigh. Highly recommend this one if you love suspense, emotion, and a story that makes you feel everything.
I loved how the story balances dark, gritty moments with real emotion. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, something unexpected would happen and pull me right back in. The writing is sharp and cinematic, and the pacing is perfect. There is never a dull moment.
It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you finish. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Renée Ashleigh. Highly recommend this one if you love suspense, emotion, and a story that makes you feel everything.
November 20, 2025
Trials of the Damned shattered me in the best way. Kallea’s fight through the Kalmaji trials isn’t just brutal—it’s heartbreak wrapped in hope. Every test digs deeper into her soul, exposing her fears, her strength, and the pieces of her she didn’t know she still had left.
The world is dark, tempting, and full of lies, and I felt every ounce of her desperation as she clung to the one thing she couldn’t lose. The twists hit like a gut punch, the tension is constant, and the emotional weight of her choices…ugh!
Beautiful, brutal, and unforgettable. This story hurts, and I loved every second of it. I need book two ASAP!
The world is dark, tempting, and full of lies, and I felt every ounce of her desperation as she clung to the one thing she couldn’t lose. The twists hit like a gut punch, the tension is constant, and the emotional weight of her choices…ugh!
Beautiful, brutal, and unforgettable. This story hurts, and I loved every second of it. I need book two ASAP!
September 1, 2025
Renee Ashleigh’s book was extremely captivating. I found myself continuously picking up the book throughout the day as soon as I got the opportunity. Every character, plot, and trial had me on the edge of my seat and I went through 101 different emotions while reading this book. This is so much more than a book to me; I fell in love with the characters and the way they came to life in my head. I cannot wait for what book two has in store! I am a big fan and love her style of writing. Thank you for this magickal book❤️
December 16, 2025
This book exceeded my expectations. I was absolutely amazed with the writing quality! I was consistently kept on my toes, guessing what would happen next. I loved this book with all of my heart, and I am so excited for the second book in the series. Thank you for blessing my life with such a creative book Renee Ashleigh! The characters in the book were well described, and I felt like I could imagine every aspect of the book!
September 3, 2025
I’m the author of Trials of the Damned! Writing this dark fantasy has been a twelve-year journey, and it still feels surreal to finally share the world, characters, and deadly trials that have been living in my head all this time. I hope readers enjoy stepping into this realm as much as I enjoyed creating it.
January 2, 2026
Great concept overall. The trials and backstories were well thought out, and the slow burn romance was well delivered.
The FMC wasn’t quite as fierce as I expected based on other reviews - if it wasn't for her being saved at every turn, she would've been dead by the third chapter. That said, I enjoyed her character progression.
Many of the plot twists involving Kallea, Gallidan and/or Tarek were extremely predictable, but I appreciated being left guessing where it came to Thana's quiet hatred, and Nydia - she deserved more airtime but I do appreciate the means to an end. "Nothing as is as it seems".
The writing style occasionally felt a bit juvenile, and some sections seemed rushed or skimmed over, which left me feeling slightly confused or wanting more detail.
Overall, it’s a strong debut, and I’m interested to see where the series goes in book two. I’d still recommend giving it a read.
The FMC wasn’t quite as fierce as I expected based on other reviews - if it wasn't for her being saved at every turn, she would've been dead by the third chapter. That said, I enjoyed her character progression.
Many of the plot twists involving Kallea, Gallidan and/or Tarek were extremely predictable, but I appreciated being left guessing where it came to Thana's quiet hatred, and Nydia - she deserved more airtime but I do appreciate the means to an end. "Nothing as is as it seems".
The writing style occasionally felt a bit juvenile, and some sections seemed rushed or skimmed over, which left me feeling slightly confused or wanting more detail.
Overall, it’s a strong debut, and I’m interested to see where the series goes in book two. I’d still recommend giving it a read.
September 19, 2025
I had the absolute privilege of being an ARC reader for Renee’s Trials of the Damned, and I can honestly say it completely captivated me from start to finish. The pacing is flawless, keeping you on the edge of your seat while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rich, magical, and mysterious world.
The characters are compelling and relatable, and the story takes you on a true rollercoaster of emotions. The moments of tension, wonder, and heartbreak are all perfectly balanced. I found myself completely absorbed, unable to put the book down, and eagerly turning each page to see what would happen next.
This is a story I would recommend to anyone who loves immersive fantasy, intricate world-building, and a journey that stays with you long after the last page. I am already counting down the days for Book 2!
The characters are compelling and relatable, and the story takes you on a true rollercoaster of emotions. The moments of tension, wonder, and heartbreak are all perfectly balanced. I found myself completely absorbed, unable to put the book down, and eagerly turning each page to see what would happen next.
This is a story I would recommend to anyone who loves immersive fantasy, intricate world-building, and a journey that stays with you long after the last page. I am already counting down the days for Book 2!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews