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The Trials of Esme
I was stripped of everything.
My magic, my coven, even the child I carried. I should have died when I fell from the sky. Instead, I woke in the fae realm of Vanir, broken in body and spirit, with nothing left but grief and the faint tether to the people I lost.
Fate isn’t finished with me.
The father I never knew claims me as his heir, and the Night Court demands I prove myself worthy. To survive, I must face four trials that will test the very pieces of me I no longer believe exist. Trials that force me to confront who I was, what I’ve lost, and the power that still burns inside me.
I don’t walk this path alone. My wolf mate refuses to leave my side, even as the fae warrior assigned to guard me stirs a dangerous, reluctant fire between us. Together, they are my anchor and my undoing.
I may be broken. I may be grieving, but I will not be erased.
Not by a queen who wants me dead.
Not by a goddess who once stripped me bare, and not by a world that never believed I could rise.
These are my trials. My reckoning, and I will survive them, no matter what it takes.
The Trials of Esme is a standalone dark romantasy set in the HellNnight Academy Universe, featuring fated mates, a grief-laced love triangle, and a heroine’s journey to reclaim lost magic, identity, and power.
My magic, my coven, even the child I carried. I should have died when I fell from the sky. Instead, I woke in the fae realm of Vanir, broken in body and spirit, with nothing left but grief and the faint tether to the people I lost.
Fate isn’t finished with me.
The father I never knew claims me as his heir, and the Night Court demands I prove myself worthy. To survive, I must face four trials that will test the very pieces of me I no longer believe exist. Trials that force me to confront who I was, what I’ve lost, and the power that still burns inside me.
I don’t walk this path alone. My wolf mate refuses to leave my side, even as the fae warrior assigned to guard me stirs a dangerous, reluctant fire between us. Together, they are my anchor and my undoing.
I may be broken. I may be grieving, but I will not be erased.
Not by a queen who wants me dead.
Not by a goddess who once stripped me bare, and not by a world that never believed I could rise.
These are my trials. My reckoning, and I will survive them, no matter what it takes.
The Trials of Esme is a standalone dark romantasy set in the HellNnight Academy Universe, featuring fated mates, a grief-laced love triangle, and a heroine’s journey to reclaim lost magic, identity, and power.
- GenresFantasy
670 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
25 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 23, 2026
The Trials of Tosha
Reading this book felt like my own set of trials. First the slow start with little to nothing happening. Then the introduction of I guess love at first sight in a spinoff of a series where everyone has some type of mythical magical connection we get…Locke. The true test of my devotion came when Esme decided to fully engage in a relationship without so much as a conversation with her mate, that’s a big ick for me and the only reason I didn’t give up was because I knew there was no way this book was the end. The final battle was the prose that started the book and lent itself beautifully to a story of internal struggle after mental battle after mental battle. Unfortunately it turned to purple prose by the end and like Esme on the battlefield I clawed my way to the finish line. So this is a 3.5 read for me which is about where I tend to land with Well’s fantasy/romantasy works. There is always enough in the world building and storyline that make it good, but never quite ticks enough of my favorite things to turn it to great, or ticks to many of my pet peeves. But that’s ok, good stories are just as deserving of my time as great ones and Wells always always gives me enough to keep coming back for more.
Reading this book felt like my own set of trials. First the slow start with little to nothing happening. Then the introduction of I guess love at first sight in a spinoff of a series where everyone has some type of mythical magical connection we get…Locke. The true test of my devotion came when Esme decided to fully engage in a relationship without so much as a conversation with her mate, that’s a big ick for me and the only reason I didn’t give up was because I knew there was no way this book was the end. The final battle was the prose that started the book and lent itself beautifully to a story of internal struggle after mental battle after mental battle. Unfortunately it turned to purple prose by the end and like Esme on the battlefield I clawed my way to the finish line. So this is a 3.5 read for me which is about where I tend to land with Well’s fantasy/romantasy works. There is always enough in the world building and storyline that make it good, but never quite ticks enough of my favorite things to turn it to great, or ticks to many of my pet peeves. But that’s ok, good stories are just as deserving of my time as great ones and Wells always always gives me enough to keep coming back for more.
November 20, 2025
The Trials of Esme, part of the HellNight Academy universe by Dreia Wells@dreia_wells_author. Dreia is a favorite author of mine.
As always, Dreia killed this book! Amazing! I am in awe of this book about Esme, Sam & Locke! Just wow! Tropes: Paranormal (Fae/Shifters), Darker Themes, Male/Female/Male, Family Drama, Overcoming Obstacles, Found Family, No 3rd Act Break Up & HFN! That CLIFFHANGER!!! OMG!!
As always, Dreia killed this book! Amazing! I am in awe of this book about Esme, Sam & Locke! Just wow! Tropes: Paranormal (Fae/Shifters), Darker Themes, Male/Female/Male, Family Drama, Overcoming Obstacles, Found Family, No 3rd Act Break Up & HFN! That CLIFFHANGER!!! OMG!!
December 7, 2025
Esme’s story starts at the point we last saw her in Micah’s story and it’s a dramatic one. Loved learning about this new world, and exploring more in this world.
Excited for more!
Excited for more!
December 13, 2025
After reading the HellNight series (and loving it), I will admit I didn't like Esme or Sam. They irked me for different reasons. That being said, I love Dreia Wells, and with her dipping her toe into the fae world, I knew I had to read Esme's story, and I'm so glad I did. This book redeemed Esme. I liked her so much more in this one. Esme has changed. She's been forged with fire and steel and come out better for it. Sam also had some major growth. He learned not to hold on to Esme so tightly; I'm talking about both emotionally and physically. Esme needs to find her way without his constant interference. Locke is a new character. He's the typical arrogant fae male, but over time, he shows a deeper vulnerability that made me swoon a little bit. There was plenty of romance drama between the three of them, but surprisingly, it didn't feel all that angsty.
The entire story takes place in the fae realm, where everything is a contradiction. Beauty, wonder, and danger are intertwined to create something spectacular. Things started off a little slow but eventually picked up speed. There was so much magic! Elemental, primal, and more. There was even a magical forest. I love magical forests, but even I have to admit this one felt a little foreboding, and I quickly learned why. Yikes! It felt very fae, which means don't underestimate it. The trials Esme faced were both magical and introspective. I could see Esme's transformation with each one. They also added a fair bit of drama, but not as much as Rue, Locke's adoptive brother. He was dramatic and surprisingly deadly, and I loved him.
The Trials of Esme was a sweeping romantasy. It reminded me a little of Snow White with an evil queen, hunters, the forest, and dark magic. The story was captivating. A must-read if you love a good dark fantasy. Be warned, it did end on a bit of a cliffhanger, which totally took me by surprise. That just means more fantastic stories set in this universe, and I'm not mad about that.
The entire story takes place in the fae realm, where everything is a contradiction. Beauty, wonder, and danger are intertwined to create something spectacular. Things started off a little slow but eventually picked up speed. There was so much magic! Elemental, primal, and more. There was even a magical forest. I love magical forests, but even I have to admit this one felt a little foreboding, and I quickly learned why. Yikes! It felt very fae, which means don't underestimate it. The trials Esme faced were both magical and introspective. I could see Esme's transformation with each one. They also added a fair bit of drama, but not as much as Rue, Locke's adoptive brother. He was dramatic and surprisingly deadly, and I loved him.
The Trials of Esme was a sweeping romantasy. It reminded me a little of Snow White with an evil queen, hunters, the forest, and dark magic. The story was captivating. A must-read if you love a good dark fantasy. Be warned, it did end on a bit of a cliffhanger, which totally took me by surprise. That just means more fantastic stories set in this universe, and I'm not mad about that.
December 9, 2025
🖤Dark magic
💫Trials…duh
🖤Brutality
💫War
🖤Humping
‘Every trial, every betrayal, every loss has stripped away another layer of who I thought I was. Perhaps I needed to lose everything to become something else. Something more. Something reborn from ashes.’
Let’s yap yall
So I’ll admit Esme and Sam had me side eyeing them in Hellnight Academy, but this right here redeemed them in my eyes. I went from “they deserve each other 🙄” to “they deserve each other 🥰”
Esme became THAT girl! Confident and empowered 💪🏾 and her magic…unmatched. Sam was interesting to read as he had a lot internal conflict going on but hey he did learn to share 🤭. Locke and Rue are a couple of new characters we meet. I enjoyed Locke’s story and where he fit in 💞Rue though is everything ✨I love him
Yall 😬🫣😵💫 The ending!!!!!! I can’t wait to see what comes next
I truly mean it when I say Dreia is an amazing storyteller. Like I would go from excited speed reading so I could find out what was going to happen next to reading each word slowly so I could feel what each character was feeling
For anyone who loves to see an fmc claw their way to the top, face their grief head on, rebuild themselves stronger than they ever thought possible, and have an amazing support system 🥹😌🙂↔️ then add The Trials of Esme to your tbr
To Queen Lucelle and *redacted* I got my boots on
🥾💥🥾💥
Because Rue deserves to be quoted
‘Because when I wear this smile, paint my words in honey and venom, flutter my lashes and speak in theatrical sighs, no one sees the blade behind my back… No one remembers I am the King’s Shadow.’
🪧 side note:
This is technically a standalone but I very strongly suggest you read The Hellnight Academy series including Unbidden first then read this
💫Trials…duh
🖤Brutality
💫War
🖤Humping
‘Every trial, every betrayal, every loss has stripped away another layer of who I thought I was. Perhaps I needed to lose everything to become something else. Something more. Something reborn from ashes.’
Let’s yap yall
So I’ll admit Esme and Sam had me side eyeing them in Hellnight Academy, but this right here redeemed them in my eyes. I went from “they deserve each other 🙄” to “they deserve each other 🥰”
Esme became THAT girl! Confident and empowered 💪🏾 and her magic…unmatched. Sam was interesting to read as he had a lot internal conflict going on but hey he did learn to share 🤭. Locke and Rue are a couple of new characters we meet. I enjoyed Locke’s story and where he fit in 💞Rue though is everything ✨I love him
Yall 😬🫣😵💫 The ending!!!!!! I can’t wait to see what comes next
I truly mean it when I say Dreia is an amazing storyteller. Like I would go from excited speed reading so I could find out what was going to happen next to reading each word slowly so I could feel what each character was feeling
For anyone who loves to see an fmc claw their way to the top, face their grief head on, rebuild themselves stronger than they ever thought possible, and have an amazing support system 🥹😌🙂↔️ then add The Trials of Esme to your tbr
To Queen Lucelle and *redacted* I got my boots on
🥾💥🥾💥
Because Rue deserves to be quoted
‘Because when I wear this smile, paint my words in honey and venom, flutter my lashes and speak in theatrical sighs, no one sees the blade behind my back… No one remembers I am the King’s Shadow.’
🪧 side note:
This is technically a standalone but I very strongly suggest you read The Hellnight Academy series including Unbidden first then read this
December 2, 2025
4.5 *
I really thought “The Trails of Esme” would be the end of Micah and Esme’s story but surprise surprise; that epilogue shows differently.
That being said: I highly suggest reading this book as part of both these fmc’s stories. The author says it herself: technically you can read it on its own, but the storyline meets up with parts of Micah’s latest book and makes a lot more sense if you kept up with the series before diving into Esme’s trials. Esme’s story is a true fae romance for me; I love the sentient forrest and the royal intrigue, together with the quest Esme has to take. She truly shows how strong she is in this book, and I can’t wait to see how formidable she’ll be with all her powers intact.
Esme’s new boyfriend Locke is a fascinating guy, but can we talk about his brother Rue for a moment? I mean; I really want to see that guy fall in love with a kickass person sometime in the future. Pretty please? Anyway, I’m happy the author isn’t done with these characters yet. It feels like there are some interesting things coming our way…
I really thought “The Trails of Esme” would be the end of Micah and Esme’s story but surprise surprise; that epilogue shows differently.
That being said: I highly suggest reading this book as part of both these fmc’s stories. The author says it herself: technically you can read it on its own, but the storyline meets up with parts of Micah’s latest book and makes a lot more sense if you kept up with the series before diving into Esme’s trials. Esme’s story is a true fae romance for me; I love the sentient forrest and the royal intrigue, together with the quest Esme has to take. She truly shows how strong she is in this book, and I can’t wait to see how formidable she’ll be with all her powers intact.
Esme’s new boyfriend Locke is a fascinating guy, but can we talk about his brother Rue for a moment? I mean; I really want to see that guy fall in love with a kickass person sometime in the future. Pretty please? Anyway, I’m happy the author isn’t done with these characters yet. It feels like there are some interesting things coming our way…
November 23, 2025
It been a couple of years since I had read the Hell Night Academy, so when I went in to Esme’s story I went in a like a newbie to the world. So you don’t have to read the Hell Night Academy first, but worth your while so you know who the charters mentioned are.
Esme was at deaths door & has lost everything she knew herself to be. She is taking into the Fae world to heal where she meets Locke. With her mate Sam & Locke, Esme has to attempt 4 trails to get back what was taking from her. I really enjoyed this story, Esme is a strong Character & I like that in a lead character. I did find Sam’s woe is me a bit boring but he was obviously dealing with his guilt of feeling he was not able to protect her & she got hurt. Locke is a strong warrior who fights his feelings for Esme & stands by his code of loyalty. Dreia Wells builds an amazing world that will immerse you right in. I look forward to going back, in the next story.
Esme was at deaths door & has lost everything she knew herself to be. She is taking into the Fae world to heal where she meets Locke. With her mate Sam & Locke, Esme has to attempt 4 trails to get back what was taking from her. I really enjoyed this story, Esme is a strong Character & I like that in a lead character. I did find Sam’s woe is me a bit boring but he was obviously dealing with his guilt of feeling he was not able to protect her & she got hurt. Locke is a strong warrior who fights his feelings for Esme & stands by his code of loyalty. Dreia Wells builds an amazing world that will immerse you right in. I look forward to going back, in the next story.
November 25, 2025
Absolutely spellbinding! "The Trials of Esme" by Dreia Wells is a triumph in the romantasy genre and marks my first, but certainly not last, venture into Wells's captivating storytelling. As the inaugural book of the Hellnight Academy Universe series, it sets a high bar with its impeccable writing and enthralling narrative.
The female lead is a masterpiece of character development; Wells crafts her with such finesse that she leaps off the page. Her resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity are truly inspiring. This isn't just a story; it's an emotional journey that explores the depths of perseverance and hope.
"The Trials of Esme" is a dark, evocative tale that doesn't shy away from tugging at your heartstrings. It's a testament to Wells's skill that she can weave such a compelling narrative, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next installment. A definite must-read and a shining example of why-choose romantasy at its finest!
The female lead is a masterpiece of character development; Wells crafts her with such finesse that she leaps off the page. Her resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity are truly inspiring. This isn't just a story; it's an emotional journey that explores the depths of perseverance and hope.
"The Trials of Esme" is a dark, evocative tale that doesn't shy away from tugging at your heartstrings. It's a testament to Wells's skill that she can weave such a compelling narrative, leaving you eagerly anticipating the next installment. A definite must-read and a shining example of why-choose romantasy at its finest!
December 19, 2025
This is the kind of fantasy that pulls you under and refuses to let go. From the first page, you’re dropped into a world that feels both dangerous and enchanting, where every choice carries weight and every trial tests more than just strength.
What struck me most was how immersive the atmosphere is—you don’t just read about Esme’s journey, you feel the tension, the heartbreak, and the flickers of hope right alongside her.
Wells writes with a rhythm that makes the fae realm vivid and alive, and the emotional stakes keep you invested in Esme’s survival and growth.
It’s a story that makes you ache, root, and breathe with the heroine, reminding you why fantasy can be so transformative.
Tropes
• Fae realm politics
• Trials / competition arc
• Hidden lineage / lost heir
• Resilience after loss
• Slow‑burn emotional tension
Triggers
• Grief and trauma
• Loss of child
• Power imbalance themes
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
Emotional intimacy and tension, romance woven lightly into the trials.
What struck me most was how immersive the atmosphere is—you don’t just read about Esme’s journey, you feel the tension, the heartbreak, and the flickers of hope right alongside her.
Wells writes with a rhythm that makes the fae realm vivid and alive, and the emotional stakes keep you invested in Esme’s survival and growth.
It’s a story that makes you ache, root, and breathe with the heroine, reminding you why fantasy can be so transformative.
Tropes
• Fae realm politics
• Trials / competition arc
• Hidden lineage / lost heir
• Resilience after loss
• Slow‑burn emotional tension
Triggers
• Grief and trauma
• Loss of child
• Power imbalance themes
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
Emotional intimacy and tension, romance woven lightly into the trials.
December 13, 2025
I couldnt wait to get my hands on Esme's book. I was dying to find out what had happened to her after the Hellnight Academy Universe series. My word did this book not disappoint.
Esme is dragged into the Fae World near death with her mate Sam by her side to recuperate. Only being there is even more dangerous for her. Brilliant backstories to unanswered questions & plenty of fast paced action. Add to that Esme who got to show her strength of character in this book. More so with Sam and Locke there for her. I absolutely loved Rue. His humour was needed in this book and his easy going nature was heartwarming.
A cracking read all round leading to a jaw droppingly good cliff-hanger ending that completely threw me. Loved It.
Esme is dragged into the Fae World near death with her mate Sam by her side to recuperate. Only being there is even more dangerous for her. Brilliant backstories to unanswered questions & plenty of fast paced action. Add to that Esme who got to show her strength of character in this book. More so with Sam and Locke there for her. I absolutely loved Rue. His humour was needed in this book and his easy going nature was heartwarming.
A cracking read all round leading to a jaw droppingly good cliff-hanger ending that completely threw me. Loved It.
November 23, 2025
Esme comes into the fea realm half dead and broken her mate Sam not letting her go. Once she stirs the King has requested her to court. Locke stead fast and loyal to the crown brings Esme, Sam and her mother to court who faces the king and also has to face the queen, who is as shocked by he revelation that Esme is the kings daughter from the mortal world. Esme who has lost so much must go through the trial to mend back what she lost. Esme must make it through the trials to save the crown from mutiny that has been festering, however this book does leave us with a cliffhanger so be prepared for the almost HEA.
December 14, 2025
This is Esme’s story. I read the first 3 books in the HellNight Academy series and loved that story. At the end of that story Esme was gravely injured and Sam took her to the Fae realm to get help from her mom. Her father it turns out is fae. No just any fae, she is now a princess. She must fight through trials and she does it with Sam and a new love interest Locke by her side. They both fight with and protect her. There is a new character Rue who adds a bit of laughter to this mix up. This story ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read more about Esme and her guys and how/if it will round back to Micah and her guys.
December 19, 2025
Dreia gives us an absolutely stunning standalone book in the Hellnight Academy world! The story of Esme and her mate, Sam, as well as Locke and Rue have to face Queen Lurelle and her traitorous soldiers and shadow beasts as she traps the king and kidnaps him. She embarks on a journey to face the trials of self. How they get from there to their hard fought requires a dive into this wonderfully written book with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing and turning pages throughout! I loved reading this story and highly recommend it and the other series in this world. Don't miss out on this book!!
December 22, 2025
Yeah....so this is one of my "best of the best" in 2025! I am a Hell Night Academy fan and highly suggest enjoying that series before this one...but it can be a standalone if you really want it to be. We meet Esme as part of the Hell Night Academy series and the author was just not done with her yet....so on to a new story for her! A Blue Mountain witch with unstable powers transforms into a powerhouse...but not before she hits rock bottom first. Like a Phoenix she rises and becomes another incredible woman, rising from the Hell Night Academy and traversing her own trials that grow her into a formidable woman!
December 14, 2025
This book starts immediately with the aftermath of Esme on the brink of death. Esme and Sam find themselves in the far realm with Cashira. Esme is slowly nursed back to help when she finds out her dad is the Fae King and has summoned her to the castle. I really enjoyed this world, there was an evil Queen, hunters, trials and of course love. Dries did a great job building this world and really drawing you in from the first page.
This book ends on a cliffhanger that I was definitely not expecting!
This book ends on a cliffhanger that I was definitely not expecting!
December 17, 2025
10 Stars for Me
Whew chile!!! When I tell y’all this was exceptional, it was TRULY Exceptional! I was truly worried after Esme was cast off the Blue Mountain. When I tell y’all that lil skittish mousse girl has transformed into a fierce and mighty warrior, capable of taking care of herself in all ways. She gets her mate and a new mate in the land of her legacy. She left the earth realm battered and broken, and rose up the heiress to a mighty realm!
Bravo Madame Dreia Wells!! This was well worth the wait!!
Whew chile!!! When I tell y’all this was exceptional, it was TRULY Exceptional! I was truly worried after Esme was cast off the Blue Mountain. When I tell y’all that lil skittish mousse girl has transformed into a fierce and mighty warrior, capable of taking care of herself in all ways. She gets her mate and a new mate in the land of her legacy. She left the earth realm battered and broken, and rose up the heiress to a mighty realm!
Bravo Madame Dreia Wells!! This was well worth the wait!!
December 21, 2025
The story is a standalone but is also part of a series. I have not read any of the series, so there was some confusion for me at the beginning. The story follows Esme as she discovers so many secrets. Who her parents are and who she is. She has a wolf mate that would end the world for her as she would for him. As she finds herself she will face an increasing amount of danger. She will find allies and one male fae that will change it all. The story has plenty of adventure and danger. The heat comes in more near the end.
December 22, 2025
This is getting soooo gooood!!!!
In epic stories like this, I always get attached to the original characters, so switching to a new point of view can be hard. I didn’t think I was ready for Esme’s story, but now I’m genuinely not ready for it to end. I love how all of these characters circle back to each other, it makes the worlds feel so layered and alive. Esme completely pulled me in, and somehow the story just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next book.
In epic stories like this, I always get attached to the original characters, so switching to a new point of view can be hard. I didn’t think I was ready for Esme’s story, but now I’m genuinely not ready for it to end. I love how all of these characters circle back to each other, it makes the worlds feel so layered and alive. Esme completely pulled me in, and somehow the story just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next book.
December 22, 2025
Couldn't stop reading this!
If you read Hellnight Academy series you'll love this! Dreia never disappoints when it comes to crafting a really epic read and this one just makes everything so much better! I loved Esme's strength and emotions in this book. The angst, the humour, the twists and turns and the redemption! The drama and even the grief it was just all so captivating to read! There was so much jam packed into this one book my heads spinning but I loved it all and have zero regrets because this was the book we all needed.
If you read Hellnight Academy series you'll love this! Dreia never disappoints when it comes to crafting a really epic read and this one just makes everything so much better! I loved Esme's strength and emotions in this book. The angst, the humour, the twists and turns and the redemption! The drama and even the grief it was just all so captivating to read! There was so much jam packed into this one book my heads spinning but I loved it all and have zero regrets because this was the book we all needed.
December 14, 2025
The Trials of Esme is part of the Hell Night Academy by Dreia Wells and it pretty much picks up where we last saw her in Micha's book.
I really enjoy this author book writing skills and plots she comes up with in her book. This book was no different from her other books. I loved the pnr storyline with the fae shifters etc it is one of my favourite genre to read. I certainly am enjoying reading thisbworld Dreia comes up with
I really enjoy this author book writing skills and plots she comes up with in her book. This book was no different from her other books. I loved the pnr storyline with the fae shifters etc it is one of my favourite genre to read. I certainly am enjoying reading thisbworld Dreia comes up with
December 18, 2025
Fantastic
This is Esme and Sam's story from the Hellnight Academy series. I was hooked start to finish. We have wonderful new characters in Locke and Rue. Plus her mother and the Fae king who turns out to be her father. Esme must face trials to get her power back. Dreia Wells does an amazing job of creating suspense and drawing you into this story. I can't wait to read what happens next.
This is Esme and Sam's story from the Hellnight Academy series. I was hooked start to finish. We have wonderful new characters in Locke and Rue. Plus her mother and the Fae king who turns out to be her father. Esme must face trials to get her power back. Dreia Wells does an amazing job of creating suspense and drawing you into this story. I can't wait to read what happens next.
December 19, 2025
Esme has been through a lot. Her mate Sam takes her to the fa relm to save her. The king of the fae realm wants her brought to him as soon as she is well. There is a big fun twist there that you will have to read to find out and it's a big one. Now that she is well she has to face the trials in the realm and she has to prove herself. This book was not at all what I thought it would be but it's amazing
December 26, 2025
A beautifully written romantasy which truly makes the reader feel immersed in the story.
Esme has gone through so much, and arrives in the fae world almost broken, both physically and spiritually. She learns that she is the king's daughter, and she must undergo trials to regain what she has lost.
Throughout the trials, she is joined by her mate, Sam, and Locke. I loved the romantic drama, as well as Esme's character. She is a strong and well written FMC. An enjoyable read!
Esme has gone through so much, and arrives in the fae world almost broken, both physically and spiritually. She learns that she is the king's daughter, and she must undergo trials to regain what she has lost.
Throughout the trials, she is joined by her mate, Sam, and Locke. I loved the romantic drama, as well as Esme's character. She is a strong and well written FMC. An enjoyable read!
January 2, 2026
I loved Hell Knight Academy, so was really excited to start this, I was definitely not disappointed!
Esme's story has you gripped from the moment you start, it's unique and intriguing, she's literally at deaths door taken into the Fae world to heal or so she thinks... to get back what was stolen from her she needs to complete 4 trials. I don't want to say too much and spoil it, just pick it up and jump right in! Can be read as a standalone but also recommend the Hell Knight Academy books too.
Esme's story has you gripped from the moment you start, it's unique and intriguing, she's literally at deaths door taken into the Fae world to heal or so she thinks... to get back what was stolen from her she needs to complete 4 trials. I don't want to say too much and spoil it, just pick it up and jump right in! Can be read as a standalone but also recommend the Hell Knight Academy books too.
January 7, 2026
The Trials Of Esme by Dreia Wells is part of the Hellnight Academy universe. This is Esme’s story that takes place in the Fae Realm. Wells does an amazing job with the world-building in the Fae Realm. Esme is an amazing character that must fight to find her place and find herself along the way.
This story is a why-choose romantasy filled with magic, Trials, drama, Fae, shifters, and family. If you enjoy these themes The Trials of Esme is for you.
This story is a why-choose romantasy filled with magic, Trials, drama, Fae, shifters, and family. If you enjoy these themes The Trials of Esme is for you.
December 1, 2025
They tried to end her, but she's stronger than they think.
Half witch, half Fae, she's taken to her mother to heal.
When she does, lshe learns her history, and it's big.
She's got a prophecy to fill and a father to save and the love of two men to help her do it.
Her future is there for her to take, she just has to be strong enough to take it.
Half witch, half Fae, she's taken to her mother to heal.
When she does, lshe learns her history, and it's big.
She's got a prophecy to fill and a father to save and the love of two men to help her do it.
Her future is there for her to take, she just has to be strong enough to take it.
December 15, 2025
A captivating read with a strong FMC in Esme. I read this as a standalone and was immediately enthralled with this intense story. The world building was fabulous as Esme enters the Fae Realm to recover and to go through the Trials with the support of Sam and Locke. A great story full of action, quests and treachery. Will definitely go back to read the HellNight Academy series.
December 20, 2025
This is a stand alone Romantasy. If you love stories of trials over coming grief and love triangles then this is the one for you. Our FMC has fallen and list everything. Now she’s in the fae realm. She is to face some trials if she wants to rule. She will face these trials with her mate by her side plus her guard. She must complete these also while someone is trying to kill her.
December 20, 2025
Esme has been left broken and barely alive before being thrown down to the fae world. Just when she thought she could not face anymore her father claims her which means even more trials for her. To be queen she needs to face her past and everything she has been through. Her mate is by her side but she starts to feel a pull to another. Follow her journey through her trials
December 16, 2025
This was a fab read with detailed world building which I absolutely adore. My favourite kind of heroine too- one who has lost everything but is able to rise again through grit and grace and supportive mates. The tension, the twists and turns were chefs kiss.
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