The Divines

Killmarth Trials #2

by Rachel Greenlaw

Sophia DeWinter will return so pre-order the sequel to the romantasy full of magic, romance and danger that everyone is reading in 2025, The Ordeals'A rich romantasy ideal for fans of dark academia' The Mirror

'The magic system is captivating, and the ending will leave you yearning for the second book' The Express

'Combines captivating world building, a seriously twisty plot, and a steamy romance… impossible to put down' Demi Winters, author of The Road of Bones

'Deliciously dark with high stakes and a sizzling hot romance, The Ordeals is not to be missed!’ Tessonja Odette, author of A Rivalry of Hearts

Readers ADORE The Ordeals:

'Mysterious, chilling, and utterly addictive' Reader review,*****

'This completely swept me away. The world-building is absolutely stunning' Reader review,*****

'Exciting and unique, quick paced and kept you guessing throughout' Reader review,*****

'I could not put down and devoured in one sitting. I absolutely recommend this book' Reader review,*****

'A quite creepy atmosphere and… Buffy-esque vampire slaying into the mix' Reader review,*****

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dark Academia, Adult, Fantasy Romance, Academia, Romance

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Rachel Greenlaw is the author of ONE CHRISTMAS MORNING, THE WOODSMOKE WOMEN'S BOOK OF SPELLS the COMPASS AND BLADE series and THE ORDEALS duology. She lives on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, where you'll find her wandering the white sand beaches, searching for cowrie shells and writing her next story.

For up to date information on Rachel's books, giveaways and news, sign up for her newsletter at https://rachelgreenlaw.com

And follow her on instagram and TikTok @rachelgreenlaw_ for a window into her world.

Reviews

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

- ☝️single POV
- 2️⃣ 2nd book in a duology
- 🏫 dark academia setting
- 😡 cruel gods
- 🧛 vampires
- ❤️ protecting those you love
- 🦄 mostly plot with some romance

I really loved book 1 so I was excited to read book 2. I will say, the storyline took me on a journey I did not expect. This book picked up four weeks after book one ended. It started immediately in the thick of the training and I was hooked. The action scenes kept coming and coming. The plot was mysterious and angsty, the pacing was moderate to fast, and this all occurred right from the start and persisted throughout. Quickly, however, the storyline took a right and did not follow the path I thought we were going. Specifically, the characters were at school, training, and earlier than expected, going to battles to kill the vampires. This continued to be the overarching plot; yet, the main story went on a little adventure, which then triggered a new side adventure that was traumatic and scary, causing another adventure. All these side adventures linked back to the main plot. The main overarching plot was still functioning in the background, but the main POV was about these adventures, which I did not see coming. These adventures continued to flow at a moderate to fast pace, and there were a ton of action scenes. Right when things would start to slow down, BAM an action scene with a twist and/or surprise would be thrown in, often with traumatic, devastating, scary, and/or sad results. I truly was surprised multiple times in this book! Hats off to the author for keeping me on my toes and surprising me with this storyline.

This book focused on the plot and I would argue this was primarily a fantasy novel. Romance is part of it, but the romance development was done in the first book, so this one focused more on the action, character development, and resolution to the problem.

Right at the beginning, I felt the calm before the storm. I think the author did an excellent job setting the tone that, although everyone was in a safer and connected space while they were training (again at the beginning), things were going to hit the fan and the world was going to burn. And let me tell you, it did!

Something I noticed and thought was really well done was the realism that the MFC and her crew were not well trained yet. They barely had any advanced skills at the start of this book; yet, had to fight. The result of that? They did the best they could and people they loved and cared about died. Many times, in this genre, during these fighting scenes, the undertrained people “miraculously“ don’t have their people die and they always beat the enemy. Here, the author really kept in tune with the training level of the MCs and their colleagues. It was so much more realistic, no matter how devastating, and I really appreciated that.

There were multiple topics I thought the author represented well in this book. For example, Tessa (the MFC's best friend) experienced soul deep grief that was life changing. How this was written was extremely realistic. Another example was how that the author provided nuance to the difficult choices people have to make, such as working with a former abuser because it is what is best for all, even if it’s not best for the individual. There’s so much complexity to making choices such as this, and I love that author demonstrated this. Someone choosing to work and engage with an abuser doesn’t absolve them of the history of abuse.

The characters were very messy in this book. They made mistakes, often huge ones. They were more impulsive in-the-moment, often driven by deep rooted fear, and did not think of the consequences until after. When you pause to reflect, these were young adults, a ton of people had been killed, many characters already had a history of trauma prior to all these recent deaths, and they were scared more people were going to die. They were doing the best they could, even though their behaviors caused harm to others and/or were selfish things to do. If you put yourself in their shoes (again, remember their age and recent trauma), I am not sure many would act any differently. At times, I would be a bit annoyed with the characters and their decisions; YET, once I read further, I saw why the author wrote it that way. You have to trust the process and the author, she does justice to the decisions made, even if you are mildly irritated in the short-term. Also, because these characters were messy and made a range of mistakes, their growth was so much more powerful. I really appreciated that each character, MC's and side characters, took time to reflect, learn from their behaviors, and APOLOGIZE. YES!!!! More MCs that could grow in their maturity and communicate they were sorry and commit to change was BEAUTIFUL!

I am also a HUGE fan of reading about couples (who are a good fit) that stick together and are loyal to each other. There was so much going on with the MC's both individually and in their relationship. But, no matter, they communicated, forgave, understood, had empathy, and were loyal to each other. They had each other's backs and were committed to each other. I LOVED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This second book in a duology ends with an HEA that I was satisfied with. There was so much action leading up to the end, and then the ending was there and done, I wish a little bit more time had been dedicated to the final part of this story. No matter, I really enjoyed it!

[Samantha Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book.

I loved the ending and the way the final chapter tied everything together. I also enjoyed the new characters and now they added to the story. However, I did find this one to have a good bit of filler that I didn’t enjoy and I felt like this was missing that academic vibe the last novel did so well. I also didn’t really feel a connection to any of the romances in this book like I did in book one. I definitely think you should read this if you’ve read the first book, but I don’t know if I would recommend if you haven’t.

3.5 rounded up.

[Haley C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive this arc, as I LOVED the first book, The Ordeals. The plot was very unique and yet still felt like an amalgamation of all the best parts of many different Romantasy worlds.

With this book, The Divines, I sadly did not have the same feeling. The pacing felt off (too rushed at times and way too slow at others). Also, it felt like we didn’t have one pain plot, but multiple side plots that we had to focus on as well as the main theme. This proved to be too much for me to really be able to focus and get into the story. And the relationships didn’t click as much for me this time either.

I’m sure if people go into it and vibe read, they’ll enjoy it! But it wasn’t for me.

Thank you for the ARC and opportunity!

[Chloë · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping dark academia romantasy for readers who enjoy -
✨Captivating magical systems
✨Character redemption
✨Tasteful spice and intimacy
✨Strong found family feels
✨Gods, Goddesses, wielders, werewolves and vampires

⭑ Publication Date: 1st October 2026
⭑ Available In: Audiobook, eBook, Hardcover & Waterstones Exclusive Hardcover
⭑ Book 2, Killmarth Trials duology
⭑ Always remember to check content and trigger warnings before reading.


~ plot ~

Following the unexpected onset of the Great Hunt, Sophia and her friends find themselves facing a stark new reality. The cold ones have made themselves known and although unprepared, the scholars have no choice but to face and fight them. It’s a daily battle to remain in control of their territories and when the worst happens, the group are left facing a future that they cannot comprehend. Their only option? Find a missing component for an antidote, a possible cure. Can the Great Hunt be stopped? Can the cold ones be defeated? God/Goddess knows… literally.


~ review ~

The Divines is a fast paced atmospheric, captivating romantasy that delivers magic, mayhem and mystery. It’s beautifully written, engaging, immersive and a fantastic end to the Killmarth Trials duology.

This story may pick up where The Ordeals left off but it takes you down quite a different path. While I don’t really recall the Gods and Goddesses being mentioned much in The Ordeals, they play a pivotal role in this book and I found them to be a brilliant addition. I did at times have to read certain sections/stories a few times to fully digest and understand what they meant for the here and now but that really didn’t bother me! Overall, I really enjoyed the path the story took and all of the history, lore, drama and chaos the Gods and Goddesses brought to it. ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned’, never a truer word spoken!

Something I love about Rachel Greenlaw’s writing and world building is how intense, vivid, detailed and descriptive it is. It engulfs and envelopes you, drawing you in from start to end. She paints beautifully bold images of characters, settings and events that slowly materialise before your eyes. You feel like you’re right there in the middle of things, jumping through portals, meeting in Darley Hall at the dead of night and fighting alongside the team in the Great Hunt. I laughed, cried, feared and cheered both with and for them and I genuinely enjoyed every single second.


~ characters ~

I had to pause my reading TWICE to message Rachel about character thoughts because let me tell you, this book is a journey! Tessa had me scared half to death and I spent half of the book praying for Alden. Talk about an emotional rollercoaster!

Rachel introduces us to some brilliant new characters, two of my favourites being Andry the Crown Prince, the type of character you love to hate. Sarcastic, humorous and able to lighten even the tensest of moods. And Amaria, a strong willed, hugely talented botanist who gives it back as good as she gets. Although fleeting, her connection with a certain someone is one of my favourite parts of the book. Their interactions never failed to put a smile on my face and I would’ve loved to have seen more of them.

In terms of returning characters, one in particular caught me totally off guard because the Ezra Darley of The Divines is essentially a brand new character too. There’s so much more to him than what we know from book one. A complex man with secrets and layers who’s determined to stop history repeating itself. When he cares, he cares deeply and when he loves, he loves hard. Without giving too much away, the growth in him individually and in his relationship with Sophia is profound. If you’d have told me after The Ordeals that I’d end up shedding tears over ‘The Collector’ I’d have laughed but boy did I! His character arc is a true testament to the strength of Rachel Greenlaw’s writing.

And last but by no means least, Sophia and Alden. These two were exactly as I remembered them - powerful, deeply connected, totally in love and unable to keep their hands off each other. Their intimate moments are beautifully written, soft and sweet but still able to raise your heart rate. I did however find myself wanting to see more of their playful banter and power dynamic. Don’t get me wrong it was definitely there but the majority of their interactions seemed to focus more on the physical side of things. That’s not me knocking the spice because seriously it was chef’s kiss💋 - I just really, really love every aspect of their relationship!


~ final thoughts ~

In case it isn’t obvious, I loved this book and I’m counting down the days until 1st October when I can add the beautiful Waterstones edition to my shelf✨
Rachel, thank you for sharing Sophia and Alden with the world. Thank you for being so warm, open and kind. For taking the time to reply to every single message I’ve sent these last few months no matter how wordy or jumbled. I’m sad to see the end of this chapter but very excited to see what comes next.
I’ve recommended The Ordeals to anyone and everyone and that’s exactly what I’m going to do with The Divines too! PLUS, it’s not out until October so if you haven’t already, that gives you plenty of time to read book one first ✅


Thank you so much to Ballantine, NetGalley and the wonderful Rachel Greenlaw for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC, one of my most anticipated reads of 2026! This is my honest opinion and I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️

[Uncaged Reads Uncaged Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breathtaking, high-stakes conclusion! After the intensity of The Ordeals, The Divines takes the foundation of this world and shatters every expectation.
I jumped into this right after a reread of the first book, and I’m so glad I did. Picking up just weeks after that soul-crushing cliffhanger, the story hits the ground running and never looks back. While the first installment gave us that delicious rivals-to-lovers tension and a dark academia backdrop, The Divines evolves into something much more visceral: a story about the staggering power of connection and the lengths one will go to save those they love.

What truly sets this book apart is the raw, relatable realism of the character's emotions. At the center of it all is Sophia, whose growth in this book is incredible. She is so fiercely strong-willed and determined. Sophia simply refuses to give up, no matter how much it hurts. Her resolve is unwavering as she fights to save those she loves, her people, and in a testament to her character—even the enemy, even if it kills her.

The emotional weight of this story is remarkably grounded. Tessa’s grief is heartbreakingly honest. I loved the way her friends anchored her, never quite allowing her to fully drown in her sorrow—even when the world was falling apart.
Knox continues to be everyone’s rock, providing the stability the group so desperately needs.
The complex dynamic with Ezra was one of the most fascinating parts of the story. Seeing him accepted as a respected leader and expert by the group forces Sophia into a difficult journey of healing. She has to reconcile her past perception of him as her lifelong captor with the reality of who he is now—coming to terms with the fact that things may not have been exactly as she perceived them.
And then there is Alden. He is truly the "ride or die" partner every woman wishes for. He stands beside Sophia as a complete equal, treating her like she is the only thing that matters in the entire world. Their bond is the heartbeat of this book.
The world expands beautifully with an unpredictable and dangerous new characters. Sophia finds herself entangled with everyone from lethal royalty to figures of ancient legend—some allies, perhaps one captive, and other characters who are far more dangerous. It trades the halls of academia for a wild, unpredictable journey to places I never saw coming.
While it provides closure for the duology, Rachel Greenlaw leaves many questions unanswered and the door wide open for more adventures in this world which I truly hope she will continue, because I need more! If you are ready for an adrenaline-fueled quest centered on loyalty, love, and complex healing. An absolute must-read conclusion to The Killmarth Trials. Pre-order it now—you won’t want to miss where this journey ends! Releasing October 8, 2026.

+++I have received a free eARC of this book. This is my honest review+++

I want to thank @netgalley @ballentinebooks and @rachelgreenlaw_ for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

[Janill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Divines had all the ingredients of a book I should have loved: dark academia, dangerous magic, vampires, Greek-inspired gods and mythology, high stakes, and a found family fighting for survival. Rachel Greenlaw’s writing remains atmospheric and immersive, pulling you back into this dark world from the very first page. The mythology was one of the most intriguing aspects of the story and left me wanting to learn even more about the gods and their influence on the world.

The strongest part of the book was Sophia’s character development. Throughout the story, she is forced to confront the trauma of her past and the lasting impact Ezra had on her life. I appreciated that her healing wasn’t quick or easy. Watching Sophia grapple with painful memories while trying to move forward felt realistic and added emotional depth to the story. Some of the most meaningful moments came from seeing her reclaim her agency and begin to step out from under the shadow of her past.

I also continued to enjoy the found family dynamics and the bonds between the characters. In a world filled with danger, betrayal, and darkness, those relationships helped ground the story and provided some of its most heartfelt moments.

The romance between Sophia and Alden was a mixed bag for me. One of my biggest issues was that their relationship felt surprisingly flat in the first half of the book. Considering everything they had already been through, I was hoping for more emotional depth and connection early on. At times, I found myself wanting more meaningful interactions between them beyond the physical attraction.

That said, the romance improved significantly in the second half. As the stakes grew higher, so did my investment in their relationship. Sophia is forced to make difficult choices and take enormous risks for the person she loves, which added intensity and emotional weight to their connection. While I wasn’t completely sold on the romance at the beginning, the latter half of the book reminded me why I was rooting for them.

Fans of spice will definitely be satisfied. There are plenty of sexy scenes throughout the book, and some of them are seriously hot 🔥. The chemistry shines most during these moments, and they helped make the romance more compelling even when I felt the emotional side of the relationship wasn’t always as strong as I wanted it to be.

Where the book struggled for me was the pacing. Some sections had me flying through the pages, while others felt slower and less engaging. I also found myself wanting a little more depth from certain side characters and aspects of the worldbuilding as the stakes continued to grow.

Overall, The Divines was an enjoyable sequel filled with magic, romance, mythology, and emotional healing. While it didn’t completely captivate me in the same way as the first book, I still enjoyed Sophia’s journey and was invested in seeing how her story unfolded. Fans of The Ordeals will likely enjoy returning to this world and watching Sophia fight not only the darkness around her, but the darkness left behind by her past.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Divines • Rachel Greenlaw
Killmarth Trials #2

One phrase: dark academia, vampires, and cruel gods 🧛‍♀️🏫

This sequel took me on a journey I did not expect.

The Divines picks up four weeks after The Ordeals, and it wastes no time throwing us right back into the thick of training, danger, and everything starting to unravel. From the beginning, there was this calm before the storm feeling, like yes, everyone is in a somewhat safer place for now, but the world is absolutely about to burn.

And it did.

I loved the dark academia setting, the vampire slaying, the cruel gods, and the way this book leaned hard into plot, action, character growth, and resolution. The romance is still there, but this one felt much more fantasy forward, which worked for where the story needed to go.

The pacing stayed moderate to fast, with action scenes constantly hitting right when things started to slow down. Every time I thought I knew the direction, the story took another turn, then another side quest, then another traumatic little detour that somehow still connected back to the bigger plot.

I was surprised multiple times, and I love when a sequel can keep me on my toes like that.

One thing I really appreciated was how realistic the fighting felt. These characters are not suddenly magically perfect warriors. They are young, undertrained, traumatized, scared, and trying to survive against impossible odds. People they love get hurt. People die. Choices have consequences. It made the stakes feel so much heavier.

The grief in this book was also written so well, especially Tessa’s. It felt soul deep and life changing, not something the story just moved past. I also loved the nuance around difficult choices, especially when characters had to work with people who had harmed them because the bigger picture demanded it. The story never treated that as forgiveness or absolution, which I really appreciated.

The characters are messy here. They make mistakes. Big ones. Impulsive ones. Selfish ones. But their growth felt earned because they actually reflected, apologized, communicated, and tried to do better.

More of that, please.

And the couple?

Loyal. Communicative. Empathetic. Committed.

There was so much chaos around them, but they had each other’s backs, and I loved that.

✨ Tropes and vibes:
🏫 dark academia
🧛 vampires
😡 cruel gods
⚔️ action heavy fantasy
🖤 single POV
💔 trauma and grief
🔥 protecting those you love
🩸 dangerous battles
👀 twisty plot
💞 loyal couple
🙏 real apologies
✨ fantasy with romance

📚 Read this if you like:
Dark academia romantasy, vampire slaying, cruel gods, messy characters who grow, action packed sequels, high stakes fantasy, loyal couples, found family pain, and duology endings that bring the chaos before the HEA.

This was tense, surprising, emotional, and a strong conclusion to a dark, addictive duology.

#TheDivines #RachelGreenlaw #DarkAcademia #RomantasyBooks #BookReview @Ballentine @Delacorte

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this novel since I read the last page of 'The Ordeals'. Sophia DeWinter, Alden Locke, and their cohort of Killmarth students captivated me from the first chapter to the last. Here, in 'The Divines' we pick up right where we left off in the first novel of this duology with Sophia and crew reeling from the Cold One's attack on their celebration and the deaths of Greg and Hester.

I like that this book dropped us right back into the story where we left off. We get to process the deaths of Greg and Hester alongside Sophia and the gang, and those moments really made me fall in love with these characters more. I loved Tessa's character arc during this novel. She was one of my favorite characters on page, even when she was making choices out of grief that were not cool.

I almost felt that Sophia was such a strong female character that she could have still had this role as a bad-ass heroine of the realm without having to drag a man along with her. While I really loved her relationship with Alden in the first novel, something fell a bit flat with it in this book for me. There's certainly a good amount of spice between the two, and we have a story line that creates a desperation and tension between them. Something undefinable just didn't seem to be there for me in that relationship this time, and that kind of made me sad.

Also, a little confused on one aspect of the Cold One storyline with Alden. Alden is in his current predicament, I thought, because he was nipped by a Cold One during battle - that all it could take is that one little nick. Yet, even knowing this, Sophia lets Alden nick her neck and taste her blood during sex. Shouldn't they be afraid that he could change her into a Cold One doing this? Or do they not have to worry about something like that until after he was fully turned? I don't remember reading something specific about it so every time Alden bit her neck I started stressing.

Altogether, 'The Divines' is an action-filled, fantasy academia book that brings together all the bits we were given in 'The Ordeals' and weaves them into a fantasy world that I felt like we were leaving just as things were getting interesting. :( (Sophia's new 'role' with the gods! She and Tessa exploring their powers more. Working for the Crown, with the mole never uncovered. New worlds that Sophia can access?) While this book gives a conclusion worthy of our story, I kind of felt like we were leaving in the middle of a party. There's so many ways Rachel Greenlaw could explore this world again, and I hope that maybe we'll see them one day.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Rachel Greenlaw for the eARC of this novel to read and review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Divines by Rachel Greenlaw, the second book in the Killmarth Trials duology, takes everything The Ordeals built and sharpens it—deeper, richer, and definitely darker.

We pick up with Sophia and the fragile, hard-won family she’s built around her, but this time the stakes aren’t just survival—they’re emotional. This book leans hard into the aftermath of book one, forcing these characters to sit in their grief, their anger, and the ugly ways both can twist you. It’s not just about who they are when they’re fighting to win anymore—it’s about who they become when they’ve already lost.

Sophia continues to be a compelling FMC. She’s still strong and driven, but there’s a rawness to her now that adds another layer. Watching her navigate grief while still clawing toward a future she’s not even sure she believes in anymore felt real and, at times, brutal.

And the darker elements? This is where the book really hits. The magic feels more dangerous, more unpredictable. The lines between right and wrong blur even further, and you start to see how easily power, grief, and vengeance can turn people into something monstrous. There’s a heaviness to this installment that wasn’t as prominent in book one, and it works—it raises the stakes in a way that feels earned rather than forced.

I still struggled a bit with Sophia and Alden’s relationship. There’s growth there, and I can appreciate how far they’ve come, especially emotionally, but it still lacks that spark—that tension or bite that would make it unforgettable. It’s good, it’s solid… but it never quite *grabs* you the way the rest of the story does.

What absolutely *did* grab me was the world-building.

Greenlaw really went all in here. The lore, the expanding magic system, the way each subplot threads back into the main story—it all feels intentional and cohesive. Nothing is wasted. Every new detail adds weight, making the world feel lived-in and complex rather than just a backdrop for the plot.

The pacing is also spot on. This is one of those books where you tell yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. The tension builds steadily, never dragging, never rushing, and the payoff is worth it.

And that ending? Perfect. No notes.

Overall, *The Divines* is a strong, darker follow-up that deepens both the characters and the world while delivering an emotionally heavier story. If *The Ordeals* pulled you in, this one makes sure you stay.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC of this book. The opinions above are my own and unbiased.

[Yanela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC via NetGalley, the following review is my own. I am writing the below without intended spoilers, and will speak rather vaguely.

First, I LOVED the Ordeals, but I am a Dark Academia girl at heart. I was so excited to pick one up but I have to admit I was super suprised as to the journey this one went down. After the Ordeals, and admittance to Kilmarth, I expected more of the Dark Academia setting, but what the story gave were missions, battles, loss, trickery , found family, revelations and A LOT of character growth.

While I struggled a little bit with the pacing at times ( sometimes it was all action all the time, and others it was a slow walk ) ... I appreciated the tension that existed through all of that because the author never lost sight of the fact that these were at the end of the day, students. There were mistakes made, their paths were not linear nor easy but they kept trying together, despite their wounds and losses, and it really built on the found family aspect of it all , which is my favorite trope.

I also appreciated how much of Ezra we gort in this one, in book One we know him as the Collector, but here we got to pull back the curtain and peer into a complex past full of grief, loss and fear for the future and wanting to get things right.

I love Sophia and Alden They had struggles, they faced challenges, but through it all they loved one another... deeply, imperfectly, and loyally, and I found that to add to the story, especially when faced with one of their biggest challenges through the second half of the book.

THE ENDING - is what made this a 4 star for me ultimately, the last couple of chapters made up for the pacing and shifts that were unexpected througout and brought us back full circle to exactly where the story was meant to go.

[Stina Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking, high stakes conclusion that shatters every expectation and then delivers even more. The Divines picks up weeks after that soul crushing cliffhanger and hits the ground running without ever looking back.
Where The Ordeals gave us delicious rivals to lovers tension and dark academia, The Divines evolves into something far more visceral. This is a story about the staggering power of connection and the lengths people will go to for the ones they love. Sophia's growth here is incredible. Fiercely determined and completely unwavering, she fights for her people, for those she loves and even for the enemy, even when it costs her everything. She is the kind of protagonist that grabs the heart and refuses to let go.
The emotional weight is real and remarkably grounded. Tessa's grief is raw and honest, her found family anchoring her even when the world falls apart around her. Knox remains everyone's steady rock. The dynamic with Ezra is one of the most fascinating threads in the book, forcing Sophia into a genuinely complex journey of healing and reconciliation. And then there is Alden. An absolute ride or die who treats Sophia like she is the only thing that matters. Their bond is the heartbeat of this entire story.
The world expands beautifully, trading academic halls for a wild and unpredictable journey filled with lethal royalty, ancient legends and dangerous new characters that kept the pages turning at speed.
The Divines brings closure to the duology while leaving the door wide open for more and more is absolutely needed because this world is too good to leave behind.
An adrenaline fueled, emotionally rich must read. Releasing October 8, 2026. Pre-order it immediately.

[Amber aka Crystal Coast Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

After really enjoying the first book in the Killmarth Trials duet, I went into The Divines with high expectations. Unfortunately, this conclusion didn’t quite deliver for me.

One challenge I often have with duets—and even longer series—is when the central romance is largely resolved in the first installment. In those cases, I tend to prefer the sequel to focus more heavily on the overarching plot. Here, I felt the balance leaned too far toward the romance, and some of the intimate scenes slowed the pacing for me rather than adding to the story.

The pacing itself felt uneven throughout. There were stretches where the story lingered, followed by moments that moved very quickly, which made it difficult for me to stay fully invested. By the final third, I found myself wishing the narrative would pick up momentum.

Without spoiling anything, I also wanted a little more from the ending. After all the buildup across both books, I was hoping for a climax with more tension and payoff. While the resolution wrapped up the story cleanly, it felt a bit too streamlined for my personal taste.

That said, there were several things I genuinely appreciated. The found family dynamic remained one of the strongest aspects of the series, and I loved seeing characters take accountability for their mistakes, apologize sincerely, and actively work to grow. That emotional maturity was refreshing, especially for characters at this stage of life. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Sophia and Ezra, though I’ll leave it there to avoid spoilers.

Final Verdict: A solid Liked It. It didn’t quite deliver the epic, plot-driven conclusion I was hoping for, but I appreciated the character growth and heart that carried the story to its end.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Divines, but I didn't connect with it nearly as much as The Ordeals.

One of the things I loved most about the first book was its haunting atmosphere, compelling character dynamics, and the balance of mystery, magic, and romance. The Divines broadens the scope considerably, expanding the mythology and raising the stakes, but in doing so, it loses some of the intimacy that made the first book so memorable.

Greenlaw's prose remains beautiful, and the world-building is even more ambitious. I enjoyed learning more about the gods, the history of Killmarth, and the larger conflict, but at times the heavier focus on lore slowed the pacing. The middle section dragged for me, and I missed the sense of tension and momentum that kept me completely invested in The Ordeals.

The final act delivers plenty of action and provides a satisfying conclusion to the duology, even if a few of the twists didn't have quite the impact I was hoping for. I appreciated the ambition behind this sequel, but I ultimately found myself preferring the more intimate, atmospheric story that came before it.

Overall, The Divines is a worthy conclusion with lyrical writing, rich mythology, and an expansive fantasy world. While I enjoyed it, The Ordeals remains the stronger book for me. Readers who loved the larger fantasy elements will likely appreciate this sequel even more, while those who were drawn to the first book's atmosphere, mystery, and relationships may find themselves missing some of the magic that made it so special.

[SW · Rating 4 out of 5]

After really enjoying the first book, The Divines ended up being a much more mixed experience for me. I received an ARC through NetGalley back in April, but it took me until June to finally finish because I kept picking it up and putting it back down. Unfortunately, it just never fully held my attention.
The writing itself was beautiful and atmospheric, and Rachel Greenlaw has a lovely style that makes even the quieter moments easy to visualize. However, the plot felt surprisingly flat for much of the book. The first three-quarters were quite melancholy and slow-moving, and I found myself waiting for something significant to happen.
When the story finally shifted in the last quarter, it certainly delivered some unexpected revelations. While I appreciated the ambition and the clues that had been woven in from the beginning, the twist itself felt a little too unbelievable for me and required a bigger leap than I was willing to make. It was one of those endings where everything happens at once after a long period where very little seems to change.
Readers who enjoy slow, introspective stories with dramatic late-game twists may connect with this one more than I did. For me, the writing remained the strongest aspect, but the pacing and overall storyline didn't quite live up to the promise of the first book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[ReReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

Thank you to Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved The Ordeals, so I was really excited to jump back into this world. Overall, I enjoyed this duology, and I liked that The Divines expanded on the mythology surrounding Killmarth, the origins of the Cold Ones, and the history of magic. I always appreciate when a sequel answers questions from the first book instead of leaving everything up in the air.

I will say, I was a little bummed that we didn’t spend more time at Killmarth itself. After everything it took to get there in the first book, I was hoping we’d get to stay at the academy longer before the story branched out into the wider world.

For me, where this sequel didn’t quite come together was in the execution. There were a lot of moving pieces, and at times it felt like the story kept pushing toward the next big reveal before I had a chance to really sit with the last one. Because of that, some of the bigger emotional moments didn’t land as strongly for me as I think they were intended to. I found myself appreciating the ideas behind the story more than feeling emotionally invested in every turn it took.

Even with those critiques, I still enjoyed spending more time in this world and thought the expanded lore was the highlight of the book. While I didn’t love The Divines as much as The Ordeals, I’m still glad I picked up the duology and will definitely be interested to see what Rachel Greenlaw writes next.

[Regan Wilbanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for an honest review!

I was very excited for this second book!! The first book in this duology left me in shambles, so this was a highly anticipated read for me.

While I did enjoy the more in depth development of the characters and their magic, I felt like there were some plot holes here and there. The writing also seemed a bit choppy, as well as the pacing was either really rushed or very slow.

The side plot of the mythology aspect also was something that I wasn’t really expecting when I started this duology. I went into this expecting dark academia, magic, & trials, which is exactly what book 1 was…. but then book 2 took an entirely different turn. I did really like the advancement of some of the side characters powers getting to be werewolves and the fight against the cold ones, but the whole “gods” plot kinda threw me. 🤔

The romance was also blah for me. It seemed like the only interaction we had between Sophia and Alden was sex? I don’t mind spice, but the guy almost died and it just seemed to be lacking with the yearning and emotional intensity between the two. It seemed to be a mostly physical relationship, but then Sophia is talking about dying for him to live. Meanwhile all we are getting from them is their steamy moments. ??

Overall an enjoyable and unique duology. vibes were great, but not my favorite.

[Ashley Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this sequel to The Ordeals. It’s broken into 4 parts which helps keep the pacing going. The plot is really split up in three areas - 1) Sophia’s over reaching relationship with Ezra and coming to terms with how and why she was raised as she was. Then how she can use that going forward in her training. 2) Alden **spoiler** beings turning into a cold one so the race is on not only to fight the Great Hunt but to save Alden. This is ultimately Sophia’s driving force through the book. I particularly appreciated that even though both Sophia and Alden are coming to terms with this change they never waiver from their relationship- you don’t get some angsty 3rd act breakup. They trust and lean on each other. 3) Ultimately we get to the Divines, the gods, and figuring out they’re real and that’s why the cold ones exist and how magic really exists. You could argue that more narrative could’ve been spent on the gods but even so, it never felt rushed or loose ended.

I also appreciate that no one is particularly safe from death. We lost Greg at the end of The Ordeals which has a huge impact on Tessa through this book but we lose team members and other characters at any real moment too.

We get some fun moments, we get some spice with Sophia and Alden, some mythology and some kick as battle magic. It was a fun time!

[Betsy Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Well done Rachel, what was a fun read! If life wasn’t so busy I would have gotten through this in a day.

It was a great follow up to The Ordeals but completely different in terms of the story. Which I enjoyed it wasn’t the same book x2 but the same heart was still there.

Our FMC, Sophia was still enjoyable, strong and dedicated to the cause and her found family. Her growth not only as a wielder but as a woman was done well.

I also appreciated that the author highlighted one of the characters grief over the loss of a friend and how she was processing it since the end of the last book. It was devastating, pulled on your heart and very true to what it looks like in real life. I thought she did a beautiful job at that.

The ending was a surprising twist that came out of left field (though a lot of fun and if you paid attention very closely… I did not… you would have seen it coming).

I feel as though the book wrapped up well. It left little openings for maybe another book in the future. However, for now though It was a great time, lots of action! It also had more steam I will say between our two main characters than the previous book (and definitely felt more adult in the writing style than the last) and further developed a fantastic found family.

I really enjoyed it! Absolutely recommend for a fantasy duet.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with Sophia, Alden, and the others! The story picks up where The Ordeals left off. I love the relationship between Sophia and Alden. I also really like the found family aspect and the love everyone shows each other. The connections feel real.

The main plot is to kill the cold ones, the vampires, but there are also subplots happening throughout. The characters have to find a cure to stop them from killing. Sophia has definitely taken a huge step in growth in this book with stepping up.

I liked the fact that the students don't excel in fighting and have to really work on honing their skills, as well as learning to really communicate and trust each other.

There are twists and turns you don't see coming and Rachel does an excellent job keeping us guessing! I enjoyed the various adventures they go on and when magic was needed; how each person used it. The adventures are fast paced and keep the story moving. I really enjoyed the duology.

Thank you Rachel and Netgalley for the arc. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

"We can't change what has happened, but we can change the outcome."

"Love is uncomplicated at the end. There is only ever one path, one choice. All the others are so clearly false."

"Even the frailest form of beauty can bring a message of hope."

"We have to fight to live. Even if we fail."

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5 stars rounded up)

The Ordeals set such a high bar for me, so it pains me to say this one didn't hit the same way. Killmarth's world is as immersive as ever, the stakes technically go up with the gods/Great Hunt thread, and there's a real ambition to what the author tried to pull off in wrapping this duology. I wanted to love it as much as the first one, but it just fell a bit flat for me.

I found myself far less invested in the characters and the outcome this time around. A lot of the crew's actions and motivations felt forced, and there's a fair amount of filler that seems designed to convince us that Sophia and Alden's connection is as strong as it was in book one, when honestly it seems to have lost the oomph. By the climax, which should've been the highest stakes moment of the whole duology, I'd checked out enough that it landed as more silly than gripping. And Sophia's decision at the end (no spoilers) stretched believability for me twice over, both that she'd be handed that kind of agency in the first place and in what she does with it. This one needed another pass of developmental editing to get the character work back to where book one left it. Still glad I read it for closure, but it's a meh from me where I expected a favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers]

The Divines is an emotional conclusion to Rachel Greenlaw's Killmarth Trials series. The second book really amps up the emotional tension between all of the characters. Many of them are still dealing with the events at the end of book one and Greenlaw does this beautiful job of letting all the raw emotion draw out the story and pull the reader along.

The emotional connections in this story from Tessa's grief, to the love between Alden and Sophia, to their friendships, make this read much more raw and realistic. Tessa's actions as she moves through her grief were painful to read, but also some of the best moments. The way this group continues to fight for each other and the way they support each other is truly beautiful and powerful, especially during the more sorrowful and sad moments of this book.

Additionally, I loved the deeper dive into the lore of this world that Greenlaw does and the story that she weaves -- the long standing lesson of corruption and power is truly key to this story. It also comes together in a powerful conclusion of sacrifice and hope for the future.

Greenlaw does beautiful job of closing Sophia's story, while leaving an opening to (hopefully) return to this world in the future. I will miss this world and the raw storytelling that Greenlaw did to perfection.

4.5/5

[Jessica Wootten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good I had to force myself to slow down as I didn’t want it to be over yet and I made sure I savoured EVERY single page!

The Divines picks up right after the ending of book 1. As the world building and magic system was already so well established, everything felt very familiar and there was no need for reintroductions or recaps, which is just as well as the characters barely have time catch their breath before they’re thrown back into action within the first few chapters.

If you loved the characters in book 1, you’ll love them in this. Sophia’s determination is so admirable, I loved Alden and Knox is provides all the comic relief. Although now that the stakes are even higher, Sophia and her fellow scholars must focus on honing their wielding abilities, and work as a team to figure out how to protect Killmarth and save their world from the cold ones hellbent on draining everyone.

The writing in both books is so rich and atmospheric each chapter unfolds like a scene in a TV or film and I honestly think this series would make a great screen adaption - think stone castles, lofty towers and dark wood.

A huge thank you to Rachel for reaching out and gifting me an early copy!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC copy of The Divines.

I had three main issues with this book:
1. The character development. I found myself not being invested in any of their individual stories and the “romance” between Sophia & Alden was lackluster. I never felt a true connection between them, only lust. All of the “spicy” scenes felt repetitive and almost like they were just thrown in there.
2. The scatterbrained plot. I’m sorry but where did the Gods come from? I don’t remember them being mentioned in book 1 at all. This isn’t a Carissa Broadbent book. The mix of all of these elements together didn’t mesh or make enough sense to me.
3. The believability - I cannot stand when characters have issues or problems to solve that are explained as “difficult or impossible tasks” but seem to achieve them with little to no struggle. The pacing of this book felt completely off. Some parts dragged on forever while what should have been big moments, felt rushed.

Sadly this is a 1.75/5 ⭐️ for me. I think the trials and magic system, without the Gods coming into play, along with the cold ones, would have made for an interesting enough story but too many elements were thrown together in such a small book with YA writing.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in a spicy romantasy series picks up one month after the events of book one. Sophia is now a full student of a magical academy, she knows the truth about her parents and Ezra The Collector, the man who raised her and has declared her love for fellow magical student Alden.

Not everything is rosy in this world as war approaches with the cold ones (vampires) and her best friend, Tessa, is still mourning the loss of her own love. When a battle goes wrong someone Sophia cares for goes missing and another finds themselves changed forever.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine/Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read and review this book which I am giving 3.5⭐️.

I enjoyed the exploration of new world/realities in this book and the introduction of new characters. While I would have enjoyed more relationship building between Sophia and Alden as compared to them spending 90% of their time together making the spicy scenes happen, I do enjoy them as a couple and they are my favorite part about this series.

I would be interested in reading more books by this author and could see myself purchasing a copy of this series to have for my home library. A review of this book will be posted on my social media (TikTok and YouTube.)

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Ballantine books and Netgalley for the ARC.

3.0 🌟

This book started off so well, it was fast paced and entertaining. Everything I'd want and expect from a duology. I was invested in the characters and the plot. I personally thought Alden was better as a turning vampire 👀 the spice scenes were GIVING. I was fully invested in the book until 80% then at that point we decided to get the gods involved and I just felt like that entire plot point was just too easy and it just felt lazy to me. But maybe I'm just biased because I commonly dislike books where the gods get involved, not all of them. I just feel like it's something that's hard to do "right" and I just did not feel it went the way it should've. This could've been left at a cliffhanger and turned into a trilogy. We shouldve used a whole other book to tie the story together instead of using the "gods cure all" plot. That's really my own critique for this book, that being said it was significant enough to change my rating 🫣 But it's probably more of a personal issue and shouldn't be a reason to not read this book.

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[Unnamednonsense · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something was missing in this one for me. The magic of book one didn’t follow into book two. I’m not talking about literal magic here - I’m talking about the magical way it makes me feel and the way it hooks me. There was just something extra special in the first book that didn’t come to the second.

I did like the direction the plot went in this one. We’re done with the literal trials and now we’re in the political intrigue worlds trials. I liked learning more about the world, the gods, and the paranormal aspects that this book brings to the table.

But the pacing was so incredibly slow. I felt like my feet were dragging almost the whole time. Where the first book is so fast and addicting, this one felt like it was almost like a transition to a third book, but there is no third book.

You know what’s that’s what it is. This book feels like a middle book rather than a conclusion. There’s just something about the way it feels.

The romance as certainly a redeeming quality in this book. It’s just as strong as in book one, maybe even more so.

Thank you very much to Ballantine and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine & Delacorte Press for the eARC and opportunity to read this book in advance.

Whoever said that a sequel is never as good as the original had certainly never met Rachel Greenlaw. Not only is The Divines as great as The Ordeals, it is, in my opinion, even better.

As much as I loved the academic aspect of the first book, I wasn't disappointed that this aspect wasn't really exploited in the second. I loved that the characters were able to use all that they'd learned in their first year to become better versions of themselves, as wielders, in their second year.

Not only were the new characters really interesting, they also each brought something special and interesting to the story, which can be hard to do when introducing new characters in a second book.

As you can see, I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I can't believe how much exciting and thrilling content Rachel managed to put into 307 pages. I don't think I managed to take a single full breath between the first and last chapters.

This book offers an incredibly satisfying, even though at times heartbreaking, conclusion to a powerful and compelling duology.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Ballantine/Delacorte Press and Netgalley for this e-arc

4 stars

Okay, the ending to the first book was diabolical and I am so glad to be back in this world. I loved this! I freaking love the magic system in this book with the botany and Illusionist magic. Sophie and Alden have more or less survived the trials and are now once again having to fight for their lives against the Cold Ones ( my little twilight heart is thrilled with this). I love vampires and this is such a different setting with a different type of magic system to introduce them in that I am very pleasantly surprised by. The twists and turns in this had me on the literal edge of my seat like I read this in one setting it was that good. Then to find out this was only a two book series I was so sad because I love this work and I hope that Rachel writes more in it. Overall, was an absolutely fabulous read I am so sad til leave this world, but am very excited to see what else Rachel has in store for the future. Would recommend this to anyone who likes dark academia, vampires and fantasy anything.

[Sandy Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley

The pacing in this book is better than book 1. The trials in the Ordeals was not particularly interesting. The whole was story pretty predictable… the FMC has to pass some trials- done, she falls in love- done, there is a surprise twist at the end- done. I feel like I’ve seen that plot summary many times before.

However, this book has so much more action and a constantly evolving plot. I was pleasantly surprised by the direction this book went.

In The Divines we go to different realms/worlds, have vampires/cold ones, there is an infected loved one and the search for a possible cure. And of course the Gods! All of this is leads to an original and compelling story.

I do like the magic system in this duology. Magicians are either masquiers, botanist, illusionist or alchemists. Not every one is a magician, and rarely does one wield more than one type of magic.

FMC- Sophia. I like the growth we see in Sophia in this book. She learns a lot about herself and comes to some understanding regarding her upbringing.

[Katie Scarlett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am disappointed for the most part by this book. It was a lot slower than the last book and really felt like it dragged far too long. There was a lot of repetition of the same information over and over again. I liked some concepts but the ones that could have been really fun and added some much needed comic relief never came. It’s a very grim story for the most part with a lot of characters deeply grieving the events from the ending of the last book. A lot of my questions from the last book are never answered which is especially disappointing as I think this is only a duology. The ending feels jarring and slapped together. The sudden pivot with the ending annoyed me as it was very out of the blue. I definitely liked the first book a lot more. Be warned the last book seemed pretty mild as far as content but this one was an annoying constant stream of sex scenes that felt really unnecessary and did nothing to advance the already slow moving story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.