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The Heart Trials
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26In a world where love is forbidden, one girl must fight for her heart and freedom through deadly trials in the first book of a new dystopian romantasy duology from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Elle.
Welcome to The Heart Trials.
The prize is love.
The cost is everything.
In Ethyria the highborn may love; the lowborn may only feel what the Benevolent allows.
Saltblood lowborn Axira Merreri survives the decaying districts by keeping her heart locked tight, couriering goods by day — and smuggling the ruler’s euphoric Heartfillers to the highborn by night. Until a drop goes wrong and her execution looms.
When she strikes a dangerous bargain to steal something from the Tournament of Hearts, a ruthless dating competition for highborn citizenship, she enters. Not for love. For freedom. But as the twisted allure of the competition turns deadly, an unexpected connection cracks her defenses, forcing her to confront a truth she In a regime built on engineered happiness, the most dangerous weapon she has is her heart.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Elle delivers a breathless series opener that is bold, bone-chilling, and wholly original. For fans of the cutthroat competition of The Hunger Games, Love Island, and Powerless, this dystopian romantasy explores what happens when the heart becomes the empire’s sharpest blade.
Welcome to The Heart Trials.
The prize is love.
The cost is everything.
In Ethyria the highborn may love; the lowborn may only feel what the Benevolent allows.
Saltblood lowborn Axira Merreri survives the decaying districts by keeping her heart locked tight, couriering goods by day — and smuggling the ruler’s euphoric Heartfillers to the highborn by night. Until a drop goes wrong and her execution looms.
When she strikes a dangerous bargain to steal something from the Tournament of Hearts, a ruthless dating competition for highborn citizenship, she enters. Not for love. For freedom. But as the twisted allure of the competition turns deadly, an unexpected connection cracks her defenses, forcing her to confront a truth she In a regime built on engineered happiness, the most dangerous weapon she has is her heart.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Elle delivers a breathless series opener that is bold, bone-chilling, and wholly original. For fans of the cutthroat competition of The Hunger Games, Love Island, and Powerless, this dystopian romantasy explores what happens when the heart becomes the empire’s sharpest blade.
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
J. Elle
18 books1,553 followersJ. ELLE is the New York Times bestselling author of young adult and middle-grade fantasy fiction and a 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens. Her work has been translated into three languages. The former educator credits her nomadic lifestyle and humble inner-city beginnings as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found on the hunt for new desserts sans Chocolat, looking for literally any excuse to get dressed up, and road-tripping her way across the country with her two dogs in tow.
Follow me on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-elle
Follow me on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-elle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 23, 2026
4.25 stars!
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
YA isn’t usually my favorite genre, but J. Elle’s books are always the exception. She pulls me in every single time, and The Heart Trials was no different. Trial based stories are also incredibly difficult to make feel fresh and original, but this one absolutely delivered.
From the very first pages, I was hooked. I kept turning page after page, desperate to know what would happen next, and by the end I was already wishing I had the next book yesterday.
What really stood out to me was that this dystopian society wasn’t just built on a caste system. It also controlled the most basic parts of being human. Emotions, love, and connection are manipulated and weaponized against its citizens, adding another layer of tension to an already compelling world.
The trials were gritty, devastating, and high stakes, but also somehow sprinkle in speed dating? It was such an unexpected, original combination that gave the familiar trials trope a fresh twist.
And finally…it’s that “destroy kingdoms for each other” kind of love. 😏
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!
YA isn’t usually my favorite genre, but J. Elle’s books are always the exception. She pulls me in every single time, and The Heart Trials was no different. Trial based stories are also incredibly difficult to make feel fresh and original, but this one absolutely delivered.
From the very first pages, I was hooked. I kept turning page after page, desperate to know what would happen next, and by the end I was already wishing I had the next book yesterday.
What really stood out to me was that this dystopian society wasn’t just built on a caste system. It also controlled the most basic parts of being human. Emotions, love, and connection are manipulated and weaponized against its citizens, adding another layer of tension to an already compelling world.
The trials were gritty, devastating, and high stakes, but also somehow sprinkle in speed dating? It was such an unexpected, original combination that gave the familiar trials trope a fresh twist.
And finally…it’s that “destroy kingdoms for each other” kind of love. 😏
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley, J. Elle, and the publisher for the ARC!
I’m going to do something weird and rate this book on two dimensions: market-worthiness, and how it worked for me as a reader.
Market-worthiness: 100/10. It’s super on trend; it’s well-written; the story is clearly told by an experienced storyteller; and despite my personal feelings, I think it’s an excellent addition to the romantasy genre. It offers just enough familiarity to be cozy to readers, but has enough of a unique angle to not bore.
Did it work for me as a reader?
Well, here’s the type of reader I am. I really enjoy getting into character’s emotions and inner worlds, fast. If that sacrifices speed, snark, wit, I don’t care. I like interiority, I like inner complexity, I like characters who go on just a little bit too long.
I think this review would make more sense if I went by topic.
Concept
This is a fairly interesting world. Love is forbidden (or rather, emotion), and a lower class of people are numbed by magical drugs named Heartfillers.
I just wanted more, sociopolitically. “In a world where love is forbidden”—awesome. Except forbidding love itself is removing a quintessential component of what makes us human. Add in social stratification based on loving vs not loving, and it’s effectively dehumanizing an entire class of people.
And let’s not even talk about what this means for things like motherhood. Do mothers know they’re mothers? When they birth a child and immediately don’t love it, what would compel them to keep it? How are families formed if love doesn’t exist, or is dulled?
Why does marriage still exist for those who don’t get to love? A contract to procreate, yes—but do they need the contract if there’s no love, no family to form?
Why do the Skyborns get to love? Do they have something special, or are they just upper class because we need an upper class? Are they a certain race, do they look a certain way?
I didn’t feel like the book went deeply enough into its own concept. Why are love and emotion forbidden in the first place? Is it to control overpopulation by preventing procreation? Or to create generations of mindless bee workers?
The good news is that none of this is unfixable. We just need more explanation.
Hunger Games-ness
This is both a pro and con. Pro: I love the market-thinking. It’s so sharp. This is romantasy bullt on Hunger Games scaffolding, and I like that.
You know the moment where Katniss and Peeta have to pretend to be in love? Take that moment and stretch it into a book, and you get The Heart Trials. You have the districts, the hunger, the food rationing, the President Snow-esque Benevolent in the background. We literally have a moment where the heroine returns home to say goodbye before the competition.
The only thing it was missing from the Hunger Games was the commentary. It hit readers so hard because it said something about power, spectacle, lack of privacy, children in entertainment, violence.
This leans a little too much on pop — it wants to be fun, fast, entertaining, and for me personally, I would’ve preferred a lot more gravity. We’re dealing with the dissolution of what makes society society: empathy, love, emotion. I wanted RANTS on us becoming animals without love, and how society would collapse, and look, actually, it’s happening now with social media and AI, and la da da.
Plot
Finally, part of the reason I couldn’t quite get into this was the plot. A good chunk of the first 10-20% are about the Heartfillers, and I personally wanted to learn more about what forbidding love meant, and specifically what it meant for the heroine.
The MC’s drive to leave her world was well-written, but somewhat expected. She consistently defies authority without much punishment, and even runs into the prince by chance. The Benevolent appeared to be an interesting villain at first, but then kind of... fizzled?
Overall, I really do think this is an interesting addition to the market. As a Hunger Games Stan, this was nostalgic in the best way. I hope it reaches the right readers.
I’m going to do something weird and rate this book on two dimensions: market-worthiness, and how it worked for me as a reader.
Market-worthiness: 100/10. It’s super on trend; it’s well-written; the story is clearly told by an experienced storyteller; and despite my personal feelings, I think it’s an excellent addition to the romantasy genre. It offers just enough familiarity to be cozy to readers, but has enough of a unique angle to not bore.
Did it work for me as a reader?
Well, here’s the type of reader I am. I really enjoy getting into character’s emotions and inner worlds, fast. If that sacrifices speed, snark, wit, I don’t care. I like interiority, I like inner complexity, I like characters who go on just a little bit too long.
I think this review would make more sense if I went by topic.
Concept
This is a fairly interesting world. Love is forbidden (or rather, emotion), and a lower class of people are numbed by magical drugs named Heartfillers.
I just wanted more, sociopolitically. “In a world where love is forbidden”—awesome. Except forbidding love itself is removing a quintessential component of what makes us human. Add in social stratification based on loving vs not loving, and it’s effectively dehumanizing an entire class of people.
And let’s not even talk about what this means for things like motherhood. Do mothers know they’re mothers? When they birth a child and immediately don’t love it, what would compel them to keep it? How are families formed if love doesn’t exist, or is dulled?
Why does marriage still exist for those who don’t get to love? A contract to procreate, yes—but do they need the contract if there’s no love, no family to form?
Why do the Skyborns get to love? Do they have something special, or are they just upper class because we need an upper class? Are they a certain race, do they look a certain way?
I didn’t feel like the book went deeply enough into its own concept. Why are love and emotion forbidden in the first place? Is it to control overpopulation by preventing procreation? Or to create generations of mindless bee workers?
The good news is that none of this is unfixable. We just need more explanation.
Hunger Games-ness
This is both a pro and con. Pro: I love the market-thinking. It’s so sharp. This is romantasy bullt on Hunger Games scaffolding, and I like that.
You know the moment where Katniss and Peeta have to pretend to be in love? Take that moment and stretch it into a book, and you get The Heart Trials. You have the districts, the hunger, the food rationing, the President Snow-esque Benevolent in the background. We literally have a moment where the heroine returns home to say goodbye before the competition.
The only thing it was missing from the Hunger Games was the commentary. It hit readers so hard because it said something about power, spectacle, lack of privacy, children in entertainment, violence.
This leans a little too much on pop — it wants to be fun, fast, entertaining, and for me personally, I would’ve preferred a lot more gravity. We’re dealing with the dissolution of what makes society society: empathy, love, emotion. I wanted RANTS on us becoming animals without love, and how society would collapse, and look, actually, it’s happening now with social media and AI, and la da da.
Plot
Finally, part of the reason I couldn’t quite get into this was the plot. A good chunk of the first 10-20% are about the Heartfillers, and I personally wanted to learn more about what forbidding love meant, and specifically what it meant for the heroine.
The MC’s drive to leave her world was well-written, but somewhat expected. She consistently defies authority without much punishment, and even runs into the prince by chance. The Benevolent appeared to be an interesting villain at first, but then kind of... fizzled?
Overall, I really do think this is an interesting addition to the market. As a Hunger Games Stan, this was nostalgic in the best way. I hope it reaches the right readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Heart Trials • J. Elle
One phrase: Love Island, but make it dystopian death games 💘🗡️
J. Elle’s The Heart Trials is absolutely going to be a TikTok sensation.
You heard it here first.
This book takes place in Ethyria, a world where the highborn are allowed to love, but the lowborn are only allowed to feel what the Benevolent permits. Their emotions are dulled by Heartfillers, magical crystals that create artificial happiness and keep people numb enough not to fight back.
Chilling? Yes.
Addictive? Also yes.
Axira Merreri is a lowborn smuggler trying to survive in the decaying districts while taking care of the people she loves. She has worked hard to keep her heart locked down, especially after weaning herself off the very thing meant to keep her compliant. But when a drop goes wrong and execution is suddenly on the table, she is forced into a brutal choice.
Compete in the Tournament of Hearts or die.
The Tournament of Hearts is basically Love Island if the government was evil, murder was encouraged, and love could either save you or destroy you.
So obviously, I was hooked.
Axira enters for freedom, not romance, but the more she is pushed through the trials, the harder it becomes to ignore what she is feeling. Watching her struggle with emotions, connection, touch, eye contact, and vulnerability in a world that has made love a privilege was so fascinating.
And Caelus?
The prince determined to survive his father’s cruelty and maybe change the world? I was listening.
The world building was fantastic. Ethyria felt vivid, brutal, and fully imagined, with history, hierarchy, oppression, and a magic system that made the stakes feel personal and terrifying. Axira’s growth was also such a strong part of the story. Her journey from survival mode to feeling, questioning, and fighting with her heart open was so compelling.
And that ending?
NOPE.
Absolutely rude. I could have screamed. I need book two immediately.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
💘 dystopian romantasy
🏆 deadly dating competition
🗡️ Tournament of Hearts
💔 forbidden love
👑 rebel prince
🖤 lowborn FMC
✨ engineered happiness
🔥 forced proximity
😱 brutal trials
🧠 emotional awakening
⚔️ fight for freedom
😭 cliffhanger ending
📚 Read this if you like:
The Hunger Games, Love Island, Powerless, dystopian romance, deadly competitions, forbidden feelings, oppressive regimes, and books where the heart becomes the most dangerous weapon of all.
This was bold, original, addictive, and left me emotionally unwell in the best way.
#TheHeartTrials #JElle #DystopianRomance #RomantasyBooks #BookReview @Penguin @Putnam
One phrase: Love Island, but make it dystopian death games 💘🗡️
J. Elle’s The Heart Trials is absolutely going to be a TikTok sensation.
You heard it here first.
This book takes place in Ethyria, a world where the highborn are allowed to love, but the lowborn are only allowed to feel what the Benevolent permits. Their emotions are dulled by Heartfillers, magical crystals that create artificial happiness and keep people numb enough not to fight back.
Chilling? Yes.
Addictive? Also yes.
Axira Merreri is a lowborn smuggler trying to survive in the decaying districts while taking care of the people she loves. She has worked hard to keep her heart locked down, especially after weaning herself off the very thing meant to keep her compliant. But when a drop goes wrong and execution is suddenly on the table, she is forced into a brutal choice.
Compete in the Tournament of Hearts or die.
The Tournament of Hearts is basically Love Island if the government was evil, murder was encouraged, and love could either save you or destroy you.
So obviously, I was hooked.
Axira enters for freedom, not romance, but the more she is pushed through the trials, the harder it becomes to ignore what she is feeling. Watching her struggle with emotions, connection, touch, eye contact, and vulnerability in a world that has made love a privilege was so fascinating.
And Caelus?
The prince determined to survive his father’s cruelty and maybe change the world? I was listening.
The world building was fantastic. Ethyria felt vivid, brutal, and fully imagined, with history, hierarchy, oppression, and a magic system that made the stakes feel personal and terrifying. Axira’s growth was also such a strong part of the story. Her journey from survival mode to feeling, questioning, and fighting with her heart open was so compelling.
And that ending?
NOPE.
Absolutely rude. I could have screamed. I need book two immediately.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
💘 dystopian romantasy
🏆 deadly dating competition
🗡️ Tournament of Hearts
💔 forbidden love
👑 rebel prince
🖤 lowborn FMC
✨ engineered happiness
🔥 forced proximity
😱 brutal trials
🧠 emotional awakening
⚔️ fight for freedom
😭 cliffhanger ending
📚 Read this if you like:
The Hunger Games, Love Island, Powerless, dystopian romance, deadly competitions, forbidden feelings, oppressive regimes, and books where the heart becomes the most dangerous weapon of all.
This was bold, original, addictive, and left me emotionally unwell in the best way.
#TheHeartTrials #JElle #DystopianRomance #RomantasyBooks #BookReview @Penguin @Putnam
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THE HEART TRIALS by J. Elle is a super original YA Dystopian Romantasy that hits on so many popular tropes, has compelling characters, a swoon-worthy romance, and world-building that's off-the-charts immersive. Before I gush on, I'll do a quick overview for those who haven't yet read.
In Ethyria, the ruler controls people's feelings, something he claims helps keep the peace. People are separated into two classes. The highborn are allowed to love, while the lowborn are only allowed to feel emotions that the ruler allows, and when he allows it.
When lowborn smuggler Axira Merreri gets caught smuggling the ruler’s euphoric Heartfillers in the midst of a really tragic mix-up, she is sentenced to die. To attempt to gain her freedom so that she can continue to help and protect her found family, she agrees to enter the brutal and manipulative Tournament of Hearts, a dating competition where the winning couple gain highborn citizenship.
In it to win it, and not lose herself to the dreaded feeling of being in love, her hold on her heart erodes as she draws closer and closer to a co-conspirator who may be the key to her winning or her undoing.
What I loved about this book:
- the magic system is super unique and unlike anything I've ever read before
- the found family aspect that motivates Axira throughout the book was so touching
- the love interest is handsome, smart, yet angsty in a way that makes you care for him and want to protect him from all the bad stuff
- who doesn't like a competition? double down if it's dangerous, although I could have done without some of the violence. It was rough.
- the worldbuilding - throughout the competition we get to see different areas of Ethyria from the port to the mountains to the plains
- the romance - it had to be a slow build for many reasons, but mostly because Axira has lived her whole life pushing away emotions. When she and the love interest finally do touch, it's magical
What didn't work for me:
- there's a decision the heroine makes towards the end of the trail that made me want to throw the book across the room. That said, it did elicit a strong reaction in me, which is a hallmark of great writing. I just wouldn't have ever made THAT choice. But I'm not her.
If you enjoy unique magic systems, competitions that can turn deadly, and a slow burn romance despite the odds, pick up THE HEART TRIALS. You won't regret it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for the advanced eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
In Ethyria, the ruler controls people's feelings, something he claims helps keep the peace. People are separated into two classes. The highborn are allowed to love, while the lowborn are only allowed to feel emotions that the ruler allows, and when he allows it.
When lowborn smuggler Axira Merreri gets caught smuggling the ruler’s euphoric Heartfillers in the midst of a really tragic mix-up, she is sentenced to die. To attempt to gain her freedom so that she can continue to help and protect her found family, she agrees to enter the brutal and manipulative Tournament of Hearts, a dating competition where the winning couple gain highborn citizenship.
In it to win it, and not lose herself to the dreaded feeling of being in love, her hold on her heart erodes as she draws closer and closer to a co-conspirator who may be the key to her winning or her undoing.
What I loved about this book:
- the magic system is super unique and unlike anything I've ever read before
- the found family aspect that motivates Axira throughout the book was so touching
- the love interest is handsome, smart, yet angsty in a way that makes you care for him and want to protect him from all the bad stuff
- who doesn't like a competition? double down if it's dangerous, although I could have done without some of the violence. It was rough.
- the worldbuilding - throughout the competition we get to see different areas of Ethyria from the port to the mountains to the plains
- the romance - it had to be a slow build for many reasons, but mostly because Axira has lived her whole life pushing away emotions. When she and the love interest finally do touch, it's magical
What didn't work for me:
- there's a decision the heroine makes towards the end of the trail that made me want to throw the book across the room. That said, it did elicit a strong reaction in me, which is a hallmark of great writing. I just wouldn't have ever made THAT choice. But I'm not her.
If you enjoy unique magic systems, competitions that can turn deadly, and a slow burn romance despite the odds, pick up THE HEART TRIALS. You won't regret it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for the advanced eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
J. Elle’s The Heart Trials is going to be the next TikTok sensation – You heard it here first.
Set in the fantasy world Ethyria, where only the Skyborn are allowed to experience love, the lowborns are resigned to a miserable existence. Only compensated by the forced use of ‘heartfillers’, magical crystals which produce a numbing, joyous effect – keeping the citizens lazy, dulled and to numb to fight back. After weaning herself off the capital prescribed drugs, Axira Merrei, our favourite smuggler (not thief, SMUGGLER… I’m not 100% about the difference) is beginning to see more of the harsh conditions people are forced to survive in. Living in an orphanage, she sees starvation and brutality constantly. To help her loved ones survive, she smuggles heartfillers to the Skyborns, who are meant to be so happy that they don’t need drug induced emotions. During one of her most important drug deals, everything goes wrong. Leaving Axira with a choice, compete in the Tournament of Hearts – a brutal contest where the winning couple move to live with the Skyborns and are allowed to experience love – or die. Think of it like Love Island, but with working class contestants and where murder is encouraged.
Axira meets the Benevolent, Ethyria’s callous ruler, but most readers will be more interested in his son, Caelus. Our Prince is determined to change the world, as long as he can survive his father’s murderous plans. Together Caelus and Axira experience a series of trails to prove they can handle loving one another and the hardships love entails. We see Axira struggle to adapt to what we perceive as normal human experiences, such as skin contact, looking one another in the eye and being within 3 feet of one another.
Although Axira isn’t interested in becoming a Skyborn, instead wanting to escape and move to a safer location, she understands that the Heart Trails is the only way to flee with her life. But the more she begins to feel, the more her emotions put her at risk. Elle’s world building here is fantastic, wonderfully detailed and the Ethyria’s history makes the location feel more realist. Seeing Axira grow and learn about her parents was great character development, I really sympathised with her struggles. I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for the second novel because there is NO WAY I can leave their story on that cliffhanger! – What an ending, I could have screamed.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for the review, I really enjoyed this book!
Set in the fantasy world Ethyria, where only the Skyborn are allowed to experience love, the lowborns are resigned to a miserable existence. Only compensated by the forced use of ‘heartfillers’, magical crystals which produce a numbing, joyous effect – keeping the citizens lazy, dulled and to numb to fight back. After weaning herself off the capital prescribed drugs, Axira Merrei, our favourite smuggler (not thief, SMUGGLER… I’m not 100% about the difference) is beginning to see more of the harsh conditions people are forced to survive in. Living in an orphanage, she sees starvation and brutality constantly. To help her loved ones survive, she smuggles heartfillers to the Skyborns, who are meant to be so happy that they don’t need drug induced emotions. During one of her most important drug deals, everything goes wrong. Leaving Axira with a choice, compete in the Tournament of Hearts – a brutal contest where the winning couple move to live with the Skyborns and are allowed to experience love – or die. Think of it like Love Island, but with working class contestants and where murder is encouraged.
Axira meets the Benevolent, Ethyria’s callous ruler, but most readers will be more interested in his son, Caelus. Our Prince is determined to change the world, as long as he can survive his father’s murderous plans. Together Caelus and Axira experience a series of trails to prove they can handle loving one another and the hardships love entails. We see Axira struggle to adapt to what we perceive as normal human experiences, such as skin contact, looking one another in the eye and being within 3 feet of one another.
Although Axira isn’t interested in becoming a Skyborn, instead wanting to escape and move to a safer location, she understands that the Heart Trails is the only way to flee with her life. But the more she begins to feel, the more her emotions put her at risk. Elle’s world building here is fantastic, wonderfully detailed and the Ethyria’s history makes the location feel more realist. Seeing Axira grow and learn about her parents was great character development, I really sympathised with her struggles. I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for the second novel because there is NO WAY I can leave their story on that cliffhanger! – What an ending, I could have screamed.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for the review, I really enjoyed this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
One of the things I noticed starting out was that the main character was an orphan, which is a cliche that I find to be tiring. Far too often, it's used as an excuse to not have to write or create any sort of family dynamics. Additionally, the *unique* name of Axira (axe-ee-rah?) (uh-she-ruh?) that I wasn't quite sure how to pronounce. I'm not sure why a lot of fantasy authors feel the need to give their characters a unique name to show how super special they are.
The world-building was interesting but I had a hard time visualizing some aspects. For example, the lowborn are forbidden from touching each other but it was never exactly explained how that was enforced and it feels unrealistic to implement in a society. It's also not explained how showing love is also forbidden but how people still marry and how the population is maintained (or why any of the lowborn would want to maintain the population) beyond stating that marriage was enforced. Additionally, people somehow put crystals in their chests? I wasn't really sure how that would work or how mass-drugging a population on a large scale is the most efficient way of subduing them. People also wear chains in their mouth and the purpose of this isn't explained either.
The trials aspect from the way it was hyped, reminded me kind of Love Island or Too Hot to Handle albeit in a fantasy setting but the actual trials were kind of meh and not entirely that interesting. I thought the trials would be more dangerous rather then seeming like the a reality TV show in a fantasy setting and I think it would have been more interesting if the trials were removed from this book or at least heavily changed.
It's also not explained how everyone is supposed to be emotionally repressed yet also expected to fall in love? Even with the mass emotional repression, I still felt like people were showing emotions too. It was also stated that physical touch was forbidden before the first trial but people were kissing without consequences after? They also are supposed to have ways to detect if the love is actually real but the main character seems to be able to get away with faking it too easily. The dystopian elements (the suppression of the lower class, forced marriage for handmaid's tale purposes, etc) are all very much there for the aesthetic rather then being actually discussed in-depth. Overall, this book has an interesting premise and unique worldbuilding but a lot of the more practical and logical aspects were lacking.
One of the things I noticed starting out was that the main character was an orphan, which is a cliche that I find to be tiring. Far too often, it's used as an excuse to not have to write or create any sort of family dynamics. Additionally, the *unique* name of Axira (axe-ee-rah?) (uh-she-ruh?) that I wasn't quite sure how to pronounce. I'm not sure why a lot of fantasy authors feel the need to give their characters a unique name to show how super special they are.
The world-building was interesting but I had a hard time visualizing some aspects. For example, the lowborn are forbidden from touching each other but it was never exactly explained how that was enforced and it feels unrealistic to implement in a society. It's also not explained how showing love is also forbidden but how people still marry and how the population is maintained (or why any of the lowborn would want to maintain the population) beyond stating that marriage was enforced. Additionally, people somehow put crystals in their chests? I wasn't really sure how that would work or how mass-drugging a population on a large scale is the most efficient way of subduing them. People also wear chains in their mouth and the purpose of this isn't explained either.
The trials aspect from the way it was hyped, reminded me kind of Love Island or Too Hot to Handle albeit in a fantasy setting but the actual trials were kind of meh and not entirely that interesting. I thought the trials would be more dangerous rather then seeming like the a reality TV show in a fantasy setting and I think it would have been more interesting if the trials were removed from this book or at least heavily changed.
It's also not explained how everyone is supposed to be emotionally repressed yet also expected to fall in love? Even with the mass emotional repression, I still felt like people were showing emotions too. It was also stated that physical touch was forbidden before the first trial but people were kissing without consequences after? They also are supposed to have ways to detect if the love is actually real but the main character seems to be able to get away with faking it too easily. The dystopian elements (the suppression of the lower class, forced marriage for handmaid's tale purposes, etc) are all very much there for the aesthetic rather then being actually discussed in-depth. Overall, this book has an interesting premise and unique worldbuilding but a lot of the more practical and logical aspects were lacking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoy J. Elle's storytelling, and The Heart Trials was no exception. Our protagonist, Axira, comes from the Saltblood district - in a world reminiscent of the Hunger Games or Divergent, the people of Ethyria are divided into factions such as the Skyborn who live in luxury and are allowed to feel feelings, Grainfolk who harvest the crops, Stonebound who live in the rocky cliffs, and Saltbloods who fish in the sea. After the rebellious uprising deemed the Red Wake, the Lowborn were separated from the Highborn and were not allowed to do things like love or care. Their despotic ruler, the Benevolent, keeps them from touching by wearing gloves and chains across their mouths to prevent kissing. The only way to escape their Lowborn lives is to compete in a Cinderella style Heart Trial where the person who finds their truest match will be awarded Skyborn citizenship. Axira has no interest in the competition but is lured to the Palace by the prospect of lots of gold in exchange for Heartfillers, drugs that can make them feel certain things like euphoria, old memories, or sedation. The sale falls through when the Prince's cousin, Lucent, overdoses on Heartfillers, and Axira is forced to enter the tournament or be executed as a criminal. She ends up there with her jilted ex, Dorian, whose very (he thought) romantic proposal to breed together she rejected, others from all of the various Lowborn, and Prince Caelus himself. The prince thinks he's there because his father wants him dead, but a sweet romance develops between Axira and Caelus despite both of their best efforts. They intended to steal the magic of the winning kiss but instead find themselves in a harrowing race for survival - Axira must remember that she has an orphanage and a little girl to save and Caelus has an agenda of his own. During the trials, there is no shortage of violence and betrayal, and you'll have to read to find out what happens at the end. I think it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment, and there was a twist at the end that I definitely did not see coming. Axira is a plucky and likable protagonist who readers will be rooting for, and she has lots of reasons not to trust the other competitors. This was a great example of fantasy worldbuilding and I can't wait to see how the story ends!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 Stars
When I started the book and was introduced to the basis upon which Ethyria’s society is based, I was sceptical of how the author could successfully make it interesting since it felt a bit silly to me.
I admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the concept of love being restricted (and the extent to which people are allowed to experience their emotions) felt like something out of a wattpad fic, but, the author definitely pulled it off. Everything starts to make sense the more you read on, so don’t dnf prematurely if you feel the same way I did.
The Heart Trials feels like a dystopian love island with a touch of the hunger games. The trials involve deadly stakes, murder and betrayal, secret plots, and of course, love and connection. They, especially the third trial, had me at the edge of my seat anticipating what would happen next, who would survive, who wouldn’t.
The concept of the heartfillers was especially interesting to me, how they dull/manipulate the emotions of the lowborns to keep them docile. I felt like this was a really clever addition to the world and goes a long way in making everything make more sense.
Axira is a lowborn smuggler who loves her family fiercely despite forcibly having her emotions suppressed her entire life. She’s brave, bold, and determined. Caelus is the highborn prince with a heart of gold bent on ending his father’s tyranny. He’s kind, protective, and gentle. Their relationship grows beautifully. Through him, Axira learns how to be vulnerable and the strength of love.
I love how Axira goes from being singleminded about getting herself and her family off the island, to caring about and actively altering the fates of the other sympathetic contestants too. I was also impressed by how the author handled how Axira dealt with and felt about having to get used to touch after spending her whole life having it be illegal. It felt realistic.
I liked how the side characters each felt distinct and individual. The contestants we focused on all had their own motivations and played their parts to move the story forward.
We end on a huge cliffhanger, the story ending before we know whether the characters left standing make it. Effective in keeping me interested to know what happens next.
When I started the book and was introduced to the basis upon which Ethyria’s society is based, I was sceptical of how the author could successfully make it interesting since it felt a bit silly to me.
I admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, the concept of love being restricted (and the extent to which people are allowed to experience their emotions) felt like something out of a wattpad fic, but, the author definitely pulled it off. Everything starts to make sense the more you read on, so don’t dnf prematurely if you feel the same way I did.
The Heart Trials feels like a dystopian love island with a touch of the hunger games. The trials involve deadly stakes, murder and betrayal, secret plots, and of course, love and connection. They, especially the third trial, had me at the edge of my seat anticipating what would happen next, who would survive, who wouldn’t.
The concept of the heartfillers was especially interesting to me, how they dull/manipulate the emotions of the lowborns to keep them docile. I felt like this was a really clever addition to the world and goes a long way in making everything make more sense.
Axira is a lowborn smuggler who loves her family fiercely despite forcibly having her emotions suppressed her entire life. She’s brave, bold, and determined. Caelus is the highborn prince with a heart of gold bent on ending his father’s tyranny. He’s kind, protective, and gentle. Their relationship grows beautifully. Through him, Axira learns how to be vulnerable and the strength of love.
I love how Axira goes from being singleminded about getting herself and her family off the island, to caring about and actively altering the fates of the other sympathetic contestants too. I was also impressed by how the author handled how Axira dealt with and felt about having to get used to touch after spending her whole life having it be illegal. It felt realistic.
I liked how the side characters each felt distinct and individual. The contestants we focused on all had their own motivations and played their parts to move the story forward.
We end on a huge cliffhanger, the story ending before we know whether the characters left standing make it. Effective in keeping me interested to know what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received a free ARC of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. This review will have spoilers!
This book is like a YA version of Love Island + Hunger Games to the point where it's really hard to not constantly notice the Hunger Games parallels, including but not limited to:
-Rebellious female heroine who illegally makes a living for herself and her family (Katniss hunting, Axira smuggling)
-Younger sister figure that is the only person the female heroine cares about, who is eventually endangered and becomes the primary motivation for the female heroine to enter a government-run tournament (Katniss volunteering as tribute for Rue after she's called, Axira entering into the Heart Trials because Serafina is sick)
-Classism and alliances forming based on districts (Districts, Grainfolk/Stonebound/Saltbloods)
-Old evil guy in the position of power who enjoys hosting the tournament to keep people in their place (President Snow, The Benevolent)
-Kids killing each other in the tournament
-Tournament being a false promise of upwards mobility
-Officers that enforce things from the higher class (Peacekeepers, Mercyenforcers)
-and more!
Other than that, I think that Axira's character arc was a little bit hard to follow for me. She started as so incredibly averse to displaying emotions and having a lot of discipline with it, but pretty quickly into the tournament it became really and natural for her to display Katniss-like conviction and expressions. Was this purposeful to display how easily emotions can come out when they're not suppressed? Who knows.
I think that the book is set apart in that there's some non-realism going on. I never really grasped what the chastity mouth chains are supposed to look like or how the heartfillers work, but once we got to the concept of magic I was kind of just like... hm. Interesting. What else is going on here? Who knows.
This book did take me a long time to get into, but once I finally sat down and read it I moved through it pretty easily. I think that the deaths and violence were a little bit too forced and on the nose in a Hunger Games comparison, but I guess it was necessary!
Overall, I'm just a little bit irritated that we ended on a cliffhanger. I thought it would be a standalone :')
This book is like a YA version of Love Island + Hunger Games to the point where it's really hard to not constantly notice the Hunger Games parallels, including but not limited to:
-Rebellious female heroine who illegally makes a living for herself and her family (Katniss hunting, Axira smuggling)
-Younger sister figure that is the only person the female heroine cares about, who is eventually endangered and becomes the primary motivation for the female heroine to enter a government-run tournament (Katniss volunteering as tribute for Rue after she's called, Axira entering into the Heart Trials because Serafina is sick)
-Classism and alliances forming based on districts (Districts, Grainfolk/Stonebound/Saltbloods)
-Old evil guy in the position of power who enjoys hosting the tournament to keep people in their place (President Snow, The Benevolent)
-Kids killing each other in the tournament
-Tournament being a false promise of upwards mobility
-Officers that enforce things from the higher class (Peacekeepers, Mercyenforcers)
-and more!
Other than that, I think that Axira's character arc was a little bit hard to follow for me. She started as so incredibly averse to displaying emotions and having a lot of discipline with it, but pretty quickly into the tournament it became really and natural for her to display Katniss-like conviction and expressions. Was this purposeful to display how easily emotions can come out when they're not suppressed? Who knows.
I think that the book is set apart in that there's some non-realism going on. I never really grasped what the chastity mouth chains are supposed to look like or how the heartfillers work, but once we got to the concept of magic I was kind of just like... hm. Interesting. What else is going on here? Who knows.
This book did take me a long time to get into, but once I finally sat down and read it I moved through it pretty easily. I think that the deaths and violence were a little bit too forced and on the nose in a Hunger Games comparison, but I guess it was necessary!
Overall, I'm just a little bit irritated that we ended on a cliffhanger. I thought it would be a standalone :')
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Heart Trials follows Axira Merreri, a young smuggler struggling to survive in a society where showing love is forbidden. Blending elements of The Hunger Games and The Selection, the story follows Axira as her fierce determination to protect her found family at the orphanage drives her through the dangerous Tournament of Hearts.
I love a good dystopian romance novel, so I devoured this book from the very beginning. The world-building was incredible, and I especially enjoyed how the different districts were connected to the characters and their stories. The setting felt immersive and thoughtfully developed, making it easy to become invested in Axira's journey.
I also loved Axira and Prince Caelus's evolving relationship and their undeniable connection. Watching their bond grow throughout the story was one of my favorite aspects of the book. It was especially meaningful to experience Axira's first love through her perspective. Because she is able to feel this emotion for the first time, every interaction and realization carries a sense of wonder and discovery. The author captured the excitement, vulnerability, and intensity of first love beautifully, making their romance feel both heartfelt and authentic.
That said, I was a little confused by the Heartfiller. While the concept was intriguing, I would have appreciated more context about the administration process. Overall, The Heart Trials is an engaging dystopian romance with compelling characters, high stakes, and a fascinating world that kept me turning the pages.
The cliffhanger, though?! It left me with so many questions, and I can't wait for the second novel to provide some answers. If the sequel is anything like this first installment, I'll definitely be picking it up.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good dystopian romance novel, so I devoured this book from the very beginning. The world-building was incredible, and I especially enjoyed how the different districts were connected to the characters and their stories. The setting felt immersive and thoughtfully developed, making it easy to become invested in Axira's journey.
I also loved Axira and Prince Caelus's evolving relationship and their undeniable connection. Watching their bond grow throughout the story was one of my favorite aspects of the book. It was especially meaningful to experience Axira's first love through her perspective. Because she is able to feel this emotion for the first time, every interaction and realization carries a sense of wonder and discovery. The author captured the excitement, vulnerability, and intensity of first love beautifully, making their romance feel both heartfelt and authentic.
That said, I was a little confused by the Heartfiller. While the concept was intriguing, I would have appreciated more context about the administration process. Overall, The Heart Trials is an engaging dystopian romance with compelling characters, high stakes, and a fascinating world that kept me turning the pages.
The cliffhanger, though?! It left me with so many questions, and I can't wait for the second novel to provide some answers. If the sequel is anything like this first installment, I'll definitely be picking it up.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this teen romantasy meets dyptopia, Axira finds herself unexpectedly competing in a broadcast dating competition that could easily end her life if she
Axira lives on an island Kingdom that has been dramatically severed into two classes: the lower class who’s subjugated to serve the Skyborn class and is kept in line with a variety of drugs, all called Heartfillers, that induce fake happiness and suppress all emotions. Meanwhile, the Skyborn all strive for love, the ultimate emotion in their society that becomes synonymous for them with currency and power. The ruler of the Kingdom, ironically called the Benevolent as there’s no compassion at all in his heart, only strives to keep both sectors of society under his iron-fisted rule.
Orphaned and struggling both to get buy and to save money to buy a ship that would allow her to escape the island, low born Axira smuggles the low born’s Heartfillers to sell to the Skyborn. But when a Skyborn royal deliberating overdoses on the drugs she sells him, Axira gets arrested and ultimately made to compete in the Tournament of Hearts, a Hunger-Games style survival competition that offers lowborn contestants the opportunity to win Skyborn citizenship if they can both find true love and survive the deadly contest.
Looking to punish his only son, Prince Caelus, the Benevolent has thrown him into this year’s Tournament. The Prince and Axira find themselves joined in fighting off his father, and trying to overthrow his reign.
The world-building is well-done, and you feel both immersed in this strange society and swept up in the intense tension of the contest. The relationship between Axira and the Prince develops depth, they each embody courage and determination, amidst a budding romance.
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.
Axira lives on an island Kingdom that has been dramatically severed into two classes: the lower class who’s subjugated to serve the Skyborn class and is kept in line with a variety of drugs, all called Heartfillers, that induce fake happiness and suppress all emotions. Meanwhile, the Skyborn all strive for love, the ultimate emotion in their society that becomes synonymous for them with currency and power. The ruler of the Kingdom, ironically called the Benevolent as there’s no compassion at all in his heart, only strives to keep both sectors of society under his iron-fisted rule.
Orphaned and struggling both to get buy and to save money to buy a ship that would allow her to escape the island, low born Axira smuggles the low born’s Heartfillers to sell to the Skyborn. But when a Skyborn royal deliberating overdoses on the drugs she sells him, Axira gets arrested and ultimately made to compete in the Tournament of Hearts, a Hunger-Games style survival competition that offers lowborn contestants the opportunity to win Skyborn citizenship if they can both find true love and survive the deadly contest.
Looking to punish his only son, Prince Caelus, the Benevolent has thrown him into this year’s Tournament. The Prince and Axira find themselves joined in fighting off his father, and trying to overthrow his reign.
The world-building is well-done, and you feel both immersed in this strange society and swept up in the intense tension of the contest. The relationship between Axira and the Prince develops depth, they each embody courage and determination, amidst a budding romance.
Thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.
July 14, 2026
I went into The Heart Trials feeling a little hesitant, unsure if it would be the right fit for me.
I could not have been more wrong.
From the very first chapters, I was completely consumed by this story. J. Elle has created an original, immersive fantasy world that immediately pulled me in and never let go. The way society is divided, the tension between its people, and the rich history woven throughout made this world feel incredibly vivid and alive.
One of my favourite aspects was the magic system. It felt so fresh and unlike anything I’ve read before. The concept behind how magic is created and wielded was fascinating, and every new revelation made me want to keep turning the pages. It’s always exciting to find a fantasy that offers something genuinely unique, and Heart Trials absolutely delivers.
And then there are the trials.
High stakes, emotionally charged, and impossible to look away from, they had me completely invested. Every challenge raised the tension, and I found myself racing through chapters just to see what would happen next.
The romance was another standout. The chemistry between the main characters developed beautifully alongside the plot, adding just the right amount of longing and heart without overshadowing the larger story. I was cheering for them every step of the way.
This is one of those books that reminded me why I love fantasy. It’s imaginative, emotionally gripping, and incredibly difficult to put down. I found myself thinking about it whenever I wasn’t reading, and I flew through it because I simply had to know what happened next.
If, like me, you’ve been hesitating to pick this one up, let this be your sign. I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and J. Elle for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I could not have been more wrong.
From the very first chapters, I was completely consumed by this story. J. Elle has created an original, immersive fantasy world that immediately pulled me in and never let go. The way society is divided, the tension between its people, and the rich history woven throughout made this world feel incredibly vivid and alive.
One of my favourite aspects was the magic system. It felt so fresh and unlike anything I’ve read before. The concept behind how magic is created and wielded was fascinating, and every new revelation made me want to keep turning the pages. It’s always exciting to find a fantasy that offers something genuinely unique, and Heart Trials absolutely delivers.
And then there are the trials.
High stakes, emotionally charged, and impossible to look away from, they had me completely invested. Every challenge raised the tension, and I found myself racing through chapters just to see what would happen next.
The romance was another standout. The chemistry between the main characters developed beautifully alongside the plot, adding just the right amount of longing and heart without overshadowing the larger story. I was cheering for them every step of the way.
This is one of those books that reminded me why I love fantasy. It’s imaginative, emotionally gripping, and incredibly difficult to put down. I found myself thinking about it whenever I wasn’t reading, and I flew through it because I simply had to know what happened next.
If, like me, you’ve been hesitating to pick this one up, let this be your sign. I’m so glad I gave it a chance.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and J. Elle for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Heart Trials completely consumed me!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Pub for the amazing opportunity to read this book early!!
I spent the last three days fighting for every spare second I could find to read this book! And the moment I finished, I immediately wanted more!
J. Elle has crafted a world that feels equal parts dystopian nightmare and addictive romantasy! The premise is fascinating: in Ethyria, love isn't a right... It's a privilege reserved for the highborn. The lowborn are expected to feel only what they're permitted to feel, making emotions themselves an act of rebellion.
Axira is a FORCE. She's determined, resilient, sarcastic, and unexpectedly funny. Some of her commentary during the early trials had me laughing out loud. But beyond the humor, watching her slowly discover her own strength and potential was rewarding. Her character growth felt earned every step of the way!
The competition itself gave me major Hunger Games vibes with its deadly stakes, political undercurrents and constant tension. While also bringing a unique twist through the Tournament of Hearts. Every time I thought I knew where the story was heading, I found myself proven wrong. In fact, one of my most confident theories ended up being spectacularly incorrect... Which honestly made the reading experience even more fun!
Heart Trials is thrilling! Emotional! And impossible to put down! Between the compelling worldbuilding, the high-stakes competition, the mysteries waiting to be uncovered and a heroine you'll want to root for from beginning to end, this is an incredible start to what promises to be an unforgettable duology!
I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Pub for the amazing opportunity to read this book early!!
I spent the last three days fighting for every spare second I could find to read this book! And the moment I finished, I immediately wanted more!
J. Elle has crafted a world that feels equal parts dystopian nightmare and addictive romantasy! The premise is fascinating: in Ethyria, love isn't a right... It's a privilege reserved for the highborn. The lowborn are expected to feel only what they're permitted to feel, making emotions themselves an act of rebellion.
Axira is a FORCE. She's determined, resilient, sarcastic, and unexpectedly funny. Some of her commentary during the early trials had me laughing out loud. But beyond the humor, watching her slowly discover her own strength and potential was rewarding. Her character growth felt earned every step of the way!
The competition itself gave me major Hunger Games vibes with its deadly stakes, political undercurrents and constant tension. While also bringing a unique twist through the Tournament of Hearts. Every time I thought I knew where the story was heading, I found myself proven wrong. In fact, one of my most confident theories ended up being spectacularly incorrect... Which honestly made the reading experience even more fun!
Heart Trials is thrilling! Emotional! And impossible to put down! Between the compelling worldbuilding, the high-stakes competition, the mysteries waiting to be uncovered and a heroine you'll want to root for from beginning to end, this is an incredible start to what promises to be an unforgettable duology!
I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC opportunity.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it had a really interesting premise. It blends dystopian elements with trials and the divide between the rich and the poor, but still manages to feel unique rather than like something I've read before.
For me, the pacing was a bit uneven. The beginning felt a little drawn out, while the ending wrapped up much more quickly than I expected. It works as a standalone since the conclusion leaves enough to the reader's imagination, but it also leaves the door open for a sequel, and I'd be interested to see where the story could go next.
I think this story would have really benefited from either being a little longer with more world-building or, if a second book is planned, spending more time developing the world and its rules before moving the plot forward. I also wasn't completely sold on the chemistry between the two main characters but maybe because Im reading as an older reader, and there were a few moments that felt somewhat pieced together.
That said, it was an easy, engaging read. While I enjoy YA series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, this one felt geared toward a slightly younger YA audience. Because of that, I don't think I was quite the target reader, but I can absolutely see readers in that age group enjoying it much more than I did.
Overall, I'd rate it 3.5⭐, but I'm rounding up to 4⭐ because just because it wasn't the perfect fit for me doesn't mean it isn't a good book. I think younger YA readers, especially those who enjoy dystopian stories with high stakes trials, will likely have a great time with this one.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it had a really interesting premise. It blends dystopian elements with trials and the divide between the rich and the poor, but still manages to feel unique rather than like something I've read before.
For me, the pacing was a bit uneven. The beginning felt a little drawn out, while the ending wrapped up much more quickly than I expected. It works as a standalone since the conclusion leaves enough to the reader's imagination, but it also leaves the door open for a sequel, and I'd be interested to see where the story could go next.
I think this story would have really benefited from either being a little longer with more world-building or, if a second book is planned, spending more time developing the world and its rules before moving the plot forward. I also wasn't completely sold on the chemistry between the two main characters but maybe because Im reading as an older reader, and there were a few moments that felt somewhat pieced together.
That said, it was an easy, engaging read. While I enjoy YA series like The Hunger Games and Divergent, this one felt geared toward a slightly younger YA audience. Because of that, I don't think I was quite the target reader, but I can absolutely see readers in that age group enjoying it much more than I did.
Overall, I'd rate it 3.5⭐, but I'm rounding up to 4⭐ because just because it wasn't the perfect fit for me doesn't mean it isn't a good book. I think younger YA readers, especially those who enjoy dystopian stories with high stakes trials, will likely have a great time with this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Heart Trials by J Elle
4.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: 1 word
Format/Source: ebook from NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group
Genres/Tropes: dystopian, trials, romantasy, slow burn
Settings: Ethyria
Audience: YA
Characters: Axira, Caelus, Dorian, Ms Omon, Serafina, The Benevolent, Mae, Rhythe, Talia, Lyra, Jace, Orrick, Ivy, Kade
👍 short chapters, distinctive world building, unique premise of love being forbidden for lower classes and requiring Heartfillers, trials, only 1 curse word, storyline
👎 ending, romance between MCs doesn't match/flow/ progress well
Description:
In Ethyria the highborn may love; the lowborn may only feel what the Benevolent allows.
Saltblood lowborn Axira Merreri survives the decaying districts by keeping her heart locked tight, couriering goods by day—and smuggling the ruler’s euphoric Heartfillers to the highborn by night. Until a drop goes wrong and her execution looms.
When she strikes a dangerous bargain to steal something from the Tournament of Hearts, a ruthless dating competition to gain highborn citizenship, she enters. Not for love. For freedom. But as the twisted allure of the competition turns deadly, an unexpected connection cracks her defenses, forcing her to confront a truth she fears: In a regime built on engineered happiness, the most dangerous weapon she has is her heart.
My opinion:
I enjoyed this novel, especially the unusual world building, trials, and premise of the plot. The book was quite entertaining; however, the romance between the MCs did not click for me. I recommend this book to all who love romantasy novels with a great storyline.
#bookstagram #booklovers #romantasybooks #trials #slowburn
4.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.3/5
Cursing: 1 word
Format/Source: ebook from NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group
Genres/Tropes: dystopian, trials, romantasy, slow burn
Settings: Ethyria
Audience: YA
Characters: Axira, Caelus, Dorian, Ms Omon, Serafina, The Benevolent, Mae, Rhythe, Talia, Lyra, Jace, Orrick, Ivy, Kade
👍 short chapters, distinctive world building, unique premise of love being forbidden for lower classes and requiring Heartfillers, trials, only 1 curse word, storyline
👎 ending, romance between MCs doesn't match/flow/ progress well
Description:
In Ethyria the highborn may love; the lowborn may only feel what the Benevolent allows.
Saltblood lowborn Axira Merreri survives the decaying districts by keeping her heart locked tight, couriering goods by day—and smuggling the ruler’s euphoric Heartfillers to the highborn by night. Until a drop goes wrong and her execution looms.
When she strikes a dangerous bargain to steal something from the Tournament of Hearts, a ruthless dating competition to gain highborn citizenship, she enters. Not for love. For freedom. But as the twisted allure of the competition turns deadly, an unexpected connection cracks her defenses, forcing her to confront a truth she fears: In a regime built on engineered happiness, the most dangerous weapon she has is her heart.
My opinion:
I enjoyed this novel, especially the unusual world building, trials, and premise of the plot. The book was quite entertaining; however, the romance between the MCs did not click for me. I recommend this book to all who love romantasy novels with a great storyline.
#bookstagram #booklovers #romantasybooks #trials #slowburn
July 24, 2026
This Book Had Me Thinking Long After I Finished It! 🤯❤️📚
Thank you so much to NetGalley and J. Elle for the ARC of The Heart Trials!
This book was fantastic and kept me completely invested from beginning to end. I always joke that I judge a book by whether it can keep me off TikTok… and this one absolutely did! 😂📖 The author did a wonderful job keeping me curious and eager to find out what would happen next.
The premise reminded me a little of The Hunger Games, but instead of centering on survival alone, this story explores emotions, love, sacrifice, and power in such a unique way. The world-building was incredible, and I found myself talking about it with my daughter and her friends because there was so much to unpack.
What fascinated me most was the idea of a society where emotions, physical affection, and even human connection could be controlled. The concept of regulating something as natural as holding hands, hugging your family, or expressing love was both unsettling and thought-provoking. It really made me stop and think about how much we take those everyday moments for granted.
This is exactly the kind of book I’d love to discuss with a book club. There are so many themes and ethical questions that extend far beyond the story itself, making it a book that sparks meaningful conversations long after you’ve finished the last page.
And THAT ENDING!! 😱😭 I could have screamed! I have so many questions, so many theories, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. If you enjoy dystopian fantasy that makes you think while keeping you completely hooked, I highly recommend this one! ❤️📚✨
Thank you so much to NetGalley and J. Elle for the ARC of The Heart Trials!
This book was fantastic and kept me completely invested from beginning to end. I always joke that I judge a book by whether it can keep me off TikTok… and this one absolutely did! 😂📖 The author did a wonderful job keeping me curious and eager to find out what would happen next.
The premise reminded me a little of The Hunger Games, but instead of centering on survival alone, this story explores emotions, love, sacrifice, and power in such a unique way. The world-building was incredible, and I found myself talking about it with my daughter and her friends because there was so much to unpack.
What fascinated me most was the idea of a society where emotions, physical affection, and even human connection could be controlled. The concept of regulating something as natural as holding hands, hugging your family, or expressing love was both unsettling and thought-provoking. It really made me stop and think about how much we take those everyday moments for granted.
This is exactly the kind of book I’d love to discuss with a book club. There are so many themes and ethical questions that extend far beyond the story itself, making it a book that sparks meaningful conversations long after you’ve finished the last page.
And THAT ENDING!! 😱😭 I could have screamed! I have so many questions, so many theories, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. If you enjoy dystopian fantasy that makes you think while keeping you completely hooked, I highly recommend this one! ❤️📚✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Prepare to be utterly swept away! J. Elle’s newest dystopian romantasy, the first book in The Heart Trials duology, explodes onto the scene with forbidden love, fierce determination, and a world so vividly drawn you’ll taste the danger in the air. Ethyria is a place that’s as beautiful as it is brutal—a society where the highborn bask in sanctioned love, while the lowborn are denied even the right to feel.
Enter Axira Merreri, a saltblood courier and smuggler, navigating the crumbling districts with grit and secrets. When she’s cornered by fate and forced to join the deadly ‘Tournament of Hearts,’ Axira doesn’t play for romance—she’s fighting for her life, her freedom, and everything her heart aches for. But as the competition twists and turns, crackling with betrayal, passion, and pulse-pounding suspense, the forbidden feelings she locks away begin to demand a voice.
This story is bold, electrifying, and deeply original—fans of The Hunger Games’ ruthless trials, Love Island’s swoon-worthy connections, and Powerless’ relentless stakes will find their next obsession right here. Axira’s journey through engineered happiness and lethal romance is both heartbreakingly human and thrillingly unpredictable. J. Elle’s writing is cinematic, the tension bone-chilling, and the world-building nothing short of spectacular.
If you crave stories where the heart is both the prize and the weapon, do not miss The Heart Trials. It’s a masterpiece of dystopian romance—daring, unforgettable, and absolutely unputdownable!
Enter Axira Merreri, a saltblood courier and smuggler, navigating the crumbling districts with grit and secrets. When she’s cornered by fate and forced to join the deadly ‘Tournament of Hearts,’ Axira doesn’t play for romance—she’s fighting for her life, her freedom, and everything her heart aches for. But as the competition twists and turns, crackling with betrayal, passion, and pulse-pounding suspense, the forbidden feelings she locks away begin to demand a voice.
This story is bold, electrifying, and deeply original—fans of The Hunger Games’ ruthless trials, Love Island’s swoon-worthy connections, and Powerless’ relentless stakes will find their next obsession right here. Axira’s journey through engineered happiness and lethal romance is both heartbreakingly human and thrillingly unpredictable. J. Elle’s writing is cinematic, the tension bone-chilling, and the world-building nothing short of spectacular.
If you crave stories where the heart is both the prize and the weapon, do not miss The Heart Trials. It’s a masterpiece of dystopian romance—daring, unforgettable, and absolutely unputdownable!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5⭐️!! The concept of this book was absolutely brilliant and undoubtedly unique. The privilege to love commodified and exclusively reserved for the Skyborn elite. The lower district citizens’ opportunity to win a chance at love in the Tournament of Hearts. Lower district girl + Skyborn Prince, are you kidding me!? Younger me is going feral over this storyline.
The book starts off very strong with Axira’s life and that first encounter with Caelus (I adored that scene so much). However, it lost its momentum at about the half way point, and especially towards the end with that very confusing ending. I’m all for a cliffhanger, don’t get me wrong, but we kind of just stopped abrubtly.
I also wish the world building went a bit deeper. For example, the Heartfiller context we were given seemed to only scratch the surface of what could have been an intricate plot line. Same with the gloves, the chain, the trials themselves, and the magic Caelus is so desperately trying to steal. For things that were so crucial to the plot, I felt inadequately informed about their history and purpose.
Overall still a fun, nostalgic read!! Definitely reminded me of the dystopian books I read growing up that first got me hooked on reading. I know for certain younger me would have eaten this up. Older me, though, just wanted more!! More history, more depth, more Ethyria!! Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for the ARC. I’ll treasure this book forever.
The book starts off very strong with Axira’s life and that first encounter with Caelus (I adored that scene so much). However, it lost its momentum at about the half way point, and especially towards the end with that very confusing ending. I’m all for a cliffhanger, don’t get me wrong, but we kind of just stopped abrubtly.
I also wish the world building went a bit deeper. For example, the Heartfiller context we were given seemed to only scratch the surface of what could have been an intricate plot line. Same with the gloves, the chain, the trials themselves, and the magic Caelus is so desperately trying to steal. For things that were so crucial to the plot, I felt inadequately informed about their history and purpose.
Overall still a fun, nostalgic read!! Definitely reminded me of the dystopian books I read growing up that first got me hooked on reading. I know for certain younger me would have eaten this up. Older me, though, just wanted more!! More history, more depth, more Ethyria!! Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for the ARC. I’ll treasure this book forever.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Netgalley. This was a great story. I love the premise that love and any symbol of it whatsoever is forbidden so much so that people don’t know how to feel when it comes their way. I really like Axira. She loves and doesn’t realize that’s what she’s doing all why fighting horrible circumstances. I really like Caelus as well although at times he comes across sort of weak to me. He is swoon worthy and brave but allows fear to hinder him at time. I wanted to keep reading and was very invested in the characters and storyline. However, several things left me confused and disappointed. The ending was abrupt. Not necessarily ambiguous, more like there was a word counted that hit its limit. Plot holes left me bothered. For example Lucent. Is storyline is extremely quick but his character seems way more important than it ended up being. I wanted more from him he was very interesting. Also, why was her supply of heart fillers messed with. This was never explained or brought up again. I don’t understand Ruth’s situation (trying to not give spoilers). Did he drink the heartfiller? How in the world did that happen? I found the names to be distracting. Unpronounceable. Not to mention several names from a very famous series, I gave this story 4 stars because I wanted to continue reading it. I will read the next. I took away a star because of reasons above.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
YA dystopian is BACK. 🔥❤️⚔️
When I saw The Heart Trials described as "The Hunger Games meets Love Island," I knew I had to give it a shot. Though honestly? As a Netflix girlie, I kept thinking of Too Hot To Handle while reading. 😂
I started this one without even remembering what it was about (my Kindle is overflowing with ARCs and NetGalley books), but I was hooked within the first few pages and ended up reading it in TWO sittings.
This YA dystopian romantasy takes place in a world where love is controlled by the government, and lowborn citizens aren't even allowed to feel freely. They wear gloves, chastity metals in their mouths, and can be killed for showing emotion or even making eye contact.
Talk about high stakes.
I loved Axira. Give me a brave FMC willing to risk everything for the people she loves, and I am IN.
And Caelus? Protective, a little possessive, but never overbearing. Plus, the slow burn in this one was SLOW BURNING.
If you're a fan of dystopian stories, deadly competitions, forbidden love, and high stakes, put this one on your TBR now.
This one doesn't release until September 1, but trust me - it's worth the wait.
Thank you to the author and Penguin Teen for the Read Now copy via NetGalley!
When I saw The Heart Trials described as "The Hunger Games meets Love Island," I knew I had to give it a shot. Though honestly? As a Netflix girlie, I kept thinking of Too Hot To Handle while reading. 😂
I started this one without even remembering what it was about (my Kindle is overflowing with ARCs and NetGalley books), but I was hooked within the first few pages and ended up reading it in TWO sittings.
This YA dystopian romantasy takes place in a world where love is controlled by the government, and lowborn citizens aren't even allowed to feel freely. They wear gloves, chastity metals in their mouths, and can be killed for showing emotion or even making eye contact.
Talk about high stakes.
I loved Axira. Give me a brave FMC willing to risk everything for the people she loves, and I am IN.
And Caelus? Protective, a little possessive, but never overbearing. Plus, the slow burn in this one was SLOW BURNING.
If you're a fan of dystopian stories, deadly competitions, forbidden love, and high stakes, put this one on your TBR now.
This one doesn't release until September 1, but trust me - it's worth the wait.
Thank you to the author and Penguin Teen for the Read Now copy via NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had NO idea what I was getting myself into with this book!
An island ruled by a king who forbids the outer citizens (the “low born”) from loving or expressing any emotions? You can’t even be happy for someone else, not even the children. Everyone wears gloves to avoid skin contact and even a chastity-like chain clipped to their mouths! The world-building was absolutely wild.
Now imagine being a woman who has grown up NEVER experiencing skin to skin contact… and suddenly finding yourself in very close proximity to a mighty fine man. 👀
Our FMC has already lived a difficult life, desperately wanting a way out. Instead, she finds herself caught in an even bigger storm and forced to make a bargain that could change everything. The question is: can she do it without falling in love?
And don’t even get me started on that ending 🤯
That is NOT how I expected things to go down, and now I’m sitting here just as desperate for the next book as the Benevolent intended all along. 😩
This story pulled me in, kept me hooked, and left me needing answers immediately.
Thank you Netgalley, J. Elle, and penguin young readers group for the early copy! This review is 100% my own words and opinion.
An island ruled by a king who forbids the outer citizens (the “low born”) from loving or expressing any emotions? You can’t even be happy for someone else, not even the children. Everyone wears gloves to avoid skin contact and even a chastity-like chain clipped to their mouths! The world-building was absolutely wild.
Now imagine being a woman who has grown up NEVER experiencing skin to skin contact… and suddenly finding yourself in very close proximity to a mighty fine man. 👀
Our FMC has already lived a difficult life, desperately wanting a way out. Instead, she finds herself caught in an even bigger storm and forced to make a bargain that could change everything. The question is: can she do it without falling in love?
And don’t even get me started on that ending 🤯
That is NOT how I expected things to go down, and now I’m sitting here just as desperate for the next book as the Benevolent intended all along. 😩
This story pulled me in, kept me hooked, and left me needing answers immediately.
Thank you Netgalley, J. Elle, and penguin young readers group for the early copy! This review is 100% my own words and opinion.
June 27, 2026
The Heart Trials is a great story with a FMC who’s strong willed, fighting for someone she cares about, while navigating something new: love.
Axira is a lowborn citizen who lives in the Saltblood district. Lowborn and Skyborn get very different privileges, the biggest one being able to show emotion and care for the people around them. for Lowborns, doing this means death. Despite this, she does everything in her power to take care of Serafina, a young child whose part of the orphanage Axira lives in, someone who’s not blood related, but feels like nothing short of a sister.
As a well known smuggler who gets an interesting request complete with the royal seal and a large reward, Axira thinks of how much better life could be for her and Serafina. Fulfilling the request leads her to danger & her only way “out” is by entering the Heart Trials.
I enjoyed The Heart Trials a lot actually and as someone who loves the “games and trials” trope but finds it has to be done well, this one was unique and something I wasn’t expecting. In a society where feelings and emotions are a privilege and often used against you, love is a dangerous game.
❤️🔥 Games and trials
❤️🔥 Unexpected love
❤️🔥 Twisty
Axira is a lowborn citizen who lives in the Saltblood district. Lowborn and Skyborn get very different privileges, the biggest one being able to show emotion and care for the people around them. for Lowborns, doing this means death. Despite this, she does everything in her power to take care of Serafina, a young child whose part of the orphanage Axira lives in, someone who’s not blood related, but feels like nothing short of a sister.
As a well known smuggler who gets an interesting request complete with the royal seal and a large reward, Axira thinks of how much better life could be for her and Serafina. Fulfilling the request leads her to danger & her only way “out” is by entering the Heart Trials.
I enjoyed The Heart Trials a lot actually and as someone who loves the “games and trials” trope but finds it has to be done well, this one was unique and something I wasn’t expecting. In a society where feelings and emotions are a privilege and often used against you, love is a dangerous game.
❤️🔥 Games and trials
❤️🔥 Unexpected love
❤️🔥 Twisty
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've been a big fan of dystopian fiction for years, so when I read the description of The Heart Trials, I knew it was a book I wanted to read. I could feel how dire things were in this world after only reading a few sentences. The descriptions throughout the story were great, especially when it came to the emotions Axira, the FMC, was feeling. It was like I could feel it too. I liked Axira as a character and really liked Caelus too. There were a lot of characters to keep track of at times, but the author did a decent job of leaving clues so I could keep them all straight. There's quite a bit of action along the way, and it really kept me engaged with the story. It could get quite dark, brutal, and sad at times, but it all felt very fitting. I will admit that there were a few things along the way that I wish were explained better since I was a bit confused by them, but some of that could also be me overthinking it. The story ends pretty abruptly, and I still have so many questions - I would definitely like to read the sequel when it comes out.
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing a free review copy of The Heart Trials! All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing a free review copy of The Heart Trials! All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Heart Trials is about a society that has outlawed emotions, specifically romanctic love. Only the highborn are aloud human touch and relationships. The poor are forced to wear gloves and a painful mouth chain to eliminate kissing and to take drugs that keep them either euphoric or sleepy. Axira, the FMC is a smuggler of the drugs, called Heartfillers, to the rich, who pay well to experience what the poor abhor. When she gets caught up in a drug deal gone bad, accused of murder and the possibility of execution, she enters the Heart Trials, a competition for the low-born to ascend to the upper class. Caelus, the crown prince becomes her ally and eventually her forbidden love interest.
As much as I wanted to love this book, I found the beginning so slow that I had to stop and come back to read it multiple times before I got into the story. Once I did, it was an adreneline ride to the finish. There were a lot of holes in the world building. I felt like there were things I should have known, but missed. The story is kisses only, with some language and a lot of violence. If you like death games, forbidden romance and a cruel villain who just will not die, this is the book for you.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
As much as I wanted to love this book, I found the beginning so slow that I had to stop and come back to read it multiple times before I got into the story. Once I did, it was an adreneline ride to the finish. There were a lot of holes in the world building. I felt like there were things I should have known, but missed. The story is kisses only, with some language and a lot of violence. If you like death games, forbidden romance and a cruel villain who just will not die, this is the book for you.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book has a lot of potential to lead into a great series. The idea of a Love Island Hunger Games-esque setting is so interesting to read about, and I think that for the most part the execution of them was very well done! The trials themselves were very interesting to read about, and kept me wanting to read more to see how they would play out.
The main thing that disappointed me with this was the pacing. For most of the book, I felt like I was not really IN the story. I was kind of bored, not really caring about the characters. I never got the oomph that I love in stories like this. The games were all fast paced and interesting, but all of the in-between parts just felt a little lackluster for me.
I also hope that a few things are explored more in the next book - why did these "games" start? What is the history of "The Benevolent"? The heartfillers? What made this dystopian society become a dystopian society. There's talk of a rebel group, but very little information of them or what they did and why.
I would also like to see some backstory of the prince, why his father hates him and why he is so different from him.
Overall though, I think this a good start to a series and I think it could be very big with dystopian fans!
The main thing that disappointed me with this was the pacing. For most of the book, I felt like I was not really IN the story. I was kind of bored, not really caring about the characters. I never got the oomph that I love in stories like this. The games were all fast paced and interesting, but all of the in-between parts just felt a little lackluster for me.
I also hope that a few things are explored more in the next book - why did these "games" start? What is the history of "The Benevolent"? The heartfillers? What made this dystopian society become a dystopian society. There's talk of a rebel group, but very little information of them or what they did and why.
I would also like to see some backstory of the prince, why his father hates him and why he is so different from him.
Overall though, I think this a good start to a series and I think it could be very big with dystopian fans!
April 23, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Penguin, & J. Elle for this ARC. This novel is SPECTACULAR! I have read many fantasy stories, but this one brings new elements to the genre and does not feel repetitive. The main characters are beautifully developed and dynamic. I was hooked from the first few chapters! I would love to explain that this is enemies to lovers, but it is so much more than that! I believe the relationships, the character growth, and even the plot arcs. This one is a new favorite and feels like the best combination of some of my favorite novels: Hunger Games, Powerless, Mistborn, and the Throne of Glass series.
A world of caste-like born hierarchies, heart crystals to feel various emotions, and the inability to touch, have come together to create a world ripe for chaos when the pieces start to crumble. This is the year for a once-a-decade tournament for love and the chance at moving up to the highest class. You won't put this book down, and I have no doubt this will be a favorite when released in the fall.
Now, all I want is a book series out of this so I can have more of these characters!
A world of caste-like born hierarchies, heart crystals to feel various emotions, and the inability to touch, have come together to create a world ripe for chaos when the pieces start to crumble. This is the year for a once-a-decade tournament for love and the chance at moving up to the highest class. You won't put this book down, and I have no doubt this will be a favorite when released in the fall.
Now, all I want is a book series out of this so I can have more of these characters!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes and vibes:
dystopian romantasy
deadly dating competition
Tournament of Hearts
forbidden love
rebel prince lowborn FMC
engineered happiness
forced proximity
brutal trials
emotional awakening
fight for freedom
a cliffhanger ending
I loved getting lost in this world! The world building and the plot was absolutely fantastic! I was completely consumed and devoured this! I really loved the different districts and the competition! Such an addictive read! High deadly stakes!
Axira is a one to be reckoned with!. She's determined, resilient, sarcastic, and so funny. She’s such a baddie! Some of her commentary during the early trials had me laughing. I loved her journey, watching her slowly discover her own strength and, Her characters growth felt earned every step of the way!
I also loved Axira and Prince Caelus's evolving relationship and their undeniable connection. It was electric. Watching their bond grow throughout the story was one of my favorite things of this book. So rewarding to read Axiras perspective of her feelings, because she isn’t supposed to be allowed to love! Discovering, the excitement, vulnerability, and intensity of first love, making their romance feel both heartfelt and authentic. So beautiful. Made me remember my first love!
Overall, The Heart Trials is an engaging dystopian romance with compelling characters, high stakes, and a fascinating world that kept me turning the pages.
But that cliffhanger, though?! It left me with so many questions, and I can't wait for the second book and I can’t wait!!
dystopian romantasy
deadly dating competition
Tournament of Hearts
forbidden love
rebel prince lowborn FMC
engineered happiness
forced proximity
brutal trials
emotional awakening
fight for freedom
a cliffhanger ending
I loved getting lost in this world! The world building and the plot was absolutely fantastic! I was completely consumed and devoured this! I really loved the different districts and the competition! Such an addictive read! High deadly stakes!
Axira is a one to be reckoned with!. She's determined, resilient, sarcastic, and so funny. She’s such a baddie! Some of her commentary during the early trials had me laughing. I loved her journey, watching her slowly discover her own strength and, Her characters growth felt earned every step of the way!
I also loved Axira and Prince Caelus's evolving relationship and their undeniable connection. It was electric. Watching their bond grow throughout the story was one of my favorite things of this book. So rewarding to read Axiras perspective of her feelings, because she isn’t supposed to be allowed to love! Discovering, the excitement, vulnerability, and intensity of first love, making their romance feel both heartfelt and authentic. So beautiful. Made me remember my first love!
Overall, The Heart Trials is an engaging dystopian romance with compelling characters, high stakes, and a fascinating world that kept me turning the pages.
But that cliffhanger, though?! It left me with so many questions, and I can't wait for the second book and I can’t wait!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was hooked by The Heart Trials from the very first chapter. The idea of a world where only the highborn are allowed to love while everyone else has their emotions controlled immediately grabbed my attention. Watching Axira risk everything by entering the Tournament of Hearts—not to find love, but to earn her freedom—made the stakes feel so much higher than your typical romantasy ❤️⚔️
Axira was such an easy character to root for. She's resilient, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means hiding who she really is. I loved seeing her walls slowly come down as she realized that love and vulnerability might be her greatest strength instead of her biggest weakness.
This book has so many of my favorite tropes: deadly competition, forbidden romance, slow burn, class divide, and a heroine fighting against a corrupt system. The Tournament of Hearts kept me on edge, and I never knew who could actually be trusted.
By the end, I was completely invested in both the romance and the rebellion. The ending left me desperate to know what happens next, and I already can't wait for the second book. 🖤🔥
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
Axira was such an easy character to root for. She's resilient, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means hiding who she really is. I loved seeing her walls slowly come down as she realized that love and vulnerability might be her greatest strength instead of her biggest weakness.
This book has so many of my favorite tropes: deadly competition, forbidden romance, slow burn, class divide, and a heroine fighting against a corrupt system. The Tournament of Hearts kept me on edge, and I never knew who could actually be trusted.
By the end, I was completely invested in both the romance and the rebellion. The ending left me desperate to know what happens next, and I already can't wait for the second book. 🖤🔥
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Heart Trials completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The concept of a world where love is controlled and emotions are treated like a privilege was so unique, and I loved slowly uncovering all the layers of Ethyria alongside Axira.
The Tournament of Hearts kept the stakes high, balancing dangerous trials with political intrigue, mystery, and a romance that developed naturally instead of feeling rushed. I found myself constantly wanting to read “just one more chapter” because every reveal made me even more invested.
Axira was such an easy protagonist to root for. She’s resilient, determined, and willing to risk everything for the people she loves, even in a society designed to strip that away. The world-building was immersive without being overwhelming, and I appreciated how the story explored themes of freedom, power, and what it truly means to choose love for yourself.
If you enjoy dystopian romantasy with deadly competitions, slow-burn romance, compelling political tension, and twists that keep you guessing, I definitely recommend picking this one up. That ending has me desperately needing the next book already!
The Tournament of Hearts kept the stakes high, balancing dangerous trials with political intrigue, mystery, and a romance that developed naturally instead of feeling rushed. I found myself constantly wanting to read “just one more chapter” because every reveal made me even more invested.
Axira was such an easy protagonist to root for. She’s resilient, determined, and willing to risk everything for the people she loves, even in a society designed to strip that away. The world-building was immersive without being overwhelming, and I appreciated how the story explored themes of freedom, power, and what it truly means to choose love for yourself.
If you enjoy dystopian romantasy with deadly competitions, slow-burn romance, compelling political tension, and twists that keep you guessing, I definitely recommend picking this one up. That ending has me desperately needing the next book already!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this story overall!
It definitely reminded me of the Hunger Games in a lot ways, which felt really nostalgic and I enjoyed that a lot. It also had some elements of the Selection in it, which I liked as well.
Axira (a smuggler) was a great protagonist to follow. I loved seeing her growth through the Heart Trials, and seeing how she came to learn who her father really was. I also liked the chemistry between her and her love interest, as it was in fact a slow burn, enemies to lovers situation.
While I liked the magic system, I feel like there were certain aspects that could’ve been explained better and clearer. I also think some elements of the world building / history could’ve been fleshed out more. But I still enjoyed this story none the less.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that is a fan of the aforementioned books, and/or interested in the blurb.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read the eARC!
It definitely reminded me of the Hunger Games in a lot ways, which felt really nostalgic and I enjoyed that a lot. It also had some elements of the Selection in it, which I liked as well.
Axira (a smuggler) was a great protagonist to follow. I loved seeing her growth through the Heart Trials, and seeing how she came to learn who her father really was. I also liked the chemistry between her and her love interest, as it was in fact a slow burn, enemies to lovers situation.
While I liked the magic system, I feel like there were certain aspects that could’ve been explained better and clearer. I also think some elements of the world building / history could’ve been fleshed out more. But I still enjoyed this story none the less.
I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that is a fan of the aforementioned books, and/or interested in the blurb.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read the eARC!
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