The Blood Trials

by E.M. Blackmore

Genres: Fantasy

332 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2026

About the author

E. M. Blackmore writes fantasy filled with dangerous trials, ancient magic, slow-burn romance, and heroines who refuse to back down.

Her debut novel, The Blood Trials, follows Nerezza as she is thrust into a deadly competition that will determine the fate of the world'd realms.

A lifelong fantasy reader, she grew up devouring stories of magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually reading, spending time with her dogs, or planning her next trip into a fictional world.

She lives in Australia and is currently working on the next instalment of The Blood Trials series with the title to be announced soon.

Reviews

[Nicola Wilson]

Thank you to the author/publisher and BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book — it had everything I look for in a fantasy read and completely pulled me in from the start.

The trials are truly deadly — and I mean deadly. The stakes feel real throughout, which kept the tension high and made it impossible to put down, it lived up to its title. I was fully invested in every challenge and what it meant for the characters. If you're putting "Trials" in the title then you've got to back this up, and it delivers.

Nerezza is a strong and compelling FMC. Coming from nothing, she’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for. Her journey is gripping, emotional, and incredibly satisfying to follow.

The character work overall is fantastic — each person feels distinct, with clear personalities and strong development. And yes… there are definitely a few male characters you’ll wish you could steal away for yourself.

The slow-burn romance is done well with a .. which tension around which one she will pick… which isn't finalised until the end so I'm hoping the second book will follow the newly found relationship and i can't wait to see how it develops.

The world-building is rich and immersive, and the story is packed with colourful and vibrant worlds bringing it to light. Each trial is held in a different realm which kept the story fresh and moving.

This book is seriously addictive — one of those reads where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s hours later. I read it in one sitting.

That ending has me more than ready for book two — I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. I genuinely loved this book.

Highly recommend for readers who love:

Deadly trials and high-stakes fantasy

Strong, resilient female leads

Slow-burn romance

Emotional, character-driven stories

Addictive pacing

A brilliant start to what promises to be an incredible series.

[Barbara’s bookshelf]

ARC provided by BookSirens | 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 0 🫑 no spice

The Blood Trials is a fantasy debut that stands out for its immersive worldbuilding and accessible writing style. The worldbuilding is one of the book’s biggest strengths. The different realms span from mountains and forests to desert and ice, creating an immersive setting, almost like a guided journey through a richly imagined world. The structure of the trials and the overall lore add an important layer to the story, with enough action and detail to keep the pace moving. We also sense that the author took great care in developing the backstory and lore of this new fae realm, Pelorea, with elements such as chapter-opening quotes or references drawn from ancient texts.

However, the emotional depth didn’t fully deliver and, for me, this is an essential aspect of any romantasy book. The relationships, whether friendships or romantic, are more described than truly felt. I found it difficult to connect with the characters, as many interactions lacked the development needed to create real emotional impact. This was especially noticeable in the central romance, which felt underdeveloped and somewhat predictable, making the key twists less impactful than they could have been. It was also difficult for me to fully understand Nerezza’s reactions, or even her decision to take part in the Blood Trials 🤷🏻‍♀️

There are interesting ideas throughout the story, particularly in the later developments and reveals, but overall, the book didn’t fully deliver the emotional connection I personally look for in this genre.

That said, as a first novel from E.M. Blackmore, this is still a promising first installment, especially for readers who enjoy deadly trials set in a fantasy world, rich worldbuilding, and an immersive narrative.

My ratings: overall :3 ⭐️
Emotional impact: 3
Character connection: 3
Worldbuilding: 4.5
Plot: 3.25
Writing: 4.5
Romance: 2
Spice: 0 🫑

Tropes & vibes:
⚔️ Deadly trials
⚔️ Fae realms
⚔️ Morally grey characters
⚔️ Hidden identities & secrets
⚔️ Prophecy / chosen one undertones
⚔️ Survival-focused plot
⚔️ Strong FMC
⚔️ Political dynamics between realms

Thank you very much to BookSirens and the author E.M. Blackmore for granting me access to this ARC. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Amreen]

Book Review: The Blood Trials by E.M. Blackmore ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4★, Spice: 0★)

The Blood Trials by The Blood Trials is a gripping YA fantasy packed with dangerous trials, Fae elements, and hidden power.

The story follows Nerezza, who is thrust into the deadly Blood Trials where five chosen individuals from different realms compete for a chance to reach the Gods. What makes her journey even more compelling is the secret she carries: a shadow-based power she must keep hidden at all costs.

Nerezza never wanted to enter the trials, but circumstances force her hand. Once inside, she meets her fellow competitors, forming unexpected friendships in a place built on survival. The emotional depth of her journey really stands out, you feel her awe as she leaves behind her impoverished life and witnesses the wonders of other realms she once only dreamed of. At the same time, you experience her compassion for others, the heartbreak of loss, and the strength it takes for her to make selfless choices.

The book also keeps you questioning the motives of characters like Olyssesus and Roark, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Their intentions aren’t always clear, which makes the story even more engaging.

The pacing is strong throughout, balancing action with emotional moments, and the ending delivers twists that genuinely caught me off guard. It leaves you wanting more especially when it comes to seeing how Nerezzq and Roark’s relationship will unfold in the next book.

Overall, this was an emotional, well-paced YA fantasy with a compelling heroine and a high-stakes plot. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy trials-based stories with rich worldbuilding.

This book was a free ARC. All views are my own.

[Hailey]

Wth!! I want more! Pleaseee tell me a book 2 will be coming out 😍

The Blood Trials had me gripped from chapter 1. The writing is magical, the world building amazing, I was transported right into Nerezza’s world. I loved her, our strong female protagonist, and I rooted for her.
The trials always had me on the edge, and I loved the characters. All of them. I didn’t want to stop reading, I was genuinely afraid for them and I really wanted them to make it.

This is such an amazingly written fantasy book, had me intrigued and hooked! 5 stars! ⭐️

I requested for this ARC on BookSirens and im incredibly lucky to have been part of the ARC team - im leaving my review voluntarily. Thank you!

[Karisma McCoy]

4.5 stars… wow

The descriptive language used in this book was absolutely beautiful! Every detail in the book painted a vivid image in my mind of what was happening. From the scenery of all the new places she was going to the fight scenes!

World Building: 5/5
Spice: none
Romance: 4/5
Character Development: 4/5
Overall: 4.5

Overall this book has everything I crave in a good story with trials where only one can survive at the end plus a sprinkle of romance! I can’t wait to see how the rest of this series turns out!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Jagersma]

If you are a fan of, high stakes trials, found family, strong FMC, fated mates and prophecy’s, then The Blood Trials is perfect for you.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Nerezza’s story through the deadly blood trials and getting to know the side characters as well. Every trial had me on the edge of my seat. Some parts I found predictable, however towards the end, I didn’t see something big things coming. I look forward to seeing where the story goes, as it ends with a world of possibilities for book 2.

Thank you for gifting me this advanced copy of The Blood Trials to read and review.

[Leah Bullock]

This is a wonderful fantasy book, well written with amazing world-building. The trials were interesting, and the lore and history made me want to learn more about this world. The characters were good, especially Nerezza, who was both dark and light at the same time. I did feel the love story at the end was a bit unexpected, but hope it is explored in the next book. There is a next book? There better be! Highly recommend!

[Danii M]

I really enjoyed this book! i was hooked from the beginning i wasn’t sure what was going to happen but i was kept intrigued! some times it did feel like i’ve read similar before but as i kept going it felt more like its own story! i loved the friendships she created and i definitely wasn’t expecting some of the things at the end! i can’t wait for book 2 i need all the answers about nerezza! i definitely would recommend if you want to be hooked by a book instantly and enjoy fantasy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah]

I was so lucky to get a very advanced copy of this book, and enjoyed it so much I’m re-reading it again.
I love a strong female protagonist especially one who’s a little unassuming of themselves. I felt like I was Nerezza navigating the trials, cautious with friendships and urged by instinct. Not to mention the tension with the guys, hello green eyes! 😍
So many moments I was on edge, not sure what was going to happen or who wasn’t going to make it, caught up in the dynamics I often caught myself in tears too. The ending had me so torn, heartbroken, shocked and hanging on edge.
I’m so ready for book 2, to see where and what realms it’s leading to next!

[Leslie]

“I felt it.
The pull, the ache, the recognition that went deeper than flesh or fate.
She was mine.
She had always been mine.”

Full disclosure: I was privileged enough to receive an ARC of this book and let me just say that you may think that it’s just another book with trials, (been there, read that), but nothing will prepare you for what’s in store here.
The world building really created a setting that made the story come alive! The characters are well developed, with their own distinct personalities and are truly memorable.
The ending though??!! I was not expecting it and it left me gobsmacked!
I can’t wait to read what happens next.

[Louisa Maguire]

This is a book I never knew I needed until now. You’re telling me this is a first time author and the book is this good!!! I absolutely love a book that gives you a pronunciation guide.

Please tell me she has started writing book 2 and it’s close to being done because I need to know what happens next.

I hope this isn’t the last time we get to see Selene, she is very much a mystery and I have so many questions about her past.
Also please tell me we get to see Moira.

[Danniella Reads ✨️]

I loved this story so much and can't wait for the next in this series. This story is well written, truly creating a world vibrant with color and deep ancient magic.

I did find the Fmc a bit naive given her circumstances but also true to how her environment would have shaped her.

Multiple Mmc situation which honestly, the lack of graphic spice, was perfect for this tale. There was passion, love but also consequence and nothing was easy about the journey.

One thing I will say, the plot twist was a little predicatable but only because we never learned why there was so much warning about Olysesuss. Sure he thought he was the rightful heir but that didnt feel like the storyline befitting such deception. But I digress and dont think this ruined the story at all for me. He was the least interesting character for me anyways.

This book left so many things unanswered in the best of ways...Where did Moira truly go and do we hear from her again? In her owl form maybe? What is this about Selene!!?? I LOVE when a coven gets thrown in the mix! Where is Ivalyos partner!? and I'm gonna need to know about all the high lords and Lady! Including if theres something brewing between Juniper and Sage! What will the Mulberry tree reveal and what about that ring with the crimson stone that Nerezza was drawn too?

While this could very well be a standalone that allows the reader to draw their own conclusions, I am THRILLED that Ms. Blackmore is already writing the next book. These characters deserve for thier full stories to be revealed.

Well done on this (what I imagine to be) the first of many novels.

[Katie]

4.5 stars

I was drawn to this book because the deadly trials trope is among my favorites, and The Blood Trials certainly delivered danger and death. I couldn't put this book down. And I loved that, more than a love story, this tale was one about self-discovery and friendship. The bonds between the contestants felt unique - usually books with these sorts of trials allow for a single friendship or blooming relationship to be an exception to competitors who have no qualms with taking one another out, or we will have one character who refuses to play the game as ruthlessly as the others do, or temporary understandings or alliances that fall short of true allyship. But in this book, the contestants truly do help one another and grow to care for one another (for the most part), and where they cooperate, rather than sabotage one another. It's the rare story where the main character trusts her fellow competitors, rather than fearing them more than the trials themselves. Whether or not she is right to trust all of them... you will have to see for yourself.

Nerezza has spent her life alone, struggling to get by in the cruel city of Rothelm, eking out her own survival with little more than the dagger she was abandoned with and the tenacity and sheer will of her spirit. Tired of the same tedious existence day after day, she enters her name into the Blood Trials, hoping that at least she'd get to see more of the world before she loses her life to them. And while traveling from realm to realm for each Trial, she does discover that the world is indeed so much more than the dirty, cruel streets of Rothelm, full of beauty and wonder. What she wasn't expecting was for Trials to give her even more: friendship, purpose, perhaps even love.

As the story goes on, we learn a little more about the history of Trials themselves, the High Fae Nerezza initially doesn't trust, and Nerezza herself, though the ending does leave room for more answers in the next book. And I can't wait for the next book. I definitely want those answers and to see where the story goes next!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wold]

🌟3.5🌟

Book Review: The Blood Trials

I’ll start by saying that The Blood Trials had its ups and downs—but despite that, I was engaged enough to keep reading. In fact, I was in the middle of another book at the same time and ended up abandoning it just to finish this one. So while not every part worked for me, the story as a whole definitely held my attention and kept me curious.

The novel starts off on the slower side, with heavy and sometimes repetitive world-building. There’s a lot of telling rather than showing—so much time is spent describing where she comes from. Every few paragraphs, it’s “this Rothelm” or “in Rothelm,” which starts to feel overly repetitive. A great deal of effort goes into building up this one location, yet it doesn’t end up playing a particularly significant role later in the story. That said, I’m glad I stuck with it, because the pacing and intrigue improve once she leaves her town. The world itself clearly has strong potential, but the delivery could have been more fluid and immersive.

Our main character, Nerezza, is over 100 years old, which is refreshing in theory—an older female protagonist is something we don’t often see. However, her characterization doesn’t always align with her age. She often comes across as naive and inexperienced, to the point where it feels more fitting for someone much younger. While this is somewhat explained by her isolated life, it’s still difficult to reconcile how, in over a century, she seems to have experienced so little—barely any love, friendship, or personal growth. That said, there are glimpses of something deeper within her. Early hints about her mysterious past, her abandonment, and the darkness inside her suggest there’s much more to uncover. As the story progresses, she does begin to develop more of a personality. She starts off timid and unsure—almost reluctant to even participate—but gradually shows signs of growth. By the end, she begins to stand up for herself, which gives me hope that her character development will continue to strengthen in future installments.

The supporting cast is a bit uneven. Some characters feel immature despite also being over a century old, which reinforces the sense that this leans more toward a YA tone. However, a few stand out. Sage feels the most consistent and believable, and I’m hoping to see more of him in future books. Thaddeus also adds a sense of wisdom and guidance, clearly having Nerezza’s best interests at heart. (I was secretly hoping they would be related). The High Fae are particularly intriguing, though unfortunately underexplored—I’d love to see more of them going forward.

One of the highlights for me was Nerezza’s friendship with Moira. Their bond is genuinely sweet, and it’s nice to see Nerezza form a meaningful connection. However, the relationship develops very quickly—almost too quickly to feel fully earned. While it makes sense given Nerezza’s lack of past friendships, I still wish their dynamic had been given more time to grow naturally.

Nerezza’s kindness is another strong point of her character. At times, her success feels tied not just to luck, but to her compassion and resilience despite everything she’s endured. That aspect works well and adds a layer of emotional depth to her journey. However, in the early trials, success often feels more like luck than skill, which weakens some of the tension.

The trials themselves were decent but not particularly memorable. Considering the premise, I expected them to be more impactful or developed, but they’re relatively brief and don’t stand out as much as they could have.

The romance, unfortunately, was one of the weaker aspects for me. It starts off fine but quickly turns into a somewhat predictable love triangle. Because the focus is split, neither relationship is developed enough to feel meaningful or convincing. Given Nerezza’s already naive characterization, this only adds to the frustration. I think the story would have been stronger if it had focused on developing just one relationship more deeply.

It’s important to note that I generally dislike love triangles to begin with. For readers who enjoy this kind of trope, the romance will likely be more appealing and may even be a strong point of the book. So it’s worth keeping in mind that my perspective is influenced by my personal preferences. I'm very hopeful for the continuation as we only have one love interest remaining and it’s the one I liked ☺️.

The ending is packed with new information clearly meant to set up the next book. While it does succeed in building intrigue, it also feels rushed—almost as though too much is introduced at once. After finishing the book, I realized that despite everything that happens, very few questions are actually answered. The mystery surrounding Nerezza is what kept me reading, but by the end, I was left with even more questions than before.

Overall, The Blood Trials was an enjoyable read with a lot of potential. While it has its flaws—particularly in pacing, character consistency, and relationship development—I still found myself invested in the story and its world. I’m especially curious to learn more about Nerezza, explore the High Fae further, and see stronger, more developed relationships in the next installment. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel when it comes out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlin Mccarthy]

ARC COPY

Overall an amazing read! The world building was spot on, the connections are amazing. Truely couldn’t fault it. It’s roughly a 4.8 star rating. Just needed that smack in the face to bring it to a 5 stars for me. ❤️ look forward to reading book 2.

[Katryna]

The Blood Trials by E.M. Blackmore

4.5/5

Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC! This is my honest review!

I was pretty much incapable of putting this book down from the second I started reading. The Blood Trials read like a combination of The Hunger Games meets the Crowns of Nyaxia series.

Set in a fae world split up into different kingdoms, every 300 years there are the Blood trials – a competition sanctioned by the gods where a single contestant from each realm is sent to compete against one another in dangerous trials in order to ultimately reach the realm of the gods and ascend to godhood themselves. The main character – Nerezza – is your stereotypical underdog character; she comes from the poorest kingdom and is the least likely to survive even the first challenge. Despite the sort of “expectable” trope, I actually found Nerezza to be an incredibly interesting take on this type of character. She was likeable while still being unsure of herself and she acknowledged how unfair the world was but it didn’t turn her into a jerk to everyone around her. Honestly, I found every single character really well done. As the book progresses through the trials and we learn more and more about the supporting characters, I came to like all of them in their own way and the author really kept me guessing what was going to happen next.

The descriptions of the different realms were also extremely well done, I really felt like I was stepping foot into each new place based on the author’s descriptions. Although the world-building didn’t go crazy in depth, the care that Blackmore put into really painting the picture of the realms made up for that completely.

There’s nothing wrong with committing to a trope – every story has been written before after all, and I always rate the success of using a given trope based on if something in it surprises me/catches me off guard – and Blackmore definitely did that more than once. Based on that slight element of predictability I rate the book 4.5/5 but I enjoyed The Blood Trials a lot and I’m very very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

[inkedbyashreads]

✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Blood Trials is the kind of fantasy that completely immerses you in its world.

From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a story filled with dangerous trials, ancient prophecies, elemental magic, hidden truths, and multiple realms that each felt unique and alive. The world-building is ambitious, but it’s written in a way that makes exploring every new location exciting rather than overwhelming.

Nerezza was easy to root for. She’s thrown into impossible situations, forced to confront painful truths, and constantly tested in ways that push her beyond her limits. Watching her grow throughout the story kept me invested from beginning to end.

One of my favourite aspects of this book was the sense of adventure. Every realm introduced something new, whether it was dangerous creatures, political tensions, forgotten histories, or secrets buried deep within the world itself. There was always another mystery waiting around the corner.

I also loved the found family elements. The relationships between the characters added so much heart to the story and balanced the larger fantasy plot beautifully. As the stakes continued to rise, those connections became some of the most compelling parts of the book.

And then there’s the ending…

The final chapters introduced revelations that completely changed my understanding of several events throughout the story and left me desperate to know what happens next.

If you love:

✨ Fantasy trials
✨ Found family
✨ Multiple realms
✨ Elemental magic
✨ Ancient prophecies
✨ Hidden identities
✨ High-stakes adventures
✨ Powerful FMCs
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Slow-burn tension

then The Blood Trials deserves a spot on your TBR.

This felt like the beginning of a much larger journey, and I’m excited to see where the story goes ne

[stephanie cox]

I just finished The Blood Trials and it’s one of those books that feels relentless in the best way.

The writing is sharp and tense, with a constant sense that nothing in this world is safe or fair. E.M. Blackmore really leans into the brutality of the setting, and the High Fae’s twisted entertainment through the trials makes everything feel even more unsettling. There’s very little breathing room, but that works for the tone—it keeps you on edge.

The plot is straightforward on the surface (six contestants, survive or die), but it layers in political cruelty, shifting alliances, and constant mistrust. I liked how the trials weren’t just physical challenges but psychological ones too. That said, a few sections felt a bit repetitive in terms of survival beats, where the pacing would tighten and then slightly stall before ramping up again.

Nerezza is definitely the strongest part of the story for me. She’s hardened in a way that feels earned, not forced, and her long history of survival gives her choices real weight. Watching her slowly confront the darker truth about her own power added a lot of depth to her character. The romance subplot is intense and risky, and it genuinely kept me guessing whether it would become her downfall or her only real anchor.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. It’s dark, violent, and emotionally charged, with a protagonist who feels like she’s constantly one step away from becoming something she can’t come back from. I’d recommend it if you like high-stakes fantasy where survival and identity are constantly colliding.

[Twee Reads]

Arc provided by Booksirens.

The blood trials is a fantasy debut novel set in a world of six realms, Where a contestant from each realm must participate in the trials to ascend. Nerezza, the lead character has no skills or abilities, yet she must survive the trails in order to live. In these trails, the fae are not supposed to trust each other. But a strong friendship blooms anyway, though Nerezza is constantly warned not to trust one fae in particular. And that’s exactly what she does.

What happens in these trials? Who will survive? Will the friendship be her undoing, or is it true friendship after all? Just when Nerezza believes she‘s reached the end of her ability to survive, a hidden power emerges.

I liked how the plotline was building, especially since the worlds were rich and well developed. Each character was given a very good backstory and richness, which made it easy to understand every single character and their personality. The author has done a great job developing the world and its characters, making them so rich i was able to connect with them.

However, i had a hard time with the trails, especially 1st and 2nd trails where i felt the characters got away too easily, or that these sections needed much more development. Other than that i thought Nerezza’s ability was very little explored, i have no real idea what is it or anything else about it. Maybe it will be explored more in the coming books.

Overall the story was good and well developed, the characters were given meaning and depth. I would rate it a 3.5/5 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lilith's_Library_]

Gritty, addictive, and full of bite

The Blood Trials pulled me in with its dark premise and didn’t let go. From the very beginning, there’s this underlying tension that simmers just beneath the surface—and once it starts to boil, it really takes off.

I loved how raw and determined the main character felt. There’s a fierceness to her that made me root for her even in moments where everything seemed stacked against her. The trials themselves were brutal, high-stakes, and often unsettling, which gave the story a real edge. It’s not afraid to get dark, and I appreciated how unapologetic it was about that.

The world-building was intriguing too—layered enough to feel immersive without being overwhelming. I found myself wanting to know more about the systems in place and how everything came to be, which is always a good sign for me in a fantasy setting.

That said, there were a few moments where the pacing dipped slightly, and I wished some relationships or plot points had a bit more depth. I wanted just a little more emotional payoff in certain scenes.

Overall, this was a gripping, intense read that kept me hooked. If you enjoy dark fantasy with dangerous trials, strong-willed characters, and a constant sense of tension, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Isabell]

Thank you to the author for the ARC I recieved of this. I truly believed I had written an review, but obviously I had not? Well, lets get to it. Sometimes one just need that shot of the true adventerous romantasy. This is it. Its not in any means a revolutionary book, but it is a REALLY good time!! I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The FMC was very hard shelled, and I loved that we got to live inside her to see her develop through this book. Hers, and the other characters arc was truly interesting, and they really brought forward all feelings throughout the journey. There was alot of worldbuilding in form of the different realms we travelled through on our journey, something I really appreciated. Almost wish we could have a little more time to explore each place before we moved on to the next. The trials were fast paced and well executed, but not rushed. There was some twists and turns, and all over a fast paced and very enjoyable book. I look forward to the next, because we left off in a place I seriously wanted some answers. Well done, I ate this book up SO fast, because this is the kind of book you can not put down, this is the one more chapter book, and we need them more than breathing some times!

[Twilight Tomes with Lisa]

Absolutely astounding. This book pulled me in completely and refused to let go. The fear was so vivid it felt personal especially as someone with a spider phobia, certain moments were almost unbearable in the best way possible. The tension, the creeping dread, and the way the fear lingers long after the page is turned… it’s masterfully done.

At the same time, the beauty of the world within these pages is just as striking. The landscapes feel rich and alive, almost dreamlike at times, with vivid descriptions that make you feel like you’re standing right there alongside the characters. That contrast between breathtaking beauty and underlying danger adds so much depth to the story it’s haunting in the best way.

But what truly stayed with me was the emotional depth. I found myself tearing up more than once the characters and their struggles felt so real, so raw, and so human. You don’t just read this story, you feel it.

An incredible read from start to finish, and so worth the time. Without a doubt, a 5★ read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for something immersive, emotional, and unforgettable.

[Abby Harkins]

I received an ARC copy of this book through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book overall and found it to be an easy, engaging read. The world-building was one of its strongest elements, creating a magical and whimsical setting that immediately drew me in. I was particularly excited by the promise of deadly trials, and while they were entertaining, I felt they could have been developed further, as they often felt less dangerous and impactful than I had expected. The pacing remained strong throughout, and I enjoyed meeting the cast of characters, although as the story progressed I found myself becoming a little confused by some of the plot developments and character relationships. There were several mysteries introduced that didn't feel fully explained by the end of the book, leaving me with more questions than answers. Despite that, I still found myself invested enough to keep turning the pages and will likely continue with the next book to see where the story goes. A solid 3 star read that had plenty of enjoyable elements but didn't quite deliver on the expectations I had going in.

[Lisa Gainers]

I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with this book...but by the end, it was definitely love. This story would completely pull me in, then I'd find my attention drifting, only to feel this constant need to pick it back up. I had to know what was going to happen next, and before I realized it, I was hooked.

Nezerra, our FMC, lives in the worst of the kingdoms, barely surviving on scraps. With no other options left, she enters the Blood Trials, where one lucky Fae will earn the chance to ascend to the Gods.

The Blood Trials were easily one of my favorite parts of the book. They were intense, exciting, and kept me turning the pages. The world-building was immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story, and the emotional moments hit hard. More than once I found myself on the edge of my seat, and yes, yelling at my Kindle.

This is a medium-paced fantasy that slowly sinks its claws into you until you can't put it down. If you enjoy dangerous trials, rich world-building, high stakes, and an underdog heroine worth rooting for, this is absolutely a book I'd recommend.

Thank you BookSirens for my ARC. This is my honest review.

[Jules]

I felt as if my name had been written in the book of The Blood Trials and I have bled and cried along with the FMC throughout her journey.

An orphan, alone, with no knowledge of her beginnings seeks escape from her life in a realm abandoned by the High Elves. A life of struggle surrounded by decay- her only lifeline being a tankard of warm ale and conversation.

Nerezza does not believe the myths of the trials, does not strive to ascend to the realm of the gods. She simply wants to see more than the hopelessness and smog that she has survived longer than most, all the while hiding a secret power within her that would see her hanged by her peers.

We discover vibrant lands and a world rich in colour while Nerezza strives to survive the odds.

A girl so distrustful learns what friendship can be and her self-discovery comes at a cost.

I devoured this book.

I eagerly await the next installment.

Im hopeful Nerezza allows for a deeper connection to those around her. Girl needs some romance!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Morgan Schell]

The imagery given in this story is alive, vivid, and beautiful. The multiple worlds the characters travel through, and the trials they face, are so well-described that it is impossible not to easily picture and feel everything. There is heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, loyalty, and a weaving of uncertainty through all of it. Zeke held a soft spot in my heart from the start and never left my mind, even when he was not in a scene. I would love to have him show up in some way in the following book as well. The main character, Nezerra, is tough, fierce, and I thoroughly enjoyed going through this wild experience with her. Many events occur, yet it is all quite easy to follow and keep enjoying the story as it evolves. I feel like this one ends in a ‘to be continued’ fashion versus a cliffhanger.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Yaz]

The Blood Trials - I enjoyed this book and the characters and world-building!

This was set in a world where humans are mythical creatures and fae are the norm. Our FMC is >100 years old, however the book definitely has a NA feel to it.

Nerezza is a strong FMC although she doesn't think of herself as such.
The love triangle was unexpected! But it's very slow burn-romance which is partly what drew me to the book.
I really loved the world-building and we find out more about the Trials and the High Fae as we read further into the book.

Although I KNEW about one of the things that happened in the end, the other part of the ending such a surprise and I can't wait to read more in book 2!

Pacing-wise, I found it a little slow at the start, but once the trials were underway it was fast from thereon right through to the end!

Also - go checkout the author's tik tok. She's hinted that she's left a whole bunch of breadcrumbs about book 2 in this first book, so they're worth keeping an eye out for!

Thank you to the author/publisher and BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Amber Ross]

Read this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review, thanks to the author and booksirens - this review will contain spoilers!!!!

I read this in one sitting, it was beyond enthralling. At first I was frustrated with our main character, Nez, not listening to a single warning from the countless people about misplacing her trust BUT I think because of the prophecy she had to face and the old self she had to literally and figuratively burn away it made much more sense. I love that this book ends in a way that gives us many openings for a continuation to the story, tying in witches and blood oaths to the fae world.

The tears I shed when I believed she was really gone were unreal, I couldn't believe it.

[Books Become My Reality -Alison booksbecomemyreality]

You know from the beginning on the book that you are about to go on a journey with a strong, resilient FMC. Nerezza is special, even if she never sees it. Everyone she meets sees it almost immediately as she begins her deadly adventure into The Blood Trials. The different places they travel to are so beautifully brought to life, and you really get to KNOW the characters. There is so much heart break, so much love, so much betrayal, and so many mysteries surrounding Nerezza, you can't help but want to trust her and those that she trusts. I found myself in tears, ugly sobbing tears, in several places, smiling in others, and just so confused in many places. The perfect combination to make an amazing book! I am so happy I was picked to be an ARC reader for this amazing story!

[ReccosbyRucha]

3.5 Stars

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC copy!

Nerezza is such a relatable FMC, who enters into the high-stakes Blood Trials she never wanted to face.
Watching her navigate survival, form bonds and adapt through twists and turns kept me gripped throughout the story.

This is a no-spice, slow-burn fantasy that blends deadly trials, prophecy threads, and fae elements in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. If you enjoy trial-based fantasy with strong character growth and tension without romance dominating the plot, this is definitely worth picking up.

I do have a few unresolved questions, which makes me hope this is the start of a series.
I would love to see how Nerezza’s journey continues and how the romance angle might develop alongside her character arc.