Trials of the Fated

by Rebekah Hennessy

Kallan's last breath carried a vow to love Serenya beyond death itself. The goddess heard, and his soul was born again in a mortal body.

Koen never wanted glory, let alone a crown. But when his friends secretly enter him into the deadly Trials of the Fated, he's forced to fight for survival and for the hand of a fae princess who seems determined to despise him. Koen begins to realize fate may have plans for him he cannot yet understand.

Princess Serenya has spent twenty-eight years mourning the warrior she lost and dreading the Trials that would force her to marry another. With her father's health failing and her kingdom watching. she cannot escape them. But when Koen enters her life, his presence ignites emotions she thought long buried. He infuriates her, challenges her, and—most dangerous of all—makes her hope.

Neither of them knows that his soul has already been hers once before. And as the Trials grow deadlier and ancient powers begin to stir, Serenya must decide whether honoring the past is worth losing the future.

Genres: Fantasy

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2026

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Do you like:
-fae?
-trials?
-fated lovers?
-deception?

Then this one is for you! Seeing Serenya work through grief and find herself again, seeing Koen become who he was destined to be, and trying to learn the mystery of the gods and plans of rivals kingdoms will keep you turning the pages in this book. Thank you for selecting me as an ARC reader for this! Excited to see how the story keeps unfolding in the next book!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy isn’t my usual genre, so when I say this is a 5 star read, I REALLY mean it! This book completely won me over!! I absolutely fell in love with the characters and the story and before I knew it, I was thinking about this book and wondering what would be revealed and when, and it hit me…I was hooked. This book just opened up a new door for me. It has me wondering what I’ve been missing out on in the fantasy genre. I need the second book immediately! I’m not ready to leave this world!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

For fans of the time fated lovers love story, with nods to those love a hero and heroine who fight their own battles of feelings, and against powers that would keep them apart, comes a new series sure to drag you into another world of faes, vampires, goddesses and villains.

Princess Serenya has lost her only love in battle and now she must live in a world she doesn’t want to be in without him. Kallan. Her only love. He vowed to find her again in the next life but her heart is too broken to look again. Then, as their law dictates, it is her time to ascend to the throne as Queen and she must have a King. The Trials are specific to only certain men called upon, and the one who succeeds not only in the many trials, but for her heart as well, will be chosen.

Koen wasn’t aware he had been entered into the trials by his friends, but he has never felt at home where he was. He reluctantly heads to the palace to see what waits for him. Entering the palace grounds, he suddenly feels as if he’s home, that he’s been there before. Dreams soon haunt him of another time, another life and it’s soon apparent he has a connection to this place and to Serenya. They immediately do not hit it off and even as the trials begin, he knows he has to be with her as the pull between them grows stronger. She fights it every step of the way, her heart still longing for Kallan. Slowly, she begins to feel a connection to him she can’t explain.

Forced to endure countless times of pain, danger, separation and fear of their feelings, an even more dangerous enemy is closing in. Can they truly be together in this lifetime or will they be once again torn apart?

I found the entire story very compelling, drawing me in immediately. I loved the interactions between the hero and heroine. Even the secondary characters were interesting and well rounded. If you love G rated romances, fairytale like backgrounds, and cliffhanger endings because this will be a series, this one will be exactly what you will want in your library. I’ll be waiting for the next one to see where this story leads us nexts.

[Alexandra Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader for this because I genuinely loved this story. It was so beautifully done and completely pulled me in from the start.

One of my favorite things about this book was the perspective. I have never read a story where the MMC is the one going through the trials, and it was such a refreshing change. It made everything feel new and different, and I was fully invested in his journey the entire time.

Koen as a character was so well written. You could feel his heart, his struggle, and his growth through every chapter. And Serenya?? She is THAT girl. Strong, independent, powerful… but also carrying so much pain and loss. That balance made her feel so real and so easy to connect with.

Their relationship though… wow. The way it develops, especially knowing what they don’t know about their past, just made everything feel so much deeper. There is tension, emotion, frustration, hope… all of it layered in such a beautiful way. It was honestly a little heart wrenching at times.

There were also so many moments that caught me off guard. The twists were not predictable, and I loved that I couldn’t fully figure out what was going to happen next.

And the quotes in this book?? Some of my absolute favorites.

“He was my light in a world that never stopped trying to devour me. He was my safe place.”
“By every god that hears me… I will unmake you for touching her.”
“Because, little shadow, you’re mine.”
“For them, I will burn this world to the ground.”

Like… are you kidding me?? The emotion, the intensity, the devotion… it just hits.

The side characters were also so well developed. You really get to know them and feel connected to the world as a whole, not just the main story.

Overall, this book was emotional, intense, beautifully written, and so hard to put down. It gave me all the feelings and then some. I am already counting down for the next book because I need to know what happens next.

Such a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.

[Destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

This is Rebekah's debut novel, and it was so good! I absolutely loved the storyline; it was so unique. I wish I would have found this ARC in my email sooner because I have been having an off-reading month and this was just what I needed. Epic trials and "Fated Mates", banter between the love interests, friends and re-found family, plot twists and betrayals. I didn't give it 5 stars because there were some moments that the descriptions get a little repetitive and could have used a little more refinement, but I can let all that go when the story sucks me in the way this one did. Koen and Serenya's love story is just so cool. I love the "I'll find you in any life" idea and then for Kallan to actually be able do it was so cool. Renya's grief throughout was written so well. Asking the hard questions of falling in Love again does that love replace the first or is it all together new? And Koens dreams of Renya and the pull they feel towards each other was just perfect. The trials are deadly and the monsters that Rebekah described are terrifying. The world she built is pretty cool, the writing is very descriptive, and I feel like I could really see it. I love that I didnt clock that there would be a betrayal until the very end. I got a little suspicious of one particular character but I didnt see that twist coming... also I know she told us there would be a cliff hanger but that was NOT cool. I need the second book RIGHT now!

Read if you are a fan of
* Humans, Fae and Vampires
* Touch her and Die
* Deadly Trials
* Fated Mate (Soulmate)
* SLOW Burn
* Found and re-found family
* "Where's my wife/husband" vibe
* Betrayal and Plot twist
* Shadow Mommy and a Light wielding Daddy (lol)

My favorite Quotes
" I Love you, Renya, Though I bear no mark to prove it, you are written into me, soul deep. There is no erasing you from me"- Kallan
&
"By every god that hears me, I will unmake you for touching her"- Koen ❤️

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from author


Fated mates, reincarnation, and emotional DAMAGE in the best way

This book didn’t just pull on my heartstrings… it wrapped them in gold thread, lit them on fire, and whispered “trust the process.”

Koen & Serenya??
The tension? Immaculate.
The longing? Soul-deep.
The angst? A full-course meal with seconds.

Koen is out here just trying to survive magical Hunger Games vibes he did NOT sign up for, while fate is in the background like a smug puppet master going, “you thought you had free will? adorable.” Meanwhile, Serenya is grieving a love that literally transcended death, and watching her fight between loyalty to the past and the terrifying possibility of loving again? Gutting. Beautiful. Addictive.

And when those pieces start clicking into place… when the truth hums just beneath the surface… yeah, I was GONE. Fully emotionally compromised.

What you’re getting:
• ✨ Reincarnated love that refuses to stay buried
• ⚔️ Deadly trials with real stakes (and real consequences)
• 🧝‍♀️ A fierce, guarded fae princess who does not fall easily
• 🔥 Slow-burn tension that simmers until it hurts
• 💔 That “I’ve loved you before and I’ll love you again” energy

The writing feels like moonlight on a blade… soft and luminous until it cuts you. And the pacing? A slow tightening spiral that doesn’t let go.

By the end, I was sitting there like… so fate just out here ruining lives AND fixing them?? pick a struggle.

Final verdict:
If you love aching romance, destiny with teeth, and characters who fight their own hearts just as hard as their enemies… this one owns you now.

And honestly? I’d let it.

[Amelie Meinerzhagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review
Thanks again for having the opportunity to be part of the Arch Readers. I really loved this book and it hooked me since the first chapter. I read this book faster than most of the books I've read before and it kept me thinking about it everytime I wasnt able to read. I loved the writing style and actually didn't read sth like it before. I actually cried many times in this book, but to be fair I am very emotional especially over books. I want to read the next book so badly I'll probably find myself speculating about it many times. I really liked to read in both sights (Serenya, Koen) and that the book includes a few Flashbacks from Kallan. I actually can't list everything I loved because it is so much. Though I would've liked to get to know more of the different kingdoms and humans. But since the first book is focused on the trials and his 'revive' I would understand if this especially comes in the next because we also need to find out about Elowens plan dont we? All in all I really loved this book.
Thanks again for being able to read it as an Arch Reader. I hope everyone enjoys this book and my review was helpful to some people.

[Beth’s Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an ARC of Trials of the Fated after initially finding the author on TikTok, and it absolutely lived up to my hopes and expectations.

The idea behind the story felt fresh and unique, and the prologue had me instantly hooked.

I loved the dynamic between the main characters, having the fmc as the “strong” one while he needed saving was a refreshing change. I found myself so invested in Serenya and Koen’s journey but also the emotional rollercoaster of her past and coming to terms with those emotions. This felt like a true slow burn and it’s been a long time since I’ve rooted so hard for 2 characters.

The banter and tension between the characters was spot on, and I loved how they explored complicated emotions and friendships while still leaving room for hope, humour, and genuine connection.

I felt the short flashbacks were especially well done, helping to piece everything together without disrupting the flow or making anything feel forced.

The final chapters had me wishing I could read on, and my only complaint is that I’m going to have to wait so long for the next book! 🥲

[Torrance S 33 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review, honest and also late, sorry about that.

Omg, by page 2 I was wanting more, by chapter 2 I needed more. Now finished and so excited for the next book in the series.

If you like fantasy, action, or romance. This series is for you. This is my first romantic/love book. The combination of fantasy, action, and romance is just... amazing. Its never overdone or to little. The fantasy is not outlandishly crazy, the action had me sweating, and the romance had me crying(in sadness and so much happiness).

At least 2 nights I stayed up past 3am reading, getting up at 6:30. I was hooked.

Being a visual reader(seeing what I read in my mind), the description is beautiful. I can imagine the characters running through flower fields, fiercely fighting opponents in ruins, and relaxing in that warm water with the glow on their faces.

The author has done a great job at giving you a wonderful story. You will be craving the next book for sure.

Sincerely,
ST

PS: Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Brittany Furnish · Rating 5 out of 5]

****ARC Reader Review*****

What pulled me in most was Serenya’s quiet grief, she’s a princess carrying decades of heartbreak, yet she’s forced into these brutal Trials that feel more like punishment than tradition. When Koen enters the picture, not as a swaggering hero but as someone who genuinely doesn’t want to be there, the story gains this warm, human heartbeat. Their connection builds slowly, with little moments of tension and recognition that feel earned rather than forced.

Rebekah Hennessy weaves fate, past lives, and divine meddling into a world that feels both mythic and intimate, and by the end I found myself rooting for these two not just because destiny says so, but because their bond feels like a second chance they both desperately deserve. It’s the kind of series opener that leaves you wanting to linger in its world a bit longer.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read 🤗 Fae, vampires, trials, reincarnation, 2nd chance loves, (re)found family and a slow, slooooow burn romance that delivers.
The MMC’s shift from “just survive” to “burn kingdoms for her”? Umm, YES please!!! 🔥
The FMC may appear like a total powerhouse on the outside, but internally she’s carrying grief, guilt, and the struggle of allowing herself to love again years after losing her true love. It’s heartbreaking and makes her journey hit even harder.
And the side character betrayal at the end?! 🤯🤬
The ending though… freakin’ cliffhanger 😭 I need book 2 and answers, Rebekah. Now. Available on KU ~ highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fave Quote ~ 😍
“I will burn kingdoms. I will tear gods from their thrones. Let them call me a monster, a villain, or an abomination. I don’t care. I’ll wear it proudly.”

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Thank you Rebekah for the arc and congrats on your debut novel!!

This was such a fun read. The romance was so sweet. The 2nd chance through reincarnation was such a unique twist to the trope and so well done!
The trials were sooo good! They kept getting better and better. Had me on the edge of my seat!
Love serenyas growth throughout the book. Her grief was so real and raw and seeing her work through all of that and opening up to love again was beautiful. Shes a badass even when she’s going through it.

I would’ve liked a little more world building in this one to know more about the different kingdoms and how the humans have magic! Feel like we didn’t get a whole lot of that in this book.

THAT ENDING!! Cannot wait to see where the story goes and what Elowen’s plans are!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I read it in 2 days!!! This story was engaging, I loved that the FMC was the more powerful and strong MC (hello shadow mommy). I wish we got a little more of the history of the fae and vampires and especially the back story of Serenya and Dimitri’s friendship. I hope that’s explained more in the next book.

I also wish that the powers of the fae and humans were explained more. There’s not a lot of world building in this book which I think would’ve helped me understand the characters better.

This book does end on a cliffhanger that definitely makes me want to read the next book.

Also, I typically read books with spice and there is no spice in this book, but I didn’t miss it.

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like:
• Fae
• Trials
• Fated Mates
• Deception
• Angst
• Tension
• Slow-burn
• Past Lives
• Moments that make you feel
• Second chance romances with a twist
• Cliffhangers that leave you needing more?

Then look no further because with this book you will get
all that and more.


This book drew me in immediately. I loved the interactions between the hero and heroine. I felt like the entire book was well rounded character wise. If you love fantasy romances, slow-burns with so much tension it hurts, and cliffhanger endings that leave you needing more (we love to hate and hate to love them) but since this is just part one of a series - we have to wait, then this one is definitely one to grab for your collection.

[Jenn Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Trials of the Fated” by Rebekah Hennessy was absolutely brilliant and leaving me wanting so much more of this series!!! This was my first novel of this genre (Adult Dark Fantasy Romance/Fae Fantasy) and it did not disappoint. I will not be spoiling this read for anyone as that would be too cruel as I wish I could read this again for the first time. Rebekah’s writing style is so flawless; I was crying, laughing, excited, and even felt the rage that Koen and Serenya felt. It may take a few days for me to pick up another book as I am still in awe of this one.
Rebekah, please don’t wait too long to release Book 2 of this series. My heart can’t take the wait!!

[Knee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to need book two immediately please, because they way I keep circling back and re-reading chapter is concerning.

This a unique take on second chance romance with a twist of fate, Deadly Trails, Re-Found Family, and a twist that sneaks up without a second thought.

٠࣪⭑ Note to the Author ٠࣪⭑
So so grateful for the opportunity in reading this arc, this book has truly become one of my favorites and I'm so excited to see what's to come for our characters and story, I can just feel it cooking!

[Ashley Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really kept my attention. Serenya is a fae Princess for her kingdom, Syltheriel getting ready to take over the throne and become Queen. Koen is a human tavern boy who holds the soul of Princess Serenya's long lover, Kallan. Koen comes to Syltheriel to compete in The Trials of the Fated and win the position of Serenya's husband and King of Syltheriel. This book is really good. It does end on a cliffhanger and I already can't wait for the second book to come out!! 5/5 ⭐

This book is also good for young adults. There is very minimal language and no spice.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slowwwww burn with so much yearning.😩 The increase in our main characters’ attraction for each other and the decrease in their willpower to resist their feelings for each other overtime was beautifully written. I loved the flashbacks & dreams that the MMC would have as they showed just how destined the love was.
Also, I appreciated the growth we got to see individually in the MMC and the FMC throughout the story. I am excited to continue this series and find out what Elowen has been up to.👀

[Hallie Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

i loved that the fmc is strong and independent and that he’s learning from her.

AMAZING

seeing a strong fmc is always the best. especially when she’s the one who wields the shadows. but grieving and all she’s a badass.

the mmc is a tavern worker. he’s thrown into deadly trials to win the fmcs hand in marriage.

this was such a good read with lots going on. it was definitely interesting.

[Booklybinge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth the read!! While I agree with some who said the world building isn’t very bold- I personally LIKED that. It was so easy to follow who was who and what was going on. The emotional impact was definitely there, it had a more unique romance than most others this day and age. The vibes are a combination of best parts of The Liars Crown, Quicksilver, and a bit of Powerless- mixed with guilt and longing. The cliffhanger should be CRIMINAL, I cannot wait for book 2.

[Alyssa✨ |apvreads| · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly trials, she trains him, reincarnation, fae and mortals, shadow and light magic—this book checked every box for me. I was immediately hooked and honestly could not put it down.

The world-building was immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the dual POV plus well-timed flashbacks kept the story moving and engaging the entire time.

And that cliffhanger?! I need book two immediately. When is it coming out?!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and absolutely loved it. This was a really good book! A fae princess who’s lost her fated mate and he promises to return to her in the next life on his dying breath… 28 years later she is forced into a marriage for whoever wins the trials. A random human tavern worker is summoned into the trials and he’s confused to how he was even entered. A lot of yearning, slow burn romance, danger! Excited for the next book to come out!

[Morghan Alley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an ARC of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you enjoy fae, trials, and a cool magic system you’ll enjoy this book! It was an easy read that did not take a lot of brain power to understand.

At times I do think it was very surface level and I wish there was a little bit more world building however I don’t think that took away from how good the book was. The ending was a total plot twist and I cannot wait to read the next book!

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I CANNOT wait to see what happens in book two! Definitely ends on a cliffhanger and wanting for more! Love the fresh aspects that Rebekah Hennessy took and can't wait to see where she is going to lead us next. Definitely a slow burn but understandably so due to the FMCs healing journey. I hope to get more world building and lore in future books. Loved the side characters as well. Overall great book!

[Stacey Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Thank you Rebekah for the ARC!!
I absolutely loved this book! I do wish there was more world building in the book and hope we get some in the future. The characters stole the show for me, I absolutely adored Serenya and her growth during the book. The ending was insane and I cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out!

[Katelyn Schenker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

honestly this book was such a vibe! The yearning, the touch her and die vibes, heck the touch HIM and die vibes. There was miscommunication in the beginning and broken hearts that come together. I knew there would be something happening at the end but it was truly unexpected. The betrayal and the ending caught me off guard!

Overall a great read.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cute story about love amongst the Fae. However the normal “world building” chapters that occur in most Romantasy books was not there so throughout the book you’re confused as to how the characters play within their relative roles. That also leads to the mystery of it all I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Aundrea Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning. I love a good romantacy but what I loved about this one is that the story felt unique. A very strong FMC and a MMC that grows into his own. The underlying secrets, parallel story lines, and character development were pretty incredible. The world was easy to consume and grasp which can be the tricky part when diving into a new fantasy series. I really am obsessed!

[Chasity L. Fudella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read. It wasn’t something that I would have normally chosen to read, but I really enjoyed the book. The characters find a way into your heart. Koen and Serenya are a force to be reckoned with. Dimitri and Ravelle are a couple I am looking forward to learning more about as well. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, I hope we don’t have to wait too long!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and the start of something new. A strong FMC surrounding herself with strong characters and an interesting story line. Hoping to have more between the two main characters in the next book!