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The Guild Trials: Part 1
Claire has spent years building a life that feels safe and manageable. In the small artist town of Calleen, her work as a chandler offers routine, comfort, and a way to keep her anxiety and her past at a distance.
When news of old disputes tied to her family and ancestral land reaches her doorstep, Claire is forced to choose between remaining where she is or stepping into uncertainty in search of answers. What begins as a practical decision slowly unsettles the careful life she has constructed, stirring a need to move beyond the fear that has shaped her actions and her sense of self.
Her path draws her toward the Guild Academy, where the Alliance’s protectors are trained. Few are accepted, and fewer still graduate. Knowing she is unprepared, Claire turns to her father for help. With his support, she begins training under one of his former comrades, a seasoned veteran whose expectations are exacting and whose lessons are unforgiving.
As Claire works toward the Academy’s entrance trials, she must confront not only the physical demands of training, but her own doubt, self-perception, and long-held fears. In doing so, she begins to believe, perhaps for the first time, that she may be capable of more than mediocrity, and that purpose and strength, may finally be within reach.
When news of old disputes tied to her family and ancestral land reaches her doorstep, Claire is forced to choose between remaining where she is or stepping into uncertainty in search of answers. What begins as a practical decision slowly unsettles the careful life she has constructed, stirring a need to move beyond the fear that has shaped her actions and her sense of self.
Her path draws her toward the Guild Academy, where the Alliance’s protectors are trained. Few are accepted, and fewer still graduate. Knowing she is unprepared, Claire turns to her father for help. With his support, she begins training under one of his former comrades, a seasoned veteran whose expectations are exacting and whose lessons are unforgiving.
As Claire works toward the Academy’s entrance trials, she must confront not only the physical demands of training, but her own doubt, self-perception, and long-held fears. In doing so, she begins to believe, perhaps for the first time, that she may be capable of more than mediocrity, and that purpose and strength, may finally be within reach.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 8, 2026
(ARC Review) 🖤
A beautiful story of self-discovery and learning to understand one’s own emotions and mindset. It feels deeply relatable, touching on the struggles many of us face at different points in life, while also reminding us that we hold the power to grow and become better versions of ourselves.
The story carries a strong sense of suspense, particularly during the trials. The tension is so vivid you can almost feel it gripping you, drawing you into the moment as though you’re standing there alongside the characters.
The friendships and the way the relationships grow throughout the story are especially lovely. There’s a warmth to them that makes the journey feel genuine and heartfelt.
Overall, it left a warm place in my heart. A comforting blend of cosiness, courage, and the quiet discovery of one’s true self. And best of all, believing in your own abilities to pursue your goals!
Would absolutely recommend 🌿
A beautiful story of self-discovery and learning to understand one’s own emotions and mindset. It feels deeply relatable, touching on the struggles many of us face at different points in life, while also reminding us that we hold the power to grow and become better versions of ourselves.
The story carries a strong sense of suspense, particularly during the trials. The tension is so vivid you can almost feel it gripping you, drawing you into the moment as though you’re standing there alongside the characters.
The friendships and the way the relationships grow throughout the story are especially lovely. There’s a warmth to them that makes the journey feel genuine and heartfelt.
Overall, it left a warm place in my heart. A comforting blend of cosiness, courage, and the quiet discovery of one’s true self. And best of all, believing in your own abilities to pursue your goals!
Would absolutely recommend 🌿
March 23, 2026
Spoiler free ARC review.
The Guild Trials puts us in the shoes of Claire, a foxling/human hybrid who is sort of just coasting through her life as a village chandler. Her days are filled with routine and, while she is content, she finds herself feeling ultimately unfulfilled. Thus, when the opportunity to reclaim a portion of her father's ancestral homeland arises, she pounces on the chance. Her only problem is funding: she has none and land is expensive. Her solution? Attend the Obsidian Academy and become a full fledged member of the guild.
The Guild Trials starts as a cozy, slice of life fantasy before growing into a tale of adventure and peril. Claire overcomes many obstacles, both within herself and out in the world, and is an easy character to relate to. In addition to our protagonist, the cast is stacked with all sorts of fantastical fae, each with their own stories to tell.
If you are in the mood for something a bit more light hearted than the usual fantasy, look no farther.
The Guild Trials puts us in the shoes of Claire, a foxling/human hybrid who is sort of just coasting through her life as a village chandler. Her days are filled with routine and, while she is content, she finds herself feeling ultimately unfulfilled. Thus, when the opportunity to reclaim a portion of her father's ancestral homeland arises, she pounces on the chance. Her only problem is funding: she has none and land is expensive. Her solution? Attend the Obsidian Academy and become a full fledged member of the guild.
The Guild Trials starts as a cozy, slice of life fantasy before growing into a tale of adventure and peril. Claire overcomes many obstacles, both within herself and out in the world, and is an easy character to relate to. In addition to our protagonist, the cast is stacked with all sorts of fantastical fae, each with their own stories to tell.
If you are in the mood for something a bit more light hearted than the usual fantasy, look no farther.
April 14, 2026
This is a lovely fantasy-adventure story about a fox-girl named Claire who decides to leave her comfortable life as a chandler to join an elite academy in order to help preserve her family legacy and overthrow a lifetime of haunting memories for both her and her father. It's cozy adjacent, but has plenty of fighting and harrowing moments. The world is lush and vividly described, the races and creatures are endlessly interesting, and Claire's journey out of her sheltered (and stuck) life is really compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially for Claire's character arc and for the expensive and thoughtful descriptions of the beautiful world. Can't wait to read more!
I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially for Claire's character arc and for the expensive and thoughtful descriptions of the beautiful world. Can't wait to read more!
March 29, 2026
This is an incredible story of Claire's resilience to work through self-doubt, childhood trauma to build her self-confidence and inner strength through the trials.
I really liked the friendships as they were being built as well as the relationship with Claire's mentor, Ver. Definitely recommend reading
I really liked the friendships as they were being built as well as the relationship with Claire's mentor, Ver. Definitely recommend reading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
She’s a fox form living a mundane life as a candle maker. When she hears of the chance to compete in a deadly tournament for a place in her people’s homeland, her longing for adventure leads to apprenticeship under a brutal trainer. If you love whimsical high fantasy and games and trials, this is a must read.
Absolutely loved this, and I will read anything this author writes in the future.
Absolutely loved this, and I will read anything this author writes in the future.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews