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Trial of Fire: Thavaria Book 1
In Thavaria, magic belongs to the nobles. Blue fire belongs to no one. Until now.
When eighteen-year-old Olivia Delmar's hands erupt in blue flame, she becomes the most dangerous thing in the kingdom — a Commoner with Wildblood magic.
Forced into the Kingdom Trials, where forty girls fight across desert, palace, and ballroom for the right to stand beside the Crown Prince, Olivia has one survive long enough to get her sister out.
But survival means making deals with princes who hide monsters behind their smiles. It means burning people to ash when there's no other choice. And it means lying so well that even the magic on her wrist believes her.
The Trials were designed to break girls like Olivia.
She has other plans.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and A Court of Thorns and Roses — Trial of Fire is a dark romantasy of fire, survival, and a girl who refuses to become anyone's weapon.
When eighteen-year-old Olivia Delmar's hands erupt in blue flame, she becomes the most dangerous thing in the kingdom — a Commoner with Wildblood magic.
Forced into the Kingdom Trials, where forty girls fight across desert, palace, and ballroom for the right to stand beside the Crown Prince, Olivia has one survive long enough to get her sister out.
But survival means making deals with princes who hide monsters behind their smiles. It means burning people to ash when there's no other choice. And it means lying so well that even the magic on her wrist believes her.
The Trials were designed to break girls like Olivia.
She has other plans.
Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and A Court of Thorns and Roses — Trial of Fire is a dark romantasy of fire, survival, and a girl who refuses to become anyone's weapon.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
What is one to do when your entire life is ripped away? When you lose your family in one fell swoop? When the life you had, while poor and difficult, is taken as well? What can you do when you suddenly have powers you never knew existed and you are collared and shackled like a monster? Well read this book and see!
This book’s star is Olivia Delmar. She is an 18-year-old young woman living as a commoner in the poorest area in Thavaria. Where hiding when one can and trying not to be seen are common place. Where hard work and hunger are faced every day. Olivia lives with her parents and her younger sister Tina. Her father fights for the everyday man with secret pamphlets and meetings. Every day is a struggle yet the family has love.
Yet it all ends one fateful night when “the gilded swarmed the room”. The family was as prepared as they could be to face them yet it all that preparation is for naught when the guardsmen grab Tina. What happens then will change all of their lives forever. When Olivia’s hands erupt with blue flame she becomes the most hated type of person in Thavaria and the entire family is taken away to a place worse than a hovel in the commons.
Olivia is then forced into the Princess Trials with 39 other girls. Her goal to survive and get her family out of prison. Yet as the book unravels she must face dangers she has never faced before as well as facing young women raised to be devious and cruel. Is Olivia the favored of the crown or the most hated? What would winning really mean for her and her family? Is there anyone she can trust in this new world? Can she live with herself and the actions she must do to survive? And what about the silent Prince? Is he truly evil, is he kind in disguise, or is he a monster of a new sort?
I give this 5 stars for the story plot and well thought out characters. It is female centered, friend centered, and full of mysteries. The romance is just starting to build and seems to be becoming friendship based as it is taking off. This book shows that there does not need to be spice to be well written, yet who is to say some spice may still come in the sequels? The Trials are only halfway over so I for one will need to review book 1 before I start book 2. And yes there are some mistakes throughout the book that had me taking notes to send to the author, as well as taking me out of the story at times, yet this in NO WAY is a cause to remove a star from a wonderfully created book. My hope is as the author was responsive to my notes that the mistakes will be corrected before publishing to give a more seamless read.
READ this book and find a brand new world to escape into!
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book’s star is Olivia Delmar. She is an 18-year-old young woman living as a commoner in the poorest area in Thavaria. Where hiding when one can and trying not to be seen are common place. Where hard work and hunger are faced every day. Olivia lives with her parents and her younger sister Tina. Her father fights for the everyday man with secret pamphlets and meetings. Every day is a struggle yet the family has love.
Yet it all ends one fateful night when “the gilded swarmed the room”. The family was as prepared as they could be to face them yet it all that preparation is for naught when the guardsmen grab Tina. What happens then will change all of their lives forever. When Olivia’s hands erupt with blue flame she becomes the most hated type of person in Thavaria and the entire family is taken away to a place worse than a hovel in the commons.
Olivia is then forced into the Princess Trials with 39 other girls. Her goal to survive and get her family out of prison. Yet as the book unravels she must face dangers she has never faced before as well as facing young women raised to be devious and cruel. Is Olivia the favored of the crown or the most hated? What would winning really mean for her and her family? Is there anyone she can trust in this new world? Can she live with herself and the actions she must do to survive? And what about the silent Prince? Is he truly evil, is he kind in disguise, or is he a monster of a new sort?
I give this 5 stars for the story plot and well thought out characters. It is female centered, friend centered, and full of mysteries. The romance is just starting to build and seems to be becoming friendship based as it is taking off. This book shows that there does not need to be spice to be well written, yet who is to say some spice may still come in the sequels? The Trials are only halfway over so I for one will need to review book 1 before I start book 2. And yes there are some mistakes throughout the book that had me taking notes to send to the author, as well as taking me out of the story at times, yet this in NO WAY is a cause to remove a star from a wonderfully created book. My hope is as the author was responsive to my notes that the mistakes will be corrected before publishing to give a more seamless read.
READ this book and find a brand new world to escape into!
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️⭐️
"I didn't know what I felt for her, envy, lust, awe, or just the need to see what would happen if you put two catastrophes in the same room."
Madelyn swallowed, " Is this treason? " Mira snorted." Only if we lose. "
Trial of Fire is like if the Hunger Games and the Selection had a book baby with magical powers. It sounds kind of crazy but I swear it totally works.
Olivia and her family live in a kingdom with some serious Hunger Game society vibes- rigid social class systems with extreme disparity between wealth and poverty. When soldiers come to her house, Olivia's magic erupts accidentally, and she is arrested. She is then forced to compete in the princess trials, a competition for an arranged marriage to Prince Jack ( I know, not exactly the typical fantasy prince name..)
The trials in the story were so unique and intense. We have a grueling lethal trial across the desert with sandstorms and crazy animals. And that's just the first one! Then we have the next challenge in what I'm calling, " The Deadly Pretty Woman trial" - where even Vivian would tell Edward F@ck this. 🤣
I loved how Olivia slowly pulling together her own little found family. I love Berny, fighting the snow bear. It gave me Luke vibes in Empire Strikes Back.
However, the world building stumbled in the beginning. I would love more background on the Princess trials. I'm still a little confused as to the definition of a Wildblood and exactly who The Order of the Veil are.
However, once the story took off, I was hooked and can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
"I didn't know what I felt for her, envy, lust, awe, or just the need to see what would happen if you put two catastrophes in the same room."
Madelyn swallowed, " Is this treason? " Mira snorted." Only if we lose. "
Trial of Fire is like if the Hunger Games and the Selection had a book baby with magical powers. It sounds kind of crazy but I swear it totally works.
Olivia and her family live in a kingdom with some serious Hunger Game society vibes- rigid social class systems with extreme disparity between wealth and poverty. When soldiers come to her house, Olivia's magic erupts accidentally, and she is arrested. She is then forced to compete in the princess trials, a competition for an arranged marriage to Prince Jack ( I know, not exactly the typical fantasy prince name..)
The trials in the story were so unique and intense. We have a grueling lethal trial across the desert with sandstorms and crazy animals. And that's just the first one! Then we have the next challenge in what I'm calling, " The Deadly Pretty Woman trial" - where even Vivian would tell Edward F@ck this. 🤣
I loved how Olivia slowly pulling together her own little found family. I love Berny, fighting the snow bear. It gave me Luke vibes in Empire Strikes Back.
However, the world building stumbled in the beginning. I would love more background on the Princess trials. I'm still a little confused as to the definition of a Wildblood and exactly who The Order of the Veil are.
However, once the story took off, I was hooked and can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
Review of advance copy
I struggled with the world-building at first. Screens and swords, bullets and spears. My brain needed a while to decide what setting we were actually in. Once I settled, though, the tension steadily increased and the story found its footing.
The premise gave me some Hunger Games vibes with its deadly trials, rigid class divisions, and the growing undercurrent of rebellion. At its core, this is a story about resilience, conviction, and staying true to yourself when the world would rather force you into a mold.
Olivia is a compelling protagonist. As a Wildblood possessing a magic not seen for generations, she is thrust into the trials to compete for the prince’s hand. Watching her navigate impossible odds, forge friendships, and find allies was the strongest part of the book for me.
The prince, despite carrying demons of his own, remains more of a side character at this stage. Readers looking for romance should temper their expectations. There really isn’t any here yet.
The story isn’t without flaws. I noticed a few plot inconsistencies that occasionally pulled me out of the narrative and had me wondering whether I had missed something. And be aware that by the end of the book, we’re only halfway through the trials, so this feels very much like the first half of a larger story.
Still, once the plot gained momentum, I found myself invested enough to want answers and to see where the trials lead next. It certainly left me curious about book two.
Thanks for the copy to the author and booksirens, all opinions are my own.
The premise gave me some Hunger Games vibes with its deadly trials, rigid class divisions, and the growing undercurrent of rebellion. At its core, this is a story about resilience, conviction, and staying true to yourself when the world would rather force you into a mold.
Olivia is a compelling protagonist. As a Wildblood possessing a magic not seen for generations, she is thrust into the trials to compete for the prince’s hand. Watching her navigate impossible odds, forge friendships, and find allies was the strongest part of the book for me.
The prince, despite carrying demons of his own, remains more of a side character at this stage. Readers looking for romance should temper their expectations. There really isn’t any here yet.
The story isn’t without flaws. I noticed a few plot inconsistencies that occasionally pulled me out of the narrative and had me wondering whether I had missed something. And be aware that by the end of the book, we’re only halfway through the trials, so this feels very much like the first half of a larger story.
Still, once the plot gained momentum, I found myself invested enough to want answers and to see where the trials lead next. It certainly left me curious about book two.
Thanks for the copy to the author and booksirens, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
I truly enjoyed my time in Trial of Fire. From the beginning of the story, I was truly interested in these characters and what was in store for them.
The world is full of what our own really is: the elite holding control and using the "lesser" people as they see fit. Olivia is from the bad part of town, and during a raid where her family is in danger, it is discovered that she has power. Power belongs to the elite, and she's an abomination to everyone around her.
She is then forced into a competition against 40 other girls from all walks of life to marry the prince. She wasn't really given a choice before being thrown into the competition, and it was intense.
My attention was completely glued to the story as it progressed. Every challenge was worse than the last in ways I couldn't have imagined. Each one brought this found family closer together as they all wanted to dismantle the complete imbalance in their world.
I loved Jack and how he seems to care, even as he struggles knowing what this competition could mean for him.
And the end... I was in no way ready for that. I'm still not ready and wish to go back to before I jumped off that cliff!
I finished this book and sat down to write my ARC review, but life pulled me away. As I was going about my responsibilities, I found myself thinking about the characters and the story. I love that!
Thank you for writing a story with characters that stayed with me even after I was done reading, and who will stay with me until book two. 🤣
Thank you StoryOrigin and the author for letting me read this ARC and sharing my opinions.
The world is full of what our own really is: the elite holding control and using the "lesser" people as they see fit. Olivia is from the bad part of town, and during a raid where her family is in danger, it is discovered that she has power. Power belongs to the elite, and she's an abomination to everyone around her.
She is then forced into a competition against 40 other girls from all walks of life to marry the prince. She wasn't really given a choice before being thrown into the competition, and it was intense.
My attention was completely glued to the story as it progressed. Every challenge was worse than the last in ways I couldn't have imagined. Each one brought this found family closer together as they all wanted to dismantle the complete imbalance in their world.
I loved Jack and how he seems to care, even as he struggles knowing what this competition could mean for him.
And the end... I was in no way ready for that. I'm still not ready and wish to go back to before I jumped off that cliff!
I finished this book and sat down to write my ARC review, but life pulled me away. As I was going about my responsibilities, I found myself thinking about the characters and the story. I love that!
Thank you for writing a story with characters that stayed with me even after I was done reading, and who will stay with me until book two. 🤣
Thank you StoryOrigin and the author for letting me read this ARC and sharing my opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was hooked from the beginning!
I really enjoyed the trials in this book, they were unique and exciting, keeping you engaged and wondering what will happen next! The plot twists also kept me in my toes.
I usually don’t mine being left on a cliff hanger, but the book ends half way through the trials, which is making me want to read book #2 ASAP - but also a little frusterating bc like your telling me I just read 400 pages and the trials aren’t done like what - but the trials are so well written that I can appreciate that it is taking longer to get through them.
The only reason why this isn’t a 5 star read is due to the descriptive story telling in the book- I found multiple instances in the book where either things are described twice a page apart, like we hadn’t already read a paragraph how the tables and flowers looked in the previous page, and some descriptions that were page only a page apart described different things ( mask was white and silver, the following page it is described as gold & blue)
Overall this book was an exciting read, with engaging plot twists, and trials that kept you on your toes. I would definitely recommend!
I recieved this book as an ARC. This review is voluntary and my own authentic review.
I really enjoyed the trials in this book, they were unique and exciting, keeping you engaged and wondering what will happen next! The plot twists also kept me in my toes.
I usually don’t mine being left on a cliff hanger, but the book ends half way through the trials, which is making me want to read book #2 ASAP - but also a little frusterating bc like your telling me I just read 400 pages and the trials aren’t done like what - but the trials are so well written that I can appreciate that it is taking longer to get through them.
The only reason why this isn’t a 5 star read is due to the descriptive story telling in the book- I found multiple instances in the book where either things are described twice a page apart, like we hadn’t already read a paragraph how the tables and flowers looked in the previous page, and some descriptions that were page only a page apart described different things ( mask was white and silver, the following page it is described as gold & blue)
Overall this book was an exciting read, with engaging plot twists, and trials that kept you on your toes. I would definitely recommend!
I recieved this book as an ARC. This review is voluntary and my own authentic review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author S. A. McClelland
Trial of Fire
Publication date July 30, 2026
Thank you to author S.A. McClelland for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book before publication.
I have to admit, I kept putting off reading this one because I assumed it would be a fantasy book that just wasn't for me. I'm so glad I was wrong!
The story drew me in much faster than I expected. Olivia was a character I found easy to root for, and I really enjoyed the mix of forbidden magic, rebellion, deadly trials, and slow-burn romance. The world-building kept me interested, and there was enough action and suspense to keep the pages turning.
I do think this book is geared more toward young adult readers, but it can definitely be enjoyed by adult fantasy readers as well.
My only complaint is the ending. There are so many loose ends left unresolved that it ends on quite a cliffhanger, leaving me eager—and a little frustrated—to wait for the next book. Hopefully, book two will answer all the questions left behind.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and a pleasant surprise. If you're a fan of romantasy, deadly competitions, forbidden magic, and enemies-to-lovers romance, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author S. A. McClelland
Trial of Fire
Publication date July 30, 2026
Thank you to author S.A. McClelland for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book before publication.
I have to admit, I kept putting off reading this one because I assumed it would be a fantasy book that just wasn't for me. I'm so glad I was wrong!
The story drew me in much faster than I expected. Olivia was a character I found easy to root for, and I really enjoyed the mix of forbidden magic, rebellion, deadly trials, and slow-burn romance. The world-building kept me interested, and there was enough action and suspense to keep the pages turning.
I do think this book is geared more toward young adult readers, but it can definitely be enjoyed by adult fantasy readers as well.
My only complaint is the ending. There are so many loose ends left unresolved that it ends on quite a cliffhanger, leaving me eager—and a little frustrated—to wait for the next book. Hopefully, book two will answer all the questions left behind.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and a pleasant surprise. If you're a fan of romantasy, deadly competitions, forbidden magic, and enemies-to-lovers romance, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
August 2, 2026
If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games and Red Queen, this is one book you won’t want to miss!
This story is packed with deadly trials, rare magic, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that kept me eagerly turning the pages. Our fierce FMC is torn away from her family after it’s discovered she possesses an incredibly rare and powerful blue fire magic. Forced into a brutal trial where only the strongest survive, she must learn who she can trust while navigating a kingdom full of secrets.
Our MMC, the prince, is just as compelling. Burdened with dark secrets of his own, the tension and yearning between these two builds beautifully throughout the story. I also loved watching the friendships and alliances form during the trials, adding another layer to the high-stakes adventure.
With kings, queens, princes, dangerous competitions, hidden magic, and twists that kept me guessing, this fantasy was an exciting ride from beginning to end. If you love stories filled with court politics, found family, slow-burn romance, and characters fighting to survive impossible odds, definitely add this one to your TBR.
This story is packed with deadly trials, rare magic, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that kept me eagerly turning the pages. Our fierce FMC is torn away from her family after it’s discovered she possesses an incredibly rare and powerful blue fire magic. Forced into a brutal trial where only the strongest survive, she must learn who she can trust while navigating a kingdom full of secrets.
Our MMC, the prince, is just as compelling. Burdened with dark secrets of his own, the tension and yearning between these two builds beautifully throughout the story. I also loved watching the friendships and alliances form during the trials, adding another layer to the high-stakes adventure.
With kings, queens, princes, dangerous competitions, hidden magic, and twists that kept me guessing, this fantasy was an exciting ride from beginning to end. If you love stories filled with court politics, found family, slow-burn romance, and characters fighting to survive impossible odds, definitely add this one to your TBR.
Review of advance copy
I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Trial of Fire (Thavaria: Book 1) was a genuinely refreshing read that stood out for its focus on character dynamics over typical tropes.
What I enjoyed most was the core premise—a group of girls coming together to navigate their challenges. The story places a heavy, well-deserved emphasis on their blossoming friendship and how they support one another to overcome their respective trials. It was heartwarming to see such a strong bond at the heart of the plot.
Additionally, I appreciated that the story is completely spice-free. However, while I enjoyed the world-building, I felt that the romantic subplot could have been stronger; specifically, the chemistry between the main character and the prince felt a bit lacking and didn't quite land for me.
Overall, this is a solid start to the series for those who prioritize female friendship and character-driven journeys. I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters grow in the next installment.
Trial of Fire (Thavaria: Book 1) was a genuinely refreshing read that stood out for its focus on character dynamics over typical tropes.
What I enjoyed most was the core premise—a group of girls coming together to navigate their challenges. The story places a heavy, well-deserved emphasis on their blossoming friendship and how they support one another to overcome their respective trials. It was heartwarming to see such a strong bond at the heart of the plot.
Additionally, I appreciated that the story is completely spice-free. However, while I enjoyed the world-building, I felt that the romantic subplot could have been stronger; specifically, the chemistry between the main character and the prince felt a bit lacking and didn't quite land for me.
Overall, this is a solid start to the series for those who prioritize female friendship and character-driven journeys. I’m looking forward to seeing how these characters grow in the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The hunger games meets Beauty and the Beast in the first book of this new Romantasy series. Prince Jack needs a wife before the curse takes over. The kingdom finds royal wives through the princess trials. Olivia becomes an unwilling contestant in the trials due to a magic outburst she had no idea was within her. The Veil give her a choice- compete in the trials for a chance to save herself and her family or die in the prison area of the palace. So she competes, meets others from the Commons, is targeted by the Nobles and feared by the Traders. Olivia and three other commoners in the Princess Trials combine forces as they face challenge after challenge in the trials. Some find her as a symbol of rebellion, some fear her wild blood fire, but Olivia just wants to survive. It was a great read, I just wish we made it through the trials before the end of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this copy as an ARC and I totally enjoyed it.
Olivia really grew as a character and I liked how she got through the trials and made some amazing friends.
The first trial in the desert was really interesting and a lot of progress happens but then onto the second trial I found myself skipping a lot of it. Just found her learning all the etiquette a bit boring.
I didn’t feel like I connected with Prince Jack (not a fan of the name sorry!) as a character. I loved the mirror scene where she learns some of his secrets and then I feel like it just fades out and I lost interest. I almost wanted her to be more scared of him. I’m really hoping he takes a big step up in book two.
I’m curious where book two will take us and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
Olivia really grew as a character and I liked how she got through the trials and made some amazing friends.
The first trial in the desert was really interesting and a lot of progress happens but then onto the second trial I found myself skipping a lot of it. Just found her learning all the etiquette a bit boring.
I didn’t feel like I connected with Prince Jack (not a fan of the name sorry!) as a character. I loved the mirror scene where she learns some of his secrets and then I feel like it just fades out and I lost interest. I almost wanted her to be more scared of him. I’m really hoping he takes a big step up in book two.
I’m curious where book two will take us and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
July 30, 2026
Secrets of the Kingdom.
I enjoyed watching this story unfold. It felt like a nefarious magical version of “The Hunger Games” where mean girls are to be idolized. Clearly there is something going on within the aristocracy and the elite leaders to have such pure hatred of of certain people. I liked how Jack and Olivia share some type of common interest, yet there is something unsettling about Jack that is just out of reach. Seeing Olivia think her way through things while retaining her humanity and empathy for others made her very likable. I was a bit taken back by some of the very harsh treatment of losing competitors as well as some children in the castle. With a plan and a group of friends banding together, I look forward to discovering what will happen in the next novel.
I enjoyed watching this story unfold. It felt like a nefarious magical version of “The Hunger Games” where mean girls are to be idolized. Clearly there is something going on within the aristocracy and the elite leaders to have such pure hatred of of certain people. I liked how Jack and Olivia share some type of common interest, yet there is something unsettling about Jack that is just out of reach. Seeing Olivia think her way through things while retaining her humanity and empathy for others made her very likable. I was a bit taken back by some of the very harsh treatment of losing competitors as well as some children in the castle. With a plan and a group of friends banding together, I look forward to discovering what will happen in the next novel.
July 31, 2026
🫑
The Selection Meets The Hunger Games for deadly bride trials.
I really enjoyed this book, the intro was really intriguing and had me hooked. The high stakes and danger had me staying up late to see what happened next.
There is no spice, and the romance is basically non-existent. There isn’t even an on-page kiss, which works with the story.
Like The Selection, the first book does end halfway through the trials, so you are left with a massive cliffhanger. That isn’t a terrible thing, just something to be aware of.
If you’re a fan of YA fantasy, I would definitely recommend adding Trial of Fire to your TBR.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of Trial of Fire. All thoughts are my own.
The Selection Meets The Hunger Games for deadly bride trials.
I really enjoyed this book, the intro was really intriguing and had me hooked. The high stakes and danger had me staying up late to see what happened next.
There is no spice, and the romance is basically non-existent. There isn’t even an on-page kiss, which works with the story.
Like The Selection, the first book does end halfway through the trials, so you are left with a massive cliffhanger. That isn’t a terrible thing, just something to be aware of.
If you’re a fan of YA fantasy, I would definitely recommend adding Trial of Fire to your TBR.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of Trial of Fire. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solid 4 stars! I loved that the FMC was not a damsel. She was strong, calculated and is able to adapt to life. The trials in this book are very different than the trials in most books with trials. The plot was a continuous move forward, not too slow and not too fast. I liked the side characters a ton and the MMC which I wish we saw more of and had more of a background on him. The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is because I would have liked more action but its still a great read. I will definitely be reading the next. I have questions and there is NO cliffhanger, incase thats a deal breaker for anyone lol
July 30, 2026
This book had me hooked from page 1. Super action packed. Magic, trials, games, mystery, politics and some yearning?...Yes, please! This world was so fun to dive into!
After Olivia was taken from her family she is forced into playing "games". The winner of the games gets to marry Prince Jack. Anyone who loses the game is "eliminated". I loved the friendships Olivia made with the other common girls. Her budding romance with Jack is very interesting and I can't wait to see where it leads.
There are so many plot twists in the book. I can't count how many times I thought I knew what was going to happen to find out I knew nothing.
The Bluefire pact at the end has me hungry for book 2.
After Olivia was taken from her family she is forced into playing "games". The winner of the games gets to marry Prince Jack. Anyone who loses the game is "eliminated". I loved the friendships Olivia made with the other common girls. Her budding romance with Jack is very interesting and I can't wait to see where it leads.
There are so many plot twists in the book. I can't count how many times I thought I knew what was going to happen to find out I knew nothing.
The Bluefire pact at the end has me hungry for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Olivia and her family are Commoners, plotting revolution against the ruling powers. When the guards raid, Olivia’s hidden magic flares up, marking her as a Wildblood. The whole family is arrested, but Olivia is doomed to take part in the Princess Trials, to find who will marry the prince and become the next queen. Of course, nothing is as it seems.
I enjoyed this book. We have shades of Hunger Games with magic. My only complaint is that now I have to wait for the next book.
I received an ARC which in no way affected my review
I enjoyed this book. We have shades of Hunger Games with magic. My only complaint is that now I have to wait for the next book.
I received an ARC which in no way affected my review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing an arc of this book.
If you like/love slow-burn enemies to lovers, romantasy and deadly trials, then this is for you.
“What if forty girls were forced into a deadly trial for the hand of the prince?”
I was hooked from the very beginning, love the enemies to lovers, the trials between the girls and the engaging plot twist.
Hope book 2 is coming soon, when the books stops on a big cliffhanger and in the middle of the trials!
Again, thank you so much to the author.
If you like/love slow-burn enemies to lovers, romantasy and deadly trials, then this is for you.
“What if forty girls were forced into a deadly trial for the hand of the prince?”
I was hooked from the very beginning, love the enemies to lovers, the trials between the girls and the engaging plot twist.
Hope book 2 is coming soon, when the books stops on a big cliffhanger and in the middle of the trials!
Again, thank you so much to the author.
August 15, 2026
40 girls, 1 prince and a deadly set of trials!! This dark romantasy grabs you from the very start and it does not let go. The world building is descriptive and incredible and the storyline, well let’s just say once you pick this up you will not be able to put it down! As a commoner, when it is found that she has magic, Olivia must take part in the deadly kingdom trials or lose everything. It’s action packed and suspenseful, it’s exciting and enthralling, violent, intense and gruelling and I cannot wait to see where this takes us next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read.
I enjoyed this book, loved the characters, the build up of friendship under pressure.
If you loved the hunger games, then you will enjoy this book. It has hunger game/mean girls vibes, without being over the top. The slow burn between Olivia and the prince hints of something more in the next book.
This book sets the series up, you get to know the characters, who to love, who to hate but leaves you hanging with curiosity.
I enjoyed this book, loved the characters, the build up of friendship under pressure.
If you loved the hunger games, then you will enjoy this book. It has hunger game/mean girls vibes, without being over the top. The slow burn between Olivia and the prince hints of something more in the next book.
This book sets the series up, you get to know the characters, who to love, who to hate but leaves you hanging with curiosity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes I get lost in the world building, so I just concentrate on characters and plot. Both were enough in this story to keep my attention.
Olivia unwillingly finds herself involved in the princess trials, to become Prince Jack's bride, by accident. She did have a choice -- join or jail -- but not a realistic one.
Unfortunately, you have to win or perish. It was interesting to see her forge friendships as well as be strong enough to work through each trial.
Olivia unwillingly finds herself involved in the princess trials, to become Prince Jack's bride, by accident. She did have a choice -- join or jail -- but not a realistic one.
Unfortunately, you have to win or perish. It was interesting to see her forge friendships as well as be strong enough to work through each trial.
July 30, 2026
This Dystopian fantasy was well written, but it had a lot of violence (necessary) and foul language (unnecessary). Those were things I didn’t like. I did like the character growth, the grit and resourcefulness shown by the main characters, and the way they worked together to solve their problems. I don’t think I’ll read the rest of this series, however. I received an ARC copy and this is my review.
August 3, 2026
While the end leaves you wishing for more, the entire story flows really well. You are grabbed in the very first chapter and don't want to put this one down. I read it in one day (and night!) and can not wait for book 2 in this series.
Our FMC was relatable and the decisions made for her survival were realistic, so no jarring breaks or wanting to through the book across the room!!
This was a great intro in Romantasy from this author!
Our FMC was relatable and the decisions made for her survival were realistic, so no jarring breaks or wanting to through the book across the room!!
This was a great intro in Romantasy from this author!
July 26, 2026
I had a hard time following the world building, and I think a lot happened, but not that much. The story is well written but I don't think it's for me. If you're into The Hunger Games, I still think you should give it a chance. I'm pretty sure it's a problem with me and not the book. I'm still giving it 3 stars, as I could easily read the second book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy of this book.
July 31, 2026
I really like this book!! The story draws you in so quickly! The flow is nice and the storyline is great!! I like the world building. I was able to read an ARC copy from the author.
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