What do you think?
The Trials of Agemo
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2026
About the author
Katy Metzger
5 books68 followersAuthor Katy Metzger began her foray into dark fantasy with a third-grade story about two children who ate too much candy and exploded. When her classmates appreciated her twisted sense of humor, she plunged headfirst into a passion for storytelling. And although she took a brief detour into journalism during high school and college, her love for the fantastical never waned.
Her own adventures in real life included two years abroad in Cambodia and Thailand teaching ESL, an experience that led to teaching high school English for several years and meeting (and marrying) the man of her dreams. When the two welcomed their first son, Katy hung up her teacher’s chalk and once again found inspiration in the stories she loved to tell.
Today, Katy lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids, running for fun, drinking way too much coffee, and finally allowing her twisted imagination to have free reign in her head.
Her own adventures in real life included two years abroad in Cambodia and Thailand teaching ESL, an experience that led to teaching high school English for several years and meeting (and marrying) the man of her dreams. When the two welcomed their first son, Katy hung up her teacher’s chalk and once again found inspiration in the stories she loved to tell.
Today, Katy lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids, running for fun, drinking way too much coffee, and finally allowing her twisted imagination to have free reign in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 26, 2026
A banging finale, deserving of this fast-paced, heart-squeezing YA dystopian science-fantasy series.
This book (Heck, the whole series!) delivers on all aspects, and I love the way this final installment wraps everything up in a very satisfying way.
I am a sucker for the main characters, Gemma and Oliver. I enjoyed their journey and their development throughout the series.
Key elements of this series include tension, vertical stakes, the struggle to maintain humanity against overwhelming odds. Frienship. Family. Love. Laughter. Action (this author writes fantastic action scenes!!!) and adventure.
If you like YA dystopian science fantasy with brain and heart, The Talismans of Teregrin are for you.
This book (Heck, the whole series!) delivers on all aspects, and I love the way this final installment wraps everything up in a very satisfying way.
I am a sucker for the main characters, Gemma and Oliver. I enjoyed their journey and their development throughout the series.
Key elements of this series include tension, vertical stakes, the struggle to maintain humanity against overwhelming odds. Frienship. Family. Love. Laughter. Action (this author writes fantastic action scenes!!!) and adventure.
If you like YA dystopian science fantasy with brain and heart, The Talismans of Teregrin are for you.
July 15, 2026
The final installment of the Talismans of Teregrin was a long time coming, but worth the wait! It was a relief to have questions answered at long last about the Agemo program. Since the majority of the story takes place on a digital island, with hints sprinkled throughout the series of the "real world," I have been anxious to know what was really going on and how the pieces fit together. Although the culmination of the real world ramifications seemed a bit rushed and imbalanced compared to the teens' time in the program, it did wrap up all the loose ends, and brought the series to a satisfying close.
Katy Metzger creates excellent action sequences that keep your heart pounding as you flip through the pages. The story is paced wonderfully, hitting the ground running with action from the very beginning, then giving readers a chance to catch their breath as the different groups make it back to the farmhouse. The countdown at the beginning of each chapter was a particularly unique touch that gave readers a sense of urgency right alongside Oliver and Gemma. This small touch made my heart race in the final battle!
There were times I was a bit confused what was going on, and what motivated the characters to do/say the things they did because it felt out of place, but every time I felt that way, Katy would bring the characters back into focus. I had to remind myself that teens are not always rational, and are often emotionally-driven -- and this was captured well in the pages of the novel. It was a huge undertaking to name every character involved (26+) and give them a unique role and gifting. With so many teens involved, it was hard to remember their individual personalities, and equally impossible to truly flesh them all out. However, once readers exit Agemo and enter the "real world" with the twins, the significance of KNOWING (and naming) the teenagers finally sets in. These characters have been overlooked, invisible, to society their whole lives, and it was finally time for them to be seen. Every person matters. Every life has value.
The message of this series is consistent, and one we should all be reminded of as we interact with one another daily. It is a sweetly satisfying ending to a series thoughtfully written by the new breakout author, Katy Metzger.
Katy Metzger creates excellent action sequences that keep your heart pounding as you flip through the pages. The story is paced wonderfully, hitting the ground running with action from the very beginning, then giving readers a chance to catch their breath as the different groups make it back to the farmhouse. The countdown at the beginning of each chapter was a particularly unique touch that gave readers a sense of urgency right alongside Oliver and Gemma. This small touch made my heart race in the final battle!
There were times I was a bit confused what was going on, and what motivated the characters to do/say the things they did because it felt out of place, but every time I felt that way, Katy would bring the characters back into focus. I had to remind myself that teens are not always rational, and are often emotionally-driven -- and this was captured well in the pages of the novel. It was a huge undertaking to name every character involved (26+) and give them a unique role and gifting. With so many teens involved, it was hard to remember their individual personalities, and equally impossible to truly flesh them all out. However, once readers exit Agemo and enter the "real world" with the twins, the significance of KNOWING (and naming) the teenagers finally sets in. These characters have been overlooked, invisible, to society their whole lives, and it was finally time for them to be seen. Every person matters. Every life has value.
The message of this series is consistent, and one we should all be reminded of as we interact with one another daily. It is a sweetly satisfying ending to a series thoughtfully written by the new breakout author, Katy Metzger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2026
A thrilling conclusion to the Talismans of Teregrin series
What I loved about the first book in Katy Metzger’s series shined bright as ever in the final book. The Trials of Agemo showcases just how real these characters feel. All throughout the series, Gemma and Oliver and the rest of the cast grow, but it’s not all rainbows. There are very real growing pains, and The Trials of Agemo drills down into the underpinnings. Oliver is tested. Gemma has to dig deep. Both must face the decisions they’ve made leading up to their planned escape from the island.
They’re braving a slew of difficult decisions while also managing stressors the average teen would also face. Things like:
What do you do when you don’t think you’re good enough?
How do you process strong emotions?
How do you handle difficult relationships?
Gemma and Oliver are at their best and most challenged in this book.
Speaking of, I loved the ticking clock aspect to this story. We start out knowing exactly how much—or rather, how little—time the factions have left on Agemo. As the hours and minutes dwindle, it gives you this sense of urgency. There were moments where I wasn’t sure if they’d achieve their goals at all! (aaaaand we’re keeping the details very vague for spoiler purposes!)
I won’t spoil the end either, but I will say it felt perfectly balanced to me. Not tied up neatly with a bow, but all the threads came together—a very satisfying ending all around.
I loved being a part of Gemma and Oliver’s journey. I laughed with them (and sometimes at Ollie’s wildcard antics…when I wasn’t on pins and needles to see if it would work out alright). If you enjoy fast-paced, action packed stories with teenage characters who feel like real people, you’ll love The Trials of Agemo… but you’re going to want to start at the beginning!
I had the opportunity to read a free advance review copy of The Trials of Agemo, with thanks to the author, Katy Metzger. My review is honest and given freely.
What I loved about the first book in Katy Metzger’s series shined bright as ever in the final book. The Trials of Agemo showcases just how real these characters feel. All throughout the series, Gemma and Oliver and the rest of the cast grow, but it’s not all rainbows. There are very real growing pains, and The Trials of Agemo drills down into the underpinnings. Oliver is tested. Gemma has to dig deep. Both must face the decisions they’ve made leading up to their planned escape from the island.
They’re braving a slew of difficult decisions while also managing stressors the average teen would also face. Things like:
What do you do when you don’t think you’re good enough?
How do you process strong emotions?
How do you handle difficult relationships?
Gemma and Oliver are at their best and most challenged in this book.
Speaking of, I loved the ticking clock aspect to this story. We start out knowing exactly how much—or rather, how little—time the factions have left on Agemo. As the hours and minutes dwindle, it gives you this sense of urgency. There were moments where I wasn’t sure if they’d achieve their goals at all! (aaaaand we’re keeping the details very vague for spoiler purposes!)
I won’t spoil the end either, but I will say it felt perfectly balanced to me. Not tied up neatly with a bow, but all the threads came together—a very satisfying ending all around.
I loved being a part of Gemma and Oliver’s journey. I laughed with them (and sometimes at Ollie’s wildcard antics…when I wasn’t on pins and needles to see if it would work out alright). If you enjoy fast-paced, action packed stories with teenage characters who feel like real people, you’ll love The Trials of Agemo… but you’re going to want to start at the beginning!
I had the opportunity to read a free advance review copy of The Trials of Agemo, with thanks to the author, Katy Metzger. My review is honest and given freely.
July 19, 2026
The Trials of Agemo, by Katy Metzger, is the fifth and final installment in her Talismans of Teregrin series, and by far my favorite book! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed this entire journey with Metzger’s cast of underdogs. But this last book? I felt even more invested in the outcome of each character, including the enemies. And the ending! It answers everything and leaves you still wanting more. How is this possible?
If you’ve been following this multi-book story, the changes in factions or groups on the island develop depending on each new crisis. I love how each character must continue to reiterate their earlier belief systems as the story progresses. It’s the only way to stay alive and to help everyone off the island. Each character, forced to decide on a new direction, keeps the reader on their toes.
All authors improve in their writing abilities as they go, and I recognized a faster-paced, more immersive experience for the reader in book five! This may be due to the comfort level the author surely has by now with her characters and world-building. But the sparkle of finale really shines in this book! Brava, Katy Metzger! And thank you for bringing a memorable cast and story for readers to hold for a long time.
If you’ve been following this multi-book story, the changes in factions or groups on the island develop depending on each new crisis. I love how each character must continue to reiterate their earlier belief systems as the story progresses. It’s the only way to stay alive and to help everyone off the island. Each character, forced to decide on a new direction, keeps the reader on their toes.
All authors improve in their writing abilities as they go, and I recognized a faster-paced, more immersive experience for the reader in book five! This may be due to the comfort level the author surely has by now with her characters and world-building. But the sparkle of finale really shines in this book! Brava, Katy Metzger! And thank you for bringing a memorable cast and story for readers to hold for a long time.
June 26, 2026
Holy Cow! Three days out and I'm still trying to make up for the sleep I lost devouring this story! The momentum through the whole book is fast, but when you hit about the last third, it skyrockets and wow, it was so amazing. Throughout the series I've grown to care about these characters in a motherly way, but even more in an identifying way. Gemma is my soul sister, an empath who grows into her gift and lets it strengthen her. And Ollie, who learns to tame his own chaos, but never lets it lose its edge. The side characters, too, are fully-realized and have so much to contribute to the story. These teens are realistic, flawed, easy-to-relate to, but so hopeful.
And let's talk about the message of this last book, actually the message of the whole series. I'm not much of a cryer, but I welled up several times when I learned about what the lab was all about. I won't go into detail so as not to spoil it, but the positive, compassionate theme of this series hit home for me and pulled at every single one of my heartstrings. These kids are the truest representation of teamwork, leave-no one-behind, and the truth that everyone-has-value!🥹🙌
And let's talk about the message of this last book, actually the message of the whole series. I'm not much of a cryer, but I welled up several times when I learned about what the lab was all about. I won't go into detail so as not to spoil it, but the positive, compassionate theme of this series hit home for me and pulled at every single one of my heartstrings. These kids are the truest representation of teamwork, leave-no one-behind, and the truth that everyone-has-value!🥹🙌
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fantastic conclusion to this YA urban fantasy series. This book does exactly what you want from a final instalment: all the threads that have been building throughout the series finally come together in a satisfying and emotional way.
One of my favourite aspects was seeing how much the characters had grown. After everything they've endured, Gemma, Oliver, and the others finally come to terms with who they are, flaws and all.
The pace ramps up brilliantly as the story races toward its climax. The desperate battle to reach the door had me turning pages as fast as I could. The tension is relentless, the obstacles seem impossible, and the uncertainty over who will survive keeps you hooked right to the end.
Most importantly, the ending delivers. It's exciting, emotional, and deeply satisfying. The epilogue was the perfect finishing touch, giving a glimpse of what happens to the characters afterward and providing a sense of closure that many series finales miss.
A fantastic ending to a memorable series.
One of my favourite aspects was seeing how much the characters had grown. After everything they've endured, Gemma, Oliver, and the others finally come to terms with who they are, flaws and all.
The pace ramps up brilliantly as the story races toward its climax. The desperate battle to reach the door had me turning pages as fast as I could. The tension is relentless, the obstacles seem impossible, and the uncertainty over who will survive keeps you hooked right to the end.
Most importantly, the ending delivers. It's exciting, emotional, and deeply satisfying. The epilogue was the perfect finishing touch, giving a glimpse of what happens to the characters afterward and providing a sense of closure that many series finales miss.
A fantastic ending to a memorable series.
June 30, 2026
Monumental Series Finale!
The fifth book and wrap-up to the Talismans of Teregrin series not only didn’t disappoint, it amped up the action, soaring even higher than the other four books—if that’s even possible. So many times a last book can fail to deliver, especially when there are four epic stories in front of it. This was not the case with Katy Metzger’s The Trials of Agemo. Every chapter exceeded the previous one, taking the reader into non-stop action and danger. To say it was “edge of your seat” truly sells it short. Everything about the characters and their chemistry and the series plotline culminate, coming together beautifully. I laughed, worried, cried, and ultimately felt sad that the adventure was over—until I remembered I could read the entire series again, which I very much intend to do. I’m already missing these phenomenally crafted characters. Fantastic job, Ms. Metzger. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do next! 😊
The fifth book and wrap-up to the Talismans of Teregrin series not only didn’t disappoint, it amped up the action, soaring even higher than the other four books—if that’s even possible. So many times a last book can fail to deliver, especially when there are four epic stories in front of it. This was not the case with Katy Metzger’s The Trials of Agemo. Every chapter exceeded the previous one, taking the reader into non-stop action and danger. To say it was “edge of your seat” truly sells it short. Everything about the characters and their chemistry and the series plotline culminate, coming together beautifully. I laughed, worried, cried, and ultimately felt sad that the adventure was over—until I remembered I could read the entire series again, which I very much intend to do. I’m already missing these phenomenally crafted characters. Fantastic job, Ms. Metzger. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do next! 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’ve loved reading this entire series and I’ve been eagerly waiting for this finale. This book answered some long-standing questions and gave some much needed satisfaction. I’ll admit, between books 4 and 5 I struggled to remember key details about the experiment and the drugs being used and the motivations of the Teregrin sisters, but ultimately those things don’t matter. This book is a story of humanity and what that looks like in real situations and what people are capable of when the chips are down, and I think the attention the author brings to that is beautiful. This series did not go in the direction I was expecting when I first picked up The Talismans of Teregrin but I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure and the surprises along the way. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5/5 stars
WOW WOW WOW!! This final installment of The Talismans of Teregrin series blew me away! I truly did not want this book to end!
From start to finish, The Trials of Agemo had me on the edge of my seat. I love how beautifully everything was wrapped up, and the redemption that the characters have made all of the stress for them while reading worth it. The last few chapters flew by, making me much like the Sheldon Cooper “I need answers” meme as I stayed up to finish the last 70 pages.
https://media.tenor.com/_XOJRgZ2M8QAA...
Overall, this finale was well worth the wait! My one wish: that I had reread the other four books before going into this one because previous details were fuzzy to me. But that’s not a big concern because I know I will be rereading this series for years to come!
WOW WOW WOW!! This final installment of The Talismans of Teregrin series blew me away! I truly did not want this book to end!
From start to finish, The Trials of Agemo had me on the edge of my seat. I love how beautifully everything was wrapped up, and the redemption that the characters have made all of the stress for them while reading worth it. The last few chapters flew by, making me much like the Sheldon Cooper “I need answers” meme as I stayed up to finish the last 70 pages.
https://media.tenor.com/_XOJRgZ2M8QAA...
Overall, this finale was well worth the wait! My one wish: that I had reread the other four books before going into this one because previous details were fuzzy to me. But that’s not a big concern because I know I will be rereading this series for years to come!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Trials of Agemo is the fifth and final book in Katy Metzger’s Talismans of Teregrin series.
It’s not often a series holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end, but Katy manages to keep us on the edge of our seats from page one of the first book the last page of the finale.
The teen experiments go through many harrowing and difficult trials getting to The Door of Hope or Peril (book 4) to escape the island. They discover their strengths and weaknesses, working as a team is better for everyone, and mostly importantly: don’t give up on hope.
I’m a fast reader, but I plowed through these books quicker than usual. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. And as finales go, this one checked all the boxes and answered all my questions. Even if they weren’t quite what I was expecting. 😊
The Trials of Agemo is the fifth and final book in Katy Metzger’s Talismans of Teregrin series.
It’s not often a series holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end, but Katy manages to keep us on the edge of our seats from page one of the first book the last page of the finale.
The teen experiments go through many harrowing and difficult trials getting to The Door of Hope or Peril (book 4) to escape the island. They discover their strengths and weaknesses, working as a team is better for everyone, and mostly importantly: don’t give up on hope.
I’m a fast reader, but I plowed through these books quicker than usual. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series. And as finales go, this one checked all the boxes and answered all my questions. Even if they weren’t quite what I was expecting. 😊
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for The Trials of Agemo by Katy Metzer!
What a fantastic finale to the Talismans of Teregrin series! No spoilers here, but the ending was everything I hoped for!
One of my favorite parts was seeing Oliver step up and truly shine as a leader. Watching his character growth throughout the series made his journey in this book especially rewarding. There was also a surprise return from a character in an earlier book that added a fun twist I definitely didn't see coming!
If you love stories about brave teens with superpowers, epic adventures, and the strength of teamwork, this series is a must-read. I highly recommend starting with Book 1 so you can fully appreciate all the clues, connections, and reveals that unfold along the way.
I was honored to read an ARC of this book, and I can't wait for everyone else to experience this incredible conclusion when it's released!
What a fantastic finale to the Talismans of Teregrin series! No spoilers here, but the ending was everything I hoped for!
One of my favorite parts was seeing Oliver step up and truly shine as a leader. Watching his character growth throughout the series made his journey in this book especially rewarding. There was also a surprise return from a character in an earlier book that added a fun twist I definitely didn't see coming!
If you love stories about brave teens with superpowers, epic adventures, and the strength of teamwork, this series is a must-read. I highly recommend starting with Book 1 so you can fully appreciate all the clues, connections, and reveals that unfold along the way.
I was honored to read an ARC of this book, and I can't wait for everyone else to experience this incredible conclusion when it's released!
July 2, 2026
The Trials of Agemo, the fifth and final book in Katy Metzger's YA urban fantasy Talismans of Teregrin series, was everything I was hoping for and more. And yes, I cried. A lot!
I loved how this series concluded. Give me an underdog, ensemble cast who have to learn to work together and face both internal and external challenges any day. This finale was even more satisfying because we've seen what the two MCs, Oliver and Gemma, have faced in the other books. Metzger brings the weight of their past decisions and failures into this book so they have to reconcile with their past selves to have a chance at survival.
And now that I've read the finale to the series, I can really appreciate how ambitious this story was to write. From the first book to the fifth, we're unwrapping a gift that has many layers and surprises. And when we reach the end and see the story as a whole, it is an impressive, complex web of connections with an important and uplifting message.
This entire series is a must-read for all YA readers!
I loved how this series concluded. Give me an underdog, ensemble cast who have to learn to work together and face both internal and external challenges any day. This finale was even more satisfying because we've seen what the two MCs, Oliver and Gemma, have faced in the other books. Metzger brings the weight of their past decisions and failures into this book so they have to reconcile with their past selves to have a chance at survival.
And now that I've read the finale to the series, I can really appreciate how ambitious this story was to write. From the first book to the fifth, we're unwrapping a gift that has many layers and surprises. And when we reach the end and see the story as a whole, it is an impressive, complex web of connections with an important and uplifting message.
This entire series is a must-read for all YA readers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Trials of Agemo
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Truly an epic adventure! The final book of this series is packed with action! The characters continued to surprise me with their witty humor and strength of spirit all the way to the end. You will cry. This is a promise. But you will also crack smiles, laugh out loud, and feel your heart glow all while sitting on the edge of your seat, staying up until dawn for just one more page. Katy wraps up this series beautifully, and ends it with a bang! (No cliff hangers here!) This series is worth the read, and I will return to it again and again. I love these characters and will miss them until I open up the first book again. ♥️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Truly an epic adventure! The final book of this series is packed with action! The characters continued to surprise me with their witty humor and strength of spirit all the way to the end. You will cry. This is a promise. But you will also crack smiles, laugh out loud, and feel your heart glow all while sitting on the edge of your seat, staying up until dawn for just one more page. Katy wraps up this series beautifully, and ends it with a bang! (No cliff hangers here!) This series is worth the read, and I will return to it again and again. I love these characters and will miss them until I open up the first book again. ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Metzger returns to finish the series Talismans of Teregrin with all the heart, adventure, and personalities we have come to love throughout this journey. The deeper meaning and relevance to today's society doesn't go unnoticed. I feel "empathy" stronger than ever, and you will too! Go "Ollie-it" up!!!!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews