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TRIALS
Savannah wakes up restrained to a chair… surrounded by the people who destroyed her life.
Before she can even scream, a stranger steps into the light. Warren. Calm. Controlled. Watching her like she’s the only thing in the room that matters.
And somehow, he already knows her.
He tells her he’s been watching for a long time. That every person tied up around her was chosen carefully—each one responsible for a different way they broke her. And now, he’s giving her the chance to watch them pay for it.
Then he explains the rules.
Every day, the Wheel of Trials spins. It chooses a human fear. The Host selects two Guests to face it. And the rest are forced to watch.
But there’s one final rule no one understands when it’s all over, the Host will choose a single Guest to forgive… and that choice changes everything.
As Savannah is pulled deeper into Warren’s game, she should hate him. He’s dangerous. Unstable. Unreadable.
But the way he looks at her feels like obsession… like devotion… like he’s been waiting for her long before she ever existed.
And in a place built on fear, punishment, and control, Savannah starts to wonder something far more dangerous than
What if the real trap isn’t the Trials?
What if it’s him?
Before she can even scream, a stranger steps into the light. Warren. Calm. Controlled. Watching her like she’s the only thing in the room that matters.
And somehow, he already knows her.
He tells her he’s been watching for a long time. That every person tied up around her was chosen carefully—each one responsible for a different way they broke her. And now, he’s giving her the chance to watch them pay for it.
Then he explains the rules.
Every day, the Wheel of Trials spins. It chooses a human fear. The Host selects two Guests to face it. And the rest are forced to watch.
But there’s one final rule no one understands when it’s all over, the Host will choose a single Guest to forgive… and that choice changes everything.
As Savannah is pulled deeper into Warren’s game, she should hate him. He’s dangerous. Unstable. Unreadable.
But the way he looks at her feels like obsession… like devotion… like he’s been waiting for her long before she ever existed.
And in a place built on fear, punishment, and control, Savannah starts to wonder something far more dangerous than
What if the real trap isn’t the Trials?
What if it’s him?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 18, 2026
Holy what a mind blowing and jaw dropping what did I just read book.
I was so immersed and pulled into this story that I have no words! The jaw dropping plot twists and unexpected turns in this book has left me speechless!
I have no logical words to explain this book, just go read it! The book will take you on a journey that you will not know how to decipher. Shae’s writing is phenomenal and I honestly didn’t know what was gonna happen next, she kept flipping the scripts with each page. She has now become one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more of her books. I thought Sour took me on a ride, til I read this one. Absolutely brilliant ma’am!
I was so immersed and pulled into this story that I have no words! The jaw dropping plot twists and unexpected turns in this book has left me speechless!
I have no logical words to explain this book, just go read it! The book will take you on a journey that you will not know how to decipher. Shae’s writing is phenomenal and I honestly didn’t know what was gonna happen next, she kept flipping the scripts with each page. She has now become one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more of her books. I thought Sour took me on a ride, til I read this one. Absolutely brilliant ma’am!
June 17, 2026
Wow. This book completely consumed me. I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC. It was impossible to put down and had me hooked from the very first page. It constantly challenged my sense of right and wrong, leaving me questioning my own morals. One moment I was cheering for the villains, and the next I was hoping everyone would somehow survive. The twists never let up, and the tension kept building until the very end. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, buckle up because you’re in for one wild ride.
July 3, 2026
i loved Shaes book, Sour. so when given the opportunity to ARC read her latest book, Trials, I knew I had to jump on that! the book immediately thrusts you into the Trials and as we learn who the guests are and what they've done to land themselves in this predicament with the host, you are just fully sucked into and just immersed into the atmosphere. it was thrilling, twisty, spicy, it has literally everything I'm looking for in a good read. when I got to about the last 1/3 of the book, things really took a crazy turn for me and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. another 5 star read from Shae Smith NO DOUBT!! definitely pick this book up ASAP and you won't be disappointed!! thank you so much to the author, Shae Smith, for allowing me to get an ARC of the book!! I always look forward to your next book🫶
June 19, 2026
GREAT edge of your seat, what the heck, shut up you’re lying! Psycho thriller, with all the blood, guts and bodily fluids you could want! Splash that with a little bit of spice and you have the perfect combination for a fantastic read! Oh but wait, there’s more…what ever you think is going to happen…you’re probably wrong. The twists and turns had me feeling like I didn’t know which way was up! All I can say is BUY IT and READ IT! *mic drop 🎤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is an absolute psychological rollercoaster that held me captive from start to finish. If you enjoy dark, high-stakes fiction that pushes boundaries, this one is an absolute must-read
The storv centers on a brutal, daily survival lottery where twelve captives are bound to a table, waiting for a sinister wheel to dictate who must battle for their lives. The author does a phenomenal iob building an atmosphere thick with dread and anticipation. The pacing is relentless, and the narrative structure is so unpredictable that every time I thought I had anticipated the next move, the plot took a sharp, unexpected turn.
What truly stands out is how deeply gray the morality is. The character development forces vou into an uncomfortable space where vour alleaiance shifts constantly; you will find yourself fiercely backing specific contenders while dreading the fates of others. There is also a beautifullv twisted, dark romantic element woven into the chaos, and characters like Warren and Savannah bring an intense emotional weight to the story. It features heavy doses of grim realism and visceral tension that will leave you completely breathless by the final pages.
Be sure to review the Trigger Warnings before diving in, as the challenges the characters face are incredibly intense and graphic.
If you are searching for a gripping, chaotic mystery thriller that will leave you desperate for a follow-up, look no further.
This book is an absolute psychological rollercoaster that held me captive from start to finish. If you enjoy dark, high-stakes fiction that pushes boundaries, this one is an absolute must-read
The storv centers on a brutal, daily survival lottery where twelve captives are bound to a table, waiting for a sinister wheel to dictate who must battle for their lives. The author does a phenomenal iob building an atmosphere thick with dread and anticipation. The pacing is relentless, and the narrative structure is so unpredictable that every time I thought I had anticipated the next move, the plot took a sharp, unexpected turn.
What truly stands out is how deeply gray the morality is. The character development forces vou into an uncomfortable space where vour alleaiance shifts constantly; you will find yourself fiercely backing specific contenders while dreading the fates of others. There is also a beautifullv twisted, dark romantic element woven into the chaos, and characters like Warren and Savannah bring an intense emotional weight to the story. It features heavy doses of grim realism and visceral tension that will leave you completely breathless by the final pages.
Be sure to review the Trigger Warnings before diving in, as the challenges the characters face are incredibly intense and graphic.
If you are searching for a gripping, chaotic mystery thriller that will leave you desperate for a follow-up, look no further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2026
Oh my goodness, i don’t have the words right now after I just read that. Talk about whiplash at the end, my heart was beating so fast trying to be okay with what was happening..
This is not typically a book I would read, but I read Sour and really enjoyed it so I wanted to give this one a go. It was definitely a book that keeps your attention, you don’t want to stop reading bec you want to know what was going to happen. I really enjoyed it. I seriously never even thought about the twist at the end.
Shae is an amazing story teller!! I def recommend this! This also does include explaining things that happen to the characters during the trials in detail and can be a little yucky. Read the trigger warnings!!
This is not typically a book I would read, but I read Sour and really enjoyed it so I wanted to give this one a go. It was definitely a book that keeps your attention, you don’t want to stop reading bec you want to know what was going to happen. I really enjoyed it. I seriously never even thought about the twist at the end.
Shae is an amazing story teller!! I def recommend this! This also does include explaining things that happen to the characters during the trials in detail and can be a little yucky. Read the trigger warnings!!
August 20, 2026
Shay Smith’s Trials presents a powerful exploration of the ways a person’s perception of reality can be challenged by experiences that are difficult to understand or explain. One of the most interesting aspects of Savannah’s experiences is the parallel they create with schizophrenia. Although Savannah’s experiences should not necessarily be interpreted as a literal representation of schizophrenia, the similarities provide an important way to examine themes of perception, fear, isolation, confusion, and the struggle to distinguish reality from what the mind is experiencing.
One of the strongest parallels is Savannah’s uncertainty about what she can trust. Throughout her experiences, there is a sense that reality is no longer completely stable or predictable. This resembles one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of schizophrenia: a person may experience hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking that feel completely real to them. From the outside, these experiences may seem impossible or irrational, but to the person experiencing them, they can be extremely convincing. Savannah’s situation allows the reader to consider how frightening it would be to question one's own perceptions while also trying to convince others that what is happening is real.
Another important parallel is the isolation Savannah experiences. Mental illness can often create distance between an individual and the people around them, particularly when others do not understand what the person is experiencing. Savannah’s experiences similarly demonstrate how frightening it can be when someone feels that they cannot fully communicate what is happening to them. This creates a sense of loneliness that goes beyond simply being physically alone. It is the feeling of being trapped inside an experience that other people cannot see or understand.
Fear is another major connection between Savannah’s experiences and the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. When a person's perception of reality becomes distorted, ordinary situations can become threatening. The inability to determine what is real can produce intense anxiety and suspicion. Savannah’s experiences reflect this same psychological tension because the reader is placed in a position where uncertainty becomes part of the experience. Instead of always knowing what is happening, we are encouraged to experience some of the same confusion and apprehension that Savannah faces.
At the same time, Trials is valuable because it encourages readers to think beyond the stereotype of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder, and it cannot be reduced simply to being “crazy” or seeing things that are not there. People with schizophrenia can experience a combination of hallucinations, delusions, difficulties with thought processes, and changes in motivation or emotional expression. Savannah’s experiences can therefore be viewed as a literary parallel rather than a clinical depiction of the disorder.
Ultimately, the parallels between schizophrenia and Savannah’s experiences make Trials an interesting book to examine from a psychological perspective. Savannah’s struggles with reality, fear, isolation, and uncertainty allow readers to consider what it might feel like when one's own perceptions become difficult to trust. The story also reminds us of the importance of empathy. Whether an experience is caused by mental illness, trauma, or something unexplained within the story, the emotional experience of fear and confusion can be very real to the person going through it. For me, this is one of the most compelling aspects of Trials: it encourages the reader to look beyond what appears strange or unbelievable and instead consider the person experiencing it.
One of the strongest parallels is Savannah’s uncertainty about what she can trust. Throughout her experiences, there is a sense that reality is no longer completely stable or predictable. This resembles one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of schizophrenia: a person may experience hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking that feel completely real to them. From the outside, these experiences may seem impossible or irrational, but to the person experiencing them, they can be extremely convincing. Savannah’s situation allows the reader to consider how frightening it would be to question one's own perceptions while also trying to convince others that what is happening is real.
Another important parallel is the isolation Savannah experiences. Mental illness can often create distance between an individual and the people around them, particularly when others do not understand what the person is experiencing. Savannah’s experiences similarly demonstrate how frightening it can be when someone feels that they cannot fully communicate what is happening to them. This creates a sense of loneliness that goes beyond simply being physically alone. It is the feeling of being trapped inside an experience that other people cannot see or understand.
Fear is another major connection between Savannah’s experiences and the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. When a person's perception of reality becomes distorted, ordinary situations can become threatening. The inability to determine what is real can produce intense anxiety and suspicion. Savannah’s experiences reflect this same psychological tension because the reader is placed in a position where uncertainty becomes part of the experience. Instead of always knowing what is happening, we are encouraged to experience some of the same confusion and apprehension that Savannah faces.
At the same time, Trials is valuable because it encourages readers to think beyond the stereotype of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder, and it cannot be reduced simply to being “crazy” or seeing things that are not there. People with schizophrenia can experience a combination of hallucinations, delusions, difficulties with thought processes, and changes in motivation or emotional expression. Savannah’s experiences can therefore be viewed as a literary parallel rather than a clinical depiction of the disorder.
Ultimately, the parallels between schizophrenia and Savannah’s experiences make Trials an interesting book to examine from a psychological perspective. Savannah’s struggles with reality, fear, isolation, and uncertainty allow readers to consider what it might feel like when one's own perceptions become difficult to trust. The story also reminds us of the importance of empathy. Whether an experience is caused by mental illness, trauma, or something unexplained within the story, the emotional experience of fear and confusion can be very real to the person going through it. For me, this is one of the most compelling aspects of Trials: it encourages the reader to look beyond what appears strange or unbelievable and instead consider the person experiencing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Trials by Shae Smith is an absolutely gripping read that kept me turning pages late into the night. Smith masterfully combines heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters into a story that is impossible to put down. Every challenge the characters face feels real and meaningful, raising the stakes with each chapter and leaving readers fully invested in their journey.
What truly sets Trials apart is its exceptional character development. The protagonists are flawed, relatable, and incredibly compelling, making their triumphs and setbacks feel deeply personal. Smith’s vivid writing brings every scene to life, creating a world that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.
Packed with suspense, unexpected twists, and powerful themes of resilience and courage, Trials is a standout novel that will stay with readers long after the final page. Fans of character-driven stories with plenty of tension and heart won’t want to miss this remarkable book. Highly recommended!
What truly sets Trials apart is its exceptional character development. The protagonists are flawed, relatable, and incredibly compelling, making their triumphs and setbacks feel deeply personal. Smith’s vivid writing brings every scene to life, creating a world that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.
Packed with suspense, unexpected twists, and powerful themes of resilience and courage, Trials is a standout novel that will stay with readers long after the final page. Fans of character-driven stories with plenty of tension and heart won’t want to miss this remarkable book. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received Trials as an ARC from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wanted to love this book. I wanted to devour it, fear it, crave more! But I didn't. It just felt flat to me. The characters actions were so off to me and the conversations went in the oddest directions making no sense as to how it got where it got.
I was surprised by the ending but once it got there it just felt meh. The introduction of mental illness wasn't original but then it ended with well is it or isn't it.
None of it was realistic which took the "horror" out of it for me and the "romance" was just felt gross. Even Stockholm syndrome isn't that fast!
The story idea seemed fun but I just wasn't into the execution of this book.
I wanted to love this book. I wanted to devour it, fear it, crave more! But I didn't. It just felt flat to me. The characters actions were so off to me and the conversations went in the oddest directions making no sense as to how it got where it got.
I was surprised by the ending but once it got there it just felt meh. The introduction of mental illness wasn't original but then it ended with well is it or isn't it.
None of it was realistic which took the "horror" out of it for me and the "romance" was just felt gross. Even Stockholm syndrome isn't that fast!
The story idea seemed fun but I just wasn't into the execution of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my second Shae Smith read and won’t be my last. Both books had me thinking about them long after I was finished.
Trials starts with 12 people restrained to chairs around a table. Savannah is introduced as the host and a wheel will be spun daily. Two people will be chosen and in competition for their life.
The book is fast-paced and exciting. The characters are written well; with each trial being captivating. Trials’ plot is well developed and a thrilling ride. Shae has a knack for creating a world you think you have figured out…only to be proven wrong.
TW at the start of the book, please keep those in mind. If you like mysteries and thrillers, read Trials. I highly recommend!
Trials starts with 12 people restrained to chairs around a table. Savannah is introduced as the host and a wheel will be spun daily. Two people will be chosen and in competition for their life.
The book is fast-paced and exciting. The characters are written well; with each trial being captivating. Trials’ plot is well developed and a thrilling ride. Shae has a knack for creating a world you think you have figured out…only to be proven wrong.
TW at the start of the book, please keep those in mind. If you like mysteries and thrillers, read Trials. I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start by saying I actually finished this book in a day, but it took me a few to format my thoughts.
1: the pacing and flow kept my attention and left me wanting more after each chapter.
2: the characters. They left me both loving them and seriously not liking them at the same time.
3: the premise. It gave me everything I thought was going to happen and more.
4: the twist and turns and the plots that kept changing… loved it!
5: the ending that I had to read more than once! I still don’t actually know.
💯 would recommend for fans of thrillers with maybe a hint of splatterpunk vibes!
1: the pacing and flow kept my attention and left me wanting more after each chapter.
2: the characters. They left me both loving them and seriously not liking them at the same time.
3: the premise. It gave me everything I thought was going to happen and more.
4: the twist and turns and the plots that kept changing… loved it!
5: the ending that I had to read more than once! I still don’t actually know.
💯 would recommend for fans of thrillers with maybe a hint of splatterpunk vibes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An absolutely AMAZING, gory story that not only leaves you wanting so much more but also begging for the characters torture to end.
You will immediately fall in love some characters and hate others. There will come a time you cheer for one to win the trials but secretly wish for another. The romance in the book is a dark demented love that makes you fear why you love it so much. Gods not to mention the ending... the hopes for another story like this one.
This book had my knees buckling with the events that happened. It had tears coming from my eyes when certain things happened to Savannah and a jealous streak when I begged to know where can I find a hunk of man like Warren.
You will immediately fall in love some characters and hate others. There will come a time you cheer for one to win the trials but secretly wish for another. The romance in the book is a dark demented love that makes you fear why you love it so much. Gods not to mention the ending... the hopes for another story like this one.
This book had my knees buckling with the events that happened. It had tears coming from my eyes when certain things happened to Savannah and a jealous streak when I begged to know where can I find a hunk of man like Warren.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trials storyline of a woman who wakes up at a table surrounded by people who have wronged her in her life with the power to choose who lives and dies grabbed me immediately. The book takes you on a wild ride of emotions, questioning yourself at times even. The writing is so smooth and flowing I forgot I was reading. I couldn’t put this book down because I had to know what was going to happen next. Right when I thought I had things figured out I was taken back with a twist. I love the fresh ideas this writer has and how she delivers them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When Savannah wakes up restrained in a chair andnsurrounded by people who have wronged her, she can't even imagine what is about to happen! Warren is about to lead her through the Trials, and Savannah will be battling her morals as well as her emotions.
Trials is a fast paced thriller with all of the twists and suspense you could hope for. This is unhinged and not only had elements of gore, but also some spice in there too.
If you are looking for a page turner of a book, then Trials is a must read!
Trials is a fast paced thriller with all of the twists and suspense you could hope for. This is unhinged and not only had elements of gore, but also some spice in there too.
If you are looking for a page turner of a book, then Trials is a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can not count how many times I said "what the heck" out loud while I was reading the last 20 minutes of this book!!
Trials definitely kept my attention and I did not want to put it down! Some of the characters really made me mad and not like them but also made me feel a little bit sorry for them and all of the twists and turns were great!!
100% recommed and make sure you check your triggers!!!
Trials definitely kept my attention and I did not want to put it down! Some of the characters really made me mad and not like them but also made me feel a little bit sorry for them and all of the twists and turns were great!!
100% recommed and make sure you check your triggers!!!
September 7, 2026
Well, this was a FUN read that I absolutely could not put down! I binged this one and devoured every second of it. Suspenseful, thrilling, horrifying, mysterious, and unapologetically gory…this book had everything I needed to keep turning the pages.
And that ending?! A complete mind-f*ck in the best possible way. I was questioning everything, picking my jaw up off the floor, and loving every single minute of the chaos.
Definitely a wild ride, and I was HERE FOR IT!
And that ending?! A complete mind-f*ck in the best possible way. I was questioning everything, picking my jaw up off the floor, and loving every single minute of the chaos.
Definitely a wild ride, and I was HERE FOR IT!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is wild. Several triggers at the beginning so check those before you jump in. I don't really know how to describe how I feel about this book. Parts of it I really liked, and parts I didn't like at all. Read for yourself and form your own opinion. And read the dedication at the end to fully understand.
August 17, 2026
How do I even begin? What an unbelievable roller coaster of a ride. The romance was unhinged. The revenge was both horrifying and at times, felt deserved. But that ending! I don't want to give any spoilers at all, so I will just say, this really made me think. I cannot even imagine being in the FMC's position. What would I do if the lines were so blurred?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This author amazes me she can really make you think I felt like I was in a nightmare watching this happen I couldn’t believe the stuff that happened the way people were unalived the spice with the person making her do this the wheel of the stuff gonna happen like omg yes please give me more
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished this book in one day, it had me hooked from page one! So many twists and turns I did not see coming! I would describe this as thriller/horror/romance. This book left me with so many questions but definitely a 5 star read!
July 10, 2026
After reading “Sour” by the author , I had to read this book . Shae has shot to the top of my favorite author list . This book had me in a chokehold , questioning what was real and what wasn’t . I’m still not completely sure . I cannot wait to see what else she releases . Forever a fan , now !
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this book! Finished it in less than 24 hours! Lots of twists and turns.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book gave me nightmares.
I’m still thinking about this book.
Shae’s writing is top notch. Loved it so much.
I’m still thinking about this book.
Shae’s writing is top notch. Loved it so much.
August 9, 2026
Pretty gripping
But I enjoyed it. So that says a lot about me! It’s intense and at times disturbing but so good. It keeps you on edge the entire way through
But I enjoyed it. So that says a lot about me! It’s intense and at times disturbing but so good. It keeps you on edge the entire way through
September 13, 2026
From page 1 it was a fun ride. Things I didnt see coming, and always second guessing. Loved every minute!!
October 8, 2026
This book was one I couldnt put down at all! This book kept me on my toes and the thriller behind every part was amazing! I didnt know what would come next and each trail being something crazy they had to endure! If your looking for a book to read during spooky season than this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I did a beta read for this book and I loved it. I was totally consumed and did not see the twist coming. I enjoyed it so much that I had to keep reminding myself that as a beta reader I had a job to do. It's been a month and I still think about it regularly. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews