In The Ordeals, a lush, atmospheric romantasy, an illusionist competes in a series of deadly trials for a spot at an elite magical college—that is, if another hopeful doesn’t kill her first.
LitStackers! Here’s another possible add to your “TBR” list! The Ordeals by Rachel Greenlaw is in presale and generating serious buzz. This romantasy] novel from Delacorte Press | Penguin Random House set for publication October 7, 2025, has early readers excited. Here’s what’s on the book cover, from the publisher’s official description to the early reviews that suggest this book is one you want to pre-order today. Here we go!
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In This Spotlight On The Ordeals
About The Ordeals
Twenty-year-old Sophia DeWinter has only known life bound to her cruel uncle, the Collector, thanks to a blood bond he exacted from her as a child. When she learns of Killmarth College, an elite academy for magic wielders outside of the Collector’s control, she knows it is her only chance to finally break free. But to gain entry, she will have to compete against other illusionists, masquiers, botanists, and alchemists in a series of brutal trials that many hopefuls don’t survive—the Ordeals.
Sophia knows her skills as an illusionist are weak; she only makes it through the first challenge by teaming up with a powerful (and insufferably sexy) botanist, Alden Locke. To make it out alive, she will have to hone her magic and learn to identify who is a rival, who could be an ally, and who is a murderer.
Because now, not only does she have to protect her heart, but her very life. Hopefuls are being viciously picked off one by one between the challenges. In her haste to escape the Collector’s trap, Sophia may have fled straight towards her own death sentence.
Romantasy with rigged academy trials, deadly rivalries, and spicy alliances. Magic, murder, deadly trials and heat join forces in Rachel Greenlaw’s first adult romantasy. A magical university set on a misty, shrouded Scottish island closed off to the rest of the world, complete with a poison garden and bordered by dark forests where werewolves roam, makes the perfect setting for this grounded romantasy.
Praise for The Ordeals
“What a wild ride! Rachel Greenlawʼs romantasy debut combines captivating worldbuilding, a seriously twisty plot, and a steamy romance. I thought I knew where this was heading, but boy, was I wrong. The way the layers of this story unfold made it impossible to put down!”—Demi Winters, author of The Road of Bones
“A magical college with death games, a murder mystery, and dangerous magic? Yes, please! Deliciously dark with high stakes and a sizzling hot romance, The Ordeals is not to be missed!”—Tessonja Odette, author of A Rivalry of Hearts
“Greenlaw keeps the excitement, suspense, and romance building throughout to a shocking end, leaving readers eagerly anticipating future installments. Perfect for romantasy readers who love dark academia, such as Elise Kova’s Arcana Academy, Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House, or Harper L. Woods’s The Coven.”—Library Journal, starred review
About Rachel Greenlaw, Author of The Ordeals
Rachel Greenlaw is the author of the magical Christmas romance One Christmas Morning and The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells, as well as the YA fantasy series Compass and Blade. Rachel lives on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, and when she’s not wandering the beaches and nature trails with her two children and husband, she’s dreaming up her next story. She was born in North Cornwall, England
You can connect with Rachel Greenlaw on their website, on Instagram, and TikTok.
Source: Publisher
Publisher: Delacorte Press | Penguin Random House
ISBN Hardcover 9780593984833
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Titles by Rachel Greenlaw
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