The Ordeals: Book 1 by Rachel Greenlaw

The Ordeals is Rachel Greenlaw’s first book in a romantasy series, set around an elite magic academy and a deadly competition. Sophia DeWinter seeks a way out from under her uncle’s control, but the Ordeals bring dangerous challenges, possible allies and a mystery around who can be trusted.

At a glance

First book in a romantasy series featuring magical powers and an elite academy.
Sophia enters deadly challenges called the Ordeals while trying to escape her uncle’s control.
The plot description includes a dangerous contest, potential alliances and a question of who is killing the challengers.

Price

$22.88Save 31%

Reference price: ~~$32.99~~

Price checked: 13 Nov 2026

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Often bought together

A Grave Mistake (Volume 2)

$29.74

Pros and cons

Pros

Combines magical academy fantasy, dangerous trials and a romantic storyline.
The premise offers both survival stakes and a mystery about whether other challengers are allies or threats.
Customer feedback reports engaging, enjoyable reading and positive reactions to plot and readability.

Technical specifications

8 specifications

Publication details
Publisher	HQ Fiction GB
Publication date	30 December 2025
Language	English
Print length	416 pages
ISBN-10	0008741263
ISBN-13	978-0008741266

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	270 g
Dimensions	15.3 x 3.4 x 23.4 cm

What to know before buying

The listing describes deadly challenges and characters being killed, so the story may not suit readers seeking low-stakes fantasy. The emotional elements receive mixed reactions in customer feedback.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers looking for romantasy with an elite magic academy, high-stakes trials and a romantic thread.
Fans of dark fantasy plots built around rivalries, uncertain alliances and a mystery.

Less suited to

Readers who prefer light, low-danger fantasy or need assurance that the emotional storyline will resonate with them.

The Ordeals: Book 1 by Rachel Greenlaw · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.3 / 5 · 403 ratings

5 stars48%48%
4 stars36%36%
3 stars12%12%
2 stars3%3%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and enjoyable, with positive mentions of readability and plot, including a report of surprising twists. Reactions to the emotional content are mixed, which may matter to readers looking for a strongly affecting romance. Aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but they do not show which specific elements drove individual ratings.

Positive themes

Customers describe the book as engaging and enjoyable.
Readability and plot receive positive mentions, including a report of surprising twists.

Mixed feedback

The emotional content receives mixed reactions, with some customers saying they did not fully connect with it.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Ordeals about?

Sophia DeWinter seeks freedom from her uncle by entering Killmarth, an academy for magic wielders. There, she must survive deadly trials while deciding whom she can trust.

Is this the first book in a series?

Yes. The listing identifies it as Book 1.

How long is the book?

The listed print length is 416 pages.

What kind of fantasy is it?

The listing presents it as romantasy with magical powers, an elite academy, dangerous challenges and a romantic storyline.