Reviews tagging 'Blood'

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

216 reviews

lilsweetpotato's review against another edition

3.25

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Pregnancy

caroline_bel's review against another edition

4.0

dark fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail

sauger's review against another edition

2.0

dark tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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It’s dark but doesn’t really push any interesting boundaries. I found it very repetitive, and think it could’ve been about 200 pages shorter. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail

leanneod1's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail

ashley_bitton's review against another edition

2.0

dark fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: N/A

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Sexual harassment

tessaturnspages's review against another edition

3.5

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping

Moderate: Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Stalking, Pregnancy

Minor: Vomit

heyyyyitskatelyn's review against another edition

5.0

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Murder

Moderate: Rape, Kidnapping

mlouise2974's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail

shadowedbookshelf's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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"The Ritual" by Shantel Tessier is a riveting dark romance that immediately seized my attention and refused to let go. After a short stint with holiday romances, diving back into the world of dark romance (my go to genre) was a thrilling change of pace, and Tessier's book was the perfect reentry into the genre I adore.

This novel masterfully combines all the elements that make for an enthralling dark romance: secret societies, a morally grey male main character, taboo themes, kinks, and a labyrinth of twists and turns. From the very first sentence, Tessier hooks the reader, weaving a story that is as suspenseful as it is seductive.

Set in the elite world of Barrington University in Pennsylvania and its dominating secret society, "The Lords," the story follows the intense and complex relationship between Ryat Archer and Blakely. The dynamics of power, control, and eventual emotional evolution between Ryat and Blakely are compelling and well-developed.

Ryat, as a character, is fascinating. His journey from a rigid, love-averse individual to someone who begins to embrace a softer side is portrayed with a delicate balance of intensity and vulnerability. Blakely, in contrast, grows stronger and more resilient, a transformation that is both empowering and satisfying to witness.

The spice level in this book is off the charts, perfectly complementing the dark themes and suspenseful plot. Tessier does not shy away from pushing boundaries, making this a read for those who appreciate the darker side of romance.

What truly makes "The Ritual" stand out for me is the plot! Beyond the vast amount of dark and steamy scenes, the story is gripping and well-crafted, with a suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Tessier's skill in weaving a dark romance with an engaging narrative is remarkable, ensuring that the reader is invested in both the romance and the overarching story.

In summary, "The Ritual" is a standout dark romance that offers everything a fan of the genre could ask for. Its blend of suspense, emotional depth, (and spicy scenes)makes it a must-read. I am eagerly anticipating diving into the next book in the series, and it's clear what my next Audible credit will be used for. Tessier has crafted a world that is dark, seductive, and utterly captivating, making "The Ritual" a book that is hard to put down and impossible to forget.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail

annikenr's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Murder, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Stalking, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol