A review by jenngrandreads
The Trials of Darkness by Kathryn Breaux, Kathryn Breaux

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-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? No

4.0

Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book was an adventure to read! It feels like the most perfect mash up of Brave, Shadow & Bone, and The Hunger Games. With a little Goblet of Fire thrown in! 😜

I loved Briar’s bada$$ery. She’s an amazing FMC, strong, courageous, and not afraid to fight for what she believes to be right. Even if it means defying her father, the King. 

She’s been hidding away for years in order to keep her dark, shadow magic suppressed. However, when she comes out of hiding, she finds out there’s a lot of corruption happening in the castle. In addition to that, her father has enacted deadly trials for her hand in marriage, while having his own innocuous intentions.

My favorite part was the found family between her and some of the other trial participants. Not often do the side characters become so special to me!!

And if you need more convincing, just know that the building is IMMERSIVE, with a super unique magic system! There’s intense action, the literal DEADLIEST of trials, and did I mention lots, and lots of magic!! I absolutely loved this book and with that crazy cliffhanger at the end, I cannot WAIT for book 2!!!