Trial of Thorns

Wicked Fae #1

by Stacey Trombley

Free

Price checked Oct 28. Prices change often, so confirm on Amazon before you buy.

A banished fae assassin returns to compete in deadly trials for her freedom, under the glare of the prince whose brother she killed.

Our take

An exiled fae assassin fights deadly trials for a pardon

Caelynn was banished from the fae realm for killing a prince. Now she's back to compete in a lethal tournament for a full pardon, facing mazes, monsters and the dead prince's furious brother. Readers love the trial-by-trial momentum, her mischievous shadow sprites, and an enemies-to-lovers thread that simmers rather than takes over. One SPFBO judge enjoyed it and saw a Goblet of Fire echo in the deadly challenges. The fae lore is thin and a few readers flag typos, but we think this free, finished five-book series is an easy yes for fans of fae competitions.

Who it's for: Readers who want Hunger Games-style fae trials with a very slow enemies-to-lovers burn and almost no spice.

If you liked: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, Linsey Hall

Heads-up: Reads closer to YA than New Adult; ending leaves the main arcs open; some readers note typos.

Romantasy

4.3 out of 5 from 1,245 Amazon ratings

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Trial of Thorns

Our take

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