Books categorized asromantasyoften have many similar themes and tropes to others in the genre, but one of the most popular is that of deadly trials and competitions. Not only is this a popular choice among authors, but it happens to be one of the most favored tropes among readers as well. Typically, the trial’s trope will depict characters who are, more often than not, entered into such tasks against their will, and see them face a number of arduous challenges or deadly obstacles.
The trope has become prominent thanks to books likeThe Hunger Gamesby Suzanne CollinsorDivergentby Veronica Roth — both of which blew up in popularity at the time of their release. And while it seems like the trope could easily be overdone, there are plenty of creative storylines and narratives that have been produced since. The high-stakes feeling and the suspense of life-or-death challenges make for a truly entertaining read time and time again, and I promisethese ten romantasy books will live up to every expectation.
10An Ember In The Ashes
Written By Sabaa Tahir
An Ember in the Ashes, by Sabaa Tahir, is the first of four books in thepopular young adult fantasy series, during which two of its main characters undergo a set of four trials. The story follows Laia, a scholar girl turned spy in order to save her brother Darrin, and a young soldier named Elias, who is a mask and soldier for the Martial Empire. While much of the story revolves around Laia and her attempts to gain information,the book equally showcases Elias' time as a reluctant mask as he’s forced to compete in the Emperor’s trials.
The trials are held in four stages, testing its four candidates as to who will become the next emperor of the Martial Empire.The candidate who wins the most trials will be named as emperor, while the runner-up will become Blood Strike— serving as the emperor’s second-in-command and bound to follow their every word. The other two candidates who fail will be killed. This storyline is mixed in between much of the main narrative, and makes for a compelling and heart-racing read.
9The Prison Healer
Written By Lynette Noni
Lynette Noni’sThe Prison Healerfollows the life of Kiva Meridan, a 17-year-old girl who was sentenced to life in the notorious death prison, Zalindov, at the age of 10. Now in a position as the prison healer, Kiva is charged with keeping the recently captured rebel queen alive to compete in a legendary event known as the Trials by Ordeal. However, Kiva’s inner healer and protective nature does not allow her to leave a dying woman to such a fate, and she instead volunteers in her place.
This set of events is held within the walls of a dirty and grimy prison, and the high stakes for Kiva’s survival make the novel incredibly entertaining and unique.
The Trials by Ordeal are a set of elemental challenges, in whicha person must survive four separate challenges against the forces of air, fire, water, and earth. Such events are legendary because no one has been said to survive them — as only those in the royal family of Valentis are capable of utilizing the different elemental magics. This set of events is held within the walls of a dirty and grimy prison, and the high stakes for Kiva’s survival make the novel incredibly entertaining and unique.
8Powerless
Written By Lauren Roberts
Powerlessby Lauren Roberts is another young adult fantasy series in which the first book is set around deadly trials and competitions.The story follows Paedyn Gray, an ordinary young woman without any power, who finds herself thrown into a brutal competitionwith the world’s most powerful Elite. The kingdom of Ilya is separated by those with immense and unique powers, Elites, and those with lesser abilities known as Mundanes — and any ordinaries, or those without power, are sought out and killed.
Used to hiding in plain sight, Paedyn poses as a Mundane with the power to read minds on a regular basis — but when she uses her skills in combat to help a man fight off a group of thugs, she attracts more attention than she ever meant to. This gets her nominated by the people to compete in the Purging Trials,a set of three competitions in which Elites and Mundanes fight to the death. There’s a reasonRobert’sPowerless Trilogyis so well-loved, and this first book will easily get you hooked.
7Throne Of Glass
Written By Sarah J. Maas
Out of theeight books in theThrone of Glassseries, onlyThrone of GlassandHeir of Firefeature competitions or trials. However, the inclusion of such events ends up affecting the narrative in major ways down the line. In Maas' first published novel,Throne of Glass,Celaena Sardothien, a renowned assassin, is released from prison to compete in a tournament to become the King’s Champion. If she beats the other 23 contestants, she will be freed from prison indefinitely and serve the King of Adarlan as his champion.
And inHeir of Fire, Maas' third novel in the series, Manon Blackbeak also competes in a competition of sorts— although it takes less of a focus throughout the narrative compared to the trials inThrone of Glass. As heir to the Blackbeak witch clan, Manon and the coven of thirteen witches at her command compete against two other clans for the honor of representing the Ironteeth witches in a future battle. Both of these competitions couldn’t be more different, but each is equally thrilling.
Written By Sara Hashem
In Sara Hashem’s Egyptian-inspired fantasy,The Jasad Heir, the main protagonist Sylvia — the lost heir of Jasad — isforced to participate in a series of competitive and fatal trials called the Alcalah, which are held every three years in celebration of the remaining four kingdoms. After accidentally attracting the attention of the Nizahl prince, he chooses her as champion to fight for Nizahl against the other remaining kingdoms. And to keep up her disguise, Sylvia has no choice but to compete.
The sequel,The Jasad Crown, will be published on June 05, 2025.
This sends Sylvia into a complex game that, if won, would help to secure her freedom and restore her magic — and even potentially help resurrect her fallen kingdom.The stakes throughout the narrative are extremely high, and Sylvia has to endure several deadly creatures, powerful hallucinations, and test her survival skills. The suspense throughout the narrative is also intermixed with a compelling romance plot that will continue with the series' sequel,The Jasad Crown.
5Phantasma
Written By Kaylie Smith
The competition plotline inPhantasma, written by Kaylie Smith, kicks off almost immediately and is the main focus of the narrative. The main protagonist, Ophelia Grimm, has no other option but to enter a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion to save her sister — as the prize for whoever is the sole survivor is a single wish.The contest, Phantasma, will consist of nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last.
The storyline focuses on Ophelia’s journey throughout the competition and focuses on her interactions and budding relationships with the other contestants — especially the flirty phantom, Blackwell. However, as there can only be one winner, it’s hard to know just who she can trust, which adds an exciting element of suspense to the narrative. While Ophelia’s story concludes by the end ofPhantasma, theWicked Gamesseries continues with its sequel,Enchantra, which was released in April 2025 and focuses on an entirely new set of deadly games.
4The Rose Bargain
Written By Sasha Peyton Smith
The Rose Bargainwas another of 2025’smost anticipated romantasy book releases, and expertly blends a magical fae narrative with that of high society England in the mid 1800’s. The story kicks off as Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives, allowing her the opportunity to bargain with the queen for qualities that will win her a suitor. However, Ivy’s season ends up being wildly different from seasons past, as the queen announcesIvy and the others will instead have the opportunity to compete for the hand of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram.
Smith creates a unique twist on the typical competition trope found in most romantasy storylines, and instead surprises readers with the bridging of historical fiction and fantasy into one extremely entertaining read.
Smith creates a unique twist on the typical competition trope found in most romantasy storylines, and instead surprises readers with the bridging of historical fiction and fantasy into one extremely entertaining read. The trials are seemingly mundane tasks that at first are set to test the ladies' poise and grace, but it becomes apparent down the line that there is something more nefarious at work.The Rose Bargainis a must-read for anyone who loves the trope and is looking for a wow-factor.
3Trial Of The Sun Queen
Written By Nisha J. Tuli
Trial of the Sun Queen, by Nisha J. Tuli, is the first book in theArtefacts of Ouranosseries, and kicks off as the female main characterLor is mysteriously rescued from prison and entered into a series of trials in which she’ll compete to become the next Sun Queen. However, she isn’t a citizen of the Sun Court, which makes her participation with the other nine tributes all the more confusing. While Lor is confused as to her presence, she gives the competition her all in order to save her own life.
2The Kinder Poison
Written By Natalie Mae
The Kinder Poisonis a young adult fantasy romance trilogywhich follows Zahru, a lowly Whisperer with powers to speak with animals, as she finds herself unwillingly chosen as the human sacrifice in the Crossing. The Crossing can only be invoked by the king, and charges the kingdom of Orkena’s three heirs, Princess Sakira, Prince Jet, and Prince Kosta, to participate in a death-defying race across the desert. However, the first to make it to the end must sacrifice a human life to receive powerful abilities and ascend the throne.
Mae’s novel is different to others that feature a competition or trial narrative as her main protagonist, Zahru, is not necessarily a competitor— but is instead dragged along through its many challenges as its sacrifice. Throughout the story, Zahru also finds herself caught up in a love-triangle with Jet and Kosta, creating even more rivalry between the two characters than the competition for the throne.The Kinder Poisonis a thrilling and heart-pounding adventure, and is perfect for readers who love the trial’s trope.
1Direbound
Written By Sable Sorenson
The2025 romantasy book,Direbound—categorized as aFourth WingandGame of Thronesmashup — isone of the latest novels to become a favorite among readers on BookTok. Featuring deadly trials, dangerous creatures, and a swoon-worthy love interest,Direboundis perfect forromantasyreaders alike. When Meryn Cooper’s younger sister, Saela, is stolen, she’s willing to do anything to try and get her back — even if it means entering the army and being forced to compete in the Bonding Trials.
Book two inThe Wolves of Ruinseries,Furybound, is set to release on June 20, 2025.
The Bonding Trials require every soldier to attempt to connect with a direwolf — which has proved deadly on more than one occasion. However, to cross the border and save her sister, Meryn has to succeed. Many fans have likened the narrative closely withFourth Wing, as Meryn ends up bonding with a feral and rather uncommunicative direwolf akin to Tairn. If you love grumpy animal companions with a compelling plot and spicy romance,Direboundis the one for you.
