What do you think?
Rate this book
The Blood Trials
334 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2026
8 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 24, 2026
Wth!! I want more! Pleaseee tell me a book 2 will be coming out 😍
The Blood Trials had me gripped from chapter 1. The writing is magical, the world building amazing, I was transported right into Nerezza’s world. I loved her, our strong female protagonist, and I rooted for her.
The trials always had me on the edge, and I loved the characters. All of them. I didn’t want to stop reading, I was genuinely afraid for them and I really wanted them to make it.
This is such an amazingly written fantasy book, had me intrigued and hooked! 5 stars! ⭐️
I requested for this ARC on BookSirens and im incredibly lucky to have been part of the ARC team - im leaving my review voluntarily. Thank you!
The Blood Trials had me gripped from chapter 1. The writing is magical, the world building amazing, I was transported right into Nerezza’s world. I loved her, our strong female protagonist, and I rooted for her.
The trials always had me on the edge, and I loved the characters. All of them. I didn’t want to stop reading, I was genuinely afraid for them and I really wanted them to make it.
This is such an amazingly written fantasy book, had me intrigued and hooked! 5 stars! ⭐️
I requested for this ARC on BookSirens and im incredibly lucky to have been part of the ARC team - im leaving my review voluntarily. Thank you!
March 6, 2026
I was so lucky to get a very advanced copy of this book, and enjoyed it so much I’m re-reading it again.
I love a strong female protagonist especially one who’s a little unassuming of themselves. I felt like I was Nerezza navigating the trials, cautious with friendships and urged by instinct. Not to mention the tension with the guys, hello green eyes! 😍
So many moments I was on edge, not sure what was going to happen or who wasn’t going to make it, caught up in the dynamics I often caught myself in tears too. The ending had me so torn, heartbroken, shocked and hanging on edge.
I’m so ready for book 2, to see where and what realms it’s leading to next!
I love a strong female protagonist especially one who’s a little unassuming of themselves. I felt like I was Nerezza navigating the trials, cautious with friendships and urged by instinct. Not to mention the tension with the guys, hello green eyes! 😍
So many moments I was on edge, not sure what was going to happen or who wasn’t going to make it, caught up in the dynamics I often caught myself in tears too. The ending had me so torn, heartbroken, shocked and hanging on edge.
I’m so ready for book 2, to see where and what realms it’s leading to next!
March 4, 2026
“I felt it.
The pull, the ache, the recognition that went deeper than flesh or fate.
She was mine.
She had always been mine.”
Full disclosure: I was privileged enough to receive an ARC of this book and let me just say that you may think that it’s just another book with trials, (been there, read that), but nothing will prepare you for what’s in store here.
The world building really created a setting that made the story come alive! The characters are well developed, with their own distinct personalities and are truly memorable.
The ending though??!! I was not expecting it and it left me gobsmacked!
I can’t wait to read what happens next.
The pull, the ache, the recognition that went deeper than flesh or fate.
She was mine.
She had always been mine.”
Full disclosure: I was privileged enough to receive an ARC of this book and let me just say that you may think that it’s just another book with trials, (been there, read that), but nothing will prepare you for what’s in store here.
The world building really created a setting that made the story come alive! The characters are well developed, with their own distinct personalities and are truly memorable.
The ending though??!! I was not expecting it and it left me gobsmacked!
I can’t wait to read what happens next.
March 3, 2026
This is a book I never knew I needed until now. You’re telling me this is a first time author and the book is this good!!! I absolutely love a book that gives you a pronunciation guide.
Please tell me she has started writing book 2 and it’s close to being done because I need to know what happens next.
I hope this isn’t the last time we get to see Selene, she is very much a mystery and I have so many questions about her past.
Also please tell me we get to see Moira.
Please tell me she has started writing book 2 and it’s close to being done because I need to know what happens next.
I hope this isn’t the last time we get to see Selene, she is very much a mystery and I have so many questions about her past.
Also please tell me we get to see Moira.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2026
Thank you to the author/publisher and BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely LOVED this book — it had everything I look for in a fantasy read and completely pulled me in from the start.
The trials are truly deadly — and I mean deadly. The stakes feel real throughout, which kept the tension high and made it impossible to put down, it lived up to its title. I was fully invested in every challenge and what it meant for the characters. If you're putting "Trials" in the title then you've got to back this up, and it delivers.
Nerezza is a strong and compelling FMC. Coming from nothing, she’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for. Her journey is gripping, emotional, and incredibly satisfying to follow.
The character work overall is fantastic — each person feels distinct, with clear personalities and strong development. And yes… there are definitely a few male characters you’ll wish you could steal away for yourself.
The slow-burn romance is done well with a .. which tension around which one she will pick… which isn't finalised until the end so I'm hoping the second book will follow the newly found relationship and i can't wait to see how it develops.
The world-building is rich and immersive, and the story is packed with colourful and vibrant worlds bringing it to light. Each trial is held in a different realm which kept the story fresh and moving.
This book is seriously addictive — one of those reads where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s hours later. I read it in one sitting.
That ending has me more than ready for book two — I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. I genuinely loved this book.
Highly recommend for readers who love:
Deadly trials and high-stakes fantasy
Strong, resilient female leads
Slow-burn romance
Emotional, character-driven stories
Addictive pacing
A brilliant start to what promises to be an incredible series.
I absolutely LOVED this book — it had everything I look for in a fantasy read and completely pulled me in from the start.
The trials are truly deadly — and I mean deadly. The stakes feel real throughout, which kept the tension high and made it impossible to put down, it lived up to its title. I was fully invested in every challenge and what it meant for the characters. If you're putting "Trials" in the title then you've got to back this up, and it delivers.
Nerezza is a strong and compelling FMC. Coming from nothing, she’s the kind of character you can’t help but root for. Her journey is gripping, emotional, and incredibly satisfying to follow.
The character work overall is fantastic — each person feels distinct, with clear personalities and strong development. And yes… there are definitely a few male characters you’ll wish you could steal away for yourself.
The slow-burn romance is done well with a .. which tension around which one she will pick… which isn't finalised until the end so I'm hoping the second book will follow the newly found relationship and i can't wait to see how it develops.
The world-building is rich and immersive, and the story is packed with colourful and vibrant worlds bringing it to light. Each trial is held in a different realm which kept the story fresh and moving.
This book is seriously addictive — one of those reads where you keep saying “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s hours later. I read it in one sitting.
That ending has me more than ready for book two — I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. I genuinely loved this book.
Highly recommend for readers who love:
Deadly trials and high-stakes fantasy
Strong, resilient female leads
Slow-burn romance
Emotional, character-driven stories
Addictive pacing
A brilliant start to what promises to be an incredible series.
March 25, 2026
I loved this story so much and can't wait for the next in this series. This story is well written, truly creating a world vibrant with color and deep ancient magic.
I did find the Fmc a bit naive given her circumstances but also true to how her environment would have shaped her.
Multiple Mmc situation which honestly, the lack of graphic spice, was perfect for this tale. There was passion, love but also consequence and nothing was easy about the journey.
One thing I will say, the plot twist was a little predicatable but only because we never learned why there was so much warning about Olysesuss. Sure he thought he was the rightful heir but that didnt feel like the storyline befitting such deception. But I digress and dont think this ruined the story at all for me. He was the least interesting character for me anyways.
This book left so many things unanswered in the best of ways...Where did Moira truly go and do we hear from her again? In her owl form maybe? What is this about Selene!!?? I LOVE when a coven gets thrown in the mix! Where is Ivalyos partner!? and I'm gonna need to know about all the high lords and Lady! Including if theres something brewing between Juniper and Sage! What will the Mulberry tree reveal and what about that ring with the crimson stone that Nerezza was drawn too?
While this could very well be a standalone that allows the reader to draw their own conclusions, I am THRILLED that Ms. Blackmore is already writing the next book. These characters deserve for thier full stories to be revealed.
Well done on this (what I imagine to be) the first of many novels.
I did find the Fmc a bit naive given her circumstances but also true to how her environment would have shaped her.
Multiple Mmc situation which honestly, the lack of graphic spice, was perfect for this tale. There was passion, love but also consequence and nothing was easy about the journey.
One thing I will say, the plot twist was a little predicatable but only because we never learned why there was so much warning about Olysesuss. Sure he thought he was the rightful heir but that didnt feel like the storyline befitting such deception. But I digress and dont think this ruined the story at all for me. He was the least interesting character for me anyways.
This book left so many things unanswered in the best of ways...Where did Moira truly go and do we hear from her again? In her owl form maybe? What is this about Selene!!?? I LOVE when a coven gets thrown in the mix! Where is Ivalyos partner!? and I'm gonna need to know about all the high lords and Lady! Including if theres something brewing between Juniper and Sage! What will the Mulberry tree reveal and what about that ring with the crimson stone that Nerezza was drawn too?
While this could very well be a standalone that allows the reader to draw their own conclusions, I am THRILLED that Ms. Blackmore is already writing the next book. These characters deserve for thier full stories to be revealed.
Well done on this (what I imagine to be) the first of many novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2026
I was so lucky to get a very advanced copy of this book, and enjoyed it so much I’m re-reading it again.
I love a strong female protagonist especially one who’s a little unassuming of themselves. I felt like I was Nerezza navigating the trials, cautious with friendships and urged by instinct. Not to mention the tension with the guys, hello green eyes! 😍
So many moments I was on edge, not sure what was going to happen or who wasn’t going to make it, caught up in the dynamics I often caught myself in tears too. The ending had me so torn, heartbroken, shocked and hanging on edge.
I’m so ready for book 2, to see where and what realms it’s leading to next!
I love a strong female protagonist especially one who’s a little unassuming of themselves. I felt like I was Nerezza navigating the trials, cautious with friendships and urged by instinct. Not to mention the tension with the guys, hello green eyes! 😍
So many moments I was on edge, not sure what was going to happen or who wasn’t going to make it, caught up in the dynamics I often caught myself in tears too. The ending had me so torn, heartbroken, shocked and hanging on edge.
I’m so ready for book 2, to see where and what realms it’s leading to next!
March 19, 2026
Excellent book! So emotional and unique! I can’t believe HE didn’t tell HER the truth by the end of the book!
Looking forward to the sequel! I felt like this was a fantastic introduction to a really interesting series. The characters are amazing and while not Greek mythology based, I liked the name choices very much. Great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Looking forward to the sequel! I felt like this was a fantastic introduction to a really interesting series. The characters are amazing and while not Greek mythology based, I liked the name choices very much. Great read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ Thank you so much to E. M. Blackmore for sending me an Arc. This story was sooo good, I loved the trials and relationship dynamics. I could visualise the world and each realm so vividly.There were just a few scenes or characteristics that were presented that felt misplaced to me. I will most definitely be reading this when it published and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
March 9, 2026
Worth a read
Really enjoyed it, loved the story line and the characters, defiantly excited for more. Ended with a lot of room for more exploration into her life and defiantly a few more characters, really enjoyed how they all developed too!
Recommended to a friend
Would be an excellent book club read
Really enjoyed it, loved the story line and the characters, defiantly excited for more. Ended with a lot of room for more exploration into her life and defiantly a few more characters, really enjoyed how they all developed too!
Recommended to a friend
Would be an excellent book club read
March 14, 2026
I was luck enough to read this as an arc after seeing the posts on social media. I was certainly not disappointed.
It was an easy 5⭐️ for me!
I loved this book and highly recommend reading this.
Every character was written well, I felt I could visualise the world and the trials.
I am left with questions though so I’m really looking forward to book 2.
It was an easy 5⭐️ for me!
I loved this book and highly recommend reading this.
Every character was written well, I felt I could visualise the world and the trials.
I am left with questions though so I’m really looking forward to book 2.
March 8, 2026
Epic read
Need book 2 now please.
GREAT WORLD BUILDING
FOUND FAMILY
SHOCK MOMENT YOU DONT SEE.
A BEAUTIFUL STORY BUT STILL SO MANY QUESTION.
Need book 2 now please.
GREAT WORLD BUILDING
FOUND FAMILY
SHOCK MOMENT YOU DONT SEE.
A BEAUTIFUL STORY BUT STILL SO MANY QUESTION.
March 10, 2026
easily the best read of the month. this was so good. games and trials and a solid cast of characters. it was easy to read and the world building and world was just stunning. can’t wait for book 2
March 8, 2026
This book was not bad, it's characters were a little immature and predictable. The story was a little simple and not anything that stood out.
I may read the second one, but it's not a priority.
I may read the second one, but it's not a priority.
March 8, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It’s the first book I’ve managed to finish in such a long time — I couldn’t put it down.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews