The Imrati Trials by Lizzy Gayle

✨ ARC Review ✨

📖 Initial Thoughts:
From page one, I knew this story wasn’t going to play nice, and I loved it for that. The author throws you into a whirlwind of betrayals, shifting alliances, and a magic system brimming with possibilities. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were headed, another sharp turn yanked the story in a completely new direction. The ending? Let’s just say I closed the book, stared at the wall, and muttered “No way…” more than once.

👑 The Premise in a Nutshell:

·         Illegitimate daughter of a ruthless king.

·         A stolen inheritance of her sister’s magic.

·         Flight from a kingdom that wants her blood.

·         A warrior with his own deadly agenda: to assassinate the king through the Imrati Trials, a magical tournament with a princess’s hand at stake.
All of this wrapped in an allies-to-lovers thread, danger at every turn, and a high-stakes competition.

⚔️ What Worked for Me:

·         The romance arc that simmers alongside the action.

·         The competition, the Imrati Trials felt electric, easily my favorite part.

·         That finale. The last 20% turns into a sprint, and the cliffhanger is the kind that leaves your heart lodged in your throat.

🌍 Where I Struggled:
The story builds a vast world, multiple kingdoms, a layered magic system, and a host of magical creatures. While I loved the ambition, I often wished the narrative slowed down to let each element breathe. The exposition occasionally felt rushed, and the Trials especially deserved more spotlight given their central role.

💭 Final Impressions:
This is a story that demands your attention, fast-paced, twist-heavy, and bold in scope. The weaker pacing in places didn’t overshadow how much I enjoyed being swept into this world. And with that ending? There’s no question, I’ll be lined up for the sequel the moment it drops.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (rounded up for the ending alone!)