100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders 🚀

The Ordeals

By Rachel Greenlaw
0.0 (0 reviews)
Brief Description
By the author of The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells, featured as a Waterstones' Best Romantasy Book. "I absolutely treasured it from beginning to end" — Cecelia Ahern, Sunday Times Number One bestseller on The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells. Old Magic. New power. A contest... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2800
Elsewhere:
$3499
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
By the author of The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells, featured as a Waterstones' Best Romantasy Book. "I absolutely treasured it from beginning to end" — Cecelia Ahern, Sunday Times Number One bestseller on The Woodsmoke Women's Book of Spells. Old Magic. New power. A contest to die for.

Sophia DeWinter has been bound to her cruel uncle, the Collector, since he exacted a blood bond from her as a child. When she learns of Killmarth, an elite academy for magic wielders outside of the Collector’s control, she grabs it as her only chance to break free.

Each hopeful must prove their worth by competing in brutal and deadly challenges – the Ordeals. And that’s just the beginning, because hopefuls are also being viciously picked off one-by-one. To survive, Sophia could team up with another challenger. Perhaps the powerful wielder Alden Locke. But how to identify an ally from a rival? Or even a murderer?

In her haste to escape the Collector's power over her, has Sophia risked everything only to run from the flames and into the fire?

"Combines captivating world building, a seriously twisty plot, and a steamy romance… impossible to put down" — Demi Winters, author of The Road of Bones. Deliciously dark with high stakes and a sizzling hot romance, The Ordeals is not to be missed! — Tessonja Odette, author of A Rivalry of Hearts. Readers ADORE The Ordeals:

"Mysterious, chilling, and utterly addictive" — Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

"This completely swept me away. The world-building is absolutely stunning" — Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

"Exciting and unique, quick paced and kept you guessing throughout" — Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

"I could not put down and devoured in one sitting. I absolutely recommend this book" — Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

"A quite creepy atmosphere and… Buffy-esque vampire slaying into the mix" — Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

PRAISE FOR RACHEL GREENLAW:

"It is an absolute masterpiece" — Frost magazine.

"Completely captures the imagination" — Muddy Stilettos.

"The characters are so raw and relatable and the mystery so intriguing that I hated slipping out of this magical world and back to reality." — Kate Robb, author of This Spells Love.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008741266

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 October 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HQ

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 416

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Grumpy x Sunshine Romance Horror & Supernatural In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books New Release Fiction Rachel Greenlaw Romance Romantasy (Fantasy Romance) Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Rachel Greenlaw studied English with Creative Writing at Falmouth University before moving to an island in the Atlantic, where she lives with her husband and two children. The Compass and Blade trilogy is her first YA fiction series. Rachel's first novel for adults, One Christmas Morning was shortlisted for The Fantasy Romantic Novel Award 2024. Her second, The Woodsmoke Women's Books of Spells featured on Waterstones' Best Romantasy Books of 2024.

Also by Rachel Greenlaw

View all
  • Compass and Blade
    Get ready to be swept away. An irresistible YA romantasy – perfect for fans of Alexandra Christo, Sarah Underwood, and Shelby Mahurin. ‘A magical tale with a lot of heart’ – Alexandra Christo, author of To Kill a Kingdom ‘Brimming with wild magic, adventure and dreamy romance’ – Catherine Doyle, co-author of Twin Crowns Mira is a wrecker, one of...
    By Rachel Greenlaw
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • One Christmas Morning
    ‘Wonderfully heart-warming, it made me cry, filled my heart with hope, and cast a magical spell on me’ — M.A. Kuzniar, Midnight in Everwood. ‘Haunting, magical and sparkling with Christmas spirit, One Christmas Morning is a festive love story with a difference… A warm and powerful debut’ — Holly Miller, The Sight of You. ❄️💗❄️ They say you know when...
    By Rachel Greenlaw
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells
    Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls – a gorgeous cosy read and a Waterstones Best Romantasy Book of the year. Magical and grounding at the same time, otherworldly and natural. I absolutely treasured it from beginning to end.' Cecelia Ahern, Sunday Times Number One bestseller An old tale whispers of love as the snow falls. And then of a broken heart…...
    By Rachel Greenlaw
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells
    Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls – a gorgeous autumnal, cosy read. 'Magical and grounding at the same time, otherworldly and natural. I absolutely treasured it from beginning to end.' Cecilia Ahern, Sunday Times Number One bestseller There is an old tale that weaves through the mountain town of Woodsmoke. It whispers of a stranger who appears as the snow falls,...
    By Rachel Greenlaw
    Paperback
    $3699
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Starlight and Storm
    New Release
    Starlight and Storm
    The third and final irresistible adventure in the Compass and Blade trilogy, full of intrigue, sizzling romance, dark magic and monstrous beings. She’s no one’s weapon to wield … Mira is trapped in a deadly situation which could see the end of everything she has fought for. She must enter into one final desperate bargain, but this time, it’s with...
    By Rachel Greenlaw
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Shadow and Tide
    The second irresistible adventure in the Compass and Blade trilogy, full of intrigue, sizzling romance, dark magic and monstrous beings. A magical bargain always comes at a cost. On Rosevear, Mira is plagued by nightmares. She is lost and untethered, and then the watch strike, burning her home. The attack ignites a spark within her, and Mira knows it’s time...
    By Rachel Greenlaw
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Compass and Blade Special Edition
    Compass and Blade Special Edition
    Get ready to be swept away. An irresistible YA romantasy – perfect for fans of Alexandra Christo, Sarah Underwood and Shelby Mahurin. Romance. Betrayal. Magic. The YA romantasy debut of 2024. Compass and Blade Special Edition follows Mira, a wrecker, one of the seven chosen to swim out and plunder the wrecked ships beyond the Isle of Rosevear. The waves...
    By Rachel Greenlaw
    Hardback
    Sold Out

More from Sci-Fi & Fantasy

View all
  • The Strength of the Few
    The highly anticipated follow-up to The Will of the Many—one of 2023's most lauded and bestselling fantasy novels. The Hierarchy still call me Vis Telimus. They still, as one, believe they know who I am. But with all that has happened—with what I fear is coming—I am not sure it matters anymore. I am no longer one. I won the...
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Project Hail Mary
    Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, the SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of The Martian, offers a gripping new adventure in hard science fiction. With endorsement from notable figures such as Barack Obama and a slew of five-star reviews, this novel promises a thrilling and intellectually stimulating journey. Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut, finds himself on a...
    By Andy Weir
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    (4)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Red Rising
    The first book in the incredible New York Times bestselling series Darrow is a Helldiver, toiling beneath the surface of Mars. As a member of the Red caste, he performs grueling labor in the belief that his sacrifice will enable future generations to one day inhabit the surface of the Red Planet. The Reds are humankind's lowest caste, living in...
    By Pierce Brown
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Crossroads of Ravens
    THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON RETURNS... Every legend has an origin - and Geralt of Rivia's begins here. In this brand-new chapter of Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series, follow Geralt in his earliest days as a Witcher, as he faces monsters and humans alike. Discover the untold stories and encounters that shaped the iconic character known today. Crossroads of Ravens brings readers into...
    By Andrzej Sapkowski
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Will of the Many
    Phenomenal! One of the best high fantasy novels I've read in years—think Red Rising meets The Name of the Wind. I couldn't put it down. - LYNETTE NONI This new edition of book one in the Hierarchy series features never-before-seen bonus materials, including a full-colour map by the author, a note to the reader, and new cover art. AUDI. VICE....
    By James Islington
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Wind and Truth
    The long-awaited explosive climax to the first arc of the Number One New York Times bestselling Stormlight Archive. Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson sees Dalinar Kholin challenge the evil god Odium to a contest of champions with the future of Roshar on the line. The Knights Radiant have only ten days to prepare, and the sudden ascension of the...
    By Brandon Sanderson
    Paperback
    $3100
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Ministry of Time
    One of the 18 best novels of the year for the Sunday Times A book of the year for the New York Times, Guardian, Independent, Evening Standard, Spectator, Red, NPR, Vanity Fair, People, Slate, Advocate, Sydney Morning Herald, Globe and Mail, Den of Geek, Good Housekeeping, Goodreads, NetGalley and Smithsonian Magazine 'A sparkling delight' Observer 'Make room on your bookshelves...
    By Kaliane Bradley
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (2)
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Assassin’s Apprentice
    Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure in the rich and immersive world of the Six Duchies. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, this gripping tale introduces readers to FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard whose existence threatens the stability of the crown. When the crown prince's secret...
    By Robin Hobb
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    Backorder
    Ships late August
  • I Who Have Never Known Men
    A haunting, heartbreaking tale of female friendship and intimacy that evokes the chilling atmospheres of The Handmaid's Tale and the desolate landscapes of The Road, I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman is a story that lingers long after the last page is turned. This gripping narrative takes us deep underground, where thirty-nine women are held in isolation...
    By Jacqueline Harpman
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Colour Illustrated Hobbit
    The Colour Illustrated Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien is a timeless classic that has enchanted readers for generations. This beloved tale follows Bilbo Baggins, a peace-loving hobbit from the quaint and picturesque Shire, who finds himself thrust into an epic journey far from the comforts of his cosy home. Charming and lively illustrations by Jemima Catlin breathe new life...
    By J. R. R. Tolkien
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Blood Over Bright Haven
    A riveting dark academia fantasy about the limits of truth and power, from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. The first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever, in this standalone dark fantasy from the author of The Sword of Kaigen. For twenty years, Sciona...
    By M. L. Wang
    Paperback
    $3400
    Elsewhere:
    $3800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Great Dune Trilogy
    Frank Herbert's The Great Dune Trilogy plunges readers into an evocative and grandiose saga set on the desert planet of Arrakis. This richly detailed landscape becomes the focal point for a complex tapestry of political intrigue, military conflict, and galaxy-wide repercussions. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is the sole source of the spice melange, a valuable and highly sought-after substance...
    By Frank Herbert
    Paperback
    $3900
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all