Romantasy books often share common themes and tropes, but one of the most beloved among both authors and readers is the inclusion of deadly trials or high-stakes competitions. This trope frequently features characters who are unwillingly thrust into perilous contests, forced to navigate a series of grueling challenges and life-threatening obstacles.
This trope rose to prominence through bestselling titles like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Divergent by Veronica Roth—both of which captured massive attention upon their release. While it might seem like a concept prone to repetition, authors continue to find fresh and imaginative ways to reinvent it. The adrenaline of high-stakes scenarios and the suspense of life-or-death challenges consistently deliver a gripping reading experience. If you’re drawn to that intensity, these ten romantasy books are sure to meet—and possibly exceed—your expectations.
- An Ember In The Ashes
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir kicks off a gripping four-book young adult fantasy series centered around a brutal set of trials. The story follows Laia, a scholar-turned-spy on a desperate mission to rescue her brother, and Elias, a conflicted young soldier serving as a “Mask” for the oppressive Martial Empire. While Laia infiltrates the empire to gather crucial intelligence, Elias is unwillingly thrust into the Emperor’s deadly trials—tests designed to determine the next ruler. The narrative balances their parallel journeys, weaving espionage, resistance, and reluctant heroism into a tense and compelling tale.
- The Prison Healer
In The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni, readers are introduced to Kiva Meridan, a 17-year-old girl who has spent the past seven years imprisoned in the infamous death prison, Zalindov. Now serving as the facility’s healer, Kiva is tasked with keeping the newly captured Rebel Queen alive long enough to face the brutal Trials by Ordeal—a legendary sequence of deadly challenges. But when Kiva’s compassion and instinct to heal outweigh the rules of survival, she makes a bold decision: she volunteers to take the queen’s place in the trials, risking everything in the process.
- Powerless
Powerless by Lauren Roberts launches a thrilling young adult fantasy series centered on deadly trials and ruthless competition. The story follows Paedyn Gray, an ordinary girl with no powers, who is unexpectedly thrust into a brutal contest against the kingdom’s most powerful Elites. In the world of Ilya, society is starkly divided—Elites possess extraordinary abilities, while Mundanes have lesser powers. But those like Paedyn, born without any gifts, are hunted and executed. As she struggles to survive among the deadliest contenders, Paedyn must hide her true identity and outwit forces far stronger than herself.
- Throne Of Glass
While only Throne of Glass and Heir of Fire feature competitions or trials out of the eight books in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, these events leave a lasting impact on the overarching narrative. In the series’ debut novel, Throne of Glass, famed assassin Celaena Sardothien is pulled from a brutal prison to compete in a deadly tournament. Her goal: to defeat 23 other contenders and earn the title of the King’s Champion. Victory would grant her freedom from imprisonment—but at the cost of serving the ruthless King of Adarlan.
- The Jasad Heir
In Sara Hashem’s Egyptian-inspired fantasy The Jasad Heir, Sylvia—the hidden heir to the fallen kingdom of Jasad—is thrust into a deadly tournament known as the Alcalah, a series of brutal trials held every three years to honor the four surviving kingdoms. When she inadvertently draws the attention of the calculating Nizahl prince, he selects her as his champion to represent Nizahl in the trials. With her identity at risk and no way to refuse, Sylvia is forced to compete—fighting not only for survival, but to protect the secret of who she truly is.
- Phantasma
The story centers on Ophelia’s journey through a high-stakes competition, highlighting her evolving relationships with fellow contestants—most notably the charming and mysterious phantom, Blackwell. But with only one winner allowed, trust becomes a dangerous gamble, infusing the narrative with a constant sense of suspense. Though Ophelia’s arc concludes in Phantasma, the Wicked Games series continues in Enchantra, released in April 2025, shifting focus to a brand-new cast and an equally perilous set of deadly challenges.
- The Rose Bargain
The Rose Bargain was one of 2025’s most anticipated romantasy releases, skillfully weaving a magical fae tale into the backdrop of mid-1800s high society England. The story begins with Ivy Benton’s debut season, a pivotal moment where she hopes to strike a bargain with the queen to gain the qualities needed to secure a suitor. However, Ivy’s season takes an unexpected turn when the queen announces a shocking twist: instead of traditional courtship, Ivy and the other debutantes must compete for the hand of the queen’s fae son, Prince Bram.
- Trial Of The Sun Queen
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli is the first installment in the Artefacts of Ouranos series. The story begins when Lor, the female protagonist, is unexpectedly rescued from prison and thrust into a series of grueling trials to compete for the title of the next Sun Queen. Her participation is puzzling to many, as she is not a citizen of the Sun Court, making her presence among the nine other tributes all the more mysterious. Despite her confusion, Lor throws herself into the competition with everything she has—fighting not just for victory, but for survival.
- The Kinder Poison
The Kinder Poison is a young adult fantasy romance trilogy that follows Zahru, a humble Whisperer gifted with the ability to communicate with animals. Unwillingly chosen as the human sacrifice in the Crossing, Zahru becomes entwined in a perilous royal tradition. The Crossing, summoned only by the king, forces Orkena’s three heirs—Princess Sakira, Prince Jet, and Prince Kosta—to race across a deadly desert. The first to finish must offer a human life as a sacrifice in order to gain powerful abilities and claim the throne.
- Direbound
Direbound, a 2025 romantasy release often described as a mashup of Fourth Wing and Game of Thrones, has quickly become a favorite among BookTok readers. Packed with deadly trials, fierce creatures, and a swoon-worthy romance, it’s a must-read for romantasy fans. When Meryn Cooper’s younger sister, Saela, is kidnapped, Meryn is willing to risk everything — even joining the army and facing the brutal Bonding Trials — to bring her back.
