The Wilde Trials

Publication Date: January 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A little slow to start, but if you enjoy stories about games/competitions, this one is definitely for you.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Every year Chloe’s elite boarding school has a wilderness competition, where those participating are pushed to their physical and mental limits. Not only does the winner get bragging rights as champion, they also get a huge monetary reward. Chloe is determined to win this year, and use the money to help pay for her sisters cancer treatments. When someone begins blackmailing Chloe during the games, she is forced to partner up with her ex, Hayes, who just so happens to be investigating his brothers death which also occurred during the competition years before. Lies, deceit, and sabotage are now a part of the game making the challenges that much harder…and also deadly.

My Analysis: I was a little bit torn on this one and ultimately what to rate it, but I think those true YA audience readers will love it. The pacing was a little slow for my liking, and it really didn’t pick up until about 60% in. I was curious enough to know what was going to happen and what would be revealed to keep reading though. Once it did really get going I found myself very invested. I liked the characters and particularly the relationship between Chloe and her sister. Reed does a nice job of making you question the motives of everyone in the game and was able to share some solid character development even when some characters weren’t always on the page as frequently. The ending wrapped up nicely, although it did seem a bit rushed after everything. If you are into stories that are about games or competitions, you will definitely enjoy this one. Lots of clues and challenges within the Wilde Trials themselves as well as other secrets that are simultaneously uncovered.