I honestly didn’t expect to give The Heart Trials by J. Elle 5 stars!
As a language arts teacher, I read and taught so many dystopian novels when the genre was at its peak that I eventually grew tired of them. I started avoiding them on purpose. When I realized The Heart Trials was a dystopian novel, I wondered whether it would feel too familiar.
Instead, I loved it from beginning to end. I couldn’t wait to get back to the story each night. I’m so glad that there is going to be a sequel!
Click to read the summary or to buy it on Amazon
Genre: Dystopian, Romantasy
Pages: 400
Published on: September 1, 2026
From the publisher: In a world where love is forbidden, one girl must fight for her heart and freedom through deadly trials in the first book of a new dystopian romantasy duology from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Elle.
Welcome to The Heart Trials.
The prize is love.
The cost is everything.
📚 Judi’s Report Card for The Heart Trials:
👩 Main Characters: A+
The main female character, Axira, is smart, capable, determined, and completely badass. She doesn’t sit around waiting for someone else to rescue her. She makes difficult decisions, takes risks, and fights for what she believes in. I was cheering her on every step of the way.
Prince Caelus, well, he is not what I expected, and I’m happy about that.
🎭 Characterization: A+
The characterization is extremely well done. The characters have distinct personalities, motivations, strengths, and vulnerabilities. I cared about what happened to them…well, most of them anyway. Others I wanted to punch! I’m looking at you, the Benevolent!
❤️ Romance: A
The love interest is handled very well. The romance adds emotion and tension to the story without taking over the entire plot. I mean who doesn’t love “love”? I’m glad J. Elle kept the romance tame enough for the book to remain appropriate for its young adult audience. (The publisher recommends it for ages 14 and up.)
🔥 Plot & Pacing: A+
From the beginning to the end, I was never bored. Something was always happening, but the book still allowed enough time for the characters and relationships to develop.
🌎 Dystopian World: A
Although the story reminded me at times of The Hunger Games, the author added enough original ideas to make the world feel fresh. That is not easy to do in a genre that has already been explored so many times. If The Hunger Games had a more hopeful twin, this book would be it.
🎬 Movie and/or Book Club Potential: A+
This book would make a great movie. The trials, action, emotional moments, romance, and strong characters would all translate well to the screen.
It would also make an excellent book-club choice for eighth-grade readers and older students, with plenty to discuss about freedom, power, loyalty, sacrifice, found families, and whether emotions should ever be controlled.
⭐ Overall Grade: A+
I gave The Heart Trials an A+ because it surprised me in the best possible way. I went into it thinking I was tired of dystopian novels, but J. Elle made the genre feel fresh again. The storyline kept me interested from beginning to end, the characters were well developed, and the romance added emotion without taking over the plot. Axira was exactly the kind of strong female character I love reading about. I could not wait to get back to the book each night, which is always a sign of a five-star read for me.
Who Do I Recommend The Heart Trials To?
I recommend The Heart Trials to readers who enjoy:
- Strong female characters
- Dystopian worlds
- Dangerous competitions
- Well-developed characters
- Romance that does not overpower the plot
- Fast-paced stories
- Books similar to The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner but with a different twist
Where to Buy The Heart Trials and More:
Buy The Heart Trials on Amazon!
- Read more of my book reviews: Visit my library
- Missed my Top Books of 2025? Check out the full list here
Extra Credit Reading:
If The Heart Trials earned an A+ from you, add these three books to your extra-credit reading list:
- Target Acquired by Lynette Eason | Buy on Amazon
- Read my full review here
- Why? This is another action-filled story featuring a strong, capable female character. It also includes suspense and romance, making it a good choice for you if you enjoyed the way The Heart Trials balanced Axira’s strength with romance.
- The Fall of Iris Henley by Jennifer Graham | Buy on Amazon
- Read my full review here
- Why? This young adult thriller also features a fast-moving plot, danger, secrets, and a teenage girl trying to determine whom she can trust. It does not have the fantasy world or romance of The Heart Trials, but if you enjoy suspenseful pacing and high stakes, you should find plenty to like. I compared it to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Black Mirror.
- Beach Thriller by Jamie Day | Buy on Amazon
- Read my full review here
- Why? Holly and Jade, are very different from Axira, but they are also strong female underdogs with complicated pasts who must face danger rather than wait to be rescued. The story combines suspense, emotional relationships, and well-developed female characters, making it a good choice if you were most drawn to the characterization in The Heart Trials.
Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and J. Elle for my free copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Visit J. Elle’s website to learn more about the author and her books.
Let’s Chat:
Would you enter a dangerous competition for the chance to change your life? Why or why not?
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