7 books about mysterious initiations and trials
Step beyond the ordinary and dive into worlds where initiation isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a rite of passage wrapped in shadows and riddled with danger. These seven books pull you into thrilling journeys where protagonists face cryptic tests, haunting mysteries, and unexpected betrayals. Each trial uncovers hidden powers, dark secrets, and the fragile line between trust and deception. If you’re craving stories where the path to power demands sacrifice, cunning, and courage, these tales of mysterious initiations will captivate your every sense and keep you guessing until the final page.
1. “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
Kaz and his crew face deadly heists and shadowy initiation into a world where trust is scarce and every trial could be their last.
2. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
Magicians locked in a mysterious competition undergo strange, enchanting trials that test their skill and will, all under the circus’s magical veil.
3. “The Poppy War” by R.F. Kuang
Rin battles brutal military trials and dark powers awakening within, in an initiation that tests more than just strength.
4. “An Enchantment of Ravens” by Margaret Rogerson
A mortal girl’s initiation into the fae world brings dangerous trials where beauty masks deadly intentions.
5. “The Bone Season” by Samantha Shannon
Clairvoyants navigate secretive, perilous initiations within a hidden society, where loyalty and survival are constantly tested.
6. “A Curse So Dark and Lonely” by Brigid Kemmerer
Emberfall’s magical trials push a cursed prince and a fearless girl to confront fates darker than they imagined.
7. “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo
Alina’s initiation into the Grisha unfolds through cryptic tests and battles, revealing powers she never knew she possessed.
Each book immerses you in worlds where the journey through initiation is fraught with secrets, peril, and transformation. Ready your courage—these trials are anything but ordinary.
