The Ritual: A Dark College Romance

A 3.5-Star Review of The Ritual by Shantel Tessier

Shantel Tessier's The Ritual, the first installment in the dark romance series The L.O.R.D.S., plunges readers into a world of secrets, power, and dangerous desire. Barrington University serves as the breeding ground for the Lords, a clandestine society fueled by violence, manipulation, and ultimate control. With its suspenseful plot and steamy dynamics, The Ritual is a book that captivates, even if it doesn't always completely deliver.

The Ritual ♦ Shantel Tessier — A Review

Opinion

The story's premise is undeniably intriguing. The Lords, with their ominous oaths and blood-soaked rituals, set the stage for a haunting exploration of privilege, control, and sacrifice. Tessier deftly builds a dark and foreboding atmosphere, capturing the suffocating allure of a world where power reigns supreme. The plot is layered with suspense, as protagonist Ryat Alexander Archer and his chosen one, Blakely, navigate a relationship riddled with secrets and dangerous stakes. The tension is palpable, and Tessier keeps readers on edge, unsure of whom to trust or what lies ahead.

Ryat, the male protagonist, is the quintessential dark romance antihero. He’s dominant, brooding, and utterly controlling—traits that align perfectly with the book’s themes but occasionally border on repetitive. Blakely, on the other hand, begins as a character searching for freedom but finds herself entangled in the Lords' manipulative games. Their dynamic is explosive, both emotionally and physically, which brings us to one of the book's standout features: the spice.

There's no denying that The Ritual delivers on the steam. The pages practically sizzle with the chemistry between Ryat and Blakely, and their numerous encounters are unapologetically explicit. However, while the initial scenes are intense and captivating, they become predictable as the story progresses. Tessier leans heavily on one-note passion, with Ryat's approach to intimacy feeling formulaic. The lack of variety in their encounters detracts from the emotional depth that could have been explored in their relationship. While the heat is there, the repetitive nature of these scenes can make them lose their impact over time.

Beyond the spice, The Ritual succeeds in weaving a haunting narrative. Tessier excels at portraying the sinister underbelly of privilege and the psychological toll of living in a world defined by brutal traditions. Blakely's journey from being a pawn to a player is compelling, though it sometimes feels rushed in favor of the romance. The suspenseful twists keep readers engaged, even as some plot points stretch believability.

The writing style is accessible and fast-paced, making The Ritual an addictive read despite its flaws. Tessier's prose effectively conveys the intensity of the characters' emotions, but it sometimes prioritizes shock value over subtlety. Some moments feel over-the-top, detracting from the darker themes the story aims to explore.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Ritual is an entertaining foray into the world of dark romance, packed with suspense, steamy encounters, and a chilling atmosphere. While it struggles with repetitive intimacy and occasionally heavy-handed storytelling, its gripping premise and high stakes make it worth a read for fans of the genre. Tessier's vision is bold, despite its imperfections, The Ritual sets the stage for what promises to be an intense series. If you’re drawn to dark secrets, forbidden power, and scorching chemistry, this book will leave you intrigued, if not completely satisfied.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading.