book review the ritual

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Thrillers & Suspense

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $21.83 $21.83

Save: $18.72 $18.72 (86%)

Buy for others

Buying and sending ebooks to others.

Select quantity
Buy and send eBooks
Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

The Ritual: A Dark College Romance Kindle Edition

Book 1 of 6 The Lords
Print length 606 pages
Language English
Publication date November 19, 2021
File size 3263 KB
Page Flip Enabled
Word Wise Enabled
Enhanced typesetting Enabled
See all details

Shop this series

First 3 $17.97
First 5 $28.75
All 6 $34.74

This option includes 3 books.

This option includes 5 books., this option includes 6 books..

Customers Also Enjoyed
In This Series
By Shantel Tessier
Forced Proximity

Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse Duet Book 1)

Customers who bought this item also bought

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

"Oh. Em. Gee. That was flipping insane, and I got to tell you, I loved every second of it!" Behind Closed Door Book Review
"First word amazing, The Ritual has to be one of my favorite reads of 2021." Elizabeth Clinton. Goodreads reviewer
"Unpredictable. Original. Thrilling. Steamy. Mind blowing. Shantel is a genius and continues to shine with The Ritual." The Lushy Reader
"This book is Shantel Tessier at her best! I promise you once you start, you won't want to put this book down!" Rita. Goodreads reviewer
"The Ritual is unlike anything I have read this year and easily, quite possibly, my favorite of 2021. Shantel outdoes herself again!!!!" Beth Kazmierczak. Goodreads reviewer
"Crazy intense. Insanely addictive. Dark and twisted. Everything I freaking love with some boundary pushing triggers in a dark college romance." The Smutbrarians

From the Author

About the author, product details.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09H7Q4B74
Publisher ‏ : ‎ (November 19, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3263 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 606 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 8777213475
#2 in Organized Crime Thrillers
#3 in Romantic Suspense (Kindle Store)
#4 in Romantic Suspense (Books)

About the author

Shantel tessier.

Shantel is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. Who lives in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book.

She considers herself extremely lucky to get to do what she loves while wearing pajamas. Going to concerts and the movies are just a few of her favorite things to do. Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her family, watching Netflix.

Customer reviews

5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 62% 24% 10% 3% 1% 62%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 62% 24% 10% 3% 1% 24%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 62% 24% 10% 3% 1% 10%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 62% 24% 10% 3% 1% 3%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 62% 24% 10% 3% 1% 1%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the storyline intriguing, dynamic, and interesting from page one. They describe the book as an enjoyable, intense read with incredible spice. Readers also describe the content as dark and twisty. They praise the characters as well-developed and likable. Additionally, they say the book keeps them interested and hooked from start to finish. Opinions are mixed on the writing quality, with some finding it mesmerizing and unsettling, while others say it's unsettling.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the storyline intriguing, good, and hard to put down. They say the twists and turns weave a great read all the way to the end. Readers also mention the characters are dynamic and interesting from page one. They love the journey from start to finish and the world is believable.

"...it up purely because the cover caught my eye—it looked dark and enticing . I went in expecting something unique, and 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕚𝕥𝕦𝕒𝕝 did not disappoint!..." Read more

"...Overall, this was a FANTASTIC read. The spice was spicin and the plot was plottin . I was enthralled from start to finish...." Read more

"...The darkness within the Lords' world is so believable , and the characters are so well crafted that you can't help but be invested in their..." Read more

"...The whole L.O.R.D.S series (including Sabotage) is gripping, twisted , tense, hot, steamy and amazing. My personal favorite is Ryat!" Read more

Customers find the book good, intriguing, and interesting. They say it's a page-turner that keeps them wanting to read more. Readers also mention the book is dark and absolutely an adult read.

"...😤Overall, this was a FANTASTIC read . The spice was spicin and the plot was plottin. I was enthralled from start to finish...." Read more

"...(including Sabotage) is gripping, twisted, tense, hot, steamy and amazing . My personal favorite is Ryat!" Read more

"...There is no point where you think the story is pat. Really a great read , but even better as an Audiable story. Perfect voices for the characters." Read more

"...The narrator does an exceptional job of bringing the characters and the story to life, with a voice performance that enhances the mood and tone of..." Read more

Customers find the spice level incredible, delicious, and sweet. They also say the book has some of the best spicy scenes they have ever read.

"...😤Overall, this was a FANTASTIC read. The spice was spicin and the plot was plottin. I was enthralled from start to finish...." Read more

"...It's an adult dark romance with plenty of spice , including different types of kink...." Read more

"I couldn’t put the book down.. so spicy and crazy. It was amazing from beginning to end. A real page turner." Read more

"...an Erotica book and is light on the plot, this said, the spice is EXCELLENT ...." Read more

Customers find the content dark, twisty, and masterfully woven. They say the romance and dark themes become captivating and addictive. Readers also mention the plot is different than most dark romances.

"...and I picked it up purely because the cover caught my eye—it looked dark and enticing...." Read more

"...This book is an exploration of the dark side , with a healthy dose of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat...." Read more

"...The story delivered angst , deception, passion, jealousy, and plenty of sizzle." Read more

"...It’s a very dark themed book . It’s not a romance. There are definitely triggers that people should read about before diving into this one...." Read more

Customers find the characters well-developed, strong, and likable. They also say the plot is intricately put together.

"...The characters are masterfully complex . Blakely’s defiance against her mother’s expectations gave her a rebellious streak I could easily relate to...." Read more

"I enjoyed this book! The characters were written well and their character development was done JUST RIGHT! I despised Matt...." Read more

"...It gets pretty dark and the smut is SMUTTY 🌶️ but the characters are so well developed and plot is so intricately put together that it all just..." Read more

"A unique story with intriguing characters ; all the characters are very interesting and the twists and turn weave a great read all the way to the end...." Read more

Customers find the book engaging, addictive, and engrossing. They say it blends romance and suspense effortlessly, keeping them hooked from page one. Readers also mention the book is intense, dark, and glued to the pages.

"...of action, mystery, and character development that contributes to a satisfying and compelling story...." Read more

"...There are lots of steamy scenes with good story that keeps you interested . I will continue series." Read more

"It started out extremely dark. But the book pulls you in . It keeps you captivated and questioning everything. I absolutely loved it." Read more

"...The last bit felt slightly overwhelming but I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of it and was desperate for more...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book. Some mention it's well-written and a recommended read, while others say some parts are hard to read, ridiculous situations, and less than scholarly writing. They also mention the book gets repetitive and feels outlandish at times.

"...The writing is both mesmerizing and unsettling, which only heightens the thrill. The characters are masterfully complex...." Read more

"...Ending felt a little cliche to me , however I still loved the journey from start to finish." Read more

"...Tessier's writing style is absolutely gripping , and she skillfully navigates the fine line between suspense and trigger...." Read more

"...was my first dark romance book, and I immediately fell in love with the writing style as well as the characters and how they were patriated...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some mention it's great, while others say it's rushed in the beginning and drags a bit.

"...The whole L.O.R.D.S series (including Sabotage) is gripping, twisted, tense , hot, steamy and amazing. My personal favorite is Ryat!" Read more

"...quality of the audiobook is high, with clear audio and well-managed pacing ...." Read more

"...There is also very little chemistry written between the main characters, other than the physical attraction, obsession level, but there is no..." Read more

"Great if you like dark romance. Very intense read that keeps you on the edge wanting to know the next turn the plot will take." Read more

Reviews with images

I am ready to take my vows.

Sort by reviews type Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

Report an issue

Amazon Newsletter
About Amazon
Accessibility
Sustainability
Press Center
Investor Relations
Amazon Devices
Amazon Science
Sell on Amazon
Sell apps on Amazon
Supply to Amazon
Protect & Build Your Brand
Become an Affiliate
Become a Delivery Driver
Start a Package Delivery Business
Advertise Your Products
Self-Publish with Us
Become an Amazon Hub Partner
› See More Ways to Make Money
Amazon Visa
Amazon Store Card
Amazon Secured Card
Amazon Business Card
Shop with Points
Credit Card Marketplace
Reload Your Balance
Amazon Currency Converter
Your Account
Your Orders
Shipping Rates & Policies
Amazon Prime
Returns & Replacements
Manage Your Content and Devices
Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
Registry & Gift List
Conditions of Use
Privacy Notice
Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
Your Ads Privacy Choices

As The Book Ends

Book reviews brought to you by a fanatic thirty-something year-old

The Ritual – Shantel Tessier

I vow. You vow. We vow.

Barrington University is home of the Lords, a secret society that requires their blood in payment. They are above all—the most powerful men in the world. They devote their lives to violence in exchange for power. And during their senior year, they are offered a chosen one.

People think growing up with money is freeing, but I promise you, it’s not. My entire life has been planned out for me. I never got the chance to do what I wanted until Ryat Alexander Archer came along and gave me an option for a better life. He offered me what no one else ever had—freedom.

I chose to be his. He made me believe that anyway, but it was just another lie. A way that the Lords manipulate you into doing what they want.

After being sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords, I embraced my new role and allowed Ryat to parade me around like the trophy I was to him. But like all things, what started out as a game soon became a fight for survival. And the only way out was death.

Things to know about The Ritual It is MF TW (Please see the author’s note on the inside) J/P & OTT Hero (jealous/possessive & over the top) This is a 150K word dark romance and may contain triggers for some due to sexual situations, language, and violence.

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Really all you need to do to get me to read a romance novel is tell me that it is dark and set at a school. Bam. Sold. Add in a secret society and a sexy cover and I’ll be clamoring for it. That was the case with The Ritual for me. The second I saw this cover I was intrigued, and then I read the synopsis and was obsessed.

This book is CHONKY and I have to start by saying that there were no scenes that I felt were filler. That is the danger with thick romance novels, in my opinion – they usually contain filler scenes that do nothing to progress the plot. I didn’t feel that way at all with this book. There was definitely no point at which I was bored.

The storyline was both absolutely addictive, and ridiculously hot. I loved the premise of the book, and the idea that these men go through years of trials and are rewarded with their own Chosen One for their senior year of college. As far as dark romance goes, it is SOLID. This was definitely dark and the spice was incredible. It happens early and often, and I really felt the tension and chemistry between the main characters

Sadly, I didn’t particularly love the main character. For some reason, I just had a hard time connecting to or feeling empathy for her. I also really struggled with aspects of the romance as their relationship progressed pretty quickly into insta-love territory. I think I just expected a bit more back and forth in such a long book and was disappointed when they developed feelings so quickly.

Overall this is a good read for people like me who are fans of dark, school setting romance. I do wish that certain aspects of their love story had received more focus, but was entertained throughout.

Published by asthebookends

Brand New Bookshelf. Brand New Laptop. Exciting New Releases. My Very First Blog! After years of trying to convince my poor, uninterested friends that they were book lovers wayyy deep down, I've decided to take my passion for everything fiction to the internet! View all posts by asthebookends