A Dark Romance That Will Leave You Breathless
If you’re a fan of dark romance that pushes boundaries, The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is a book you won’t want to miss. This The Ritual book review dives deep into the seductive yet dangerous world of Barrington University’s secret society, the Lords, where power, violence, and obsession collide in a story that’s as intoxicating as it is unsettling.
With morally grey characters, intense kinks, and a plot full of shocking twists, The Ritual is not for the faint of heart—but for those who dare, it’s an unforgettable ride.
Plot Overview: A Chosen One in a World of Blood and Power
At Barrington University, the Lords reign supreme—a secret society of elite men who trade blood for power. Their world is one of violence, manipulation, and absolute control. And during their senior year, each Lord is given a Chosen One, a woman bound to them through a sacred (and sinister) vow.
Enter Blakely, a privileged yet trapped heiress whose life has been meticulously planned out for her. When Ryat Alexander Archer, a ruthless Lord, offers her an escape, she’s drawn into his dark world, believing she’s finally found freedom. But as she soon learns, nothing about the Lords is what it seems.
What starts as a twisted game of dominance and submission spirals into a fight for survival. Blakely must navigate a labyrinth of deceit, power plays, and deadly secrets—where the only way out might be death itself .
Characters: Morally Grey, Dangerously Alluring
Ryat Alexander Archer – The Ultimate Anti-Hero
Ryat is the kind of character you should hate but can’t help being obsessed with. A sadistic, possessive alpha with a God complex, he’s been groomed for the Lords since birth. His obsession with Blakely is both terrifying and intoxicating—he stalks her, drugs her (yes, you read that right), and claims her in ways that blur the lines between consent and coercion .
“I’ll own you, Blake.” He shortens my name, his free hand comes up, and he trails a finger down my neck over my racing pulse, making my body break out in goosebumps. “And I think that’s exactly what you want.”
Blakely – From Naive Heiress to Dark Queen
Blakely starts as a sheltered woman trapped by her family’s expectations, but her descent into Ryat’s world awakens something darker within her. She discovers a masochistic side she never knew existed, embracing pain and submission in ways that shock even herself. Her character growth is one of the book’s strongest points—she transforms from a pawn into a player in the Lords’ deadly game .
Themes: Power, Obsession, and the Illusion of Freedom
The Corrupting Nature of Power
This book review of The Ritual wouldn’t be complete without addressing its exploration of power and obsession..The Lords operate under the belief that power is everything, and they’ll do anything to keep it—including murder, manipulation, and psychological warfare. The book explores how absolute power corrupts absolutely, turning even love into a weapon .
Dark Desires and Forbidden Kinks
This isn’t your typical romance. The Ritual delves into extreme BDSM, breath play, knife play, and dub-con scenarios that will leave some readers squirming. Yet, for those who enjoy dark romance, these elements are executed in a way that feels organic to the characters’ twisted dynamic .
“Tell him, Blakely,” he urges. “Tell him about your fantasy of being raped.”
Survival in a World Without Rules
Blakely’s journey is ultimately about survival—whether she can outmaneuver the Lords or if she’ll be consumed by their darkness. The book’s climax is a brutal, bloody showdown that will leave you reeling.
Writing Style: A The Ritual Book Review Standout
Shantel Tessier’s prose is raw, visceral, and unapologetically dark. She doesn’t shy away from graphic violence or explicit sex, making every scene feel dangerously real. The pacing is relentless, with twists that hit like a punch to the gut.
Some readers may find the non-consensual elements and extreme kinks hard to stomach, but for fans of dark romance, this is part of the book’s allure. Tessier’s ability to make you root for a character as morally bankrupt as Ryat is a testament to her skill .
Strengths & Weaknesses
✔️ Strengths
- Unpredictable Plot – Just when you think you know where the story is going, Tessier throws a curveball.
- Complex Character Dynamics – Ryat and Blakely’s relationship is toxic yet magnetic.
- High Stakes – The tension never lets up, making it impossible to put down.
❌ Weaknesses
- Extreme Content – Not for everyone; readers sensitive to dub-con, violence, or dark kinks should steer clear.
- Over-the-Top Alpha Male – Ryat’s possessiveness borders on caricature at times.
What Readers Are Saying
⭐ 5 Stars (Goodreads): “This book was dark, twisted, and utterly addictive. Ryat is the kind of villain you can’t help but love.”
⭐ 4 Stars (Amazon): “The last 20% had me gasping—I did NOT see that ending coming!”
⭐ Mixed Feelings (Blog Review): “I had to put it down a few times because it was so intense, but I couldn’t stay away for long.”
Final Verdict: Should You Read The Ritual?
If you’re looking for a dark, taboo romance that doesn’t hold back, The Ritual is a must-read. It’s steamy, shocking, and utterly consuming, perfect for fans of Corrupt by Penelope Douglas or Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight.
But heed the trigger warnings—this book is not for the faint of heart. If you can handle the darkness, you’ll find one of the most unforgettable dark romances of the year.
Ready to Dive In?
📖 Grab your copy of The Ritual here and prepare to be obsessed.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A Dark Romance Masterpiece
Have you read The Ritual? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear if you survived the Lords’ world! 🔥
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