The Mortal Trials

A new dark and spicy epic romantasy debut, perfect for fans of Shield of Sparrows and Rose in Chains.

Every decade, thirteen humans from the Isles of Tarlor are forced to compete in a series of challenges called the Mortal Trials. Hosted by the elven, each one is more dangerous than the last. If you lose, you’re dead. But winning means immortality and everlasting glory – a feat only ever accomplished by one person.

Mistaken for someone else, Lirah is thrust into a foreign land to compete for her life. Survival won’t be easy, but she’s paired with a powerful mentor, Kilian Valhan, who is tasked with guiding her through the Trials.

Everything about Kilian is infuriating. He is brooding, intimidating and purposefully provoking. Even then, Lirah cannot deny the flame of attraction that burns bright between them.

The gods are stirring, and dark secrets will draw Lirah into the underbelly of elven conspiracy. And though enduring the Trials might tempt death, falling in love will prove fatal.“Unputdownable! The Mortal Trials enchants you with a sharp, insatiable magic that refuses to let go."
– Grace Morrow, author of We Become Darkness

"a spellbinding, high-stakes fantasy world with a smoldering, tension-filled romance that will have readers on the edge of their seats."
– Taylor Epperson, author of Second Time's a Charm

"Tense and immersive, Shunmugam paints a world divided by divine malice and elven torment where mortal survival threads to upend both. Rife with the best sort of physical and emotional sparring and an electrifying romance you can’t help but root for, this is a captivating debut and a journey I’ll be sure to keep following."
– Shalini Abeysekara, #1 Sunday Times Bestselling author of This Monster of Mine

"A fast-paced adventure that will thrill romantasy fans!"
– Rachael A. Edwards, author of the Threads of Fate duology

"it's everything romantasy readers want."
– Nicole Platania, author of the Curse of Ophelia sagaMegan Shunmugam is a conflicts lawyer, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantastical stories set in other worlds, featuring legendary creatures and epic love stories. Her favourite novels include The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Her favourite movies include Van Helsing and Stardust.