Trial by Fantasy: "All Us Villains", "The Princess Trials" & More

Fantasy literature has long been drawn to the dramatic potential of trials and competitions, using these high-stakes contests as powerful vehicles for exploring fundamental human experiences and values. These trials serve as microcosms where characters face not just external challenges but internal ones, forcing them to confront their own identity, morality, and beliefs. The controlled chaos of a magical competition provides a perfect crucible for character development, allowing authors to test their protagonists' limits while examining larger themes of justice, power, and social hierarchy.

Through these trials, fantasy authors can explore how competition brings out both the best and worst in humanity, reflecting real-world social pressures and systemic inequalities while still maintaining the escapist appeal of magical combat and strategy. The genre allows for spectacular displays of power and skill while grounding these moments in deeply personal stakes, creating stories that resonate with readers' own experiences of competition, choice, and growth.

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

This groundbreaking dystopian novel follows Katniss Everdeen, forced to participate in a televised battle to the death with other young tributes. While not traditionally magical, it established many tropes that influence modern competition fantasy. Collins masterfully uses the games to critique media spectacle, political control, and economic inequality. The personal stakes of survival interweave with larger themes of rebellion and social justice. High violence level (8/10) with detailed descriptions of death and injury. Notable for its impact on YA literature and social commentary. Content warnings for death, violence, trauma, and political oppression.

THE PRINCESS TRIALS by Cordelia K. Castel

A dystopian fantasy where commoner Zea enters brutal trials to compete for the prince's hand, only to uncover dark secrets about the kingdom. Castel combines romance tropes with survival challenges, exploring themes of class division and identity. Moderate violence (6/10) and moderate steam (5/10), balancing romantic elements with action. The book stands out for its blend of princess competition tropes with darker dystopian elements. Warnings for violence, class discrimination, and some romantic content.

LIGHT LARK by Alex Aster

Set on the mysterious Lite Isle, this fantasy follows six rulers competing in centennial games where victory means breaking their curses while loss equals death. Aster creates unique magical curses for each competitor, using them to explore themes of sacrifice and destiny. Moderate violence (6/10) and steam (5/10), with romantic subplots complementing the competition narrative. Notable for its creative curse system and complex character motivations. Content warnings for violence, death, and romantic content.

FROM THE MOUTH OF SIRENS by Jennifer Claywood

A richly crafted fantasy where young sirens compete in trials to prove their worth to an ancient goddess. Claywood offers a fresh take on siren mythology while exploring themes of voice, power, and divine judgment. The trials test both magical ability and moral character. Moderate violence (5/10) with psychological elements. Praised for its unique magical system and exploration of voice as power. Warnings for emotional manipulation and magical violence.

ALL OF US VILLAINS by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman

A dark fantasy where seven families must sacrifice a champion to compete in a magical tournament for control of their city's high magick. The authors brilliantly subvert chosen one tropes while examining how competition reveals character. High violence (8/10) with complex moral situations. Notable for its morally gray characters and examination of family legacy. Strong content warnings for violence, death, and moral ambiguity.

THE SERPENT AND THE WINGS OF NIGHT by Carissa Broadbent

Set in a world where vampires and humans maintain an uneasy peace, this fantasy follows Oraya competing in trials to win divine magic. Broadbent masterfully combines vampire mythology with competition tropes while exploring themes of identity and belonging. High steam (7/10) and violence (7/10), creating a mature narrative. Acclaimed for its unique world-building and complex romance. Warnings for blood, violence, and sexual content.

MONSTERS BORN AND MADE by Tanvi Berwah

In this South Asian-inspired fantasy, Koral hunts maristags to compete in the Glory Race while fighting against systemic oppression. Berwah uses the competition framework to examine class, privilege, and the cost of survival. High violence (7/10) with intense action sequences. Notable for its critique of social inequality and unique creature features. Content warnings for violence, class discrimination, and animal combat.

These books demonstrate how magical trials serve as powerful tools for exploring human nature, social systems, and personal growth. Through the heightened stakes and spectacular challenges of fantasy competitions, authors create compelling narratives that examine timeless themes while pushing characters to their physical and moral limits.