The Ritual Book Review: A Dark Romance That Pushes Boundaries
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Dark romance is not meant to be comfortable. It exists to explore the shadows—desire mixed with danger, attraction tangled with fear, and love that doesn’t follow the rules. The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is a novel that fully embraces this idea. It doesn’t soften its edges or apologize for its darkness. Instead, it leans into it, creating a story that is intense, unsettling, and unforgettable.
This is not a book for casual romance readers. The Ritual is written for those who actively seek morally gray characters, secret societies, and relationships that challenge traditional ideas of consent, power, and control. In this review, we’ll explore the story, themes, characters, and overall reading experience—without spoilers—to help you decide whether The Ritual is worth reading.
What Is The Ritual About?
The Ritual is the first book in The L.O.R.D.S. series, a dark romance series centered around an elite, secretive group of powerful men bound by tradition, loyalty, and violence. The story revolves around a brutal coming-of-age ritual that determines power, ownership, and hierarchy within this hidden world.
At its heart, the novel explores obsession, dominance, and the dangerous line between desire and control. The romance is not sweet or comforting—it is raw, intense, and deliberately uncomfortable at times.
Rather than focusing on external plot twists alone, Shantel Tessier builds tension through psychological pressure, emotional manipulation, and unspoken rules that govern the characters’ lives.
A Dark Romance That Doesn’t Hold Back
One thing The Ritual makes very clear early on is this: it is not trying to please everyone. The book embraces dark romance conventions fully, including power imbalance, morally questionable behavior, and emotionally charged situations.
Readers who enjoy this genre often look for stories that push limits—and The Ritual does exactly that. However, it does so with purpose. The darkness isn’t included for shock value alone; it is woven into the characters’ identities and the world they inhabit.
This makes the story feel immersive rather than exploitative.
Character Analysis
The Female Protagonist
The female lead is not portrayed as weak, but she is vulnerable. She is forced into circumstances beyond her control, navigating a world ruled by men who see power as a currency. Her internal conflict—fear mixed with attraction, resistance mixed with curiosity—feels raw and realistic.
Rather than instantly accepting her situation, she struggles against it emotionally, which adds depth to her character and makes her journey compelling.
The Male Lead
The male protagonist is dominant, ruthless, and unapologetically controlling. He is not written to be universally likable, and that is intentional. Shantel Tessier does not romanticize his actions blindly. Instead, she presents a character whose power is both alluring and terrifying.
This moral ambiguity is one of the strongest elements of The Ritual. Readers are not asked to excuse his behavior—only to understand it within the context of the story.
Themes Explored in The Ritual
1. Power and Control
Power is the central theme of The Ritual. From secret rituals to unspoken hierarchies, the novel constantly examines who holds power and how it is exercised. Control is not always physical—often it is psychological, emotional, and deeply ingrained in tradition.
2. Obsession vs. Love
Rather than presenting love as gentle or selfless, the book explores obsession—how desire can become consuming, possessive, and dangerous. This theme may be uncomfortable for some readers, but it is handled intentionally and consistently.
3. Choice and Agency
Although the characters exist within rigid systems, The Ritual repeatedly questions what choice really means when options are limited. This adds emotional weight to decisions and consequences throughout the story.
Writing Style and Pacing
Shantel Tessier’s writing style is direct and immersive. She does not rely on overly poetic language; instead, she uses sharp dialogue and internal monologue to convey tension.
The pacing is steady, with moments of slow psychological buildup followed by intense emotional payoffs. This balance keeps readers engaged without overwhelming them.
For American readers familiar with dark romance tropes, the writing feels confident and deliberate.
Is The Ritual Easy to Read?
From a technical standpoint, yes. The prose is clear and accessible.
Emotionally, however, the book can be challenging. Some scenes are intense and may not be suitable for all readers. This is not a story to skim—it requires emotional investment and a willingness to engage with difficult themes.
Who Should Read The Ritual?
The Ritual is ideal for readers who:
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Enjoy dark romance with high intensity
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Are comfortable with morally gray characters
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Like secret societies and elite power structures
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Prefer emotionally heavy, character-driven stories
If you’ve enjoyed other dark romance novels that explore dominance and control, this book will likely appeal to you.
Who Should Avoid It?
You may want to skip The Ritual if you:
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Prefer light or sweet romance
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Dislike power imbalance themes
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Are uncomfortable with dark or triggering content
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Expect traditional romantic dynamics
Being honest about this helps ensure the book reaches the right audience.
Pros and Cons of The Ritual
✅ Pros
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Intense, immersive atmosphere
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Strong dark romance themes
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Complex, morally gray characters
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Well-developed secret society concept
⚠️ Cons
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Not suitable for sensitive readers
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Heavy emotional content
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Dark themes may feel overwhelming for some
How The Ritual Stands Out in Dark Romance
What sets The Ritual apart is its commitment to its tone. It does not dilute its darkness to appeal to a broader audience. Instead, it embraces its niche and delivers a focused, unapologetic story.
This makes it particularly appealing to experienced dark romance readers who are looking for something bold rather than familiar.
Is The Ritual Worth Reading?
If you actively seek dark romance that explores power, obsession, and emotional intensity, yes—The Ritual is worth reading.
It is not a comfort read. It is a challenging, provocative novel that stays with you long after you finish it. For the right reader, that is exactly the appeal.
Final Verdict
The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is a dark romance novel that does not compromise. It explores difficult themes with intention and confidence, offering a story that is disturbing, compelling, and emotionally complex.
For readers who understand and appreciate the genre, The Ritual delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience.
