“The Ritual” by Shantel Tessier – An Audiobook Review
⭐ Rating: 2.75/5
Year Published: 2021
Genre: Dark Romance, Erotica
Page Count: 606 (16hr)
Narrator: Aiden Snow & Meg Sylvan (Duet Narration)
Quick Summary
A dark, secret-society romance packed with power plays, possessiveness, and plenty of spice, The Ritual follows Ryat and Blakely as they navigate a world of ritualistic control, dangerous traditions, and intense chemistry. While the premise holds promise, the execution falls flat due to a lack of character depth and a plot that seems more concerned with fitting in steamy scenes than delivering a compelling story.
What I Liked
Duet Narration: While the story itself didn’t grab me, the audiobook narration was well done, with the duet format enhancing the experience.
The Smut Delivered: If you’re looking for a book that prioritizes spice, The Ritual undeniably brings the heat.
What Didn’t Work for Me
No Character Development: Ryat and Blakely felt flat and one-dimensional, making it difficult to connect with or care about their journey. Their relationship lacked the emotional depth to make the stakes feel meaningful.
Plot? What Plot?: The storyline felt like an afterthought, serving more as a vehicle for endless steamy scenes rather than a structured, engaging narrative.
Excessive Song References: Once again, an author assuming their readers share their taste in music—a major pet peeve. Name-dropping songs doesn’t build atmosphere if the reader doesn’t know (or like) them. Describe the music instead!
Will I Continue the Series?
Despite my issues with The Ritual, I might give the next book a chance, as it seems to be the most popular in the series. The smut was undeniably well-written, so if the sequel brings better characters and plot, I’d be willing to reconsider my stance.
Who Should Read This?
If you’re looking for high spice, dark romance tropes, and don’t mind a lack of deep character arcs or storytelling, The Ritual might still be worth checking out. But if you need strong character development, engaging plot, or emotional stakes, this one may disappoint.
Final Thoughts
While The Ritual had potential, it ultimately felt hollow, relying too heavily on spice without developing its characters or story. A solid audiobook production and well-executed steam were the only highlights, but the lack of depth, overwhelming song references, and paper-thin character arcs made it difficult to fully enjoy. Here’s hoping the next book does a better job.
