Creative Writing alumna releases dark academia romantasy with HarperCollins UK
21 November 2025
The Ordeals, the latest novel by bestselling fantasy author and English & Creative Writing BA(Hons) alumna, Rachel Greenlaw, is a dark academia romantasy that follows the story of an illusionist who competes in a series of deadly trials in order to claim her spot at an elite, magical college.
Published by HarperCollins UK, the novel is the first instalment in Rachel’s brand-new series, and has already been listed on the Waterstones top ten book chart and named as one of the best books of 2025 by Amazon Editors. Inspired by Cornwall’s atmospheric scenery, the novel combines popular romance tropes with captivating worldbuilding to create an addictive read that has been praised for its plot twists, high stakes and intriguing magic system.
The Ordeals is Rachel’s fifth novel, and follows the success of her previous work, with her novel The Woodsmoke Women’s Book of Spells having been placed on the coveted Waterstones’ ‘Best Romantasy Books of 2024’ list. We chatted with Rachel to learn more about how she went from studying creative writing at Falmouth to becoming a bestselling romantasy author.
The Ordeals has recently featured in the top ten Waterstones hardback book chart – congratulations! How has it been to see your book reach such success and see your name listed alongside writers such as Richard Osman and fellow romantasy author Stephanie Garber?
Thank you! What a dream to be featured, and to know readers are picking up my books. It still feels completely unreal that my stories are actual books that people are reading, and I love getting messages from readers.
What first inspired The Ordeals and what drew you towards the romantasy genre?
There were several strands of inspiration for the story that all came together in the draft. For instance, the setting is heavily inspired by St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, a tidal island that is cut off from the mainland at high tide. The magic system and world comes from my love of the fantasy genre, which I’ve read avidly since I was a child.
The premise began with a short pitch and grew from there. I really loved the idea of beginning in a city inspired by London, which is where you first discover the Collector and Sophia’s (the novel’s protagonist’s) known world, the city of Dinas Tar.
For me, romantasy is a celebration of accessible fantasy for readers who may not have ever gravitated to the fantasy genre before but get hooked in by the romance and realise romance plus magic is actually really fun! I love writing fantasy that stretches my imagination with strong, realistic characters and their relationships, whether they are romantic or friendships, so it’s the perfect genre for me.
Why do you think Cornwall is an inspiring place for writers?
It’s naturally so beautiful, with a rich history and landscape to explore, but also, it’s so quiet. You need the quiet to hear your own thoughts.
You studied English & Creative Writing BA(Hons) at Falmouth. How did you find your time as a student?
I loved studying at Falmouth, it’s such a positive, creative place. I really fell in love with writing during my time at Falmouth and it’s where I developed my voice. The wonderful thing about the course is that it introduces you to different formats; travel writing, plays, radio drama, poetry…so you can figure out what you are interested in.
You went from being a creative writing student to an author published with one of the big five, HarperCollins UK. What advice would you give to a writer with the same aspirations?
Don’t give up. I finished my course and thought I couldn’t possibly be a real author; it seemed totally beyond what I could achieve. But I began writing a manuscript years later and loved the process. Then I figured out how to query, how to revise, and went from there. Have conviction and confidence in your work, keep working on your craft and above all, never give up. You will hear the word ‘no’ so many times, and you’ll need to get used to that.
And finally, never stop reading. Read widely. Develop your voice, find your team and you’ll get there.
Your upcoming book, Starlight and Storm, is your sixth, the conclusion to your Compass and Blade series, and comes out in February 2026. What can you tell us about the book?
I actually can’t believe this will be the end of my first completed fantasy series! Starlight and Storm is the third and final book in the Compass and Blade trilogy, following Mira, Brielle and a third point of view character, Lowri, as they navigate the fallout of the cliffhanger ending of Shadow and Tide. It’s packed with action, adventure and romance, and I can’t wait to share it with readers in February.
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