In Forged: Medallion Series Vol. 1, by Nicole Batey and Victoria Hulzinga, magic is a privilege, not a right, wielded only by the elite families of Hierathynn who control powerful Medallions. When a Council member dies without an heir, an Open Challenge is announced, offering a chance for outsiders to claim a seat of power. Rae Airynn, fueled by a decade-long thirst for vengeance, seizes this opportunity. But the arena is only the beginning of her trials. Deadly threats within the Council itself test her limits, forcing her to confront not only her enemies, but the moral compromises she's willing to make to achieve her goals. Survival, let alone victory, will demand sacrifices that could shatter everything she holds dear.
Review Forged
Wow, "Forged" completely blew me away! I went into it as my first read of the year, not knowing quite what to expect, and I'm so glad I took the plunge. This book is seriously gripping; the kind that makes you want to barricade yourself in a room with a giant mug of something warm and not emerge until you've devoured every last page. I can't say too much without spoiling the fun, but trust me, the plot is a masterclass in suspense. It's a whirlwind of twists and turns that kept me completely on the edge of my seat, constantly guessing what would happen next. One minute I thought I had things figured out, the next I was completely blindsided – and I loved every unpredictable moment.
The world-building is phenomenal. Batey and Hulzinga have crafted such a richly detailed and believable world, with its unique magic system and fascinating power dynamics. The concept of Medallions and the elite Council controlling magic is such a clever foundation; it instantly creates intrigue and sets the stage for some serious conflict. I found myself completely immersed in Rae's world, visually picturing the arenas, the Council grounds, and even the subtle details of the characters’ clothing and surroundings. It’s a testament to their skill that I felt so present in this fictional realm.
And the characters! Oh, the characters! Rae, especially, is a fantastic protagonist. She's complex, driven, and flawed in ways that make her incredibly relatable. Her journey is a captivating blend of revenge, self-discovery, and moral compromise – all of which resonated deeply with me. I found myself rooting for her fiercely, even when she made choices I questioned. I won't delve into the specifics of the supporting cast to avoid spoilers, but they all add to the rich tapestry of the story. Each character, even the seemingly minor ones, feels fully realised and contributes to the overall narrative in meaningful ways.
The pacing is absolutely perfect. There's never a dull moment; the narrative constantly propels you forward, keeping you engaged from beginning to end. I devoured it in just a few days – a true testament to how captivating the story is. I was completely invested in Rae's quest for vengeance, captivated by the political intrigue and desperate to find out what happened next. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, leaving you thinking about the characters and their choices. Frankly, I’m still reeling from the ending!
In short, "Forged" is a fantastic read. It's a thrilling adventure with a complex plot, memorable characters, and breathtaking world-building. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a strong female lead and a plot that keeps you guessing. The anticipation for book two is already killing me! 10/10, absolutely phenomenal.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.07 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 425
- Publication date: 2024
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