Forged by Blood
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4.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
The first book in an action-packed, poignant duology inspired by Nigerian mythology
Dèmi just wants to survive: to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King’s brutal genocide of her people – the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright.
But when Dèmi’s misplaced trust costs her mother’s life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity – kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin’s – and Dèmi’s – distress.
The kidnapping is now a joint mission: to return to the king, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi’s magic is growing yet uncertain, and it’s not clear if she can trust the two men at her side.
A tale of rebellion and redemption, race and class, love and betrayal, FORGED BY BLOOD is epic fantasy at its finest, from an enthusiastic, emerging voice.
Reviews
'The beautifully depicted magical processes are completely captivating, and the action, of which there is plenty, is extremely gripping'
THE CAMBRIDGE EDITION
About the author
Ehigbor Okosun (Eh-hee-bor Oh-koh-soon), or just Ehi, is an Austin-based author who writes speculative fiction, mystery thrillers, and contemporary novels for adult and YA audiences. A British private school survivor turned Nigerian-American immigrant, she hopes to do justice to the myths and traditions she grew up steeped in, and to honour her large, multiracial and multiethnic family. She is a graduate of the University of Texas with degrees in Plan II Honours, Neurolinguistics, and English, as well as Chemistry and Pre-Medical studies and is a Cynthia Leitich Smith Mentorship Award finalist. When she’s not reading, you can catch her bullet journalling, gaming, baking, and spending time with her loved ones.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Okosun's stunning debut puts a Nigerian spin on epic fantasy tropes to create an addictive tale of political intrigue, love, loss, betrayal, and magic. Nine-year-old Dèmi was born during a time of transition, when the queen of Ifé was replaced by a king who fears and hates hereditary magic users, called Oluso, leading to an ongoing genocide. Dèmi, an Oluso herself, assists with her mother's forbidden but necessary magical healing work—until she is forced to flee their village after they are betrayed by a former client, leading to her mother's death. Nine years later, the politician Lord Ekwenski tasks Dèmi with kidnapping the crown prince as part of his scheme to rise in power and become a voice for the Oluso on the king's council. This dangerous mission is complicated, however, when Dèmi discovers a surprising connection—and attraction—to the prince and uncovers secrets about her family's past and her own powers. Okosun's elaborate worldbuilding is lavishly detailed and meticulously constructed, but it never feels overwhelming. The result is an impressive and refreshingly original page-turner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the second volume.
Customer Reviews
A lot was in this story
The prose in it a lot of the time was quite good, and I loved the way the African spirits were described, and the culture, the food, and world-building. But I think the story needed WORK. I hated the love triangle honestly, and Colin has so much toxic masculinity for my taste. Jonas is okay, but again they have only know each other for a few days in their whole lives which makes their “romance” way too quick imo. Also hate the whole “mate” thing, it was too tropey in the most awkward way. Demi is okay, but her character felt a bit all over the place. The first 50 pages were AWESOME. But after that it felt so rushed. Also there were so many characters to keep up with, and the Star Wars-sequel family drama was so confusing to follow along with where I didn’t feel I got time to breath on what actually happened. Also the power usage/system for some characters did not make sense, the author wasn’t clear on if the Osulo could have more than one power, and Demi turned out having like 4?? I don’t plan to read book 2. Looking forward to reading raybearer because I have heard that series is actually a solid read.