Forged by Blood (The Tainted by Blood Duology, #1)

by Ehigbor Okosun

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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.

FairyLoot pick for the adult August 2023 book box. This edition has:

  • An exclusive cover
  • A digital sprayed edge with a block sprayed top and bottom edge
  • A full colour design with foil details on the hardcover by @blanca.design
  • A reversible dust jacket and foiled endpaper art by @rosalynnarts
  • A digital signature
  • Bonus content
  • ISBN13 9780008615895
  • Publish Date 17 August 2023 (first published 8 August 2023)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Publish Country GB
  • Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
  • Imprint HarperVoyager