Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun

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

by Ehigbor Okosun

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.

Reviewed by ayla_abbott on

2 of 5 stars

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Teenagers as main characters are so infuriating sometimes. Really cool characters and really cool story, but I don't think I'll read the second one just because I can't deal with being in the head of somebody who just charges in without for a second thinking for a second. That might be a character growth point yet to come.

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  • Started reading
  • 23 June, 2024: Finished reading
  • 23 June, 2024: Reviewed