Forged in Shadow by Megan Haskell

Forged in Shadow (The War of the Nine Faerie Realms, #1)

by Megan Haskell

In the chaos of war, not all heroes shine. Some must rise from shadows to claim the light.

As the youngest son of the greatest smith of the fae, Curuthannor should be aspiring to the forge. Instead, he would rather wield a blade than craft one. When the high elf king commissions a powerful enchanted sword requiring iron found only in the subterranean goblin mines of the Shadow Realm, Curuthannor seizes the opportunity to earn a place in the smithy that doesn’t require a hammer. But when dark elf treachery interferes, the lives of his entire family could be at risk...for the high elf king is unmerciful and will not suffer disobedience.

Especially from his own daughter.

Lhéwen is honored to be the only handmaiden selected to attend the high elf princess on what she believes is a diplomatic delegation to the dark elf king. She doesn’t realize it could be a one-way trip. While the princess forges an escape from the high elf king’s ruthless will, Lhéwen is trapped in a foreign land. Betrayed and alone, Lhéwen discovers it is her own quiet power that may free—or doom—them all.

For when the pen fails, the sword will take its place.

Forged in Shadow is the first book in the thrilling new epic fantasy trilogy by award-winning author, Megan Haskell. Set in the same universe as The Sanyare Chronicles, this is the story of the Great War between the nine faerie realms. If you like sweeping vistas, unexpected heroes, and world-shattering stakes, you’ll love this battle between Shadow and Light.

Reviewed by Ashley on

4 of 5 stars

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4.5 stars.

I loved the story and political manoeuvring. Curuthannor and Garamaen in particular were excellent characters. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

My one complaint is I feel like the book was a little longer than necessary. There were a couple times when I was like, "okay, hurry up, I'd like to see something other than scheming for a while." I was ready to move on to actual actions and events rather than just the build up to those actions.

But overall this was excellent. I loved the world and characters.

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Reading updates

  • 16 April, 2020: Started reading
  • 23 April, 2020: Finished reading
  • 24 April, 2020: Reviewed