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Shackled Steel #1
Rise of the Forgehearts
R-0’s existence has always been dedicated to one simple directive: protect the king. Like all the constructs, they complete their orders without thought or feeling. But when a magical phenomena sweeps over Haiden, the constructs transform from mindless metal to fully sentient beings.
Now R-0 sees the world through new eyes. Beauty, curiosity, and endless questions that used to be out of reach now overwhelm them. Despite their potential, not everyone views the change favorably. The organics they used to serve fear what the constructs have become and what they may be plotting. When constructs begin disappearing, Haiden’s council sees it as proof of the constructs’ nefarious intentions and threatens to decommission them all.
While navigating their newfound thoughts and feelings, R-0 must solve the mystery of the missing constructs–even if the truth may put the king they’ve sworn to protect in danger. Because if they fail, the constructs’ lives could be over as quickly as they began.
Now R-0 sees the world through new eyes. Beauty, curiosity, and endless questions that used to be out of reach now overwhelm them. Despite their potential, not everyone views the change favorably. The organics they used to serve fear what the constructs have become and what they may be plotting. When constructs begin disappearing, Haiden’s council sees it as proof of the constructs’ nefarious intentions and threatens to decommission them all.
While navigating their newfound thoughts and feelings, R-0 must solve the mystery of the missing constructs–even if the truth may put the king they’ve sworn to protect in danger. Because if they fail, the constructs’ lives could be over as quickly as they began.
- GenresFantasy
406 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2024
6 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Emily Huffman
6 books76 followersEmily Huffman is the author of The Shattered Trilogy, an epic fantasy series. Before becoming an author, she worked in fraud—but now she leaves stopping the bad guys to her characters. If she’s not writing, you might find her cosplaying at various conventions, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or playing video games/board games!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 3, 2024
Rise of the Forgehearts, Book 1 in the Shackled Steel by Emily Huffman, is a treasure trove of uniqueness. The blend of steampunk, magic, and sci-fi creates a world unlike any other. The characters, especially R-0, are beautifully crafted and their journey is a testament to the power of storytelling. When I applied for Emily's ARC, I had a feeling this book would be special, and it truly exceeded my expectations.
The Rise of the Forgehearts is a book that will make you feel, think, and question some universal truths. One of the most intriguing aspects is the exploration of 'sentience '. The book raises questions such as: how can we define humanity (or sentience)? And who has the right to it? These musings add a layer of depth to the narrative that I found truly captivating.
In a world ruled by humans, powered by a unique blend of magic and technology, most work is being carried on by constructs, non-sentient beings created by humans as a means of assistance. But, one fateful night, everything changes. Call it faith, call it a gift from gods, but all the constructs are gifted with sentience. And from that night on, nothing is ever the same for the constructs and their creators.
In the center of it all is R-0, a royal construct designed to protect the King. We see the world through R-0 eyes; we navigate a world so completely new and different to them, a world where they feel, they hurt, they question the actions taken by them and the others, they learn about humans, their thoughts, greed, thirst for power, but also about friendship and pure, honest feelings. Though it all, their mission never changes – to protect the King. Even without being bound by magic to do so, R-0 never steps down from their role; they simply amplify it with their thought process and feelings. The King is more than a king; he is a person, a friend, and someone who understands.
Amidst this profound exploration of humanity, R-0 is also on a quest to unravel the mystery of the missing constructs. Is it the fear of the unknown that drives humans, or is it a relentless thirst for power? Emily keeps us readers on the edge as R-0, the ultimate protector, grapples with his role and the potential consequences of his actions.
Rise of the Forgehearts is more than a steampunk meets magic with a dash of sci-fi. It is a universal story that tells the tale of humanity and sentience, of everything good and evil that can come of it, of true and honest feelings. The emotional journey of R-0 and the constructs is so beautifully portrayed that it had me in tears by the end of the book. R-0 is a beautiful example of how we can learn and grow, try to be and do better, and try to make our choices and deal with the consequences. We all need an R-0 in our lives to make us think and question the world around us, at least a little bit.
The journey of R-0 and the constructs is far from over, and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel. I can't wait to see what new challenges and revelations await them. I am confident that Emily will continue to weave the story with the same masterful touch that she did in Rise of the Forgehearts, leaving us all wanting more. If you're a fan of fantasy, steampunk, and sci-fi, this is a series you don't want to miss.
The Rise of the Forgehearts is a book that will make you feel, think, and question some universal truths. One of the most intriguing aspects is the exploration of 'sentience '. The book raises questions such as: how can we define humanity (or sentience)? And who has the right to it? These musings add a layer of depth to the narrative that I found truly captivating.
In a world ruled by humans, powered by a unique blend of magic and technology, most work is being carried on by constructs, non-sentient beings created by humans as a means of assistance. But, one fateful night, everything changes. Call it faith, call it a gift from gods, but all the constructs are gifted with sentience. And from that night on, nothing is ever the same for the constructs and their creators.
In the center of it all is R-0, a royal construct designed to protect the King. We see the world through R-0 eyes; we navigate a world so completely new and different to them, a world where they feel, they hurt, they question the actions taken by them and the others, they learn about humans, their thoughts, greed, thirst for power, but also about friendship and pure, honest feelings. Though it all, their mission never changes – to protect the King. Even without being bound by magic to do so, R-0 never steps down from their role; they simply amplify it with their thought process and feelings. The King is more than a king; he is a person, a friend, and someone who understands.
Amidst this profound exploration of humanity, R-0 is also on a quest to unravel the mystery of the missing constructs. Is it the fear of the unknown that drives humans, or is it a relentless thirst for power? Emily keeps us readers on the edge as R-0, the ultimate protector, grapples with his role and the potential consequences of his actions.
Rise of the Forgehearts is more than a steampunk meets magic with a dash of sci-fi. It is a universal story that tells the tale of humanity and sentience, of everything good and evil that can come of it, of true and honest feelings. The emotional journey of R-0 and the constructs is so beautifully portrayed that it had me in tears by the end of the book. R-0 is a beautiful example of how we can learn and grow, try to be and do better, and try to make our choices and deal with the consequences. We all need an R-0 in our lives to make us think and question the world around us, at least a little bit.
The journey of R-0 and the constructs is far from over, and I am eagerly awaiting the sequel. I can't wait to see what new challenges and revelations await them. I am confident that Emily will continue to weave the story with the same masterful touch that she did in Rise of the Forgehearts, leaving us all wanting more. If you're a fan of fantasy, steampunk, and sci-fi, this is a series you don't want to miss.
April 29, 2024
Ripped my heart out and made me cry and now lives rent free in my head.
September 21, 2024
Find this review and more on my blog at
Worlds Unlike Our Own
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A huge thank you to the author, Emily Huffman for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Construct R-0’s purpose has always been clear – to protect the king, and they obey this directive without question or thought, just like all constructs. But when stars fall from the sky over Haiden, the constructs are affected by a magical phenomena that essentially renders them sentient. They can now think, feel and question, but the people they used to serve are less than pleased with the turn of events and now look upon them with suspicion and fear of what they may be capable of. When the newly sentient constructs begin to disappear, the council is sure they are plotting, and is determined to decommission them all. R-0 and the king begin to investigate while also trying to get people to accept the change but that is easier said than done. As the situation steadily becomes worse, R-0 must not only understand the new free will they have but also figure out what is happening to the constructs, even if the truth will place the king they are sworn to protect in danger.
I want to thank the author again for putting this book on my radar! The premise sounded unlike anything I’ve ever read before and I was curious to see what this book would be like.
This was such a fascinating read! The plot centered mostly around R-0, a robot, who suddenly gains sentience, and works to come to terms with their new existence.
The world building was pretty good, and all the detailed explanation about how the constructs were built and why was well laid out without feeling like an info dump. The magic system was also described well but it needed a little more depth in my opinion as not much else was discussed outside of its connection to the constructs. I also found it odd that there was so much detail about the gods worshipped in this world at the beginning, but they didn’t play much of a role in the plot aside from being mentioned by some of the characters. Maybe it’ll be relevant in the sequel?
A significant portion of this book involved the political and social consequences of the constructs being awakened and the troubles the king faced with his council over what to do about it, and this added an interesting layer of intrigue to it all.
I found the pacing to be a little slow at times, but overall, the story kept moving and held my attention right until the end. The writing was good and the narrative flowed smoothly, however, I will say that this book was much longer than it needed to be, and I felt several parts could have been condensed.
The characters were engaging, most of all R-0 who was absolutely adorable! I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in the fate of a robot character and the way they work through the fact that they can now think, feel and even have opinions was really well written and so moving. I loved how many of the constructs developed their own personality and manner of speech, even giving themselves new names that they felt suited them better than their robot designation. They had been built to obey but learned to shake that off and take a stand against those oppressing them. R-0’s arc in particular was marvellous and their gradual change in personality was written in a manner that was so natural.
The twist in those final chapters was definitely not one I saw coming and it had me at the edge of my seat! This book tied up the central plot points neatly, but has also set the stage for a sequel.
Overall, Rise of the Forgehearts was a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking read. I would highly recommend this book!
A huge thank you to the author, Emily Huffman for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Construct R-0’s purpose has always been clear – to protect the king, and they obey this directive without question or thought, just like all constructs. But when stars fall from the sky over Haiden, the constructs are affected by a magical phenomena that essentially renders them sentient. They can now think, feel and question, but the people they used to serve are less than pleased with the turn of events and now look upon them with suspicion and fear of what they may be capable of. When the newly sentient constructs begin to disappear, the council is sure they are plotting, and is determined to decommission them all. R-0 and the king begin to investigate while also trying to get people to accept the change but that is easier said than done. As the situation steadily becomes worse, R-0 must not only understand the new free will they have but also figure out what is happening to the constructs, even if the truth will place the king they are sworn to protect in danger.
I want to thank the author again for putting this book on my radar! The premise sounded unlike anything I’ve ever read before and I was curious to see what this book would be like.
This was such a fascinating read! The plot centered mostly around R-0, a robot, who suddenly gains sentience, and works to come to terms with their new existence.
The world building was pretty good, and all the detailed explanation about how the constructs were built and why was well laid out without feeling like an info dump. The magic system was also described well but it needed a little more depth in my opinion as not much else was discussed outside of its connection to the constructs. I also found it odd that there was so much detail about the gods worshipped in this world at the beginning, but they didn’t play much of a role in the plot aside from being mentioned by some of the characters. Maybe it’ll be relevant in the sequel?
A significant portion of this book involved the political and social consequences of the constructs being awakened and the troubles the king faced with his council over what to do about it, and this added an interesting layer of intrigue to it all.
I found the pacing to be a little slow at times, but overall, the story kept moving and held my attention right until the end. The writing was good and the narrative flowed smoothly, however, I will say that this book was much longer than it needed to be, and I felt several parts could have been condensed.
The characters were engaging, most of all R-0 who was absolutely adorable! I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in the fate of a robot character and the way they work through the fact that they can now think, feel and even have opinions was really well written and so moving. I loved how many of the constructs developed their own personality and manner of speech, even giving themselves new names that they felt suited them better than their robot designation. They had been built to obey but learned to shake that off and take a stand against those oppressing them. R-0’s arc in particular was marvellous and their gradual change in personality was written in a manner that was so natural.
The twist in those final chapters was definitely not one I saw coming and it had me at the edge of my seat! This book tied up the central plot points neatly, but has also set the stage for a sequel.
Overall, Rise of the Forgehearts was a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking read. I would highly recommend this book!
May 12, 2024
One evening, stars fall from the sky and one takes residence within R-0 giving him feelings and emotions known as Starbirth. Now, the constructs seem to have a mind of their own. Humans and other beings who have always used them for work are scared and constructs have gone missing.
R-0 has always had one mission, and that is to protect the king. R-0 and the king start trying to help everyone accept the change as well as investigate the missing constructs, which is proving very difficult, and wonder whether they’ll be able to help everyone embrace the change or not.
This is a very moving book. It’s about a construct who gains feelings and emotions. They’re confused at first and still act the same and are obedient, but then will randomly speak up about something and wonders what’s wrong with themselves. Well, there’s nothing wrong with them, they just don’t understand these feelings they have and that they could be more now and be treated differently.
The oppression against the constructs was sad to read, and yet moving when there are those who wouldn’t back down and were determined to be their own person. It was sad to see humanity and the way they treated something that is a machine with feelings like they did in here.
R-0 seemed to have the harder time coming to terms that they were different now. So, their journey was the most pivotal, especially at the end.
I only wish the world building was more detailed. If you’ve not read this author’s other trilogy, I think this world could seem confusing. I have read the other trilogy and I still find the world confusing. However, the story and plot itself is very good and well done.
I do recommend this book! It’s very different and moving. It’s a high fantasy with scifi elements sprinkled into it.
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
R-0 has always had one mission, and that is to protect the king. R-0 and the king start trying to help everyone accept the change as well as investigate the missing constructs, which is proving very difficult, and wonder whether they’ll be able to help everyone embrace the change or not.
This is a very moving book. It’s about a construct who gains feelings and emotions. They’re confused at first and still act the same and are obedient, but then will randomly speak up about something and wonders what’s wrong with themselves. Well, there’s nothing wrong with them, they just don’t understand these feelings they have and that they could be more now and be treated differently.
The oppression against the constructs was sad to read, and yet moving when there are those who wouldn’t back down and were determined to be their own person. It was sad to see humanity and the way they treated something that is a machine with feelings like they did in here.
R-0 seemed to have the harder time coming to terms that they were different now. So, their journey was the most pivotal, especially at the end.
I only wish the world building was more detailed. If you’ve not read this author’s other trilogy, I think this world could seem confusing. I have read the other trilogy and I still find the world confusing. However, the story and plot itself is very good and well done.
I do recommend this book! It’s very different and moving. It’s a high fantasy with scifi elements sprinkled into it.
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2024
Emily Huffman's "Rise of the Forgehearts" is a decent first-in-a-series novel.
R-0, known as "a construct", is introduced while protecting their king, but something unusual occurs: stars falling from the sky enter the chests of all the constructs, causing an Awakening. This becomes an enormous problem for the organics (humans), the ones who use the constructs for menial (and worse) tasks. Some are even in the king's army. When the constructs become aware, many are frightened and try to flee. This, of course sets off a chain of events where many of the organics capture and imprison the constructs until they can be "decommissioned".
R-0 and the king set out to discover why it all happened, and to help the constructs come to terms with their newfound awakening, but someone else has far worse ideas for the constructs, someone who wants a sort-of back door to the magic of the realm.
I like R-0; they are immensely loyal and kind, until they need to defend themself or the king. R-0 wants to help others realize that their king is doing all he can to keep the council from destroying constructs. They meet several constructs who have renamed themselves, and I wonder of R-0 will call themself something different in the sequel.
I was surprised at who the real "bad guys" were in the story, and wonder who else will champion the constructs going forward?
The writing is excellent, despite some slow parts. I appreciated the guide to the gods and goddesses at the beginning. There are some depictions of death for constructs and organics, but over all, I was left with a feeling of hope. I've already recommended this book to two of my sons, and am looking forward to the second one.
This review was given after I was chosen to read and review by Cozy Mystery Review Crew.
R-0, known as "a construct", is introduced while protecting their king, but something unusual occurs: stars falling from the sky enter the chests of all the constructs, causing an Awakening. This becomes an enormous problem for the organics (humans), the ones who use the constructs for menial (and worse) tasks. Some are even in the king's army. When the constructs become aware, many are frightened and try to flee. This, of course sets off a chain of events where many of the organics capture and imprison the constructs until they can be "decommissioned".
R-0 and the king set out to discover why it all happened, and to help the constructs come to terms with their newfound awakening, but someone else has far worse ideas for the constructs, someone who wants a sort-of back door to the magic of the realm.
I like R-0; they are immensely loyal and kind, until they need to defend themself or the king. R-0 wants to help others realize that their king is doing all he can to keep the council from destroying constructs. They meet several constructs who have renamed themselves, and I wonder of R-0 will call themself something different in the sequel.
I was surprised at who the real "bad guys" were in the story, and wonder who else will champion the constructs going forward?
The writing is excellent, despite some slow parts. I appreciated the guide to the gods and goddesses at the beginning. There are some depictions of death for constructs and organics, but over all, I was left with a feeling of hope. I've already recommended this book to two of my sons, and am looking forward to the second one.
This review was given after I was chosen to read and review by Cozy Mystery Review Crew.
October 13, 2024
This story will like rent free in my head until the end of time, it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me question some fundamental ideals, it was great!
This story follows a Robot named R-0, they work in the palace as a Royal Construct protecting the King, they do not question anything they do, they just live a mindless existence just doing as they are told.
Until a mysterious light comes down from the sky like, gifts from the universe, floating into the chest of every Construct around the City, giving them Sentience. What went from a dull emotionless servitude, was now a reality where choice and free will are something these new beings need to figure out for themselves.
But as they are both the servants and make up the majority of the working class, there are Humans that don’t want to let them go, and will do almost anything to either get rid of the Constructs as a whole, due to the danger they represent, or to get their mindless servants back so they can go back to their privileged lives.
As someone who saw a lot of herself in R-0, with their dry humor and black-and-white outlook on life, it was so refreshing to feel like I really understood and resonated with a character. They had to come into their own, form opinions for themselves, all while trying to protect those you care about and learn where they stand in the universe. This book put my heart back together only to rip it back out, and then put it back together again. 5 ⭐️‘s
Thank you to Emily Huffman for writing this incredible story and sharing it with us.
This story follows a Robot named R-0, they work in the palace as a Royal Construct protecting the King, they do not question anything they do, they just live a mindless existence just doing as they are told.
Until a mysterious light comes down from the sky like, gifts from the universe, floating into the chest of every Construct around the City, giving them Sentience. What went from a dull emotionless servitude, was now a reality where choice and free will are something these new beings need to figure out for themselves.
But as they are both the servants and make up the majority of the working class, there are Humans that don’t want to let them go, and will do almost anything to either get rid of the Constructs as a whole, due to the danger they represent, or to get their mindless servants back so they can go back to their privileged lives.
As someone who saw a lot of herself in R-0, with their dry humor and black-and-white outlook on life, it was so refreshing to feel like I really understood and resonated with a character. They had to come into their own, form opinions for themselves, all while trying to protect those you care about and learn where they stand in the universe. This book put my heart back together only to rip it back out, and then put it back together again. 5 ⭐️‘s
Thank you to Emily Huffman for writing this incredible story and sharing it with us.
May 11, 2024
First off thank you so much to the author Emily Huffman for providing me with a free ARC. This is an honest review for Rise of the Forgehearts and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rise of the Forgehearts is the first book in Emily Huffman’s new series Shackled Steel. I really appreciate that each of the four books will be interconnected standalone!
The main character R-0 is a construct whose main directive is to protect the king. Then a magical phenomena happens and R-0 becomes sentient and must come to terms with suddenly having thoughts, feelings and curiosity.
This is the second book I’ve read by Emily and I love how atmospheric her storytelling is. The world building is fantastic and the characters are so intriguing and lovable. R-0 is an amazing character and the journey they go on is heartwarming. I loved the themes surrounding sentience and that this book is heavily focused on the characters and not centered around the action. The pace was slow but I didn’t mind it, I felt like I had time to sit with R-0 and watch their growth. This book really has it all. Magic, steampunk vibes, sci-fi elements, emotional moments, action, political intrigue and a dash of mystery. I recommend checking out this book if you want a fun, magical, steampunk novel!
Rise of the Forgehearts is the first book in Emily Huffman’s new series Shackled Steel. I really appreciate that each of the four books will be interconnected standalone!
The main character R-0 is a construct whose main directive is to protect the king. Then a magical phenomena happens and R-0 becomes sentient and must come to terms with suddenly having thoughts, feelings and curiosity.
This is the second book I’ve read by Emily and I love how atmospheric her storytelling is. The world building is fantastic and the characters are so intriguing and lovable. R-0 is an amazing character and the journey they go on is heartwarming. I loved the themes surrounding sentience and that this book is heavily focused on the characters and not centered around the action. The pace was slow but I didn’t mind it, I felt like I had time to sit with R-0 and watch their growth. This book really has it all. Magic, steampunk vibes, sci-fi elements, emotional moments, action, political intrigue and a dash of mystery. I recommend checking out this book if you want a fun, magical, steampunk novel!
September 27, 2024
I honestly don't know where to start with this review, so how about this: This book is amazing! It truly is. It's a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, and is just such a great story!
This is a world with AIs, of which main character R-0 is one. The fun starts when something happens, and the artificial beings gain sentience. This brings up lots of talk in the book (and thinking on the part of the reader) about what qualifies a being as "human" or "sentient". We follow along as R-0 starts experiencing the world and being able to react to it. The character study here is amazing as we watch R-0 discover themselves and their world. The premise provides a unique opportunity to explore what it truly means to "find yourself".
R-O must also solve the mystery of what is happening to some of the other former AIs that have gone missing. Combine this with trying to work out how (or if) to continue honoring their intial "prime directive" of protecting the king no matter what, and you've got a wonderful, intricate, thoughtful story.
Please read this one! Don't let the "sci-fi" tag keep you from giving it a try; this book is so much more than "just" a sci-fi novel, and so very worth reading. I'm still thinking about it a week after I finished!
This is a world with AIs, of which main character R-0 is one. The fun starts when something happens, and the artificial beings gain sentience. This brings up lots of talk in the book (and thinking on the part of the reader) about what qualifies a being as "human" or "sentient". We follow along as R-0 starts experiencing the world and being able to react to it. The character study here is amazing as we watch R-0 discover themselves and their world. The premise provides a unique opportunity to explore what it truly means to "find yourself".
R-O must also solve the mystery of what is happening to some of the other former AIs that have gone missing. Combine this with trying to work out how (or if) to continue honoring their intial "prime directive" of protecting the king no matter what, and you've got a wonderful, intricate, thoughtful story.
Please read this one! Don't let the "sci-fi" tag keep you from giving it a try; this book is so much more than "just" a sci-fi novel, and so very worth reading. I'm still thinking about it a week after I finished!
December 4, 2025
*Disclaimer that I’m lucky enough to know the author personally as a friend.*
“How far away is the sun?”
“Unreachable. And right in the palm of our hands.”
Rise of the Forgehearts blends magic and machinery is a sort of “arcane-punk” aesthetic that tackles questions about the boundaries and definition of humanity itself. Science fiction properties often explore that trope through common vehicles like androids and AI, and Huffman’s novel puts those themes through more of a fantasy backdrop via arcane constructs, which is a refreshing and unique take. The story is focused around one central mystery that unfolds and develops alongside the many characters, always keeping you guessing while never being too complex to where the reader can’t develop a few viable theories. Her prose is simple and easy to read, which allows the character work to take the spotlight, which is where her work truly shines and is her biggest strength.
If you like emotionally focused character work, relatively low action but high intrigue settings, or if you like mysteries or conspiracies, this would be an easy recommendation. I’m excited to see where the story goes in her next installments in the series!
“How far away is the sun?”
“Unreachable. And right in the palm of our hands.”
Rise of the Forgehearts blends magic and machinery is a sort of “arcane-punk” aesthetic that tackles questions about the boundaries and definition of humanity itself. Science fiction properties often explore that trope through common vehicles like androids and AI, and Huffman’s novel puts those themes through more of a fantasy backdrop via arcane constructs, which is a refreshing and unique take. The story is focused around one central mystery that unfolds and develops alongside the many characters, always keeping you guessing while never being too complex to where the reader can’t develop a few viable theories. Her prose is simple and easy to read, which allows the character work to take the spotlight, which is where her work truly shines and is her biggest strength.
If you like emotionally focused character work, relatively low action but high intrigue settings, or if you like mysteries or conspiracies, this would be an easy recommendation. I’m excited to see where the story goes in her next installments in the series!
April 30, 2024
Thank you so much to Emily for the eARC of the book!
Rise of the Forgehearts has one of the most unique storylines I’ve read. A kingdom that relies on mana powered robots (constructs) to do their heavy lifting, but one night the stars come down from the heavens and grant humanity to the machines. The story is told mostly from the POV of a Royal guard construct called R-0 as they grapple with their directive and their newfound emotions. Add in a lot of political intrigue and a ton of missing constructs along with a huge dash of unease and distrust of the constructs and you have the recipe for a very intriguing story.
While I did enjoy the story, I also found that it moved very slowly. Looking back at the ending, I realize that we focused in on the relationships in order to make the final events really hit home, but there were several times I was hoping we could just hurry it up and get to the action. I do feel that the next book(s) in the series will be faster paced as we have a lot of the world building out of the way and I am definitely looking forward to where R-0’s journey takes us.
Rise of the Forgehearts has one of the most unique storylines I’ve read. A kingdom that relies on mana powered robots (constructs) to do their heavy lifting, but one night the stars come down from the heavens and grant humanity to the machines. The story is told mostly from the POV of a Royal guard construct called R-0 as they grapple with their directive and their newfound emotions. Add in a lot of political intrigue and a ton of missing constructs along with a huge dash of unease and distrust of the constructs and you have the recipe for a very intriguing story.
While I did enjoy the story, I also found that it moved very slowly. Looking back at the ending, I realize that we focused in on the relationships in order to make the final events really hit home, but there were several times I was hoping we could just hurry it up and get to the action. I do feel that the next book(s) in the series will be faster paced as we have a lot of the world building out of the way and I am definitely looking forward to where R-0’s journey takes us.
May 22, 2024
Filled with magic, curiosity and empathy, Rise of the Forgehearts by Emily Huffman is an epic adventure of one robot’s journey in finding their destiny. R-0’s existence has always been dedicated to one simple directive: protect the king. Like all the constructs, they complete their orders without thought or feeling. But when a magical phenomenon sweeps over Haiden, the constructs transform from mindless metal to fully sentient beings. I thoroughly enjoyed this original robot story set in a magic kingdom. With vivid storytelling and empathy, Huffman tells R-O’s journey to find the meaning of existence and that there can be more to the life they have previously known. Although this book is on the longer side (there was a lot of world building), I found it to have a quick pace and had loveable characters. With multiple plot twists, this book kept me guessing as to who was behind the disappearance of the constructs. If you’re looking for a steampunk robot driven adventure with all lots of royalty and questionable allies, I recommend Rise of the Forgehearts by Emily Huffman. I am highly anticipating book 2!
A big thank you to Emily Huffman for the advanced reader copy!
A big thank you to Emily Huffman for the advanced reader copy!
May 10, 2024
I am amazed at the incredible talents of Emily Huffman. Her books are so unique and fun. Rise of the Forgehearts takes you to the beginning of R0's story. He started as a loyal bodyguard to the king. Never questioning his orders or wanting to do anything else but protect the king at all costs. As the strange fire falls from the sky to "corrupt" the machines, R0 begins to question everything. He must find his way in this new and scary knowledge and find the truth of what is really going on. The construcks couldn't be a danger to the people, it wasn't in their nature. Something had to be wrong, and the king wanted to know what it was. Why were the constructs disappearing and who was behind them? It is up to R0 and King Hadrian to find out.
I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. It is a YA fantasy adventure of a lifetime in a world like no other. I think anyone would enjoy this story!!!
I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. It is a YA fantasy adventure of a lifetime in a world like no other. I think anyone would enjoy this story!!!
May 17, 2024
When I first started this book, it gave off IRobot vibes, and I wasn't sure it was my kind of book...
30 minutes later, I was hooked.
The story of R-0 is one of all emotions.. from trust.. anger.. hurt.. and even love. You follow his journey as he learns how each of these feel and how he reacts is priceless..
The story is very well written with lots of world building, so I can't wait to read the next part in the series ♡
Solid 5 stars
Reading time : 12 hours 20 minutes ( note - slow read for me )
Favourite quote :
'I could do with some of that confidence right about now '
'Sorry it is not transferable '
30 minutes later, I was hooked.
The story of R-0 is one of all emotions.. from trust.. anger.. hurt.. and even love. You follow his journey as he learns how each of these feel and how he reacts is priceless..
The story is very well written with lots of world building, so I can't wait to read the next part in the series ♡
Solid 5 stars
Reading time : 12 hours 20 minutes ( note - slow read for me )
Favourite quote :
'I could do with some of that confidence right about now '
'Sorry it is not transferable '
May 22, 2024
I am an arc reader and would like to send a special thank you to Emily Huffman for allowing me too read the e-book of this early. This book was a definitely an emotional rollercoaster which I didn't expect.. I was happy when one minute then crying the next .....I do enjoy a book that I do enjoy a book that has different unique genres.I love magic And sci-fi meshed together along with a well thought out journey in the character development that you could actually relate to. This was the 1st book that I've ever read that I've actually had questions at the end of the book I really enjoyed falling into the fantasy of the book and I can't wait for the next one to be released.
January 29, 2025
This was a great fantasy book about robots, called constructs, and a kingdom in turmoil when the constructs become sentient, and begin to experience human emotions.
Fun and engaging, you really get into R-0’s story and all he deals with as he tries to figure out what exactly he’s feeling now that he has emotions and sentience. With a great main character, interesting plot line, political intrigue, and magic, this book keeps you hooked while you try to figure out who is behind all the construct disappearances.
I really enjoyed this book, and after that ending, I definitely plan on reading the next book!
Fun and engaging, you really get into R-0’s story and all he deals with as he tries to figure out what exactly he’s feeling now that he has emotions and sentience. With a great main character, interesting plot line, political intrigue, and magic, this book keeps you hooked while you try to figure out who is behind all the construct disappearances.
I really enjoyed this book, and after that ending, I definitely plan on reading the next book!
May 16, 2024
Rise of the Forgehearts by Emily Huffman is an unique story with an also kind of unique story-line. It is a science fiction story with a great main character, a robot who gets granted humanity. This R-0 struggles with this concept and it is well told. As a reader you can relate to this. There is also a lot of political intrigue woven into this story, with made it all the more interesting.
Emily Huffman has written a great story, with action, intrigue, magic, and with a surprising main character, all with a flowing writing style.
Emily Huffman has written a great story, with action, intrigue, magic, and with a surprising main character, all with a flowing writing style.
April 30, 2024
I found this book very hard to put down. The characters are engaging, the plot & settings, I won't say unique because I have read everything, but I hadn't run into before.
I will be eagerly looking for the future installments!
K. Wolffe
I will be eagerly looking for the future installments!
K. Wolffe
June 10, 2024
I felt like I was pretty slow to really get into the book but I’m glad I finished it. The concept is so unique and once some ground is laid the story is so interesting. I’ve never had a book make me care so much about what happens to a robot type character before.
January 26, 2025
Got the opportunity to be an Arch reader for this first in the Shackled Steel series- a well paced adventure with your MC being a "construct" who has become sentient in a land where science and magic have melded together. well done Emily Huffman!
February 5, 2025
This book was so much more than I expected. I am so grateful that the author sent me a copy because this is one of those books that's going to stay with me forever. R-0 is so curious and innocent. I love them.
May 14, 2024
I was unsure at first if this book would peak my interest but it definitely did!! It surpassed all of my expectations!! Following along with R-0 as he learned to understand his new found feelings and ideas was a wild ride! The chaos of the missing constructs, The political intrigue, The drama of being able to make his own choices and of course, the mind blowing twist of events at the end had me on the edge of my seat! Not what I was expecting at all and such a great read!! As always Emily, you blew my mind!
“Sometimes things do not need to be fixed. Sometimes it takes being broken to find the space we need to grow into what we’re meant to be.”
“Sometimes things do not need to be fixed. Sometimes it takes being broken to find the space we need to grow into what we’re meant to be.”
May 14, 2024
Thank you Emily for the ARC and happy release day! Rise of the Forgehearts is a brilliant blend of magic and sci-fi that creates world building and really draws you into the story.
June 5, 2024
A great exploration of the question of sentience and what it means.
January 27, 2025
Unique fantasy book that is the history of characters from this authors other series. I absolutely loved the story and the character development. Can’t wait to see where it goes from here!
September 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I’d never read anything like it before, and I’m excited to read more of this series!
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