Crucible

The World of Reforged #.5

by Seth Haddon

Prince Zavrius has spent his life in the shadow of his family’s power, fifth in line to a throne he will never claim. While his eldest brother Theo schemes and the court buzzes with whispers of war, Zavrius is tasked with proving his worth by demonstrating swordsmanship at a royal ceremony—a skill he sorely lacks.

Enter Balen, a rising star in the Paladin Order, who stumbles upon Zavrius’ struggles and offers to train him. Balen is everything Zavrius isn’t: disciplined, unflinching, and steadfastly loyal to his duty. But as the two spend stolen hours together, a bond begins to form—one that defies their stations and the chaos brewing around them.

Meanwhile, Zavrius’ mother, Queen Arasne, hides a deadly illness, determined to maintain the fragile peace she’s built. With nobles pushing for war and Theo’s simmering hatred threatening to ignite, Zavrius finds himself drawn into the court’s dangerous undercurrents. And through it all, his feelings for Balen deepen, even as he knows their love is doomed.

Set five years before the events of Reforged, Crucible is a sweeping tale of passion and heartbreak, tracing the forbidden love that would one day shape the fate of a kingdom.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Queer, LGBT, Romantasy, Fiction, M M Romance

Unknown Binding

Published March 17, 2025

About the author

Seth Haddon is a queer Australian writer of fantasy. He is a video game designer and producer, has a degree in Ancient History, and previously worked with cats. Some of his previous adventures include exploring Pompeii with a famous archaeologist and being chased through a train station by a nun.


Reviews

[Samantha Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good as a standalone, but hits even harder when you’ve already read Reforged (on that note please excuse me as I head off to reread Reforged…)

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot, it worked really well as a prequel and introduction to Balen and Zavrius's story and I'm really keen to read Reformed and see their full story arc!

[Drew MB · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You came,” Balen said brightly. Zavrius was reminded of Balen repeating his words in the great hall. You came to get me? All surprised, inflection high. Now, those words again, said differently. Resonant, certain—not surprised Zavrius had shown up, but glad for it.
How could I stay away? Zavrius wanted to say. Don’t you feel it in your blood the same as me? The pull of ichor tugging my heart towards yours?
“Fourth and fifth.” Zavrius pointed to the ribs on either side of him. “You were very specific.”
“It’s where the heart would be,” Balen said as Zavrius jolted to a stop beside him. “Where you now stand.”

Reading Crucible felt like falling into young and naive love. Something of great softness, but a worry it would break. And then, it does.

In this prequel of Reforged, we meet Zavrius again as a young prince. While there is no worry of him being king, he has other political actions to worry about. His siblings have pushed him to the bottom of the food chain, no one at court takes him seriously, and his musical talent is not enough to convince others he has worth as royalty. But Zav doesn't care (or so he portrays) because he has his eyes on the young up-and-coming paladin, Balen of Westagar. When the two are pulled together to aid in Zav's sword training to prove himself as a Prince, they fall slowly but hard. Everything is telling them to be apart, but what is the worst that could happen?

The constant anticipation of what is to come keeps you going. Haddon expertly leads you to tenderness and heartache through his smooth prose, lush imagery, unique setting, and characters so alive they sit beside you as you read.

If you love knight x prince stories or queer fantasy do not hesitate. This is Haddon's best work yet, and he is only getting better.

[Farron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was part of the Kickstarter campaign to bring this novel to physical form, and I'm glad I backed it. In general, the hardback copy with its illustrations is beautiful, the color scheme breathtaking, and over all it feels like a quality production. I have a few small quibbles about some printing errors, but that's par for the course for indies, I've found.

I know Haddon said he was finished with World of Reforged previously, but I think this book shows how much potential the world still has. I was glad to spend more time with Zavrius in particular and understand his motivations. I particularly enjoyed knowing this book would, by virtue of it being a prequel, have to have an unhappy ending. It was lovely to entertain a bittersweet chapter, knowing what would would come to pass in Reforged. My only small qualm would be that perhaps this should have been part of the original book. It did make me want to turn around and reread Reforged, and sad I won't really have time for that for awhile.

I think Haddon has greatly improved in describing the diversity of his characters in the world. In general it's been lovely to see his writing strengthen throughout these books.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing how Balen and Zavrius became the characters they are in Reforged was lovely. They're curious about each other but also make stupid choices sometimes. Seeing their love bloom (and then fade, which, listen, is not a spoiler if you've read the actual first book) was sweet. It was also nice to see how Zavrius' family acted and talked to him, and how their hatred (or at least dislike, except from Arasne) was visible from the first pages.

Overall, Crucible sets up Reforged perfectly. I wish I had read Crucible first, and then the rest of the series, but there's always the possibility of rereading at least Reforged.

[Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding several editing formatting and errors was pretty frustrating, but I gave it a pass since I really enjoy Seth's writing, characters, and setting. For a low-stakes prequel where one is familiar with both characters and the world to come, i think the book was a pretty fun read. I liked the closer look at the family dynamics that would then set up the events in Reforged.

[Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read Reforged, so it was very nice to know more about how Balen and Zavrius relationship.
The romance is tender but kind of realistic as well.
Other events than the romantic interactions happen during the book, which kept me interested for the entire reading.
Knight X Prince is a lovely trope. Too bad that there are few books exploring it.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I backed the kickstarter for this book and it was well worth it! The hardback is beautiful and art fits it all perfectly. I loved getting to see the start of Balen and Zavs story (def makes me want to read Reforged again).