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Forged
A thrilling and immersive tale of an impoverished woman turned con-artist by the critically acclaimed author of All the Ever Afters
In the Gilded Age, a time of abject poverty and obscene wealth, a desperate and ambitious young woman strikes out for a new life in the rising industrial cities of America. Naive Fanny is thrust into a Darwinian world where she is cast out and preyed upon, but she’s a survivor and quickly learns from her struggles. Thanks to her close observations of the mercenary actors around her, Fanny discovers the power of illusion and how it can overcome the immutability of social class and the ruthless rules of capitalism.
Shedding her past, Fanny embarks on a darkly thrilling transformation. She becomes Kitty Warren—a forger, con artist, and thief. Exploiting the greed and self-regard of the powerful, Kitty builds her own castle in the sky, yet she finds real pleasure and fulfillment elusive, and soon her foundations start to crumble.
With schemes more wicked than Jay Gatsby’s, yet with more humanity than Tom Ripley, Kitty Warren exposes the dark heart of the American dream, making Forged a gripping narrative and a parable for the ages.
In the Gilded Age, a time of abject poverty and obscene wealth, a desperate and ambitious young woman strikes out for a new life in the rising industrial cities of America. Naive Fanny is thrust into a Darwinian world where she is cast out and preyed upon, but she’s a survivor and quickly learns from her struggles. Thanks to her close observations of the mercenary actors around her, Fanny discovers the power of illusion and how it can overcome the immutability of social class and the ruthless rules of capitalism.
Shedding her past, Fanny embarks on a darkly thrilling transformation. She becomes Kitty Warren—a forger, con artist, and thief. Exploiting the greed and self-regard of the powerful, Kitty builds her own castle in the sky, yet she finds real pleasure and fulfillment elusive, and soon her foundations start to crumble.
With schemes more wicked than Jay Gatsby’s, yet with more humanity than Tom Ripley, Kitty Warren exposes the dark heart of the American dream, making Forged a gripping narrative and a parable for the ages.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
27 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Teller
3 books211 followersDanielle Teller (formerly Morse, née Dyck) grew up in Canada, where she and her two brothers were raised by the best parents in the world. As a child, she was a bookworm who dreamed of being a writer, but she chickened out and went to medical school instead. In 1994, she moved temporarily to America, and she has been living temporarily in America ever since.
Danielle attended Queen’s University during her undergraduate years, and she received her medical training at McGill University, Brown University and Yale University. She has held faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University, where she investigated the origins of chronic lung disease and taught in the medical intensive care unit.
In 2013, Danielle quit her job to pursue her childhood dream of being a writer. She lives with her husband, Astro Teller, and their four children in Palo Alto, California. She is currently working on her second novel.
Danielle attended Queen’s University during her undergraduate years, and she received her medical training at McGill University, Brown University and Yale University. She has held faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University, where she investigated the origins of chronic lung disease and taught in the medical intensive care unit.
In 2013, Danielle quit her job to pursue her childhood dream of being a writer. She lives with her husband, Astro Teller, and their four children in Palo Alto, California. She is currently working on her second novel.
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April 11, 2025📢 THIS IS NOT A DRILL! I repeat, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
A new book by Danielle Teller is finally coming. I've been waiting for this since reading her 2018 debut, All the Ever Afters (a gorgeously written retelling of Cinderella's stepmother).
I'm so freaking excited for this!
A new book by Danielle Teller is finally coming. I've been waiting for this since reading her 2018 debut, All the Ever Afters (a gorgeously written retelling of Cinderella's stepmother).
I'm so freaking excited for this!
April 17, 2025
An elegant, intelligent, propulsive novel about the pursuit of the American Dream, how ambition is rewarded and punished, and the role of luck versus work in outcomes. Naomi Novik meets The Great Gatsby....if you loved Trust by Hernan Diaz, you'll love this, if you love historical fiction, literary fiction or simply a plain good novel to escape in....you'll love this. One of my favorites of the year.
did-not-finish
June 25, 2025Dnf'd. The content was starting to go downhill, and I didn't feel like sticking around to see how much worse it'd get.
May 27, 2025
Something about Danielle Teller’s books keep me captivated. This book, just like All the Ever Afters, had me thoroughly enjoying my reading experience and thinking about the book when I was doing my daily life tasks.
It’s not a book where you know how it’s going to end. It doesn’t follow the typical Hollywood plot line. It isn’t trying too hard to be loaded with metaphors. It doesn’t try to incorporate ten different trendy things to be a certain way.
It just…is. Its natural, it flows, and it’s a great story with strong character development and history.
It’s not a book where you know how it’s going to end. It doesn’t follow the typical Hollywood plot line. It isn’t trying too hard to be loaded with metaphors. It doesn’t try to incorporate ten different trendy things to be a certain way.
It just…is. Its natural, it flows, and it’s a great story with strong character development and history.
May 22, 2025
Great historical fiction about a female con artist
I really enjoyed this novel about a female con artist. The writing was beautiful and the story was engaging. I was drawn in by the main character and was delighted by the twists and turns. It is always fun to read about women who did the unexpected. Recommend Forged to all who enjoy historical fiction and stories about smart, strong women
I really enjoyed this novel about a female con artist. The writing was beautiful and the story was engaging. I was drawn in by the main character and was delighted by the twists and turns. It is always fun to read about women who did the unexpected. Recommend Forged to all who enjoy historical fiction and stories about smart, strong women
June 13, 2025
I loved “Forged” because of Teller’s talent in creating a kind of literary virtual reality with her richly evocative language and deeply imagined characters. In Forged you don’t just read about the Gilded Age, you inhabit it. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong, complex heroines and moral ambiguity set against a vividly drawn Gatsby like world.
December 22, 2025
2 🌟 (audio) while this story is beautifully written, the first half of the book detailed the circumstances that happened to the fmc without exploring how they impacted her on a deeper emotional level. the second half was more enjoyable but (for me, personally) was overshadowed by the SA that occurred in the first half. I just don’t understand why that needed to be included if it ultimately did not impact the fmc’s character arc?? it ruined my reading experience for the rest of the story :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
This is well-written and fun, though I think it’s extremely odd that there is absolutely no acknowledgement that this is clearly based on the very real historical figure of Cassie Chadwick.
The author has changed her name and some major details, but it’s very clear this isn’t a fully imagined character. They have same backstory, operate in the same places, engage in the same schemes, right down to claiming to be Andrew Carnegie’s daughter as part of a con. It doesn’t make reading this any less enjoyable, but it feels a bit like misrepresentation to sell this as a fully fictional tale without any author’s note or admittance of any kind that this is not pure fiction.
And that did impact my opinion of what is overall a fun and interesting read, which is a shame because a bit of transparency probably would have rendered this a five star read for me.
The pacing is excellent, as is the atmosphere and sense of place. And the characters are terrific, none more so than Fanny/Kitty (who is, ahem, Cassie). She’s almost better at being Cassie Chadwick than Cassie Chadwick was. I have no issue with an author creating an imagined version of a real person. But please be honest.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The author has changed her name and some major details, but it’s very clear this isn’t a fully imagined character. They have same backstory, operate in the same places, engage in the same schemes, right down to claiming to be Andrew Carnegie’s daughter as part of a con. It doesn’t make reading this any less enjoyable, but it feels a bit like misrepresentation to sell this as a fully fictional tale without any author’s note or admittance of any kind that this is not pure fiction.
And that did impact my opinion of what is overall a fun and interesting read, which is a shame because a bit of transparency probably would have rendered this a five star read for me.
The pacing is excellent, as is the atmosphere and sense of place. And the characters are terrific, none more so than Fanny/Kitty (who is, ahem, Cassie). She’s almost better at being Cassie Chadwick than Cassie Chadwick was. I have no issue with an author creating an imagined version of a real person. But please be honest.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 27, 2025
Another impulse acquisition from the library new books section. In Forged, young Fanny flees her abusive family in Canada and travels to the city in a desperate attempt to find her older sister. Finding the world even crueler than she expected, Fanny embarks on a dangerous series of cons that will catapult her to glittering heights even as she risks a terrible fall.
Forged is, effectively, historical fiction set in the Gilded Age following a con woman's rise to power, based loosely on real conwomen from the period. From a brothel, Fanny tricks her way into a position as a servant in a wealthy household, and then into a middle-class marriage. And the shaky regulation of Gilded Age is an excellent time to be employing elaborate cons with banks, investments, and jewelers...
While Fanny's rise to power is both fascinating and nerve-racking, I found the characters to be a bit lacking. Few characters beside Fanny have much interiority at all, and Fanny's motivations are difficult to understand. Her initial naivete is difficult to square with her immediate plunge into confidently tricking her way into positions. We're meant to believe that she's trying to get back to her first love, the frivolous and heartless Daisy Buchanan type she was illicit friends with for a few short months. But that motivation isn't quite convincing, especially after they've been separated for over a decade. Without strong characters to anchor the ambitious plot, Forged feels a touch aimless.
A solid enough read, but the recently released Mutual Interest executed a similar plot better.
Forged is, effectively, historical fiction set in the Gilded Age following a con woman's rise to power, based loosely on real conwomen from the period. From a brothel, Fanny tricks her way into a position as a servant in a wealthy household, and then into a middle-class marriage. And the shaky regulation of Gilded Age is an excellent time to be employing elaborate cons with banks, investments, and jewelers...
While Fanny's rise to power is both fascinating and nerve-racking, I found the characters to be a bit lacking. Few characters beside Fanny have much interiority at all, and Fanny's motivations are difficult to understand. Her initial naivete is difficult to square with her immediate plunge into confidently tricking her way into positions. We're meant to believe that she's trying to get back to her first love, the frivolous and heartless Daisy Buchanan type she was illicit friends with for a few short months. But that motivation isn't quite convincing, especially after they've been separated for over a decade. Without strong characters to anchor the ambitious plot, Forged feels a touch aimless.
A solid enough read, but the recently released Mutual Interest executed a similar plot better.
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May 23, 2025DNF @ 54%
This may be a soft DNF but at the moment, I’m not sure. This story is dragging so much for me. I think I was expecting a little more excitement when the premise described Kitty as a reborn “forger, con artist, and thief.” While it’s helpful to get the backstory of a character to understand what drives them to transform, this story is just meandering along. It’s almost too much backstory to be halfway through the book and still be exploring her past. I think this book would be perfect for someone who enjoys character studies on the backdrop of the Gilded Age; a historical tale of an ambitious, yet impoverished young woman reinventing herself amongst the highest in class and wealth. If you like historical fiction in general, this is right up your alley. Seeing as I need to be in a particular mood to truly appreciate a historical tale, I’m going to set this down for now.
Thank you Pegasus Books for the gifted copy of this book. I very much appreciate it!
This may be a soft DNF but at the moment, I’m not sure. This story is dragging so much for me. I think I was expecting a little more excitement when the premise described Kitty as a reborn “forger, con artist, and thief.” While it’s helpful to get the backstory of a character to understand what drives them to transform, this story is just meandering along. It’s almost too much backstory to be halfway through the book and still be exploring her past. I think this book would be perfect for someone who enjoys character studies on the backdrop of the Gilded Age; a historical tale of an ambitious, yet impoverished young woman reinventing herself amongst the highest in class and wealth. If you like historical fiction in general, this is right up your alley. Seeing as I need to be in a particular mood to truly appreciate a historical tale, I’m going to set this down for now.
Thank you Pegasus Books for the gifted copy of this book. I very much appreciate it!
May 14, 2025
Fanny Bartlett’s story begins in the wilds of Canada during the late 1800s. Her mother is dead, her father an angry drunk, her brothers cruel, and her beloved sister sent off by her father to marry.
So at the age of 16, Fanny devises the first of many plans in which she uses her cunning and wits to make a great escape for America, where she is certain she will find her sister.
What happens next, both immediately and over the course of her lifetime, is the story of a woman unwilling to allow anyone to stand in the way of her survival - not those preying on her youthful innocence, not those who are stationed above her, and not any man.
Fanny slowly undergoes a remarkable transformation, after studying the ways and mannerisms of those she wants to mimic, emerging as a widowed socialite named Catherine Warren.
Now she’s a forger, a con artist, a fake, a woman who takes what she wants with no regard to consequences…until it all begins to catches up to her.
While this is a tale of the dark heart beneath the American dream, an in depth character study of a woman who longs for happiness but goes about striving for it in all the wrong ways, it felt a little lacking. It’s quiet and tumbles along at a decent pace, but I so wanted something more to happen.
That aside? It is a fascinating look into the Guilded Age, the time of Gatsby and his legions. As historical fiction, it hits all the right notes with fantastic descriptions of places like Paris and New York City during that time.
Thanks to @pegasusbooks for the ARC. This one comes out May, 6, 2025.
So at the age of 16, Fanny devises the first of many plans in which she uses her cunning and wits to make a great escape for America, where she is certain she will find her sister.
What happens next, both immediately and over the course of her lifetime, is the story of a woman unwilling to allow anyone to stand in the way of her survival - not those preying on her youthful innocence, not those who are stationed above her, and not any man.
Fanny slowly undergoes a remarkable transformation, after studying the ways and mannerisms of those she wants to mimic, emerging as a widowed socialite named Catherine Warren.
Now she’s a forger, a con artist, a fake, a woman who takes what she wants with no regard to consequences…until it all begins to catches up to her.
While this is a tale of the dark heart beneath the American dream, an in depth character study of a woman who longs for happiness but goes about striving for it in all the wrong ways, it felt a little lacking. It’s quiet and tumbles along at a decent pace, but I so wanted something more to happen.
That aside? It is a fascinating look into the Guilded Age, the time of Gatsby and his legions. As historical fiction, it hits all the right notes with fantastic descriptions of places like Paris and New York City during that time.
Thanks to @pegasusbooks for the ARC. This one comes out May, 6, 2025.
December 4, 2025
I tried, but this is a DNF at 41%. The writing never grabbed me, and it often felt plodding. The story would describe every little action the character took - as in, every minute action. At 41%, the main character hadn't even started the life of crime this book is centered around. She has been attacked and forced into a brothel in an extended sequence, and although the sexual assault happens offscreen, I'm still listing it as a content warning because the book spends so much time revisiting it and spending time at the scene. Of course stories like can and should be told - but this is at least the second and maybe the third book that I've seen use this 'farm girl comes to the big city, gets tricked and trapped into a brothel, and faces a life of prostitution' storyline based on a historical Georgian (not Victorian) cartoon of a sex worker. It makes me think the authors all watched Season 1 of Harlots and thought that would work for their book.
Also, I can't say for sure the book never resolves this issue as I'm DNF-ing, but the Grace and Fanny storyline really started to feel like the author wanted her nice Canadian farm girl to be friends with a Black woman in the US post-Civil War without having to engage in the reality of racism. Yes, Fanny (the Canadian) grew up on a sheltered farm, but asking me to believe she's never heard of racism and doesn't understand it exists is a stretch too far. Her town is supposed to be so white she's never seen but one person of color, but also this is just by accident and definitely not design, so nobody even talks about people of color - but they don't live there for some reason. Having Grace then be Fanny's "teacher" about racism pushes Grace into the tired and troubled trope of the Black person teaching the white person about racism.
I was interested in this because of the potential for lady criminals, but at 41% she's still working in the big house and the big development is she's made lady's maid to the spoiled daughter of the house. She has just developed her alter ego and is able to charm everyone around her, despite - again - being a poor Canadian farmgirl who is new to the city. I don't understand why authors give characters a background they never intend to use.
Also, and this is maybe a quibble but it stuck out to me as a related point: Either the narrator or Fanny know things she can't realistically know based on her education and background, like recognizing ballet positions or what the Venus de Milo looks like within a few weeks of arriving at the city. If she wasn't the only POV character aside from the prologue, it wouldn't be so obvious, but it's definitely at least a missed opportunity in worldbuilding. I also think the book didn't follow the advice of "start your story as close to the end as possible," because the entire Canadian farm sequence and brothel sequence could have been flashbacks or alluded to in abridged fashion so we could focus on the main story of "an impoverished woman turned con-artist" but at this point I'm just nitpicking.
I will give props for having the MC read Ricardo's Principles of Political Economy and Taxation.
Content Warnings: Rape/sexual assault, forced prostitution, domestic violence, period atypical racism.
Also, I can't say for sure the book never resolves this issue as I'm DNF-ing, but the Grace and Fanny storyline really started to feel like the author wanted her nice Canadian farm girl to be friends with a Black woman in the US post-Civil War without having to engage in the reality of racism. Yes, Fanny (the Canadian) grew up on a sheltered farm, but asking me to believe she's never heard of racism and doesn't understand it exists is a stretch too far. Her town is supposed to be so white she's never seen but one person of color, but also this is just by accident and definitely not design, so nobody even talks about people of color - but they don't live there for some reason. Having Grace then be Fanny's "teacher" about racism pushes Grace into the tired and troubled trope of the Black person teaching the white person about racism.
I was interested in this because of the potential for lady criminals, but at 41% she's still working in the big house and the big development is she's made lady's maid to the spoiled daughter of the house. She has just developed her alter ego and is able to charm everyone around her, despite - again - being a poor Canadian farmgirl who is new to the city. I don't understand why authors give characters a background they never intend to use.
Also, and this is maybe a quibble but it stuck out to me as a related point: Either the narrator or Fanny know things she can't realistically know based on her education and background, like recognizing ballet positions or what the Venus de Milo looks like within a few weeks of arriving at the city. If she wasn't the only POV character aside from the prologue, it wouldn't be so obvious, but it's definitely at least a missed opportunity in worldbuilding. I also think the book didn't follow the advice of "start your story as close to the end as possible," because the entire Canadian farm sequence and brothel sequence could have been flashbacks or alluded to in abridged fashion so we could focus on the main story of "an impoverished woman turned con-artist" but at this point I'm just nitpicking.
I will give props for having the MC read Ricardo's Principles of Political Economy and Taxation.
Content Warnings: Rape/sexual assault, forced prostitution, domestic violence, period atypical racism.
August 6, 2025
4⭐️
As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. Forged intrigued me immediately, promising the kind of morally grey, character-driven story I easily gravitated toward, and I’m so glad it delivered.
This is not a tale of a thief or con artist in the typical sense. Rather, it’s the origin story of a woman who became those things in her pursuit of freedom, security, and identity. It’s a story of survival, ambition, and the relentless chase for the American dream.
We meet Fanny Bartlett in Canada, living with a cold, unloving family. She runs away to America in search of her sister—and a better life. But the world she steps into is just as cruel—even more so. What unfolds is a richly layered account of her transformation into Kitty Warren, a cunning and charismatic woman who climbs the social ladder through grit, charm, and reinvention.
From the start, I was drawn to Fanny’s resilience. She’s clever, resourceful, and tenacious. A survivor. I rooted for her at every turn. Danielle Teller’s writing is immersive, cinematic, and quietly powerful. I could picture the setting so vividly that it often felt like I was walking beside Fanny as she evolved into Kitty. The character development is beautifully done, and I especially appreciated how Teller portrayed Kitty not just as a product of her environment, but as someone who made sharp, complicated choices with clear intent.
Set during the Gilded Age, a time when women were expected to stay small, quiet, and dependent, Kitty becomes everything society tells her she shouldn’t be. She forges her own path, sometimes literally. Bold, calculating, but still full of warmth and a strange kind of integrity, she’s not easily categorized. Is she a villain? A heroine? That’s left to the reader to decide. But unforgettable? Absolutely.
Forged is a dazzling, character-driven novel that balances darkness and glamor with historical nuance. It's a slower burn than some might expect, particularly in the middle where the pacing drags a bit during Fanny’s years in service. But once the story picks up again, it barrels toward an excellent finish. I only wish we’d had a little more time with Kitty Warren in her full form.
I listened to the audiobook version, and Christina Delaine’s narration was fantastic. She was measured, emotive, and perfectly attuned to Kitty’s transformation.
A compelling, well-told story of self-invention, sacrifice, and survival that I’d recommend to fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Talented Mr. Ripley, the Great Gatsby, or readers who love a good Gilded Age drama with a morally complex woman at the centre.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the Advanced Audiobook Copy in exchange for an honest review.**
As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. Forged intrigued me immediately, promising the kind of morally grey, character-driven story I easily gravitated toward, and I’m so glad it delivered.
This is not a tale of a thief or con artist in the typical sense. Rather, it’s the origin story of a woman who became those things in her pursuit of freedom, security, and identity. It’s a story of survival, ambition, and the relentless chase for the American dream.
We meet Fanny Bartlett in Canada, living with a cold, unloving family. She runs away to America in search of her sister—and a better life. But the world she steps into is just as cruel—even more so. What unfolds is a richly layered account of her transformation into Kitty Warren, a cunning and charismatic woman who climbs the social ladder through grit, charm, and reinvention.
From the start, I was drawn to Fanny’s resilience. She’s clever, resourceful, and tenacious. A survivor. I rooted for her at every turn. Danielle Teller’s writing is immersive, cinematic, and quietly powerful. I could picture the setting so vividly that it often felt like I was walking beside Fanny as she evolved into Kitty. The character development is beautifully done, and I especially appreciated how Teller portrayed Kitty not just as a product of her environment, but as someone who made sharp, complicated choices with clear intent.
Set during the Gilded Age, a time when women were expected to stay small, quiet, and dependent, Kitty becomes everything society tells her she shouldn’t be. She forges her own path, sometimes literally. Bold, calculating, but still full of warmth and a strange kind of integrity, she’s not easily categorized. Is she a villain? A heroine? That’s left to the reader to decide. But unforgettable? Absolutely.
Forged is a dazzling, character-driven novel that balances darkness and glamor with historical nuance. It's a slower burn than some might expect, particularly in the middle where the pacing drags a bit during Fanny’s years in service. But once the story picks up again, it barrels toward an excellent finish. I only wish we’d had a little more time with Kitty Warren in her full form.
I listened to the audiobook version, and Christina Delaine’s narration was fantastic. She was measured, emotive, and perfectly attuned to Kitty’s transformation.
A compelling, well-told story of self-invention, sacrifice, and survival that I’d recommend to fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, The Talented Mr. Ripley, the Great Gatsby, or readers who love a good Gilded Age drama with a morally complex woman at the centre.
**Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the Advanced Audiobook Copy in exchange for an honest review.**
April 21, 2025
A story loosely based on a real life female con artist and jewelry smuggler. This felt reminiscent of Great Gatsby but with a cunning female MC.
We get introduced to a young Fanny living in poverty with her unloving family. She runs away to the city in search of her sister and a better life…but she quickly learns how cruel the world can be to young girls with no money and a lack of social standing.
We follow her through some traumas, through lessons, and some friendships. We see how she climbs the social ladders into riches as a notorious con artist.
This book started off strong and I was immediately drawn in and invested in Fanny. She was clever and a survivor and I rooted for her, she was a female lead I wanted to see win.
There were 2 things that prevented this from feeling like a 5 star read.
-I wanted more of her time as Kitty, I wanted to see how she tricked the men in power and I wanted more schemes!
-The perspective shift to Joseph during important moments like Kitty and Mae’s reconnection. He had little to do with their friendship or the story other than providing them a reintroduction. I’m not sure why he was given the mic during crucial moments in the story. Since so much focus was on Mae and Kittys fallout, I needed to be a part of the convo where they rekindled. I felt a little cheated out of my emotional investment.
All in all this was a pretty great historical fiction featuring a really interesting woman in history. I enjoyed my time with Kitty
Thank you so much Pegasus Publishing and Edelweiss for this arc.
We get introduced to a young Fanny living in poverty with her unloving family. She runs away to the city in search of her sister and a better life…but she quickly learns how cruel the world can be to young girls with no money and a lack of social standing.
We follow her through some traumas, through lessons, and some friendships. We see how she climbs the social ladders into riches as a notorious con artist.
This book started off strong and I was immediately drawn in and invested in Fanny. She was clever and a survivor and I rooted for her, she was a female lead I wanted to see win.
There were 2 things that prevented this from feeling like a 5 star read.
-I wanted more of her time as Kitty, I wanted to see how she tricked the men in power and I wanted more schemes!
-The perspective shift to Joseph during important moments like Kitty and Mae’s reconnection. He had little to do with their friendship or the story other than providing them a reintroduction. I’m not sure why he was given the mic during crucial moments in the story. Since so much focus was on Mae and Kittys fallout, I needed to be a part of the convo where they rekindled. I felt a little cheated out of my emotional investment.
All in all this was a pretty great historical fiction featuring a really interesting woman in history. I enjoyed my time with Kitty
Thank you so much Pegasus Publishing and Edelweiss for this arc.
Read
July 23, 2025I was impressed with Fanny later to be known as Kitty (totally a better name!) as she rose from an awful younger childhood, escaped from a very bad situation when she went to look for her sister, and with an extremely quick mind and an ability to shift to fit in any level of society. Kitty sure is a fighter, never giving up, even when she ends up being preyed on, she never gives up and thus can go far when she puts her mind to it. She is not perfect by any means but I loved following her as she matched wits and creating schemes to defraud the rich men (who usually deserved what she did) while also finding first loves (so sweet but also heartbreaking when it was not returned!) and enjoying the the pleasures of life and helping out those who helped her when she was still learning her way. This was a fun tale to listen to and I had fun rooting for Kitty, even as I saw the schemes grow bigger and bigger until I knew they would be be able to be sustained. I do wish there had been more about the jewelry smuggling and not just the stocks and loans but it was still fun. The ending was a bit abrupt but I have hope that Kitty will return!
The narrator, Christina Delaine did a fine job in bringing Kitty and her story to life and I felt it easy to see that world she lived in, dark and hard as it was. I would not mind reading the further adventures of the great Kitty Warren! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to this audiobook and discover the schemes of Kitty as she rises to the top, as is fitting!
The narrator, Christina Delaine did a fine job in bringing Kitty and her story to life and I felt it easy to see that world she lived in, dark and hard as it was. I would not mind reading the further adventures of the great Kitty Warren! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to listen to this audiobook and discover the schemes of Kitty as she rises to the top, as is fitting!
June 27, 2025
Danielle Teller has once again delivered an absolutely unputdownable masterpiece with Forged. From the very first page, I was completely swept away by the beautiful writing and captivating narrative, finding myself utterly engrossed in the world Teller so skillfully crafts.
The heart of the story lies in the remarkable journey of Fanny, a young, downtrodden girl who embodies the spirit of resilience. Her fight for survival against challenging odds is not only compelling but deeply moving. What makes her story truly fascinating is her unexpected transformation, as she ingeniously reinvents herself and boldly pursues a life as a con artist. This twist provides a thrilling and unpredictable layer to the narrative, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Teller's mastery of character development is truly exceptional. Fanny is a multifaceted protagonist, and watching her evolve throughout the book is a testament to the author's ability to create deeply human and relatable characters, even in unconventional circumstances. I was totally sucked into Fanny's story, feeling every triumph and setback as if they were my own. Indeed, my only regret upon finishing was that I did not want it to end.
Forged is more than just a gripping tale; it's a testament to the power of self-invention and the strength of the human spirit. I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly immersive and unforgettable reading experience. You won't be disappointed!
The heart of the story lies in the remarkable journey of Fanny, a young, downtrodden girl who embodies the spirit of resilience. Her fight for survival against challenging odds is not only compelling but deeply moving. What makes her story truly fascinating is her unexpected transformation, as she ingeniously reinvents herself and boldly pursues a life as a con artist. This twist provides a thrilling and unpredictable layer to the narrative, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Teller's mastery of character development is truly exceptional. Fanny is a multifaceted protagonist, and watching her evolve throughout the book is a testament to the author's ability to create deeply human and relatable characters, even in unconventional circumstances. I was totally sucked into Fanny's story, feeling every triumph and setback as if they were my own. Indeed, my only regret upon finishing was that I did not want it to end.
Forged is more than just a gripping tale; it's a testament to the power of self-invention and the strength of the human spirit. I strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly immersive and unforgettable reading experience. You won't be disappointed!
April 13, 2025
The author is my honey, my main squeeze, the love of my life, so, yeah, I'm biased. But also, I sincerely love this book and want to share why.
Danielle's "Forged" is captivating. She's taken a slice of history and brought it to vivid life through the eyes of Fanny, a young woman navigating a world that's both exciting and incredibly dangerous. I was hooked from the first page, drawn into Fanny's journey of self-discovery and resilience.
What I admire most is how Danielle creates such a strong sense of time and place. You can practically smell the grit of the city streets and feel the opulence of the Gilded Age mansions. The characters are complex and flawed, and their relationships are messy and real. Even though I know where the story is going, as it's loosely based on a true story, I was still on the edge of my seat.
It's a powerful story about ambition, survival, and the choices women had to make in a world that often tried to control them. But it's also just a darn good read with twists and turns that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
So, yes, I'm her husband, and incredibly proud of her work. But I genuinely believe this is a book that deserves a wide audience. If you love historical fiction with strong female characters and a compelling plot, pick up "Forged." You won't regret it!
Danielle's "Forged" is captivating. She's taken a slice of history and brought it to vivid life through the eyes of Fanny, a young woman navigating a world that's both exciting and incredibly dangerous. I was hooked from the first page, drawn into Fanny's journey of self-discovery and resilience.
What I admire most is how Danielle creates such a strong sense of time and place. You can practically smell the grit of the city streets and feel the opulence of the Gilded Age mansions. The characters are complex and flawed, and their relationships are messy and real. Even though I know where the story is going, as it's loosely based on a true story, I was still on the edge of my seat.
It's a powerful story about ambition, survival, and the choices women had to make in a world that often tried to control them. But it's also just a darn good read with twists and turns that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
So, yes, I'm her husband, and incredibly proud of her work. But I genuinely believe this is a book that deserves a wide audience. If you love historical fiction with strong female characters and a compelling plot, pick up "Forged." You won't regret it!
April 13, 2025
I loved Danielle Teller's first novel and could not wait to read her new one... It does not disappoint! I devoured this book, and I'm already looking forward to reading it again so I can pause to enjoy the details and savor the words. Teller is a master of her craft, and Forged is a testament to her ability to weave a captivating story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page. She has a gift for exploring well-worn stories from alternative viewpoints, which often expose truths that are in the toughest places to see: right in front of our eyes.
Forged is a good reminder of the perils of “fake it until you make it” culture and the hollowness of wealth and social status; it's so important to stay true to yourself. Even though the story is set in the Gilded Age, it made me think about influencer culture and the pressure to project a perfect image. Forged asks the question "When a particular framing of reality becomes a con?" It is part mystery, part love story, part tragedy, but ultimately a story of hope, perseverance, and strength.
Forged is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, or for anyone who wants to understand the timeless challenges of being human. Or really anyone who likes a great story!
Forged is a good reminder of the perils of “fake it until you make it” culture and the hollowness of wealth and social status; it's so important to stay true to yourself. Even though the story is set in the Gilded Age, it made me think about influencer culture and the pressure to project a perfect image. Forged asks the question "When a particular framing of reality becomes a con?" It is part mystery, part love story, part tragedy, but ultimately a story of hope, perseverance, and strength.
Forged is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, or for anyone who wants to understand the timeless challenges of being human. Or really anyone who likes a great story!
June 5, 2025
Disclosure: the author is my beloved sister-in-law. Add salt as desired.
Set in America’s (first) Gilded Age, lovers of historical fiction will find much to savor in Forged. Differences both large and small between that time and ours are ever-present, bringing the story to visceral, vivid life. (And, knowing the author personally as I do, I’m confident that she did her homework well...)
More importantly, I found the story entirely captivating. The hero (whom many might call an anti-hero) is a woman trying to find her way and make a place for herself in a difficult, inhospitable world. Her choices felt entirely believable, even almost inevitable. I found myself deeply invested in her journey.
My biggest criticism and my greatest accolade are the same: I wanted Forged to be much longer than it is. The stage is set brilliantly in the hero’s early life, and then time seems to accelerate as the story unfolds and nears its ending. This sense of momentum is a sure sign to me of great storytelling, but I also just wanted to spend longer in this world. I wanted more. (Could there possibly be a sequel...?)
I highly recommend Forged to any and all who find their way to it. Enjoy.
Set in America’s (first) Gilded Age, lovers of historical fiction will find much to savor in Forged. Differences both large and small between that time and ours are ever-present, bringing the story to visceral, vivid life. (And, knowing the author personally as I do, I’m confident that she did her homework well...)
More importantly, I found the story entirely captivating. The hero (whom many might call an anti-hero) is a woman trying to find her way and make a place for herself in a difficult, inhospitable world. Her choices felt entirely believable, even almost inevitable. I found myself deeply invested in her journey.
My biggest criticism and my greatest accolade are the same: I wanted Forged to be much longer than it is. The stage is set brilliantly in the hero’s early life, and then time seems to accelerate as the story unfolds and nears its ending. This sense of momentum is a sure sign to me of great storytelling, but I also just wanted to spend longer in this world. I wanted more. (Could there possibly be a sequel...?)
I highly recommend Forged to any and all who find their way to it. Enjoy.
August 13, 2025
I sped through this book. It hooked me from the first chapter. And even though there was truly only "one main character" in this book, the author did a fantastic job of splitting her into two very distinct identities.
First, there was Fanny. My heart broke for Fanny, over and over again. She was beaten down, literally and figuratively, more than any human should have to endure. But my goodness, did she have determination! She pulled herself up every time, somehow. And eventually transformed herself into Kitty.
I have never rooted for a "criminal" as much as I rooted for Kitty in this novel. She was a brilliant character, cunning, devious and always looking for a way to better herself. The way she outsmarted one condescending man after another, using their blatant disregard of the "fairer sex" to her benefit was almost humorous. And the ending... BRILLIANT.
I listened to the audio version of this bool, thanks to netgalley and the publisher and it was beautifully paced. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing these "two characters" to life. Can't wait to gift this book at Christmas for a few of my booklover friends!
This is a review of the audiobook.
First, there was Fanny. My heart broke for Fanny, over and over again. She was beaten down, literally and figuratively, more than any human should have to endure. But my goodness, did she have determination! She pulled herself up every time, somehow. And eventually transformed herself into Kitty.
I have never rooted for a "criminal" as much as I rooted for Kitty in this novel. She was a brilliant character, cunning, devious and always looking for a way to better herself. The way she outsmarted one condescending man after another, using their blatant disregard of the "fairer sex" to her benefit was almost humorous. And the ending... BRILLIANT.
I listened to the audio version of this bool, thanks to netgalley and the publisher and it was beautifully paced. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing these "two characters" to life. Can't wait to gift this book at Christmas for a few of my booklover friends!
This is a review of the audiobook.
September 2, 2025
4⭐
This is my first historical fiction book. Fanny our fmc flees her abusive family in Canada and travels to the city in a desperate attempt to find her older sister. Finding the world even crueler than she expected, Fanny embarks on a dangerous series of cons that will catapult her to glittering heights even as she risks a terrible fall.
This book is, effectively, historical fiction set in the Gilded Age following a con woman's rise to power, based loosely on real conwomen from the period. From a brothel, Fanny tricks her way into a position as a servant in a wealthy household, and then into a middle-class marriage. And the shaky regulation of Gilded Age is an excellent time to be employing elaborate cons with banks, investments, and jeweler.
While Fanny's rise to power is both fascinating and nerve-racking, I found the characters to be a bit lacking. Her character is difficult to understand. We're meant to believe that she's trying to get back to her first love. But her character could have more growth to it.
Thank you netgalley for the alc. The narrator did a good job.
This is my first historical fiction book. Fanny our fmc flees her abusive family in Canada and travels to the city in a desperate attempt to find her older sister. Finding the world even crueler than she expected, Fanny embarks on a dangerous series of cons that will catapult her to glittering heights even as she risks a terrible fall.
This book is, effectively, historical fiction set in the Gilded Age following a con woman's rise to power, based loosely on real conwomen from the period. From a brothel, Fanny tricks her way into a position as a servant in a wealthy household, and then into a middle-class marriage. And the shaky regulation of Gilded Age is an excellent time to be employing elaborate cons with banks, investments, and jeweler.
While Fanny's rise to power is both fascinating and nerve-racking, I found the characters to be a bit lacking. Her character is difficult to understand. We're meant to believe that she's trying to get back to her first love. But her character could have more growth to it.
Thank you netgalley for the alc. The narrator did a good job.
October 26, 2025
I loved this book. If you like a strong, intelligent, and ambitious FMC, turn of the century language, and lite sapphic romance, this book is for you.
Kitty (Fanny), has always gotten herself out of terrible situations, from escaping her terrible childhood home in the woods of Canada, to escaping from a brothel in Cleveland. When Kitty finds herself working in May Garth's house her life takes a series of turns that catapult her into a life only she could create. From marriage to fraud, Pittsburgh to Paris, Kitty Warren did it all while making everyone believe she was a simpering fool.
I loved Kitty, she's so clever and kind, my only real complaint was May. I didn't like her, she hurt Kitty so much, and I understand that she wasn't brave enough to love her the way Kitty wanted her to, but May shouldn't have led her on. I mean, in the end, everything Kitty ever did after Newport was just to get May to come back to her. That upset me, but I loved the book so much!
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ @sammilikesbooks ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ
Kitty (Fanny), has always gotten herself out of terrible situations, from escaping her terrible childhood home in the woods of Canada, to escaping from a brothel in Cleveland. When Kitty finds herself working in May Garth's house her life takes a series of turns that catapult her into a life only she could create. From marriage to fraud, Pittsburgh to Paris, Kitty Warren did it all while making everyone believe she was a simpering fool.
I loved Kitty, she's so clever and kind, my only real complaint was May. I didn't like her, she hurt Kitty so much, and I understand that she wasn't brave enough to love her the way Kitty wanted her to, but May shouldn't have led her on. I mean, in the end, everything Kitty ever did after Newport was just to get May to come back to her. That upset me, but I loved the book so much!
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ @sammilikesbooks ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
What a great story. Gripping from the get go, this Gilded Age story of Fanny, a young girl born into a destitute, rural family who heads off to look for her sister, only to met trials and tribulations, and ultimately find a new identity as Kitty Warren, a con artist who creates incredible stories, and lives an extravagant life off the largesse of her deceit and deception. From the first chapter, I was drawn into Kitty's life, and her story, feeling both contemptuous, but also sympathetic for her as she navigates the harsh realities of a poor, single girl on her own in the Gilded Age. She survives initially through cunning and grit, and then thrives through deceit and deception. Is she a survivor, disruptor, liberator, and hero or is she a cheat, villain, scoundrel and thief? Like great stories, such questions remain, as does her vivid, unforgettable main character. Like Kitty's life, this tale is forged in my mind.
June 17, 2025
I just finished reading this superb book and Fanny, the main character, lingers with me. She is such a fascinating, multifaceted person, and not just because she pretends to be someone she isn't. I found myself rooting for her even when I knew she was behaving badly. She is charming, smart, strategic, and bold. Importantly, she is not cold-hearted. She loves and she loves deeply and it is this love that animates her.
Even though she becomes "Kitty," we see how everyone is playing a role, acting a part. Fanny breaks free from this by choosing her roles. Of course, she crosses the hardened lines of social structure and it is this that makes people arguably more mad than any of her financial crimes.
I'd like to vote for a sequel.
Fanny in France, please!
It can't be over between her and Mae.
Even though she becomes "Kitty," we see how everyone is playing a role, acting a part. Fanny breaks free from this by choosing her roles. Of course, she crosses the hardened lines of social structure and it is this that makes people arguably more mad than any of her financial crimes.
I'd like to vote for a sequel.
Fanny in France, please!
It can't be over between her and Mae.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
Lovers of The Great Gatsby, Forged by Danielle Teller is definitely one to check out. Social climbing, grief, schemes and heartbreak were brought to life in the audiobook narrated by Christina Delaine. Her performance and tone were perfect for the book - required to keep my interest on long work commutes!
Teller’s layered character development of Kitty Warren and her march from poverty to the riches of the elite and beyond were very well done. I’m a firm fan of spoiler free reviews, but I do want to note that I found the ending particularly satisfying - fitting and true for Kitty’s arc. There were no third act shockers that make you scratch head - just good storytelling from start to finish. Looking forward to adding a physical copy to my personal library!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for early access to the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Teller’s layered character development of Kitty Warren and her march from poverty to the riches of the elite and beyond were very well done. I’m a firm fan of spoiler free reviews, but I do want to note that I found the ending particularly satisfying - fitting and true for Kitty’s arc. There were no third act shockers that make you scratch head - just good storytelling from start to finish. Looking forward to adding a physical copy to my personal library!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for early access to the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2025
Recently I had the opportunity to get my hands on a copy of Danielle Teller’s second novel, “Forged”.
I devoured “Forged” over a few afternoons, transported from my house to the Canadian wilderness where Fanny’s tale begins. Set in the Gilded Age, the story centers on Fanny’s yearnings to break free of her oppressive family and explore the unknown.
Fanny, recasting herself as Kitty, embarks on a fascinating, desperate and harrowing journey. Teller spins an enticing web, one in which I became happily entangled.
The themes of “haves” and “have-nots” remain as fresh in today's world as they were in Kitty’s. Greed and avarice ran wild then as they still do. All add spice to this must-read!
I’m a huge fan of Teller’s work and give “Forged” 5 stars and two thumbs up!
I devoured “Forged” over a few afternoons, transported from my house to the Canadian wilderness where Fanny’s tale begins. Set in the Gilded Age, the story centers on Fanny’s yearnings to break free of her oppressive family and explore the unknown.
Fanny, recasting herself as Kitty, embarks on a fascinating, desperate and harrowing journey. Teller spins an enticing web, one in which I became happily entangled.
The themes of “haves” and “have-nots” remain as fresh in today's world as they were in Kitty’s. Greed and avarice ran wild then as they still do. All add spice to this must-read!
I’m a huge fan of Teller’s work and give “Forged” 5 stars and two thumbs up!
June 8, 2025
This is an origin story of a woman who becomes a swindler and a jewel thief, not a story about her being those things.
I enjoyed a few of the epochs of Fanny/Kitty’s life, but my main complaint with this novel is that the pacing is off. Teller spends a lot of time in moments I wish were glossed over, then completely skims across some of what I consider to be the more interesting situations that the FMC faces. This is especially true with the ending, which felt incredibly rushed.
I did really enjoy this writing style; I think Teller’s dialogue is approachable and engaging and her imagery is top notch. It was really just a disconnect between what I wanted to read about versus what was presented.
I enjoyed a few of the epochs of Fanny/Kitty’s life, but my main complaint with this novel is that the pacing is off. Teller spends a lot of time in moments I wish were glossed over, then completely skims across some of what I consider to be the more interesting situations that the FMC faces. This is especially true with the ending, which felt incredibly rushed.
I did really enjoy this writing style; I think Teller’s dialogue is approachable and engaging and her imagery is top notch. It was really just a disconnect between what I wanted to read about versus what was presented.
July 6, 2025
I can't wait for the sequel or a prequel!
I was gripped by the propulsive narrative and the artful writing of this unlikely heroine's tale. With so many twists and turns - the plot is hard driving and offers many surprises. I could barely put this book down, and I've gifted it to many friends. It is rare to find a 'literary' book that combines truly exceptional writing, masterful powers of description and the type of plot that begs for an action movie to be made out of it. An instant classic - and a HUGE amount of fun!
I think that people from their mid teens to their 100s will enjoy this book, as it has quite broad appeal. I like to think of this as a 'summer read' that makes you smarter. ;-)
I was gripped by the propulsive narrative and the artful writing of this unlikely heroine's tale. With so many twists and turns - the plot is hard driving and offers many surprises. I could barely put this book down, and I've gifted it to many friends. It is rare to find a 'literary' book that combines truly exceptional writing, masterful powers of description and the type of plot that begs for an action movie to be made out of it. An instant classic - and a HUGE amount of fun!
I think that people from their mid teens to their 100s will enjoy this book, as it has quite broad appeal. I like to think of this as a 'summer read' that makes you smarter. ;-)
November 10, 2025
Rating as I read. Started off promising but has slowed considerably to the ‘how did she get where she is now’ that is only mildly interesting. What I find a stretch is how much she is still so hung up on May. I’m assuming it’s a sexual thing (still reading) because otherwise she would be able to see May as she really is.
Really confused now. The book leads us to believe that Fannie/Kitty has made incredibly lucrative investments. What did she do with the money, if not pay off her loans and debts. What did she do with all the financial knowledge she picked from all that earlier reading? What did she do with all the money earned from smuggling in jewelry?
I wish this was a better book. Left too many unresolved issues.
Really confused now. The book leads us to believe that Fannie/Kitty has made incredibly lucrative investments. What did she do with the money, if not pay off her loans and debts. What did she do with all the financial knowledge she picked from all that earlier reading? What did she do with all the money earned from smuggling in jewelry?
I wish this was a better book. Left too many unresolved issues.
May 23, 2025
In the era of the Gilded Age, where the divide between the destitute and the extravagant stretches wide, a bold young woman embarks on a journey through America's booming industrial centers, her ambitions towering like skyscrapers. Surrounded by ruthless adversaries and tough lessons, she hones her skills in trickery and deceit. However, as her carefully constructed world begins to unravel, the quest for genuine happiness haunts her to the core. "Forged" tells a tale darker than Gatsby's glitz, revealing the harsh reality beneath the veil of the American dream in a gripping narrative that captivates the spirit.
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