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Forged: Medallion Series Vol. 1
In Rae Airynn's world, magic is reserved only for those strong enough to earn it, or powerful enough to wield it unchallenged for generations, the most lethal Medallions firmly in the grasp of Hierathynn's most elite.
For centuries, the Council has only included the descendants of five unstoppable families, until a member dies with no heir to claim his Medallion, and his seat of power.
Forced into action, the Council hosts an Open Challenge, and Rae finds herself with a renewed hope that she may finally get the vengeance she's been dreaming of for over a decade—but she'll soon come to find that the threats she'll face in the arena aren't nearly as deadly as the ones lurking within the walls of the Council Grounds.
The Challenge will threaten Rae's life, but the choices she'll have to make will threaten the very morals she clings to so desperately. How much of herself is she willing to sacrifice just to exact her revenge—assuming she even makes it out alive.
For centuries, the Council has only included the descendants of five unstoppable families, until a member dies with no heir to claim his Medallion, and his seat of power.
Forced into action, the Council hosts an Open Challenge, and Rae finds herself with a renewed hope that she may finally get the vengeance she's been dreaming of for over a decade—but she'll soon come to find that the threats she'll face in the arena aren't nearly as deadly as the ones lurking within the walls of the Council Grounds.
The Challenge will threaten Rae's life, but the choices she'll have to make will threaten the very morals she clings to so desperately. How much of herself is she willing to sacrifice just to exact her revenge—assuming she even makes it out alive.
365 pages, Hardcover
Published December 20, 2024
17 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 29, 2025
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️ If you loved Fourth Wing or ACOTAR, you’ll love this. Deadly challenges are ALWAYS a good time, and I really enjoyed how this one was done.
This book has a unique magic system that I am excited to explore in future books! Also, we love a good red herring, iykyk😉
I was thrown off at first by the 3rd person present tense at first (I’ve only ever had 3rd person PAST tense), but it was a welcome change and it ended up growing on me!
“Who?”
“It doesn’t matter. It didn’t get far. I took care of it.”
“Yes, it does. Who?”
🥵
This book has a unique magic system that I am excited to explore in future books! Also, we love a good red herring, iykyk😉
I was thrown off at first by the 3rd person present tense at first (I’ve only ever had 3rd person PAST tense), but it was a welcome change and it ended up growing on me!
“Who?”
“It doesn’t matter. It didn’t get far. I took care of it.”
“Yes, it does. Who?”
🥵
December 22, 2025
Well what the heck this books was so so great!! I loved this magic system and world that Nicole made. I’m always down for a games/challenge for a throne type of book!
Forever wish I read this instead of powerless. This was actually good and had its own ideas and likable great characters!
More people need to read this 👏🏽
Immediately reaching for book 2!
Forever wish I read this instead of powerless. This was actually good and had its own ideas and likable great characters!
More people need to read this 👏🏽
Immediately reaching for book 2!
February 7, 2025
Very strong hunger games/fourth wing/squid game gives. I knew Sloan was scummy from the beginning. It seemed like he was interested in her the second he saw her and it just seemed sus. He was also showing up way too often for my liking lol. Get a life buddy. I would’ve thought being a council member would be more time consuming but he seemed to have a lottttt of spare time to flirt with Rae and bother me lol. Every time she was alone it felt like he would come and see her! i was like ‘ugh not this rat again’.
I liked Damon and Rae’s relationship. I’m interested to see where it goes in the next book. I don’t get why she even took a second glance at Sloan when Damon was RIGHT THERE!!
I found Rae to be pretty dumb at times.. blindly trusting Sloan and everything he tells her without a second thought, and promising peace to a country when she’s been on council for 1 minute and knows nothing about politics lol.
The ending felt a little rushed for my liking. Sloan’s confession felt like it came out of nowhere. It also felt a little too convenient that Damon showed so much hatred for her in the library, but then came to her room with an apology at just the perfect time to save her.
4⭐️
I liked Damon and Rae’s relationship. I’m interested to see where it goes in the next book. I don’t get why she even took a second glance at Sloan when Damon was RIGHT THERE!!
I found Rae to be pretty dumb at times.. blindly trusting Sloan and everything he tells her without a second thought, and promising peace to a country when she’s been on council for 1 minute and knows nothing about politics lol.
The ending felt a little rushed for my liking. Sloan’s confession felt like it came out of nowhere. It also felt a little too convenient that Damon showed so much hatred for her in the library, but then came to her room with an apology at just the perfect time to save her.
4⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
4.5 stars rounding up. Calling all KU girlies, forget Powerless, pick this up instead! If you are looking to support Canadian authors, look no further! Fantastic first book in the trilogy, well written, good world building, excellent character dynamics. The FMC is fantastic, sassy and likeable. There are trials, corrupt ruling class, over-protective MMC, "who did this to you". Had the second book added to cart by half way through, cant wait to continue.
January 14, 2025
This book was EVERYTHING🔥🔥🔥
Hunger Games/Powerless/and some Fourth Wing vibes with a protective MMC (Damon) who gives Bellamy Blake vibes (from the show The 100).
This book has:
•deadly trials
•fighting to the death
•betrayal
•plot twists
•a strong, clever, (mostly) ordinary FMC
•”who did this to you”
And so much more! I loved how quickly this book moved and how action packed it was. I cannot rave about it enough and I’ll be recommending this to everyone!!
Hunger Games/Powerless/and some Fourth Wing vibes with a protective MMC (Damon) who gives Bellamy Blake vibes (from the show The 100).
This book has:
•deadly trials
•fighting to the death
•betrayal
•plot twists
•a strong, clever, (mostly) ordinary FMC
•”who did this to you”
And so much more! I loved how quickly this book moved and how action packed it was. I cannot rave about it enough and I’ll be recommending this to everyone!!
January 19, 2025
My new book obsession! The plot, the banter was all 10/10! Rae was such a great fmc, she’s smart, feisty and relatable! Damon is my absolute favourite! Sloane is well written!
The plot twists and ending had me in a chokehold!! I can’t wait for the next book!! Obsessed.
The plot twists and ending had me in a chokehold!! I can’t wait for the next book!! Obsessed.
January 3, 2025
It was an enjoyable read. The writing and plot had me hooked.
From the start, I had doubts about Sloane’s trustworthiness. The rapid pace of his and Rae’s relationship seemed suspicious. I also knew Rae couldn’t be so oblivious to Damon’s feelings. But i understand why he tried to hide even though I felt it was obvious. Also, knowing that Rae had killed before, I felt as if she shouldn’t have been soooo affected by the deaths in the Rites. Especially when she knew that these things would happen.
All the twists I had predicted were right. Naturally, I suspected that Sloane was either manipulating her or would hurt Rae in some way, though I couldn’t pinpoint why or how. I also knew that Damon’s father wanted him to kill her during the Rites. Additionally, I believed that her family possessed some kind of secret power, which was why Viyktr had them eliminated. Despite these predictions, I still found the writing and plot engaging, and I didn’t mind that somethings were obvious.
The spice level was minimal, but I didn’t mind it. I found myself skimming the spice after the first scene because one, I didn’t fully support Sloane and Rae’s relationship, and two, I was more interested in the story’s direction.
I’m looking forward to the second book.
From the start, I had doubts about Sloane’s trustworthiness. The rapid pace of his and Rae’s relationship seemed suspicious. I also knew Rae couldn’t be so oblivious to Damon’s feelings. But i understand why he tried to hide even though I felt it was obvious. Also, knowing that Rae had killed before, I felt as if she shouldn’t have been soooo affected by the deaths in the Rites. Especially when she knew that these things would happen.
All the twists I had predicted were right. Naturally, I suspected that Sloane was either manipulating her or would hurt Rae in some way, though I couldn’t pinpoint why or how. I also knew that Damon’s father wanted him to kill her during the Rites. Additionally, I believed that her family possessed some kind of secret power, which was why Viyktr had them eliminated. Despite these predictions, I still found the writing and plot engaging, and I didn’t mind that somethings were obvious.
The spice level was minimal, but I didn’t mind it. I found myself skimming the spice after the first scene because one, I didn’t fully support Sloane and Rae’s relationship, and two, I was more interested in the story’s direction.
I’m looking forward to the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
5 ⭐️. No notes.
I’m so impressed with how much I loved this book and its unique, refreshing magic system.
This was a fast paced, sitting at the edge of my seat kind of reading. I was caught off guard so many times I lost count.
Rae is such a badass FMC. Not only she’s strong, capable and an amazing fighter but she’s also relatable as heck. Her insecurities and fears were so human, it made me feel so connected to her. She also has such a compassionate heart, I love her!
We’re also introduced to two completely different MMC.
First, we have broody, grumpy, drop dead gorgeous, morally gray, deadly Damon. He’s mysterious, cold, calculating and always calm… except when someone’s try to hurt Rae.
Then we have Sloane. Powerful, commands the air to do his will, focused, leader and very interested in forming an alliance with Rae to get what he wants while helping her get what she wants.
(Secret: I’m a Damon girl since the first minute he’s introduced)
I truly think this has the potential to become a huge success.
The trials and challenges are so good.
The cliffhanger… Jesus.
I physically can’t wait for book 2! I need to know what happens with Rae, Damon and Sloane.
It makes me so happy to be able to read books as good as this one!!!!
Add to your tbr NOW!
I’m so impressed with how much I loved this book and its unique, refreshing magic system.
This was a fast paced, sitting at the edge of my seat kind of reading. I was caught off guard so many times I lost count.
Rae is such a badass FMC. Not only she’s strong, capable and an amazing fighter but she’s also relatable as heck. Her insecurities and fears were so human, it made me feel so connected to her. She also has such a compassionate heart, I love her!
We’re also introduced to two completely different MMC.
First, we have broody, grumpy, drop dead gorgeous, morally gray, deadly Damon. He’s mysterious, cold, calculating and always calm… except when someone’s try to hurt Rae.
Then we have Sloane. Powerful, commands the air to do his will, focused, leader and very interested in forming an alliance with Rae to get what he wants while helping her get what she wants.
(Secret: I’m a Damon girl since the first minute he’s introduced)
I truly think this has the potential to become a huge success.
The trials and challenges are so good.
The cliffhanger… Jesus.
I physically can’t wait for book 2! I need to know what happens with Rae, Damon and Sloane.
It makes me so happy to be able to read books as good as this one!!!!
Add to your tbr NOW!
December 31, 2024
A wonderful new idea in romantasy. Forged manages to introduce new ideas, themes and plot lines in an extremely saturated genre of books. This book sets the stage for a potentially phenomenal series where the reader can see themselves within the characters and identify with the plot.
Overall this book really captures a strong FMC without making her a "pick-me" which I like. We also see a lot of our favorite subtle tropes forming and this first volume does a great job of setting the stage for future volumes of this story. The spice in this volume is low but still quite good and I suspect future iterations will ramp it up.
My biggest appreciation comes from how well thought out the magic, world and plot are. This novel brings magic into play in a new and fun way that leaves readers eager to know more about medallions, magic and how people in this world are using it!
Overall this book really captures a strong FMC without making her a "pick-me" which I like. We also see a lot of our favorite subtle tropes forming and this first volume does a great job of setting the stage for future volumes of this story. The spice in this volume is low but still quite good and I suspect future iterations will ramp it up.
My biggest appreciation comes from how well thought out the magic, world and plot are. This novel brings magic into play in a new and fun way that leaves readers eager to know more about medallions, magic and how people in this world are using it!
January 17, 2025
I had no idea what to expect going into this but wow this was really a great read! Literally one of the most underrated books I've read in a long time. It has a hunger games deadly trials vibes but done in a fresh way. The FMC is strong but so real and relatable. I adored the magic system and have never seen anything like it and it's so well explained but it overpowered - it is based on medallions and just so cool. The love triangle is excellent, the banter the dialogue just all too tier and we get a “who did this to you?" which I always eat up.
Read this if you like:
-Deadly Trials
-Strong but human FMC
-“Who did this to you”
-Love Triangle
-Revenge
Read this if you like:
-Deadly Trials
-Strong but human FMC
-“Who did this to you”
-Love Triangle
-Revenge
September 8, 2025
Well written and good plot-line. I would’ve appreciated a little more time-passage to underline the relationships built but I recognize timing was supposed to be tight. I previously mentioned (for verity) that I’m not one for romance but this was done with better build up and reasoning. I found it much more palatable as a result. It feels like a nice mix of game of thrones and the last air bender. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
February 2, 2025
A little predictable for me, though I did enjoy the FMC and her strength as a fighter. The romance with Sloane was suspicious from the beginning and I never bought into it, which I think contributed to it feeling like a slower read. I'm looking forward to the next book and how Rae steps into her power, hopefully with Damon by her side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ I am obsessed with trials in books and this delivers. The magic system is also so unique. I am obsessed with Damon although I do wish there were a few more friendly side characters for Rae, the story does make more sense with her being lonely though, so I hope to see some more development in the next book.
December 18, 2025
What can I say? Forged is one of my favorite book, I am so involved in this series, I enjoy the trauma Nicole built in me, I don't trust her but I love her.
I NEED people around me to read this so I can trauma bond with them
Love the characters, the magic system, the story. Everyone in this book is fierce and badass (and hot).
Also Nicole is the nicest person ever <3
I NEED people around me to read this so I can trauma bond with them
Love the characters, the magic system, the story. Everyone in this book is fierce and badass (and hot).
Also Nicole is the nicest person ever <3
March 25, 2025
When I tell you.....I am unwell. Just when I thought the story was wrapping up Nicole Batey punched me in the face and threw me down another path! What a great start to an exciting adventure I can't wait to navigate!!!
January 8, 2025
A fast paced, fiery set up for a fantasy series🔥.
Can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
Can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
February 11, 2025
I’m calling it.
This’ll be one of the next big romantasy hits🙌🏾
The characters are good and the magic system is unique.
I’ve got big hopes for book 2😬
This’ll be one of the next big romantasy hits🙌🏾
The characters are good and the magic system is unique.
I’ve got big hopes for book 2😬
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews