Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy #3

Forged by Heart and Claws

Rate this book
We were fated to love, but Fate never warned us what it would cost.

The moment Vad crowns me as his queen, everything changes.

Magic vanishes across the entire realm and everyone blames us.

Now we’re hunted through the ruins of our own coronation, betrayed by the guards who once swore loyalty to the Shadow King and Queen.

But the enemy doesn’t want just Vad's throne. He wants to conquer every kingdom and carve his vengeance into anyone who stands in his way.

I never chose this war, but to survive it, I'll have to become someone else entirely.

All I know for certain is that Vad and I will set the stars on fire before we ever bow... even if it costs us everything.

Forged by Heart and Claws is a royal fae romantasy that includes betrayal, morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers, a magical pulsing tattoo, a bridal competition, political intrigue, who did this to you, and touch her and unalive. One-click this story today.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

1001 people are currently reading
647 people want to read

About the author

Jen L. Grey

135 books3,816 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.

My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.

​I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.

I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.

I am so pleased that you stopped by my page! Please feel free to follow or contact me at the following pages -

email - authorjenlgrey@gmail.com
website and newsletter - www.jenlgrey.com
bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-l...
amazon - amazon.com/author/jenlgrey
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorjenlgrey
facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/13863...
instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorjenlgrey
twitter - https://www.twitter.com/authorjenlgrey

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
577 (49%)
4 stars
351 (30%)
3 stars
185 (15%)
2 stars
45 (3%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Smith.
46 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2026
2.5⭐️ the first 60% was dragging but picked up in the end
24 reviews
January 17, 2026
This trilogy could have been two books. The first 50% of the book was the same scene over and over and over. It was a soap opera that you came back to 10 years later and was still in the same spot.
Profile Image for Katy.
284 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2025
After all the uncertainty, trials and death Vad and Briar would be married crowning him King and her Queen. But just as he had placed the crown on her head an earthquake shook to floor beneath them and walls started to crumble around them. And just as suddenly it stopped. As people stood staring in shock and fear a stag stepped out of a tapestry on the wall and stepped up to Briar. She felt pain but magic as well swirled around her for a moment. Suddenly there were shouts above the fear, that the fae’s magic had been stolen and they were blaming Briar. While in truth she had lost her magic as well.
Our villain grabbed his chance to take control. His avarice for power had been fed for decades. While drawing others into his plotting, he was now given a hand by Fate, just as Briar was crowned. He took the foreground and called the guards to seize Vad and Briar. Briar refused to leave her friends behind, and they fought to find an escape route. An escape and fight that would cost the lives of some they so loved.
While Vad, Briar and some of their friends managed to escape many others were imprisoned and even executed when the palace was taken, as the search for them continued. Since, until Vad and Briar could be found and executed, he could not take control.

A state of war beginning with the coronation and wedding, a battle for the right to govern, a coup that had been in the planning for decades. Murder had set the stage years before, even the bride trials had been fixed, but when Vad went against the chosen candidate by choosing Briar as his bride, that too had still somehow worked in favor of the villain’s plans. Now he could blame the loss of magic in the land on Briar as well, instilling fear and hatred in the people. Quickly controlling the other royals by imprisoning them and their children or executing those who refused to pledge loyalty to him. So sure, of his victory our villain underestimated the love and mate bond that united Vad and Briar together and their belief in a better way of life for all. Nor did he consider those who were loyal to Vad and would fight beside him.


This final part of the trilogy that started with “Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King” hits the ground running just when I thought Vad and Briar could finally find a bit of peace. I should have known that the strategist in Jen L. Grey would lead us in an all-out battle with answers to past and present questions, with perhaps still a couple the reader would have to use their own imagination to answer. I really enjoyed the familiar characters from the series “The Rejected Fate Trilogy” that were brought into this story. Vad and Briar are strongest together, it comes through in their actions, compassion for others, and dialogue, especially when it came to the death of those closest to them. Though it is riddled with pain, angst, and death there is love, friendship, sometimes grudging respect and the need to put an end to an evil murdering tyrant, that brings the characters to life. There is romance that grows between several characters even in the worst conditions and friendships that go beyond the grave. This series tore at my heart and in the end healed it with the magic that pulls me into this sensory rich story. I highly recommend this dark romantic fantasy.
Profile Image for Rebecca Johnson.
24 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2025
I don’t think I could have loved this book — this series more. Vad is a beautifully written character who is a reminder that a title isn’t everything without love. In the final installment, we hoped that Briar and Vad could get just a little bit of peaceful calm to celebrate their coronation as King and Queen. Instead, an earthquake brings chaos as the coronation stole all the magic from the realm.

Unfortunately, this series has a lot of loss but it also has a lot of newfound strength and resilience from loss. We also see some familiar characters from “The Betrayed Mate” series make a nostalgic appearance at just the right time.

This book has a battle where you don’t know friend from foe. Those you thought were friends might be a foe and those you thought were foe suddenly find are actually a friendly ally. This book has great writing, twists and was very much an enjoyable read.

Most of all, it has love. A Prince turned King who never wanted to marry for love found that sometimes fate can find true love across realms. And when society tells you that person should be your enemy, love finds that common thread. When magic appears to be nulled by the union, you find that while dependent on magic previously you can become stronger together through trials and tribulations. The shadow creatures are acting strangely and even with them you don’t know whether they’re friend or foe. In the end, all you can do is trust yourself and your instincts. When the world tells you not to trust, can you believe in yourself enough to follow what your heart believes to be true?

This book was beautifully written and I enjoyed the series very much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,366 reviews134 followers
November 1, 2025
Forged by Heart and Claws starts off running. Literally. It picks up right where the previous book left off. Everyone has turned against Vad, Briar, and the gang. It's one complication, one high-action scene after another. Things are very intense, and they stay that way until the very end. Best of all, the story was so completely unpredictable. I didn't know what was going to happen from one moment to the next. There were more than a few scenes that seemed like they came straight out of a horror flick. Everyone doesn't make it; there were some hard moments, but they pushed through.


Once again, Briar's compassion shines, while also demonstrating just how lethal she can be, and I was there for it! The bond with Vad was stronger than ever. I already knew he was all in, but he proves it more than once in this. He and Briar make quite the pair. Jen usually creates tight friend groups, but that wasn't the case with this series. At least it wasn't at first. I'm glad that they finally figured it out. They're a force to be reckoned with when they rally together.


This book completely knocked me off my feet. When the true villain was revealed, I was taken by surprise. I never even suspected. The conclusion was of epic proportions. I'm talking cinematic quality. While a lot of stuff made sense, there were also some pretty great twists that made the story even better. Forged by Heart and Claws was a fantastic read and the perfect ending for the series.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
1,466 reviews119 followers
October 21, 2025
Chaos erupts the moment Vad crowns Briar as his queen. Magic vanishes across the realm and almost everyone turns on Briar and Vad. Those loyal to them remain and help fight their way out. While those who were staging a coup pounce for the throne and take out the royals once and for all. As Briar, Vad, and their friends try to escape intact, they’ll have to fight to survive and hope for a moment of peace to figure out exactly what happened and what they can do to save those they love and their people. It is nonstop action the moment you pick up this book! Briar and Vad are fighting for their lives most of this story while trying to figure out what happened and what they can do next. Questions are finally answered and it’s a hard earned happy ending for these two. I really enjoyed this series! Briar and Vad were great and I loved watching them grow throughout this series. We also had a lot of wonderful side characters surround them which just made the story more fun. A great series overall. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ThatBook Girl.
156 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2025
This was a fast-paced adrenaline rush of a finale to the Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy.

From the very first page, the action was almost non-stop. On the run with their friends, Briar and Vad face so many perilous challenges trying to get to safety. With most of the fae turning against them, the group is forced to battle with enemies at every turn. Watching the gang continue fighting and protecting each other was as heartwarming as it was nail-biting.

As always, the side characters were just as fun and important as the MC's, especially Elara, Myantha, Rhielle, Thalen, and Silus. And seeing the shadow wolves and the guardians appearing gave me chills!

Sometimes it got to be a little much - a little repetitive and over the top - but the vibes were vibing, and I love the characters so much that it didn't really take me out of the story.

I enjoyed how this wrapped up the series, and how beloved characters made appearances. I was sad that not everyone made it through to the end, but I loved watching Briar grow into the person/wolf/fae that she's meant to be.

6 reviews
November 25, 2025
Kings and queens of fae

Definitely recommend this trilogy books to others; although the last book have used more of a honeymoon for the couple Val and briar after everything they been through / the book even hint at one ?? Never gave one why? That part kinda sucked?? Etc.. glad 😊 the 3 brothers finally found their mates and either got r getting married!! They deserve happiness after everything they went through!! 🤧. Like that briar got an awesome wolf
Too bad they lost alot of great friends 🧡 and family members along the way in their for going their kingdom and home back!! Didn't like cal.lilly r calcium bully never win!! And definitely asshole!! She was bewitch !! Etc hope u have more stories w these characters love these guys!! Etc maybe w the other two 🤔 guys and their mates and r the wolves ?? Etc.. 😊 have happy holidays and have a blessed 🙌 😇 🙏 day!! Can't wait for your next story??
Profile Image for Shyla.
268 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2025
💫ARC 💫
Okay first off READ THIS! Second this one is insanely intense and darker than most of Jen’s books.

Briar and Vad’s conclusion is just crazy amazingly good! Not just the dark, stabby, and gory parts either. This one hit me in the heart. It was emotionally draining, but also rewarding.

This one starts off right where the last one left off and holly molly prepare for nonstop action and truths. There will also be loss which feels like a serious punch in the gut. This one hurts.

This one does move incredibly fast there isn’t a slow movement so be prepared. There were moments I know I was holding my breath.

This is the conclusion and Jen ties everything up perfectly you get one of the best HEA with this one. So all the stress and heartache is 100% worth the read.

This one is more graphic so if you are triggered by that be warned.

You do need to start with book one, this is a trilogy. Believe me it’s not one you want to miss out on!
3 reviews
October 29, 2025
Wonderful Triolgy!

Loved the first trilogy of Embers & Ryker's love story & how it rolls into Briar & Vad's love story. SPOILER ALERT: The only negative that I have is when she (Briar) was in prison/dungeon & her Grandfather that is several generations removed (HINT: The name Many Greats-Grandfather) portaled into her room on Earth & in the Dungeon as well, I was thinking it would have been really awesome if Briar was able to communicate with Ember so she could at least tell her what was happening to her & have some moral support during that part, then continue but knowing Ember will make every effort to get to her. Other than that all 6 books were action packed great reads.
Profile Image for Janai Shell.
Author 1 book7 followers
November 14, 2025
It was cool

I really enjoyed Ember and Ryker's Trilogy and looked forward to reading Brier's. The first two books did not disappoint. However, book 3 was a bit trying for me.

Typically, I'm able to read 3 books a day but I kept stopping this one because I continued to lose focus.

While the ending was awesome the first 20+ chapters were somewhat exhausting and in some instances repetitive. I also noted in at least two instances where Brier's name was used when it should have been Ember's (first time it happened I had to go back to make sure I hadn't missed something).

All in all the book was cool. I'm happy the ending was as it was and I'm looking forward to reading the next set of books.
124 reviews
November 9, 2025
My thoughts are STILL in this book!!

I’ve waited until all 3 books were here as I read Embers series first and this was SO worth the wait!!! I have loved every single page of this series I do not want it to end!! Briar is an extremely strong character and so is Vad and their friends and people who believe in their kingdom and doing the right things are simply amazing!! You know when you are involved when the reading voice in your head starts an insane intensity on every word !!!( or is it just me that transfers the characters voice to my head?) EXCELLENT series!! Way more than 5 stars!!! I’ll be reading both these series again!!
Profile Image for Cynthia L Peters.
457 reviews
November 11, 2025
Briar and Vad are crowned and have to run for their lives when an earthquake hits and the conspirators blame them. They round up their friends and a few other loyal people and try to escape to the tunnels under the palace. They work to defeat the conspirators and take back control, sometimes with unlikely friends.

There was a lot of fighting in this installment. I get it, war and all, but I'm not a fan of constant battles with little else. With that said, I really enjoyed the last three quarters of the book, which had strategy, a short conflict with the main bad guy, the final battle, and the aftermath.
37 reviews
December 13, 2025
Hmmmm

I did enjoy it but i was sooooo sad we didn't get to see any of them properly take their crowns and placed to live. I was hoping for a epilogue or 2 (maybe even a novella) because this book was ALL GO and we didn't get to see if there were any kiddo's for them or living a happy life???

It just never stopped with the bad things one after another and we get no future with them to see.

Like I say, I did like it but im left wanting more of the happiness that comes after.
We got no proper weddings, no finding their home, no visit with the pack. I was left a little sad and fed up
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,677 reviews16 followers
November 4, 2025
Briar, Vad, and the rest are back and with a war on their hands, traitors, destruction, is to follow after they are married, now in the fight for their life and hiding from the enemy the need a plan to save the people,the kingdom, and themselves. Each page a new twist, action packed, battle, emotions, danger, and more. I was pulled right into this book and from the start it gives all the feels. You will laugh, cry. As it unfolds you may get mad and want to throw your kindle. Another amazing read and a beautiful ending to a great series. Can't wait to read what she has next.
40 reviews
November 16, 2025
fantastic read

This had so many twists and turns. I loved it!!! So many things played out differently than I thought. I was surprised by a few typos (twice had the wrong sister’s name listed) because usually her books are flawless, but this story was amazing.

I loved how the old characters were integrated into the storyline, and things were so consistent. There was something on my mind for so long, and she answered it in the end. (I strongly dislike loose ends, so huge thank you for tying that up.).

Excellent book, and a good follow up to Ember’s story. (I really didn’t think this one would be able to keep up, but it did.)
Profile Image for Kim Lemmer.
161 reviews
November 17, 2025
Loved It!

I really love books (especially series) about bridal trials. I get that some contestants have to die (cuz that adds the thrill) but that part's still sad. This one was especially vicious (probably because of the corrupt councils).

These books had it all. Grumpy male main character and determined main female character. Broad and Bad were great.characters and I especially loved that they admitted they were in love early enough in the series that We got to enjoy them working together as a couple.
Profile Image for Bre.
177 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2025
I have mixed feelings

I thought the first two books were amazing. This one seemed to be a little drawn out. Everything seemed to be "long winded" up until about 60%.
A lot of things became repetitive. Their feelings for each other, the descriptions of smells or scenarios. Each description was the same adjective, worded with the same sentence structure.
I liked the first two books, and I enjoyed the last 40% of the book as well.
393 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2025
So disappointed

I loved the other books in this series and even the first series about the sister....but this final book was awful! The first 70% was a waste of time! It was battle after battle and not progressing the storyline. On top of being pointless it was overly "wordy" and descriptive. I ended up skimming all of it. Then by the time things started actually happening I just wasn't into it anymore.
Profile Image for Jean R.
83 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2025
The first seventy pages were much too repetitive. The book could easily have 100 pages less.
Then the discriptive to the extreme style of writing often took me out of the story.
I don‘t need to know for half a page where every person in the room is standing or sitting next to and what every one is doing while sitting or standing.

The ending was satisfying, except… is Briar now more fae? Has her lifespan extended? That would have been nice to know.
Profile Image for Karen G.
295 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
Great ending to a series

It did not stop from start to finish. So many battles and all different that you were holding your breath throughout.
Some endings you could see and others you could not. Some melodramatic areas 🙄 but didn’t take away from the story.
Loved all the friendships and partnering up. ❤️ No real spice 🌶️ that took away from the storytelling like some books do. It actually was kind of a nice change. I would recommend this series.
Profile Image for Rachel Maze .
68 reviews
October 25, 2025
took the day off work to enjoy and read this conclusion to the series. so good! been looking forward to it for several weeks. Jen did not disappoint! lots of suspense, action, great cast of characters. very happy with how the series ended. Now a new favorite author of mine. Will be devouring the other series now.
28 reviews
October 26, 2025
From the first page to the last there was action all around! I never fully guessed the ended other than a happy ending somehow! It kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't stop reading. What a phenomenal end to the trilogy. There are supernatural powers and ideas I have never seen in another fantasy world!
10 reviews
November 2, 2025
The Best Yet

I couldn't wait for this book to finally be released. As soon as it was, I was on it. And, WOW! I couldn't put it down. For as good as the first two books were, this one is the best. I laughed, I cried (actually cried). Jen did a super job wrapping up this trilogy. Thanks Jen!!
Profile Image for Nikki M-S.
25 reviews
November 7, 2025
Fae twisted trilogy excellent read.

Thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, was totally different storyline which was well written. A few mistakes with characters names but not enough to stop me reading right through the series. I love this author and the differing angles taken for storylines.
1,477 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2025
good

I love Vad, briar, and their friends in this book. Not only did magic disappear in this book, but a coup. broke out and briar, Vad, his sister, and their loyal subjects had to flee for their lives. I liked how they managed without magic to protect themselves. I did like the end of this book. It was a good ending to this series.
57 reviews
November 18, 2025
Shadows

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. At the beginning, it was slow going but in the latter part of the boo k, it was exciting & filled with so many twists & turns, it made the mind boggle. The wait was too long but worth it. Ms Grey, you never seize to amaze me with your style & imagination. Keep writing & I'll keep reading.
Profile Image for Nadia N. Pendleton.
15 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2025
On the Edge of My Seat

Very few books have kept me completely enthralled and tense the entire time, but this book definitely did. The lives of Briar and Vad are at risk too many times to count throughout this book. The action is non stop!!!! I loved the series and especially this 3rd book.
126 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2025
Excellent Action-packed Read

I loved this book! I could hardly put it down. The whole series has been like this. Vad and Briar went through a lot to be together. Their story has many unexpected twists and turns which makes for great reading! I highly recommend this book—this series!
Profile Image for Amanda.
181 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2025
Is Actiontacy a thing? Did I make a new word??

OH. MY. GOODNESS!!! Give them a break already!! None stop action and attacks from every angle. They had 5 minutes to relax then WHAM. This series wasn’t really Romantasy but more Actiontasy (action fantasy)….it was go go go almost from the start. Loved it!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.