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Forging the Future
The fate of all nine realms rests on the shoulders of a child.
Alek, a teenage elf charged with caring for a demanding prisoner within the confines of the Kingdom of Dredfall, witnesses his prisoner's liberation and impulsively tags along with the saviors instead of staying behind and facing punishment. It would have been wise to let the liberators know this was his plan but, like most young elves, he did not think that far in advance. The result of his impulsive action is life-altering.
Unbeknownst to Alek, his former master is working toward bringing the destruction of all nine realms by calling forth a world-ending creature from Muspelheim, the realm of fire. Our heroes find themselves battling to save Alfheim, and they cannot do it alone. The next generation of elven royalty is the key to Alfheim’s survival or destruction, but only if a god chooses to intervene. The line between good and evil must be erased, and help must arrive in time, or life could cease to exist.
Alek, a teenage elf charged with caring for a demanding prisoner within the confines of the Kingdom of Dredfall, witnesses his prisoner's liberation and impulsively tags along with the saviors instead of staying behind and facing punishment. It would have been wise to let the liberators know this was his plan but, like most young elves, he did not think that far in advance. The result of his impulsive action is life-altering.
Unbeknownst to Alek, his former master is working toward bringing the destruction of all nine realms by calling forth a world-ending creature from Muspelheim, the realm of fire. Our heroes find themselves battling to save Alfheim, and they cannot do it alone. The next generation of elven royalty is the key to Alfheim’s survival or destruction, but only if a god chooses to intervene. The line between good and evil must be erased, and help must arrive in time, or life could cease to exist.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2025
633 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Abrahamsen
4 books34 followersJennifer Abrahamsen is a full time Mathematics educator in Blauvelt, New York. She holds a degree in mathematics, a post-graduate degree in Computer Science, and a second post-graduate degree in Literacy. Abrahamsen’s dream is to live in a realm where all of her students find wonder and excitement when seeing the intricate mathematical patterns found all around them. Until that realm is discovered, she lives in Port Jervis, New York with her husband, Phil.
When Abrahamsen is not grading papers or planning lessons, she enjoys reading, writing, crochet, embroidery, genealogy, creating chainmaille jewelry. dog obedience training and spending time with her husband, Doberman/Springer Spaniel mix named Bernie, Golden Retriever/Boxer mix named Elske, and cat Stormy.
When Abrahamsen is not grading papers or planning lessons, she enjoys reading, writing, crochet, embroidery, genealogy, creating chainmaille jewelry. dog obedience training and spending time with her husband, Doberman/Springer Spaniel mix named Bernie, Golden Retriever/Boxer mix named Elske, and cat Stormy.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 1, 2024
From Skilanis' sinister machinations to Alek’s reluctant growth, every storyline was charged with intensity!!!
What stood out most to me was how grounded the fantastical elements felt. Even in a world of bone-dust rituals and dark creatures, the characters’ emotions—whether Gunnar’s quiet frustration or Kindra’s fierce resolve—rang raw and authentic. Alek’s arc was a surprise highlight; his small rebellions against a life of servitude were incredibly human, even when his magic was in play. I love Leif's humor...he made the novel even more fun to read!
In regards to improving the work, The action-packed scenes are gripping, but some transitions, especially in quieter moments, feel rushed. For instance, Kindra and Krish’s reunion could’ve been a golden opportunity for vulnerability, but it wrapped up too fast to feel meaningful. As for Kindra…she’s a strong protagonist, but sometimes her dialogue leans too formal or stiff for someone who’s been through what she has. More moments of raw emotion or even just frustration could add realism.
The action sequences, especially the throne room battle, were cinematic but BRUTAL, reminding readers that power always comes with a cost (enjoyed the reality-check and dystopian style). And while some of the slower moments, like Krish and Kindra’s reunion, could have used more emotional depth, they still served to remind us of the stakes these characters face.
The book wraps up major arcs satisfyingly while leaving just enough threads loose for readers to dream of what comes next. For fans of political intrigue, found family dynamics, and morally gray heroes, this book—and series—is a must-read.
What stood out most to me was how grounded the fantastical elements felt. Even in a world of bone-dust rituals and dark creatures, the characters’ emotions—whether Gunnar’s quiet frustration or Kindra’s fierce resolve—rang raw and authentic. Alek’s arc was a surprise highlight; his small rebellions against a life of servitude were incredibly human, even when his magic was in play. I love Leif's humor...he made the novel even more fun to read!
In regards to improving the work, The action-packed scenes are gripping, but some transitions, especially in quieter moments, feel rushed. For instance, Kindra and Krish’s reunion could’ve been a golden opportunity for vulnerability, but it wrapped up too fast to feel meaningful. As for Kindra…she’s a strong protagonist, but sometimes her dialogue leans too formal or stiff for someone who’s been through what she has. More moments of raw emotion or even just frustration could add realism.
The action sequences, especially the throne room battle, were cinematic but BRUTAL, reminding readers that power always comes with a cost (enjoyed the reality-check and dystopian style). And while some of the slower moments, like Krish and Kindra’s reunion, could have used more emotional depth, they still served to remind us of the stakes these characters face.
The book wraps up major arcs satisfyingly while leaving just enough threads loose for readers to dream of what comes next. For fans of political intrigue, found family dynamics, and morally gray heroes, this book—and series—is a must-read.
October 8, 2025
Jennifer Abrahamsen’s Forging the Future (Elven Roots, #3) jumps right into the action as we follow Alek, a teenage elf/slave tasked with guarding a mysterious prisoner in the dark kingdom of Dredfall. As a brutal revolution unfolds in the heart of the realm, Alek loses his prisoner to enemy forces. Rather than face certain death for dereliction of duty, he follows the liberators, embarking on a hero’s journey that leads him to discover previously unknown powers and embroils him in a battle of beasts and gods.
Even without reading the first two books, I found myself immersed in the interconnected realms of elves and humans that Abrahamsen creates. Her apparently limitless imagination brought me back to reading and re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia as a kid. But this isn’t a children’s book. It has graphic violence, adult relationships, and flawed heroes. The preponderance of dogs with human-sounding names—combined with the author’s tendency to use male/female to describe elf, human, or animal—caused me to lose my place a few times. But overall, I enjoyed getting to know the diverse ensemble of characters and spending time in Abrahamson’s intricately crafted world.
Even without reading the first two books, I found myself immersed in the interconnected realms of elves and humans that Abrahamsen creates. Her apparently limitless imagination brought me back to reading and re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia as a kid. But this isn’t a children’s book. It has graphic violence, adult relationships, and flawed heroes. The preponderance of dogs with human-sounding names—combined with the author’s tendency to use male/female to describe elf, human, or animal—caused me to lose my place a few times. But overall, I enjoyed getting to know the diverse ensemble of characters and spending time in Abrahamson’s intricately crafted world.
January 12, 2026
Jumping into the final book of a series can feel risky, but this one pulled me in faster than I expected. Even without having read the earlier installments, the story quickly establishes what is at stake and who Alek is at his core. His impulsive decision early on feels very true to his age, and that choice becomes the emotional engine that drives everything that follows.
The world-building is ambitious, with multiple realms, ancient threats, and divine forces all colliding. What stood out most was the sense of urgency and the idea that the future rests not on seasoned heroes, but on the next generation and the choices they make under pressure. The blurred lines between good and evil add depth and keep the story from feeling too predictable.
This book delivers classic fantasy elements while still focusing on growth, consequence, and responsibility. Readers who enjoy epic stakes, youthful protagonists, and myth-infused worlds will find a lot to appreciate here, even if they are new to the series like I was.
The world-building is ambitious, with multiple realms, ancient threats, and divine forces all colliding. What stood out most was the sense of urgency and the idea that the future rests not on seasoned heroes, but on the next generation and the choices they make under pressure. The blurred lines between good and evil add depth and keep the story from feeling too predictable.
This book delivers classic fantasy elements while still focusing on growth, consequence, and responsibility. Readers who enjoy epic stakes, youthful protagonists, and myth-infused worlds will find a lot to appreciate here, even if they are new to the series like I was.
September 1, 2025
This fantasy adventure opens in the mind of a teenage elf—Alek. He’s supposed to be guarding an important prisoner of the Dredfall Realm. But in an unfortunate a lapse of focus (in a typical elf-teen-moment) instead of guarding his charge, he witnesses her rescue by enemy forces. Which means he’s in big trouble. Probably the worst trouble of his life. Rather than facing the consequences, he makes the decision to run after his charge and joins her cause. To say more would be a spoiler.
The story rockets along at a good pace, full of intrigue, action, and a rather large cast of characters—being this is the third book in this series. Unfortunately, I have not read books one and two. And for this reason, a lot of the characters took effort to keep sorted, which pulled me out of the story at times. I would suggest reading book one before jumping in mid-series.
I really liked Alek and identified with him on page one but not so much with the other characters. Despite this, the story complications kept me reading and the ending was satisfying.
August 13, 2025
A Fun Fantasy Adventure
Alek, a central character in the story, is a teenage elf whose duty it is to guard Kindra, an elven princess who has been imprisoned. In the wake of Kindra’s escape, Alek fears for his life, and flees along with her liberators. Unbeknownst to him, Skilanis, his former master, has machinations to manifest a creature with the potential to destroy all nine realms. Alek’s adventures take on some surprising twists and turns for him.
Dark creatures, portals, magic, political intrigue and epic battles abound in this fantasy novel. It took me a while to familiarise myself with the plot and characters having not read the previous books, but the story is well paced and has a good plot.
Recommended to those who enjoy a good fantasy adventure story.
Alek, a central character in the story, is a teenage elf whose duty it is to guard Kindra, an elven princess who has been imprisoned. In the wake of Kindra’s escape, Alek fears for his life, and flees along with her liberators. Unbeknownst to him, Skilanis, his former master, has machinations to manifest a creature with the potential to destroy all nine realms. Alek’s adventures take on some surprising twists and turns for him.
Dark creatures, portals, magic, political intrigue and epic battles abound in this fantasy novel. It took me a while to familiarise myself with the plot and characters having not read the previous books, but the story is well paced and has a good plot.
Recommended to those who enjoy a good fantasy adventure story.
October 12, 2025
In the third book of this fantasy saga, the young elf character Alek is likeable and easy to understand. The fantasy consists of the existence of different realms, their interconnectedness and all each contains. Good and evil, the lineage of kings (and even gods), elves and man, beast and battle compete for your attention. There are moments of modern day man, ancient elven wisdom and a touch of magic and romance. The intertwining of lives and heritage is reminiscent of Greek mythology. Well written and well developed characters, it is an engaging read especially for the young mind that can relate to Alek. A clean tale but for the gore of battle required to save the world(s); I would recommend it to the fantasy lover.
April 28, 2025
This book, Forging the Future, as well as the first in the series (Finding the Past) allowed me to read a type of genre that I was not familiar with. It brought me to places that had never explored and then back again to the present. The characters became real and I wanted to know more about them as the
exciting story involved. I recommend this book for young and young at heart.
exciting story involved. I recommend this book for young and young at heart.
March 28, 2025
💯💯💯💯💯💯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews