A nation divided by blood and bone. A prophecy whispered to right the wrong. The Draíocht is dying. The gods sleep. And Fate demands one thing….Breaking.
War orphan. Royal favorite. Hidden weapon.
Lady Brynn of Reikhaven was raised behind the cold stone walls of the Capital, where secrets rot beneath silken courtyards and loyalty is a game played with knives. Haunted by voices no one else hears and a past no one dares name, Brynn longs for more than the crown’s gilded chains.
But when ancient power stirs and a forgotten prophecy ignites in her blood, she’s thrust into a conflict older than the realms themselves—where gods sleep, darkness walks, and love may cost everything.
Fate has its own plans. And power never comes without ruin.
A story of a child ripped from her world and placed into evil, where she is constantly broken down physically and mentally. All for a prophecy that must be fulfilled to unite her people and end the evil that has taken over. What truly breaks her though is loss... of her children and then her friend. My favorite excerpt is "she looks up to me, tears brimming beneath her long lashes and whispers, 'You bound yourself to a broken woman.' I step closer, just enough for my words to calm the storm of grief wailing within her. 'No, I bound myself to a survivor.'"
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this beautiful book!! Oh my gosh where do I start!! Brynn the FMC is just my favorite character!! This woman has been through so much throughout this book and I just felt so much sorrow for her and pain! I don’t want to give anything away, but this book has everything you would want in a book!! I recommend it 100% and am so sad I have to wait for the next book!! Make sure to check your trigger warnings before reading!!
Reading the TW is imperative with this debut novel from Whit Jordan! Jordan weaves together an incredibly descriptive world and a story of perseverance. Be ready for all the emotions! I am really looking forward to the story continuing!
A nation divided by blood and bone. A prophecy whispered to right the wrong. The Draíocht is dying. The gods sleep. And Fate demands one thing… breaking.
This book is absolutely gorgeous—powerful, haunting, and full of raw emotion. As a survivor of witnessing my father abuse my mom, this story hit me deeply. Whit Jordan has taken unimaginable pain and reshaped it into something breathtaking: a fantasy world that captures what it means to overcome, to survive, and to rise stronger from the ashes.
Lady Brynn of Reikhaven is a war orphan, royal favorite, and hidden weapon. Raised in a world where secrets rot beneath silken courtyards and loyalty cuts deep, she finds herself caught in a conflict older than the realms themselves—where gods sleep, darkness walks, and love could cost her everything.
This story is heavy, yes—but it’s also full of strength, hope, and heart. Whit’s courage in writing this book is evident on every page. She didn’t just tell a story; she gave voice to the unseen and reminded us that even through fire and ruin, there can still be beauty and light.
Thank you, Whit, for being brave enough to share your heart through your words. 💔🔥
Whit Jordan’s debut fantasy novel, Forged in Fire and Blood is a gripping tale of destiny, endurance, and the slow unraveling of a prophecy that binds an entire world. At its heart is Lady Brynn Reikhaven, a woman trapped in a marriage to a cruel and powerful lord whose daily humiliations and calculated cruelties chip away at her spirit. What Brynn doesn’t yet realize is that her suffering is not merely personal—her life hangs by a thread woven into an ancient prophecy, one that countless others await with bated breath for its catalyst to ignite.
This isn’t a story of a chosen one who rises swiftly—it’s a slow, searing burn of a woman who refuses to give up in a world that seeks to break her.
The author does a great job intergrading the raw psychological weight of abuse and trauma into the fabric of high fantasy. Brynn’s internal struggle feels so real and makes those who have suffered the same pain feel seen.
The world-building is very well written with a believable realm, layered with history and political intrigue. The character development is slowburn but we do reach a breakthrough.
The novel ends on a brutal cliffhanger—one that doesn’t just tease the next installment but demands it. I can’t wait to continue this series!
So to start this off, the beginning of this book starts off very confusing. Almost like you coming into the middle of a conversation and then it just goes in circles. I will be in the middle of a chapter and one scene quickly changes to something else and there was no transition which made me have to keep re-reading certain parts because I was confused. But I think that is the point. It leaves you questioning and wondering. It grips you with a solid hold. Now the plot and characters are absolutely fantastic. This is not a romantasy but instead a dark fantasy. There are very heavy and very graphic things that happen here but it is pure. Pure emotion. You feel all of it. It was a dark and beautiful story and I am very much looking forward to seeing where Brynn goes from here. This poor woman is completely broken and I hope she finds her strength to fight for a life worth living. Definitely recommend if you can handle the TWs.
Love when a book gives your a pronunciation guide for characters, places, and other necessary names.
Forged in Fire and Blood is a fantasy novel that takes its time world building. There is a lot to take in, so while the pace is slower than I prefer, it works for the story.
Make sure you read the trigger warnings as this world takes you to a dark place before you get to see some light. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series as that cliffhanger is 😰.
Check the trigger warnings. If you can handle the triggers, this is an excellent book. It holds no punches in the events told. However, the story brings to light so many emotions. Happy, sad, mad, angry, inspired...etc. This is one of those books that makes you actually feel the emotions throughout, which not all can. The story starts slowly to world build. But don't let that stop you. Once the story gets going you're thrown in the deep end. The story flows beautifully. This is a Fantasy not Romantacy. With that said you still have found family, deep friendships, and fated mates. This is definitely worth reading if you love a strong female protagonist.
I don’t even know where to begin. This book is not for the weak. Goodness. Whit Jordan sucks you in from page one. Ripping your heart out time and time again. The path the FMC is in is one full of heartbreak and grief. There are glimmers of hope woven through her pain. My heart broke for her. Resonated with her. Grieves with her. And healed a little from it all. I will be reading every word of Brynn’s story to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book IS NOT a romantasy. It is troubling. There are parts that punch you in the gut. A difficult, but must, read. It faces difficult topics like domestic abuse.
This book is so heartbreakingly powerful. I thought I knew what I was getting into with this story, I very much did not (and I mean that in the best way). This story took me on turns so fast that I didn't really know what to expect next! The world building is amazing and there is a lot to learn! There were a couple times where I had wished maybe for some extra clarification within the world building, but I think that comes with many stories with intricate worlds. As always, keep an eye on your mental health while reading, this is not your cozy romantasy, but I highly recommend this haunting tale. I experienced such a range of emotions while reading it. This story reminds us that sometimes, we become who we are from our breaking, and that it's okay for others to help us shoulder that burden when we can't alone.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON: . . . I think Cia was my favorite character of all. She was such an amazing balance of strong and kindhearted. The kind of friend I'd want to have always on my side 🥹. Also, shadow mommy?! YES PLEASE.
Every time I thought Brynn was finally going to catch a break, where in most stories things might conveniently get better, the unthinkable happens. This author is not afraid to show the darker less traveled path. I genuinely smiled for Brynn during her glimmers of happiness. Finnick's father and Finnick's subsequent death might be one of my top ending betrayals ever 😭.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you so much @whitjordan_author for sending me an ARC of “your” story. It was one of those books that made me so emotional, I had to reread some paragraphs because tears blurred my vision.
Brynn, the FMC, is not your usual fantasy heroine. She’s a mother of two, an abused wife, and in her late twenties. And this - this isn’t just about a damsel-in-distress-kind of novel. This is a story of strength, survival, and second chances. I’m not a mother nor I experienced any physical abuse, but the way Jordan wrote this book —- I can feel the anguish, the pain, that feeling of trying so hard not to give up for the people that you love. It hurts, and I love how through her words, it’s just not the message that she’s able to transcend toward the reader, but also the feelings.
There’s drama, but there’s also high fantasy with epic battles of shadows, light and elemental magic. The world building is incredible! I’m so excited for the next book and see more of the different clan’s magic, culture and characters. I also feel that there’s more of the prophecy! And the rest of the characters —- I just want to see more of them: the loyal bff Cia, the gentle giant Ronan, the lovable clan leader MMC Eonwynn, and the Mother-Daughter tandhem of Parela and Vee!
I just know that this story has more to give, and I look forward to it! If you wanted to take a break from Romantasy, but still want some magical adventure - you better check this out! Now available in Amazon! See link in @whitjordan_author ’s bio! 😌
I received a free ARC of Forged in Fire and Blood by Whit Jordan and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Before diving in, I’d recommend checking the content warnings. This story doesn’t hold back—it’s raw, emotional, and absolutely heartbreaking in the best possible way. I thought I knew what to expect when I started reading, but I was wrong. This book took me through everything: grief, anger, hope, and even moments of quiet strength.
Whit Jordan has built a fascinating world with a magic system that feels truly unique. The pacing keeps things moving, balancing worldbuilding and story so it never drags. There are characters I adored (especially one very powerful shadow mommy 👀) and others I absolutely despised—and honestly, I love when a book can stir that kind of emotion.
Forged in Fire and Blood is filled with tropes I can never resist: slow burn, found family, fated mates, and that perfect mix of female rage and emotional depth. By the end, I was nearly speechless. I need book two—now.
This was a fast paced fantasy book filled with people that I loved and people I wanted to throat punch into the next universe. The lore and magic built into this book is *chefs kiss*. Whit’s writing is so detailed that it builds a perfect picture in your mind’s eye the whole time you’re reading. The monsters were scary af, the shadow mommy was filled with delicious revenge and badassery, the MFC is someone that you can’t help but love and cheer on. The banter between the characters is great. I love when an author can make me giggle, and Whit did that. She also put me through all my other emotions AND made me cry. *again chefs kiss!!* There were some unexpected plot twists that had me widening my eyes and clutching my kindle closer to me. I absolutely can not wait for book 2. Whit Jordan is one of my new favorite authors!
4.5 ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️ Forged in Fire and Blood completely pulled me into its world. I loved the rich world-building—Whit Jordan really makes you feel the weight of this crumbling empire, the sleeping gods, and the tension between loyalty and freedom. Brynn is a strong, layered character with just the right mix of vulnerability and determination. Her journey kept me hooked, especially as the lines between destiny and choice started to blur.
The book does move slowly in parts, and with so many political and magical threads, it can be slightly confusing at times. A slow burn at first, but once it catches fire—wow. Brynn’s journey from pawn to power is everything I love in fantasy — dark, epic, and full of heart. I couldn’t put it down.
A must-read for anyone who loves complex worlds, emotional storytelling and strong heroines.
A Captivating Fantasy Debut Whit Jordan's debut novel is a fantasy that grabs you from the very first page. It's a captivating tale of magic, betrayal, and survival, following a war orphan named Lady Brynn. As she navigates a world of political intrigue and a forgotten prophecy ignites in her blood, she is thrust into an epic conflict. The book is an emotional rollercoaster, balancing thrilling twists with deep, heart-wrenching moments. Jordan creates a vivid world and memorable characters, making the high stakes and moral dilemmas feel incredibly real. It's a powerful and memorable read that will leave you desperate for the next book.
What a epic story! Heart wrenching… it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. The loss this FMC endures is like no other. There’s so many power passages in this book but I think one of my favourites is “ she looks up to me, tears brimming beneath her long lashes and whispers, 'You bound yourself to a broken woman.' I step closer, just enough for my words to calm the storm of grief wailing within her. 'No, I bound myself to a survivor.” And let me tell you she has survived soo much! So so much, my heart aches for her.
This book has me happy one minute then seriously angry the next! The author Whit did such an amazing job with the attention to detail.
This book is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a cherry book you will not find it here. If you are looking for a strong female character, emotional trauma, and something new and unexpected this book is for you! There were many times I broke down crying for the characters and it gutted me in the best way. The magic in this story is unlike any I've seen in other books. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend it to my fellow fantasy readers. I cried multiple times and hoped against all odds that the characters would get a happy ending. I will have to see if that comes true in the future for now I'll just sit with my emotional damage.
This book pulled me in from the very first chapter. Whit Jordan has created a vivid world filled with magic, loyalty, betrayal, and heart. The characters are complex and memorable, and the story balances emotional depth with thrilling twists. I especially loved how the moral struggles felt real and the stakes stayed high throughout. It’s a powerful, well-crafted fantasy that leaves a lasting impression.
I think this book is one a lot of people will enjoy. I jut couldn’t get into it. I stopped at 30% because I had to keep rereading parts as I was zoning out and not able to focus. It could be that I just gave up to soon though. I think the writing was good and the story seemed to be headed in a direction I would typically enjoy. I blame this one on my own funk so I’m not rating it poorly. It’s good just not for me I think.
Took me a little bit to start this one. Just didn't grab me at first. It get good as I kept pushing through. Chapter 24 to 25 confused me - fortress was on fire in 24 but not in 25.(I went back and read it a few times) I feel the author started a direction and switched it but didnt amend the previous chapter. That being said I did enjoy the story once it picked up and I definitely look forward to reading the next installment.
A unique fantasy book - dark, deep, character building, and so, SO GOOD! Please read the trigger warnings, but if you feel safe, dive into this story of fate, found family, Viking-esk world with magic, friendship and love, loss and perseverance. 🔥 ❤️
Forged in blood is the perfect balance between gut wrenching despair and bright, encouraging, promise of hope. Please make sure you read the trigger warnings before reading this book. Whit Jordan does an amazing job at putting you in Brynn’s point of view. You can feel every physical blow and each dragging moment hoping for it all to end. While emotionally very hard to read you are invested in Brynn’s journey and the world building and magic system in this series is fascinating. I can’t wait to find out more and watch Brynn hopefully get sweet, sweet revenge in future installments. I received this book as an advanced copy with the promise of an honest review in return.
Read the warning page before starting; some of the themes are pretty rough.
Brynn, the FMC, goes through so much in the first half of the book that you really get an in-depth view of how she struggles to survive. Having multiple POVs was really nice to get the perspectives from two other main characters. Things that happen to some characters are absolutely heartbreaking.
The pace of the book was too slow for me. It takes over half the book to get to the main plot, then longer for things to pick up. I am more of a fast-paced person, so that is a big reason why I only gave 4 stars. I felt like there was too much time spent on side things and not enough on the actual plot.
I think Whit Jordan does an amazing job at capturing complex emotion and really drawing the reader in emotionally. I think there are so many people who will love this book! I was just unfortunately stuck on the pace.