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The Forsaken
The kingdom of Vadronia has long been forsaken by the gods. With a king desperate for power, a corrupt army of dark knights at his disposal, and a dire prophecy in his favor, what happens when he hears a syphon of legend, the one thing that could stop him or assure his destiny, is not only very real but has been living right under his nose all these years?
Adelina has been forsaken by the gods, her family, and her entire kingdom. She’s spent her whole life as an outcast, hiding her powers in fear for her life, and all of that changes in an instant one night. She’s caught the unwanted attention of the king, and nothing good can come of that.
Nox, an infamous chaos wielder, appeared on the assassin lord’s doorstep as an infant. He’s been trained into a lethal weapon, death his only companion through life. Quite frankly, he’s grown bored with it all until one night, when the assassin lord gives him a new order, not to kill, but to capture and detain someone for the king.
The fate of Vadronia lies in the hands of the unwanted, the cursed, the forsaken.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2026
6 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
H. N. Maupin
1 book4 followersH. N. Maupin is a lover of all dark/gothic things. She spends her time reading, writing, enjoying games and some tv (ie. Haunting of Hill House, Supernatural & Greys Anatomy.) She is a wife and mother of four boys.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 22, 2025
This was my first ARC and the bar has been set very high! This book was captivating from the first page. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter and badass story line. It felt like a fresh story when many romantasy books feel very repetitive. 10/10 would recommend, the romance is spot on, but little to no spice and the story didn’t feel like it needed it. Very happy this didn’t end on a cliff hanger and would absolutely read more from this series!
November 13, 2025
Fast paced, moving, and absolutely fun. The main character has gone through enough to kick her down eternally and force her to submit, but she's stronger than that. She fights back with teeth and a rage you could feel through the text.
The Forsaken is a truly unforgettable experience as well as a refreshing book. It keeps you engaged and interested in what you're reading throughout the entire thing. The world building is there, and it doesn't drag on and on, character growth for all characters (even minor ones) gives you the sense that you've known them for a while. I'll be rereading this time and time again.
The Forsaken is a truly unforgettable experience as well as a refreshing book. It keeps you engaged and interested in what you're reading throughout the entire thing. The world building is there, and it doesn't drag on and on, character growth for all characters (even minor ones) gives you the sense that you've known them for a while. I'll be rereading this time and time again.
November 22, 2025
6 brilliant stars!! ⭐️
If you’re looking for you next epic fantasy read, well,
THIS is it.
Nox & Adelina have become my favorite duo. Their banter was so fun to read and I loved how likable each of them were. Adelina wasn’t a woe is me insufferable female lead even though she had a rough life. More heartbreak than one person should ever have to endure. and Nox was a worthy opponent 😉 The storyline was amazing, I loved every second of the build up. I fell in love with every single side character as well which is a first I think 😂 Literally all of my favorite tropes in one book and not over the top spicy. I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll leave it at that.
TROPES ⬇️ :
• Slow Burn 🔥
• Enemies to Lovers ⚔️
• Magic System ✨
• Found Family 🥹
• World Building 🌎
• Gods/Goddesses 🙌
• Vampires 🩸
• Syphons 😵💫
• Shifters 🐺🐯
• Magic Wielders
• One Bed 🛏️
• Royalty 👑
• Badass FMC 😈
• She saves HIM 🤭
• Cursed Kingdom 🏰
The ending was executed perfectly. 10/10!
**Thank you to the author, H.N. Maupin for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. I wholeheartedly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read all future books. Seriously well done!
If you’re looking for you next epic fantasy read, well,
THIS is it.
Nox & Adelina have become my favorite duo. Their banter was so fun to read and I loved how likable each of them were. Adelina wasn’t a woe is me insufferable female lead even though she had a rough life. More heartbreak than one person should ever have to endure. and Nox was a worthy opponent 😉 The storyline was amazing, I loved every second of the build up. I fell in love with every single side character as well which is a first I think 😂 Literally all of my favorite tropes in one book and not over the top spicy. I don’t want to give too much away so I’ll leave it at that.
TROPES ⬇️ :
• Slow Burn 🔥
• Enemies to Lovers ⚔️
• Magic System ✨
• Found Family 🥹
• World Building 🌎
• Gods/Goddesses 🙌
• Vampires 🩸
• Syphons 😵💫
• Shifters 🐺🐯
• Magic Wielders
• One Bed 🛏️
• Royalty 👑
• Badass FMC 😈
• She saves HIM 🤭
• Cursed Kingdom 🏰
The ending was executed perfectly. 10/10!
**Thank you to the author, H.N. Maupin for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. I wholeheartedly enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read all future books. Seriously well done!
November 12, 2025
arc read
monsters
magic
badass fmc
badass mmc
couldn't put this book down to save my life! it was *chefs kisses* perfection. amazing writing, amazing story, the world building and detail that went into this book was perfect and kept you on the edge of your seat. 10/10 recommend this book to everyone
monsters
magic
badass fmc
badass mmc
couldn't put this book down to save my life! it was *chefs kisses* perfection. amazing writing, amazing story, the world building and detail that went into this book was perfect and kept you on the edge of your seat. 10/10 recommend this book to everyone
November 14, 2025
ARC READER! 🩵
If you’re looking for something fast paced & action packed this is the read for you! This had me gripped and wanting more every chapter! My only critique is I wish there was more detail ☺️
The FMC is badass! The MMC was good but I continued reading for FMC!
I’m excited to read book 2!
If you’re looking for something fast paced & action packed this is the read for you! This had me gripped and wanting more every chapter! My only critique is I wish there was more detail ☺️
The FMC is badass! The MMC was good but I continued reading for FMC!
I’m excited to read book 2!
November 14, 2025
I normally don't tend to venture to fantasy, nor a fade to black romance, as I've been burned in the past. However, this book restored my faith in the genre. I am looking forward to more from this author and world. I laughed, cried, and felt angry on behalf of even the support characters. All signs of a fantastic story. I am, however, very mad it's over lol
November 15, 2025
This book had me hooked from the start I could not put it down. Our MFC is a badass the MMC falls first and hard and will be whatever she needs him to be. The magic aspect in the book is easy to follow. The story is fun and fast pace. looking forward to the next book.
December 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written and the characters development was chef’s kiss.
November 26, 2025
LOVED! I cannot explain how much I loved this book! From the very beginning it kept my attention and kept me engaged! Highly recommend and really hoping for a sequel!
November 19, 2025
4.5⭐️ this was a super faced paced book and I loved it! Nox and Adelina are amazing main characters! Everything they went through to get where they are and their journey throughout the book. I couldn’t read this fast enough and I already can’t wait for what’s next to come!
November 19, 2025
ARC Reader 🫶🏼
If you enjoy a great fantasy book The Forsaken is the one for you!
Badass FMC
Amazing MMC
This book will keep you on the edge until the very last page!
Highly recommend!!!
If you enjoy a great fantasy book The Forsaken is the one for you!
Badass FMC
Amazing MMC
This book will keep you on the edge until the very last page!
Highly recommend!!!
December 24, 2025
I’m stuck between 4.75 and 5 ⭐️s for this one. I was lucky enough to ARC read this story and was hooked almost immediately. With this story you get a heartbreaking prophecy thrust upon a couple newborn babies and a kingdom truly forsaken by the gods. Adelina lives her life just fighting to survive and keep her true self small and hidden from all around her, and then there is Nox…he is tough and brooding but needing more from life than just being an assassin. I don’t want to give too much away but this story is a must read for romantasy lovers.
January 2, 2026
What a book
⭐️ 4,5/5
🌶️ 1/5
This story follows the life of Adelina which let’s be honest, sucks. As the outcast of the kingdom she has not known love or tenderness ever. I immediately bonded with her and wanted her to screw everyone over who ever wronged her.
She was just living her life, minding her own business, not harming anyone but life again had to be cruel and take the one person she cared about away. I was ready to start a war.
In her rage (very justified) she let her secret slip and more trouble follows her, now not being an outcast getting hunted down by the village idiots, she is being hunted down by the king and his assassins.
Enter shadow daddy Nox, the guy we love to hate, dark and broody mysterious chaos wielder?? CHECK
His mission was clear, capture the target, bring her to the king, oh but fate had something else in store for them.
I loved the back and forth between the two, fighting each other but also having to work together if they wanted to make it out alive. The sneaky “one bed” in the shape of a tree? Sign me up!
Their bond felt so natural and even though this story doesn’t take place over a long period of time, their relationship progressed in a way that just felt right.
Two strangers who had no choice to be wary of each other, enemies? By circumstance perhaps but it became clear soon enough the immense respect Nox had for Adelina’s strength, even before knowing the depths of her trauma.
This book was a real page turner, the action scenes were so well written I felt like I was in battle with them. The yearning and slow burn definitely had me kicking my feet when they finally caved!
What I loved most about this story is that we never want Adelina to be a hero, just like Nox, we revel in her revenge and darkness.
Let me leave you with some quotes that stayed with me throughout the entire book before I send you on your way to go read this story for yourself:
“I knew from the moment you knocked me on my ass and ran into these cursed woods that I wouldn’t stop chasing you until I caught you.”
“You’ll never be alone again. As long as I’m breathing, you have me, and when the day comes that Erebus finally claims our souls, I’ll search his entire realm to find you again. I’ll always find you.”
“Say the word, and I’ll end them, or I’ll stand by your side while you take your revenge. I’ll stand by your side and help burn this whole world down if that’s what you wish.”
“Until my last breath,” “In this realm and the next,”
⭐️ 4,5/5
🌶️ 1/5
This story follows the life of Adelina which let’s be honest, sucks. As the outcast of the kingdom she has not known love or tenderness ever. I immediately bonded with her and wanted her to screw everyone over who ever wronged her.
She was just living her life, minding her own business, not harming anyone but life again had to be cruel and take the one person she cared about away. I was ready to start a war.
In her rage (very justified) she let her secret slip and more trouble follows her, now not being an outcast getting hunted down by the village idiots, she is being hunted down by the king and his assassins.
Enter shadow daddy Nox, the guy we love to hate, dark and broody mysterious chaos wielder?? CHECK
His mission was clear, capture the target, bring her to the king, oh but fate had something else in store for them.
I loved the back and forth between the two, fighting each other but also having to work together if they wanted to make it out alive. The sneaky “one bed” in the shape of a tree? Sign me up!
Their bond felt so natural and even though this story doesn’t take place over a long period of time, their relationship progressed in a way that just felt right.
Two strangers who had no choice to be wary of each other, enemies? By circumstance perhaps but it became clear soon enough the immense respect Nox had for Adelina’s strength, even before knowing the depths of her trauma.
This book was a real page turner, the action scenes were so well written I felt like I was in battle with them. The yearning and slow burn definitely had me kicking my feet when they finally caved!
What I loved most about this story is that we never want Adelina to be a hero, just like Nox, we revel in her revenge and darkness.
Let me leave you with some quotes that stayed with me throughout the entire book before I send you on your way to go read this story for yourself:
“I knew from the moment you knocked me on my ass and ran into these cursed woods that I wouldn’t stop chasing you until I caught you.”
“You’ll never be alone again. As long as I’m breathing, you have me, and when the day comes that Erebus finally claims our souls, I’ll search his entire realm to find you again. I’ll always find you.”
“Say the word, and I’ll end them, or I’ll stand by your side while you take your revenge. I’ll stand by your side and help burn this whole world down if that’s what you wish.”
“Until my last breath,” “In this realm and the next,”
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐
The Forsaken is a Chosen One/s romantasy featuring an outcast, magic-wielding woman and the assassin sent to kill her.
The book starts off incredibly strong – the worldbuilding and premise are sound, the main character is interesting, and the assassin/target storyline is really fun to follow.
With that said, I think this book really could have benefited from additional length. I found myself asking a lot of questions about details sort of glazed over, and parts of it, like the ending, felt a bit rushed.
I loved the allies that Adelina and Nox made along the way; the vampires were a really fun addition to an otherwise very human world and the concept of the Void they live under is really neat!
I also enjoyed the belief system/gods in this book, though again I would love to have more information.
I do think Maupin set this book up nicely for a sequel.
If you enjoy a fast paced, dark romantasy adventure, The Forsaken by HN Maupin is set for release on January 5, 2026 and the ebook is available for pre-order now.
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to HN Maupin for the eARC! ❤️
The Forsaken is a Chosen One/s romantasy featuring an outcast, magic-wielding woman and the assassin sent to kill her.
The book starts off incredibly strong – the worldbuilding and premise are sound, the main character is interesting, and the assassin/target storyline is really fun to follow.
With that said, I think this book really could have benefited from additional length. I found myself asking a lot of questions about details sort of glazed over, and parts of it, like the ending, felt a bit rushed.
I loved the allies that Adelina and Nox made along the way; the vampires were a really fun addition to an otherwise very human world and the concept of the Void they live under is really neat!
I also enjoyed the belief system/gods in this book, though again I would love to have more information.
I do think Maupin set this book up nicely for a sequel.
If you enjoy a fast paced, dark romantasy adventure, The Forsaken by HN Maupin is set for release on January 5, 2026 and the ebook is available for pre-order now.
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to HN Maupin for the eARC! ❤️
January 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
This is one of those occasions where I wish I could give half-stars on Goodreads.
Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable and quick read. The characters were nicely written and had interesting and detailed backstories. However, my main gripe with this book was that it felt rushed. I think the story would have worked better if it had been built up more. Although I appreciate a shorter book, this one could and probably should have been twice as long.
I really liked the premise - the FMC is a secretly incredibly powerful magical syphon, who is discovered by the corrupt king of her cursed kingdom after she uses her powers against the men who killed her friend in front of her, while the MMC is the assassin sent to kill her. I was hoping for this to be a true slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story, but I was really disappointed with the speed at which they started catching feelings. That said, their connection at the end is really lovely and feels very genuine.
I will probably still read the second book to see what happens, but I definitely won't be picking this one up again, which is a real shame.
This is one of those occasions where I wish I could give half-stars on Goodreads.
Overall, this was a fairly enjoyable and quick read. The characters were nicely written and had interesting and detailed backstories. However, my main gripe with this book was that it felt rushed. I think the story would have worked better if it had been built up more. Although I appreciate a shorter book, this one could and probably should have been twice as long.
I really liked the premise - the FMC is a secretly incredibly powerful magical syphon, who is discovered by the corrupt king of her cursed kingdom after she uses her powers against the men who killed her friend in front of her, while the MMC is the assassin sent to kill her. I was hoping for this to be a true slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story, but I was really disappointed with the speed at which they started catching feelings. That said, their connection at the end is really lovely and feels very genuine.
I will probably still read the second book to see what happens, but I definitely won't be picking this one up again, which is a real shame.
November 23, 2025
ARC Reader 📚
The Forsaken is a standout read from start to finish, but what truly stayed with me was the heart woven into every page. The world building is amazing you never feel overwhelmed by it. the character development makes it feel like you’ve walked beside them your whole life.
Nox and Adaline’s fight scenes had me laughing through the tears. The way they bicker, push each other’s buttons, and still feel so connected it’s the kind of dynamic I haven’t felt in a book in a long time. But watching Adeline finally step into her power letting go of the rage, the trauma, the weight she’s carried for so long hit me harder than I expected. Seeing her transform into the strongest version of herself was raw, cathartic, and honestly beautiful.
The Forsaken is a standout read from start to finish, but what truly stayed with me was the heart woven into every page. The world building is amazing you never feel overwhelmed by it. the character development makes it feel like you’ve walked beside them your whole life.
Nox and Adaline’s fight scenes had me laughing through the tears. The way they bicker, push each other’s buttons, and still feel so connected it’s the kind of dynamic I haven’t felt in a book in a long time. But watching Adeline finally step into her power letting go of the rage, the trauma, the weight she’s carried for so long hit me harder than I expected. Seeing her transform into the strongest version of herself was raw, cathartic, and honestly beautiful.
January 5, 2026
The Forsaken was a gripping read that pulled me in quickly and kept me invested until the end. The worldbuilding is immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the story balances action, emotion, and romance really well. Watching the FMC grow into her power was especially satisfying, and her journey felt earned rather than rushed.
The banter and tension between the FMC and MMC were definite highlights—they added humor and depth to the story and made their dynamic fun to read. The plot twists kept things interesting, and the pacing stayed strong throughout.
While there were a few moments where I wanted a bit more depth or clarity, overall, this was an engaging romantasy with strong characters and an intriguing storyline. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next in this world.
The banter and tension between the FMC and MMC were definite highlights—they added humor and depth to the story and made their dynamic fun to read. The plot twists kept things interesting, and the pacing stayed strong throughout.
While there were a few moments where I wanted a bit more depth or clarity, overall, this was an engaging romantasy with strong characters and an intriguing storyline. I’m definitely looking forward to what comes next in this world.
January 5, 2026
Thank you so much to H. N. Maupin for providing me a copy of this book!
Wow, what to say about The Forsaken? This book was captivating right from the beginning, if life didn't get in the way, I would have finished in one day! The pacing of this book was written very well. It never felt like there was a lull in the story and it kept me captivated the whole time, I didn't want to put the book down. I enjoyed the banter and the yearning between the FMC and MMC. There is minimal spice but it never felt like it was needed. The magic system was written very well and easy to follow. I truly enjoyed reading The Forsaken and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a fast paced fantasy romance.
Wow, what to say about The Forsaken? This book was captivating right from the beginning, if life didn't get in the way, I would have finished in one day! The pacing of this book was written very well. It never felt like there was a lull in the story and it kept me captivated the whole time, I didn't want to put the book down. I enjoyed the banter and the yearning between the FMC and MMC. There is minimal spice but it never felt like it was needed. The magic system was written very well and easy to follow. I truly enjoyed reading The Forsaken and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a fast paced fantasy romance.
December 9, 2025
The Forsaken by H.N. Maupin is ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars – Dark Fantasy Perfection! And an absolute gem for dark fantasy lovers.
This book called my name and owned me. From page one, I was thrown into Vadronia—a kingdom abandoned by the gods, dripping with betrayal and prophecy. Adelina’s fight as an outcast with hidden power and Nox’s struggle as a chaos wielder raised to kill? Chef’s kiss.
I became so obsessed with Adelina and Nox . Adelina? Fierce. Nox? 🥵 He is absolute Chaos and danger. I’m obsessed. 🖤. Every twist hit me hard, and the emotional depth makes this story unforgettable.
🔥 Add this to your TBR and thank me later!
This book called my name and owned me. From page one, I was thrown into Vadronia—a kingdom abandoned by the gods, dripping with betrayal and prophecy. Adelina’s fight as an outcast with hidden power and Nox’s struggle as a chaos wielder raised to kill? Chef’s kiss.
I became so obsessed with Adelina and Nox . Adelina? Fierce. Nox? 🥵 He is absolute Chaos and danger. I’m obsessed. 🖤. Every twist hit me hard, and the emotional depth makes this story unforgettable.
🔥 Add this to your TBR and thank me later!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely captivating! The world building was so strong and you were able to really picture every character and see the world as they were, which I loved, especially when H.N Maupin introduced the Vampyre’s and their various characteristics.
The story was fast paced and flowed really beautifully and the dialogue was hilarious and emotional. Nox and Adelina were such dynamic characters who you couldn’t help but love from the moment they stepped onto the page. Their chemistry was amazing and the sass and back and forth banter was so natural and entertaining.
Absolutely loved every minute of The Foresaken and I’m so excited for everyone to be able to read such an amazing book!
The story was fast paced and flowed really beautifully and the dialogue was hilarious and emotional. Nox and Adelina were such dynamic characters who you couldn’t help but love from the moment they stepped onto the page. Their chemistry was amazing and the sass and back and forth banter was so natural and entertaining.
Absolutely loved every minute of The Foresaken and I’m so excited for everyone to be able to read such an amazing book!
November 25, 2025
Wow! This blew all my expectations out of the water. The story was fast paced and kept you captivated through out.
I loved watching the FMC embrace her powers and become more confident in herself. Th banter between her and the MMC was soo good!
And that plot twist. Let me tell you, I honestly was not expecting that. Girl you had me screaming my house because what?!
I enjoyed being an ARC reader for this novel and can’t wait for the next one!
I loved watching the FMC embrace her powers and become more confident in herself. Th banter between her and the MMC was soo good!
And that plot twist. Let me tell you, I honestly was not expecting that. Girl you had me screaming my house because what?!
I enjoyed being an ARC reader for this novel and can’t wait for the next one!
December 2, 2025
**Thanks for the opportunity to dive into this world**
📚Spoiler Free Review📚
What an adventure!
I was wrapped into it from almost the very beginning. I found myself easily connecting to Adelina. The amount of times my eyes got a little teary for her 😭
The storyline was fantastic, the characters well thought out and interesting.
Highly recommend!
📚Spoiler Free Review📚
What an adventure!
I was wrapped into it from almost the very beginning. I found myself easily connecting to Adelina. The amount of times my eyes got a little teary for her 😭
The storyline was fantastic, the characters well thought out and interesting.
Highly recommend!
December 5, 2025
As a first time ARC I wasn't sure what the expect. This hooked me in the first few pages. it was a fun ride! Adelina's transformation through the book hooked me and then came Nox! This book was what I needed to pull me out of my slump. Absolutely can't wait to follow Adelina and Nox on thier next journey!
November 17, 2025
Such a great book!!!! Excited for what comes next!
November 26, 2025
Was a great read. Nox is hands down my favorite.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An absolutely amazing story that starts with a prophecy, includes a lot of heartache and tragedy, but also leads to found family, self-discovery and love.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews