Tempered: Medallion Series Vol. 2

by Nicole Batey

Let his ashes rain down to coat the ruins of his power. Burn him. Burn everything. In the month since the Challenge for Kyllan’s Flame changed her entire life, Rae’s drowning in the aftermath. Her stomach roils with guilt for all of the things she’s done, the mistakes she’s made. Her lungs seize up with panic every time she thinks about the betrayal that almost ended her life. Her mind constantly fights against the whisper lingering on the edge of her thoughts, urging her to burn, to destroy.

Now, Rae faces a far bigger threat than anything she battled in the war. Her revenge on Viktyr will have to wait, every day bringing them closer and closer to a battle that will no doubt rip this country apart. But each day also brings her closer to someone else, someone her hatred wouldn’t let her see clearly before.

With far more at stake than ever, each and every one of Rae’s choices will have consequences—some good, some very bad. But, she’s only human…right?

Genres: Romantasy

403 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2025

Reviews

[Liv]

Oh my gosh, if I could rate this book a million/5 stars, I would. Nicole Batey’s storytelling abilities are TOP TIER, I would say on par with Sarah J Maas and Rebecca Yarros. Rae Airynn is an absolute bada** FMC. While she reminds me a lot of Aelin Galathynius, Rae is completely original and in a league of her own. I make those comparisons to give an example of how amazing this book and this series is, but this is a completely original storyline with completely original characters.
I’m freaking obsessed with Damon Sparr and how protective, strong, and cocky he is. He truly is a “will-burn-down-the-entire-world-for-her” MMC. And the banter between him and Rae is top tier banter that has me grinning from ear to ear while reading.

My only complaint? That book 3 isn’t out yet because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!

[⊹ ࣪ ˖ Nikkireads ⊹ ࣪ ˖]

Tempered took everything I loved about Forged and made it even better. The stakes are higher, the politics are messier, the danger feels constant, and Rae and Damon’s relationship finally gets the payoff I had been waiting for.

Rae stepping into her role as a Councilwoman and wielder of Kyllan’s Flame was one of my favorite parts of this book. She is becoming more powerful, more confident, and far more dangerous, especially once we learn just how much Forger blood is influencing her connection to the medallion. At the same time, having Viktyr actively working against her gave the entire story this constant sense of tension.

And then there is Damon.

Learning the full extent of what Viktyr had done to him over the years absolutely broke my heart. The torture, the manipulation, and the way Damon still carried that need for his father’s approval added so much depth to his character. Watching Rae become fiercely protective of him made their relationship hit even harder.

Their slow burn was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. The training, the forced proximity, the one horse moment after the gryphon attack, the secrecy, the tension it all built so naturally. By the time Rae and Damon finally gave in to what had been building between them, it felt completely earned.

There is also so much happening outside of the romance. The council is finally beginning to work together as war approaches, the Ardmadra are infiltrating places they should never have been able to reach, Sloane is laying traps from the shadows, and alliances are becoming harder to trust. Damon becoming the wielder of the Dark Medallion after finally standing against Viktyr felt like such a powerful turning point for him.

The final stretch in Craggarde added even more tension. Damon is forced to answer for training Rae in Malyk combat, bargain with General Orith, and set out to retrieve the legendary Satriya while Rae is left behind just as Grioria’s army attacks. Then shifting into Sloane’s perspective and seeing just how far he and Dahl are willing to go completely changed the tone going into the next book.

This sequel had everything I wanted. War, betrayal, dangerous magic, political tension, brutal family dynamics, hidden agendas, and one of the best slow burns. I am so invested in Rae and Damon now, and that ending made it impossible not to want the next book immediately.

[Beth]

🔥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩
This picks up right where book one left off and I was immediately pulled back in. Rae is now adjusting to life as a Councilwoman while trying to understand her powers and it’s not an easy balance. There’s an impending battle hanging over everything, and you can feel the tension building with every chapter.

🤍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
This is such a satisfying slow burn. Damon keeps his distance to protect Rae from becoming a target of his father, which made every interaction feel so much more intense. The forced proximity and training scenes were some of my favorite moments. Their chemistry builds in a way that feels natural and full of tension.
Damon is that cocky, strong, protective MMC who would absolutely 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧 and honestly, I loved that energy.

🌙𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝
I really appreciated how this stays in that high romantasy space while still being easy to read. The magic, especially Rae’s darker abilities, adds an edge that keeps things interesting, and the political elements give the story more weight without slowing it down.

✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
Slow burn romance
Forced proximity
Training scenes
Protective MMC energy
Heroine with dark powers
Political intrigue
Sequel that continues immediately

💫 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This felt like a strong continuation of the series with higher stakes, more tension, and a romance that keeps building in the best way. I loved watching Rae grow into her power and role as Councilwoman.

If you’re into romantasy with tension, politics, and a protective love interest, this is definitely one to keep on your radar 💖📖

[Addy]

5 Stars 🌟
Thank you to Contrarian Publishing for the physical ARC! 🖤

Going into book 2, it picks up where the story left off and gets right back into it! Tempered was just as phenomenal as Forged was, and yet again, I had so much fun getting to read. This time, it switched POV's between both Rae and Damon. I enjoyed getting to see more sides to him than what we learned previously. Not to mention how adorable they are. They have some insane chemistry, and I was living for it. This book was awesome. I can't wait for the next one. Speaking of, that brings me to my only complaint: having to wait for book 3 now. 😂 Jokes aside, if you enjoy steamy (literally), intense, fantasy romance novels, you should look into this series!!!✨️

[Rachel]

Literally everything about this is amazing. Even when parts should feel slow moving, Batey manages to hold a dagger to our throats and dare us to look away. Constantly proving nothing is as it seems, Tempered has stolen the air from my lungs just as effectively as The Breath itself. EVERY PART OF ME is anticipating book 3. (Please Nicole Batey & Contrarian Publishing, I’m BEGGING of you to remember me when book 3 physically exists 🥹)

*I received a physical ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own*

[Sueda Karadeniz]

Review of advance copy received from the publisher (which I'm over the moon about and immensely grateful for!!!)

🧠STORY: 3/5
🎨PROSE: 3/5
👤CHARACTER: 4/5
✨VIBE: 5/5
⭐️RATING:★★★★

🌶️SPICE: 3/5 (Steamy)


I'll get into more details when I can since I haven't properly reviewed the first book yet either. But I have to say this one was much shorter than the first book. I'm left with yet another book hangover...

[Sarah]

This series is so insane I cannot believe it hasn’t BLOWN UP. I took a break at 70% here (after reading the first 70% in a day) because I was afraid something terrible was going to happen and wanted to delay it. Picked the book back up last night and here we are. This is NOT predictable and I’m obsessed. Foaming at the mouth for book 3!!!! Full review to come!!!!

[Zelyphia]

What a great second book for the Medallion Series!
I am unwell but I enjoyed it and I'm so excited for book 3.
And Daaaamon, I'm just mad this perfect man doesn't exist and has been written by a woman.

[Maddy Harris]

Mark my words - this series will go viral!

[Ashleigh Tiernay]

Well written story which connects to the previous volume. I would have liked a bit more explanation on the dangers of the war but I gather it will come out in the third installment.

[Rachael]

Nicole’s follow up to Forged comes in just as hot and just as good! Tempered starts immediately after the events of Forged. We find Rae trying to come to terms with being betrayed by someone she trusted, as well as trying to hone her skils with her new Medallion that seems to be taking over. All of this is happening while she's around people who clearly don't want her there, and she's finding things out about herself that she would have never guessed. The cliffhanger this one ended on had me screaming, and I need to know all my babies are okay!

I’m still loving the characters, this world, and this magic system. In Tempered, we get to see more of the world outside of their bubble, and I look forward to hopefully seeing more! Plus we get to meet some new characters that I can’t wait to spend more time with, and we get even more time with our faves!

Catch me just sitting here twiddling my thumbs until Razed is in my hands!