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Forged by Betrayal and Blood
Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.
Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor's army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.
The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.
Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can't decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor's generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?
Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor's army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.
The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.
Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can't decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor's generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?
- GenresEpic Fantasy
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
Helen Garraway
22 books323 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Helen Garraway lives in the UK and has been writing about the world of Remargaren, a fantasy world of her creation since 2016.
The Sentinal series is now complete at 8 books and 5 novellas, the fantasy romance SoulMist trilogy is also complete, and the Celestial Throne series, a new epic fantasy series is now in progress.
An avid reader of many different fiction genres, a love she inherited from her mother, Helen writes fantasy novels and enjoys paper crafting and scrapbooking as an escape from the pressure of the day job.
Helen graduated from the University of Southampton with a Degree in Politics and International Relations/
You can find out more and sign up to her newsletter to download a free copy of Sentinal Stirrings, a novella set in the world of Remargaren at www.helengarraway.com.
The Sentinal series is now complete at 8 books and 5 novellas, the fantasy romance SoulMist trilogy is also complete, and the Celestial Throne series, a new epic fantasy series is now in progress.
An avid reader of many different fiction genres, a love she inherited from her mother, Helen writes fantasy novels and enjoys paper crafting and scrapbooking as an escape from the pressure of the day job.
Helen graduated from the University of Southampton with a Degree in Politics and International Relations/
You can find out more and sign up to her newsletter to download a free copy of Sentinal Stirrings, a novella set in the world of Remargaren at www.helengarraway.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 14, 2026
WOW!!!
My heart is still pounding!! This was an amazing book! Awesome characters, great dialogue, assassins dragons, magic, etc....... The only thing missing, is sex..... Next book in series, please????
My heart is still pounding!! This was an amazing book! Awesome characters, great dialogue, assassins dragons, magic, etc....... The only thing missing, is sex..... Next book in series, please????
July 12, 2026
I loved this book! Great story and it kept me late for an old man...I wish #2 was complete but I know I will enjoy it too later this year... Thank you Helen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
21st May 202621st January 2024
TITLE: FORGED BY BETRAYAL AND BLOOD, CELESTIAL THRONE, BOOK 1
AUTHOR: HELEN GARRAWAY
Star Rating: 5
‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Helen Garraway throws readers straight into the action with Forged By Betrayal and Blood, and it doesn’t take long to get hooked. From the opening pages, the world feels dangerous, gritty and full of tension, with battles, political unrest and long-buried secrets all colliding at once. Vael is exactly the kind of fantasy lead that’s easy to root for — scarred by his past, carrying a terrible reputation, yet fiercely loyal to the men who stand beside him. The banter and loyalty within his group adds a lot of heart to the story and keeps the darker moments balanced perfectly.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the character work. Vael and Emperor Talon are far more layered than they first appear, and watching their complicated history slowly unfold keeps the story compelling. Disari was another standout character for me. Her storyline brings a completely different perspective to the world, and her struggle between duty and freedom gives the book an emotional edge that works really well. None of the characters feel flat or predictable, which makes the shifting alliances and betrayals even more interesting.
The worldbuilding is rich without becoming overwhelming. Dragons, assassins, ancient gods and political power struggles all weave together naturally, and Garraway reveals details at a pace that keeps you wanting more. There’s a strong classic fantasy feel to the story, but it still feels fresh thanks to the character dynamics and the mystery surrounding the Celestial Throne and the missing dragons. The atmosphere throughout the book is fantastic — whether it’s brutal battles in the wilderness or tense conversations in palace corridors.
Overall, Forged By Betrayal and Blood is a really enjoyable start to what feels like an epic fantasy series. It has action, intrigue, emotional moments and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with flawed heroes, dangerous politics and slow-burning secrets, this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll absolutely be reading the next book. ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
21st May 202621st January 2024
TITLE: FORGED BY BETRAYAL AND BLOOD, CELESTIAL THRONE, BOOK 1
AUTHOR: HELEN GARRAWAY
Star Rating: 5
‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
Helen Garraway throws readers straight into the action with Forged By Betrayal and Blood, and it doesn’t take long to get hooked. From the opening pages, the world feels dangerous, gritty and full of tension, with battles, political unrest and long-buried secrets all colliding at once. Vael is exactly the kind of fantasy lead that’s easy to root for — scarred by his past, carrying a terrible reputation, yet fiercely loyal to the men who stand beside him. The banter and loyalty within his group adds a lot of heart to the story and keeps the darker moments balanced perfectly.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the character work. Vael and Emperor Talon are far more layered than they first appear, and watching their complicated history slowly unfold keeps the story compelling. Disari was another standout character for me. Her storyline brings a completely different perspective to the world, and her struggle between duty and freedom gives the book an emotional edge that works really well. None of the characters feel flat or predictable, which makes the shifting alliances and betrayals even more interesting.
The worldbuilding is rich without becoming overwhelming. Dragons, assassins, ancient gods and political power struggles all weave together naturally, and Garraway reveals details at a pace that keeps you wanting more. There’s a strong classic fantasy feel to the story, but it still feels fresh thanks to the character dynamics and the mystery surrounding the Celestial Throne and the missing dragons. The atmosphere throughout the book is fantastic — whether it’s brutal battles in the wilderness or tense conversations in palace corridors.
Overall, Forged By Betrayal and Blood is a really enjoyable start to what feels like an epic fantasy series. It has action, intrigue, emotional moments and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with flawed heroes, dangerous politics and slow-burning secrets, this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll absolutely be reading the next book. ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another excellent book by master story teller Helen Garraway. I was quickly hooked and then reeled in to immerse myself in the story. I had to force myself to stop reading at 1 am so I could go to sleep. I kept telling myself: I'll read just one more chapter.
What I liked most is that this book is the first of a series and I know I will get to enjoy more of the story in the future. I can't wait for the second book. As an aside, there is a brief reference to a familial connection to a character in another of Garraway's worlds.
The world that Garraway has created in her mind is well thought out and the story is enthralling. This book is about loyalty, trust, and being a team while battling the incursions from enemies to the throne. A betrayal of the main protagonist that occurred ten years ago is slowly revealed. Vael is forced into an agonizing decision of whether he can forgive the betrayal and do what's necessary to defeat the enemies.
In this world are legends of dragons. Are they myths or were they once real? Many claim that dragons never existed. The antagonists are searching for a mythical red dragon that they can use to win the war. The protagonists stumble into a revelation that I won't reveal here.
And the ending? The enemy witch/oracle comes to a revelation of her own and gets ready to act on it.
I warn you now! You'll be hooked. I highly recommend this first book of a new series by Garraway.
What I liked most is that this book is the first of a series and I know I will get to enjoy more of the story in the future. I can't wait for the second book. As an aside, there is a brief reference to a familial connection to a character in another of Garraway's worlds.
The world that Garraway has created in her mind is well thought out and the story is enthralling. This book is about loyalty, trust, and being a team while battling the incursions from enemies to the throne. A betrayal of the main protagonist that occurred ten years ago is slowly revealed. Vael is forced into an agonizing decision of whether he can forgive the betrayal and do what's necessary to defeat the enemies.
In this world are legends of dragons. Are they myths or were they once real? Many claim that dragons never existed. The antagonists are searching for a mythical red dragon that they can use to win the war. The protagonists stumble into a revelation that I won't reveal here.
And the ending? The enemy witch/oracle comes to a revelation of her own and gets ready to act on it.
I warn you now! You'll be hooked. I highly recommend this first book of a new series by Garraway.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received and ARC copy of this book, and am giving an honest review.
FORGED BY BETRAYAL AND BLOOD
In this new series from, Helen Garraway, she has given us yet another Fantasy best seller. As with her other two we find ourselves once more transported to another world, and to my mind, her ability to build these worlds, puts her on a par with Tolkien. This new series, as with the others, draws you into the world she has created, from the first Chapter. Once I started to read it, I became part of it, an extra (so to speak) I was completely immersed in the story.
In Forged by Betrayal and Blood We are given two worlds, that of the, Emperor’s, and that of The Moon Blossom Sisters, a sect of highly trained female assassins. The story centres around Lieutenant Vael, a solder in the Emperor Talon’s army, and Disari a Sayasilirie (assassin) of the Moon Blossom Sisters. They meet one evening at a roadside Inn, and you are instantly aware that their destinies will combine at some point. Helen Garraway’s descriptive narrative allows you to become part of the story, and as with all her books you are absorbed into the book from page one. When I came to the end, I was searching through the back pages for more.
For my part, Forged by Betrayal and Blood will go on to be yet another International Best Seller, as are all her books. It is a must read, and even if you are not a Fantasy fan, you will be once you start reading. Helen Garraway, I applaud you.
FORGED BY BETRAYAL AND BLOOD
In this new series from, Helen Garraway, she has given us yet another Fantasy best seller. As with her other two we find ourselves once more transported to another world, and to my mind, her ability to build these worlds, puts her on a par with Tolkien. This new series, as with the others, draws you into the world she has created, from the first Chapter. Once I started to read it, I became part of it, an extra (so to speak) I was completely immersed in the story.
In Forged by Betrayal and Blood We are given two worlds, that of the, Emperor’s, and that of The Moon Blossom Sisters, a sect of highly trained female assassins. The story centres around Lieutenant Vael, a solder in the Emperor Talon’s army, and Disari a Sayasilirie (assassin) of the Moon Blossom Sisters. They meet one evening at a roadside Inn, and you are instantly aware that their destinies will combine at some point. Helen Garraway’s descriptive narrative allows you to become part of the story, and as with all her books you are absorbed into the book from page one. When I came to the end, I was searching through the back pages for more.
For my part, Forged by Betrayal and Blood will go on to be yet another International Best Seller, as are all her books. It is a must read, and even if you are not a Fantasy fan, you will be once you start reading. Helen Garraway, I applaud you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an amazing introduction to a new series by Helen. The Celestial Throne.
Great world building once again as we are introduced new locations and new characters. The detail that goes into creating the land and the characters is immense. We spend some time getting to know these characters as they face many perils in this first installment. Chance meetings lead to more furtuitous encounters throughout as the story progresses.
The new lore involved with The Celestial Throne, the dragons, the Moon Blossom Sisters and the rivalries and betryals already being set up throughout the story are already promising some epic storylines to come. I feel like there is going to be so much to get you teeth stuck into as a reader and some theories are already forming as well as many questions as to what's next.
I really enjoyed the first book and I cannot wait until the second one. If you enjoy epic fantasies with brilliant characters, incredibly breathtaking worlds, goddesses, dragons, and a intricate and interesting fantasy lore then Helen's books are definitely for you.
This is my honest review and thank you for my advanced copy.
Great world building once again as we are introduced new locations and new characters. The detail that goes into creating the land and the characters is immense. We spend some time getting to know these characters as they face many perils in this first installment. Chance meetings lead to more furtuitous encounters throughout as the story progresses.
The new lore involved with The Celestial Throne, the dragons, the Moon Blossom Sisters and the rivalries and betryals already being set up throughout the story are already promising some epic storylines to come. I feel like there is going to be so much to get you teeth stuck into as a reader and some theories are already forming as well as many questions as to what's next.
I really enjoyed the first book and I cannot wait until the second one. If you enjoy epic fantasies with brilliant characters, incredibly breathtaking worlds, goddesses, dragons, and a intricate and interesting fantasy lore then Helen's books are definitely for you.
This is my honest review and thank you for my advanced copy.
Review of advance copy
What a fantastic story!
Poor Vael has not been treated very well by his emperor and unfortunately, Vael’s men have also suffered as a result. Being in the military, Vael always has the worst posts, not enough supplies and he and his men are always fighting for their survival. On the other hand, we have Disari, one of the Sayasilirie, a sisterhood of assassins. While on a mission, these two meet—one has been sent to kill the emperor, the other has been disgraced by him. This fantasy just pulled me into the story from the very first word and kept me turning pages way beyond the time I should have stopped. It’s exciting, it’s dangerous, and yes, there is definitely blood and betrayal and plenty of fighting. The world building in Helen Garraway’s world is just spot on. I understood everything without any problems, but nothing bogged down in details. I cannot recommend this highly enough!
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Poor Vael has not been treated very well by his emperor and unfortunately, Vael’s men have also suffered as a result. Being in the military, Vael always has the worst posts, not enough supplies and he and his men are always fighting for their survival. On the other hand, we have Disari, one of the Sayasilirie, a sisterhood of assassins. While on a mission, these two meet—one has been sent to kill the emperor, the other has been disgraced by him. This fantasy just pulled me into the story from the very first word and kept me turning pages way beyond the time I should have stopped. It’s exciting, it’s dangerous, and yes, there is definitely blood and betrayal and plenty of fighting. The world building in Helen Garraway’s world is just spot on. I understood everything without any problems, but nothing bogged down in details. I cannot recommend this highly enough!
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!! An incredible beginning to the new Celestial Throne series by Helen Garraway. Once again Helen writes an unputdownable story. She is a master storyteller. I was enraptured from the first page all the way to the last word. There is a lot of action, adventure, found family, betrayal, magic, A little romance and dragons! The characters are all well written, they all have depth and they are all very engaging. Helen's world building is stunning and she weaves and blends it brilliantly and beautifully throughout the story. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend reading it!!! And I can't wait for the second book to come out!!!
June 1, 2026
This book follows at least six different groups or people, all with different goals. It is clear which group or groups are in each chapter. Not all of their goals will be met in this book; some will take place in a later book. If you are fine with leaving questions pending, there is enough to chew on and enjoy in this volume.
Don't ask the book's AI! Only the author can tell what happens with the questions not answered in this book - and she's not telling us yet.
Don't ask the book's AI! Only the author can tell what happens with the questions not answered in this book - and she's not telling us yet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great start to a new series! Loved the characters and the world! I didn't want to put it down because I needed to know what happened next. We have multiple POVs which I think really adds to the story. There are dragons, some magic, found family. I can't wait to read book 2 and see what happens next!
September 25, 2026
What a story, absolutely fantastic. Vael’s life is not an easy one, no one seems to want him around. Perhaps finally things will change for him. Full of action and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews