Forged in Blood

by Kitt Fiona

Trust no one. Want nothing. Survive everything.

These are the rules that kept Isobel Ashthorne alive long before she ever set foot inside the pristine halls of Blackmoore Academy. A place where knives hide behind perfect smiles and nothing is quite as it seems.

Thrown into a world of wealth and opulence, Isobel, who’s more used to crumbling walls and neglect than lavish luxury, must find her way in a life she never could’ve dreamed of.

But soon it’s not just trauma from her past she’s trying to overcome but a darker game of power and secrets.

At Blackmoore Academy, the reigning four boys are determined to make one thing clear. She shouldn’t be here.

But as Isobel navigates their cruelty, alliances form and walls are broken down. A split-second decision changes everything. Lines distort, loyalty shifts, and enemies blur into something else. Now the danger is no longer just coming from them, but from the shadows closing in on all of them.

The monster she escaped from in her previous life isn’t finished hunting her.

A battle is coming.

There will be blood, but who will shed the most? And who will be the one to fall?




This story includes content that may be potentially triggering. If any of the following is triggering for you, please do not read this book. Reader discretion is advised.

Abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, drugs, rape, humiliation, grief and loss, murder, crime, guns, knives, daggers, trauma, violence, animal dissection (in a biology lab)




Forged in Blood is book 1 of the Forged Series. This story ends on a cliffhanger!


Enemies to Lovers, Bully romance, Slow-Burn, Found Family, Love Triangle, Survivor Story, Elite Secret Society, Boarding school, Dark Romance, Coming of Age, Action, Crime

366 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 13, 2026

Reviews

[Vileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They watched me break. Now they can watch me rise."

4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

What an incredible debut! Thank you so much for the ARC (Please note the trigger warnings before you read!).

I absolutely devoured this and was hooked from page one. THIS WAS SO GOOD!! It's perfectly fast paced and the storyline is so gripping. Isobel's story contains so much resilience, healing, empowerment and growth. This is action packed with so many secrets sprawled across the pages. I do think her choices regarding the boys of the Blackmoore Four were a little questionable LOL, though you will love them all and how her bonds with each of them look so different. Her chemistry with Tex was everythinggg.

The ending was incredibly unexpected and DEVASTATED me. BRUH I AM SO UPSET AND HEARTBROKEN (I need book 2 immediately). Super excited to see the direction that this series will take :)

🚨🚨
slightly spoiler vibey thoughts here
I didn't rate this 5 stars for a couple of reasons. As the head of the Guild and his status, I don't understand how Lucian was never able to find her daughter especially from a raging alcoholic of a guy who does not scream sneaky Guild energy at all? This was a bit spicier than I expected. I love the message of Isobel reclaiming herself and her confidence, but there was also in the sense that I think it took a little bit from the plot when it would have been nice to see some of that buffer in the plot be more moments of Isobel and her dad, as they barely exchange any conversations once she enters the academy. And what happened to Isobel's best friend, they just never talked after she left for the academy?! My brain cannot fathom how Isobel even wants to KISS Jace when he did her so UNFORGIVABLY dirty. This is the main plot point that I really CANNOT wrap my head around right now that it pisses me off. But it's also always the good reads that evoke all the feelings LOLLL

[Sarah Minton · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, big thanks to Kitt and her amazing, incredible team for the ARC opportunity.
Forged in Blood is a page turning, slow burn, dark academia/contemporary romance. It has amazing characters and our FMC has an incredible arc. There are twists, moments of tension, banter, SPICY SPICE, action and secrets. This book really has it all! If you’re a fan of Fourth Wing (without the fantasy), Six of Crows & Kim
Possible this one’s for you.

[BookishlyVee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. just finished and I am not okay. This book is intense from the very first pages, raw, emotional, and unapologetic. Such a fun and emotional ride!!

It’s dark academia with a slow burn with some very spicy scenes for my tastes 🤭

That opening backstory for our FMC hits hard and immediately pulls you in. You feel everything with her.

The spice? Whew. A little over-intense for my usual taste… but also?? SO GOOD. No notes there 😮‍💨🔥

And then we get the Blackmoore Four, and listen, there is genuinely nothing I disliked about them. Each one has such a distinct personality, and somehow they all work.

Luca might be one of my favorites (don’t ask me to justify it, just READ IT and maybe tell me yours 😆), but honestly? They each bring something that makes you like them individually.

I do wish we’d seen more of the best friend, and the sister is still a bit… iffy for me. Maybe it’s just me, but I have trust issues with her 👀

This is easily a 4.75⭐ read for me. It felt like it was missing just one tiny thing, maybe a bigger climax? but THEN… the ending.
THE. ENDING. 😥

I need book two. I need to continue this story. That’s how good this was.

Kitt does not disappoint. The quotes? The moments? The way Isobel comes back stronger, sharper, changed?

YES.

Absolute comeback energy. Trigger warnings are very real for this one, so please read with care.

And I still feel like we don’t have the full picture of Isobel’s past, especially her disappearance when she was younger, which makes me even more desperate for book two.

Four men chasing after the FMC 🥵 not usually my trope… but somehow this worked. And it worked well.

[Amber Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, thank you to Kitt and her team for sending an ARC of this book!

I really enjoyed this book. It started out with some strong traumatic elements, with the DV, CA, and SA either witnessed by or happening to the FMC.

I think how Iz's father finds her is a bit unbelievable, considering he's part of this shadow organization and heads up a security firm. You'd think with those types of resources at his disposal, it would not have taken the hospital doing a DNA test on her to figure all of this out.

I also couldn't reconcile the stepdad from the beginning of the book with the main baddie, and an ex-communicated member of the guild. The description of him from the beginning of the story of the greasy, alcoholic who smells like sweat, beer, and cigarettes, with Creasy hair that hangs down in his eyes. That doesn't scream 'former operative/guild member, deadly, with powerful connections' that could hide the most powerful man in that guild's daughter from her father.

I love a strong FMC and Iz is definitely that. To survive what she did with her fire still burning bright, then to go to Blackmoore to be bullied by Jace and his crew. But to continue to fight, to make sure she didn't just fade away and not let them break her spirit, I loved that in her.

The romance with Tex was also sweet, how they connected through their past traumas and how we, as readers, got to see another side of him when he was with her. I liked them together.

Ngl, I kinda thought this would end up as a why-choose, with the way the guys were all going after her in their own ways. But her choosing Tex was right for this part of the story. The ending took me by surprise and left me in tears. Now, I have to wait for the second book to find out what happens next...

[Vi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. I stayed up late reading it the night ARCs were sent out, and I can say I regretted nothing. It was perfectly paced and every page had me HOOKED. There are so many twists and turns and unexpected moments; everything is just PERFECT. I love the FMC, Isobel, and I'm a huge fan of her story. Reading about her incredible journey was everything. Her strength and resilience, and determination is commendable, and I ADORE her. As for the other four? I love all of them equally as well as Isobel's dynamic with them. Seeing the way she connected with Tex, Jace, Luca, and Noah in different, unique ways was everything. THEN THE ENDING?! It absolutely destroyed me. I don't think I will EVER get over it. I definitely think Forged in Blood is one of the BEST books I've ever read. Thank you so much Kitt Fiona for providing me with an ARC to review. I'm impatiently waiting for book two 🥹🥹

[Storey Heichelbech · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

I had such a fun time reading this book, I devoured it pretty much as soon as I received it. 🤭

The story was fast paced and easily had you wanting to flip the page and find out what happens next.

The narrative style is first person (my favorite). You get to be in Isobel’s head and go through everything good and bad with her. What a wild fun ride of character development. Be prepared to get emotionally attached to all of the characters and emotionally wrecked. 😩

I cannot wait for second book to be released !

Thank you so much Kitt Fiona for allowing me to be apart of the team and providing a ARC copy to share an honest review 🖤

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged in Blood by Kitt Fiona is a spectacular debut novel that had be gasping at the twist and turns in this book and screaming about the ending. Kitt does a fabulous job of creating this breadcrumb trail for events that happen that you don’t realize the hints are there until the unexpected things happen. As soon as I think I see a vision of where this book is going then something throws a wrench in it and then I am questioning everything. My jaw hit the ground when I finished that book and realized I had to wait for book 2. Elements of this book I loved was the character the FMC was established and she quite the character development and growth before we even meet the MMCs. The occasionally POVs from the MMC is one of my favorite things in books for the depth it adds to story and their character development. Another part I loved about this book was the unknown about who the love interest will be and even wonder will it be mutiple or is this a love triangle situation! Forged in Blood is my favorite book I have read so far this year and I can not wait for more books by Kitt Fiona!

Tropes:

Found family
Secret society
Bully romance
Survivor MC
Slow Burn
Love triangle
Dark academia

[~Book Dragon~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ 1🌶️ (I believe it will ramp up in upcoming books)

I am numb, Kitt has broken my ❤️. Thank you to the author for giving me a digital copy to review, all opinions are my own.
Isobel just wants to be invisible and get through school so she can leave her horrible home life behind and everything comes crashing down on her 18th birthday, but she also discovers some truths. Check your triggers as the beginning is a bit rough but to see Isobel’s ability to over come and show that it has made her strong makes it all worth it.

If you are a fan of:
Found Family
Bully Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Dark Academia
Secret Societies

This is the book for you. The only reason it didn’t get 5⭐️ is because I feel like certain parts were rushed, but I still loved the story and cannot wait to continue this series as that ending devastated me.

[Mattie Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is with me and reading books that tear my heart out? That's two in a row. THIS book had everything and more. Not only were there 4 delectable men that start out as bullies and progress into perfection, but it's a big game of whose it gonna be and I absolutely LOVE THAT. Even though it feels like torture. Just like the end. Torture.

[Julie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark academy romance that doesn’t pull its punches. Isobel’s past trauma is written with a rawness that genuinely hurts to read at times (the trigger warnings are there for a reason and should absolutely be taken seriously). Her drive to become stronger and never be powerless again is one of the most compelling parts of the story, and it’s easy to root for her resilience.

The mystery and power dynamics at Blackmoore Academy kept the tension high, and the story moves fast with constant emotional and plot twists. The reveal about her father was truly shocking; personally, I struggled with how quickly Isobel was able to process and accept that truth, but I can also see how it fits her survival-first mindset.

The romance elements are layered and theres no shortage of options. The male leads initially seem like classic cruel academy elites, but they show more depth and complexity as the story unfolds. Relationships shift in unexpected ways, which adds to the emotional pull.

That ending absolutely wrecked me. It's intense, emotional, and impossible to ignore. If you like dark, trauma-heavy academy romance with danger, secrets, and multiple love interests, this one will definitely leave a mark!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

First THANK YOU to the author for this ARC, I’m soooooo happy and just over the moon I got to read this early!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.

This book will start with taking your heart and breaking it but in a way that when it keeps going you want to scream , clap and then tell the world that Isobel is a survivor and a warrior. I connected so much to the pain Isobel felt and it made me truly see her as someone who’s overcome and made it through, someone I felt like I knew. Watching her grow throughout this book was beautiful.

Now let’s talk about the 4, HOT DAMN. Just give me them all because I loved every single one of them.

Jace is broody, sexy, and demanding all while being closed off but man did I want to break down his walls and climb him like a tree.
Luca made me smile and giggle, he was infuriating in All the best of ways.
Tex is rough around the edges but soft in the ways that matter. He might hit first but he also loves right.
Noah is smart and sexy with his tech savvy ways and those glasses .

This is a bully romance where the bullying is hard and rough but the heat is hot and steamy. The slow burn and anticipation had me grasping for my next fix as if I was going to pass away without at least a whisper in an ear or just a snarky remark laced with a hint of longing.

This whole book had me on the edge of my seat watching to see what would happen next, I loved every twist and turn, every yearn and every single dark / light moment. I absolutely can’t wait for what happens next

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forged in Blood
By Kitt Fiona
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forged in Blood is everything I wanted and more. Picking up with the high-stakes tension Kitt Fiona is known for, the storyline pushes our protagonists into their most dangerous corner yet. As the political machinations of the supernatural world tighten around them, the plot moves at a breakneck pace, blending visceral action with deep, world-building lore. I was particularly impressed by how the stakes felt elevated in this installment; every choice carried a heavy cost, and the "forged" metaphor really comes to life as we see the characters hammered by trial after trial.
The character development in this book is truly top-tier. Watching the evolution of the bond between the leads—and the hardening of their resolve—was both heartbreaking and exhilarating. Fiona excels at writing complex, "grey" characters who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty for those they love. The chemistry is electric, but it’s the underlying loyalty and the way they navigate their trauma together that makes them so compelling. Even the side characters feel fully realized, adding layers to a world that feels increasingly lived-in and perilous.
If you’re looking for a read that combines gritty urban fantasy, high-intensity romance, and a plot that refuses to let you go, this is it. The ending left me breathless, and I am already counting down the days until I can dive back into this world. A definitive 5-star read!

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I need to hug my emotional support plants after this book! Kitt plunges you into a vivid world of secrets, intrigue, and deception. The range of emotions you’ll feel ticks every box from terror, suspense, happiness, to full on crying makes this a 5 star book all the way!

The story follows Isobel Ashthorne and her incredible journey from hell to starting to find her place in the world or at least Blackmoore Academy. That is until she runs into Blackmoore Academy’s super elite group the Blackmoore Four and they’re scary-smart, scary-skilled, and scary-hot.

Noah doesn’t talk much but he’s the hottest tech genius you’ll ever meet. Don’t let the glasses fool you he knows several ways to kill you.
Luca with his tousled hair, lazy smirk, and a glint in his eye is the ultimate flirt just don’t let your guard down because there’s teeth behind that charm.
Tex came from nowhere. He’s massive, broody, scar that runs down his eyebrow, and inked muscles for days!
Jace is intense for the lack of a better word. The silent leader who doesn’t need to know you to know you’re beneath him. Cold Prince.

The Blackmoore Four are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Blackmoore Academy because there’s a secret society lying in the shadows called The Guild. Will she survive the recruitment process with the Blackmoore Four trying to trip her up? Will her heart survive when she starts catching feelings for these brooding bully’s when they realize what’s she’s really made of?

[D.M. Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will try my best to give an accurate and spoiler free review for those that may use this as their guide because this book truly deserves that!

As someone who got an advanced copy I feel incredibly blessed to get my hands on this beauty of a title before the rest of the world. I have read many types of books in my life but the beginning of Isobel's journey is something that will stick with me forever. Her strength and tenacity is combined with something unrelenting beneath the surface, that even she doesn't quite understand! Though she will begin to and that's the hook that won't let you stop reading once you pick it up!

There are twists and turns and things that shocked me, things that made me smile to myself, highlight and cry! There was so much love and effort put into making each character alive and every single one says something quotable, whether funny or just endearing and inspirational.

I have read it more than once now and it doesn't suffer from being read again. If anything, I felt even more invested in the characters and where the story took them than the first read through. You notice things that you might have missed the first time, it's that binge worthy and engaging!

Thank you so much for letting me into Isobel's world, it's been an honor and a privilege and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!!! Do yourself a favor and read this book!

[Elicia Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had me teary at the dedication and I knew I would love it. Emotional trauma to start and to end...yes please!! A bully romance with plenty of twists and turns (and even more unanswered questions) but also healing and love. I cried, laughed, then cried...felt all the emotions.

Isobel is a SURVIVOR! I loved watching her take back her power while giving everyone who got in her way a big "fuck you." Definitely not a delicate/helpless FMC and I loved that.
The Blackmoore Four are "Scary-smart. Scary-skilled. Scary-hot."
Each is so different from the other...one for every mood. You hate them but then as those layers are peeled away, you find you kind of love them. Each serves a purpose in the story, I'm sure, but haven't quite figured them all out yet.

Thank you so much to the author for this ARC. I really loved getting to know these characters and cannot wait to see where the next book takes them. (No, seriously, with that ending I need to know ASAP)

[Emma Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional and beautiful story. Naturally, I rooted for Isobel from the very beginning but I absolutely loved how much character development she had throughout the book. Despite Isobel’s circumstances, having one of the most heartbreaking backstories stories…she took every bit of the pain she endured and made the choice to fight for herself and for the life she’d been ripped away from. I fell in love with her as a character, as well as all four of the MMCs. While Isobel wasn’t initially welcomed by the Blackmoore Four—Jace, Luca, Tex, and Noah—it didn’t take long them to be exactly what and who she needed. 😍 This story was so beautifully written…

[Ada Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the book. Still processing the ending. Will update when I can form actual sentences not fueled by emotion 🥲

UPDATE: I really enjoyed this book! The emotions you feel in the first 100 pages ranges from gut-punching sadness, rage, fear, and beyond. It will hook you in quickly making you invested in the character and wanting to know what's going to happen next.

Boys, boys, boys. You hate them, you love them. You hate that you love them (lol), and you keep turning the pages to see what they can possibly do next.

The ending honestly had me staring at the wall and I can't wait to see what happens in book two. I will be impatiently waiting.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ 📚

My heart broke. My heart glowed. I cried. I laughed.
I quite literally don’t even have words for how much I enjoyed Forged in Blood by Kitt Fiona.

We follow Isobel from broken and in despair into becoming a strong, badass woman, risen from the ashes of her life.

Secret society, “will they? Won’t they?” Romance themes all while holding a super strong plot line and keeping me absorbing every single word written. If you think you know where the plot turns are going to go? You absolutely don’t xx

This is my favourite read of 2026 - an absolute must read!!

[Annie Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!! Loved the bully romance, dark academia and WHO WILL SHE CHOOSE!! Can’t wait for the next one. Kitt you’ve done a great job ❤️❤️❤️