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Forged: Medallion Series Vol. 1
When a Councilman dies with no heir to claim his Medallion, suddenly Kyllan’s Flame is up for grabs. Along with it, a seat on the Council and a renewed hope that Rae may finally get the vengeance she's dreamed of for over a decade. To claim the Medallion, Rae will have to compete against fifteen other Challengers—including Viktyr Sparr’s son.
But she'll soon come to find that the threats she'll face in the arena aren't nearly as deadly as the ones lurking within the walls of the Council Grounds. Rae will have to determine just how much she is willing to sacrifice just to exact her revenge—assuming she even makes it out alive.
The first in Nicole Batey’s heart-stopping, steamy Medallion series is sure to satisfy any romantasy lover.
But she'll soon come to find that the threats she'll face in the arena aren't nearly as deadly as the ones lurking within the walls of the Council Grounds. Rae will have to determine just how much she is willing to sacrifice just to exact her revenge—assuming she even makes it out alive.
The first in Nicole Batey’s heart-stopping, steamy Medallion series is sure to satisfy any romantasy lover.
Hardcover
Published April 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 29, 2025
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️ If you loved Fourth Wing or ACOTAR, you’ll love this. Deadly challenges are ALWAYS a good time, and I really enjoyed how this one was done.
This book has a unique magic system that I am excited to explore in future books! Also, we love a good red herring, iykyk😉
I was thrown off at first by the 3rd person present tense at first (I’ve only ever had 3rd person PAST tense), but it was a welcome change and it ended up growing on me!
“Who?”
“It doesn’t matter. It didn’t get far. I took care of it.”
“Yes, it does. Who?”
🥵
This book has a unique magic system that I am excited to explore in future books! Also, we love a good red herring, iykyk😉
I was thrown off at first by the 3rd person present tense at first (I’ve only ever had 3rd person PAST tense), but it was a welcome change and it ended up growing on me!
“Who?”
“It doesn’t matter. It didn’t get far. I took care of it.”
“Yes, it does. Who?”
🥵
December 22, 2025
Well what the heck this books was so so great!! I loved this magic system and world that Nicole made. I’m always down for a games/challenge for a throne type of book!
Forever wish I read this instead of powerless. This was actually good and had its own ideas and likable great characters!
More people need to read this 👏🏽
Immediately reaching for book 2!
Forever wish I read this instead of powerless. This was actually good and had its own ideas and likable great characters!
More people need to read this 👏🏽
Immediately reaching for book 2!
February 7, 2025
Very strong hunger games/fourth wing/squid game gives. I knew Sloan was scummy from the beginning. It seemed like he was interested in her the second he saw her and it just seemed sus. He was also showing up way too often for my liking lol. Get a life buddy. I would’ve thought being a council member would be more time consuming but he seemed to have a lottttt of spare time to flirt with Rae and bother me lol. Every time she was alone it felt like he would come and see her! i was like ‘ugh not this rat again’.
I liked Damon and Rae’s relationship. I’m interested to see where it goes in the next book. I don’t get why she even took a second glance at Sloan when Damon was RIGHT THERE!!
I found Rae to be pretty dumb at times.. blindly trusting Sloan and everything he tells her without a second thought, and promising peace to a country when she’s been on council for 1 minute and knows nothing about politics lol.
The ending felt a little rushed for my liking. Sloan’s confession felt like it came out of nowhere. It also felt a little too convenient that Damon showed so much hatred for her in the library, but then came to her room with an apology at just the perfect time to save her.
4⭐️
I liked Damon and Rae’s relationship. I’m interested to see where it goes in the next book. I don’t get why she even took a second glance at Sloan when Damon was RIGHT THERE!!
I found Rae to be pretty dumb at times.. blindly trusting Sloan and everything he tells her without a second thought, and promising peace to a country when she’s been on council for 1 minute and knows nothing about politics lol.
The ending felt a little rushed for my liking. Sloan’s confession felt like it came out of nowhere. It also felt a little too convenient that Damon showed so much hatred for her in the library, but then came to her room with an apology at just the perfect time to save her.
4⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
4.5 stars rounding up. Calling all KU girlies, forget Powerless, pick this up instead! If you are looking to support Canadian authors, look no further! Fantastic first book in the trilogy, well written, good world building, excellent character dynamics. The FMC is fantastic, sassy and likeable. There are trials, corrupt ruling class, over-protective MMC, "who did this to you". Had the second book added to cart by half way through, cant wait to continue.
January 14, 2025
This book was EVERYTHING🔥🔥🔥
Hunger Games/Powerless/and some Fourth Wing vibes with a protective MMC (Damon) who gives Bellamy Blake vibes (from the show The 100).
This book has:
•deadly trials
•fighting to the death
•betrayal
•plot twists
•a strong, clever, (mostly) ordinary FMC
•”who did this to you”
And so much more! I loved how quickly this book moved and how action packed it was. I cannot rave about it enough and I’ll be recommending this to everyone!!
Hunger Games/Powerless/and some Fourth Wing vibes with a protective MMC (Damon) who gives Bellamy Blake vibes (from the show The 100).
This book has:
•deadly trials
•fighting to the death
•betrayal
•plot twists
•a strong, clever, (mostly) ordinary FMC
•”who did this to you”
And so much more! I loved how quickly this book moved and how action packed it was. I cannot rave about it enough and I’ll be recommending this to everyone!!
January 19, 2025
My new book obsession! The plot, the banter was all 10/10! Rae was such a great fmc, she’s smart, feisty and relatable! Damon is my absolute favourite! Sloane is well written!
The plot twists and ending had me in a chokehold!! I can’t wait for the next book!! Obsessed.
The plot twists and ending had me in a chokehold!! I can’t wait for the next book!! Obsessed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you love fight scenes and deadly trials plus a spicy romance Forged is for you. It was action packed right from the first chapter. The plot was a little predictable at times but still enjoyable. The magic system was interesting where medallions have magic.
My favorite part of this read though was the main characters. I liked our fierce and fearless FMC, Rae. If you were in a fight, you would want her on your side. I also loved one of our morally grey MMCs. There is a love triangle, and it does make sense to the plot, but I preferred one romantic story line than the other. I felt Rae had a better connection with Damon. They had banter and I didn’t feel like their relationship was rushed. I can’t wait to see what happens with between them in the second book. I would love to see some found family in the next book as that was what was missing for me in this book.
Overall, this was a good start to this series and looking forward to next book!
3.75 stars but rounding it up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an Advanced Reader Copy
My favorite part of this read though was the main characters. I liked our fierce and fearless FMC, Rae. If you were in a fight, you would want her on your side. I also loved one of our morally grey MMCs. There is a love triangle, and it does make sense to the plot, but I preferred one romantic story line than the other. I felt Rae had a better connection with Damon. They had banter and I didn’t feel like their relationship was rushed. I can’t wait to see what happens with between them in the second book. I would love to see some found family in the next book as that was what was missing for me in this book.
Overall, this was a good start to this series and looking forward to next book!
3.75 stars but rounding it up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an Advanced Reader Copy
January 17, 2025
I had no idea what to expect going into this but wow this was really a great read! Literally one of the most underrated books I've read in a long time. It has a hunger games deadly trials vibes but done in a fresh way. The FMC is strong but so real and relatable. I adored the magic system and have never seen anything like it and it's so well explained but it overpowered - it is based on medallions and just so cool. The love triangle is excellent, the banter the dialogue just all too tier and we get a “who did this to you?" which I always eat up.
Read this if you like:
-Deadly Trials
-Strong but human FMC
-“Who did this to you”
-Love Triangle
-Revenge
Read this if you like:
-Deadly Trials
-Strong but human FMC
-“Who did this to you”
-Love Triangle
-Revenge
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
Nicole Batey’s Forged, the first installment of the Medallion series perfectly captures the high-stakes adrenaline and emotional depth that fans of the romantasy genre crave. It is a solid first entry that successfully balances a unique magic system with the classic elements of a great fantasy: deadly trials, constant danger, simmering romance, and the sting of betrayal.
The story centers on a world where power is literal—held within Medallions that grant their wielders incredible abilities. When a high-ranking Councilman dies without an heir, his Medallion, known as Kyllan’s Flame, becomes the ultimate prize. For the protagonist, Rae, this isn’t just about power or a seat on the Council; it is a long-awaited opportunity for vengeance. To claim the Medallion, she must enter a brutal competition against fifteen other Challengers, each more desperate than the last. However, as the competition begins, it becomes clear that the physical trials in the arena are only half the battle. The true danger lies in the political maneuvering and the shadows lurking within the Council Grounds.
Rae’s character arc is the beating heart of the novel. When we first meet her, she is driven almost entirely by a decade-long desire for revenge, a motivation that makes her fierce and fearless. She is a badass fighter, but Batey ensures she remains relatable by grounding her in very human vulnerabilities. Throughout the story, we see Rae navigate a complex internal transformation. She has to decide how much of her own humanity she is willing to sacrifice to achieve her goals. Watching her move from a woman fueled by a singular, destructive purpose to someone who must learn to navigate trust and systemic corruption is incredibly compelling. She is smart and feisty, but her insecurities and the weight of her past make her a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
The dynamic between the characters is another highlight that moves the story along at a breakneck pace. The secondary characters, specifically Damon and Sloane, are essential to the plot’s momentum and Rae's development. Damon is the classic broody, grumpy, and morally gray counterpart—mysterious and calculating, yet fiercely protective of Rae in a way that creates instant chemistry. On the other hand, Sloane is charismatic and powerful, offering Rae an alliance that feels both helpful and suspiciously convenient. The "love triangle" here isn’t just for trope’s sake; it serves the plot by highlighting the themes of trust and betrayal. The interactions between these three create a tense, interesting dynamic that keeps you guessing about everyone's true intentions until the very end.
One of the most refreshing aspects of Forged is its magic system. The concept of magic tied to Medallions is well-explained and adds a fresh layer to the deadly games trope. It makes the combat scenes feel high-stakes and visual, especially as Rae discovers that the people she distrusts the most might be her only hope for survival. Batey excels at world-building that feels expansive, setting the stage for what promises to be a phenomenal series.
If you are looking for a new fantasy to pick up, especially if you enjoy stories with a "who did this to you" energy and high-pressure trials, you should definitely consider Forged. It’s an action-packed ride that manages to introduce fresh ideas into a popular genre. By the time you reach the final pages, the twists and the inevitable cliffhanger will leave you breathless. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series to see where Rae’s journey takes her next.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nicole Batey’s Forged, the first installment of the Medallion series perfectly captures the high-stakes adrenaline and emotional depth that fans of the romantasy genre crave. It is a solid first entry that successfully balances a unique magic system with the classic elements of a great fantasy: deadly trials, constant danger, simmering romance, and the sting of betrayal.
The story centers on a world where power is literal—held within Medallions that grant their wielders incredible abilities. When a high-ranking Councilman dies without an heir, his Medallion, known as Kyllan’s Flame, becomes the ultimate prize. For the protagonist, Rae, this isn’t just about power or a seat on the Council; it is a long-awaited opportunity for vengeance. To claim the Medallion, she must enter a brutal competition against fifteen other Challengers, each more desperate than the last. However, as the competition begins, it becomes clear that the physical trials in the arena are only half the battle. The true danger lies in the political maneuvering and the shadows lurking within the Council Grounds.
Rae’s character arc is the beating heart of the novel. When we first meet her, she is driven almost entirely by a decade-long desire for revenge, a motivation that makes her fierce and fearless. She is a badass fighter, but Batey ensures she remains relatable by grounding her in very human vulnerabilities. Throughout the story, we see Rae navigate a complex internal transformation. She has to decide how much of her own humanity she is willing to sacrifice to achieve her goals. Watching her move from a woman fueled by a singular, destructive purpose to someone who must learn to navigate trust and systemic corruption is incredibly compelling. She is smart and feisty, but her insecurities and the weight of her past make her a protagonist you can’t help but root for.
The dynamic between the characters is another highlight that moves the story along at a breakneck pace. The secondary characters, specifically Damon and Sloane, are essential to the plot’s momentum and Rae's development. Damon is the classic broody, grumpy, and morally gray counterpart—mysterious and calculating, yet fiercely protective of Rae in a way that creates instant chemistry. On the other hand, Sloane is charismatic and powerful, offering Rae an alliance that feels both helpful and suspiciously convenient. The "love triangle" here isn’t just for trope’s sake; it serves the plot by highlighting the themes of trust and betrayal. The interactions between these three create a tense, interesting dynamic that keeps you guessing about everyone's true intentions until the very end.
One of the most refreshing aspects of Forged is its magic system. The concept of magic tied to Medallions is well-explained and adds a fresh layer to the deadly games trope. It makes the combat scenes feel high-stakes and visual, especially as Rae discovers that the people she distrusts the most might be her only hope for survival. Batey excels at world-building that feels expansive, setting the stage for what promises to be a phenomenal series.
If you are looking for a new fantasy to pick up, especially if you enjoy stories with a "who did this to you" energy and high-pressure trials, you should definitely consider Forged. It’s an action-packed ride that manages to introduce fresh ideas into a popular genre. By the time you reach the final pages, the twists and the inevitable cliffhanger will leave you breathless. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series to see where Rae’s journey takes her next.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2026
Ok so why isn’t this book ALL OVER BookTok? Seriously, I feel like those reviews with hundreds of thousands of followers should be absolutely raving about this book. But since they are not, I will. If you liked Serpent and The Wings of The Night, Fourth Wing, Hunger Games, really any book with games and trials, you NEED to read this ASAP.
This book has fiery a FMC, a love triangle, 2 MMC’s - one of which literally gives “touch her and die”, BETRAYAL- omg the betrayal/plot twist in this had my heart racing, and so much more.
I felt ALL the emotions reading this book. I went from the giddy/kicking my feet feeling to literally being heartbroken over the loss of a character and everything in between.
To me, this is an expertly crafted story that had me avoiding all my responsibilities so that I could devour the pages. This needs to be on the top of your TBR, you won’t be disappointed!
Summary: “Rae Airynn has lived in exile in the underbelly of Kylecrest since her parents were ruthlessly murdered by Viktyr Sparr, wielder of the Dark Medallion and the most feared Councilman in all of Hierathynn.
When a Councilman dies with no heir to claim his Medallion, suddenly Kyllan's Flame is up for grabs. Along with it, a seat on the Council and a renewed hope that Rae may finally get the vengeance she's dreamed of for over a decade. To claim the Medallion, Rae will have to compete against fifteen other Challengers-including Viktyr Sparr's son.
But she'll soon come to find that the threats she'll face in the arena aren't nearly as deadly as the ones lurking within the walls of the Council Grounds. Rae will have to determine just how much she is willing to sacrifice just to exact her revenge-assuming she even makes it out alive.”
This book has fiery a FMC, a love triangle, 2 MMC’s - one of which literally gives “touch her and die”, BETRAYAL- omg the betrayal/plot twist in this had my heart racing, and so much more.
I felt ALL the emotions reading this book. I went from the giddy/kicking my feet feeling to literally being heartbroken over the loss of a character and everything in between.
To me, this is an expertly crafted story that had me avoiding all my responsibilities so that I could devour the pages. This needs to be on the top of your TBR, you won’t be disappointed!
Summary: “Rae Airynn has lived in exile in the underbelly of Kylecrest since her parents were ruthlessly murdered by Viktyr Sparr, wielder of the Dark Medallion and the most feared Councilman in all of Hierathynn.
When a Councilman dies with no heir to claim his Medallion, suddenly Kyllan's Flame is up for grabs. Along with it, a seat on the Council and a renewed hope that Rae may finally get the vengeance she's dreamed of for over a decade. To claim the Medallion, Rae will have to compete against fifteen other Challengers-including Viktyr Sparr's son.
But she'll soon come to find that the threats she'll face in the arena aren't nearly as deadly as the ones lurking within the walls of the Council Grounds. Rae will have to determine just how much she is willing to sacrifice just to exact her revenge-assuming she even makes it out alive.”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Forged by Nicole Batey is a fast-paced fantasy romance which features a unique magic system (medallions which hold power), cutthroat and death-defying trials, and political intrigue. Our FMC Rae has one goal: to win the trials in order to obtain a medallion and enact revenge for the death of her family. However, as she advances through the trials and subsequent aftermath, she begins to realize that enemies are lurking all around her, and the one person she distrusts the most may end up being her biggest ally.
While I felt the novel flowed well and was easy to read, I did feel like the plot was a little rushed. I would've appreciated more background details and world building -- jumping right into a trial with competitors that are barely mentioned seemed very chaotic. There seemed to be no logic to Rae's motivations or actions: why was she so enamored with Sloane? Why did she seem so torn up over some of the other competitors' deaths when they had hardly been previously mentioned?
And while I can confidently say love triangles are not my thing, the love triangle between Rae, Sloane, and Damon simply did not make sense to me.
Overall, I think this book had an excellent premise, but could use a little more literary "meat" on its bones.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an Advanced Reader Copy!
While I felt the novel flowed well and was easy to read, I did feel like the plot was a little rushed. I would've appreciated more background details and world building -- jumping right into a trial with competitors that are barely mentioned seemed very chaotic. There seemed to be no logic to Rae's motivations or actions: why was she so enamored with Sloane? Why did she seem so torn up over some of the other competitors' deaths when they had hardly been previously mentioned?
And while I can confidently say love triangles are not my thing, the love triangle between Rae, Sloane, and Damon simply did not make sense to me.
Overall, I think this book had an excellent premise, but could use a little more literary "meat" on its bones.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an Advanced Reader Copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Deadly trials, vengeance, betrayal, an unjust political system; this book has it all.
Hundreds of years ago, humans wrestled power from the Forgers, claiming for themselves the Medallions that grant special abilities to their Holders - and once the new human government is established, for a select few, seats on the Council. The houses in power hoard them as best they are able, passing them from heir to heir. Except for the rare exception where a Holder dies without an heir. Then an open Challenge is held for all who dare try to be the next to claim it.
A Council member is responsible for the murder of Rae's family, and she has dreamed of nothing but vengeance since. If she can win the Challenge and claim the Medallion and Council seat up for grabs, she might finally get her chance. Three Rites - and fifteen competitors - stand between her and her goal. But one of the other Challengers just happens to be the son of the man she wants to take down - a man who still wants her dead.
This book was nonstop action. I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed, each with their own complexities and motivations. And Damon had me from his first scene, with his disarming wit. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Hundreds of years ago, humans wrestled power from the Forgers, claiming for themselves the Medallions that grant special abilities to their Holders - and once the new human government is established, for a select few, seats on the Council. The houses in power hoard them as best they are able, passing them from heir to heir. Except for the rare exception where a Holder dies without an heir. Then an open Challenge is held for all who dare try to be the next to claim it.
A Council member is responsible for the murder of Rae's family, and she has dreamed of nothing but vengeance since. If she can win the Challenge and claim the Medallion and Council seat up for grabs, she might finally get her chance. Three Rites - and fifteen competitors - stand between her and her goal. But one of the other Challengers just happens to be the son of the man she wants to take down - a man who still wants her dead.
This book was nonstop action. I couldn't put it down. The characters were well developed, each with their own complexities and motivations. And Damon had me from his first scene, with his disarming wit. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 3, 2025
It was an enjoyable read. The writing and plot had me hooked.
From the start, I had doubts about Sloane’s trustworthiness. The rapid pace of his and Rae’s relationship seemed suspicious. I also knew Rae couldn’t be so oblivious to Damon’s feelings. But i understand why he tried to hide even though I felt it was obvious. Also, knowing that Rae had killed before, I felt as if she shouldn’t have been soooo affected by the deaths in the Rites. Especially when she knew that these things would happen.
All the twists I had predicted were right. Naturally, I suspected that Sloane was either manipulating her or would hurt Rae in some way, though I couldn’t pinpoint why or how. I also knew that Damon’s father wanted him to kill her during the Rites. Additionally, I believed that her family possessed some kind of secret power, which was why Viyktr had them eliminated. Despite these predictions, I still found the writing and plot engaging, and I didn’t mind that somethings were obvious.
The spice level was minimal, but I didn’t mind it. I found myself skimming the spice after the first scene because one, I didn’t fully support Sloane and Rae’s relationship, and two, I was more interested in the story’s direction.
I’m looking forward to the second book.
From the start, I had doubts about Sloane’s trustworthiness. The rapid pace of his and Rae’s relationship seemed suspicious. I also knew Rae couldn’t be so oblivious to Damon’s feelings. But i understand why he tried to hide even though I felt it was obvious. Also, knowing that Rae had killed before, I felt as if she shouldn’t have been soooo affected by the deaths in the Rites. Especially when she knew that these things would happen.
All the twists I had predicted were right. Naturally, I suspected that Sloane was either manipulating her or would hurt Rae in some way, though I couldn’t pinpoint why or how. I also knew that Damon’s father wanted him to kill her during the Rites. Additionally, I believed that her family possessed some kind of secret power, which was why Viyktr had them eliminated. Despite these predictions, I still found the writing and plot engaging, and I didn’t mind that somethings were obvious.
The spice level was minimal, but I didn’t mind it. I found myself skimming the spice after the first scene because one, I didn’t fully support Sloane and Rae’s relationship, and two, I was more interested in the story’s direction.
I’m looking forward to the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
5 ⭐️. No notes.
I’m so impressed with how much I loved this book and its unique, refreshing magic system.
This was a fast paced, sitting at the edge of my seat kind of reading. I was caught off guard so many times I lost count.
Rae is such a badass FMC. Not only she’s strong, capable and an amazing fighter but she’s also relatable as heck. Her insecurities and fears were so human, it made me feel so connected to her. She also has such a compassionate heart, I love her!
We’re also introduced to two completely different MMC.
First, we have broody, grumpy, drop dead gorgeous, morally gray, deadly Damon. He’s mysterious, cold, calculating and always calm… except when someone’s try to hurt Rae.
Then we have Sloane. Powerful, commands the air to do his will, focused, leader and very interested in forming an alliance with Rae to get what he wants while helping her get what she wants.
(Secret: I’m a Damon girl since the first minute he’s introduced)
I truly think this has the potential to become a huge success.
The trials and challenges are so good.
The cliffhanger… Jesus.
I physically can’t wait for book 2! I need to know what happens with Rae, Damon and Sloane.
It makes me so happy to be able to read books as good as this one!!!!
Add to your tbr NOW!
I’m so impressed with how much I loved this book and its unique, refreshing magic system.
This was a fast paced, sitting at the edge of my seat kind of reading. I was caught off guard so many times I lost count.
Rae is such a badass FMC. Not only she’s strong, capable and an amazing fighter but she’s also relatable as heck. Her insecurities and fears were so human, it made me feel so connected to her. She also has such a compassionate heart, I love her!
We’re also introduced to two completely different MMC.
First, we have broody, grumpy, drop dead gorgeous, morally gray, deadly Damon. He’s mysterious, cold, calculating and always calm… except when someone’s try to hurt Rae.
Then we have Sloane. Powerful, commands the air to do his will, focused, leader and very interested in forming an alliance with Rae to get what he wants while helping her get what she wants.
(Secret: I’m a Damon girl since the first minute he’s introduced)
I truly think this has the potential to become a huge success.
The trials and challenges are so good.
The cliffhanger… Jesus.
I physically can’t wait for book 2! I need to know what happens with Rae, Damon and Sloane.
It makes me so happy to be able to read books as good as this one!!!!
Add to your tbr NOW!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⚔️ 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵
❤️ 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘴
🏆 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 / 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
👑 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭
🔮 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵-𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮
🗡 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴
💔 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘭
🧩 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦
🔥 𝘍𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘨𝘦
⚔️ 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘥
I went into 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 expecting a fun romantasy and came out completely obsessed with the deadly trials, the romance tension, and Rae’s fierce drive for revenge.
Rae enters the Challenge with one goal: 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. But in a world where powerful medallions control magic and ruthless competitors will do anything to win, survival is far from guaranteed.
What hooked me immediately was the tension and the 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐬. One connection simmers with slow burn intensity and sharp banter, while another alliance sparks quickly and keeps you questioning motives.
I genuinely 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. It has the tension, the rage, the banter, and the constant sense of danger that keeps the pages flying.
If you love romantasy with deadly trials, complicated loyalties, and multiple romance threads, this is such a strong start to a high romantasy series with all the right tropes. 📚✨
Many thanks to Contrarian Publishing for the early digital copy of this addictive start to the series!
4.75/5 stars
❤️ 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘤𝘴
🏆 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴 / 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵
👑 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭
🔮 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵-𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮
🗡 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴
💔 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘭
🧩 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘦
🔥 𝘍𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘙𝘢𝘨𝘦
⚔️ 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘥
I went into 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐝 expecting a fun romantasy and came out completely obsessed with the deadly trials, the romance tension, and Rae’s fierce drive for revenge.
Rae enters the Challenge with one goal: 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞. But in a world where powerful medallions control magic and ruthless competitors will do anything to win, survival is far from guaranteed.
What hooked me immediately was the tension and the 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐬. One connection simmers with slow burn intensity and sharp banter, while another alliance sparks quickly and keeps you questioning motives.
I genuinely 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. It has the tension, the rage, the banter, and the constant sense of danger that keeps the pages flying.
If you love romantasy with deadly trials, complicated loyalties, and multiple romance threads, this is such a strong start to a high romantasy series with all the right tropes. 📚✨
Many thanks to Contrarian Publishing for the early digital copy of this addictive start to the series!
4.75/5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.
Forged is a strong and engaging start to the series. It offers a compelling mix of elements that will appeal to romantasy readers, including a fierce and driven FMC, morally complex characters, a developing love triangle, high-stakes trials, and a unique magic system.
At the center of the story is Rae, whose primary goal is to win the trials, obtain the medallion, and seek revenge for the loss of her family. This clear motivation provides a strong foundation for the narrative and keeps the plot moving at a steady pace.
As the story progressed, I found myself wanting more background and context surrounding Rae’s past—particularly the circumstances of her family’s death and the depth of her emotional responses. This left some lingering questions by the end, though it feels intentional and likely to be explored further in future installments.
Overall, this is a promising beginning to the series. Readers who enjoy trials, forbidden romance, and themes of betrayal will find a lot to appreciate here.
Happy reading!
Forged is a strong and engaging start to the series. It offers a compelling mix of elements that will appeal to romantasy readers, including a fierce and driven FMC, morally complex characters, a developing love triangle, high-stakes trials, and a unique magic system.
At the center of the story is Rae, whose primary goal is to win the trials, obtain the medallion, and seek revenge for the loss of her family. This clear motivation provides a strong foundation for the narrative and keeps the plot moving at a steady pace.
As the story progressed, I found myself wanting more background and context surrounding Rae’s past—particularly the circumstances of her family’s death and the depth of her emotional responses. This left some lingering questions by the end, though it feels intentional and likely to be explored further in future installments.
Overall, this is a promising beginning to the series. Readers who enjoy trials, forbidden romance, and themes of betrayal will find a lot to appreciate here.
Happy reading!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I tell y’all this was so good, I mean it. I need book two immediately because I am not ready to let this world go.
This follows Rae Airynn, who has been living in exile in the underbelly of Kylecrest ever since her parents were brutally murdered by Viktyr Sparr, the feared wiel of the Dark Medallion. When a Councilman dies without an heir, Kyllan’s Flame is suddenly up for grabs, and everything shifts.
I loved so much about this book. The world-building was rich, the rites were intense, and the magic system completely pulled me in. It all felt immersive without losing the momentum of the story. And the characters? I was invested.
Also… the love triangle actually worked for me here, which is not something I say often, but it made sense for the plot and added so much tension. I especially loved Rae and Damien together, and I was side eyeing Sloan early because I just knew he was going to be a little snake.
If you love deadly rites, fight to the death tension, a strong FMC, layered fantasy worlds, and romance woven into the stakes, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you Contrarian publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!
This follows Rae Airynn, who has been living in exile in the underbelly of Kylecrest ever since her parents were brutally murdered by Viktyr Sparr, the feared wiel of the Dark Medallion. When a Councilman dies without an heir, Kyllan’s Flame is suddenly up for grabs, and everything shifts.
I loved so much about this book. The world-building was rich, the rites were intense, and the magic system completely pulled me in. It all felt immersive without losing the momentum of the story. And the characters? I was invested.
Also… the love triangle actually worked for me here, which is not something I say often, but it made sense for the plot and added so much tension. I especially loved Rae and Damien together, and I was side eyeing Sloan early because I just knew he was going to be a little snake.
If you love deadly rites, fight to the death tension, a strong FMC, layered fantasy worlds, and romance woven into the stakes, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you Contrarian publishing and NetGalley for this ARC!
April 18, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
This was a quick, action-packed read that definitely kept things moving. Also, definitely check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book going in.
I’m a sucker for trial-based fantasy, and this absolutely delivered on that front. The trials felt intense and high-stakes, and I appreciated that they weren’t the only focus of the story. There was a good balance between action and the broader plot, which kept things from feeling repetitive.
I also really liked the magic system - it felt interesting and unique - but I found myself wishing we got more worldbuilding around it, especially when it came to the history of the religion and the medallions.
The romance side didn’t fully land for me. It felt a bit rushed, and I’d call it dislike to love triangle; definitely not an enemies-to-lovers situation (just in case that’s what you’re hoping for).
Overall, this was a solid read for me - fast-paced, engaging, and with some really strong elements, even if I was left wanting a bit more depth in certain areas.
Rating: 3/5
This was a quick, action-packed read that definitely kept things moving. Also, definitely check the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book going in.
I’m a sucker for trial-based fantasy, and this absolutely delivered on that front. The trials felt intense and high-stakes, and I appreciated that they weren’t the only focus of the story. There was a good balance between action and the broader plot, which kept things from feeling repetitive.
I also really liked the magic system - it felt interesting and unique - but I found myself wishing we got more worldbuilding around it, especially when it came to the history of the religion and the medallions.
The romance side didn’t fully land for me. It felt a bit rushed, and I’d call it dislike to love triangle; definitely not an enemies-to-lovers situation (just in case that’s what you’re hoping for).
Overall, this was a solid read for me - fast-paced, engaging, and with some really strong elements, even if I was left wanting a bit more depth in certain areas.
Rating: 3/5
May 3, 2026
5 Stars 🌟
Thank you to Contrarian Publishing for the physical ARC! 🧡
This novel was absolutely amazing. Between the intensity of the trials, not knowing who to root for, and the storyline that pulled me in, I was hooked from start to finish. What's not to love? This fantasy novel, while having some of those commonly found tropes we all know in love in this genre, was spun in a unique way that sets it apart from others. Rae is an absolute badass, and following her journey as she fought for The Flame was incredibly fun, albeit a little stressful. 😂 AND THE ENDING??? MA'AM!!! You best believe I immediately moved on to book 2 afterward, despite it being really late at night for me. This was an incredible read, and I'd recommend it!
Okay, so, this is irrelevant, but I'm curious and had a few thoughts while reading. I'm going to preface this by saying it may have answered it in the story, and I might've missed it. What exactly sets the Council medallions apart from the others? Obviously, they're more powerful, but why aren't the others Council worthy as well? From what I gathered, medallions didn’t seem to be terribly common, so what sets these 5 apart? 🤔 I dunno, I was just wondering.
Thank you to Contrarian Publishing for the physical ARC! 🧡
This novel was absolutely amazing. Between the intensity of the trials, not knowing who to root for, and the storyline that pulled me in, I was hooked from start to finish. What's not to love? This fantasy novel, while having some of those commonly found tropes we all know in love in this genre, was spun in a unique way that sets it apart from others. Rae is an absolute badass, and following her journey as she fought for The Flame was incredibly fun, albeit a little stressful. 😂 AND THE ENDING??? MA'AM!!! You best believe I immediately moved on to book 2 afterward, despite it being really late at night for me. This was an incredible read, and I'd recommend it!
Okay, so, this is irrelevant, but I'm curious and had a few thoughts while reading. I'm going to preface this by saying it may have answered it in the story, and I might've missed it. What exactly sets the Council medallions apart from the others? Obviously, they're more powerful, but why aren't the others Council worthy as well? From what I gathered, medallions didn’t seem to be terribly common, so what sets these 5 apart? 🤔 I dunno, I was just wondering.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Received as an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
4.5 stars rounded up - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Wow, this book was awesome!! I stayed up reading this on the night before the start of school. The summary did not disappoint.
Recommended age: 15/16+ for violence, language, and sexual themes.
I loved Rae - she’s not your average female protagonist. She’s opinionated. She’s stubborn. She has a temper. She was very relatable to me. There was so much character development for Rae. At the beginning, there was this young woman seeking revenge. Toward the middle-end, she has started having her own ideas of what’s right, and what the Council can improve on, instead of ignoring the poor, for example.
The challenges were interesting, and they were not your average challenges. They were well thought out and unique. The novel was written extremely well, with enough details, characters, and plot to make an extraordinary, unputdownable story.
I am so excited to read the next book in this series, and I think this has a lot of potential!
4.5 stars rounded up - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Wow, this book was awesome!! I stayed up reading this on the night before the start of school. The summary did not disappoint.
Recommended age: 15/16+ for violence, language, and sexual themes.
I loved Rae - she’s not your average female protagonist. She’s opinionated. She’s stubborn. She has a temper. She was very relatable to me. There was so much character development for Rae. At the beginning, there was this young woman seeking revenge. Toward the middle-end, she has started having her own ideas of what’s right, and what the Council can improve on, instead of ignoring the poor, for example.
The challenges were interesting, and they were not your average challenges. They were well thought out and unique. The novel was written extremely well, with enough details, characters, and plot to make an extraordinary, unputdownable story.
I am so excited to read the next book in this series, and I think this has a lot of potential!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and Powerless, wow is this book for YOU!
What an outstanding start to a new series.
We have high stakes, trials, twists and turns, and even a dash of romance.
Our MMC Damon- hello Mr. Dark and broody. New book boyfriend. I cannot WAIT to see how his and Rae's relationship unfolds. The banter between them and the way he protects her? Absolutely love.
Our FMC Rae- this girl is a badass who knows how to stand up for herself, although she makes some interesting (questionable) choices (Damon is RIGHT THERE [iykyk])
The concept of the medallions and the power held within them is so well done. Im hopeful and excited to see if we get to dive more into that in book 2. I'd love more of a back story.
I will impatiently be awaiting book 2!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the e-arc!
My rating-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an outstanding start to a new series.
We have high stakes, trials, twists and turns, and even a dash of romance.
Our MMC Damon- hello Mr. Dark and broody. New book boyfriend. I cannot WAIT to see how his and Rae's relationship unfolds. The banter between them and the way he protects her? Absolutely love.
Our FMC Rae- this girl is a badass who knows how to stand up for herself, although she makes some interesting (questionable) choices (Damon is RIGHT THERE [iykyk])
The concept of the medallions and the power held within them is so well done. Im hopeful and excited to see if we get to dive more into that in book 2. I'd love more of a back story.
I will impatiently be awaiting book 2!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the e-arc!
My rating-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 22, 2026
#TeamDamon. Sloane isn’t even a player in the game.
The magic system in this book was awesome! I feel like we’ve only touched the surface of it too, so I can’t wait to learn more as we go forward.
Rae was a bit naive at times which irritated me because she’s supposed to have all these survival instincts from her life but lacks some common sense. Parts were hard to read because I just wanted to shake her and yell “idiot” in her face.
I thought it was interesting you have a battle for a Medallion that’s finished by 60% of the book. I really sat there wondering what else you could talk about for 40% more. She managed to make it work though!
I loved the bonus chapter at the end! Getting to read a pivotal moment from another POV is always exciting.
Thank you to Nicole Batey and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
The magic system in this book was awesome! I feel like we’ve only touched the surface of it too, so I can’t wait to learn more as we go forward.
Rae was a bit naive at times which irritated me because she’s supposed to have all these survival instincts from her life but lacks some common sense. Parts were hard to read because I just wanted to shake her and yell “idiot” in her face.
I thought it was interesting you have a battle for a Medallion that’s finished by 60% of the book. I really sat there wondering what else you could talk about for 40% more. She managed to make it work though!
I loved the bonus chapter at the end! Getting to read a pivotal moment from another POV is always exciting.
Thank you to Nicole Batey and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Forged by Nicole Batey is a gripping debut that perfectly hits the "deadly trials" and "morally gray love" tropes. We love those!
The protagonist is easy to root for. Her drive for vengeance makes for an extremely emotional and high-stakes journey. The world building is fresh and different, especially the way the magic is tied to political power. The tension that happens between Rae and the son of her sworn enemy is filled with banter and top-tier energy that keeps you moving through and not wanting to stop reading.
The only reason this is 4 stars for me is that the pacing felt uneven in the middle. I also wanted a bit more of a history expansion on the Forgers. The cliffhanger did it's job and I'm looking forward to the sequel!
The protagonist is easy to root for. Her drive for vengeance makes for an extremely emotional and high-stakes journey. The world building is fresh and different, especially the way the magic is tied to political power. The tension that happens between Rae and the son of her sworn enemy is filled with banter and top-tier energy that keeps you moving through and not wanting to stop reading.
The only reason this is 4 stars for me is that the pacing felt uneven in the middle. I also wanted a bit more of a history expansion on the Forgers. The cliffhanger did it's job and I'm looking forward to the sequel!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The description of this sounded promising, but it was entirely predictable and boring. The FMC has red hair, is described constantly as "feisty" and has impeccable aim when throwing knives. She is torn between a blond and brunette, one with green eyes and one with silver eyes.
If you want something that is fight scene after fight scene, interspersed with some mild flirtation alternating between the blond and brunette, with pretty much zero character development and little world building, this book is for you. It is not for me. I would have loved to see more political intrigue, more nuanced characters - especially the secondary characters, who are all pretty much interchangeable.
If you want something that is fight scene after fight scene, interspersed with some mild flirtation alternating between the blond and brunette, with pretty much zero character development and little world building, this book is for you. It is not for me. I would have loved to see more political intrigue, more nuanced characters - especially the secondary characters, who are all pretty much interchangeable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley and the publisher
🧠STORY: 4/5
🎨PROSE: 3/5
👤CHARACTER: 4/5
✨VIBE: 4/5
⭐️RATING:★★★★
🌶️SPICE: 2,5/5 (Somewhere between Open Door and Steamy)
I will be writing a detailed review soon but I AM SO BUMMED THAT IT'S OVER NOW! I WISH THIS WAS A COMPLETE SERIES! It was very packed though I'll give you that. There were many moments where I was like "Aw man... this feels like a 'we're approaching the end' type of twist" but when I checked the percentage the book wasn't even close to ending. Which I am immensely grateful for
UPDATE: I just realised the second book is also about to be published. BRB gotta run to NetGalley to see if I can get it somehow
UPDATE: It is NOT on NetGalley, much to my dismay... Guess I have to wait for the 21st of April now...
UPDATE: YALL... The PUBLISHING HOUSE saw my review and reached out to me on Instagram! They gave me the ARC for the second book, and I just finished it!
April 23, 2026
Listen very closely people: BUY. THIS. BOOK.
Read it. You won’t regret it.
If you are a fan of ACOTAR? You will love this.
If you need an unproblematic replacement for ACOTAR?? EVEN BETTER! This is your book, babes.
Full of feminine rage, deadly challenges, a quest for revenge, betrayal, a love triangle, and above all else, HIGH STAKES FANTASY.
It is everything I needed and more, and I will be immediately devouring the second book. I’ve never read a book so fast, and I cannot wait to do the same with Tempered.
*I received a review copy from Contrarian Publishing, all opinions are my own*
Read it. You won’t regret it.
If you are a fan of ACOTAR? You will love this.
If you need an unproblematic replacement for ACOTAR?? EVEN BETTER! This is your book, babes.
Full of feminine rage, deadly challenges, a quest for revenge, betrayal, a love triangle, and above all else, HIGH STAKES FANTASY.
It is everything I needed and more, and I will be immediately devouring the second book. I’ve never read a book so fast, and I cannot wait to do the same with Tempered.
*I received a review copy from Contrarian Publishing, all opinions are my own*
April 26, 2026
I am an ARC reader and these are my own comments unsolicited. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for th ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Forged is the first book in this Romantasy series by Nicole Batey. This is an interesting magic system where wielders use a medallion to channel magic. These medallion are sentient and the wielder needs to learn to create balance and control to use it, often through strong emotions. This book has games and trials, a love triangle, some spice later in the book, and a huge betrayal. A strong FMC that is working to prove herself against the system. I throughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the others eventually in this series.
Forged is the first book in this Romantasy series by Nicole Batey. This is an interesting magic system where wielders use a medallion to channel magic. These medallion are sentient and the wielder needs to learn to create balance and control to use it, often through strong emotions. This book has games and trials, a love triangle, some spice later in the book, and a huge betrayal. A strong FMC that is working to prove herself against the system. I throughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the others eventually in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️
Very strong fourth wing and hunger games vibes.
Great first book for a series, it really sets up the vibes for what’s to come. Impressive world building, likable characters, fun banter. It’s always so refreshing to read something different and unique. I am more than impressed. This book has trials and combat, mixed with a spicy romance. I recommend this book to anyone who likes:
• deadly trials
• political intrigue
• strong FMC
• “Who did this to you”
• Revenge
I’m so excited for book 2!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this E-ARC❤️❤️this was a great read!
Very strong fourth wing and hunger games vibes.
Great first book for a series, it really sets up the vibes for what’s to come. Impressive world building, likable characters, fun banter. It’s always so refreshing to read something different and unique. I am more than impressed. This book has trials and combat, mixed with a spicy romance. I recommend this book to anyone who likes:
• deadly trials
• political intrigue
• strong FMC
• “Who did this to you”
• Revenge
I’m so excited for book 2!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this E-ARC❤️❤️this was a great read!
April 11, 2026
Forged introduces a new and interesting magic system! I loved the main characters especially Rae who is such a bada**! I love a strong and independent FMC. I am not a huge fan of a love triangle, but it did not ruin the book for me. I had certain feelings about Sloane throughout the book and even if Damien was the son of the man who was responsible for Rae's family's death, I had a soft spot for him. The book was fast paced and provided a whole range of emotions. I am looking forward to the next book!
September 8, 2025
Well written and good plot-line. I would’ve appreciated a little more time-passage to underline the relationships built but I recognize timing was supposed to be tight. I previously mentioned (for verity) that I’m not one for romance but this was done with better build up and reasoning. I found it much more palatable as a result. It feels like a nice mix of game of thrones and the last air bender. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
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