Forged in Fading

Bones of Kings #1

by Madeline Haiston

A grieving blacksmith fighting for revenge. A tortured rebel fighting for freedom. A ruthless king out to destroy them both.

Three years after the loss of her mother and sister, Alvara survives through endless hours at the forge, training with her spear, and consuming what some would consider too much sugar.

When she is tasked with delivering a sword to another kingdom, she expects the worst part of her journey to be traveling alongside the elf who broke her heart.

…not finding herself imprisoned in King Einar’s dungeon. And learning he was responsible for her sister’s death.

To avenge her family, Alvara must join the growing resistance and train with a handsome rebel leader, who isn’t at all what he seems, to control the magic she has locked away for so long.

As war looms and the fate of the five kingdoms hangs in the balance, Alvara is forced to confront her past or risk tearing herself and the rebellion apart.

Even more dangerous is her discovery that she may have found something—or someone—worth living for.

Forged in Fading is the first book in this slow-burn, Nordic-inspired, epic romantic fantasy series, Bones of Kings. Perfect for fans of the slow-burn romance and immersive world-building of Daughter of No Worlds and the heart and humor of Paladin's Grace.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 28, 2026

About the author

Madeline Haiston is a fantasy author whose love for storytelling emerged from a bad habit of reading a book a day and losing herself in fictional worlds. When she’s not putting her linguistics degree to good use by handcrafting names for her characters, she can be found baking, singing (even when her toddler tells her to stop), and exploring Colorado with her husband, two daughters, and their dogs.

Reviews

[Bethany Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Such a great story with such good characters!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to author, Madeline Haiston, for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored this book. Perfect for fans of ACOTAR, Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing, this Nordic-inspired story had me hooked from the first page! The author has a way of taking old tropes and making them feel so fresh! The enemies-to-lovers slow burn was delicious and I appreciated the way things like misunderstandings and miscommunications were cleared up quickly and didn’t drag on. It felt much more realistic to the way adults interact, which was great considering the FMC is in her early 30s (thank youuu!) Boden is a dream and his banter was written so, so well. I’m completely in love with him. 💖 Alvara is such a badass and one of my favorite FMCs to date.

The pacing was fantastic and no part of the book dragged or felt like a struggle. The MCs felt like they were building a true relationship instead of a “lust at first sight” situation. The friendships were great and somehow I felt like I still knew characters that had passed before the start of the book! I would have liked a little more ✨something✨ at the very end. It felt like it ended a little abruptly, but I understand this is also the first book in a planned series and I am looking forward to the next installment!!! Please note this is a true slow burn and while there is no spice, the relationship building is 👌

[Elles ✨📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to start by thanking Maddy for giving me the opportunity to be on her Bones of Kings street team and an ARC reader.

This really is an epic fantasy, with incredible world building that explores grief better than any other book I’ve read. Aiding character development, that creates a sense of found family.

You have Alvara the FMC, who has been through a lot to say the least. She’s an incredibly strong woman who ends up realising she wants to continue her sister’s legacy, after a traumatic event in which she ends up imprisoned by a king.

In enters Boden, the MMC, who again has been through a hell of a lot and is kind of living a double life. He is one of the kindest souls, who wants to help Alvara reach her full potential and see her own self worth.

Boden brings Alvara to join this rebel group that he sister was a part of, at first she’s hesitant and doesn’t think that this is really for her. But with Boden’s help and some amazing friends, she realises that she could make a real difference here. A chance to bring elves and humans together. To finish what her sister started.

There are humans, elves, demi-elves, witches and dwarves. Honestly, everything you want and more in a fantasy.

There is a romance element to this story, with a slow burn that really makes you route for both Alvara and Boden.

I truly became so invested in these characters and quite frankly still am, I’ve thought about them every day since finishing this book. I cannot wait for book two!

[Hillary_8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forged in Fading was such an enjoyable fantasy read! I loved the rich world building, unique magic system, and the way the story balanced action, emotion, and political intrigue.

Slow burn romance ❤️‍🔥
Enemies to allies 🤺
Found family 🥹
Political intrigue 👑
Magic 🧙🏼
Strong FMC 🗡️

The characters were easy to connect with! I especially enjoyed watching the main character grow into her strength while navigating impossible choices. 🫣
The slow burn romance was woven into the story perfectly, adding tension without overshadowing the plot!! ☺️

By the end I was completely invested in the characters and excited to see where the series goes next!!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Release date: August 28, 2026

Thank you to the author (Madeline Haiston) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own!

[Mandy - Bedtime Book Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible journey! I didn’t want it to end!

The world building is incredible and detailed but at no time does it feel dense or slows the progression of the plot. You are immediately immersed in the world and it keeps opening up more and more as the story progresses. The different realms and races of mythical creatures is a fantasy readers dream.

This is the slowest of burns and the yearning has me hooked. Alvara deserves every ounce of happiness. Boden the man/elf that you are. No notes.

There are so many Easter eggs and nods to mythology, classics, and everything that makes a nerd heart happy. I will definitely be doing a reread before the next one!!

Thank you Madeline for the opportunity to read this ARC. It was a delightful honor.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVEDDDDD this book!

Alvara, our FMC, is a grieving elven blacksmith. She stumbles upon a corrupt King and a rebellion she becomes an integral part in. She must face untested magic, prejudices, and the hardest truths about the loss of her family.

Boden, our MMC, is a tea loving angel.

This world is so unique, with an incredible magic system. Highly recommend looking at the map & glossary!

This world has elves, humans, dwarves, witches, and selkies
It’s a slow burn, only one bed, black cat/golden retriever, elemental magic, found family fantasy!

Thank you so much for the ARC 🩵❄️

[Lauren Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this one from the author, and wow — what a debut.

There's a specific kind of book that doesn't just tell you a story — it makes you feel like you lived inside it. This was one of those.

Madeline built an entire world so carefully that by the time I was deep into it, I wasn't working to understand it anymore, I was just in it. Chapter by chapter, it unfolds so naturally.

But it was the characters that wrecked me. By the end of this book, I didn't just root for Alvara and Boden — I felt like I knew them. Alvara spends this whole story learning how to let people in after loss, after grief, after convincing herself she doesn't deserve to be loved that way. And Boden just... keeps showing up. Keeps choosing her, even when she pushes him away.

I cried. Not because something dramatic happened, but because I recognized it. That fear of being loved fully. That instinct to push away the person who keeps coming back anyway. If you've ever felt like you had to prove you deserved love before you could accept it, this book will find you.

And the slow burn? It's SLOW. If you need your couple fully together by the last page, brace yourself — you may be waiting for book two. But that's exactly what made it worth it.

If you like...

-Slow burns that make you WAIT for it
-FMCs healing from grief while becoming who they're meant to be
-MMCs who keep showing up no matter how many times they're pushed away
-Found family that hits as hard as the romance
-Rich, easy-to-follow world-building (elves, humans, dwarves, witches — it all just works)
-Nordic-inspired epic fantasy
-Books that compare to Daughter of No Worlds and Paladin's Grace

This is a debut. A DEBUT. I'm still thinking about these characters and I am not okay. 😭📖

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the eARC of this book!

This book was such a fun time. Right off the bat, you can immediately tell how much thought and care went into the world building (which is always my favorite aspect of a story). So much happened within its pages and the main character, Alvara, had such an interesting character development. From grieving the loss of her family and being content to hide away without truly living, to then working towards learning to trust others and bettering herself. The author did such a great job at displaying grief as it truly can be and how working through those emotions isn’t always a linear path.

One thing about me, I loveee a slowburn, and I especially loved Alvara and Boden’s dynamic. From enemies to unwilling partners to friends and finally more. The entire flow of their relationship felt very genuine to what the story needed. I found myself using the word “authentic” to describe so many moments in the book, despite the fantasy elements, the displays of grief and healing, friendship and character development all felt very real. There were also so many beautiful descriptions and a great illustration of found family. While fantasy names and places are usually hard for me to keep track of, I thought the details in the diagram/map/glossary were a really nice touch and showed just how much passion went into the making of this great world.

[sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

not bad for a debut fantasy, not bad at all.

it’s a cute world that feels like an acotar/lotr blend. I oftentimes found myself wondering if this was a cozy fantasy simply based off the vibes. but it’s definitely a romantasy (but with no spice) through and through!

boden is a sweeeeeetie peetie pie and I enjoyed his character quite thoroughly. alvara frustrated me severely but it feels intentional; grief can take a nasty toll on a person and grief was most certainly present amongst our cast of characters. I do have to say — homegirl has a sweets addiction and I am👏here👏 for👏it. 100% can relate to those sugary impulses and I hope our gal pal enjoys so many more of them when book 2 comes around (ms madeline, do her a favor and allow more indulgences pls & ty).

I felt that almost every aspect of this book felt very rushed, from the dialogue to the plot and the battles and everything in between, it was choppy and most things weren’t fully fleshed out as well as I would have liked. that being said, this is a DEBUT and this kind of thing is to be expected with a brand new writing style and all that jazz 🙌

overall, this is a fun read with some funny and quirky dialogue! black cat xx golden retriever romantasy for sure for sure. kat and rav had me smiling a good number of times. I had a good time!

thank ya kindly for the arc, netgalley ✌️

[Courtney Ellzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sitting here staring at my phone trying to decide, how in the world I am going to put into words, what I want to say about Forged In Fading.

The stakes were high. The world lush and beautiful. The romance was rewarding. The friendships were deep. The villain was villaining. The magic system was unique. It essentially has all the makings of a fantastic fantasy romance.

The world and the story pulls you in from fairly early on and just doesn't let go. I've finished it and still in a chokehold - reeling for more.

Alvara, the FMC, has a beautiful character arc. She and Boden, MMC, show a lot of growth and potential throughout the story. They constantly have something thrown at them and I found myself invested in both of these characters early in the story.

The side characters have a strong found family aspect and I found that these characters helped move the story along, while helping the main characters find their path.

The author has written and integrated grief into the story seemlessly. It was beautifully done.

I've laughed. I've cried. I've screamed "I KNEW IT." I was fully emotionally invested and will happily come back for more of this intriguing world.

Thank you to Madeline Haiston for the e-ARC of Forged in Fading.

[Murphy Baisley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Haiston Publishing LLC & NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC of Forged in Fading. All opinions are my own.

I was attracted to this first because it is a Nordic-inspired fantasy, and I can't get Demi Winters' Ashen Series out of my head. The cover is also gorgeous. What I found was a semi-reluctant heroine, some humor, found family, and some very poignant quotes about grief and trauma. Avara, a blacksmith, set off to deliver a sword with a friend, and becomes embroiled in a war she didn't want to be involved in.

This is a true slow burn romance, but it is not a romantasy. The romance is secondary to the plot, which I absolutely loved. The side characters are fun, and I like how we learn more about them as the book goes on. It helped make them feel a little more developed. I think there is room for more development there with Kat & Pyry, but Rav & Aurilena felt real. So did Lilja.

While I think that people who pick this up expecting a romance-forward plot would be disappointed, I think its great & I've already recommended it to friends! Pick this up if you enjoy slow burn, reluctant heroine, unique magic, true character growth, and overcoming differences!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You can either let the darkness devour you or find a way to welcome it as an old friend."

Forged in Fading by @madelinehaiston is book one in the Bones of Kings series, and it will be your next obsession. There is no shortage of angst and yearning and I ate it up like it was the most decadent dessert ever. The characters experience unfathomable loss, but with friends who become family, they are able to find joy and purpose. The found family aspect is fantastic, all the side characters are just as important as the mains and definitely make an impression. Those relationships and the banter amongst the group is so good and absolutely necessary to take the edge off the hard things. The enemies to lovers romance has delicious tension, I loved it. There is nothing I love more. Boden is swoony and his yearning is top tier. When they finally get over all the miscommunication and secrets it is explosive in all the right ways. I love a man that would tear the world apart with his hands, or claws, for her. He would do whatever it takes to save her and I freaking eat that up too. There are a couple little plot twists that totally got me, but were absolutely wonderful. The ending was perfect, except for one thing, I WANT MORE.

[Iampikalu · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ARC Review]

Forged in Fading
Madeline Haiston

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Please revive me right now because I'm sure I've faded, okay so it was a slow start, took a few chapters to really get me into the storyline but once I was, oh boy. Boden and Alvara took me by surprise they had me giggling, raging and almost crying, Boden is just a sweet bear who needs all the hugs in the world and Alvara needs therapy,(or just Boden *wink wink*) honestly it wasn't just the relationship that struck me, I loved the world building, the effort you put into showing us the different kingdoms and traditions, the side characters that we couldn't not fall in love with, Kat and Rav, and all the questions you left us with that I hope will be answerd in book two, the magic, the elves, demi-elves, humans, and witches even dwarves, you really took us to another world of wonder, I love that Alvara is still figuring out her magic, and you made dealing with grief so real, she's a strong badass MFC and Boden is just an adorable bear with a tea obsession that is all, highly recommend this book for all fantasy lovers and I'm truly greatful that I got to read it before everyone else, I can't wait for the second book! (also I can definitely say chopping vegetables is a good way to burn steam)

"the world could be falling apart, and a cup of tea reminds me that there's still good to be had."

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: 4.5 Stars

I was very impressed with this debut novel! Thanks to the author for letting me be on the ARC team!

I loved the Nordic inspired world and the magic based on the seasons, with each kingdom also having their own specialized magic for those born on the full moon. I was immersed in the world and the characters and truly felt swept away.

The emotional aspects of this book were wonderful as well. The author didn't shy away from showing how grief affects our lives, even after we think we have healed. And sometimes it's through our mistakes that we find the right path forward.

I loved Alvara’s strength and watching her grow and find a new found family, however unwilling some of them were at first. I loved seeing her friendships grow as she learned to let people in, and how the ending brought hope for good things to come.

My favorite part was getting absolutely trolled by the author when I went straight to the glossary to find the meaning of the human language phrase that Boden said at the end. Well played, Madeline.

I also appreciated the minimal swearing. Too much breaks the immersion for me.

I'm so excited to see where she takes this series!

[Sam Dolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun read. It's great to see fantasy romance done well, with just enough yearning to keep it all interesting. One of the biggest strengths for me was the depictions of grief. It wasn't cliché or one size fits all, some passages were very raw and created really interesting characters.

I didn't have a hard time reading this but at the same time, it wasn't hard to put down. That was largely due to the pacing. I thought for the longest time that this would not have a standalone ending and when I feel like I'm going to need book two, it just makes reading book one a bit more unsatisfying for me. But as it turns out, the story does manage to bring it all together and I really loved the ending. And I appreciated all the bits of language and lore that served to make this book different from many that are out now. I really look forward to reading more from this author and thank you for the ARC!

[Mell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This was such an enjoyable read from debut indie author Madeline Haiston. I loved the characters and the banter was spot on. The story line, the characters’ growth was enjoyable to experience.
I will say that while the characters and dialogue where definitely my favorite parts (Hello Boden!) there were times when the narrative seemed a bit choppy. But the story was still interesting and enjoyable.
If you like a good story with no spice this is a great read. The lack of spice does not take away from the story in anyway, in fact I think it makes it so much better, and the way things go it’s believable. Also I appreciate that use of profanity is done in an appropriate way and not just constantly added to make it seem more adult content.
A great read, I would definitely recommend

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐

I really really liked this book - the world-building, the characters, the magic, and the plot! This is more fantasy-focused rather than romance with a bit of fantasy.

We see Alvara develop as a person and deal with her grief which was really heart-warming. I loved Boden and Rav, Kat felt a like she lacked some depth.

It did take a couple of chapters to feel properly in it, but after that the pacing was great. I didn’t really understand the whole seasons thing at the start but managed to get it a bit further into the book.

Would definitely recommend, not sure where book 2 will be going but I can’t wait!

Thank you to Haiston Publishing LLC and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebekka Mcc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enthralling! Right from the first chapter this book had me in its frost covered grip. The story is perfectly paced moving quickly without skipping anything important. The characters are relatable and easy to forge an immediate connection with. I think I might fade from anticipation for the next book to be released, I can’t wait!

[Loren Fawn Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Nordic-inspired slow burn romantic fantasy was *chef’s kiss*. I especially loved the amount of detail there was in the author’s writing, I felt myself being sucked into the book with the incredible story telling! If you love magic, FMC/MMC banter, and epic battle scenes - this one’s for you.

[Hannah Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story of healing, growth, redemption, forgiveness and found family.
There is some language and the romance is slow burn with some kissing (low detail).
The true depth of the story is in Alva, in her learning to love again. To love and let people love her in return.

[The · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this book!