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The Forged Chronicles #1
Forged in Stone
The son of darkness is all grown up...
James is a Guardian. He is tasked with protecting the most important person in his world. For eight years he has done his job without complaint, but he has grown tired of living under the shadow of a father who is responsible for the most unimaginable violence and destruction his world has ever known.
Ainsley is at a loss for what to do with her life. She hates her two dead end jobs and the family who betrayed her. She has resigned herself to living one day at a time, but she longs for an escape from her lonely life.
When Ainsley finds James in her bed, their two lives and worlds collide. They may have both found exactly what they need, but the darkness James has been running from his whole life has just caught up.
James is a Guardian. He is tasked with protecting the most important person in his world. For eight years he has done his job without complaint, but he has grown tired of living under the shadow of a father who is responsible for the most unimaginable violence and destruction his world has ever known.
Ainsley is at a loss for what to do with her life. She hates her two dead end jobs and the family who betrayed her. She has resigned herself to living one day at a time, but she longs for an escape from her lonely life.
When Ainsley finds James in her bed, their two lives and worlds collide. They may have both found exactly what they need, but the darkness James has been running from his whole life has just caught up.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2015
326 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Rose Ivy
100 books2,483 followersAlyssa Rose Ivy is the bestselling author of more than forty novels with over one million books sold worldwide. She loves to weave stories with romance and humor, and she is best known for writing about college boys with wings. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. She lives in Alabama with her two children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 11, 2015
Surprise! Forged in Stone is available now :) It's NA Fantasy Romance.
June 11, 2015
I received Forged in Stone in return for an honest review from the author. Ainsley may be living rent free but she’s working two jobs to pay off student loans. When her friend sets her up on a surprise blind date Ainsley isn’t thrilled nor is she impressed with the guys pushiness and quickly ditches him. When she returns home she finds a stranger in her bed that quickly proves that he knows the family she is house sitting for but shows up the next day expecting to live in the house as a handyman. Ainsley isn’t looking for anyone after her terrible breakup with her ex she’s steering clear of men even if she can’t get James out of her mind.
James uses his time in the human world to hide go unknown due to his father’s history at least he did until the night he met Ainsley. Determined to win her over, he leaves his role as Guardian temporarily and returns to Ainsley’s world intent on winning her over. When James finds a piece of parchment that has her name on it he must bring her unwilling to his world in order to protect her because his past is looking for her. However Ainsley isn’t the kind of girl who just let’s James push her around and when she sees her chance she runs off only to be saved by him. Neither one is looking for a relationship but they can’t deny the attraction between them. Will James win her heart? Will his past catch up with him forcing him to follow in his father’s footsteps?
Ainsley hasn’t had the best time growing up with everything that happened with her step sister but she’s moved on working hard to forget the past. I liked that she was willing to stand up to James but enjoys that he’s a gentleman. I really loved James right from the start he’s a good guy who shows that chivalry isn’t dead yet even if he does come from another world. The connection between the two works out perfectly I love when a couple has good chemistry and these two clearly do. I enjoyed seeing a little of Charlotte and Liam in the story.
Forged in Stone is the first installment in an exciting new series that spins off of the Afterglow Trilogy. I find the concept for the Essence and her guards in the alternate world unique and captivating it’s an interesting concept of time. Forged in Stone is action packed, loaded with romance and mix in a little blast from the past darkness to create an intricate story. The characters are new but we do have a little of the past which was fun, and I enjoyed connecting with Ainsley and James they may just be my favorite Alyssa Rose Ivy paranormal couple. I found the novel well written it’s beautifully done flowing from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down I had to know what was going to happen next. I have come to have high expectations for the author’s books and she doesn’t disappoint with Forged in Stone. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. I loved the story it's one I know I'll be talking about for days and sharing with everyone. Plus look at that cover how can you not want to read it?
James uses his time in the human world to hide go unknown due to his father’s history at least he did until the night he met Ainsley. Determined to win her over, he leaves his role as Guardian temporarily and returns to Ainsley’s world intent on winning her over. When James finds a piece of parchment that has her name on it he must bring her unwilling to his world in order to protect her because his past is looking for her. However Ainsley isn’t the kind of girl who just let’s James push her around and when she sees her chance she runs off only to be saved by him. Neither one is looking for a relationship but they can’t deny the attraction between them. Will James win her heart? Will his past catch up with him forcing him to follow in his father’s footsteps?
Ainsley hasn’t had the best time growing up with everything that happened with her step sister but she’s moved on working hard to forget the past. I liked that she was willing to stand up to James but enjoys that he’s a gentleman. I really loved James right from the start he’s a good guy who shows that chivalry isn’t dead yet even if he does come from another world. The connection between the two works out perfectly I love when a couple has good chemistry and these two clearly do. I enjoyed seeing a little of Charlotte and Liam in the story.
Forged in Stone is the first installment in an exciting new series that spins off of the Afterglow Trilogy. I find the concept for the Essence and her guards in the alternate world unique and captivating it’s an interesting concept of time. Forged in Stone is action packed, loaded with romance and mix in a little blast from the past darkness to create an intricate story. The characters are new but we do have a little of the past which was fun, and I enjoyed connecting with Ainsley and James they may just be my favorite Alyssa Rose Ivy paranormal couple. I found the novel well written it’s beautifully done flowing from start to finish and I couldn’t put it down I had to know what was going to happen next. I have come to have high expectations for the author’s books and she doesn’t disappoint with Forged in Stone. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. I loved the story it's one I know I'll be talking about for days and sharing with everyone. Plus look at that cover how can you not want to read it?
January 17, 2016
After a horrible break up Ainsley has cut herself off from her former friends and family. She lives alone in a huge house that she is house sitting in and works two jobs. A friend tries to set her up on a blind date but she wants nothing to do with dating or relationships until one night a stranger shows up in the house she is staying in.
James is a friend of the family that owns the home that Ainsley has been staying. After drinking too much he tries to crash at their house but finds Ainsley now occupying the residence. James is taken to Ainsley but needs her to know the real him before things can progress between them. James is actually what is known as a guardian that comes from a world known as Energo.
Forged in Stone is the first book in a new series by Alyssa Rose Ivy but what I didn't realize was that it is actually a spin off of another series. This being the first book that I have read I'm a little iffy to say that it reads fine as a standalone or not. While I believe James and Ainsley's relationship is the focus here and fine to read alone, I do think readers may gain a better grasp of the world if having read the earlier books.
One of the things I didn't actually like with reading this though that brought my rating down a bit was the fact that this is one of those books that tends to rush conversation. A dialogue gets going back and forth and I tend to lose my concentration of who is saying what when it's not broken up a bit better with a he said or she said thrown in more often to make it less jumbled.
A few things to warn about with this series too would be it is an insta-love or insta-attraction situation with the characters. I didn't mind it so much as once you learn of the world James is from it seems to be a part of that world. Also, this first book ends with a cliffhanger. There aren't really answers to anything going on, more of an introduction to the series.
With all of that being said though I actually did enjoy learning of Energo and would love to know more about that world and what happens with these characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
James is a friend of the family that owns the home that Ainsley has been staying. After drinking too much he tries to crash at their house but finds Ainsley now occupying the residence. James is taken to Ainsley but needs her to know the real him before things can progress between them. James is actually what is known as a guardian that comes from a world known as Energo.
Forged in Stone is the first book in a new series by Alyssa Rose Ivy but what I didn't realize was that it is actually a spin off of another series. This being the first book that I have read I'm a little iffy to say that it reads fine as a standalone or not. While I believe James and Ainsley's relationship is the focus here and fine to read alone, I do think readers may gain a better grasp of the world if having read the earlier books.
One of the things I didn't actually like with reading this though that brought my rating down a bit was the fact that this is one of those books that tends to rush conversation. A dialogue gets going back and forth and I tend to lose my concentration of who is saying what when it's not broken up a bit better with a he said or she said thrown in more often to make it less jumbled.
A few things to warn about with this series too would be it is an insta-love or insta-attraction situation with the characters. I didn't mind it so much as once you learn of the world James is from it seems to be a part of that world. Also, this first book ends with a cliffhanger. There aren't really answers to anything going on, more of an introduction to the series.
With all of that being said though I actually did enjoy learning of Energo and would love to know more about that world and what happens with these characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
November 19, 2015
NOPE.
It did NOT work out for me....
Actually, none of Alyssa's books do but i like an idiot keep reading them.
the only thing i liked was the world building and the creativity of the characters "powers" and what not. BUT. Thats where we have the problem. There is not enough of the background.
Throughout all of her books, the characters keep blabbering. Can't they ever shut up?
And the male and female leads are just so god damn ANNOYING !!
Alyssa tries to potray her females as strong willed, sassy and sexy however o truly find them irritating, rude and just annoying. Her males are supposed to be confident, hot and heroic BUT they come off as obnoxious,arrogant and bipolar.
Till now, i have not been able to complete a single of her books.
And i am not reading them again!
It did NOT work out for me....
Actually, none of Alyssa's books do but i like an idiot keep reading them.
the only thing i liked was the world building and the creativity of the characters "powers" and what not. BUT. Thats where we have the problem. There is not enough of the background.
Throughout all of her books, the characters keep blabbering. Can't they ever shut up?
And the male and female leads are just so god damn ANNOYING !!
Alyssa tries to potray her females as strong willed, sassy and sexy however o truly find them irritating, rude and just annoying. Her males are supposed to be confident, hot and heroic BUT they come off as obnoxious,arrogant and bipolar.
Till now, i have not been able to complete a single of her books.
And i am not reading them again!
June 11, 2015
I have received an ARC copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, I want to thank Alyssa for letting me be a part of this amazing surprise to all her fans. I felt honoured and SO happy!
When she told me about the book I literally screamed from excitement. My husband is still thinking about committing me to a special hospital *wink wink*.
Holly smokes! This book took me by surprise! It's so amazing!
In here we meet, James from the Afterglow Trilogy about Energo, a bad boy, with complicated life and even more complicated past. But here he is all grown up. No longer a boy, but a man with a past that he is trying to forget. Trying to redeem.
At home, everyone sees him through the actions of his father. Only handful of his friends know him, the real him. One night when he decides to get drunk in a place where no one knows him, or rather remembers him, he ends up in his friends old house. That's how Ainsley finds him. And instead of screaming for help, she feels connection. both of them feel it. There is instant attraction, sparks, lust. James has no idea why he feels so many emotions towards Ainsley. And even though he knows he can't make her his due to different world they are living and also the darkness that is buried deep in him, he will do anything to keep her safe and close.
Forged in Stone in so different than the rest of the Chronicles. You don't have shifters here, society, king, but you have the same level of excitement. There is danger, action, mystery and so many emotions.
You all might wonder if you need to read the rest of the Chronicles or Afterglow Trilogy and I can wholeheartedly say: No, you don't have to. Without reading Afterglow you can go on a journey with Ainsley: not knowing anything. Of course, it's nice to know about past James as he was one cocky teenager, but he is so HOT here <3 And besides the trilogy is amazing, so why not read it also? :)
5 Amazing stars!
Firstly, I want to thank Alyssa for letting me be a part of this amazing surprise to all her fans. I felt honoured and SO happy!
When she told me about the book I literally screamed from excitement. My husband is still thinking about committing me to a special hospital *wink wink*.
Holly smokes! This book took me by surprise! It's so amazing!
In here we meet, James from the Afterglow Trilogy about Energo, a bad boy, with complicated life and even more complicated past. But here he is all grown up. No longer a boy, but a man with a past that he is trying to forget. Trying to redeem.
At home, everyone sees him through the actions of his father. Only handful of his friends know him, the real him. One night when he decides to get drunk in a place where no one knows him, or rather remembers him, he ends up in his friends old house. That's how Ainsley finds him. And instead of screaming for help, she feels connection. both of them feel it. There is instant attraction, sparks, lust. James has no idea why he feels so many emotions towards Ainsley. And even though he knows he can't make her his due to different world they are living and also the darkness that is buried deep in him, he will do anything to keep her safe and close.
Forged in Stone in so different than the rest of the Chronicles. You don't have shifters here, society, king, but you have the same level of excitement. There is danger, action, mystery and so many emotions.
You all might wonder if you need to read the rest of the Chronicles or Afterglow Trilogy and I can wholeheartedly say: No, you don't have to. Without reading Afterglow you can go on a journey with Ainsley: not knowing anything. Of course, it's nice to know about past James as he was one cocky teenager, but he is so HOT here <3 And besides the trilogy is amazing, so why not read it also? :)
5 Amazing stars!
Want to read
January 14, 2016
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
June 18, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Forged in Stone is the first book in a new series, The Forged Chronicles by Alyssa Rose Ivy. I jump at any book Alyssa Rose Ivy writes. I just love her and I pretty much know that I will get a good story with all of her books. That being said, I still normally do my due diligence with review requests. But when Alyssa Rose Ivy emailed me asking if I wanted an ARC of Forged in Stone I just said yes. And yes before you freak out, I did really enjoy the book. (duh.) But I had no idea what it would be about when I started reading it. None at all. So I am going to give you my initial blank slate impressions/embarrassing realizations.
Forged in Stone starts off feeling very contemporary romance. So I started to slip into my new adult contemporary comfort zone, and then things started feeling a little fantasy/paranormal. Oh boy was I intrigued. But wait, the confessions don't stop there. Because then things started to feel a little fantasy/paranormal and a little familiar. The first book I ever read by Alyssa Rose Ivy was Beckoning Light way back in 2011, which was part of the afterglow trilogy. I really liked it and the world that opened up behind that garden gate, but I didn't finish the series. (I have no idea why and I must rectified that soon.) BUT I soon realized that The Forged Chronicles is set in the same world as the afterglow trilogy! It is about 10 years down the road and deals with one of the characters- James, that I don't really remember too much about from Beckoning Light. So moral of this very long story. I can't believe that I had no idea 1) this was a fantasy/paranormal and 2) it was a spin off series of the Afterglow Series. But know you do know those things from my embarrassing little blunder.
Forged in Stone is a really nice fantasy/paranormal, that had a very romantic feel to it. I loved James, and even though he was a bit cheesy at points, he can pull it off oh so well. His connection with Ainsley was lovely. And watching her fight him at every step really amused me. The pull that they feel towards each other is fully explained throughout the course of the story and I have to admit it was my favorite aspect. I can't wait to read books 2 and 3 in the Afterglow trilogy so I can get more background on their world and the essence. But you do not have to read that series to enjoy this one. Alyssa Rose Ivy always does a great job giving enough context and background with her stories so readers are not lost.
Forged in Stone is great for fans of fantasy/ paranormal romances. This one felt really sweet and romantic, but the end was like a kick in the gut that I was not expecting at all. I was feeling all lovey dovey and mushy towards the characters and then the twist at the end hinted at a much darker second book. I can't wait! Another great series by Alyssa Rose Ivy. If you have not had the pleasure of reading Alyssa's books yet, you need to.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Forged in Stone is the first book in a new series, The Forged Chronicles by Alyssa Rose Ivy. I jump at any book Alyssa Rose Ivy writes. I just love her and I pretty much know that I will get a good story with all of her books. That being said, I still normally do my due diligence with review requests. But when Alyssa Rose Ivy emailed me asking if I wanted an ARC of Forged in Stone I just said yes. And yes before you freak out, I did really enjoy the book. (duh.) But I had no idea what it would be about when I started reading it. None at all. So I am going to give you my initial blank slate impressions/embarrassing realizations.
Forged in Stone starts off feeling very contemporary romance. So I started to slip into my new adult contemporary comfort zone, and then things started feeling a little fantasy/paranormal. Oh boy was I intrigued. But wait, the confessions don't stop there. Because then things started to feel a little fantasy/paranormal and a little familiar. The first book I ever read by Alyssa Rose Ivy was Beckoning Light way back in 2011, which was part of the afterglow trilogy. I really liked it and the world that opened up behind that garden gate, but I didn't finish the series. (I have no idea why and I must rectified that soon.) BUT I soon realized that The Forged Chronicles is set in the same world as the afterglow trilogy! It is about 10 years down the road and deals with one of the characters- James, that I don't really remember too much about from Beckoning Light. So moral of this very long story. I can't believe that I had no idea 1) this was a fantasy/paranormal and 2) it was a spin off series of the Afterglow Series. But know you do know those things from my embarrassing little blunder.
Forged in Stone is a really nice fantasy/paranormal, that had a very romantic feel to it. I loved James, and even though he was a bit cheesy at points, he can pull it off oh so well. His connection with Ainsley was lovely. And watching her fight him at every step really amused me. The pull that they feel towards each other is fully explained throughout the course of the story and I have to admit it was my favorite aspect. I can't wait to read books 2 and 3 in the Afterglow trilogy so I can get more background on their world and the essence. But you do not have to read that series to enjoy this one. Alyssa Rose Ivy always does a great job giving enough context and background with her stories so readers are not lost.
Forged in Stone is great for fans of fantasy/ paranormal romances. This one felt really sweet and romantic, but the end was like a kick in the gut that I was not expecting at all. I was feeling all lovey dovey and mushy towards the characters and then the twist at the end hinted at a much darker second book. I can't wait! Another great series by Alyssa Rose Ivy. If you have not had the pleasure of reading Alyssa's books yet, you need to.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
June 11, 2015
Another wonderful story from Alyssa Rose Ivy! Forged in Stone is the beginning to her new series, The Forged Chronicles. But it's not the first time you've met leading man James! James is originally from Rose Ivy's first series The Afterglow Trilogy. I have often wondered what had became of the cocky, bad boy guardian known as James since Afterglow. Lets just say, Rose Ivy doesn't disappoint when catching us up! You do not have to read any of the other ARI Chronicle books, in order to read Forged. However, I do highly recommend reading the Afterglow Trilogy before meeting up with James so none of that plot line is ruined for you. In Forged, bad boy James meets Ainsley and there are insta-sparks! This book contains just the right mixture of mystery, love, lust, and a dose of paranormal thrown in. I absolutely fell hard for James and can't wait to see what becomes of him!
May 30, 2017
This book is an extension of one of my favorite trilogies ever, The Afterglow Trilogy. This new series is centered upon James and Ainsley. James is one of my favorite characters from Afterglow.
He is a tragic hero who is tarnished, by association with his evil father, even though he does the right thing when it matters. In Forged in Stone, it is a few years later and James is settled into his life as a Guardian. He meets Ainsley when he arrives unexpectedly at the Calloway home where she is housesitting. Both of their worlds are turned upside down.
This book is a study in how we become who we are. How do we trust and what do we fear most?
I really love this revisit to Energo, and I love being in the company of Charlotte and Liam once again. However, I must admit that the ending to Forged in Stone has left me a bit shell shocked.
I hope the wait for Forged in Ice is not a long one!
He is a tragic hero who is tarnished, by association with his evil father, even though he does the right thing when it matters. In Forged in Stone, it is a few years later and James is settled into his life as a Guardian. He meets Ainsley when he arrives unexpectedly at the Calloway home where she is housesitting. Both of their worlds are turned upside down.
This book is a study in how we become who we are. How do we trust and what do we fear most?
I really love this revisit to Energo, and I love being in the company of Charlotte and Liam once again. However, I must admit that the ending to Forged in Stone has left me a bit shell shocked.
I hope the wait for Forged in Ice is not a long one!
February 10, 2017
Full review soon!
It was great! Caught me a little off guard though, It was in the same universe as her YA series and for whatever reason I thought it was contemporary.
That's what I get for not re-reading the synopsis before I dig in XD
But as I got in, I remembered a bit about James from the YA series. So.. Fail on my part. I haven't finished the YA series.
It was great! Caught me a little off guard though, It was in the same universe as her YA series and for whatever reason I thought it was contemporary.
That's what I get for not re-reading the synopsis before I dig in XD
But as I got in, I remembered a bit about James from the YA series. So.. Fail on my part. I haven't finished the YA series.
May 19, 2017
James is a Guardian but at the same time he is in need of a break and finds himself drunk and needing a bed for the night. Ainsley is house sitting for a year while she saves her money and is stunned when she finds a man in her bed. James tells her he is friends with the family that lives there but after sparking her temper she kicks him out. What Ainsley doesn't know is there is another world out there and that James will be staying with her. Can Ainsley trust James and when James reveals what he truly is will she stand by his side?
Intriguing series that I will definitely read more of. This had a bit of a cliffhanger but not one that had you screaming "really" at the book. James oozes chemistry, I thought he was a fascinating character because I didn't know what he was about. Ainsley has a bit of a chip on her shoulder but it makes her a perfect pick for James. Entertaining.
Intriguing series that I will definitely read more of. This had a bit of a cliffhanger but not one that had you screaming "really" at the book. James oozes chemistry, I thought he was a fascinating character because I didn't know what he was about. Ainsley has a bit of a chip on her shoulder but it makes her a perfect pick for James. Entertaining.
Want to read
November 13, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/13/2017)!
June 25, 2015
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.
Alyssa Rose Ivy has become one of my favorite authors in the most recent years! I adored her Crescent Chronicles and pretty much since then have been a fan of the subsequent spinoffs! Forged in Stone is a spinoff of one of her earlier series, it was actually a YA series, the After Glow trilogy, which I binge read last week and really enjoyed! I loved James character in those! He was so funny, but I never got the sense if he was meant to be a contender for Charlotte's heart, and now that that series has ended, we have a brand new series here where James is the hero! And this series is definitely New Adult for sure!
First off, since I mention that this is a spinoff, I'll say you don't have to read the fist trilogy in order to understand what's going on here. It helps, but in reality it's not necessary. But you know me, I will totally recommending reading the first trilogy if even just to get to know James more! It's been eight years since the events of that trilogy and life for James has been mundane. Nothing exciting happening, nothing dreadful. Though there are times people still treat him with caution, like they expect him to be more like his father, who played the evil villain in the fist series. But James is nothing like his father. He hates him just as much as the rest of the people of Energo, if not more.
He finds himself in Charleston having too many drinks, so instead of going back home to Energo, he stops by Charlotte's old house to get some sleep. What he doesn't know is that Ainsley has been housesitting at the place and their first meeting didn't go smoothly! It was quite comical in a sense, because James being James, he sees no reason why he shouldn't be there.
There's an instant connection between James and Ainsley that I couldn't help but get behind! What's even more wonderful is that while Ainsley does feel said connection too, she tries to fight it. Because really, what normal girl falls head over heels for a guy she just met. One who broke into her temporary home? It's a bit complicated to rehash, but needless to say, I loved their connection! Their antics, because there's a good deal of bantering and flirting going on. I tend to like that a lot! It at least builds up to what we expect to see as an insta-romance.
However, all is not well in Charleston. Someone has broken into a room at the house and left behind a note that leads James to believe that Ainsley's life is in danger. And since he's falling hard and fast for this girl, there's no way he's leaving her unprotected. Add to the fact that there could possibly be a threat against Charlotte's life as well. So James immediately takes Ainsley to Energo for her protection. And once again, I love seeing Ainsley struggle to trust James in this. Bringing her to a completely different world. She struggles to accept what's in front of her. And I love that hesitation. Because it feels like a legitimate reaction.
There's a very real threat going on in Energo, but it's almost too terrifying to believe! We don't get a lot of details in this area, but that doesn't upset me at all! We still have at least one more book in this series/duology or what have you. And I am very excited about that!
Told through both James and Ainsley's points of view, we get to see how they both feel towards one another and the situation they find themselves in! James definitely had me smiling pretty much through the entire read. If I wasn't laughing at his antics, I was grinning like a fool because he was sweeping me off my feet through Ainsley! There's definitely more to James than we saw in the After Glow trilogy. He's a sweetheart and I pretty much just found my newest book boyfriend!
If you haven't read Alyssa's books yet, what are you waiting for? There are sooo many wonderful and delightful paranormal titles to choose from! While most of her series connect together in some ways, you can really read whichever one appeals to you. You might be presented with spoilers to the other series in little ways, but the only way to avoid that, naturally, is to start at the very beginning and enjoy from the first page! Though Forged in Stone is a spinoff from the After Glow trilogy, and doesn't really relate to the Crescent Chronicles and subsequent series, I would recommend reading pretty much all Alyssa's paranormal titles because they have all been incredible amazing reads!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
Alyssa Rose Ivy has become one of my favorite authors in the most recent years! I adored her Crescent Chronicles and pretty much since then have been a fan of the subsequent spinoffs! Forged in Stone is a spinoff of one of her earlier series, it was actually a YA series, the After Glow trilogy, which I binge read last week and really enjoyed! I loved James character in those! He was so funny, but I never got the sense if he was meant to be a contender for Charlotte's heart, and now that that series has ended, we have a brand new series here where James is the hero! And this series is definitely New Adult for sure!
First off, since I mention that this is a spinoff, I'll say you don't have to read the fist trilogy in order to understand what's going on here. It helps, but in reality it's not necessary. But you know me, I will totally recommending reading the first trilogy if even just to get to know James more! It's been eight years since the events of that trilogy and life for James has been mundane. Nothing exciting happening, nothing dreadful. Though there are times people still treat him with caution, like they expect him to be more like his father, who played the evil villain in the fist series. But James is nothing like his father. He hates him just as much as the rest of the people of Energo, if not more.
He finds himself in Charleston having too many drinks, so instead of going back home to Energo, he stops by Charlotte's old house to get some sleep. What he doesn't know is that Ainsley has been housesitting at the place and their first meeting didn't go smoothly! It was quite comical in a sense, because James being James, he sees no reason why he shouldn't be there.
There's an instant connection between James and Ainsley that I couldn't help but get behind! What's even more wonderful is that while Ainsley does feel said connection too, she tries to fight it. Because really, what normal girl falls head over heels for a guy she just met. One who broke into her temporary home? It's a bit complicated to rehash, but needless to say, I loved their connection! Their antics, because there's a good deal of bantering and flirting going on. I tend to like that a lot! It at least builds up to what we expect to see as an insta-romance.
However, all is not well in Charleston. Someone has broken into a room at the house and left behind a note that leads James to believe that Ainsley's life is in danger. And since he's falling hard and fast for this girl, there's no way he's leaving her unprotected. Add to the fact that there could possibly be a threat against Charlotte's life as well. So James immediately takes Ainsley to Energo for her protection. And once again, I love seeing Ainsley struggle to trust James in this. Bringing her to a completely different world. She struggles to accept what's in front of her. And I love that hesitation. Because it feels like a legitimate reaction.
There's a very real threat going on in Energo, but it's almost too terrifying to believe! We don't get a lot of details in this area, but that doesn't upset me at all! We still have at least one more book in this series/duology or what have you. And I am very excited about that!
Told through both James and Ainsley's points of view, we get to see how they both feel towards one another and the situation they find themselves in! James definitely had me smiling pretty much through the entire read. If I wasn't laughing at his antics, I was grinning like a fool because he was sweeping me off my feet through Ainsley! There's definitely more to James than we saw in the After Glow trilogy. He's a sweetheart and I pretty much just found my newest book boyfriend!
If you haven't read Alyssa's books yet, what are you waiting for? There are sooo many wonderful and delightful paranormal titles to choose from! While most of her series connect together in some ways, you can really read whichever one appeals to you. You might be presented with spoilers to the other series in little ways, but the only way to avoid that, naturally, is to start at the very beginning and enjoy from the first page! Though Forged in Stone is a spinoff from the After Glow trilogy, and doesn't really relate to the Crescent Chronicles and subsequent series, I would recommend reading pretty much all Alyssa's paranormal titles because they have all been incredible amazing reads!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
June 13, 2015
An Amazing a Start to a New Series!
Forged in Stone continues the amazing writing levels we have come to expect from ARI. This is book one of a new series and is a fantasy rather than a paranormal romance. The Afterglow Trilogy does provide backstory and would explain Energo, the other world in this series. But it’s definately not mandatory to read before you start Forged in Stone. Forged is set quite a few years after Afterglow and plenty of explaination is given for everything to flow and make sense.
This novel features the main characters James and Ainsley. I was on #TeamJames about 10 lines into the book and Ainsley is an awesome strong female lead.
James is a guardian in Energo and is running from his dark past, and the evil of his father’s legacy. After a drunken evening in the human realm, James crashes at Charlotte’s old home (she’s also in Energo) and is found from Ainsley. Ainsley is house sitting and panics when she finds James.
The two have a draw between them and James spends extra time in the human realm because he has to know more about Ainsley. But when Ainsley’s safety comes into question, James is forced to take Ainsley to Energo to protect her. Can she come to terms with James’ world? Can they make a connection despite the odds of coming from different worlds? Or will James’s past come back to plague his present?
I love the plot line of this one. It was really rich and well balanced between romance and action. There’s also some mystery. For Afterglow fans, we get to catch up with Charlotte and the guardians as well as get to know James and Ainsley more. I really enjoyed all the older characters making appearances.
I so adore James. He’s like the fantasy version of Jared from Crescent/Empire Chronicles. He’s a little dark because he’s dealing with all these issues of his father being a really bad guy. But he’s also really nice and such a gentleman.
Ainsley reminded a little of Allie. She’s very strong and independent. She’s very cautious and questioning when it comes to his new world James introduces her too. But she’s also sweet and willing to open her heart to James. And they have amazing chemistry.
There are some paranormal elements, such a shifter pack that lives in Energo, but it’s really fantasy driven. I found it a wonderful change of pace from all the paranormal series I have started. It’s still ARI’s wonderful style, but in a new world to explore.
And the last two pages will blow your mind! That’s all I can without doing a spoiler but OMG. Just wait for it.
I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and the writing plus the editing was on point! Super special bonus for you…There’s a little bonus story about Allie and Levi at the end. It was really cute!
I’d recommend this read for anyone who is a fantasy fan or a paranormal fan. I also just think some contemporary fans might get a kick out of it because James and Ainsley are just so likable and it’s a fun plot line.
Forged in Stone continues the amazing writing levels we have come to expect from ARI. This is book one of a new series and is a fantasy rather than a paranormal romance. The Afterglow Trilogy does provide backstory and would explain Energo, the other world in this series. But it’s definately not mandatory to read before you start Forged in Stone. Forged is set quite a few years after Afterglow and plenty of explaination is given for everything to flow and make sense.
This novel features the main characters James and Ainsley. I was on #TeamJames about 10 lines into the book and Ainsley is an awesome strong female lead.
James is a guardian in Energo and is running from his dark past, and the evil of his father’s legacy. After a drunken evening in the human realm, James crashes at Charlotte’s old home (she’s also in Energo) and is found from Ainsley. Ainsley is house sitting and panics when she finds James.
The two have a draw between them and James spends extra time in the human realm because he has to know more about Ainsley. But when Ainsley’s safety comes into question, James is forced to take Ainsley to Energo to protect her. Can she come to terms with James’ world? Can they make a connection despite the odds of coming from different worlds? Or will James’s past come back to plague his present?
I love the plot line of this one. It was really rich and well balanced between romance and action. There’s also some mystery. For Afterglow fans, we get to catch up with Charlotte and the guardians as well as get to know James and Ainsley more. I really enjoyed all the older characters making appearances.
I so adore James. He’s like the fantasy version of Jared from Crescent/Empire Chronicles. He’s a little dark because he’s dealing with all these issues of his father being a really bad guy. But he’s also really nice and such a gentleman.
Ainsley reminded a little of Allie. She’s very strong and independent. She’s very cautious and questioning when it comes to his new world James introduces her too. But she’s also sweet and willing to open her heart to James. And they have amazing chemistry.
There are some paranormal elements, such a shifter pack that lives in Energo, but it’s really fantasy driven. I found it a wonderful change of pace from all the paranormal series I have started. It’s still ARI’s wonderful style, but in a new world to explore.
And the last two pages will blow your mind! That’s all I can without doing a spoiler but OMG. Just wait for it.
I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and the writing plus the editing was on point! Super special bonus for you…There’s a little bonus story about Allie and Levi at the end. It was really cute!
I’d recommend this read for anyone who is a fantasy fan or a paranormal fan. I also just think some contemporary fans might get a kick out of it because James and Ainsley are just so likable and it’s a fun plot line.
January 30, 2016
James and Ainsley are from different world literally. I love the interaction with the two of them it will be a great romance story.
She's very wary about men considering she was cheated on behind her back with her own step sister. A friend sets her up with her cousin Brad which she finds obnoxious and pushy I did not like him at all, he calls her uptight twice.
I would have kicked the asshat ass.
Giant medieval castle and guardians unfortunately did not make this story interesting.
I loved reading about James and Ainsley I think they are a great couple.
I felt the fantasy aspect needed to be more, it dragged and there was nothing
intriguing to make me want to read more of this story.
* ARC Provided by the author for an honest review *
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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She's very wary about men considering she was cheated on behind her back with her own step sister. A friend sets her up with her cousin Brad which she finds obnoxious and pushy I did not like him at all, he calls her uptight twice.
I would have kicked the asshat ass.
Giant medieval castle and guardians unfortunately did not make this story interesting.
I loved reading about James and Ainsley I think they are a great couple.
I felt the fantasy aspect needed to be more, it dragged and there was nothing
intriguing to make me want to read more of this story.
* ARC Provided by the author for an honest review *
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
January 25, 2016
For my full review, please visit: http://boundtobeme.org/2016/01/25/for...
When you are first introduced to Ainsley, her character seems intriguing in a no nonsense, I'm not taking crap from anyone, kind of way. But the more you read, you realize her character has more of an attitude problem, is immature, and rude rather than strong.
This book is a mixture of uncomfortable events, odd situations, and funny reactions. Ainsley's date with Brad had me rolling my eyes and laughing as I watched the unfortunate event unfold. Unlike Ainsley's character, who unfolds and you get to know right away, James takes a while to figure out. And really by the end of the book, I am still a little lost on who he is.
Overall, the book was difficult to get into and wasn't my favorite story plot to read. Ainsley's character wasn't consistent and her convictions and values inconsistently changed. I felt like the book was building up to something (again, not really sure what) but the end of the book just kind of stopped. I'm really not sure what the plot accomplished. The book left me confused. This book wasn't for me.
When you are first introduced to Ainsley, her character seems intriguing in a no nonsense, I'm not taking crap from anyone, kind of way. But the more you read, you realize her character has more of an attitude problem, is immature, and rude rather than strong.
This book is a mixture of uncomfortable events, odd situations, and funny reactions. Ainsley's date with Brad had me rolling my eyes and laughing as I watched the unfortunate event unfold. Unlike Ainsley's character, who unfolds and you get to know right away, James takes a while to figure out. And really by the end of the book, I am still a little lost on who he is.
Overall, the book was difficult to get into and wasn't my favorite story plot to read. Ainsley's character wasn't consistent and her convictions and values inconsistently changed. I felt like the book was building up to something (again, not really sure what) but the end of the book just kind of stopped. I'm really not sure what the plot accomplished. The book left me confused. This book wasn't for me.
June 12, 2015
Yes this book ended in a cliffhanger but I didn't mind this is going to be another great series. James he was so lovable, "I have no girlfriend. We have been over this before.” I tried to hide a smile. The jealousy she wore was entertaining." James reminds me so much of Levi from the Crescent Chronicles. I really wanted to be put in Ainsley's shoes with the new world she's introduced too, "he laughed. “Glad you are not in too much shock and you don’t wish me dead, but those men were different. They were touched with the darkness." Ainsley has to dress the way others do in the realm, and James I think at times enjoys the hard time she has with the laces, "he grinned wickedly. His grin would be the end of me. “I will be more than happy to help you unlace those later." I can't wait to see what happens next.
September 25, 2015
Bringing two worlds together was brilliant
Ainsley meets this handsome stranger laying in her bed and decides not to call the cops but instead to befriend him. Brad as a total creep and I somehow think he will be back again. James seems like an alluring man with his good looks and different way of speaking. It's pretty amazing that Alyssa made this book have two worlds. It mad the story more interesting introducing another world and everything in it being so different. This seemed like a pretty fast pace book and it left you ready for the next one.
Ainsley meets this handsome stranger laying in her bed and decides not to call the cops but instead to befriend him. Brad as a total creep and I somehow think he will be back again. James seems like an alluring man with his good looks and different way of speaking. It's pretty amazing that Alyssa made this book have two worlds. It mad the story more interesting introducing another world and everything in it being so different. This seemed like a pretty fast pace book and it left you ready for the next one.
September 29, 2015
How can Alyssa write such fantastic books! I've never had a bad word to say about any of her books! They are just absolutely amazing! I love how this book was also connected in some way to her previous books. I also loved the future part with Allie and Levi. I've always loved them, two of my favourite characters as they are what started it all! But back to this book! I really loved it! Anisley and James were just great and I am super excited for the next book!
June 30, 2015
Absolutely loved it!! Alyssa, your books are like a drug to me and I can't never put them down!
Forged in Stone was a quick read yet with awesome characters and a new world to discover! I cannot wait to read more about it and see how James will save Ainsley and make her his forever!!
Forged in Ice cannot come any faster!!
Forged in Stone was a quick read yet with awesome characters and a new world to discover! I cannot wait to read more about it and see how James will save Ainsley and make her his forever!!
Forged in Ice cannot come any faster!!
May 15, 2017
"Forged in Stone" by Alyssa Rose Ivy was the first tale this reader has read by the writer and it was found to be a disjointed read with loads of grammar, spelling and punctuation errors as well as no resolution to most matters raised in the entire story. Characters give 'hints' and make comments concerning their own histories, yet none of what they barely reveal explains how or why they got to where they were at the tales beginning and certainly gives no help towards understanding the ending.
Characters were two dimensional, at best, with no true descriptions given as to their physical appearances or personality traits; therefore, while they have ample room to grow and change, absolutely none was truly forth coming in this story. Dialogue was stilted and unbelievable; the writer seemed to be attempting to make protagonist James seem otherworldly with his speech, but only managed to make him sound like an arrogant snob. Dialogue was used to essentially state the obvious, so never added excitement, momentum or moved the plot forward. The sex scene was not detailed, intimate or exciting; yet, because there is sex in this first book, this reader feels it likely unsuitable for the age range it seems to be written for, the very young adult.
Setting descriptions were slightly better than character descriptions, but still not detailed enough to allow this reader to visualize and get a 'feel' of the land, which is made worse when one considers part of the tale takes place in Georgia and this reader happens to reside in Georgia. The writer told much of the story instead of showing it via vivid descriptions that allow a reader to feel as if they are there witnessing things as they unfold. Due to the short sex scene towards the end of the story, this reader will not recommend it to her own fourteen year old grand daughter, although that age range would likely appreciate the tale; and, because the storyline is so muddled, this reader will not recommend the book for an adult read. In other words, this reader was quite dissatisfied with the story and will not be following the series, or likely reading any more of Alyssa Rose Ivy's offerings.
Characters were two dimensional, at best, with no true descriptions given as to their physical appearances or personality traits; therefore, while they have ample room to grow and change, absolutely none was truly forth coming in this story. Dialogue was stilted and unbelievable; the writer seemed to be attempting to make protagonist James seem otherworldly with his speech, but only managed to make him sound like an arrogant snob. Dialogue was used to essentially state the obvious, so never added excitement, momentum or moved the plot forward. The sex scene was not detailed, intimate or exciting; yet, because there is sex in this first book, this reader feels it likely unsuitable for the age range it seems to be written for, the very young adult.
Setting descriptions were slightly better than character descriptions, but still not detailed enough to allow this reader to visualize and get a 'feel' of the land, which is made worse when one considers part of the tale takes place in Georgia and this reader happens to reside in Georgia. The writer told much of the story instead of showing it via vivid descriptions that allow a reader to feel as if they are there witnessing things as they unfold. Due to the short sex scene towards the end of the story, this reader will not recommend it to her own fourteen year old grand daughter, although that age range would likely appreciate the tale; and, because the storyline is so muddled, this reader will not recommend the book for an adult read. In other words, this reader was quite dissatisfied with the story and will not be following the series, or likely reading any more of Alyssa Rose Ivy's offerings.
May 30, 2017
This book is an extension of one of my favorite trilogies ever, The Afterglow Trilogy. This new series is centered upon James and Ainsley. James is one of my favorite characters from Afterglow.
He is a tragic hero who is tarnished, by association with his evil father, even though he does the right thing when it matters. In Forged in Stone, it is a few years later and James is settled into his life as a Guardian. He meets Ainsley when he arrives unexpectedly at the Calloway home where she is housesitting. Both of their worlds are turned upside down.
This book is a study in how we become who we are. How do we trust and what do we fear most?
I really love this revisit to Energo, and I love being in the company of Charlotte and Liam once again. However, I must admit that the ending to Forged in Stone has left me a bit shell shocked.
I hope the wait for Forged in Ice is not a long one! 5 stars
He is a tragic hero who is tarnished, by association with his evil father, even though he does the right thing when it matters. In Forged in Stone, it is a few years later and James is settled into his life as a Guardian. He meets Ainsley when he arrives unexpectedly at the Calloway home where she is housesitting. Both of their worlds are turned upside down.
This book is a study in how we become who we are. How do we trust and what do we fear most?
I really love this revisit to Energo, and I love being in the company of Charlotte and Liam once again. However, I must admit that the ending to Forged in Stone has left me a bit shell shocked.
I hope the wait for Forged in Ice is not a long one! 5 stars
March 19, 2020
Just finished Forged in Stone and while the plot was original and interesting, I found the characters to be lacking. It was difficult to keep up with some of the conversations as theres would be 6-8 back and forths with no "he said" or "she smiled" after so it was easy to lose track of who was speaking. Without the description of the emotion or facial expression when a character is speaking, it makes them less real and harder to connect with. It was an easy read as the story was always interesting and fast paced and I really connected with Ainsley in the beginning with her 2 jobs and just wanting to be single. However, I really wish the characters were more developed and the writing wasn't so formal with little use of contractions in sentences. I also felt that there was no resolution for who was after her? The storyline skipped around a bit but I assume we find more answers in book #2. 3 stars for the original plot.
August 26, 2017
I am glad I didn't pay for this book. Because I could not finish it.
It had potential. Keyword: Had. The story lacks world building, and is full of aggravating, unnecessary banter that is not even funny. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be urban, or fantasy, or smut. The different themes were mixed in awkwardly and didn't mesh. I felt the connections between the characters were lacking. Normally by 70% into a book, I am at least somewhat invested in the characters and story. But at that point I just gave up and moved on.
Definitely self-publish quality, in need of major editing. Or maybe just scrapping.
It had potential. Keyword: Had. The story lacks world building, and is full of aggravating, unnecessary banter that is not even funny. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be urban, or fantasy, or smut. The different themes were mixed in awkwardly and didn't mesh. I felt the connections between the characters were lacking. Normally by 70% into a book, I am at least somewhat invested in the characters and story. But at that point I just gave up and moved on.
Definitely self-publish quality, in need of major editing. Or maybe just scrapping.
July 2, 2017
This may be a first in series, but it feels like there is a book missing with previous events alluded to, but no details given ...very frustrating - feels really disjointed, I had to double check several times that this was in fact the first book. The 2 main characters are annoying and though they talk ALOT, not much is really said. Finally, this book ended on a cliffhanger, which I hate and would not have purchased had I known beforehand. Overall this book left a pretty poor taste in my mouth.
February 27, 2018
As I was reading about Ainsley and her attitude problem I couldn't help but feel a sense of deja-vu. Then James comes in with his woes-me attitude and I really felt like I read this before. So I found out this is basically a spin off of the Afterglow trilogy...which I did not like at all. So idk if I just couldn't get into this particular book or that I couldn't get past the original series but the result was the same...I decided to give up on this fairly early. There was nothing about James or Ainsley that made me want to know any more.
May 8, 2017
And deeper down the rabbit hole we go
I'm always waiting in the Chronicles books for the moment that all the worlds intertwine. I love the remembered characters Alyssa re-introduced. Causing my thought process to spin and possible story lines come to life.
Ainsley and James almost have a hopeless love story. But if we've learned anything from Alyssa's style, if there's love, there's always hope.
I'm always waiting in the Chronicles books for the moment that all the worlds intertwine. I love the remembered characters Alyssa re-introduced. Causing my thought process to spin and possible story lines come to life.
Ainsley and James almost have a hopeless love story. But if we've learned anything from Alyssa's style, if there's love, there's always hope.
August 22, 2017
I forgot how great stories were by Alyssa Rose Ivy (The Crescent Chronicles is probably one of my top five favorite series). In the Forged Chronicles, we are introduced to James and Ainsley. I loved the introduction between the two and I love how James is not afraid to let Ainsley know how he feels. I also love his protectiveness of her. I'm very excited to read the other books and also possibly re-read her other works because Alyssa is great! :)
March 28, 2020
Heroine is not a doormat
The heroine in this story is no pushover, and I like that. The hero is big, strong, handsome, honorable, and NICE. That's refreshing. Of course, there's trouble in paradise, not the least of which is the author's need to use a competent editor to help with stilted dialogue, awkward phrases, and a consistent sprinkling of misspelled words and grammar errors.
The heroine in this story is no pushover, and I like that. The hero is big, strong, handsome, honorable, and NICE. That's refreshing. Of course, there's trouble in paradise, not the least of which is the author's need to use a competent editor to help with stilted dialogue, awkward phrases, and a consistent sprinkling of misspelled words and grammar errors.
June 11, 2017
I wanted to like this book, I really did. It took me a few pages to realize it was related to the afterglow trilogy. I like the prospect of the world of Energo and a spin off explaining James' story. However, the storyline was supremely dense. How do you people fall in love less than 24 hours… Just saying
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