A Forge of Valor

Kings and Sorcerers #4

by Morgan Rice

“An action packed fantasy sure to please fans of Morgan Rice’s previous novels, along with fans of works such as The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini…. Fans of Young Adult Fiction will devour this latest work by Rice and beg for more.” --The Wanderer, A Literary Journal (regarding Rise of the Dragons) The #1 Bestselling series, with over 400 five star reviews on Amazon! A FORGE OF VALOR is book #4 in Morgan Rice’s bestselling epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS (which begins with RISE OF THE DRAGONS, a free download)! In A FORGE OF VALOR, Kyra slowly returns from the verge of death, healed by Kyle’s love and mysterious power. As he sacrifices for her, she regains her strength—yet not without a price. She presses Alva for the secret of her lineage, and he finally reveals all about her mother. Given a chance to quest to the source of her power, Kyra must make a crucial whether to complete her training or journey to help her father, who wallows in the capital dungeon, his execution pending. Aidan, Motley at his side, also strives to rescue his father, trapped in the perilous capital, while in the far corner of the kingdom, Merk, amazed by what he discovers in the Tower of Ur, braces himself against a massive troll invasion. His Tower surrounded, he must fight alongside his fellow Watchers, to defend his nation’s most precious relic. Dierdre finds herself facing a full-fledged Pandesian invasion in her embattled city of Ur. As her precious city is destroyed all around her, she has to decide whether to escape or to make a final, heroic stand. Alec, meanwhile, finds himself at sea with his cryptic newfound friend, sailing to a land he’s never been, one even more mysterious than his companion. It is here that, finally, he learns of his destiny—and of the last hope for Escalon. With its strong atmosphere and complex characters, A FORGE OF VALOR is a sweeping saga of knights and warriors, of kings and lords, of honor and valor, of magic, destiny, monsters and dragons. It is a story of love and broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is fantasy at its finest, inviting us into a world that will live with us forever, one that will appeal to all ages and genders. Book #5 in KINGS AND SORCERERS will be published soon. “If you thought that there was no reason left for living after the end of the Sorcerer’s Ring series, you were wrong. Morgan Rice has come up with what promises to be another brilliant series, immersing us in a fantasy of trolls and dragons, of valor, honor, courage, magic and faith in your destiny. Morgan has managed again to produce a strong set of characters that make us cheer for them on every page.…Recommended for the permanent library of all readers that love a well-written fantasy.” --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (regarding Rise of the Dragons)

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Dragons, Young Adult, Adventure, Magic

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2015

About the author

Morgan Rice is the #1 bestselling and USA Today bestselling author of the epic fantasy series THE SORCERER’S RING, comprising seventeen books; of the #1 bestselling series THE VAMPIRE JOURNALS, comprising twelve books; of the #1 bestselling series THE SURVIVAL TRILOGY, a post-apocalyptic thriller comprising three books; of the epic fantasy series KINGS AND SORCERERS, comprising six books; of the epic fantasy series OF CROWNS AND GLORY, comprising 8 books; of the new epic fantasy series A THRONE FOR SISTERS, comprising eight books (and counting); and of the new science fiction series THE INVASION CHRONICLES. Morgan’s books are available in audio and print editions, and translations are available in over 25 languages.

TURNED (Book #1 in the Vampire Journals), ARENA ONE (Book #1 of the Survival Trilogy), A QUEST OF HEROES (Book #1 in the Sorcerer’s Ring) and RISE OF THE DRAGONS (Kings and Sorcerers—Book #1) are each available as free downloads!

Morgan loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit www.morganricebooks.com to join the email list, receive a free book, receive free giveaways, download the free app, get the latest exclusive news, connect on Facebook and Twitter, and stay in touch!

Reviews

[Teryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am finishing the series because I bought it. I realise I am not the target audience, but I cannot remember ever having read a series with quite so many errors.

[Kelly Roman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is increasingly annoying me. I've stuck with it because I want to find out what happens, but it seems that if you're one of the good guys then no matter how many times you know you are dying, you will not only survive but kill another hundred Pandesian soldiers despite your injuries. Whereas if you're a Pandesian soldier, you will die instantly when an untrained adolescent throws a spear in your direction...

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars ✨

These cliffhangers are brutal and I need Kyra to stop making the same dumb decisions and listen. Other than that, another action packed enjoyable read/listen 🎧 . I feel this series peaked in book two, still really enjoying it, but I do hope the next two get back to that momentum.

[Mary Dorahy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series started out with potential but as it moves on I wonder if the author remembers what they have already written? Kyle is captured at Andros but then Vesuvius turns up at Kos without him. Maybe I missed something? Then there is the number of times main characters stare death in the face but survive. Although there is a part of me that wants to know what happens in the end having invested the time to read four of the books, I am tired of wading through the predictability of the events as they occur.

[Lanzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku keempat dari siri novel Kings and Sorcerers, bergenre high fantasy (sword and sorcery). Buku ini menyambung cerita yg ditamatkan di buku ketiga. Seperti buku2 sebelumnya, aksi2 dalam buku ini padat dan menghiburkan.

Revolusi untuk membebaskan Ascelon akhirnya gagal. Pandesian Empire menyerang dari selatan dan Negara Troll (Marda) menyerang dari utara, memusnahkan banyak tempat.

Lord Duncan yg dikhianati telah dihumban ke penjara bawah tanah, menunggu masa untuk dihukum bunuh. Kyra yg baru pulih dari kecederaan pula bebelah-bagi sama ada untuk meneruskan latihannya atau untuk menyelamatkan ayahnya. Akibat pilihan yg salah, Kyle, remaja misteri yg muncul sebelum ini terpaksa menyelamatkannya beberapa kali.

Alec pula telah mengambil keputusan untuk meninggalkan rakan-rakannya, dan mengikut seorang lelaki misteri ke sebuah pulau rahsia untuk menyempurnakan takdirnya. Bandar Ur pula telah musnah dihentam peluru meriam. Dierdre dan Marco mengambil keputusan untuk berjuang hingga mati dan membunuh seramai mungkin tentera Pandesia.

Menara Ur pula telah dimusnahkan oleh bala tentera troll. Merk yg terselamat menuju ke Menara Kos di timur untuk meneruskan tugasnya sebagai watcher. Aidan pula telah berkerjasama dengan kumpulan penghibur yg diketuai oleh Motley untuk menyelamatkan ayahnya.

Sementara itu, Theos si naga telah mengorbankan dirinya untuk menyelamatkan anaknya. Anaknya, Theon akhirnya terbang tanpa arah tuju. Vesuvius dan bala tentera troll yg diketuainya pula cuba untuk memusnahkan kedua2 menara di Escalon (Ur dan Kos) untuk mencari Pedang Api, sumber benteng api yg menyekat sempadan negaranya.

[Dieg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since the book two EVERYTHING Aidan does exasperates me. Going to the capital because his tactical mind can be a help for his father? Okay, but then how come almost everything he does is reckless and stupid?! No thinking ahead, no planning, only waiting to be saved again and again...
Actually the first part of the book felt okay, good even, but the more you read, the more repetitions there are. And the time lines are definitely off between different story lines. There were moments of deep significance, but unfortunately to me there were even more superfluous and repetitive and mismatched passages (did I say repetitive?).
PS: What happened to the fatal wound Vesivius got in Volis?

[Katyana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Every single time, Kyra makes the worst possible decision. This book, she makes the same bad decision three times. The same goddamn decision.

She's unquestionably the most TSTL heroine I have ever read. Can she just die already? I feel positive the world will be better off without her.

And the secondary characters are just as bad.

And don't even get me started on the shit editing and the most insanely repetitive narration ever. I want to stab my eyes out.

I need to find a WiFi connection so I can get something else on my kindle. This is killing me.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great book but Kyra keeps making me mad because she keeps doing the same thing. she's kind of selfish she should be trying to save the whole nations by training but she keeps trying to save her father and putting Kyle at risk since he always has to save her. she needs to start thinking about the bigger picture

[Jerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Morgan - please get an editor.

[Drewcilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a quick read. We keep following multiple characters all facing their own tribulations. The only thing that bothers me is some of the plots keep repeating. Kyra, for example, keeps repeating the same mistakes over and over again. In the book it's becoming a bit stagnant. I am still looking forward to how the next one plays out!

[Kacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I cant belive how selfish kyra is?!!! Dont get me wrong its a good book, but the plot is a bit confusing at times.

[J Jahir · Rating 3 out of 5]

aviso: spoilers. no lean si no leyeron la saga aún.
mejorando la saga, siguiendo el destino de los personajes, pero lo mismo. el mayor deus-ex-machina que jamás puedan ver ustedes, fans de la fantasía. y si los odian entonces no van a querer este libro.
Si ya odiaban a Kyra (yo no es que la odiase pero la típica actitud rebelde que toma es desesperante) seguro que iban a querer verla ya muerta, diciendo que ahí terminaba todo, porque en el libro 3 te da a entender que ya bailó. peeeeeeeeeero obviamente tenía que haber salvación: el espíritu de su madre y la cura de Kile por el amor que siente por ella y así vas a ver otras dos situaciones idénticas durante el libro. cuando crees que ya las puedes, resulta que te vuelven a coger con la guardia baja. queriendo comerte el mundo a bocados enormes con sólo dominar una parte de tus talentos.
a este punto los problemas ya son muy críticos: desaparecieron las flamas que permanecían activas con la espada de fuego, logrando que los troles invadan escalon, el ejército de dragones ya se acerca, Kyra debe realizar su mayor prueba para mostrar que es digna de liderar esta guerra para terminar con ella... Dierde sufre la pérdida de su padre y un arraso a su ciudad, duncan se encuentra encarcelado... ¿cómo saldrán de esta?
también agárrense con el final.

[Lucía · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leento

[Kate Massman]

I was a bit let down by this series. It started off so good but I eventually stopped reading halfway through the fifth (and second last) book because I felt like a lot of the outcomes of the battles and characters were predictable. Started out great though!

[mr p w sissons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series to read.

[Josephine · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit better than volume 3

Okay. I realise it is easier to criticize than to create. However, I'm beginning to realise a formula to each volume. The writer picks a theme and proceeds to apply the theme uniformly to all major characters. The theme for this volume is destruction.
I found myself skimming through the chapters waiting for character or plot development, but we may as well be in book one. Nice action scenes, lame philosophy (the answer is inside you!) but little in the way of actual story.

[NancyMagaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non stop action

This book has been the best book in the series so far. It had my heart pounding and adrenalin going; definaty action packed. The 4th in the series and I've learned so much more about Kyra, yet there are still questions about who/what she is. I'm so glad Kyle is still around. The baby dragon is alive (yay) and made a connection with Kyra. There are at least 3 other important characters in this book. Merk continues his search for self redemption. Aiden is trying to help his father. Alec is probably the best smith around. More is learned about the evil Ra. Need to get the next book soon!

[Jagruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has overused the same clichés too many times. Every chapter ends with the character/s getting the feeling that they will surely die and obviously they don't as they are 'miraculously' saved in the subsequent chapters. Every single time! C'mon there are so many other ways to invoke suspense and interest other than death. Moreover, I feel the storyline and characters are very similar to ones from Game of Thrones and few other famous fantasies, kind of like a mix and mash of all the stories with some adaptations here and there. Maybe the author was 'inspired' by them.

[Linda]

Again a good read – Wish I could give separate ratings for the story & editing. The editing was again very poor with characters referred by incorrect name as well as grammatical errors. Seems to be more of these type of errors as the story continues.

[Samantha-jane Osmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but a bit samey. Have decided to take a break from these as they seem to be taking too long to get anywhere

[Rachael · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously bad editing. Just so bad.

[WIlliam · Rating 2 out of 5]

poorly written

[Jhullyreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Que decepción, que manera de decaer.

En el libro anterior fue muy evidente (y lo recalqué como negativo) el hecho de que los personajes NO mueran, aún cuando tienes todas las de perder, esas ganas de la autora de salvarlos por arte de magia, es fatal.

Y acá se multiplicó por mil.

Le tomé un fastidio brutal a las frases "pero, como por arte de un milagro, se salvó", o "supo en ese momento que la muerte había llegado *se salva en el otro capítulo*", o "no sabía cómo había sobrevivido"... PUES YO TAMPOCO. ¿Por qué sobrevive? ¿Por qué los ponen en situaciones MORTALES para salvarlos con la mano de dios?

NOOOO, que falla tan brutal.

La autora se esfuerza mil por meter acción en sus capítulos. Vamos, que todo el libro son batallas y encuentros con la muerte, pero NO MATA A NADIE de los implicados. Que sí, matarlos alteraría la trama, pero la trama se vuelve una mierda cuando se torna incoherente.

Y el romance. QUE FALLO EL ROMANCE. La autora no sabe hacer más romances que los absurdos. ¿Están a punto de morir, maltratados, jodidos, luego de que se salvaron de milagro de mil soldados enemigos y deciden besarse porque sí? ¡Por favor! ¿Qué cosa tan mala es esa?

O la mejor de todas, ¿acabas de desmayarte en un claro porque CASI TE MATAN pero conoces al amor de tu vida que jamás habías visto antes pero SABES que es tu alma gemela pero además es imposible, y él te salva? Baah.

Romances ridículos, todos, sin excepción alguna.

Las protagonistas femeninas que en los otros libros han sido admirables, acá se pasan de estúpidas e imprudentes. En su deseo de "no ser como las otras chicas y ser una guerrera, enfrentar a la muerte, no huir de ella, no necesito hombres que me salven", toman unas decisiones imbéciles, que no ayudan a nadie y en lugar de verse valientes, lucen tontas e impulsivas. Pero bueno, qué se espera de ellas, si aún si cae un meteorito sobre sus cabezas, la autora busca la manera de salvarlas.

Hace mucho no me estresaba con un libro así jaja. Cada vez que acaba un capítulo con "y supo que su momento de morir había llegado", yo rezo pa que sea cierto, pero NO MUEREN. Que tontería salvarlos de lo insalvable.

Pero igual ya estoy con el quinto libro jajaja, porque ya me fumé 4, no dejaré la saga a medias xD

En fin, es imposible recomendar o no este libro, dado que es una cuarta parte de saga, pero meeh, el más flojo de la saga hasta el momento.

[Ravindra Bharati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story built over first three parts and here it takes exciting turns from every character’s perspective. Morgan Rice has definitely made this impactful with the twists and strengthening of unexpected characters. Best thing I was able to see in this book is, Morgan Rice can make you get goosebumps and cries with her story telling.


Rise of the dragon and army of dragons has put the story in thrilled situation.

Kyra: With her quench to know herself and the curiosity towards her own life and secrets, she is shown growing. She is just on the way to her teenage and the teenage qualities are shown convincingly. With she being riding Theon, it makes thrilled but the end make the secrets in locked closet.

Vasuvious: Rise of this man and cruelty towards the target is admiring. Fierce and tremendous determination has made him one of the best villains. Since the flame is gone. Interesting to see his next endeavors.

Diodra and Markov : The burning fire in Diodra and Loyal efforts by Markov has mesmerized the plot of the story. Interesting to see what happens to their determination.

Alex : Running from the war for the better cause has finally be seen by Alex. His excellence in weaponry has determined his destiny towards the bigger cause.

Eden : For me he has a wild card entry in the story. He came out of nowhere and on the verge of becoming one of the important characters in the story.

Dunkan : He was silent character in book 4. Being unchained now, interesting to look for his move towards the battle coming.

Merc : I still don’t understand his cause in the story. Since the character is built from the 3rd chapter of series hope to see some magical tasks towards the story.

[Hunnapuh Xbal · Rating 3 out of 5]

¿Cuando la fantasía se convirtió en un negocio para adolescentes?
Recuerdo mis primeros encuentros con la fantasía de la mano de Thomas Burnett Swann con sus mágicas y memorables historias como "La mansión de las rosas" o aquella entrañable historia alternativa de Eneas "El Fenix verde".
Luego Tolkien, C.S.Lewis y los recientes Martins, Rothfuss, etc.
De pronto el género se volvió de moda, así como el de vampiritos adolescentes y nació una generación de escritores que están explotando estos géneros al máximo.
En esta categoría coloco a Morcan Rice, sus novelitas son totalmente rosas, más para adolescentes que para adultos jóvenes.
Ya en esta saga se han retomado estrategas como la Tyron con la cadena rompe barcos, hay solo un par de personajes que me han gustado un poco Motley y Vesubius, los demás son acartonados, clichés puros.
Cansa que en cáda capítulo el protagonista de turno luego de un giro de tuerca termine en una posición "a punto de morir", para luego ser salvado de forma mágica o extremadamente afortunada.
Las masacres abundan, mueren miles de soldados y aparecen miles mas, hay pérdida de continuidad y muchas cosas más desesperantes.


Kyra es salvada por Kyle que está enamorado de ella, Alva le da un par de tips sobre quien es ella y le dice que debe completar su entrenamiento o intentar rescatar a su papá.
Aidan ayudado de Motley el actor que lo acogió intenta rescatar a su padre.
Merk se prepara para defender la torre de Ur por los miles de troles que han entrado a Escalón.
Dierdre se enfrenta un Ur a la flota pandesiana ayudada por Marco, Alec ha salido de Ur en un barco con rumbo desconocido.
Todos están a punto de morir en cada capítulo y cuando reaparecen se salvan milagrosamente.

[Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

And they miraculously all survived! I feel like Morgan, the author, has given up within this series by this book. I agree with some other reviews, saying that the first two were amazing - with the second book being the peak of this series. The story beats have lost their rythem, urgancy, and sanity. Time seems to have been lost and warped to make certain some events worked. It feels like this series has became sloppy and rushed for the author. I find it sad, wishing Morgan took more time to pour into this series.

For the actual story, I find it exasperating. All of the inteligence that was established in the beging of this series is thrown out the window, and forget about actual character development. There are several scenes and situations repeated with no growth at all or even a learning curve! I feel like that death cliffhangers are all that keep you on your toes rather than actual concern for the characters. Hopefully I can see what the author is trying to achieve by the end of this series.

[Francesco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vote: 2,75
Class: L-A3 (FP)

(quarto di sei)

Questa serie non mi sta entusiasmando e non migliora, nonostante sembri che qualche drago sia finalmente apparso.
Un po' tutto, dal world building, alla storia e ai personaggi sa molto di già letto da altre parti e per giunta scritto male, sia dal punto di vista stilistico che dal punto di vista dei personaggi e della storia, che non mi ha mai tenuto con il fiato sospeso o particolarmente interessato.
Un capitolo a parte meriterebbe la grammatica stessa del libro, che a quanto ho capito è abbastanza fallace anche in lingua originale.
Dei numerosi personaggi dai nomi un po' a caso di cui seguiamo la storia nessuno mi ha particolarmente preso e quasi quasi mi ritrovo a fare il tifo per i troll...
Ma perchè non lo ho abbandonato? Probabilmente perchè ho l'audiolibro oramai a disposizione sullo smartphone ed è un periodo in cui sto facendo diversi viaggi...
Onestamente non mi sento di raccomandarlo.

[MR TOM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally good but Kyra is a bit annoying in this one

What has happened to Kyra? From the moment she meets her other uncle in Book 3 she becomes a brat, ruled by her emotions. The line between courage and idiocy is fine but she's now crossed into the latter. She keeps making stupid decisions even though she knows they're wrong, and her relationship, if you can call it that, with Kyle is pure Twilight guff. Kyle has no personality apart from being pretty and mysterious. And their "love" is built on nothing. They don't know each other.

Aside from Kyra and her rapidly deteriorating brain this book is very good. All the other characters have captivating stories and it maintains it's brisk pace that works very well at keeping you reading. I just hope Kyra stops thinking with her "heart" and her "gut" and starts using her brain in the following books.

[Gail G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler with no names: Kyra has lost my admiration as a heroine because she is so unfocused. I had to put the book down several times because of her stupid decisions. Also, her training is ridiculous. She spends a few hours in solitude and finds her power from within? Then she arrogantly chooses one person over a nation repeatedly, because of honor? She gets her animals clubbed, but they are in the next scene?

Then we see others leading their friends into battles just to kill a few more enemy soldiers. There are so many dangers in the land to overcome that it becomes ludicrous with everyone limping around and pushing on. I will finish the series but I am tired of hearing of honor when it's just stubborn bull headedness that leads to more violence.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series, but so far, all the subsequent books are sub par. I keep hoping that something will happen that will explain a paradox that happens in the first half of the book but nothing yet. Also, the constant "He / she would rather die..." thing is getting REALLY old. It's like the first book was written by an adult, and the others have been written by someone's overly dramatic and angsty teenager. Am I going to finish the series? Yes. Why? Because after the first book, I went ahead and bought the whole series, so I might as well read them. I don't think I'll be buying anything from this author in the future.