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Footnail #2
Forging the Sword
2022 Firebird Book Award Christian Fiction
2022 Bookfest Award Christian Fantasy
The Devil has many faces – which one can they trust?
Fresh from battle with the accursed, Gen can’t believe they’ve survived. And although she’s blinded, she can now see better than she ever did before. Luckily, her companions have been upgraded with magical powers of their own. Because it’s clear that their mission is far from over.
When Gen receives her next vision, she and the team must hastily split up – to prevent an assassination by the Devils’ foot soldiers, and to locate the the last piece of an untapped weapon.
But neither is prepared for the trap that’s been set. Nor the bloodbath coursing their way.
And only time will tell who makes it out alive.
Old friends and unexpected allies must join forces to face off with their strongest enemy yet in this second, action-packed installment of the Footnail series.
★★★★★ "I’d recommend Forging the Sword to readers who enjoy continuous-action fantasy that inspires deeper thought.” - Courtnee Turner Hoyle, Readers’ Favorite
2022 Bookfest Award Christian Fantasy
The Devil has many faces – which one can they trust?
Fresh from battle with the accursed, Gen can’t believe they’ve survived. And although she’s blinded, she can now see better than she ever did before. Luckily, her companions have been upgraded with magical powers of their own. Because it’s clear that their mission is far from over.
When Gen receives her next vision, she and the team must hastily split up – to prevent an assassination by the Devils’ foot soldiers, and to locate the the last piece of an untapped weapon.
But neither is prepared for the trap that’s been set. Nor the bloodbath coursing their way.
And only time will tell who makes it out alive.
Old friends and unexpected allies must join forces to face off with their strongest enemy yet in this second, action-packed installment of the Footnail series.
★★★★★ "I’d recommend Forging the Sword to readers who enjoy continuous-action fantasy that inspires deeper thought.” - Courtnee Turner Hoyle, Readers’ Favorite
- GenresChristian Fantasy
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2022
164 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 11, 2022
Forging the Sword by Akorede Adekoya and Howard Haugom begins where the first book concluded. Gen, her protector, Mark, and her grandfather, Myrddin, once the great magician Merlin, are at the hospital after an event most people acknowledged as a miracle. Since Gen acquired a nail involved in Jesus’s crucifixion, the three have been fighting the Accursed, beings who can only be set free from their curse by using the crucifixion nails. Gen has lost her human sight of colors and distinction, but it has been replaced with deeper insight and visions of the past. Others, like her companion, Mark, have powers, too. Evil forces are searching for the crucifixion nails, too, and one of the beings has the power to make Gen, Mark, and Myrddin live the most horrible moments of their lives.
I dove into the second book in the series without reading the first one, but Akorede Adekoya and Howard Haugom did a great job of working the information from the first book into the chapters. I didn’t feel as though I’d missed anything, and I wasn’t bogged down by over explanation. There’s a dual timeline in the pages that moves from events in Myrddin’s past to the present, and the thoughts of the characters were easily conveyed through the shifting scenes in a seamless way. I truly enjoyed the references to scriptures pertaining to Jesus. Gen’s visions were clear, and some of them focused on well-known passages about Jesus. I’d recommend Forging the Sword to readers who enjoy fantasy that inspires deeper thought.
I dove into the second book in the series without reading the first one, but Akorede Adekoya and Howard Haugom did a great job of working the information from the first book into the chapters. I didn’t feel as though I’d missed anything, and I wasn’t bogged down by over explanation. There’s a dual timeline in the pages that moves from events in Myrddin’s past to the present, and the thoughts of the characters were easily conveyed through the shifting scenes in a seamless way. I truly enjoyed the references to scriptures pertaining to Jesus. Gen’s visions were clear, and some of them focused on well-known passages about Jesus. I’d recommend Forging the Sword to readers who enjoy fantasy that inspires deeper thought.
May 28, 2025
Science Fiction Mixed With Biblical Truths
This story line is amazing. A mix of kings and knights and dragons and wizards and biblical characters. While spells and magic are biblical referring to dark magic, this fictional storyline also uses them against evil.
God does not need magic, wizards, or spells and that too is part of this storyline.
The characters are given 3d personalities and their development continues as the plot thickens. Enemies become friends and others become quite irritating.
I love where the storyline ends... it's a place full of questions regarding what is coming next and how the last two of Gen's army are discovered and join in the coming next battle they will face.
Can't wait.
This story line is amazing. A mix of kings and knights and dragons and wizards and biblical characters. While spells and magic are biblical referring to dark magic, this fictional storyline also uses them against evil.
God does not need magic, wizards, or spells and that too is part of this storyline.
The characters are given 3d personalities and their development continues as the plot thickens. Enemies become friends and others become quite irritating.
I love where the storyline ends... it's a place full of questions regarding what is coming next and how the last two of Gen's army are discovered and join in the coming next battle they will face.
Can't wait.
October 20, 2023
Repetition
I enjoyed reading Footnail Book 1, but Book 2 seemed to be almost the same scenes repeated without enough diversity. Too many sword fights with Lucillius, etc. it was one fight with the immortals after another with the main characters using their powers to defeat them.
After a while even the nail was no longer important. That the main characters had new or greater powers seemed to be the only differences. After a while the book became boring until it was nearing the end. I liked the main group of characters, but I think the plot should have been more interesting.
I enjoyed reading Footnail Book 1, but Book 2 seemed to be almost the same scenes repeated without enough diversity. Too many sword fights with Lucillius, etc. it was one fight with the immortals after another with the main characters using their powers to defeat them.
After a while even the nail was no longer important. That the main characters had new or greater powers seemed to be the only differences. After a while the book became boring until it was nearing the end. I liked the main group of characters, but I think the plot should have been more interesting.
August 5, 2022
Christian Thriller?
I thought the book was well done, but there were a few elements that confused me as to what kind of book I was actually reading.
First off, though the cover, title and subtitle all convey fantasy, and leaning a little more on the epic side, I would place this text more in a Christian fantasy/ Christian thriller category.
I did find the writing engaging and enjoyed learning about the characters. A good read and worth picking up if you enjoy Christian fantasy.
I thought the book was well done, but there were a few elements that confused me as to what kind of book I was actually reading.
First off, though the cover, title and subtitle all convey fantasy, and leaning a little more on the epic side, I would place this text more in a Christian fantasy/ Christian thriller category.
I did find the writing engaging and enjoyed learning about the characters. A good read and worth picking up if you enjoy Christian fantasy.
July 29, 2023
interesting
this book gives us a good foundation to build one with forming the circle group for the story out of typical individuals while at the same time developing special powers for those called. I'm ready for the next book now.
this book gives us a good foundation to build one with forming the circle group for the story out of typical individuals while at the same time developing special powers for those called. I'm ready for the next book now.
April 10, 2024
interesting read
I never thought I would read something like this, my late husband would have loved this. It has slow parts when they go back to Helena time line, then it picks up speed in Gen’s time and makes it exciting to read. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
I never thought I would read something like this, my late husband would have loved this. It has slow parts when they go back to Helena time line, then it picks up speed in Gen’s time and makes it exciting to read. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
June 12, 2024
Pleasure to read
Good storyline ,without unnecessary sex or bad language. Fantasy yet Uplifting. Thank you
Author. Can't wait to read the third and final book in the Footnail story
Good storyline ,without unnecessary sex or bad language. Fantasy yet Uplifting. Thank you
Author. Can't wait to read the third and final book in the Footnail story
March 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book, but for me, it was a step down from the first. A little more fantastic, and I found the rapid POV (point of view) changes annoying and disrupting to the story's progress. Still, love the idea behind this series.
November 7, 2023
Excellent!
What an amazing book and series! This is the the most fun and pure joy in reading I've had in a very long time. Well done AK Howard, well done, indeed!
What an amazing book and series! This is the the most fun and pure joy in reading I've had in a very long time. Well done AK Howard, well done, indeed!
February 5, 2024
nail bearer
Taking you straight on from book 1. An explosive action packed ride that you won’t wNt to put down. You will love this series
Taking you straight on from book 1. An explosive action packed ride that you won’t wNt to put down. You will love this series
July 5, 2024
Loved it
Such a great story, such darkness in people is so sad, but, seeing the Light work miracles is so uplifting. Great job.
Such a great story, such darkness in people is so sad, but, seeing the Light work miracles is so uplifting. Great job.
July 23, 2024
Amazing
I got and liked the book, shared it with my kids they loved it and couldn't keep from reading it.
I got and liked the book, shared it with my kids they loved it and couldn't keep from reading it.
November 16, 2023
Would be 5 stars except for the language
The story is fun and enjoyable , except for the vulgar language. The Bible is very clear abou⁸t the use of profanity of any kind. Just because it is a novel with evil does not change God's word .
The story is fun and enjoyable , except for the vulgar language. The Bible is very clear abou⁸t the use of profanity of any kind. Just because it is a novel with evil does not change God's word .
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews