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Forged in Fire Trilogy #1
Forgotten Embers
She will do whatever it takes to find the answers to her past even if it means marrying the cold and arrogant crown prince.
Wren Hayden grew up orphaned on her aunt and uncle's farm where the days were long and predictable. Everything changes when she is pulled into an unfamiliar world by a man only known as "the Bishop". Death is a close companion as she finds herself inextricably tied to a dark prince.
If she has any hope of finding a way home she will have to navigate a court where the lines between friendship and love blur, creating the perfect recipe for betrayal. The only fate worse than death is finding the answers to the past.
Kingdoms vie for power without regard for the cost of the casualties in this new adult fantasy series perfect for fans of Elise Kova's Air Awakens series and Danielle L. Jensen's Bridge Kingdom.
Wren Hayden grew up orphaned on her aunt and uncle's farm where the days were long and predictable. Everything changes when she is pulled into an unfamiliar world by a man only known as "the Bishop". Death is a close companion as she finds herself inextricably tied to a dark prince.
If she has any hope of finding a way home she will have to navigate a court where the lines between friendship and love blur, creating the perfect recipe for betrayal. The only fate worse than death is finding the answers to the past.
Kingdoms vie for power without regard for the cost of the casualties in this new adult fantasy series perfect for fans of Elise Kova's Air Awakens series and Danielle L. Jensen's Bridge Kingdom.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2022
About the author
J.A. Good
17 books319 followersJ.A. Good is the author of the adult fantasy romance Forged in Fire Series. She is a northerner living in Florida who’s love of books and new worlds inspired her to create her own. She is a pediatric intensive care nurse at night and a writer, mom, wife, and cat enthusiast during the day. When she isn’t naming all the dinosaurs with her toddlers you can find her staring at her book collection with her cats lamenting her lack of castles and magic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 29, 2022
Thank you to J.A. Good - I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.
This is a great read and even better knowing it’s the author’s first. A few points to note:
-definitely could use some more editing
-the story seemed to sway a bit and occasionally was hard to understand how we reached certain points
-the world building was sufficient but lacking in certain areas
I liked the character banter and development.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the last third of the book really hooked me. I will definitely continue the series and am grateful for the chance to read and review this book!
This is a great read and even better knowing it’s the author’s first. A few points to note:
-definitely could use some more editing
-the story seemed to sway a bit and occasionally was hard to understand how we reached certain points
-the world building was sufficient but lacking in certain areas
I liked the character banter and development.
I really enjoyed the storyline and the last third of the book really hooked me. I will definitely continue the series and am grateful for the chance to read and review this book!
December 5, 2022
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review will contain spoilers.
I want to start this review off by saying that I did enjoy this book. I really love the concept. And I am always so impressed when people successfully finish a novel and then publish it! That’s an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations!!
When I first read the prologue I was HOOKED. It was an instant attention grab for me. It very neatly set up the world and the basic concept of the book. I wish we had more time being shown Wren’s life before she was taken. Too much happens right away. I didn’t feel anything for Aunt Kate, Uncle Jasper, and Georgie. I didn’t have time to fall in love with Cara. So when Cara died I didn’t really care. If we spent more time with before life, the reader could have a chance to form these deeper connections with those characters. As it is the first couple chapters feel very rushed. I would like more details. I don’t need GRRM level of details! Please don’t ;) But just details about the world. Is there magic or isn’t there in this world? What is it like?
When Wren arrives in the other world it simultaneously feels rushed and slow at the same time. So many things happen all at once. It feels a bit like Event 1 happens, Event 2 happens, etc. without a lot of flow between the events. Around the 50% mark you can tell the author finds her stride with writing. There are later passages I suspect she wrote earlier in her drafts, but for the most part the second half shows how much the author grows in her writing.
The ending leaves the reader wanting more, it’s a cliffhanger, but not “OMG I NEED THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW” level of cliffhanger. (I’m looking at you HOSAB!). Things were explained and the needed bows were tied up, but not all of them of course.
I will read the next one. The bones of this book and the concept are wonderful. I feel it needs to be fleshed out a bit more to make it flow better.
I want to start this review off by saying that I did enjoy this book. I really love the concept. And I am always so impressed when people successfully finish a novel and then publish it! That’s an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations!!
When I first read the prologue I was HOOKED. It was an instant attention grab for me. It very neatly set up the world and the basic concept of the book. I wish we had more time being shown Wren’s life before she was taken. Too much happens right away. I didn’t feel anything for Aunt Kate, Uncle Jasper, and Georgie. I didn’t have time to fall in love with Cara. So when Cara died I didn’t really care. If we spent more time with before life, the reader could have a chance to form these deeper connections with those characters. As it is the first couple chapters feel very rushed. I would like more details. I don’t need GRRM level of details! Please don’t ;) But just details about the world. Is there magic or isn’t there in this world? What is it like?
When Wren arrives in the other world it simultaneously feels rushed and slow at the same time. So many things happen all at once. It feels a bit like Event 1 happens, Event 2 happens, etc. without a lot of flow between the events. Around the 50% mark you can tell the author finds her stride with writing. There are later passages I suspect she wrote earlier in her drafts, but for the most part the second half shows how much the author grows in her writing.
The ending leaves the reader wanting more, it’s a cliffhanger, but not “OMG I NEED THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW” level of cliffhanger. (I’m looking at you HOSAB!). Things were explained and the needed bows were tied up, but not all of them of course.
I will read the next one. The bones of this book and the concept are wonderful. I feel it needs to be fleshed out a bit more to make it flow better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
In this book you'll find more than just a story--you'll find adventure, heartbreak, magic, and a female protagonist who's the perfect mix of grace and strength. With an exceptional balance of fantasy and romance, you won't be able to put it down! A dark, royal love interest, a gossiping court, and twists and turns that will take your breath away. What more could you ask for? I love, love, LOVE Forgotten Embers and you will too!
November 27, 2022
Sadly I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately but this book changed all of that because this was EVERYTHING!! Solid world building, arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, a strong female protagonist and empowering female friendships, I couldn’t put it down! I’m super excited to see what J. A. Good has to offer us next.
November 26, 2022
This fantasy read by JA Good is a book of adventure, strength, and romance. The book is well written and easy to follow. I find some fantasy books sometimes very confusing at times, but with this one, I never felt that way. It gave me hope for future reads and I can’t wait to read more from this series. I fell in love with Wren from the first chapter and I know you will too! If you want a strong female lead, unexpected twists, romance, and fantasy, you need to read Forgotten Embers!
November 25, 2022
I absolutely devoured this book. I finished it in ONE DAY. Unputdownable. J.A. Good has created a compelling and entertaining fantasy world that I cannot wait to explore in future books.
Compelling world building, magic system, character development and the right amount of questions left unanswered to make me anxiously await the continuation of this series. My only complaint is how long I know I’m going to have to wait for books two and three.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Compelling world building, magic system, character development and the right amount of questions left unanswered to make me anxiously await the continuation of this series. My only complaint is how long I know I’m going to have to wait for books two and three.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2022
I was lucky enough to get to read this early with an ARC from the author. It's a story that easily pulls you in. (I stayed up until 2 am because I couldn't put it down.) It was entirely captivating. It provides enough mystery, romance, and humor thpat I found myself tearful at various parts of the story. Crying for her sorrow as well as her joy. It does end on a cliffhanger and I am excited to be able to continue the reading, I want to know what happens to Wren! Well done J.A. Good.
November 30, 2022
I was graciously given this book as an ARC and I am so happy I did because this book was a great read. Thank you so much to J.A. Good for the opportunity.
This book is filled with emotion and romance that makes the reader strive to absorb more of the story. I continuously told myself this is the last chapter and I will put it down but I continued to turn the pages. Wren's emotions ranged from high to low throughout the story and I felt these emotions through the descriptive words displayed in front of me. I love when books make me feel the emotions and troubles of the character; when this happens I know the book is going to be worth the read. I cannot describe how eager I am to continue reading about Wren and her future endeavours.
This book is filled with emotion and romance that makes the reader strive to absorb more of the story. I continuously told myself this is the last chapter and I will put it down but I continued to turn the pages. Wren's emotions ranged from high to low throughout the story and I felt these emotions through the descriptive words displayed in front of me. I love when books make me feel the emotions and troubles of the character; when this happens I know the book is going to be worth the read. I cannot describe how eager I am to continue reading about Wren and her future endeavours.
November 28, 2022
This is really a fantastic book! The main characters are people I want to be friends with, especially Sophie!!! All interactions and conversations are real and relatable, it’s easy to become emotionally invested! I was sucked in almost immediately and couldn’t put it down. If you love quotes this book is your playground! I feel very lucky to have gotten an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel, it was my first one too!! This book has perfect pace and it makes you NEED to find out what happens to everyone! It has royalty and court intrigue, mythology, romance, suspense, and puzzles to solve. The magic is subtle at first but it builds and builds. I can’t wait to learn more about it and the world of Valmere.
November 24, 2022
If you enjoy fantasy with court politics and intrigue - this is the book for you. Wren is a strong female protagonist who is fighting to not only find her way home but figure out who she truly is. The dynamics between the characters is witty and fun making it an easy and unforgettable read. I couldn't put it down!
November 30, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
World Building: 🗺 🗺
Romance: ❤️❤️
Smut: 🌶
Action: ⚔️
Pacing: ⏳⌛️⏳
What an amazing debut to the romantic fantasy genre. I had a very hard time putting this book down. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where the book was going but very quickly Wren’s narrative emerged along with a great supporting cast of characters. I appreciated the complexity of each character and although some characters are clearly bad, it doesn’t mean every character keeps their first impression. I cringed through some of Wren’s choices only because as a reader we “know” better but in truth I probably would have made very similar choices and mistakes. I am looking forward to the next novel. I am hooked.
4 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
World Building: 🗺 🗺
Romance: ❤️❤️
Smut: 🌶
Action: ⚔️
Pacing: ⏳⌛️⏳
What an amazing debut to the romantic fantasy genre. I had a very hard time putting this book down. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where the book was going but very quickly Wren’s narrative emerged along with a great supporting cast of characters. I appreciated the complexity of each character and although some characters are clearly bad, it doesn’t mean every character keeps their first impression. I cringed through some of Wren’s choices only because as a reader we “know” better but in truth I probably would have made very similar choices and mistakes. I am looking forward to the next novel. I am hooked.
December 1, 2022
( Note:I received this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I can honestly say that I did not expect to read this in one sitting, but that is exactly what happened.
This book has it all.
Mysterious magical prophecies which need to be uncovered. ✅
Enemies to lovers? Lovers to enemies? ✅
Drama✅✅
A love triangle between a magic wielding princess, a block of ice and a violin playing fish enthusiast. ✅✅✅
Betrayal ✅
Forgotten Embers is a truly exciting start to a new series that will leave you questioning who can be trusted till the very end. In other words if you're a sucker for plot twists that leave you wanting to throw the book across your room screaming for book two, then this one's for you.
I can honestly say that I did not expect to read this in one sitting, but that is exactly what happened.
This book has it all.
Mysterious magical prophecies which need to be uncovered. ✅
Enemies to lovers? Lovers to enemies? ✅
Drama✅✅
A love triangle between a magic wielding princess, a block of ice and a violin playing fish enthusiast. ✅✅✅
Betrayal ✅
Forgotten Embers is a truly exciting start to a new series that will leave you questioning who can be trusted till the very end. In other words if you're a sucker for plot twists that leave you wanting to throw the book across your room screaming for book two, then this one's for you.
December 6, 2022
I was given to an ARC from this book to give my honest review and thank you for this opportunity to read this wonderful book.
This book is so magical and beautiful. It's world building is incredible and all the main characters are brilliant.
-Wren the main character grows so much in this book.. from being a common girl to all she achieves and all her strength. The way she loves, the way she hopes even though she experience so much suffering is remarkable.
I couldn't stop reading it, and the intrigue kept me from doing anything else! I loved every second of it and I desperately need book two!!!
This book is so magical and beautiful. It's world building is incredible and all the main characters are brilliant.
-Wren the main character grows so much in this book.. from being a common girl to all she achieves and all her strength. The way she loves, the way she hopes even though she experience so much suffering is remarkable.
I couldn't stop reading it, and the intrigue kept me from doing anything else! I loved every second of it and I desperately need book two!!!
December 11, 2022
This book is an absolute fave I could not put it down. Did I expedite patient care and or not see patients bc I wanted to finish this book... yes, is that poor healthcare I think not its clinic *insert eyeroll* they were not dying, but I was dying to finish this book. Dont come for me but DO READ pre order this book, I love me some wren and kye, ugh what a dream he is cant wait for the next books.
November 27, 2022
Loved it! The mystery of who Wren is pulled me in from the beginning and the way the stories events unfolded kept me hooked until the very end. And, omg that ending! I can’t wait to see how Wren and all the characters continue to develop in the sequel.
Did Not Finish
March 24, 2023Sorry but I HATE with all my soul love triangles; that thing between Wren and Wesley wasn't enjoyable. I go feral, I swear, when a love triangle appears, so... It was a big dissapointment.
Did Not Finish
December 22, 2022I stopped in the 2nd chapter so I cannot speak for what happens in the book really. The prologue drew me in but the writing did not work for me at all. I felt like I was being told everything rather than showing and telling. The dialogue was weird too in the little bit I read. Maybe it gets better as you go but for now I’m not taking the time to read this book.
December 22, 2022
I finished this book over a week ago but wanted to sit with it a bit before I reviewed. There were aspects of this book that were interesting but overall it fell flat. On the positive side, I enjoyed some of the character development and some of the world building. On the negative side, there weren't enough interactions between the love interests to make me believe she had fallen in love with either one of them. While I appreciate characters that behave like real people, the main character's wishy-washy behavior got old. I've definitely read worse and it could have been better. All in all I would give it a solid Meh.
December 15, 2022
3/5 ⭐️ 1/5 🌶️
This book was well written and the world building was great. I loved the storyline and the side characters really added to the book. I will definitely be reading the next book as I want to see how the story plays out, but I didn’t like the way Wren was a little naive throughout the book and I dislike the miscommunication trope. I understand she was sheltered and so on, but I think her character just didn’t develop enough to keep me interested in her overall well being. I am hopeful that she will become a badaś$ in the next book and come into her powers. I also am hopeful for her relationship with the prince to develop so he can get as HEA as well. I can’t wait to read more about Sophie as well and see the story continue.
This book was well written and the world building was great. I loved the storyline and the side characters really added to the book. I will definitely be reading the next book as I want to see how the story plays out, but I didn’t like the way Wren was a little naive throughout the book and I dislike the miscommunication trope. I understand she was sheltered and so on, but I think her character just didn’t develop enough to keep me interested in her overall well being. I am hopeful that she will become a badaś$ in the next book and come into her powers. I also am hopeful for her relationship with the prince to develop so he can get as HEA as well. I can’t wait to read more about Sophie as well and see the story continue.
Read
November 23, 2022I may be biased, but I had a good time.
December 23, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This started as a 5-star read and to the 60% mark, I was enjoying it! Like really, really enjoying it. It dropped its star rating to 3.5 (rounded to 4) for the rushed plot at the end and 2 tropes that I don't like. That was not handled quite well, so it didn't bring its part to the story, it only made you cringe.
But that aside, this author is just starting, and for the first book, this was so worth reading and the next books in the series could be even better.
The writing is great, and it shows such good pacing at the start of the story, the sweet and heartwarming parts were gentle and smooth, and soon as we are transferred to the fast-paced scenes the writing goes sharp and firmly adapts to the atmosphere. I liked how the chapters ended, with a powerful statement for each one. The dialog is so fluent and easy to read, hearth worming and gets you closer to the characters, I loved it...A promising start! Unfortunately, the pace of the story in the other half of the book got rushed and it needed a bit of stretch to breathe, and to give time to relate with the characters and their troubles.
I love that the whole story was written from Wren's perspective, that is how the mystery is kept, and that made the story a lot more interesting.
The world-building is a bit underwhelmed, I needed a lot more about the magic system, about politics but I anticipate that this is something that we will learn more about with the next books in the series...
In the beginning, Wrens' character is standing by her grounds and doesn't fall into the arms of the mysterious villain in her story from the start. At some point, she excepts her new reality and it is written in such a good way, gradually, so it makes it believable and gives you time and opportunity to understand her pov and with that find logic in all of her decisions. Through the first part of the story she stays independent and strong, the other half we get to see the naive and childish Wren.
Malaki and his hidden emotions...only intelligent characters can play the game of surviving on the court and he plays it well, as Wren is about to find out as he captures her heart. He may not be the one that will court you but he will certainly be the one that will make your mind dizzy.
The beautiful writing embedded the connection between Wren and Malaki and it is as if you are reading a love story written by Jane Austen herself. At first, the plot develops slowly and I love that you have time to learn about every character and understand their motives, the author did an amazing job with this one in the first part of the book, then, the rush came in, and kinda ruined the character development and change its course. It had a different kind of energy as if for the last part of the story the writing time was short and the book needed to end. Some of the side characters were forgotten by the end and new ones were fastly introduced.
Sophie's character was too good to be true. I'm looking forward to knowing more about her character's past.
Richards's character was a bit weird. He started at one point but completely turned around with not much of a good reason for that.
The ending was a bit disappointing, it seems that Wren slept through all the action, It was all talk... We don't get to see the action and a lot of questions were left unanswered. It did end as a cliffhanger but in a way that opens a space for the new chapters of the next book, a new part of their story, and I'm looking forward to reading it!.
This started as a 5-star read and to the 60% mark, I was enjoying it! Like really, really enjoying it. It dropped its star rating to 3.5 (rounded to 4) for the rushed plot at the end and 2 tropes that I don't like. That was not handled quite well, so it didn't bring its part to the story, it only made you cringe.
But that aside, this author is just starting, and for the first book, this was so worth reading and the next books in the series could be even better.
The writing is great, and it shows such good pacing at the start of the story, the sweet and heartwarming parts were gentle and smooth, and soon as we are transferred to the fast-paced scenes the writing goes sharp and firmly adapts to the atmosphere. I liked how the chapters ended, with a powerful statement for each one. The dialog is so fluent and easy to read, hearth worming and gets you closer to the characters, I loved it...A promising start! Unfortunately, the pace of the story in the other half of the book got rushed and it needed a bit of stretch to breathe, and to give time to relate with the characters and their troubles.
I love that the whole story was written from Wren's perspective, that is how the mystery is kept, and that made the story a lot more interesting.
The world-building is a bit underwhelmed, I needed a lot more about the magic system, about politics but I anticipate that this is something that we will learn more about with the next books in the series...
In the beginning, Wrens' character is standing by her grounds and doesn't fall into the arms of the mysterious villain in her story from the start. At some point, she excepts her new reality and it is written in such a good way, gradually, so it makes it believable and gives you time and opportunity to understand her pov and with that find logic in all of her decisions. Through the first part of the story she stays independent and strong, the other half we get to see the naive and childish Wren.
Malaki and his hidden emotions...only intelligent characters can play the game of surviving on the court and he plays it well, as Wren is about to find out as he captures her heart. He may not be the one that will court you but he will certainly be the one that will make your mind dizzy.
The beautiful writing embedded the connection between Wren and Malaki and it is as if you are reading a love story written by Jane Austen herself. At first, the plot develops slowly and I love that you have time to learn about every character and understand their motives, the author did an amazing job with this one in the first part of the book, then, the rush came in, and kinda ruined the character development and change its course. It had a different kind of energy as if for the last part of the story the writing time was short and the book needed to end. Some of the side characters were forgotten by the end and new ones were fastly introduced.
Sophie's character was too good to be true. I'm looking forward to knowing more about her character's past.
Richards's character was a bit weird. He started at one point but completely turned around with not much of a good reason for that.
The ending was a bit disappointing, it seems that Wren slept through all the action, It was all talk... We don't get to see the action and a lot of questions were left unanswered. It did end as a cliffhanger but in a way that opens a space for the new chapters of the next book, a new part of their story, and I'm looking forward to reading it!.
December 15, 2022
It seemed to be a normal day for Wren. She had breakfast with her family and met with her best friend. Little did she know, that it would be the last normal day she would have for a long time.
When she was bathing in the pond near her hometown, she felt a strange force which pulled her to the middle of the lake. The lake acted like a portal to another world and she finds herself in the company of a strange man wo appears to possess magic. After that, Wren’s day takes a terrible turn.
She loses her best friend and gets dragged into a castle where she has to repeat words in a foreign language and gets tossed into a bedroom. Turns out she got married to the crown prince of this weird land and is forced to play the dutiful princess and wife. She only wants to go home to her family and find out why she was brought here in the first place. But who is going to help her achieve her goal? The brother of her new husband, prince Richard? Or the good-looking prince Wesley, who is visiting from another kingdom? Or maybe the only one that can help her, is the same grumpy crown prince that seems to keep her locked up? To figure out this new world, Wren needs someone to show her the workings of this court and teaches her court etiquette and how the hell magic works. Fortunately, her maid Sophie is there to keep her company and shows her around. One night Wren has a strange dream, wakes up confused and does something she never thought possible, she uses magic. The next day she doesn’t remember anything, but a strange tattoo has appeared on her wrist. If the king or the bishop find that out, God knows what will happen. Malaki and Sophie try their best to find out what’s happening and why the hell Wren got through the portal in the first place. An emotional rollercoaster begins, with the constant threat of being caught in some court scheme. And most of all Wren needs to find out who her heart belongs to.
This book! It had me feel every emotion there is. I cried, I laughed, I felt lonely and I fell in love. Multiple times. You never quite know who of all the people in the court Wren should trust and who is the bad guy. What I most liked about the book were the many moments where I was reading and thinking ‘What the f… is going on?’. Because there were revelations and new things that came known I would have never expected. Also, I liked Wren so much!! Yes, she has her flaws and she not always acts like she should, but that makes her so reliable. Because who does? But the best character in the book was Prince Kai. He is so mysterious and you never know his agenda. There were times I thought he could be the good guy but then he acts soooo rude again, it was just frustrating but at the same time exiting. I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what his deal was. And so many lovable side-characters like Wren’s new friend Sophie, who is more like a sister in many ways. I hope everyone has someone like Sophie in their life.
If you like books about a strong heroine, a little bit of magic, court workings and a prince to fall in love with, I totally recommend you get this book sooner than later.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.
When she was bathing in the pond near her hometown, she felt a strange force which pulled her to the middle of the lake. The lake acted like a portal to another world and she finds herself in the company of a strange man wo appears to possess magic. After that, Wren’s day takes a terrible turn.
She loses her best friend and gets dragged into a castle where she has to repeat words in a foreign language and gets tossed into a bedroom. Turns out she got married to the crown prince of this weird land and is forced to play the dutiful princess and wife. She only wants to go home to her family and find out why she was brought here in the first place. But who is going to help her achieve her goal? The brother of her new husband, prince Richard? Or the good-looking prince Wesley, who is visiting from another kingdom? Or maybe the only one that can help her, is the same grumpy crown prince that seems to keep her locked up? To figure out this new world, Wren needs someone to show her the workings of this court and teaches her court etiquette and how the hell magic works. Fortunately, her maid Sophie is there to keep her company and shows her around. One night Wren has a strange dream, wakes up confused and does something she never thought possible, she uses magic. The next day she doesn’t remember anything, but a strange tattoo has appeared on her wrist. If the king or the bishop find that out, God knows what will happen. Malaki and Sophie try their best to find out what’s happening and why the hell Wren got through the portal in the first place. An emotional rollercoaster begins, with the constant threat of being caught in some court scheme. And most of all Wren needs to find out who her heart belongs to.
This book! It had me feel every emotion there is. I cried, I laughed, I felt lonely and I fell in love. Multiple times. You never quite know who of all the people in the court Wren should trust and who is the bad guy. What I most liked about the book were the many moments where I was reading and thinking ‘What the f… is going on?’. Because there were revelations and new things that came known I would have never expected. Also, I liked Wren so much!! Yes, she has her flaws and she not always acts like she should, but that makes her so reliable. Because who does? But the best character in the book was Prince Kai. He is so mysterious and you never know his agenda. There were times I thought he could be the good guy but then he acts soooo rude again, it was just frustrating but at the same time exiting. I couldn’t read fast enough to find out what his deal was. And so many lovable side-characters like Wren’s new friend Sophie, who is more like a sister in many ways. I hope everyone has someone like Sophie in their life.
If you like books about a strong heroine, a little bit of magic, court workings and a prince to fall in love with, I totally recommend you get this book sooner than later.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
The beginning needed some fine tuning and editing but the book kept getting better after that!
So much happens in the first two chapters but we hadn't been given much character or world building so I was thoroughly confused although definitely intrigued and trying to understand what was happening. The FMC Wren is ripped away from her family and her best friend so quickly that I didn't care because we didn't know them. I didn't know Wren either and hadn't connected to her yet so I wasn't feeling any emotions about her predicament.
In Ch 4 we're meeting the new characters of this world, getting more world building, and getting the beginning explanations of the plot.
“You were brought here for the purpose of marrying Kai. It is complicated, but that is the truth of it.”
...
“I don’t know why they brought you here for this, only that they did... If Kai knows why, he has not told me, but I think he doesn’t know either.”
We're still in chapter 4 and now I'm getting more intrigued! I'm already liking Sophie and I'm curious about this woman who is a maid but not? The way she talks to the MMC Prince Malaki is definitely too familiar and sassy and I love the sass. After another brief encounter with grumpy Malaki "Kai", Sophie explains some of his behavior. He doesn't want to be married either and was forced to marry Wren under threat of her death. Apparently she's not the first attempted marriage and the previous girls were killed because either they or the prince refused. After the King killed a couple of innocent young women, Kai reluctantly married the next girl but he's not happy about it.
So I'm definitely intrigued now! Why was Wren brought to this world? Why is the King forcing his son to marry someone he doesn't even know and had never spoken to before the secret ceremony?
I would say that about 25% into the book the author is really hitting her stride and I feel like the writing improved significantly. The last half of the book is so good I couldn't put it down! The plot is good, we're getting more world building, the characters are intriguing and you know that they can't all be perfect so you're wondering who to trust, there are politics coming into play within their kingdom and with other kingdoms, Wren is coming into her power, the shell of the dark prince is starting to crack...ah! It's so good! I'm so excited to keep reading the series!
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
The beginning needed some fine tuning and editing but the book kept getting better after that!
So much happens in the first two chapters but we hadn't been given much character or world building so I was thoroughly confused although definitely intrigued and trying to understand what was happening. The FMC Wren is ripped away from her family and her best friend so quickly that I didn't care because we didn't know them. I didn't know Wren either and hadn't connected to her yet so I wasn't feeling any emotions about her predicament.
In Ch 4 we're meeting the new characters of this world, getting more world building, and getting the beginning explanations of the plot.
“You were brought here for the purpose of marrying Kai. It is complicated, but that is the truth of it.”
...
“I don’t know why they brought you here for this, only that they did... If Kai knows why, he has not told me, but I think he doesn’t know either.”
We're still in chapter 4 and now I'm getting more intrigued! I'm already liking Sophie and I'm curious about this woman who is a maid but not? The way she talks to the MMC Prince Malaki is definitely too familiar and sassy and I love the sass. After another brief encounter with grumpy Malaki "Kai", Sophie explains some of his behavior. He doesn't want to be married either and was forced to marry Wren under threat of her death. Apparently she's not the first attempted marriage and the previous girls were killed because either they or the prince refused. After the King killed a couple of innocent young women, Kai reluctantly married the next girl but he's not happy about it.
So I'm definitely intrigued now! Why was Wren brought to this world? Why is the King forcing his son to marry someone he doesn't even know and had never spoken to before the secret ceremony?
I would say that about 25% into the book the author is really hitting her stride and I feel like the writing improved significantly. The last half of the book is so good I couldn't put it down! The plot is good, we're getting more world building, the characters are intriguing and you know that they can't all be perfect so you're wondering who to trust, there are politics coming into play within their kingdom and with other kingdoms, Wren is coming into her power, the shell of the dark prince is starting to crack...ah! It's so good! I'm so excited to keep reading the series!
May 8, 2023
I’m rating this a 3.5
A 4 ⭐️ book for me is a very good book but I couldn’t quite rate it that.
This was a quick read for me. It kept me very engaged but as good as it was it was missing something for me that I can’t quite put my finger on.
I had to turn the spoiler button on for this because I kinda wanna vent about it and I can’t do that without giving the juicy stuff.
I appreciated the twist in it. I think that many fantasy readers who enjoy this type of book can realize exactly what’s coming and that’s understandable. I mean, do we really think the FMC is gonna end up with the goody goody prince and not the dark brooding prince?? Come on that one is obvious. So this felt like watching a train wreck and there’s nothing we can do but watch it. You can scream at the book “you dummy! You’re being tricked!” I’m really curious, did anyone reading this book not know? Smh
Aaaanyways, So the story follows as a young woman Wren is thrown into this other world. Her bff gets thrown into it as well and gets killed almost immediately.
One thing that did not make any sense to me is how Wren dealt with her death. She was in shock at first and so she won’t get killed as well she follows along and does what she’s told. Ok I can understand that. BUT, she kinda gets comfortable in that life and even admits to eventually being happy at some point. I get there’s nothing much she can do but she just chooses not to do anything. Even after finding out about some power she never thinks “hmm maybe I’m not so defenseless and I can actually get revenge”. NO she’s more invested in her love life and making out with all the princes in the castle. I mean that was kinda gross to me. I mean girl you gotta choose. Now that I think about it she never really chose! The choice was made for her. Or tricked into making it.
Now I know I’m talking a lot of crap about this book but I feel like it can be redeemed. Maybe our heroine learned her lesson and will be smarter? Well, there’s only one way to find out, so on with the next book.
A 4 ⭐️ book for me is a very good book but I couldn’t quite rate it that.
This was a quick read for me. It kept me very engaged but as good as it was it was missing something for me that I can’t quite put my finger on.
I had to turn the spoiler button on for this because I kinda wanna vent about it and I can’t do that without giving the juicy stuff.
I appreciated the twist in it. I think that many fantasy readers who enjoy this type of book can realize exactly what’s coming and that’s understandable. I mean, do we really think the FMC is gonna end up with the goody goody prince and not the dark brooding prince?? Come on that one is obvious. So this felt like watching a train wreck and there’s nothing we can do but watch it. You can scream at the book “you dummy! You’re being tricked!” I’m really curious, did anyone reading this book not know? Smh
Aaaanyways, So the story follows as a young woman Wren is thrown into this other world. Her bff gets thrown into it as well and gets killed almost immediately.
One thing that did not make any sense to me is how Wren dealt with her death. She was in shock at first and so she won’t get killed as well she follows along and does what she’s told. Ok I can understand that. BUT, she kinda gets comfortable in that life and even admits to eventually being happy at some point. I get there’s nothing much she can do but she just chooses not to do anything. Even after finding out about some power she never thinks “hmm maybe I’m not so defenseless and I can actually get revenge”. NO she’s more invested in her love life and making out with all the princes in the castle. I mean that was kinda gross to me. I mean girl you gotta choose. Now that I think about it she never really chose! The choice was made for her. Or tricked into making it.
Now I know I’m talking a lot of crap about this book but I feel like it can be redeemed. Maybe our heroine learned her lesson and will be smarter? Well, there’s only one way to find out, so on with the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2022
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you are a fan of a fantasy story, set in another world, with an enemy to lovers romance and a bit of a mystery with a twist at the end, then you will enjoy this book.
Characters in a book are quite likable, even thou some actions of a main character Wren are a bit… well, let’s just say that if I get stuck into another world, where my best friend is almost immediately killed, force to say some words, and then being ignored, I would demand answers of my “new husband”. Instead, she quite soon starts trusting her “maid” (even thou she is trustworthy, but still), wanting to believe a first guy that tells her how to get away from there and when even being warned, that not to trust people at court, she trusts a first guy that smiles at her and tells her pretty things … So a bit naïve and passive, but then again, a story is set in a different time with different social roles, I guess. And also being suck into another world it does something to person’s emotions and with it, rationality. It’s hard to just judge a person solely by their actions, when they started “relationship” in a bad way, even thou changes in demeanour became obvious later on.
With other characters you can see their nuances and how they change during a story, some more than the others.
Word building, as much as it known in a book, is quite good, hopefully in next books, more will be relieved. But how it came to be, I liked.
There are also some discrepancies I have noticed – in chapter 19 Kai tells Wren, that she’s been here a month, but in chapter 25 she says that she’s been hating Kai for months for a night, where he prevented her to go back to a lake.
There were also moments, where, for me, too many sentences in a sequence started with a same word or with Wren’s name, or Wren’s name being repeated too many times in those few sentences.
If you are a fan of a fantasy story, set in another world, with an enemy to lovers romance and a bit of a mystery with a twist at the end, then you will enjoy this book.
Characters in a book are quite likable, even thou some actions of a main character Wren are a bit… well, let’s just say that if I get stuck into another world, where my best friend is almost immediately killed, force to say some words, and then being ignored, I would demand answers of my “new husband”. Instead, she quite soon starts trusting her “maid” (even thou she is trustworthy, but still), wanting to believe a first guy that tells her how to get away from there and when even being warned, that not to trust people at court, she trusts a first guy that smiles at her and tells her pretty things … So a bit naïve and passive, but then again, a story is set in a different time with different social roles, I guess. And also being suck into another world it does something to person’s emotions and with it, rationality. It’s hard to just judge a person solely by their actions, when they started “relationship” in a bad way, even thou changes in demeanour became obvious later on.
With other characters you can see their nuances and how they change during a story, some more than the others.
Word building, as much as it known in a book, is quite good, hopefully in next books, more will be relieved. But how it came to be, I liked.
There are also some discrepancies I have noticed – in chapter 19 Kai tells Wren, that she’s been here a month, but in chapter 25 she says that she’s been hating Kai for months for a night, where he prevented her to go back to a lake.
There were also moments, where, for me, too many sentences in a sequence started with a same word or with Wren’s name, or Wren’s name being repeated too many times in those few sentences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
I really can't pinpoint what brought the rating down for me, so let's just make a list.
Pros:
- managed to keep my interest throughout the book
- I like the whole goddess aspect, a bit different from the usual Fae stuff we see these days
- strong female friendship
- there is a love triangle and I actually enjoy love triangles
- love a good betrayal. I have to say I didn't really see this one coming. Although I also wasn't quite as emotional over it since I wasn't very invested in the relationship before the betrayal.
- writing was overall good with only occasional grammar errors that weren't major
Cons:
- while the love triangle was interesting, wow, both relationships were kind of boring. I will say one was slightly more interesting than the other (Wren and Kai). But reading Wren and Wesley scenes was boring. I guess it's good he betrays her.
- I wish Kai was better fleshed out. He could be such a good character, I feel it. But he just needed more scenes or details. I think at least a few chapters in his POV would've really helped.
- also will add that while Kai's romance arc was the better of the two, it still went a bit from not-love to love quite abruptly without much fluidity or description in between. Give me a couple more scenes with pining/tension/will-they-wont-they please.
- I needed this world building to be like 10000x better than it was. Jeez. Even the first couple chapters, I was already internally begging the author to describe the world more.
- main character was way too naive to be realistic. Like you're gonna try to tell me this adult woman is kidnapped and dropped into a strange world and just goes about willfully trusting random people that then betray her. And then she doesn't even learn from that mistake 🙄
I might download the sequel and stare at it every time I open my Kindle before deciding whether I'm going to read it or not.
Pros:
- managed to keep my interest throughout the book
- I like the whole goddess aspect, a bit different from the usual Fae stuff we see these days
- strong female friendship
- there is a love triangle and I actually enjoy love triangles
- love a good betrayal. I have to say I didn't really see this one coming. Although I also wasn't quite as emotional over it since I wasn't very invested in the relationship before the betrayal.
- writing was overall good with only occasional grammar errors that weren't major
Cons:
- while the love triangle was interesting, wow, both relationships were kind of boring. I will say one was slightly more interesting than the other (Wren and Kai). But reading Wren and Wesley scenes was boring. I guess it's good he betrays her.
- I wish Kai was better fleshed out. He could be such a good character, I feel it. But he just needed more scenes or details. I think at least a few chapters in his POV would've really helped.
- also will add that while Kai's romance arc was the better of the two, it still went a bit from not-love to love quite abruptly without much fluidity or description in between. Give me a couple more scenes with pining/tension/will-they-wont-they please.
- I needed this world building to be like 10000x better than it was. Jeez. Even the first couple chapters, I was already internally begging the author to describe the world more.
- main character was way too naive to be realistic. Like you're gonna try to tell me this adult woman is kidnapped and dropped into a strange world and just goes about willfully trusting random people that then betray her. And then she doesn't even learn from that mistake 🙄
I might download the sequel and stare at it every time I open my Kindle before deciding whether I'm going to read it or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2022
Type: Fantasy Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Age range: NA
Quotes:
“Wren, you didn’t throw it with your hands.”
“I would start a godsdamned war for you, if I thought you wanted it.”
“Because, little one, you are more important that the sun, moon, and all the stars.”
“I’m going to need you to stop looking at me like that if we are to ever leave this tower,” SHE said
Review:
What a great debut fantasy novel this was! The world building was unique and the magic…is it really magic in the traditional fantasy sense that we typically think of first - no, so that was refreshing.
While there were some characters we immediately dislike, because their first impression is horrible, it doesn’t mean that the first impression is the only impression the characters have to leave us with. Wren’s journey from not knowing who she is to not knowing if she wants to know who she is, to excepting that she has a larger role to play is a beautiful story, and we are not even done.
This is book one, so while there is a cliffhanger at the end, enough questions are answered to put you at ease along certain lines of the story, however at the same time the great unknown of what’s coming next, because you know somethings coming…something big…it is not over by a long shot!
Tropes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Gods & Goddesses
- Magic
- Courts & Kingdoms
- Hidden Romance
- Found Family
- Repeat History
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Marriage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Age range: NA
Quotes:
“Wren, you didn’t throw it with your hands.”
“I would start a godsdamned war for you, if I thought you wanted it.”
“Because, little one, you are more important that the sun, moon, and all the stars.”
“I’m going to need you to stop looking at me like that if we are to ever leave this tower,” SHE said
Review:
What a great debut fantasy novel this was! The world building was unique and the magic…is it really magic in the traditional fantasy sense that we typically think of first - no, so that was refreshing.
While there were some characters we immediately dislike, because their first impression is horrible, it doesn’t mean that the first impression is the only impression the characters have to leave us with. Wren’s journey from not knowing who she is to not knowing if she wants to know who she is, to excepting that she has a larger role to play is a beautiful story, and we are not even done.
This is book one, so while there is a cliffhanger at the end, enough questions are answered to put you at ease along certain lines of the story, however at the same time the great unknown of what’s coming next, because you know somethings coming…something big…it is not over by a long shot!
Tropes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Gods & Goddesses
- Magic
- Courts & Kingdoms
- Hidden Romance
- Found Family
- Repeat History
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Marriage
January 2, 2024
When I first started reading I was planning on giving this book a 3, but as I continued through it, I decided to give it a 2.5 star. There was so much potential in the characters but it just didn't quite deliver for me. It was building so well and then it's like everything halted to give space for a dramatic flare. You knew from the get-go who she'd be but it still mind boggled me how easily some of the characters accepted this fact. I understand there was a legend passed down for generations but it was like they so badly wanted an answer they quickly jumped on it (thank goodness it was right). And seriously, Wesley...I know she was struggling but what did she see in that dude? She's too quick to trust the wrong people and so quick to dismiss the ones she should.
The story itself was unique but for me, it wasn't one of my favorite reads. It was a quick, easy read and I wanted a little more from it. It just felt like everything was rushed and some moments were skipped through a bit. But I haven't read the 2nd or 3rd book in the trilogy so I may change my mind.
The story itself was unique but for me, it wasn't one of my favorite reads. It was a quick, easy read and I wanted a little more from it. It just felt like everything was rushed and some moments were skipped through a bit. But I haven't read the 2nd or 3rd book in the trilogy so I may change my mind.
December 4, 2022
I have seen this book advertised everywhere. It had recommendations such as ‘if you enjoy Sarah J. Maas, you will enjoy this book’ that really sold this book to me. This story follows Wren as she’s taken through a portal into another realm and unknowingly married off to the crown prince. No one will explain why she has been kidnapped or for what reason, and she doesn’t know who to trust, but is determined to find her way home.
The world building in this story is next level, with just enough detail without being overwhelming. The love story feels natural and doesn’t overpower the rest of the plot. Strong female characters, and they’re all strong in different ways which is refreshing. I definitely can’t wait to see what the next book in the series brings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building in this story is next level, with just enough detail without being overwhelming. The love story feels natural and doesn’t overpower the rest of the plot. Strong female characters, and they’re all strong in different ways which is refreshing. I definitely can’t wait to see what the next book in the series brings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2024
If you’re a fan of fantasy with intricate court politics and gripping intrigue, this book is perfect for you. Wren is a compelling female protagonist on a quest to return home and uncover her true identity. The character interactions are clever and entertaining, making this book an effortless and memorable read—I couldn’t put it down! Expect more than just a story here; you’ll dive into adventure, experience heartbreak, encounter magic, and follow a protagonist who embodies both grace and strength. The seamless blend of fantasy and romance is captivating. Featuring a brooding, royal love interest, a scandalous court, and surprising plot twists, this book has it all. I absolutely love Forgotten Embers, and I’m sure you will too!
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