Honest review of A Crown Forged In Blood

by Poppy L. Roberts (Author)

In Poppy L. Roberts's A Crown Forged In Blood, the first book in The Forged Queendom series, magic is fading from the land of Suviel, leaving a void of death in its wake. Newly crowned High Queen Lithia, a seasoned general, must confront this catastrophic curse, her own dwindling magic the only potential salvation. However, finding the heart of Suviel, the source of the problem, is only the first hurdle. Calcas, a grieving warrior harboring resentment towards the Queen, reluctantly joins her quest, forced to confront his past trauma while navigating treacherous alliances and perilous landscapes. Their desperate race against time will demand ultimate sacrifice, as the darkness threatening to consume Suviel threatens to consume them both.

A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)
4.2 / 43 ratings

Review A Crown Forged In Blood

Wow, "A Crown Forged in Blood" completely swept me away! From the very first page, I was captivated by Poppy L. Roberts's richly imagined world. The way she seamlessly weaves the world-building into the narrative is masterful; you're not just reading about Suviel, you feel like you're in it, experiencing the fading magic and the palpable tension alongside the characters.

The plot itself is a thrilling rollercoaster. The premise—a dying land, a newly crowned queen struggling with her powers, and a brooding, reluctant ally haunted by his past—is instantly gripping. The pacing is excellent; Roberts expertly balances moments of intense action with quieter, character-driven scenes that allow us to truly connect with Lithia and Calcas. Their relationship is the heart of the story, a complex tapestry woven from grief, anger, lingering affection, and undeniable chemistry. The "friends-to-enemies-to-lovers" trope is executed beautifully, feeling fresh and authentic rather than cliché. I found myself completely invested in their journey, eagerly turning pages to see how their fractured relationship would evolve amidst the perilous quest to save Suviel.

Speaking of the characters, they are simply phenomenal. Lithia, the High Queen burdened by a century of war and the weight of her crown, is a fascinatingly flawed protagonist. She's not perfect; she makes mistakes, she doubts herself, but her strength and determination shine through. Calcas, her equally complex counterpart, is a character I found myself both frustrated with and deeply sympathetic towards. His anger and pain are palpable, yet his hidden vulnerabilities make him surprisingly endearing. And the supporting cast! Each character, from the loyal friends to the intriguing antagonists, feels fully realized and adds depth to the already compelling narrative. The dynamics between these characters—the grudging alliances, the simmering tensions, the blossoming friendships—are beautifully portrayed, adding another layer of richness to the story.

The magic system is another highlight. It's unique and intriguing, adding a layer of mystery and wonder to the world. The concept of the "Void" and its impact on Suviel is genuinely terrifying and effectively raises the stakes. The descriptions of the different magical creatures and beings were vivid and captivating, adding to the immersive quality of the world. And let's not forget the steamy elements! The romance adds a beautifully nuanced layer to the story, enhancing the emotional connection between the characters without overwhelming the plot.

The cliffhanger ending, however, is brutal! It left me breathless and desperate for the next book. Roberts expertly leaves us with several unanswered questions and unresolved tensions, ensuring that "A Crown Forged in Blood" will stay with me long after I finished reading. Overall, this is a fantastic fantasy debut, a must-read for fans of high-stakes fantasy with compelling characters and a richly imagined world. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Information

  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 358
  • Publication date: 2024

Book table of contents

  • Map
  • Prologue
  • Lexicon
  • Lithia
  • Calcas
  • Lithia
  • Lithia
  • Calcas
  • Lithia
  • Calcas
  • Lithia
  • Calcas
  • Lithia
  • Calcas
  • 13. Calcas
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A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)A Crown Forged In Blood (The Forged Queendom)