A heartwarming, feel-good fantasy romance…with a helping of spice and only a pinch of danger.

Trapped in a tower by the emperor who conquered her homeland, Daella yearns for an escape. But as one of the few half-orcs left in the world, she knows she’ll never be free, much less find her own happily ever after.

Destiny takes an unexpected turn when the emperor offers her a deal. To earn her freedom, she must journey to the mysterious Isles of Fable and track down wielders of outlawed dragon magic. Eager to seize her chance, Daella agrees.

When a brutal storm tosses her ship off course, she washes up on the wrong island—right at the feet of Rivelin, a gruff but handsome elven blacksmith, who seems more likely to stab her than help her. To her surprise, he offers her shelter until the next ship passes through in six weeks’ time.

Daella soon realizes he’s hiding something big. It could be the very magic she’s been tasked to hunt down—the key to her long-awaited freedom. But as they bicker over the flames of his forge, her heart kindles with something she’s never felt before.

When his secrets finally come to light, Daella must decide what’s more her freedom from the wicked crown or the desires of her heart.

Forged by Magic is a complete, stand-alone fantasy romance novel set in the whimsical world of Falling for Fables.

my thoughts:

“Forged by Magic” served as my delightful introduction to the cozy fantasy genre, and it has certainly ensured it won’t be my last. While the stakes are refreshingly lower than those in epic high fantasy, the narrative never failed to hold my interest.

The chemistry between Rivelin and Daella was immediate and compelling, making it impossible not to root for them. Rivelin, a grumpy and reclusive elf, reveals a deeply protective nature when it comes to his village. Daella, a half-orc, might be a little rough around the edges, but her character is incredibly easy to like. Together, they formed a perfect balance, each drawing out the best in the other.

The supporting cast was entertaining, though they largely remained one-dimensional. It felt very much like an introduction to characters who are likely to star in their own stories later in the series.

The plot was fun and engaging, even if it followed a somewhat predictable path. The world-building was well-executed, providing a solid foundation without becoming overwhelming. The prose was straightforward yet effective, and never detracted from the story. I was pleasantly surprised by a bit more steam than I had anticipated, though this was certainly not a drawback.

Overall, “Forged by Magic” is a highly enjoyable cozy fantasy, brimming with romance, magic, and a cast of characters who will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.