Forged in Fading
Bones of Kings, Book 1
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Pub Date Aug 28 2026 | Archive Date Aug 1 2026
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Description
A grieving blacksmith fighting for revenge. A tortured rebel fighting for freedom. A ruthless king out to destroy them both.
Three years after the loss of her mother and sister, Alvara survives through endless hours at the forge, training with her spear, and consuming what some would consider too much sugar.
When she is tasked with delivering a sword to another kingdom, she expects the worst part of her journey to be traveling alongside the elf who broke her heart.
…not finding herself imprisoned in King Einar’s dungeon. And learning he was responsible for her sister’s death.
To avenge her family, Alvara must join the growing resistance and train with a handsome rebel leader, who isn’t at all what he seems, to control the magic she has locked away for so long.
As war looms and the fate of the five kingdoms hangs in the balance, Alvara is forced to confront her past or risk tearing herself and the rebellion apart.
Even more dangerous is her discovery that she may have found something—or someone—worth living for.
Forged in Fading is the first book in this slow-burn, Nordic-inspired, epic romantic fantasy series, Bones of Kings. Perfect for fans of the slow-burn romance and immersive world-building of Daughter of No Worlds and the heart and humor of Paladin's Grace.
Average rating from 80 members
Featured Reviews
Nicole H, Reviewer
This is everything I want into a Fantasy book. Lush world building and a storyline that sucks you in from the beginning. Amazing characters. There was nothing i did not enjoy about this book. 5 solid stars from me.
Alena B, Reviewer
This was such a beautifully written fantasy. The magic system felt unique, the world-building was immersive, and I found myself completely invested in the characters from the very beginning.
One of my favorite aspects was how much emphasis the story placed on resilience, sacrifice, and finding hope even in difficult circumstances. The emotional moments landed just as strongly as the action scenes, making the entire journey incredibly satisfying.
By the end, I wasn't ready to leave this world behind.
Emma B, Reviewer
If you’re looking for a story with heart, action, adventure, a bit of romance, and all of the fun banter of the best found family, Forged in Fading (book one of the Bones of Kings series) is for you!
I was lucky enough to beta read this for the author, and boy oh boy did it blow away my expectations! I have a hard time thinking of comps for this book since it’s unique in the romantic fantasy/romantasy space.
We meet our FMC Alvara at arguably her lowest point in life, and this is a story of redemption, grief, loss, and finding support, family (and love) along the way. She’s a baddie 30-something year old blacksmith elf who is the most sarcastic ever, and we get to watch the journey she embarks on and the causes she finds to support that challenge her way of thinking.
Our MMC Boden is the golden retriever sweetheart (with a dark past) that’ll make you say “move along shadow daddies. I’ve ✨matured✨.” As we learn more about his past and his magic, we come to love him all the more. He’s a wonderful sun to Alvara’s moon.
The romance is the most delightful slow burn, with all of the steam and none of the explicit spice. I truly can’t wait to see how the romance takes off in the future books!
What makes this book amazing? The author’s way of storytelling is one of a kind. In some of the most intense scenes, I was absolutely engrossed in the action and had to stop myself from reading ahead in excitement. Her writing is just 10/10 from the banter between characters to the planning and pacing of the story.
Oh and did I mention this is her DEBUT novel? She created an entire world, culture and even the beginnings of a language to make the story even richer and deeper. Do yourself a favor and go read this!
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