Ehigbor Okosun is the #1 International Bestselling author of Forged by Blood, the first book in an epic fantasy duology that’s packed with action and slow burn romance. With her roots in her large multiracial and multiethnic family, Ehigbor’s writing is deeply inspired by the ancestral myths and traditions she grew up with. When she’s not reading or writing, you might find her baking, gaming, or bullet journaling. The second book, Exiled by Iron, is releasing on October 22, 2024. Learn all about the world of Forged by Blood with Book Crumbs' review below and check out the pre-order links to Exiled by Iron below!
In the midst of a tyrannical regime and political invasion, Dèmi just wants to to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King’s brutal genocide of her people — the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright. But when Dèmi’s misplaced trust costs her mother’s life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity — kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin’s — and Dèmi’s — distress. The kidnapping is now a joint to return to the King, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi’s magic is growing yet uncertain, and it’s not clear if she can trust the two men at her side. A tale of rebellion and redemption, race and class, love and trust and betrayal, Forged by Blood is epic fantasy at its finest, from an enthusiastic, emerging voice. (via StoryGraph)
Spoiler-Free Review:
Forged By Blood is written with great structure, evident intention and incredible heart.
It is in the top books I read in 2023. The action in this book is heart-pounding and non-stop. It is a true page turner that left me gasping at every plot twist and turn.
The passion Ehigbor Okosun poured into this book bleeds through each page and every character arc.
The adventure readers go on with these amazing characters effortlessly addresses so many important issues throughout the African diaspora which only serves to enrich all the fantasy elements of the story. There is so many strongly written passages that invite readers from all backgrounds in to reflect and investigate our own beliefs. I cried, I swooned, I giggled– I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The magic is so decadent with rich layers of history and culture neatly packaged in a uniquely imagined world that truly makes Forged by Blood an adventure readers wont soon forget.
Who might enjoy this book?
I think that fantasy readers who enjoyed the romantic dynamics of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, the fantasy elements of Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, and the quest and coming of age story of Legend Born and Bloodmarked by Tracy Deon might really enjoy Forged By Blood by Ehigbor Okosun.
The spellbinding conclusion to the international bestseller Forged by Blood delves deeper into Nigerian mythology as the Oluso uprising comes to a head…and the young woman caught in between comes to her breaking point. Return to this highly atmospheric, complex world full of magic and romance and war, in which unity is the goal, blood is the sacrifice, and love is at stake. Learn More
Exiled by Iron is out now, you can check out the links below or purchase it where ever your buy your books.
*this video has been migrated from patreon, my apologies for the patreon branding, BUT WE ARE OFFICIALLY HERE ON SUBSTACK!*
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