Hello Readers,
Thank you, Soleil for giving access to an eBook copy of Forged
in Gold by Katelyn Schoumaker for free in exchange for an honest review. My kindle
didn’t do the cover justice so I am using a cover image I have found through
google (Fair use under the copyright act sections 29 and 30 under use for a
review). Spoiler free review.
Title: Forged in Gold
Author: Katelyn Schoumaker
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Adventure fiction
Pages: 478
Cover Image:
Synopsis: In a realm whose many civilizations have turned
on one another after years of cultural intolerance, greed, and bloody battles
for power, Aurelia Brentwood serves as Queen of Akkinor, the realm’s most
influential nation. Her reign is interrupted by an uprising orchestrated by
those who prefer to see a man on the throne. Alone and betrayed, Aurelia makes
the harrowing journey to the western continent of Carthe: a treacherous,
unfamiliar place predisposed to hatred of Akkinorians. Aurelia must put her
faith in strangers as she travels to Taundosa, the City of Gold, in search of
allies and answers.
As Aurelia’s negative opinions of Carthe and its people change throughout her
journey, she’s given the opportunity to make history by securing the allies she
needs to defeat her enemies. At the same time, she realizes that her own
subjects are not the only ones desperately in need of a just, selfless ruler.
The people she once viewed as heathens and barbarians are now turning to the
Queen of Akkinor for salvation - all while the people of Akkinor wonder if
their true leader will ever return to rescue them from a usurper’s cruelty.
What begins as a quest to reclaim her throne becomes the fulfilment of
something long forgotten by all: an individual’s ability to restore peace to
the realm by accomplishing the unknown. Aurelia’s story becomes the catalyst
for a chain reaction of events that threaten to tear the realm apart even
further - or, if the gods are kind, to unite the realm as never seen before.
Miniature Review
Forged in Gold is an excellent debut novel that grips
readers with its adventurous plot, vivid world-building, and unforgettable
characters. Katelyn explores complex themes such as cultural perception,
fragile alliances, and prejudice, making this story as thought-provoking as it
is thrilling.
What I loved most about this book is the care and thought
that Katelyn invested into the lore and mythology of Akkinor. Every twist,
turn, and revelation feels natural, as though the story has been set in motion,
seamlessly coming together without feeling forced.
At the heart of the tale is Aurelia, a compelling
protagonist whose journey of power, exile, and self-discovery captures your
heart. Her internal struggle between duty and personal transformation is gripping.
The plot flows
effortlessly and the characters are wonderfully developed. This book not only
delivers a spectacular story but sets the stage for another book. If you love
grand adventures, rich world-building, and stories that challenge the nature of
leadership and legacy, Forged in Gold is must-read.
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