Forged in Stone by Alyssa Rose Ivy Pages: 275
Published by Createspace Independent Pub on June 10, 2015
Series: The Forged Chronicles #1
Genres: Fantasy & Magic, Love & Romance, New Adult, Paranormal
Source: eARC from Author
The son of darkness is all grown up...
James is a Guardian. He is tasked with protecting the most important person in his world. For eight years he has done his job without complaint, but he has grown tired of living under the shadow of a father who is responsible for the most unimaginable violence and destruction his world has ever known.
Ainsley is at a loss for what to do with her life. She hates her two dead end jobs and the family who betrayed her. She has resigned herself to living one day at a time, but she longs for an escape from her lonely life.
When Ainsley finds James in her bed, their two lives and worlds collide. They may have both found exactly what they need, but the darkness James has been running from his whole life has just caught up.
Forged in Stone is the first book in a new series, The Forged Chronicles by Alyssa Rose Ivy. I jump at any book Alyssa Rose Ivy writes. I just love her and I pretty much know that I will get a good story with all of her books. That being said, I still normally do my due diligence with review requests. But when Alyssa Rose Ivy emailed me asking if I wanted an ARC of Forged in Stone I just said yes. And yes before you freak out, I did really enjoy the book. (duh.) But I had no idea what it would be about when I started reading it. None at all. So I am going to give you my initial blank slate impressions/embarrassing realizations.
Forged in Stone starts off feeling very contemporary romance. So I started to slip into my new adult contemporary comfort zone, and then things started feeling a little fantasy/paranormal. Oh boy was I intrigued. But wait, the confessions don’t stop there. Because then things started to feel a little fantasy/paranormal and a little familiar. The first book I ever read by Alyssa Rose Ivy was Beckoning Light way back in 2011, which was part of the afterglow trilogy. I really liked it and the world that opened up behind that garden gate, but I didn’t finish the series. (I have no idea why and I must rectified that soon.) BUT I soon realized that The Forged Chronicles is set in the same world as the afterglow trilogy! It is about 10 years down the road and deals with one of the characters- James, that I don’t really remember too much about from Beckoning Light. So moral of this very long story. I can’t believe that I had no idea 1) this was a fantasy/paranormal and 2) it was a spin off series of the Afterglow Series. But now you do know those things from my embarrassing little blunder.
Forged in Stone is a really nice fantasy/paranormal, that had a very romantic feel to it. I loved James, and even though he was a bit cheesy at points, he can pull it off oh so well. His connection with Ainsley was lovely. And watching her fight him at every step really amused me. The pull that they feel towards each other is fully explained throughout the course of the story and I have to admit it was my favorite aspect. I can’t wait to read books 2 and 3 in the Afterglow trilogy so I can get more background on their world and the essence. But you do not have to read that series to enjoy this one. Alyssa Rose Ivy always does a great job giving enough context and background with her stories so readers are not lost.
Forged in Stone is great for fans of fantasy/ paranormal romances. This one felt really sweet and romantic, but the end was like a kick in the gut that I was not expecting at all. I was feeling all lovey dovey and mushy towards the characters and then the twist at the end hinted at a much darker second book. I can’t wait! Another great series by Alyssa Rose Ivy. If you have not had the pleasure of reading Alyssa’s books yet, you need to.
Did you know that @alyssaroseivy has a new series? @bookbriefs #Reviews Forged in Stone #Magic #Fantasy #NewAdult Click To Tweet
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Sarah @ Words with Sarah
I’ve read some of her books but not nearly enough for my liking. I saw this book on Goodreads and thought it sounded really intriguing! I need to get this book soon! (Adding it to my ever growing TBR pile lol)
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Oh you need to. Have you read her Hazards (new adult contemp.)series or the crescent chronicles (new adult paranormal)? Those are my two favorite series of hers. Plus the Allure Chronicles but there is only one book in that one.
I am working on a must read list of authors for you too! I will email it to you probably sometime this weekend Sarah 😉
kindlemom1
I just adore Alyssa as well, not only is she a great writer but an amazing person too!
So happy you loved this new book. I so need to get my hands on it!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I totally agree Ali. Alyssa is just so sweet!
Jennifer @ Dream Reads
This looks really good. I always read the best things about Alyssa’s books. And it sounds like James and Ainsley are cute, I always love it when a couple in a book have a pull towards each other but they dont want to admit it but end up together anyway because the chemistry is there. Adding to my to read list. Lovely review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Jennifer, that pull you described is one of my favorite romance setups too.
Jazmen
I love the lovey dovey, mushy feelings. I have to look into this one. It sounds like a good blend!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I am all about the lovey dovey feelings too 😉 And Alyssa always writes great romance.