A review by renpuspita
Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart

adventurous hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The author said that Forged by Magic can be categorized into cozy fantasy that will left reader in warm and fuzzy feeling. However, after I finish reading, this book is not too cozy imho, more like the usual fantasy romance that I'd read although with much simpler world building, smaller setting (a little island) and low to medium stakes. It did have some warm moments, found family trope, and grumpy x (almost) sunshine pairing between Rivelin, a grumpy elf blacksmith with violence past and Daella, a reluctant half-orc mercenary. The fantasy setting feel like mix-mash of fantasy creatures. From elf, orc, demon, faeries, ice giants. Plus point, there's DRAGON. Dragons is always my catnips and I liked that the dragons also play important roles in the story. Although, the simple world building kinda have its drawback. See, the setting is just in one island, while the map show a world that seems complex. Also there's no more explanation behind Daella's half orc background. There's no description from what side she inherited her human side, since she's pretty much an orc and I believe her late mother were also orc. So maybe, her father was human? Sadly this tidbits didn't explained thoroughly.

There's also steamy sex scenes, so if you like your romance to be steamy or spicy, this might be up to your alley. But, if you prefer fade to black, maybe just skip it. This book is also pretty low in angst and the misunderstanding trope to add more drama is still bearable. Both parties are guilty since at first their relationship start by mistrusting each other so the misunderstanding after both realized their own feeling is kinda a given. The romance is pretty okay and I did enjoy reading how love blossom between Daella and Rivelin; that from his description alone, I suspect Wolfhart get his inspiration from Geralt of Rivera. Silver hair with huge and tall appearance. I just hope authors stop to write first PoV from both male and female, just focused to one side or maybe write it all from 3rd PoV. This is just a matter of my preference of course.

Forged by Magic is pretty much stand-alone although part of series. It's also the first book I read by Jenna Wolfhart and I looking forward to read more story from the Fables Island.
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