Book: Forged in Fading by Madeline Haiston
Reviewed by Jill's Twisted Spicy Reads
Rating: 4.5/5
Forged in Fading was an emotional, action-packed beginning to the Bones of Kings series. Madeline Haiston created a Nordic-inspired fantasy world filled with elemental magic, dangerous rulers, rebellion, grief, and characters fighting for the freedom to build a better life.
Alvara was such a compelling main character. She is a skilled blacksmith and warrior, but underneath that strength is a woman carrying tremendous grief, guilt, and fear. Her journey wasn’t only about revenge or learning to control her magic—it was about deciding whether she was ready to stop merely surviving and allow herself to truly live again.
I received a gifted copy through IRIS Influencer Society, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the balance between the larger conflict and Alvara’s personal struggles. The rebellion, looming war, and fate of the five kingdoms gave the story plenty of danger, while the friendships and found-family relationships gave it heart. The slow-burn romance developed gently alongside Alvara’s healing and never overshadowed her individual journey.
The story took some time to establish its world and characters, but once the conflict intensified, I became completely invested. The emotional conversations surrounding grief, love, and the fear of losing people were some of the strongest moments for me.
Forged in Fading is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy resilient heroines, rebellions, elemental magic, immersive fantasy worlds, found family, and romances that are allowed to develop slowly. This was a strong debut and an exciting introduction to the Bones of Kings series.