Forged by Flames

Darkened Skies

De: H.E. Bauman

Narrado por: Ethan R. Pitcher

Not a soldier. Not a prince. Not even a son.

A weapon…

Varojin Auris didn’t ask to be a prince. As the illegitimate child of the Helosian emperor, he was never meant for the world he grew up in, and he knows it. When his father enlists Varojin in the military two years before the service age, it’s clear he’s no longer welcome in the court. So, forced to follow the emperor’s orders, Varojin severs ties with his old life and sets off for Fort Ironwing.

Amid the ranks of junior soldiers, Varojin finds himself as unwelcome as he was at the palace—only this time, there are no rules protecting him from superiors who use far more force with him than on his peers. So when Varojin is offered the opportunity to leave basic training behind and join a highly specialized, secretive unit, he accepts.

But the relief of being flanked by those who support him is tainted by a new reality: the responsibility to take lives when duty calls. When a crisis reveals the full extent of Varojin’s powers, he fears he has finally become his father’s son. In the midst of destruction, the weary prince finds himself faced with a choice: fight for the rubble of his past, or rebuild his life anew.

***

Forged By Flames is the prequel to Under Darkened Skies. In it, you’ll follow Prince Varojin for the full eight years he was separated from Astrea and his family. The story begins just after his 18th birthday and ends on that fateful night at the Whiskey Dream when he runs into Astrea.

©2023 H.E. Bauman (P)2024 H.E. Bauman

Excellent world building and attention to detail

This is the second book i have listened to on this series. It works prefectly as a prequel. The vivid descriptions of the continent, scenery and politics helps the reader truly step into this world. The world building is top notch, giving the reader more context from the first book. Would definitely recommend to fantasy and lore lovers.

Excellent Backstory

This book is the back story for the MMC, Jin, from Under Darkened Skies. It was so good. It really brought a lot of depth to his character that you didn't get see experience in Under Darkened Skies. He's a soldier that has experienced a lot of trauma but you get to read about his regret on how he ended his friendship with Az as well as how truly awful his father is.
Highly recommend reading this one prior to book 2!
Ethan did an excellent job narrating this as well. The emotion Jin experienced really came out in his voice.