Forged by Blood

A Novel (The Tainted Blood Duology, Book 1)

De: Ehigbor Okosun

Narrado por: Nneka Okoye

A brilliant new voice brings a brilliant new novel: debut author Ehigbor Okosun’s first book in an action-packed, poignant duology inspired by Nigerian mythology—full of magic and emotion and set in a highly atmospheric, complex world in which a young woman fights to survive a tyrannical society, having everything stripped away from her, and seeks vengeance for her mother’s murder and the spilled blood of her people.

In the midst of a tyrannical regime and political invasion, Dèmi just wants to survive: to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King’s brutal genocide of her people—the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright.

But when Dèmi’s misplaced trust costs her mother’s life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity—kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin’s—and Dèmi’s—distress.

The kidnapping is now a joint mission: to return to the King, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi’s magic is growing yet uncertain, and it’s not clear if she can trust the two men at her side.

A tale of rebellion and redemption, race and class, love and trust and betrayal, Forged by Blood is epic fantasy at its finest, from an enthusiastic, emerging voice.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Ehigbor Okosun (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Interesting storyline

I really enjoyed the storyline and characters. It was sometimes difficult to follow, but overall the performance was lovely.

Great listen

Here's my notes as I listened to the book:
Big adventure, many worlds but a thread through it.
Heart and emotion
Real sharing from author's spirit
Immersive audio reader
Beautiful sung song
She relies on those who love her
Finale is long awesome and satisfying
Makes me want to read book 2!
"can you see it"? It's a great book.

An exciting and exhilarating must read!

This book was exhilarating and intriguing from the outset! The narrative captivated the reader from beginning to end, leaving them yearning for more. It was exceptionally challenging to put this book down as my imagination ran wild with possibilities that the book met at every turn. The storyline, coupled with the reader’s collaboration and the vivid imagery, surpassed my expectations and fulfilled every desire I had for a book.

Stunning tale with very real colonization correlations

I love this book. I feel it was so well written and uses a fantasy landscape to portray how damaging and dangerous colonization is. The threat across multiple realms, the despair and anger at having your culture exterminated, and depth of the characters creates a beautiful, moving story. 5 stars, and definitely highly recommending to my fellow fantasy readers.

the characters stood out most. so much personality.

I liked the story line. I wanted to experience more from the story and explore more characters.

Great Book!!

Awesome read! Would highly recommend to anyone! The narrator beautifully painted the words off the page! Please read you will not be upset!

The Narrator was very good

I really enjoyed this book. The narration was very good. The pdf was so helpful to have, as there are lots of characters that are only around for short periods. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.

Worth the listen!

Honestly I had to start this story over probably 3 times. Some parts in the very very beginning would capture me then completely lose my interest because it was slow. But once the initial ground work was laid it picked up and kept going. Wonderful messages and prospective.

Love the magic

A great storyline and amazing magic elements! I really enjoyed that few twists in the story and mate trope. The tragedy is heartbreaking, but it strengthens the FMC to an immense degree. Very well written.

Amazing story

Wonderful story with awesome philosophy and spiritual structure. Definitely a good read. I like this story as a break from your classic western perspective. However, unlike many other African fiction stories this book incorporates many racial groups. I actually think this incorporation of many groups made this book more meaningful. It added another layer of dimension and specifically addresses the race conflicts that have such a profound impact on many of these stories.