Exiled by Iron - (Tainted Blood Duology) by Ehigbor Okosun

About the Book

With the end of Alistair Sorenson's tyrannical reign, Dáemi has accepted Jonas's proposal to rule as his Queen with hopes to finally free her people, the magical Oluso. Yet social prejudice, corrupt council members, and the continued distrust of the nonmagical Ajáes throughout the kingdom prove seemingly implacable obstacles. To make matters worse, Dáemi struggles to control her newly awakened iron blood magic. As Ekwensi's rebel army, led in part by Colin, her best friend and one-time lover, become more triumphant in their mission, war seems inevitable. Before long, a new evil appears that hunts Oluso and Ajáe alike, promising desolation on a larger level than ever before. When the failed assassination puts the life of Dáemi's loved one in danger as well as the future of the Oluso into question, Dáemi embarks on a treacherous journey to find an ancestral spirit whose aid could tip the scales in her favor. Whether her new powers will destroy the kingdom or heal the blood-soaked rifts that have pulled it apart, she does not know. Beyond the battles of swords and magic, there is the battle for Dáemi's heart. Jonas, the former enemy prince, has divided loyalties despite his love for Dáemi. And Ekwensi and Colin have every intention of winning her to their side, while a past pledge hangs over Dáemi's head. Dáemi is caught between the kingdom, her people, and the spirits, and must decide what sacrifices she is willing to make for peace, and whether she can outrun the greatest danger that constantly puts her in peril, her own heart. Only one thing is for certtain? There will be blood"--

Book Synopsis

The spellbinding conclusion to the international bestseller Forged by Blood delves deeper into Nigerian mythology as the Oluso uprising comes to a head...and the young woman caught in between comes to her breaking point. Return to this highly atmospheric, complex world full of magic and romance and war, in which unity is the goal, blood is the sacrifice, and love is at stake.

The King is dead. The Oluso rebel. War is here.

With the end of Alistair Sorenson's tyrannical reign, Dèmi has accepted Jonas's proposal to rule as his Queen with hopes to finally free her people, the magical Oluso. Yet social prejudice, corrupt council members, and the continued distrust of the nonmagical Ajès throughout the kingdom prove seemingly implacable obstacles. To make matters worse, Dèmi struggles to control her newly awakened iron blood magic. As Ekwensi's rebel army--led in part by Colin, her best friend and one-time lover--become more triumphant in their mission, war seems inevitable.

Before long, a new evil appears that hunts Oluso and Ajè alike, promising desolation on a larger level than ever before. When the failed assassination puts the life of Dèmi's loved one in danger as well as the future of the Oluso into question, Dèmi embarks on a treacherous journey to find an ancestral spirit whose aid could tip the scales in her favor. Whether her new powers will destroy the kingdom or heal the blood-soaked rifts that have pulled it apart, she does not know.

Beyond the battles of swords and magic, there is the battle for Dèmi's heart. Jonas--the former enemy prince--has divided loyalties despite his love for Dèmi. And Ekwensi and Colin have every intention of winning her to their side, while a past pledge hangs over Dèmi's head. Dèmi is caught between the kingdom, her people, and the spirits, and must decide what sacrifices she is willing to make for peace, and whether she can outrun the greatest danger that constantly puts her in peril--her own heart. Only one thing is for certain...

There will be blood.

Review Quotes

"A great edge-of-the-seat read for fans of complex and highly emotional fantasy romances. Recommend to readers of Naomi Novik and Tomi Adeyemi." -- Library Journal

"A breakneck pace and captivating action sequences make the pages fly, while the emotionally fraught choices Dèmi faces in her quest will keep readers invested...The worldbuilding remains imaginative and original throughout. Fans of lushly drawn epic fantasy should check this out." -- Publishers Weekly

"Okosun's elaborate worldbuilding is lavishly detailed and meticulously constructed, but it never feels overwhelming. The result is an impressive and refreshingly original page-turner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the second volume." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Forged by Blood

"Ehigbor Okosun has called on the winds of worldbuilding and the gales of great writing to create a tempest of a novel. Forged by Blood is an enchanting tale of sacrifice and power. Found family, mated love and unexpected twists only add to its depth of heart." -- Saara El-Arifi, bestselling author of The Final Strife

"Forged by Blood is a searing and thrilling fantasy, steeped in mythology and magic. Ehigbor Okosun weaves a gripping tale of power, sacrifice, and love--entwined in a captivating and intricate world." -- Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess

"Forged by Blood is an intense, spellbinding debut from a vivid new storyteller. Ehigbor Okosun's lyrical prose effortlessly loops readers into a breathtaking adventure that keeps you on your toes and is set in a land as suffused with wonder as it is with heartbreak. Featuring a striking cast of characters with unbeatable chemistry, an inventive magic system, and rich, folkloric worldbuilding, Forged by Blood confronts history and captures the imagination with a gripping tale of tangled love, political intrigue, ancestral pain, and things worth fighting for." -- Thea Guanzon, author of The Hurricane Wars

"Dèmi is powerful, strong, and smart, with a kind heart--just the kind of main character readers will celebrate. While fighting the cruel Eingardians, she is also trying to figure out love and life. Add to that the spot-on world building and political complications and fantasy readers will find something to enjoy in this powerful work." -- Booklist (starred review)