What do you think?
Rate this book
Forged in Blood #2
Broken Accord
The work of a Guardian is never done.
I didn’t even get a week off before the goddess called us in for our next assignment. Witchlings, none more than fifteen years old, have been going missing, and we had to find out why. That meant I had to deal with witches, and the memories of my childhood that came with it.
I have to work with Alasdair to track down the missing teens and save the day whilst trying to navigate the treacherous waters of our fledgling relationship. Knowing that the goddess made us for each other doesn’t erase my past and all of the scars that come with it. Falling in love is the scariest thing I’ve ever done.
Of course, nothing’s ever simple. The missing witchlings are just beginning of a dark path that I have no choice but to walk down. The supernal world is fracturing, dangerous politics are bubbling beneath the surface. One false move could ignite everything. Sometimes, if we want to save the world, we have to get our hands dirty.
!
I didn’t even get a week off before the goddess called us in for our next assignment. Witchlings, none more than fifteen years old, have been going missing, and we had to find out why. That meant I had to deal with witches, and the memories of my childhood that came with it.
I have to work with Alasdair to track down the missing teens and save the day whilst trying to navigate the treacherous waters of our fledgling relationship. Knowing that the goddess made us for each other doesn’t erase my past and all of the scars that come with it. Falling in love is the scariest thing I’ve ever done.
Of course, nothing’s ever simple. The missing witchlings are just beginning of a dark path that I have no choice but to walk down. The supernal world is fracturing, dangerous politics are bubbling beneath the surface. One false move could ignite everything. Sometimes, if we want to save the world, we have to get our hands dirty.
!
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2018
29 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Holly Evans
38 books273 followersHolly Evans is an urban fantasy author with an unhealthy fascination with blades, a deep love of hellhounds, and would love one day to wake up as a fae. When she isn't wrangling rogue characters and trying to tame her muse, she's researching shiny new ninja moves. During her spare time she fights crime and rights wrongs on the streets of County Kerry.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 21, 2018
This book was an awesome follow-up to the first book in the series "Blood of the Wolf". I LOVE Niko and Alasdair! I can honestly say the only complaint I have about the book is that I wished it was longer cuz I seriously did NOT want it to end. It was soooo good to be back in Niko's world again and now I will be impatiently waiting for book three to be published. This book picks up literally 6 days after the end of book one and the action starts immediately. I love the world Ms. Evans has built for this series to take place in, it is complex, sometimes confusing, surprising and dangerous. It was awesome to get to see so many of the secondary characters again, especially Grayson and Saoirse. I also really like the way Ms. Evans is handling the realtionship between Alasdair and Niko, I think the speed (nice and slow) is prefection when you consider the kind of trust issues that Niko has to deal with due to his past. That said it was thrilling to see how far Niko has come by the end of this book, if he continues to heal by book three he and Alasdair might actually have sex. Finally the solving of the disappearing supernals was well done and it was great the way the three MCs (Niko, Alasdair and Grayson) work so well together as a team. Overall, another great read from Ms. Evans!
May 15, 2018
So much imagination, so many ideas and such a great world setup but it lacks at the world building. Maybe less would have been more? I miss something that holds everything together that makes me feel more at home.
Suppose that has it's reason in a strange show-and-tell kind of writing. Let's take for example the witch coven situation. The author shows us a deeply repressive society where your station in the strict hierarchy is based on your magical abilities and the unfortunate that were born without magic are treated as merely more than bond-slaves. There is misery and for a short time the author shows it but then the scene is changing and from then on it's a fact and she's only telling us how it is because in the meantime the MCs have to deal with the fae and their hostility or an alchemist council in Bukarest that might know more about the drug traffic or the fae queen on another plane who sends her enforcer to check on Niko for which reason ever or some hunters who seek a fight or ... you name it. As said before: great, interesting world setup but it lacks the world building and therefore the different parts don't fit together seamlessly.
To a certain degree hat also applies to the characters. I like them all and can understand where they are coming from but their interaction is not always logical. I'm wondering if it's really Greyson who's asexual and not Niko. so most of the time this story is better read as a paranormal mystery so you won't be disappointed about the romance part although even the mystery part ... it's good in the first half but then it's becoming rushed and too easy.
It's the world setup that will keep me following this series, that and those moments when Niko and Alasdair really show what could be, when there is light banter, innuendos and feeling.
Suppose that has it's reason in a strange show-and-tell kind of writing. Let's take for example the witch coven situation. The author shows us a deeply repressive society where your station in the strict hierarchy is based on your magical abilities and the unfortunate that were born without magic are treated as merely more than bond-slaves. There is misery and for a short time the author shows it but then the scene is changing and from then on it's a fact and she's only telling us how it is because in the meantime the MCs have to deal with the fae and their hostility or an alchemist council in Bukarest that might know more about the drug traffic or the fae queen on another plane who sends her enforcer to check on Niko for which reason ever or some hunters who seek a fight or ... you name it. As said before: great, interesting world setup but it lacks the world building and therefore the different parts don't fit together seamlessly.
To a certain degree hat also applies to the characters. I like them all and can understand where they are coming from but their interaction is not always logical. I'm wondering if it's really Greyson who's asexual and not Niko. so most of the time this story is better read as a paranormal mystery so you won't be disappointed about the romance part although even the mystery part ... it's good in the first half but then it's becoming rushed and too easy.
It's the world setup that will keep me following this series, that and those moments when Niko and Alasdair really show what could be, when there is light banter, innuendos and feeling.
April 30, 2018
Rating: 4.5 stars
I am really enjoying this series. I really love that the romance between Niko and Alasdair takes second fiddle to the story. I feel that the love between the two MCs will take place naturally over time and it’s great that they are in no hurry to go to bed together. I continued to love Grayson as a character and really liked his family dynamic. I hope we see more of him in the future.
I thought the story of the missing witchlings was interesting. At first, I was a bit frustrated with how the conflict was resolved, but ultimately it made sense in the context of the story. The story ended in a good place but did leave many unanswered questions that I hope the author answers in the future. I also hope that the author continues to write the series from Niko’s point of view. I really like his voice and am not sure I would enjoy the series as much written from someone else’s perspective.
I am really enjoying this series. I really love that the romance between Niko and Alasdair takes second fiddle to the story. I feel that the love between the two MCs will take place naturally over time and it’s great that they are in no hurry to go to bed together. I continued to love Grayson as a character and really liked his family dynamic. I hope we see more of him in the future.
I thought the story of the missing witchlings was interesting. At first, I was a bit frustrated with how the conflict was resolved, but ultimately it made sense in the context of the story. The story ended in a good place but did leave many unanswered questions that I hope the author answers in the future. I also hope that the author continues to write the series from Niko’s point of view. I really like his voice and am not sure I would enjoy the series as much written from someone else’s perspective.
October 11, 2018
I find it funny that within the first few pages of book one Niko was in the process of hooking up with some random who spurned him when she found out he was Made and yet, two books in and his and Alasdair’s relationship hasn’t progressed at all. WTF?! Aren’t they soul-bonded? Meant to complete each other for all eternity?
What’s with this never-ending slow burn. If the author is more comfortable writing potential M/F scenes without hesitation then maybe M/M shouldn’t be her written genre of choice. I wouldn’t have minded off-page, fade to black sex scenes but she gave me nothing. All this build-up for what? Why should I care about this couple when their relationship is about as deep as a bottle cap filled with water? I’m so done.
What’s with this never-ending slow burn. If the author is more comfortable writing potential M/F scenes without hesitation then maybe M/M shouldn’t be her written genre of choice. I wouldn’t have minded off-page, fade to black sex scenes but she gave me nothing. All this build-up for what? Why should I care about this couple when their relationship is about as deep as a bottle cap filled with water? I’m so done.
January 24, 2020
3 stars bcs of the Romanian thing.
First of all, Romanians subtitles their movie, there is no dubbing. Second..? Hungarian as far from Romanian as one language can be to an other. There no similarities. None! Hunagrain is a language that is unique. No resemblance, nor gramaticaly nor other wise to any other human spoken language.
Dear author, do your research.
5* for the universe of the story! I'll keep ridning it...
First of all, Romanians subtitles their movie, there is no dubbing. Second..? Hungarian as far from Romanian as one language can be to an other. There no similarities. None! Hunagrain is a language that is unique. No resemblance, nor gramaticaly nor other wise to any other human spoken language.
Dear author, do your research.
5* for the universe of the story! I'll keep ridning it...
April 22, 2018
This was definitely a five star book. Niko is getting closer to Alasdair and his becoming a Guardian and Alasdair's life bondmate. Given another assignment, they are now on the search of missing witches and other paranormals. Tempo that gives a touch of magic to non magics becomes suspect in the case and then fae are losing their magic. Being warned off and pursued by those that want the Tempo, kidnappings and the magic-removal dust to remain a secret causes bloodshed and violence. Nico's shadow and fire magic is hard to contain and Alasdair faces his own distress in being a Guardian. Excellent story full of magic and mystery. I would recommend this series highly for an entertaining read.
May 4, 2018
Blue Balls
I love this world.
I love Niko.
And Alastair.
And Gray.
And the Marrok.
And everyone else.
Except Beth. I mean, ugh.
I love most of it. Really I do. But I'm beginning to get confused by the blue balls syndrome. I'm all for a slow burn. I dig UST. But did we not begin this series with Niko seeking out, even yearning after, sexual encounters since more often than not, being made burned him in that respect? I mean, he wasn't really a manwhore but he seemed to need sex. And now ... two books of kisses on the temple and fingertip touching has me screaming in frustration (on the inside).
I don't think the author has really explained Niko's caution at this point, especially after his secrets were revealed and his worst nightmares did not come to pass. I understand (and approve) Alastair not pushing, but at the same time I'm beginning to wonder if Niko doesn't need a little bit of a kick in the ass or a use-it-or-lose-it-all moment. In fact, I noticed a lot of disconnect between thought (or portrayal of) and action in these. Not info-dumping per se, but more told and less felt ... there was a disconnect somewhere.
I can't really explain it. I wanted to give these a 3 just because there's something crucial missing, but it's also indefinable so my sense of fairness wouldn't let me ding it for something I can't point my finger at. Plus, There's all the luuurve I outlined above.
So it gets 4 as did its predecessor. Hopefully book 3 stirs in a missing ingredient or two, because then I can give the 5 stars I see the potential for.
And for the goddess' sake they need to fuck already and it better be reeeeally good for all the waiting. They're wolves FFS! So far I'm missing the primal drives that aspect of their natures should bring on the sex front.
Possessive. Check.
Growly. Check.
Affectionate. Check.
Touch-comfort. Check.
Bonded. Check.
Attracted. Check. Check. Check.
So WTF gives? Where's the fucking heat? As a matter of fact, this review is poorly titled because these guys should have blue balls, BUT THEY DON'T! It would have been better if tbey had at least that. Or some near misses, or perma-boners, or something! As it stands, it almost feels like they're indifferent to each other or ... I dunno, they're being too reverent or something. Well, if that's the case it's time to put the 'hole' in 'holy'. Yep, I said it.
Apparently it's buggin' me. Can you tell?
Anyway, I loved these books but something's gotta give or I'll have to give up.
I love this world.
I love Niko.
And Alastair.
And Gray.
And the Marrok.
And everyone else.
Except Beth. I mean, ugh.
I love most of it. Really I do. But I'm beginning to get confused by the blue balls syndrome. I'm all for a slow burn. I dig UST. But did we not begin this series with Niko seeking out, even yearning after, sexual encounters since more often than not, being made burned him in that respect? I mean, he wasn't really a manwhore but he seemed to need sex. And now ... two books of kisses on the temple and fingertip touching has me screaming in frustration (on the inside).
I don't think the author has really explained Niko's caution at this point, especially after his secrets were revealed and his worst nightmares did not come to pass. I understand (and approve) Alastair not pushing, but at the same time I'm beginning to wonder if Niko doesn't need a little bit of a kick in the ass or a use-it-or-lose-it-all moment. In fact, I noticed a lot of disconnect between thought (or portrayal of) and action in these. Not info-dumping per se, but more told and less felt ... there was a disconnect somewhere.
I can't really explain it. I wanted to give these a 3 just because there's something crucial missing, but it's also indefinable so my sense of fairness wouldn't let me ding it for something I can't point my finger at. Plus, There's all the luuurve I outlined above.
So it gets 4 as did its predecessor. Hopefully book 3 stirs in a missing ingredient or two, because then I can give the 5 stars I see the potential for.
And for the goddess' sake they need to fuck already and it better be reeeeally good for all the waiting. They're wolves FFS! So far I'm missing the primal drives that aspect of their natures should bring on the sex front.
Possessive. Check.
Growly. Check.
Affectionate. Check.
Touch-comfort. Check.
Bonded. Check.
Attracted. Check. Check. Check.
So WTF gives? Where's the fucking heat? As a matter of fact, this review is poorly titled because these guys should have blue balls, BUT THEY DON'T! It would have been better if tbey had at least that. Or some near misses, or perma-boners, or something! As it stands, it almost feels like they're indifferent to each other or ... I dunno, they're being too reverent or something. Well, if that's the case it's time to put the 'hole' in 'holy'. Yep, I said it.
Apparently it's buggin' me. Can you tell?
Anyway, I loved these books but something's gotta give or I'll have to give up.
September 21, 2022
I enjoyed the first book as a great introduction into a new series, despite the fact that the editing could have been better.
The second book was a lot weaker in my mind. How to put it... instead of explaining things for the reader, things were stated like facts. Sometimes I really wondered why certain information was relevant for the story.
Also repetitions, they talk about the fact that there aren't many alchemists guilds and only a few pages later almost the same conversation takes place as if they've never talked about it at all. Then, within two or three pages Nico feels that things are off for about three times. There are more examples, but I'll leave it at that. With better editing these things could have been avoided.
I was also bothered by the fact how often Nico took the lead. On the one hand he wasn't on familiar ground with a lot of background information. Plus he was struggling with control every so often. But then he took the lead, when Alasdair and probably Grayson, too, had much more experience. Why didn't they call him out on it?
With everything the author has mentioned here and there this series has a lot of potential and I hope the next book will be a stronger reading experience.
The second book was a lot weaker in my mind. How to put it... instead of explaining things for the reader, things were stated like facts. Sometimes I really wondered why certain information was relevant for the story.
Also repetitions, they talk about the fact that there aren't many alchemists guilds and only a few pages later almost the same conversation takes place as if they've never talked about it at all. Then, within two or three pages Nico feels that things are off for about three times. There are more examples, but I'll leave it at that. With better editing these things could have been avoided.
I was also bothered by the fact how often Nico took the lead. On the one hand he wasn't on familiar ground with a lot of background information. Plus he was struggling with control every so often. But then he took the lead, when Alasdair and probably Grayson, too, had much more experience. Why didn't they call him out on it?
With everything the author has mentioned here and there this series has a lot of potential and I hope the next book will be a stronger reading experience.
May 3, 2018
Better than the first book!
Love this series! This was better than the first but you need to read the first book to understand the main characters. Here’s the review from the first book:
If you’re looking for more than implied sex then this book is not for you. BUT if you’re looking for adventure and a world rich in characters then you’ll love this series.
Niko is a “made” wolf who was changed by his witch family because he had no magic to speak of and wasn’t of much to them. In strolls Alasdair who is a Guardian and is sexy and hot in his suits and is strong both internally and externally! Niko is tasked with finding out who is murdering natural born wolf shifters. What an adventure you’ll have reading this series!
Love this series! This was better than the first but you need to read the first book to understand the main characters. Here’s the review from the first book:
If you’re looking for more than implied sex then this book is not for you. BUT if you’re looking for adventure and a world rich in characters then you’ll love this series.
Niko is a “made” wolf who was changed by his witch family because he had no magic to speak of and wasn’t of much to them. In strolls Alasdair who is a Guardian and is sexy and hot in his suits and is strong both internally and externally! Niko is tasked with finding out who is murdering natural born wolf shifters. What an adventure you’ll have reading this series!
April 24, 2018
The sequel is even better than the first book!
This is the sequel to Blood of the Wolf. This is even better than book 1. Ms. Evans has created a world imbued with magic and populated it with fully developed characters. The development of the bond between Niko and Alasdair is handled very nicely.
The plot is unfolded evenly, no unnecessary lulls in the action, no rush to finish at the end.
The author runs two different but related sub-plots that tie in well at the end. Supernatural beings going missing and two magical products being produced and sold with the potential to disrupt the tenuous order.
In short, I loved the book and cant wait to have the 3rd in my hands!
This is the sequel to Blood of the Wolf. This is even better than book 1. Ms. Evans has created a world imbued with magic and populated it with fully developed characters. The development of the bond between Niko and Alasdair is handled very nicely.
The plot is unfolded evenly, no unnecessary lulls in the action, no rush to finish at the end.
The author runs two different but related sub-plots that tie in well at the end. Supernatural beings going missing and two magical products being produced and sold with the potential to disrupt the tenuous order.
In short, I loved the book and cant wait to have the 3rd in my hands!
January 3, 2019
review for all three books
it took me some time to start this book but I am so glad I did. Niko is interesting as character and I enjoyed how this story developed over time.
his and Alasdairs relationship is more or less a fated one but it was definitely not love at first sight and I really enjoyed that they took their time to build their relationship.
the third book was a bit too much chaos but nevertheless, I really liked the whole story.
I would love to read more about this world and these two
it took me some time to start this book but I am so glad I did. Niko is interesting as character and I enjoyed how this story developed over time.
his and Alasdairs relationship is more or less a fated one but it was definitely not love at first sight and I really enjoyed that they took their time to build their relationship.
the third book was a bit too much chaos but nevertheless, I really liked the whole story.
I would love to read more about this world and these two
May 6, 2018
Broken Accord
An enjoyable sequel to this entertaining paranormal romance series. I loved learning more about the characters and seeing them grow throughout the book. I was a little disappointed that were wasn’t as much action as I would’ve liked but overall it was a fun thrilling read!
An enjoyable sequel to this entertaining paranormal romance series. I loved learning more about the characters and seeing them grow throughout the book. I was a little disappointed that were wasn’t as much action as I would’ve liked but overall it was a fun thrilling read!
August 6, 2023
3/5
mniej wciągająca niż pierwsza część i trochę nie czułam jakby to była pełna książka, nic większego się w sumie nie działo, żadnego punktu kulminacyjnego, albo był na tyle słaby, że go nie zauważyłam
trochę taka część pt "etap przejściowy w tle", nawet ciężko o niej cokolwiek powiedzieć konkretnego
mniej wciągająca niż pierwsza część i trochę nie czułam jakby to była pełna książka, nic większego się w sumie nie działo, żadnego punktu kulminacyjnego, albo był na tyle słaby, że go nie zauważyłam
trochę taka część pt "etap przejściowy w tle", nawet ciężko o niej cokolwiek powiedzieć konkretnego
April 22, 2018
I need more Niko and Alisdar!!! I think i msy be addicted to holly evans worlds. She has the perfect mix of reality and magic...
August 21, 2018
I love this book and these characters and can't wait for the next one. Strong story, not overwhelmed by sex.
November 2, 2019
Very Enjoyable
This was a great second installment in the Forged In Blood series. I enjoyed seeing Nico continue to grow and evolve.
This was a great second installment in the Forged In Blood series. I enjoyed seeing Nico continue to grow and evolve.
May 3, 2018
I love Niko so so much and I love that Alasdair is so patient with him and .
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews