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Magic Wars: Demons of New Chicago #4
Forged by Fury
FORGED BY FURY is the fourth book in the DEMONS OF NEW CHICAGO series.
If you can’t get enough of books by Ella Summers, Annette Marie, Shannon Mayer, Deborah Wilde, K.F. Breene, Jeaniene Frost, Kelly St. Clare, and Linsey Hall then dive right in to the dangerous depths of New Chicago. Beware of headstrong heroines with snark. These ladies don’t bark. They bite.
Start the series with TOUCHED BY FIRE right now!
If you can’t get enough of books by Ella Summers, Annette Marie, Shannon Mayer, Deborah Wilde, K.F. Breene, Jeaniene Frost, Kelly St. Clare, and Linsey Hall then dive right in to the dangerous depths of New Chicago. Beware of headstrong heroines with snark. These ladies don’t bark. They bite.
Start the series with TOUCHED BY FIRE right now!
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 31, 2022
243 people are currently reading
1739 people want to read
About the author
Kel Carpenter
57 books2,205 followersKel Carpenter is a master of werdz. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s traveling the world, lovingly pestering her co-author, and spending time with her family. She is always on the search for good tacos and the best pizza. She resides in Maryland and desperately tries to avoid the traffic.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
For subrights or media and film inquiries, please reach out to kel@kelcarpenter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
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April 6, 2022So happy to hear so many of you enjoyed this series. Please follow me on Goodreads or Amazon to get updates on more series in this world. 💕
December 12, 2022
Bye bye, great series!
If you've never read this author before, it's definitely worth a try. This is the 2nd series I've read by her and they're really engaging, fun, and fast-paced.
The characters were amazing here and the end was surprisingly well done (it's never easy to find a satisfying ending to a good series). True, I would have loved it if it were longer, but eh. That's just me wanting to see more of these guys.
Definitely worth reading!
If you've never read this author before, it's definitely worth a try. This is the 2nd series I've read by her and they're really engaging, fun, and fast-paced.
The characters were amazing here and the end was surprisingly well done (it's never easy to find a satisfying ending to a good series). True, I would have loved it if it were longer, but eh. That's just me wanting to see more of these guys.
Definitely worth reading!
April 6, 2022
This is the best recently released Urban Fantasy series I've read in a long time. This sort of series reminds me why it's always been my favourite genre and I'm sad this is over, yet grateful we get a spin off coming soon.
Thingz ended with some pretty dramatic reveals in the previous book, and this one picks up straight away. Poor Piper is dealing with so much and has to make some quick decisions about the sort of ruler she needs to be and put multiple plans into action.
It's really hard to avoid spoilers, so I'm just going to say that if you've enjoyed this series then I think you'll be happy with this one. We continue to see growth in Piper, who has come so far, and the strength of her relationship with Ronan is so lovely to see. We have plenty of Nathalie, Bree and the twins and lots and lots of action. The way it all tied up was ultimately satisfying, too.
If you enjoy Urban Fantasy you must read this series!
Thingz ended with some pretty dramatic reveals in the previous book, and this one picks up straight away. Poor Piper is dealing with so much and has to make some quick decisions about the sort of ruler she needs to be and put multiple plans into action.
It's really hard to avoid spoilers, so I'm just going to say that if you've enjoyed this series then I think you'll be happy with this one. We continue to see growth in Piper, who has come so far, and the strength of her relationship with Ronan is so lovely to see. We have plenty of Nathalie, Bree and the twins and lots and lots of action. The way it all tied up was ultimately satisfying, too.
If you enjoy Urban Fantasy you must read this series!
April 30, 2024
4.5 stars
Fitting end to this series. Towards the end, new storyline were introduced, so I was worried that we weren't getting a full ending. I should have known better.
Fitting end to this series. Towards the end, new storyline were introduced, so I was worried that we weren't getting a full ending. I should have known better.
March 28, 2022
Absolutely loved this final installment with Ronan and Piper! We get a quick reminder of what happened previously by Nat. Once she has a caught back up, she leads us into the new challenges our tough group has to fight. All the while Bree provides her own problems to deal with. A must read!
April 13, 2022
I was right in my assumptions that Bree was
Piper is all about bodily autonomy when it comes to her and Ronan but is a hypocrite when it comes to everyone else, including this random stranger who she had known for all of 30 seconds (a stranger who asks to be killed):
“I could save her.
Even if she didn’t want to be saved.
She’d been through unspeakable horrors. Things that many never recovered from.
But I would pull her out of that. I would give her the chance to live, to heal, and see if she could find her way on the other side. She might not see it now. A year from now. Ten years, even…”
Seems grossly selfish, making this girl live so you can act as a savior. Like, who are *you* to make decisions for this stranger?? ...Taking away the woman’s choice when Piper herself fights constantly for her own choice in everything. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This book teetered between Piper shouldering more and more responsibilities and all the challenges.
“I, Bree, challenge you” “No, I challenge you” “NO, I, Ronan, challenge YOU” “WELL I, PIPER, CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU”
Like, come on.It was rote and recycled and I was a bit bored by it. A series that started strong and ended on a fizzle.
Would I read it again? Probably not.
Would I suggest someone else read it? Maybe.
Piper is all about bodily autonomy when it comes to her and Ronan but is a hypocrite when it comes to everyone else, including this random stranger who she had known for all of 30 seconds (a stranger who asks to be killed):
“I could save her.
Even if she didn’t want to be saved.
She’d been through unspeakable horrors. Things that many never recovered from.
But I would pull her out of that. I would give her the chance to live, to heal, and see if she could find her way on the other side. She might not see it now. A year from now. Ten years, even…”
Seems grossly selfish, making this girl live so you can act as a savior. Like, who are *you* to make decisions for this stranger?? ...Taking away the woman’s choice when Piper herself fights constantly for her own choice in everything. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This book teetered between Piper shouldering more and more responsibilities and all the challenges.
“I, Bree, challenge you” “No, I challenge you” “NO, I, Ronan, challenge YOU” “WELL I, PIPER, CHALLENGE ALL OF YOU”
Like, come on.It was rote and recycled and I was a bit bored by it. A series that started strong and ended on a fizzle.
Would I read it again? Probably not.
Would I suggest someone else read it? Maybe.
April 10, 2022
“Forged by Fury” felt incomplete as the ending to Ronan and Piper’s story. I don’t know why authors end series when characters either get married or have children when opportunities abound for incredible stories involving the marriage and/or the kids. Oh well, the Demons of New Chicago series isn’t over just the focus on Ronan and Piper.
I will confess that I didn’t enjoy this installment as much as others. This seems to happen for me when too many new characters are introduced and not enough time is spent on the regular characters. However, we finally get a good understanding as to why Bree is so interested in going back to the Underworld. We get to meet her atma, Lorcan and he is a royal jerk.
We also learn that Piper has a ghostly presence attached to her and it’s someone we know. There is a major war on the horizon and Piper will need to unite the city if this realm, her friends, her atma and future babies are going to survive. While I enjoyed this series I am not sure that I will continue with the spin-off. Only time will tell.
I will confess that I didn’t enjoy this installment as much as others. This seems to happen for me when too many new characters are introduced and not enough time is spent on the regular characters. However, we finally get a good understanding as to why Bree is so interested in going back to the Underworld. We get to meet her atma, Lorcan and he is a royal jerk.
We also learn that Piper has a ghostly presence attached to her and it’s someone we know. There is a major war on the horizon and Piper will need to unite the city if this realm, her friends, her atma and future babies are going to survive. While I enjoyed this series I am not sure that I will continue with the spin-off. Only time will tell.
December 31, 2023
This series is wildly addicting - I binged the 4 books in the main storyline in 3 days 😳 It’s fast-paced, with stakes that climb higher with each book. Kel Carpenter knows how to write a kickass FMC, and Piper in this series is no exception. But I love her growth & evolution; she’s not the same, stagnant character throughout all 4 books and Piper at the end of this book is worlds away from Piper at the beginning of book 1. Lots of found family, fated mates, and a magic system that makes sense. Can’t wait to read Nathalie’s story next!
March 29, 2022
It’s been a wild ride and I truly can’t believe it’s over. In all honesty I wasn’t expecting it in the best possible way. I assumed there was going to be some huge war to end it all and though there was a pretty epic final showdown It took me completely by surprise. Piper was such a good FMC and I’m sad to see her go but I’m excited to see Nat’s story unfold. Learning about all the stuff that Nat does for New Chicago got me really curious to find out more about the world and the supernaturals in it. With the multiple POVs it was a great set up for future books and made Bree’s character really grow on me. So as I previously stated I enjoyed Piper’s POV and I’m sad it’s over but can’t wait to learn more about this world in the next series.
April 1, 2022
Amazing! I absolutely love this world and it’s characters. All the ups and downs, suspense, and surprises. I couldn’t have predicted where this story was gonna end for Piper & Ronan. Piper truly has a family again & it’s all I could wish for. Well done & I cannot wait to see what else this universe has in store!
March 30, 2022
Kel, you have once again surprised me to no end. I threw my kindle because of this book. Then I picked it back up and kept going. I love Piper! I love her development through this series and it'll forever hold her character in my heart! Such amazing writing with this series!
You always throw us into a world of your making. And I love every single minute of it! Spectacular series, epic. You always leave me wanting more!
You always throw us into a world of your making. And I love every single minute of it! Spectacular series, epic. You always leave me wanting more!
April 10, 2022
Action packed ending to Piper and Ronan's story. I hate to see them go but hopefully they'll turn up in Nat or Bree's (please?!) stories. I have a feeling those twins are going to be a force to be reckoned with. 4.5 stars
April 30, 2025
darker…
The story continues from Bree’s story with her athma Lorcan whom apparently is not a good one…. Battles between Lorcan Ronan Bree and Piper- yes a lot happened! Curious to see how this one ties up!
The story continues from Bree’s story with her athma Lorcan whom apparently is not a good one…. Battles between Lorcan Ronan Bree and Piper- yes a lot happened! Curious to see how this one ties up!
March 28, 2022
I don’t think I’ve ever thrown my kindle away from me so many times during a read in my life. So much stress and panic and happiness and panic and contentment and bittersweet-ness because it’s over and I don’t want it to be, but I can’t WAIT for these spin-offs. I’ve loved every minute of Piper and Roman. I’m literally heartbroken to think of not getting more of them, but I’m so excited for what’s to come. You’ve done it again. I’ve said it before, and it still lives true - Kel, you could lead me into a volcano and I would follow you. I can’t wait for the next installment!
March 29, 2022
Piper is struggling with the fact that once she brings Bree back that all she wants to do is go back to the otherworld. This book has her growing love with Ronan and her frienship with Nathalie. There is suspense amd mystery. This book will have you hooked from start to finish
April 30, 2024
4
The dynamics between characters are richly developed, adding depth and complexity to the story. As alliances shift and betrayals loom, readers are kept guessing until the very end. Carpenter's world-building is immersive, painting a vivid picture of New Chicago and the forces that shape its destiny.
At its core, Forged by Fury explores themes of power, duty, and the choices we make in the pursuit of a better future. It raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of leadership and the sacrifices it demands.
Forged by Fury is a captivating read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating what's to come in this world. Carpenter's masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and political intrigue alike.
The dynamics between characters are richly developed, adding depth and complexity to the story. As alliances shift and betrayals loom, readers are kept guessing until the very end. Carpenter's world-building is immersive, painting a vivid picture of New Chicago and the forces that shape its destiny.
At its core, Forged by Fury explores themes of power, duty, and the choices we make in the pursuit of a better future. It raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of leadership and the sacrifices it demands.
Forged by Fury is a captivating read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating what's to come in this world. Carpenter's masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and political intrigue alike.
November 24, 2024
3.5⭐️
Audio
Audio
April 4, 2022
WOW!!!!
That was amazing. Some twists I did not see coming, edge of your seat action.
The big battle. The pregnancy. The Illuminati.
I love the growth of the characters. The added complexities.
Kel hit another home run with this book, this series!!!
Ronan and Piper are so perfect.
That was amazing. Some twists I did not see coming, edge of your seat action.
The big battle. The pregnancy. The Illuminati.
I love the growth of the characters. The added complexities.
Kel hit another home run with this book, this series!!!
Ronan and Piper are so perfect.
June 27, 2023
It's so weird. In the first three books in the series, I found a tad confusing and not as enticing as other books at the same stage in a series. But this last book just wrapped it all up with glitter, sweets, and jello shots. It makes me wonder if the author is a genius when it comes to writing.
This series wormed its way into my book cave heart and set up camp. Even though it ends with a HEA, it leaves open several characters' stories for more series in the magic war universe.
So far, I'm thinking I need to know what happens with Nat and lucifer, I checked goodreads, and yes, there is a series there. I'm also thinking Bree and Anders! There's got to be a series there, too.
Stunned, the author has created a world that now has me wondering how I can get back in. I did not expect to miss or crave more from this world when it finished. But I am happy the last book was so good, it made the books before better in its wake.
It had action, smut, laughs! And thrills that added a grey hair cause I was so into it and worried for them all.
The transformation of the MCs was beautifully done and motivating in a "live don't just survive life" way.
4.5 stars
This series wormed its way into my book cave heart and set up camp. Even though it ends with a HEA, it leaves open several characters' stories for more series in the magic war universe.
So far, I'm thinking I need to know what happens with Nat and lucifer, I checked goodreads, and yes, there is a series there. I'm also thinking Bree and Anders! There's got to be a series there, too.
Stunned, the author has created a world that now has me wondering how I can get back in. I did not expect to miss or crave more from this world when it finished. But I am happy the last book was so good, it made the books before better in its wake.
It had action, smut, laughs! And thrills that added a grey hair cause I was so into it and worried for them all.
The transformation of the MCs was beautifully done and motivating in a "live don't just survive life" way.
4.5 stars
November 21, 2023
What a fabulous conclusion to this enthralling series. It was action packed with twists and turns I never saw coming. It was full of tension, suspense, secrets, magic, passion, fire and of course love.
There was so much growth from Piper throughout. I loved her feisty side, strength and determination and how she finally let Ronan in completely. He was simply stunning..... demon, The Harvester and the other half of Piper's soul as she was his.
With a whole host of fantastic but very different characters, I'm looking forward to Nats story, especially with her unintended bond to Lucifer and I hope we see more of Bree too. She really stepped up with Lorcans threats.
I loved the whole series and highly recommend it!
There was so much growth from Piper throughout. I loved her feisty side, strength and determination and how she finally let Ronan in completely. He was simply stunning..... demon, The Harvester and the other half of Piper's soul as she was his.
With a whole host of fantastic but very different characters, I'm looking forward to Nats story, especially with her unintended bond to Lucifer and I hope we see more of Bree too. She really stepped up with Lorcans threats.
I loved the whole series and highly recommend it!
September 9, 2025
4⭐️ I definitely enjoyed this series overall. I lost some steam with the last book, but that could be for a variety of reasons. I still found it enjoyable, and the urban political/magical dynamic entertaining. I felt this had a darker theme to it and I can't say I loved the different characters. But I liked them, it was a good ride and sets itself up for more in the other sister series. The babies are intriguing to me.
March 27, 2026
Some spoilers***
I really enjoyed this series! Unfortunately book 4 fell short for me. I feel the pregnancy trope really took away from Piper she was such a badass throughout the series. Many of the problems were wrapped up but just felt like a quick and sudden ending to Piper and Ronans story. I know there are spin offs, I’m not dying to read them maybe someday.
I really enjoyed this series! Unfortunately book 4 fell short for me. I feel the pregnancy trope really took away from Piper she was such a badass throughout the series. Many of the problems were wrapped up but just felt like a quick and sudden ending to Piper and Ronans story. I know there are spin offs, I’m not dying to read them maybe someday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2022
good job
A solid ending. The author did a good job. I thought there was one part that seemed out of place dealing with a weirdly timed kidnapping. Also I thought the villains were strangely easy to ultimately take down after so much build up. However there was a lot of satisfaction in how things were wrapped up over the entire book.
A solid ending. The author did a good job. I thought there was one part that seemed out of place dealing with a weirdly timed kidnapping. Also I thought the villains were strangely easy to ultimately take down after so much build up. However there was a lot of satisfaction in how things were wrapped up over the entire book.
April 1, 2022
The epic conclusion is here for Piper & Ronan. FBF has it all action, drama, some laughs, & some of the feels. Piper finally has the family she has been looking for since book 1. There are multiple POVs that build up to the next character in line from the same world for their upcoming series.
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April 1, 2022WOW!!! What an amazing story and an amazing series!!!!
I absolutely love this world and it’s characters.
It's a great world building, action packed series that had me hooked since book #1.
Whilst this is an epic conclusion for Piper & Ronan, it's a brilliant series.
Highly recommend!!!
I absolutely love this world and it’s characters.
It's a great world building, action packed series that had me hooked since book #1.
Whilst this is an epic conclusion for Piper & Ronan, it's a brilliant series.
Highly recommend!!!
April 2, 2022
Epic
Well. This was pretty epic. Magic, challenges, death, demon ghost, witches. Great ending and an opening for more books as little story's left open with lots of characters.
Well. This was pretty epic. Magic, challenges, death, demon ghost, witches. Great ending and an opening for more books as little story's left open with lots of characters.
November 18, 2024
4.5 stars
March 31, 2022
This is a great addition to this series. I devoured this fab book
March 2, 2026
Bleh the pregnancy trope was focused on so heavily in this one that it made me lose interest.
I really wish the author hadn't turned this badass demon Queen of the city into a mother of twins. Piper's story literally ends in this installment by becoming a mother. How BORING!
Just because she became a mother doesn't mean that the adventures needed to stop.
Piper absorbs the source from Hell and
we're just not going to get an explanation as to the ramifications of this? The author explains that the source in Hell is where all magic comes from. So by removing it from Hell, there has to be some crazy repercussions. Like, does this mean that Hell will just implode in on itself? How does this enormous action not affect all of the dimensions?
I really just wasn't a fan at how helpless Piper was in this book. She basically turns into a super saiyan after absorbing the source but she does nothing with this new power other than sprouting wings and becoming a mom. We don't even get to see her use her new wings! How underwhelming.
I thought it was cool how Bree defeats Lorcan. I liked how she reveals that she's actually a conduit and how she's able to use this against him. I think she even compares herself to a magical sponge haha.
What I didn't like was the lead up to the fight. Bree challenges Lorcan to a duel that will happen in 666 days or some shit. I didn't have a problem with waiting for the fight. But I did expect some action on Lorcans part to fuck with Pipers inner circle in the meantime. He literally does nothing. Instead he waits 3 days before the challenge to kidnap Piper...where Piper literally says the same fucking line that Bree said to Lorcan and challenges him right when things were starting to get interesting 🙄. So again we don't get a fight scene. Lorcan is basically cock blocked from fighting both Bree and Piper until challenge day arrives.
I wish we had seen some more action. The author could have focused on the illuminati group, or Piper in her new role as Queen. We saw a little bit of Piper in her new role, when she meets and blood oaths, the leaders of the different magical factions. But we didn't get nearly enough of that storyline. Maybe even Piper stuck in the Hell dimension would've been cool.
I really wish the author hadn't turned this badass demon Queen of the city into a mother of twins. Piper's story literally ends in this installment by becoming a mother. How BORING!
Just because she became a mother doesn't mean that the adventures needed to stop.
Piper absorbs the source from Hell and
we're just not going to get an explanation as to the ramifications of this? The author explains that the source in Hell is where all magic comes from. So by removing it from Hell, there has to be some crazy repercussions. Like, does this mean that Hell will just implode in on itself? How does this enormous action not affect all of the dimensions?
I really just wasn't a fan at how helpless Piper was in this book. She basically turns into a super saiyan after absorbing the source but she does nothing with this new power other than sprouting wings and becoming a mom. We don't even get to see her use her new wings! How underwhelming.
I thought it was cool how Bree defeats Lorcan. I liked how she reveals that she's actually a conduit and how she's able to use this against him. I think she even compares herself to a magical sponge haha.
What I didn't like was the lead up to the fight. Bree challenges Lorcan to a duel that will happen in 666 days or some shit. I didn't have a problem with waiting for the fight. But I did expect some action on Lorcans part to fuck with Pipers inner circle in the meantime. He literally does nothing. Instead he waits 3 days before the challenge to kidnap Piper...where Piper literally says the same fucking line that Bree said to Lorcan and challenges him right when things were starting to get interesting 🙄. So again we don't get a fight scene. Lorcan is basically cock blocked from fighting both Bree and Piper until challenge day arrives.
I wish we had seen some more action. The author could have focused on the illuminati group, or Piper in her new role as Queen. We saw a little bit of Piper in her new role, when she meets and blood oaths, the leaders of the different magical factions. But we didn't get nearly enough of that storyline. Maybe even Piper stuck in the Hell dimension would've been cool.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
this book ticked me off so much I don't think I can even write a review for it. *also before you consider the audiobook read my note at the bottom*
the worst thing authors can do is make their characters suddenly stupid for plot advancement.
it's very very irritating to put in the time and energy and feeling like you get to know the characters and the world when all of the sudden everything goes tits up and they just become stupid it is if they have no recollection of what happened to them.
there are some highlights like Bries and Lucie's characters and getting to know them.
BUT RONAN'S INCESSANT WHINING I'm the biggest bad that's ever been but I'm going to tell absolutely everybody how to destroy me. not once. not twice. but continually. just. freaking. stop.
But no.
Hey everybody let me wave this flag at you and tell you that my biggest vulnerability is my mate. did you know I love my mate? honest to goodness
like our FMC says to lurkin the big bad - are you still monologuing?
yes. yes he is.
bleeech
sad and to what could have been a really great series but books three and four just pulled it down.
I was really really hoping for something equivalent to the other series which was a 10 out of 10.
but this one is just not there
AUDIOBOOK NOTE
you likely haven't seen my review for book 3 but I'm going to tell you the same thing. for some reason whoever did the post-production on the narrators totally screwed up the levels. both the narrators tend to go quiet, but for some reason this book goes very very loud then drops to very very quiet. I have never in the history of reading audio books and hundreds of them by the way - ever encountered a book where I had to continually turn up and down the volume. and I mean continually!
sometimes they're so low you can't hear a word and then all of a sudden it's booming in your ear. just makes it almost impossible to listen to.
Which sucks because the narrators are very good at their job.
the worst thing authors can do is make their characters suddenly stupid for plot advancement.
it's very very irritating to put in the time and energy and feeling like you get to know the characters and the world when all of the sudden everything goes tits up and they just become stupid it is if they have no recollection of what happened to them.
there are some highlights like Bries and Lucie's characters and getting to know them.
BUT RONAN'S INCESSANT WHINING I'm the biggest bad that's ever been but I'm going to tell absolutely everybody how to destroy me. not once. not twice. but continually. just. freaking. stop.
But no.
Hey everybody let me wave this flag at you and tell you that my biggest vulnerability is my mate. did you know I love my mate? honest to goodness
like our FMC says to lurkin the big bad - are you still monologuing?
yes. yes he is.
bleeech
sad and to what could have been a really great series but books three and four just pulled it down.
I was really really hoping for something equivalent to the other series which was a 10 out of 10.
but this one is just not there
AUDIOBOOK NOTE
you likely haven't seen my review for book 3 but I'm going to tell you the same thing. for some reason whoever did the post-production on the narrators totally screwed up the levels. both the narrators tend to go quiet, but for some reason this book goes very very loud then drops to very very quiet. I have never in the history of reading audio books and hundreds of them by the way - ever encountered a book where I had to continually turn up and down the volume. and I mean continually!
sometimes they're so low you can't hear a word and then all of a sudden it's booming in your ear. just makes it almost impossible to listen to.
Which sucks because the narrators are very good at their job.
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