July 2022 First in a Series BOTM - Forging Silver into Stars, by Brigid Kemmerer

[Alaina]

When ancient magic tests a newfound love, a dark fate beckons...

Magic has been banished in the land of Syhl Shallow for as long as best friends Jax and Callyn can remember. They once loved the stories of the powerful magesmiths and mythical scravers who could conjure fire or control ice, but now they’ve learned that magic only leads to danger: magic is what killed Callyn’s parents, leaving her alone to raise her younger sister. Magic never helped Jax, whose leg was crushed in an accident that his father has been punishing him for ever since. Magic won’t save either of them when the tax collector comes calling, threatening to take their homes if they can't pay what they owe.

Meanwhile, Jax and Callyn are astonished to learn magic has returned to Syhl Shallow -- in the form of a magesmith who's now married to their queen. Now, the people of Syhl Shallow are expected to allow dangerous magic in their midst, and no one is happy about it.

When a stranger rides into town offering Jax and Callyn silver in exchange for holding secret messages for an anti-magic faction, the choice is obvious -- even if it means they may be aiding in a plot to destroy their new king. It’s a risk they’re both willing to take. That is, until another visitor arrives: handsome Lord Tycho, the King’s Courier, the man who’s been tasked with discovering who’s conspiring against the throne.

Suddenly, Jax and Callyn find themselves embroiled in a world of shifting alliances, dangerous flirtations, and ancient magic... where even the deepest loyalties will be tested.

**This BOTM thread will be open until August 5th @ Midnight (in your time zone)**

[Alaina]

Prologue: (view spoiler)[Okay, I'm excited for this one! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 1-11: (view spoiler)[Note to self: Always be suspicious of that lady. At least until I, we, know we can actually trust her. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 12-30: (view spoiler)[Whoops, forgot to update. So far, I'm in love with everyone and the story. I'm definitely shipping certain people together. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 31-60: (view spoiler)[It's definitely hard to keep track of which plan is actually in place. Which makes figuring out who to and who not to trust even harder for me.

Right now, I don't trust a few people but that's because they keep changing the plans or whatever. Then the thing with the king and magic? Blew my mind.

Now, at least, I'm not a fan of her sister being hurt and dying basically. Such a dick move. I would not be able to handle that if I was there. Other than that, so much has happened and I'm just trying to make it all make sense. It doesn't help that I didn't do an update for a long time either lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

Ch 61-Finish: (view spoiler)[Okay, I'm so excited for the next book! I'm ready for revenge! (hide spoiler)]

[christene_littlelibrary]

25% (view spoiler)[ The intro is interesting, two kingdoms at war then the characters that came from other world. Love the strong characters at the first few chapters and the nerve-racking experiences between the two lords. (hide spoiler)]

[christene_littlelibrary]

50% (view spoiler)[ I don't like that Callyn and Jax are having secret with each other or is it the leading romantic part between Lord Aleck and Callyn that I don't like? hmm lol I agree with Nora though please not Aleck (hide spoiler)]

[christene_littlelibrary]

75% (view spoiler)[ This book is eventful! Loyalty and trust being questioned by people who are closed to them! (hide spoiler)]

[christene_littlelibrary]

100% (view spoiler)[ Looking forward to the next book! too many unanswered events! (hide spoiler)]

[Ellen-Arwen]

Alaina wrote: "Ch 1-11: [spoilers removed]"

Haha, I just started this evening! Not going to finish it in July lol

I was veeeeeery thick - didn't read the blurb (standard me) and I didn't realise this was in the same world as A Curse so Dark and Lonely. Well, I assumed it was, but I didn't think it would be so closely connected! I haven't finished the trilogy yet *facepalm* So, it's all a bit confusing so far but there we are lol

Prologue, 1-11 (view spoiler)[

What do you mean always be suspicious of that lady? Is that a reference to the trilogy? Oh dear, I think this is a mistake - but I spent an audible credit on it!

The whole part with Grey and co is confusing but I can follow along with the Jax and Callyn story fine. Jax's dad is a complete and utter f*****t. I really really hate him... (hide spoiler)]

If I really need to read the trilogy first, would someone tell me please? :P

[Alaina]

Today is the LAST day to participate in this BOTM.

[Alaina]

Ellen-Arwen wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Ch 1-11: [spoilers removed]"

Haha, I just started this evening! Not going to finish it in July lol

I was veeeeeery thick - didn't read the blurb (standard me) and I didn't realise ..."

So sorry for not seeing this until now! Hmm, I would probably say yes to that because you do meet someone who is in this book in the second book of the trilogy.