This was a lovely fantasy with a sweet romance and overall cozy vibes. The lack of world building I expected because of this being a very chill and cozy fantasy but I didn't like the ending which was very rushed. Considering that the threat of Emperor Isveig being able to kill Daella hangs over her head for most of this book, I'd say he was defeated too easily and it was made worse by his defeat being off-page. That being said I really liked this book, the story was captivating and it kept me interested. I loved Daella and Rivelin, they were adorable and the slow burn romance with delicious tension was so nicely written

Ehhh

This book was whimsical in the best way possible. I loved how the two MC's played hard to get, and how they were able to help one another through their hardships. My only issue was the ending events seemed a bit rushed, but other than that a decent cozy story.

🦇 Forged by Magic Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝ Someone with edges rough enough to understand me but soft enough to bring a little brightness into my ‘dreary hermit life.’ ❞

❓ #QOTD If you could make one wish to make your daily life a little easier, what would you wish for? ❓

🦇 After she's trapped in a tower by the emperor who conquered her home, Daella is eager to escape, even if it means making a deal with her capture. In exchange for her freedom, she must journey to the mysterious Isle of Fable to track down dragons and the dangerous beings that wield their magic. After a storm separates her from the ship and crew, Daella finds herself on the wrong island. Rivelin, a grumpy, handsome elven blacksmith, gives her shelter in exchange for a favor. Though they clash heads over the flames of his forge, Daella begins to experience something she hasn't in too long: a sense of belonging. Can she find a new home on the Isles, or will Rivelin's secrets tear them apart?

💜 Daella is a fierce, snarky, yet entirely misunderstood half-orc mercenary with a reputation that far precedes her. Rivelin is just as fierce, namely, when it comes to protecting the island he now calls home. The witty banter and snark in their initial interactions add to the rising tension between them. The fantasy elements (the magic of the Isles, emperor's cursed ice that allows him to manipulate Daella, and the varying fae creatures) are never heavy components in the story. More than once, I forget it was a romantasy (which is a good thing, as it allows us to focus on the characters, their flaws, and motivations). The prose is vivid, inviting readers into a beautiful, welcoming community. The story is heartwarming, presents minimal danger, and is a cozy read perfect for all.

🦇 The story ends with a HEA that feels rushed and out of place. Most disappointing was the lack of worldbuilding. It sounds like Daella's people had a lot of culture and history, but since it was mostly wiped out, we learn little about it. Dragon magic plays a big part in the story, too, but again, the details are lacking. Even the villain is distant, though their threat to kill Daella hangs over her head. The spice also felt like it came out of nowhere after chapters of snark and sass. The romance IS a slow burn, but the transition to smut (and I say smut, not romance, on purpose) is abrupt. That being said, Daella and Rivelin are adorable together (once they get their nonsense together), but that third act is disappointing and lacking.

🦇 Recommended for anyone looking for a cozy yet spice romantasy. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes (there's a bit more action in this one).

✨ The Vibes ✨
⚒️ Forced Proximity/Reluctant Allies
🗡️ Dragons
⚒️ Spice
🗡️ Cozy Fantasy Romance
⚒️ First in a Series
🗡️ Dual POV

This was a lovely, mostly cozy fantasy romance that gave me happy feels. (And a little frustration towards the end.) But overall I loved it. Half-orc lady and a brooding elven blacksmith.