The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Five Star Review for Forged by Betrayal and Blood

21st May 2026
TITLE: FORGED BY BETRAYAL AND BLOOD, CELESTIAL THRONE,
BOOK 1
AUTHOR: HELEN GARRAWAY
Star Rating: 5

‘A gripping epic fantasy filled with betrayal, dangerous secrets, assassins, dragons and a disgraced soldier forced to decide whether saving the empire is worth forgiving the man who destroyed his life.’
The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
Helen Garraway throws readers straight into the action with Forged By Betrayal and Blood, and it doesn’t take long to get hooked. From the opening pages, the world feels dangerous, gritty and full of tension, with battles, political unrest and long-buried secrets all colliding at once. Vael is exactly the kind of fantasy lead that’s easy to root for — scarred by his past, carrying a terrible reputation, yet fiercely loyal to the men who stand beside him. The banter and loyalty within his group adds a lot of heart to
the story and keeps the darker moments balanced perfectly.

One of the strongest parts of the book is the character work. Vael and Emperor Talon are far more layered than they first appear, and watching their complicated history slowly unfold keeps the story compelling. Disari was another standout character for me. Her storyline brings a completely different perspective to the world, and her struggle between duty and freedom gives the book an emotional edge that works really well. None of the characters feel flat or predictable, which makes the shifting alliances and betrayals even more interesting.

The worldbuilding is rich without becoming overwhelming. Dragons, assassins, ancient gods and political power struggles all weave together naturally, and Garraway reveals details at a pace that keeps you wanting more. There’s a strong classic fantasy feel to the story, but it still feels fresh thanks to the character dynamics and the mystery surrounding the Celestial Throne and the missing dragons. The atmosphere throughout the book is fantastic — whether it’s brutal battles in the wilderness or tense
conversations in palace corridors.

Overall, Forged By Betrayal and Blood is a really enjoyable start to what feels like an epic fantasy series. It has action, intrigue, emotional moments and just enough mystery to keep the pages turning. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy with flawed heroes, dangerous politics and slow-burning secrets, this is definitely one to pick up. I’ll absolutely be reading the next book.

‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
http://www.thewsa.co.uk

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Sentinals Discovery, the first few chapters of Sentinals Awaken from Birlerion’s POV and get notified when my next books are published.

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Author Event – MCM Comic Con, London is a wrap!

MCM Comic Con London

When: Friday-Sunday, 22-24 May, 2026

Where: Writers Block, South Hall, Excel, London

I can’t believe the Comic con is over. It went so fast! I didn’t have time to explore as Writer’s Block was busy, but we saw all the amazing cosplay. Considering how hot it was over the weekend, there were some brave cosplayers.

In writers Block, top left is fantasy author, C.K Andersson, next is LL. Macrae, in the middle is Royalty Sky and at the bottom, Michael R. Miller.

Forged by Betrayal and Blood made its debut and drew quite a bit of attention, and was very well recieved. Launches on June 1st, 2026.

As was the Reign of Dragons. The foiled hard cover and sprayed edges catch the eye and then you still have 18 stories and all the interior artwork to enjnoy. Someone even said they need two, so they can display the dust jacket and the foiled cover!

If you had tickets, then I hope you enjoyed the day and survived the heat. Hope to see you all again in October.

Author Event – Come and meet me at MCM Comic Con, Excel, London

MCM Comic Con London

When: Friday-Sunday, 22-24 May, 2026

Where: Writers Block, South Hall, Excel, London

Have a booklover in the family? Eager to find a new book to read? Signed by the author?

I will have some early release copies of my next book, Forged by Betrayal and Blood, which launches on June 1st, 2026. Get a hardback copy early. And while stocks last you can get a show book box including a cover artwork postcard and book mark

I’ll also have my last release, Sentinals Origins Part Two, in paperback, and you can get the Sentinals Origins duology with a matching Leyandrii scented Waxmelt for free while stocks last.

Do your booklovers love dragons? Then I will have a limited number of the most amazing fantasy anthology with foiled cover, sprayed edges, beautiful artwork and 18 dragon-themed stories. The ideal present for your bookdragon hoarder!

Come and meet the indie authors, all with tales to share and books to talk about. Everyone welcome.

Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.

If there is a specific book you want, then please preorder for collection at the show, so I make sure I bring enough copies and can reserve one for you, as now I have 15 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!

Hope to see you there.

Check out my Interview on the Wandering Scribe Youtube channel

I was invited to be on The Wandering Scribe podcast by host Gabriel Garcia, a historical fantasy author who supports Indie authors, to talk about my author journey, my books, how AI impacts writers and much more! There were some tough questions! Check out the interview to find out how I answered!

We talked about my author journey, my books, how AI impact writers, when did I first see myself as an author? questions from the the audience. Advice for aspiring writers and much more!

Check out my interview here

Author Event – Come and meet me at the Cardiff Indie Book Fair

Cardiff Indie Book Fair

When: Saturday 2nd, May, 2026, 11am-3pm

Where: Futures Inn, Hemingway Rpad, cardiff, CF10 4AU

FREE Entry

Cafe on site.

Have a booklover in the family? Eager to find a new book to read? Signed by the author?

I’ll have my latest release, Sentinals Origins Part Two, in paperback, and you can get the Sentinals Origins duology at a special show offer price.

Come and meet over twenty indie authors, all with tales to share and books to talk about. Everyone welcome.

Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.

If there is a specific book you want, then please let me know, so I make sure I bring enough copies and can reserve one for you, as now I have 15 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!

Hope to see you there.

Author Event – Come and meet me at the Farnham Indie Voices Book Fair

When: Saturday 7th, March, 2026, 11am-4pm

Where: Graphics Dept, ACU, Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS

FREE Entry

Cafe on site. Part of the Farnhm Literary Festival.

Have a booklover in the family? Eager to find a new book to read? Signed by the author?

I’ll have my latest release, Sentinals Origins Part Two, in paperback, and you can get the Sentinals Origins duology at a special show offer price.

Come and meet over twenty local authors, all with tales to share and books to talk about. Everyone welcome.

Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.

Hope to see you there.

A week to go – Come and meet me at the Newbury Craft and Gift Market

When: Saturday 6th, December, 10am-4pm

Where: Newbury Methodist Church, located at the junction of Northbrook Street and Albert Road.

FREE Entry

Last in person event before Christmas. Have a booklover in the family?

I’ll have my latest release, Sentinals Origins Part Two, in paperback, and you can get the Sentinals Origins duology at a special show offer price.

Come and peruse the variety of stalls in this vibrant market and find some christmas gifts and a new book to read. Everyone welcome.

Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.

Hope to see you there.

A week to go – Come and meet me at the Henley Craft and Gift Market

When: Sunday 29th, November, 10am-4pm

Where: Henley on Thames Town Hall, 2nd Floor (There is a lift!)

FREE Entry

Just in time for Christmas! Have a booklover in the family? Do they love dragons? Then I will have a limited number of the most amazing fantasy anthology with foiled cover, sprayed edges, beautiful artwork and 18 dragon-themed stories. The ideal present for your bookdragon hoarder!

Come and peruse the variety of stalls in this vibrant market and find some christmas gifts and a new book to read. Everyone welcome.

Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.

If there is a specific book you want, then please let me know, so I make sure I bring enough copies, and can reserve one for you, as now I have 15 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!

Hope to see you there.

Come and meet me at the Henley Craft and Gift Market

When: Sunday 29th, November, 10am-4pm

Where: Henley on Thames Town Hall, 2nd Floor (There is a lift!)

FREE Entry

Come and peruse the variety of stalls in this vibrant market and find some christmas gifts and a new book to read. Everyone welcome.

Already bought my book and want it signed? Then I’m happy to sign your book for you.

I will have a limited number of the deluxe special edition of Reign of Dragons. An ideal christmas gift for the book worms in the family! Hope to see you there.

Come and meet me at the Author at the Armouries Book Fair

When: Saturday 25th, October, 10am-5pm

Where: New Dock Hall, Royal Armouries Leeds, LS10 1LT

Ticket only: https://www.tinyurl.com/aata25tickets

Come and meet 200+ authors and find a new book to read. Ask the authors your burning questions about their books, writing and even self-publishing. Everyone welcome.

Yorkshire’s Biggest Book Celebration

Come and meet over 200 authors and vendors in vibrant Leeds and enjoy an unforgettable festival weekend. This is your chance to buy signed books, chat to authors AND party the night away with them at the Gothic Ball. Don’t miss this must-attend occasion for literary lovers of all genres.

This year, the festival will be spread across two unmissable days and two locations: Royal Armouries Hall (RAH) and New Dock Hall (NDH). See below for full details.

Your Line-up

Friday October 24th, 2025 – First Signing Day in RAH

11am to 4.30pm (with a break for lunch)

Saturday October 25th, 2025 – Second Signing Day in RAH – I am only attending Saturday.

9am to 4.00pm (with a short break for lunch)

Saturday October 25th, 2025 – First and Only Signing Day in NDH

10am to 5pm (with a break for lunch)

Find Out More

Facebook page http://facebook.com/authorsatthearmouries
Facebook group http://facebook.com/groups/authorsatthearmouries
Instagram http://instagram.com/authorsatthearmouries
Website http://authorsatthearmouries.online/aata25/ <— find the line-up of authors here