It’s Launch Day for Forged by Betrayal and Blood

‘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

Order your copy here

Do you love classic epic fantasy sagas? Want to immerse yourself in a new world rife with legends, myths, and dragons? Looking for new characters to tug at your heartstrings? Then Forged by Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series is now available.

Betrayal comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s how you let them affect you that will forge your path in life.

‘I was enraptured from the first page all the way to the last word. There is a lot of action, adventure, found family, betrayal, magic, A little romance and dragons! The characters are all well written, they all have depth and they are all very engaging. Helen’s world building is stunning and she weaves and blends it brilliantly and beautifully throughout the story. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend reading it!!! And I can’t wait for the second book to come out!!!’ Raelene, ARC Reader

‘Another excellent book by master story teller Helen Garraway. I was quickly hooked and then reeled in to immerse myself in the story. I had to force myself to stop reading at 1 am so I could go to sleep. I kept telling myself: I’ll read just one more chapter.’ Bob, ARC Reader

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

Never managing to rise above the rank of lieutenant in the Emperor’s army, Vael does his best to protect his men against the taint that follows him. Should the opportunity ever arise, he would gladly kill Emperor Talon Shaleri the Deranged, the man who ruined his life.

The Celestial Throne lacks its dragon, its protector, and the empire is suffering as the new emperor struggles to retain control. The emperor is weak, in power and in health. He needs to right a wrong, now he has the power to do so, before he can focus on saving his empire. But righting that wrong may not be so simple, and the man he needs to forgive him is the one man who hates him.

Dogged by persistent Farsolian warriors, who can’t decide if they want to capture or kill them, Vael and his men battle to survive. With no hope of help, Vael must avoid the war bands and the emperor’s generals long enough to choose a side. Will the Farsolian uprising be his salvation or will the Emperor finally sign his death warrant?

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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Only Five days to the launch of Forged by Betrayal and Blood

Have you preordered yet? I can’t wait to share my new world with you: WWW.Books2Read.com/FBBB.

Do you love classic epic fantasy sagas? Want to immerse yourself in a new world rife with legends, myths, and dragons? Looking for new characters to tug at your heartstrings? Then there is only five days to go and Forged by Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series will be available.

Betrayal comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s how you let them affect you that will forge your path in life.

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

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

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

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.

New Audiobook available – Sentinals Banished now live in audio

Do you love audiobooks? Then the first five books of the Sentinal series are now in audio! You can find them on a platform of your choice.

Senitnals Banished is now on Audible, Amazon and Apple, and will be on other platforms shortly.

Narrated by the wonderful Matt Coles, it’s time to immerse yourself in the world of Remargaren one more time.

Artwork design by Jeff Brown

Book Description

Sentinal Birlerion has watched from the shadows for so long he doesn’t know how to stop. Always there when the Lady’s Captain needed him. He did what was necessary to keep those he loved from harm.

When the king banishes the Lady’s Captain, Jerrol Haven, from Vespiri and disbands the Sentinal guard, the Sentinals are at a loss, some bitter, some eager to retire, all angry at the king’s decision.

Birlerion moves to Old Vespers to watch over Jerrol’s daughter as she begins her journey to become a King’s Ranger.

Old Vespers is in turmoil, the king unpredictable, and the Sentinals are unwelcome. Unexplained deaths are occurring, and bodies begin to appear in the city streets. As Birlerion continues his search for the place he can call home, he has to step out of the shadows as he is drawn into a tangled web of deceit and lies. He must hunt down those responsible and clear the Sentinals name before anyone else goes missing.

Sentinals Banished is the fifth book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

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 (Sentinal series) and also Oathsworn (SoulMist series) and to follow Helen’s writing journey and be notified when her next books are published.

Amazing Artwork and Cover Reveal for Forged By Betrayal and Blood

Forged by Betrayal and Blood is the first book in Helen Garraway’s new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series. The gorgeous artwork and cover was designed by Jeff Brown Graphics as are the Sentinal book covers.

Forged by Betrayal and Blood is currenlty on preorder and will release on June 1st, 2026.

Artwork design by Jeff Brown

Click HERE to Preorder Your Copy Today!

Book Description

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

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 (Sentinal series) and also Oathsworn (SoulMist series) and to follow Helen’s writing journey and be notified when her next books are published.

Author Interview – Quick Fire Round

I was fortunate to be invited onto to TL Browns podcast, 12 Minutes (or Less) with the Author. We did a quick question rapid fire round. So difficult to keep it to a short answer. I had to bite my tongue many times not to say more!!

Time to celebrate #IndieFeatureFridaywith an interview with USA Today bestselling author, @HelenGarrawayAuthor!

Let’s jump straight into the Rapid Fire Round. In this clip, Helen answers:

1 – What is the last book you read?
2 – Name an author you admire.
3 – What character from a book (any book) would you like as a friend in real life?
4 – Which of your novels is your favorite?
5 – What genre would you like to write in next?
6 – What’s your favorite book to recommend to others?
7 – In five words or less, why will readers fall in love with your novels?

Watch Rapid Fire Round on Youtube

👉 The full podcast episode can be found on YouTube.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1JGQ73vlk8

Watch on Youtube

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2382593098898266

Watch on Facebook

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

Pre order Forged By Betrayal and Blood now

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

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 one called Oathsworn and stay up to date with my writing journey.

Check out my recent Author Interview on ’12 Minutes (or Less!) with the Author’ Podcast

I was fortunate to be invited onto to TL Browns podcast, 12 Minutes (or Less) with the Author. Join us as we chat about my journey, my books and what’s coming next.

Come listen to — or watch — Episode 32 of TL Brown’s podcast, 12 Minutes (or less!) with the Author. Today, a prolific writer and author, Helen Garraway, joins the show. Helen is the USA Today Bestselling author of the award-winning epic fantasy Sentinal series, the fantasy romance SoulMist series, and the standalone dystopian fantasy, Harmony. She’s contributed books to two fantasy anthologies, Realm of Darkness and the Kickstarter, Reign of Dragons.

An avid reader of many different fiction genres — a love she inherited from her mother — Helen enjoys immersing herself in fantasy and is passionate about creating new characters and worlds, editing, and all things writing.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/B1JGQ73vlk8

Watch on Youtube

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2382593098898266

Watch on Facebook

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

Pre order Forged By Betrayal and Blood now

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.

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 one called Oathsworn and stay up to date with my writing journey.

Check out my recent Author Interview on Confessions of an Indie Author Blog

Recently, it was my turn to be interviewed. You can find my interview with Melina Druga on her Confessions of an Indie Author blog.

Find out about my writing journey, my books, and my thoughts behind my next book Forged in Betrayal and Blood, the first book in my new epic fantasy Celestial Throne series.

Pre order Forged By Betrayal and Blood now

Vael Tor Arne, commonly known as the Butcher of Leif, has spent the last ten years roaming the wilds of Surosha. Disgraced and outcast, he is not welcome anywhere, not even in his own home.