Forged By Betrayal and Blood is a Finalist in the Global Book Awards

I am so thrilled to announce that Forged By Betrayal and Blood, the first book in the dark epic fantasy Celestial Throne Series is a finalist in the 2026 Global Book Awards.

The 2026 Global Book Awards for Self-Published Authors.

The Global Awards aim to discover new talent as well as recognize fine examples of self-published books. As such, we hope they will give self-published authors the recognition they deserve, whether that is in their writing creativity, or in the way they have marketed their books to attract new readers.

In this modern age of self-publishing, books need to be appraised not only by their content and writing style, but also by the way they present and market themselves to the prospective buyer, whether that is in the good ratings it has on important stores like Amazon, its book cover and description, or the number of reviews it has collected. They must also appeal to new readers so part of the evaluation included a survey asking avid readers to select the top 5 books they enjoyed the most.

The awards are grouped by category (or genre) and divided into Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Award Finalists.

Grab your copy today!

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. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

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

Thornbury Indie Book Fair

When: Saturday 1st, August, 2026, 10am-3pm

VIP entry 10-11am

Where: Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AQ

FREE Entry after 11am

Bookish Raffle prizes to be won!

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

I’ll have my latest release, Forged By Betrayal and Blood, in paperback, and in a beautiful hardback.

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 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 16 books, I am limited by the number of books I can fit in my car!

Hope to see you there.

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.

Author Interview – Rebecca Harding

It’s time to meet Epic Fantasy author, Rebecca Harding,

Helen: Welcome to my blog, Rebecca. I’m very excited to chat to you about your book The Element of Gold which released in January of this year. Tell us a little about your book.

Rebecca: My current book is called The Element of Gold which is book 1 in the Goldstone series. It’s an epic fantasy about the quest for gold and what people are willing to sacrifice for power and wealth. However, it’s ultimately about finding our inner power and magic that exists within all of us – we all have an innate power to heal, grow and be conscious of the amazing life that we all are. The Element of Gold was inspired by The Lord of the Rings, A Game of Thrones, and there are also some elements of Gulliver’s Travels that appear in some chapters as well, so it’s a blend of epic fantasy with some extraordinary, whimsical moments that keep things interesting!

Helen: And your cover? Navy and gold go so well together. What were your thoughts behind the design?

Rebecca: I knew early on that I wanted the cover to be simple and that the Golden Egg would be the focus of the cover. I suppose the Golden Egg is sort of the main character — although there are multiple characters all with their own POVs, all the events unfold around the Golden Egg. So I wanted the Golden Egg to be the star of the cover!

Helen: Writing can be a bit addictive, I know I’m always plotting new stories. What are you currently working on?

Rebecca: My current WIP is the next book in the Goldstone series, so please keep a look out for its release probably sometime next year (although as writers, we know that the release date is often a large dose of wishful thinking!)

Helen: Best laid plans and all that! At least being Independently published we can set our own deadlines. I know this is a difficult question, but who is the favourite character you have written?

Rebecca: My favourite — don’t tell my other characters because they’ll probably give me insufferable writer’s block for the next book — but it’s probably Kyra.

Helen: So if your main character could tell us why to read your book, what would they say?

Rebecca: It’s hard to pinpoint a ‘main’ character in The Element of Gold, as I enjoyed creating several characters with their own spirits and journeys, but Kyra would say ‘read this book if you’re on a journey of reclaiming your power – in whatever way that looks like to you, this book will remind you about your incredible strength!’

Helen: Thank you so much for spending time with me today. I wish you all the best with your books. Just to finish, what is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received that you would share with other writers?

Rebecca: However you need to write your book — if that means writing at 2am, writing in a notebook, or writing upside down while riding a bicycle! — it doesn’t matter, just write the book! Put your perfectionist mind to the side and just allow the creativity to flow without judging it. The critic can return later when it’s time to edit, but don’t allow it to stop you from finishing your book — because it’s not just words on a page, it’s your voice and your unique journey.

About the Author – Rebecca Harding

Rebecca Harding is a fantasy author whose writing blends a deep love for the natural world with ancient philosophy and rich spirituality. Born in Hertfordshire, England, she spent her formative years exploring local woodlands and questioning the mysteries of existence — passions that naturally wove themselves into her storytelling.

Her debut novel, The Element of Gold, marks the beginning of her journey as a world-builder, exploring complex themes of inner power, elemental forces, and the unseen threads that connect all living things. When she isn’t writing or getting lost in philosophical debates, Rebecca can usually be found hiking, meditating, or looking for magic in the everyday.

Follow Rebecca on social:

Website

Instagram

Purchase The Element of Gold by Rebecca Harding

UK: eBook | Paperback
USA: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

An early view of the initial sketch for the cover design for Bound By Scale and Blossom

Book Two, Bound by Scale and Blossom is on pre order. Tentative release date, December 2026.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series, the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series or my brand new Celestial Throne series. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and also Oathsworn, the prequel novella to the SoulMist series, and get notified when my next books are published.

Readers’ Favorite Awards Five Star Review for Forged by Betrayal and Blood

Reviewed by Ruﬃna Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

Forged by Betrayal and Blood by Helen Garraway opens the Celestial Throne series, a fantasy that brims with ancient magic, political intrigue, and a gritty redemptive journey. Vael Tor Arne, also known as the Butcher of Leif, is a disgraced soldier who has lived on the fringes of the empire, banished and haunted by a betrayal that destroyed not only his reputation but his family.

Farsolian warbands hunt Vael and his soldiers. His path leads to a lethal assassin, Disari, Sister of the Moon Blossom, whose mission to murder Emperor Talonm instead turns into an oath to destroy the oppressive sisterhood. When prophecies about the celestial dragons destined to protect the realm surface, Vael becomes the target of a sadistic warlord. Can he survive what is coming for him, protect his men, and find redemption?

Helen Garraway is a great entertainer, and her epic fantasy had me invested in her characters and how she explores their psychological wounds. Vael festers with survivor’s guilt and resentment, yet he is fond of his newfound family to whom he shows loyalty, especially Mort, the healer, and the protective Lars. Disari is another character who is grounded, struggling with the indoctrination by the Sisterhood and her desire for freedom. The setting is written with atmospheric detail, from the sanctuary’s stone archives to the Farsolian peaks and the snow that covers them. Forged by Betrayal and Blood is filled with action and scenes that test the human will.

Fans of Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon will find familiar thrills in the elements of military fantasy and dragon mythology; however, Garraway distinguishes her work through its examination of the cost of honor and the haunting question of whether a man broken by bloodshed can ever be free.

Book Two, Bound by Scale and Blossom is on pre order. Tentative release date, December 2026.

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 Oathsworn, the prequel novella to the SoulMist series, and get notified when my next books are published.

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.

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.

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.