Only Five days to the launch of 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

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.

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.

By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator

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.

By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator

Book Review Alert: When Legends Spark by Casey Blair

Reviewed: April 22nd, 2026
Released: December 10, 2024
Genre: Epic Fantasy

A firestarter of unmatched power,
The most legendary swordsman alive,
And the sparks that will ignite their worlds…

Kazuron is happy with his isolated life, but everything changes when he discovers a kidnapped firestarter in the snowy expanse of the Frozen Wilds.

Since the people Jesra made herself small for betrayed her, she’s ready to use her magical fire to burn those bridges with prejudice. Unfortunately, she can’t do it alone. While Kazuron may be the only person she’s felt at home with, he’s retired and doesn’t need her problems.

But shocking no one more than him, he wants them—and her, with all her magnificent fire—to stay. If only he had something to offer her beyond choosing each other’s battles, because Kazuron’s enemies and the past he’d thought behind him are back and more treacherous than Jesra’s.

With the sanctuary of the Frozen Wilds threatened, it will take both their skills to fight the combined forces after them—if they can trust each other to stand by them when they demonstrate just how much they’re really capable of, and reach for a brighter future together.

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Scale of the Dragon by Richard Fierce

Reviewed: March 27th, 2026
Released: July 5th, 2021
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Her key to freedom is also her torment.

Mina is an outcast. A childhood accident left her scarred and with a curse that her master exploits to hunt dragons for sport.

She wants freedom, from both her master and the curse, but unless the right dragon is killed, she’ll be a bondservant for the rest of her days.

With Mina’s uncanny ability and her master’s magical strength, the beast responsible for her misery will fall … even if she has to take matters into her own hands.

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Kiss and Tell : How to Write Unforgettable Sex Scenes by Michelle Hazen

Reviewed: March 19th, 2026
Released: August 15th, 2026
Genre: Writing Aide

Dawn approaches…

Learn how to confidently write smoldering sex scenes…even if the idea of it has you nervous-giggling into a glass of Chardonnay.

This book is the holy grail for all spicy romance authors. Whether you’re a newbie who isn’t sure where to start or you’ve banged out so many sex scenes that your keyboard needs a cigarette break, this one’s for you.

As the author of nine critically-acclaimed—and very steamy—romances, I understand that lecturing yourself to “write this hotter!” isn’t enough. I’ve been a certified writing coach for nearly a decade, so I can lead you step-by-step through ACTUAL THINGS YOU CAN DO to turn your open-door scenes from “okay, let’s get this over with” to “melt your Kindle.”

Here’s a taste of what you’ll get:

  • Take the guesswork out of what makes something sexy or not.
  • Stand out from the herd by writing sex scenes with depth: character specific, emotionally complex, and hot as h*ll.
  • Deploy sneaky sentence-level tricks that will drive your readers’ subconscious experience.
  • Choose vocabulary that doesn’t sound like you’re teaching sex ed.
  • Advice that works for queer and straight romances alike. Nope, we’re not going to be hetero-norming over here!
  • Break down how to write a Big Kiss scene that has the trumpets swelling.
  • Analyze examples from authors at the top of their game, like Katee Robert, Tiffany Reisz, Natalie Naudus, and more!
  • BONUS: I’ll reveal the dirty secret of sex-scene writing that no one is supposed to say out loud–the one that’s going to revolutionize the way you look at sex scenes!


So go ahead. Grab some popcorn, kick your feet up, and let’s have a laugh along the way to making your happy couple even happier!

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: The Vein Severed by Estelle Tudor

Reviewed: March 13th, 2026
Released: August 25th, 2025
Genre: Dark Historical Fantasy

Dawn approaches…

Lady Roselle Lamont made an impossible choice a century before. Torn between the life of her twin sister, or new husband Lorcan’s freedom, she paid the ultimate price, resulting in one hundred years of punishment.

For love exacts a sacrifice, one coated in blood and betrayal.

With the century drawing to a close, Roselle resigns herself to facing retribution as she clings to the last vestiges of her humanity. When Lorcan discovers her on route to London, after being summoned by their punisher, Roselle must prove her love to him while plotting out her own revenge.

But the past is not all it seems, and new lies are revealed.

Roselle and Lorcan must decide who to trust in the dark and twisted dance of Court politics if they are to ensure their survival and any hope of a chance at a future together. Yet those who crave power cling to it with every last bloodied fang, and will not relinquish it so easily…

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Flames Over Frosthelm by Dave Dobson

Reviewed: February 20th, 2026
Released: June 11th, 2019
Genre: Epic Fantasy

An Investigation Gone Awry Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves.

Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city.

After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: The Quiet Light by Casey Blair

Reviewed: February 1st, 2026
Released: March 10th, 2026
Genre: Cozy Fantasy

Kickstarter

Immortal dragons can’t mate with humans… or can they?

500 years ago, Yora went into magical stasis to escape her violent life as the Sage of Wrath. Now she’s awoken because a hunted dragon shifter needs help, but the last thing she wants is to go back to war.

She’d much rather stay in her cottage with the dragon, Zan, and eat every kind of ice cream she can imagine. Even if she knows better than to give in to the rush she feels around him… Dragons can’t mate with humans, and soon Zan will have to leave again.

But the dragon’s flight has brought danger to Yora’s doorstep. Dark powers are desperate to claim her destructive powers for themselves, and they’ll stop at nothing to bring her under their control.

Yora knows how to use her wrath to destroy. But if she can harness that same magic to build instead, maybe she can protect her found family in Crystal Hollow—and find a way to stay with Zan for all of their days, too.

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Flames of Gold by Liz Delton

Reviewed: January 20th, 2026
Released: August 24th, 2024
Genre: Epic Fantasy

The silverswords have held Tytan in an iron fist for centuries. That fist has crushed the last hope for the continent.

After quitting mage training, fire mage Fig thought her dealings with the crown and the ruthless silverswords who rule Tytan were over. That is, until she’s summoned by her old friend, Prince Devryn Verrence. His father is dead, betrayed by the silversword enclave. And now Dev is on the run, a king without a throne.

They’ll need to escape Tytan on a quest for allies, because it won’t just be the throne of Tytan they’re fighting for… but the fate of the continent, and the freedom of mages everywhere.

Flames of Gold is book one in Legends of Gold and Silver, an epic fantasy series full of hopeful determination featuring a ragtag cast of mages, dwarves, dragonets and dryads in a sprawling saga of twisty politics, magic, and myth.

Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Wolfsong by TJ Klune

Reviewed: January 11th, 2026
Released: September 1st, 2022
Genre: M/M Fantasy

Ox Matheson was twelve when his father taught him a lesson: Ox wasn’t worth anything and people would never understand him. Then he left.

Ox was sixteen when the energetic Bennett family moved in next door, harbouring a secret that would change him forever. For the family are shape-shifters, who can transform into wolves at will. Drawn to their magic, loyalty and enduring friendships, Ox feels a gulf between this extraordinary new world and the quiet life he’s known. He also finds an ally in Joe, the youngest Bennett boy. Joe is charming and handsome, but haunted by scars he cannot heal.

Ox was twenty-three when murder came to town, and tore a hole in his heart. Violence flared, tragedy split the pack and Joe left town, leaving Ox behind. Three years later, the boy is back. Except now he’s a man – and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them. Read My Thoughts…