Forged by Malice: The viral TikTok sensation (Beasts of the Briar, Book 3)

Ulalalalla. The first half is easy going and we get a lot of different POVs - so I was not bored but not really excited. After 50% it’s a firework of passion, gore, fights and action. This cliffhanger at the end had me in shreds. Well actually it’s not just one plot twist but 3! The only thing I did not like is that as readers we already know some twists before the characters - especially when you are a frequent fantasy reader - this annoys me a bit because the characters act quite dumb some time. But I like Rosalina more and more even though she never listens when it’s important….. Can’t wait for book 4! The spice is 5/5 as always. Uff that was hoooooot.

Es ist weiterhin eine unterhaltsame Lektüre, aber die Story wird immer lächerlicher in den Plots.

“Forged by Malice,” the third installment in Elizabeth Helen‘s “Bonded by Thorns” series, is by far the strongest entry yet. The book takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, with the first half laying a solid foundation and the second half ramping up to an action-packed thrill. The pacing of the novel is intriguing; the first half feels more relaxed, almost easygoing, which allows the reader to settle into the world and the characters. However, as the story progresses, the intensity picks up, and the narrative becomes a whirlwind of revelations and actions. This shift is both exciting and chaotic at times, but it ultimately propels the story forward in a meaningful way. Questions that have lingered since the beginning of the series are finally answered, while new mysteries are introduced, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what’s to come. One of the highlights of “Forged by Malice” is the character development. Helen does a fantastic job of deepening our understanding of the characters, particularly Caspian, who stands out as the most compelling figure in the novel. His complexity and the tantalizing hints about his past make him a character you can't help but be drawn to. There's still so much to uncover about him, and his enigmatic nature only adds to the anticipation for future books. While some plot points are a bit predictable, they remain entertaining, and Helen skillfully balances these with more subtle foreshadowing, inviting readers to form their own theories. This mix of obvious and hidden plot threads keeps the narrative engaging, even when the events unfold as expected. The spice in “Forged by Malice” is very spicy indeed—while not always essential to the plot, these scenes add a steamy layer to the story. However, they may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer their fantasy less heated. Compared to the previous two books, “Forged by Malice” is a significant step up. The plot is tighter, the stakes are higher, and the character arcs are more satisfying. The book ends on a delicious cliffhanger that leaves you hungry for more. In conclusion, “Forged by Malice” is a captivating read that will leave fans of the series eagerly awaiting the next installment. Despite some chaotic moments and predictable elements, the character growth, thrilling plot twists, and tantalizing mysteries make this a must-read for anyone invested in Helen‘s world.