Forged by Blood

A brilliant new voice introduces an unforgettable debut. Ehigbor Okosun's first book is an action-packed, poignant duology inspired by Nigerian mythology—rich with magic, emotion, and a deeply atmospheric world. It follows a young woman fighting to survive a tyrannical society after everything is taken from her, as she seeks vengeance for her mother's murder and the bloodshed of her people.

Amid a brutal regime and political invasion, Dèmi wants only to survive. She tries to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife, escape the King's ruthless genocide of her people—the darker-skinned, magic-wielding Oluso—and live quietly with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright.

But when misplaced trust costs her mother's life, survival turns to vengeance. Dèmi waits for her moment until the cunning Lord Ekwensi offers her an opportunity: kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and use his life as leverage to save the remaining Oluso.

With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds—but soon discovers that she and Jonas share more than dangerous secrets. As their connection deepens into a forbidden attraction, tensions rise, especially for Colin—and for Dèmi herself.

Now entangled in a dangerous mission, the trio must return to the King, help secure Lord Ekwensi's place on the council, and fight to give the Oluso a voice in a system designed to silence them. But the path is treacherous, Dèmi's magic is growing yet unpredictable, and trust becomes their greatest risk.

A tale of rebellion and redemption, race and class, love and betrayal, Forged by Blood is epic fantasy at its finest from an exciting new voice.