Rise of the Forgehearts (Shackled Steel)

By Emily Huffman

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1957389052
• ISBN13: 9781957389059
• Release Date: May 2024
• Publisher: Emily Huffman
• Length: 406 Pages
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 1.0" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

A decent first-in-a-series novel.

Emily Huffman's "Rise of the Forgehearts" is a decent first-in-a-series novel. R-0, known as "a construct", is introduced while protecting their king, but something unusual occurs: stars falling from the sky enter the chests of all the constructs, causing an Awakening. This becomes an enormous problem for the organics (humans), the ones who use the constructs for menial (and worse) tasks. Some are even in the king's army. When the constructs become aware, many are frightened and try to flee. This, of course sets off a chain of events where many of the organics capture and imprison the constructs until they can be "decommissioned". R-0 and the king set out to discover why it all happened, and to help the constructs come to terms with their newfound awakening, but someone else has far worse ideas for the constructs, someone who wants a sort-of back door to the magic of the realm. I like R-0; they are immensely loyal and kind, until they need to defend themself or the king. R-0 wants to help others realize that their king is doing all he can to keep the council from destroying constructs. They meet several constructs who have renamed themselves, and I wonder of R-0 will call themself something different in the sequel. I was surprised at who the real "bad guys" were in the story, and wonder who else will champion the constructs going forward? The writing is excellent, despite some slow parts. I appreciated the guide to the gods and goddesses at the beginning. There are some depictions of death for constructs and organics, but over all, I was left with a feeling of hope. I've already recommended this book to two of my sons, and am looking forward to the second one. This review was given after I was chosen to read and review by Cozy Mystery Review Crew.