Exiled by Iron
Published on 9. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
544 pages
978-0-00-861598-7 (ISBN)
Description
The spellbinding conclusion to the international bestseller Forged by Blood delves deeper into Nigerian mythology as the Oluso uprising comes to a head...and the young woman caught in between comes to her breaking point.
The King is dead. The Oluso rebel. War is here.
With the end of Alistair Sorenson's tyrannical reign, Demi has accepted Jonas's proposal to rule as his Queen with hopes to finally free her people, the magical Oluso. Yet social prejudice, corrupt council members, and the continued distrust of the nonmagical Ajes throughout the kingdom prove seemingly implacable obstacles. To make matters worse, Demi struggles to control her newly awakened iron blood magic. As Ekwensi's rebel army - led in part by Colin, her best friend and one-time lover - become more triumphant in their mission, war seems inevitable.
Before long, a new evil appears that hunts Oluso and Aje alike, promising desolation on a larger level than ever before. When the failed assassination puts the life of Demi's loved one in danger as well as the future of the Oluso into question, Demi embarks on a treacherous journey to find an ancestral spirit whose aid could tip the scales in her favor. Whether her new powers will destroy the kingdom or heal the blood-soaked rifts that have pulled it apart, she does not know.
Beyond the battles of swords and magic, there is the battle for Demi's heart. Jonas - the former enemy prince - has divided loyalties despite his love for Demi. And Ekwensi and Colin have every intention of winning her to their side, while a past pledge hangs over Demi's head. Demi is caught between the kingdom, her people, and the spirits, and must decide what sacrifices she is willing to make for peace, and whether she can outrun the greatest danger that constantly puts her in peril - her own heart. Only one thing is for certain...
There will be blood.
The King is dead. The Oluso rebel. War is here.
With the end of Alistair Sorenson's tyrannical reign, Demi has accepted Jonas's proposal to rule as his Queen with hopes to finally free her people, the magical Oluso. Yet social prejudice, corrupt council members, and the continued distrust of the nonmagical Ajes throughout the kingdom prove seemingly implacable obstacles. To make matters worse, Demi struggles to control her newly awakened iron blood magic. As Ekwensi's rebel army - led in part by Colin, her best friend and one-time lover - become more triumphant in their mission, war seems inevitable.
Before long, a new evil appears that hunts Oluso and Aje alike, promising desolation on a larger level than ever before. When the failed assassination puts the life of Demi's loved one in danger as well as the future of the Oluso into question, Demi embarks on a treacherous journey to find an ancestral spirit whose aid could tip the scales in her favor. Whether her new powers will destroy the kingdom or heal the blood-soaked rifts that have pulled it apart, she does not know.
Beyond the battles of swords and magic, there is the battle for Demi's heart. Jonas - the former enemy prince - has divided loyalties despite his love for Demi. And Ekwensi and Colin have every intention of winning her to their side, while a past pledge hangs over Demi's head. Demi is caught between the kingdom, her people, and the spirits, and must decide what sacrifices she is willing to make for peace, and whether she can outrun the greatest danger that constantly puts her in peril - her own heart. Only one thing is for certain...
There will be blood.
Reviews / Votes
Praise for Forged by Blood'Ehigbor Okosun has called on the winds of worldbuilding and the gales of great writing to create a tempest of a novel. Forged by Blood is an enchanting tale of sacrifice and power. Found family, mated love and unexpected twists only add to its depth of heart.'
Saara El-Arifi, bestselling author of The Final Strife
'Forged by Blood is a searing and thrilling fantasy, steeped in mythology and magic. Ehigbor Okosun weaves a gripping tale of power, sacrifice, and love -entwined in a captivating and intricate world'
Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess
'Forged by Blood is an intense, spellbinding debut from a vivid new storyteller. Ehigbor Okosun's lyrical prose effortlessly loops readers into a breathtaking adventure that keeps you on your toes and is set in a land as suffused with wonder as it is with heartbreak. Featuring a striking cast of characters with unbeatable chemistry, an inventive magic system, and rich, folkloric worldbuilding, Forged by Blood confronts history and captures the imagination with a gripping tale of tangled love, political intrigue, ancestral pain, and things worth fighting for'
Thea Guanzon, author of The Hurricane Wars
'Okosun's elaborate worldbuilding is lavishly detailed and meticulously constructed, but it never feels overwhelming. The result is an impressive and refreshingly original page-turner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the second volume'
Publishers Weekly (starred review)
'Demi is powerful, strong, and smart, with a kind heart-just the kind of main character readers will celebrate. While fighting the cruel Eingardians, she is also trying to figure out love and life. Add to that the spot-on world building and political complications and fantasy readers will find something to enjoy in this powerful work'
Booklist (starred review)
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 37 mm
Weight
362 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-861598-7 (9780008615987)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Ehigbor Okosun, or just Ehi, is the #1 Sunday Times Bestselling author of FORGED BY BLOOD, the first in a Nigerian mythology epic fantasy duology. Raised across four continents, she now resides in the US (although she misses the UK), and writes speculative fiction, mystery thrillers, and contemporary novels for adult and YA audiences. She writes in hopes of doing justice to the myths and traditions she grew up steeped in, and to honour her large, multiracial and multiethnic family. She is a graduate of UT Austin with degrees in Plan II Honours, Neurolinguistics, and English Literature, as well as Chemistry and Pre-Medical studies. When she's not reading, you can catch her bullet journalling, on a theatre stage, gaming, baking, and spending time with her loved ones.