Thank you so much to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for an arc!
A Curse so Dark and Lonely was one of the first books that reignited my love for reading so the world and its characters holds a very special place in my heart.
This book takes place 4 years after the events in A Vow so Bold and Deadly so if you have not read those first then you need to!
The story follows Tycho who we meet in book 2 of the Cursebreakers books, he is now the Kings messenger and takes messages between Emberfall and Syhl Shallow. We also meet 2 new characters Jax, a blacksmith and Callyn a baker. The book follows POVs from all 3 of these characters.
Jax and Callyn live in a small village on the outskirts of Syhl Shallow and they do not like magic. They both have heard the horrific tales of what it can do and Callyns hatred for it is rooted in what happened to her family. Both are struggling to keep a float and have their own problems to face, they have been friends for years and when an opportunity arises to earn more silver, they accept even though what they are doing could be seen as treasonous. Tycho's horse throws a shoe on one of his trips across the border and this leads to him seeking assistance from Jax in his forge. However the sparks from the forge are not the only ones......
I enjoyed reading from Tycho's perspective, It was great to see inside his head and see the other characters from his POV. Tycho is bisexual which I was not aware of from the previous series and it was great to see this represented.
Jax works in his fathers forge, his father is a drunk and treats him terribly. Jax has a disability - again great representation, which his father uses to put him down about constantly and my heart broke for him. I was constantly rooting for him to stand up to him! Jax and Tycho's gradual interactions were sweet and tender, I really liked their relationship!
Callyn is a fierce character who will do anything to protect her little sister. I enjoyed her quick whit and determination but as with Jax, I found them both dull? In comparison to Harper, Grey and Rhen they were boring. I remember not being able to put ACSDAL down but this? It was a bit of a chore to pick up.
The story was quite slow, there didn't seem to be a great deal happening apart from them holding messages. Another trope that is in this which I really don't like is miscommunication!
All in all I feel this book could have been compressed down, far to big for what actually happened. Characters do not live up to previous ones from the Cursebreaker books, and I can't believe I am writing this because I was Team Grey, but in this book, Grey is an horrible. I don't know whether that's because we see him from another POV, but the man really made me mad!
Will I read the next one though? I will!

I have been looking forward to stepping back into the world of the cursebreaker series and I enjoyed the book but I eagerly await the second one as I feel that is where the more thrilling action may lay, it was sort of a slow filler type to say it was the first book but I will still be reading the next! Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this book!!

👏 what 👏 a 👏 step 👏 up 👏.

This has TYCHOOOOOO. So glad he finally got more screen time. Still adore him. Grey? Not so much. I feel with every new book by Kemmerer, I end up hating who my favourite character was before. First Rhen, now Grey. Hopefully not Tycho…..

And stoppppp omg the romance was just so pure. I want more. Callyn and Jax were actually amazing additions to the story. I hope the next book delves deeper into Callyn’s history and her mom…

Also hope we get to see more of the scraver!

The title is so relevant I love it

4.5 stars

Forging Silver into Stars is the spin-off/sequel series to Brigid Kemmerer's massively popular Cursebreakers series - and honestly in my opinion is even better than the original trilogy (although I do tend to love spin off series more lol)! Full of heart, loveable characters and an engaging plot this book is the pinnacle of what YA fantasy should be.

Following best friends Jax and Callyn in the village of Briarlock in Syhl Shallow who get ensnared in empire politics when they agree to hold a letter for a mysterious stranger travelling through their village in exchange for money to help with their struggling livelihoods. At the same time, young lord Tycho is acting as the royal courier between Emberfall and Syhl Shallow and when he is asked by the king and queen to investigate whispers of rebellion, which takes him into the path of Jax and Callyn. Secrets abound, loyalties are tested and the fallout will have potentially devasting consequences for the empire and all their lives.

I loved all 3 of our main characters and talk about them all below:

<b>Callyn</b>-Callyn is a fairly typical female YA protagonist lol but she is very likeable and I especially loved her relationship with her little sister Nora, it was very sweet and caring and she was always her top priority. Her friendship with Jax is also adorable - I love really strong friendships in books (esp m/f) and I liked how the central emotional conflict was between the two friends. I also kind of liked how Callyn kind of ends up on the side of the villains for a chunk of the book - I thought it made her character a lot more interesting. Additionally her "romance" in this book is so entertaining - its so toxic but you can't look away from it and ngl I'm kind of rooting for them in a I want you to destroy each other kind of way.

<b>Jax</b>-Jax is the grumpy gay blacksmith of my heart. I love him so much I just want to wrap him in blankets and feed him T_T Jax's story is very emotional as he deals with a lot of domestic abuse from his father, which was heart-breaking to read but seeing Jax's strength and willingness to open up to others was very empowering.

<b>Tycho</b>-honestly the main thing that made me instantly click request on this book was finding out Tycho was one of the main characters. I really enjoyed his character in the cursebreaker books (I'm a sucker for the young apprentice to the protagonist type character) and I'm pleased to say I adored his character in this book. He is such a cinnamon roll and just tries to do his best for those he loves and cares for but he also struggles with the trauma of what has happened to him in the past and reckoning that with what he wants for the future.

One of my favourite parts of the book was Tycho and Jax's blossoming relationship. It was really nice to see a central queer relationship in a popular YA fantasy series without having any of the conflict being to do with homophobia. They are both quite prickly with relationships due to their pasts and current circumstances but seeing them open up with each other and learn to trust was so sweet. Honestly they are one of my favourite YA couples in a while - the author managed to strike the balance perfectly between a surprising level of emotional depth and maturity with the heady fluttery messy feeling of first love.

We also see quite a lot of the old characters from the original trilogy, especially Grey and his relationship with Tycho and the aftermath of events in the original series. I really liked exploring this and thought and nuance and an emotional depth that was missing from A Vow so Bold and Deadly. Also the expansion of the politics and turmoil within the kingdoms I thought followed a natural progression from the first series but I found it much more engaging - I loved all the secrets, uncertain loyalties and how magic was tied into everything.

A lot of the problems I had with A Vow so Bold and deadly were non-existent in this book - I felt like that book was very surface level but in this one we had a lot of time to dig into the meat of the story and conflict and get lots of quieter character moments as well. Additionally I felt like a good balance was struck between nostalgia for the original series whilst still maintaining the main focus on the newer characters.

I really like the world of this series, it just feels very comfortable and familiar and I especially liked the village setting for a lot of this book (and I always love bakeries). Along similar lines I liked how the main characters were just normal villagers trying their best in their lives and struggling to survive rather than royalty or important political figures. It showed how the decisions powerful make have repercussions for everyday people living their lives and how easy it can be to fall into the manipulations of those with power just because you want not to have to struggle for every scrap.

Overall I would really recommend this book, I think I would read the original books first as a lot of the politics and plotting won't have as much of an impact if you haven't read the others. I'm really glad I read this as I feel now I have good memories of the series (after being disappointed by A Vow so Bold and Deadly) and I am really invested in the new characters and can't wait for book two!!

Full disclosure. This is a continuation of a series. Whilst I have read the preceding series (a curse so dark and lonely). I couldn’t remember much detail. That being said it is hard to review without spoiling the first series.

I enjoyed being back in the world. Their was a good mix of old and new characters. I enjoyed that their was not a lot of romance in this book. I liked all of the different perspectives.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for an Advanced Copy of Forging Silver into Stars.

The Cursebreakers series is one of my favourite series and I was so excited to read this book. Unfortunately, I was left very disappointed with this novel. I found it very meandering and repetitive. All of our main characters constantly refuse to speak to one another, instead they constantly internally repeat their conflicts and thoughts. If they did speak to one another the book would be about 100 pages.

Instead, we have almost 600 pages of just repetitive conflict when there was no need for it. In fact, there is barely a plot until the last 100 pages when any action happens.

The new characters, Jax and Callyn, are very difficult to connect with as they dislike Lia Mara and Grey, who are the rulers now of the world. However, after spending a whole series with these people you know that they are not tyrants. So it's difficult to root for them when you know that they are being completely led astray.

There is a lot of ableist language as our main character Jax is differently abled.

I was left shocked when a very prevalent plotline was an 18-year-old being groomed by an older man. I felt like he was in his forties but I couldn't find anywhere how old he was supposed to be.

I hated that miscarriage was also a central plot but there was no trigger warning.

The women, including Lia Mara and Harper, were pushed to the background. They had no agency other than to propel the men in the novel to succeed.

I did find it easy to read and I did enjoy some aspects. But I was extremely disappointed.

This story had me hooked really quickly. This is a spin-off book from the Cursebreaker series, which I have read and mostly enjoyed. However, this story was really good. It was fast paced and exciting, introducing new characters and reacquainting me with old ones, from the previous stories. I loved the build up of events and the unfolding of plots, which had me wanting to read on to find out what happened.

This is Tycho's story, he is now grown up and is the King's Courier, taking messages between the King and Prince Rhen. I like Tycho, he is unassuming, loyal and kind, and I wanted him to find his peace. On his way back to the Crystal Palace his horse goes lame so he stops at the small town of Briarlock, where he meets Jax, the blacksmith. I loved Jax, he is so determined, despite having lost a foot in an accident and having a horrible, nasty, drunk father to deal with. For me he made the story.

Callyn is the town baker and Jax's best friend. She and her little sister Nora live together, trying to make ends meet. She was annoying at times, but a good foil for the story and her naivety was understandable considering her past and her current situation. Add in some baddies and some magical creatures, this book had a really good cast of players.

I found this story really gripping and as it got towards the end, I found it hard to put down. Having been a little disappointed by the end of the Cursebreaker series I was pleased to see that Brigid Kemmerer was back on form with this spin-off story. I look forward to more, hopefully Jax and Callyn's stories too, there is definitely more to play out here!

Forging silver into stars by Brigid Kemmerer

Rating: 4/5

Brigid Kemmerer always manages to execute fantasy books in a way you never expected, as any good writer would do. I will admit that I did find the book to be slightly slow and it takes time to pick up, but once you reach the climax *claps excessively*. There are so many of my favourite elements in this book that Brigid incorporates beautifully- the multi-POV, beautiful world building and the wide range of characters (who by the way incorporate so much great Rep?!) exceeded expectations.

The chemistry between characters was great and I love reading about the dynamics and relationships that were built. You see characters growth and perspectives in so many phenomenal ways! It was truly amazing.

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing to read this book!

Eeeeee it was so exciting to go back to the world of Emberfall and Syll Shallow! And a series about Tycho - who could want more! The plot was beautifully written - I will admit, there wasn't a whole lot that happened in the first half of the book, but I think BK was setting some important groundwork for future books in the series. I loved the introduction of Cal and Jax, two completely normal people who get themselves wrapped up in the problems the royal family are facing. I'm excited to read the next book!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for the E-ARC of Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Forging Silver into Stars continues the Cursebreakers series, but don’t fear, you can read it as a standalone. Just be warned, that there are spoilers for the original series and you’re definitely missing out on some great storytelling if you don’t visit the original trilogy.

Brigid Kemmerer does it again, from page 1 she draws you in to Callum and Jax’s small village world. She breathes fire and breath into two great new characters, pulling you in to empathise with their struggles and delight in their friendship. Plus, this book brings back Tycho, a much loved character from the original trilogy, now grown into a fine young man.

Brigid’s storytelling abilities are perfect, there is no doubt that she would have been a magical storyteller of olde, sat by a fireplace in an inn, entrancing all those around her with tales of adventure, myth and magic.

The Cursebreakers’ world continues to expand and we see more of it in this book, as the tale and adventure flow through it with perfect pace and tempo.

Overall, another great read from Brigid Kemmerer, that I wholeheartedly recommend. Brigid continues to provide adventure, storytelling, love and romance in a finely tuned package, that never fails to delight and enthrall!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the E-ARC of Forging silver into stars.
This is my honest review.

Forging Silver into Stars is a part of the cursebreakers series and can be read as a standalone. However I haven't read the cursebreaker series so this was perfect for me. I have heard however it does contain spoilers for the series so bare this in mind, if you want to read it in order.

I really enjoyed this novel it drew me in from the first page with the action. We had enough background and character information. The story flowed there was no moment where I thinking it's too much. The characters povs were great and I just loved each character and what they brought to the story.
Brigid's writing and story telling is amazing. I can't express in words how much I enjoyed this novel.

I am not ashmed to say that I love young adult fantasy and one of my favourites is this series, so it is no suprise that I loved this book - i actually squealed when I saw that I had been accepted for it. well written with an enchating storyline and well developed characters some i already loved and some that I came to love - some that I detested, that all brought something to the table in terms of plot, atmosphere etc.
I couldn't put this book down and I didn't want to I was so happy to be in Emberfall and Syhl Shallow again.

'Forging Silver into Stars' is a welcome addition to Brigid Kemmerer's 'Cursebreaker' series, after the initial bestselling trilogy that began with 'A Curse So Dark and Lonely'. Although marketed as young adult books - and perfectly suitable for teenage readers - they are as good as any adult fantasy novels and I've enjoyed them as a middle aged person. Whilst the characters are young, they are not children, and the books are much more serious and realistic than a lot of fantasy offerings.

Whilst you could enjoy this book as a standalone because Kemmerer does a good job of covering the backstory adequately (not all authors do), it would ruin the first three with spoilers. They should definitely be read in order. After concluding the original story arc in the original trilogy, Kemmerer moves the action forwards by four years and shifts viewpoint characters, in order to continue the story of the fantasy kingdoms of Emberfall and Syhl Shallow. She uses three main viewpoint characters, with each one clearly indicated at the start of the chapter. Two are new introductions - a baker and a blacksmith from a quiet village near the border between the two countries. The third is Tycho, a very well loved secondary character from earlier in the series.

Whilst no longer given their own narration, most of the characters from the previous books still feature heavily here and we can see how things have turned out for them. It's the ideal way to continue the series - we get the fresh perspective and new stories by shifting the focus to new principals, but also can enjoy the continuity and sense of catching up with old friends that you get in a continuing storyline. I always wanted to know what happened next to the characters from 'Cursebreaker' and now I don't have to wonder.

The storyline centres on the threat of rebellion against the king, particularly coming from those who fear and distrust the use of magic. There's also the ongoing tensions between the opposing factions within the royal family and the newly joined countries - both family and countries having not that long ago been engaged in literal warfare. Tycho is now acting as the king's courier, carrying messages between the seats of government in each country. He arrives in chance in a remote village where rebels are passing messages via a poverty stricken smith and baker - each a young person with responsibilities beyond their years. Can the rebellion be defeated, and at what cost to Tycho and the mostly-innocent villagers?

Interestingly there is no 'big bad' villain in this story - no one is unequivocally evil. Unlike the first three books, where there was an irredeemably awful sorceress to defeat, it is possible to have sympathy with the main 'baddy'. It will be interesting to see what Kemmerer does with the villain character in future books (which I am certain must be coming). Kemmerer is good at introducing subtlety into her storylines - in fact, an important theme throughout the books is the difficulty of knowing what is 'right' and the recognition that good people can do bad things, and sometimes for good reasons.

If you enjoy 'sword and sorcery' type fantasy adventure, I'm pretty sure you will enjoy this series. It's easy to read, gripping and full of characters you can really root for. Kemmerer has that ability to make you care about a character within a few pages, even the more minor players. And once you care about characters, you are invested in everything that follows. I like the romance elements as well - and I'm not generally a fan of romantic storylines. Kemmerer does a good job of weaving them into the action and allowing them to enhance your enjoyment of the whole, rather than distract from it. For older readers, don't be put off by the 'YA' labelling - these are books with wide appeal to fantasy fans, not exclusively for teens.

I loved this book so much!
I need a minute to gather my thoughts so I’ll write my full review soon.
But I loved it! I felt sad for everyone at points, the horrible father, the romance feelings, the intriguing story and the messenger, the queen, … everything!

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the e-arc for an honest opinion.

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have one.

Can I say I absolutely loved this book? Because I did!! Did I mention this is TYCHO’s book? He was one of my favorite characters in the Cursebreaker serie, to say i’m extremely happy he’s gotten his own book is an understatement. Everything from the characters to the plot was written so perfectly, might love this more than ACSDAL.

Also let me say the title of this book is so genius, I know now why it’s called the way it is, it fits perfectly.

We have gotten old characters, but also are getting to learn new ones. I absolutely loved Nora’s character, she was so funny and everything how a little sister is. Also love the chemistry between the characters!

To everyone who loved the cursebreaker serie you’ll absolutely love this book too! We are getting answers that wasn’t answered in that serie. I am so excited for what’s to come next!!

Forging silver into stars is told from three points of view and is a spin off from the Cursebreaker series. It is the first book in a planned trilogy. This book follows Jax, a blacksmith, Callyn who is a baker and Tycho who works for the king. Jax only has one leg after an accident when he was younger, he and Callyn are best friends and have an attraction to each other. Callyn is looking after he younger sister Nora after she was orphaned. They live in Syhl Shallow and magic has returned in the form of a magesmith who is married to their queen. A tax collector has come and Jax and Callyn don't have the money to pay. Tycho, the King's Courier arrives and is trying to discover who is conspiring against the throne. It is said that you can read this without reading the Cursebreaker series but I disagree. I haven't read the Cursebreaker series and I was a bit lost at times and I didn't care about the characters from the Cursebreaker series because I had no connection to them. I won't be reading the second book but I can easily see this becoming a favourite for many people especially because it is aimed at an older YA audience with the main characters being 18 and 19.

I have come to the conclusion, that I will sacrifice sleep, to binge read anything that Brigid Kemmerer writes. I loved the cursebreakers series, and gave the entire trilogy five stars, and was really excited to receive an arc from bloomsbury.

Forging silver into stars was another incredible fantasy novel, that expanded the worlds that were already well known, and added so much more heart and history to them. I loved that the main character's from the trilogy were still prevalent but didn't overshadow Tycho's story, and the world building was just as strong as it was in previous books. I loved learning more about Tycho, and seeing him play a main role, where he can break away from Grey's shadow, and figure out what he wants for himself.

The new character's were really likeable, and it was interesting to see their history and have their stories connect to the ending of the cursebreakers, as FSIS is set 4 years later, and we see the effect of magic, and the war, on the townspeople's businesses and lives. Jax and Callyn had great chemistry between them, and their bickering was always a nice break from the constant foreboding. Callyn's youngest sister Nora, was a delight to read, as she was often very outspoken and cheeky, which was a contrast to most of the character's in the book.

Overall, I loved the story, and cannot wait to own my own physical copy, read it all over again and eventually read the sequel.