Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl seeks her destiny in so-so fantasy adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
FORGED IN FIRE AND STARS is the story of Ara, who's being raised by her grandmother and hiding in a remote mountain village after the kingdom fell to the evil Vokkan empire. Ara could have been the next Loresmith, forger of magical weapons only the best knights can wield for their country. But without her father to teach her the ancient ways and secrets, it looks like the line of Loresmiths is broken. Until two mysterious strangers appear in her village and set Ara on a path to discover her true destiny. Along the way she'll need the help of a thief, a fox, a summoner, and the true heirs to the throne if she's going to stay safe from the powerful magic of the Vokkan wizards.
Is It Any Good?
Fans who enjoy devouring all things fantasy will enjoy this strong-girl magical adventure with dashes of menace and mystery, but it's familiar territory and is a bit too uneven for broad appeal. Some of the elements in Forged in Fire and Stars feel like cliches, and overall the world feels very familiar within the fantasy genre without any real unique spark. Author Andrea Robertson's strengths are in her characters, who are engaging and believable, if not very surprising. The pace is a bit uneven, and the story doesn't even pretend to end, so fans will have to hope that it's the first of a planned series.
Most of the content is mild enough for middle schoolers, but a few events with real-world and fantasy violence involving gore, blood, and gruesome imagery make it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Forged in Fire and Stars. How much is too much? Do you feel differently reading it than seeing it in movies, videos, games, and other media?
Is Ara a good role model? What are her character strengths and weaknesses? Do you like or admire her?
Why are fantasy books so popular? What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : May 5, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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