Forged in Fire by Lyn C. Johanson is Book 2 in the Witch World series, another compelling entry featuring two powerful characters that will remind readers of the fantasy tales of Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, only this time readers encounter the eternal struggle between good and evil, love and lust, and the rewards of sacrifice.

Desiree, the powerful witch, has been banished by the Council of Demons and now she rules a realm where the wicked and most hardened souls wallow. But what troubles her is the one soul that still bears some light, Ciaran. Ciaran is the embodiment of selfless love, a man who would suffer so that others can live, and that is why he embraces an eternity in hell. It’s to give life to his newborn nephews. Can he keep his purity and dignity when he encounters Desiree, the most ravishing beauty anyone has ever set eyes on, or is she really ravishing? Can he resist the temptation or will he be giving up his soul as well?

The story begins with intense action and sets the tone for the emotionally charged moments that fill the pages. The plot is well-paced and the writing so carefully crafted it makes for an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the way that Lyn C. Johanson allows the themes of religion, love, faith, and sacrifice to come across in the writing. The characters are compelling and memorable.

The idea of hell and punishment seems to be partly inspired by mainstream beliefs about hell, but the author’s imagination introduces elements that make the whole place fun to read about. The internal battle that Ciaran fights with his conscience is symbolic of the war that many readers fight every day. Although this is a very entertaining story, it asks the question about how readers make their choices and what their values are. You’ll be entertained, and you’ll ask serious questions about life. Forged in Fire is a very good read!

Ciaran, an un-dead human condemned to Zcuran in a deal to save his nephews, survives as the best warrior in the fights designed as entertainment for the demons of the underworld. That is until the former punisher, Gem, notices him and can’t help but be intrigued by something different she sees in him. Forged in Fire: Witch World Series Book 2 by Lyn C. Johanson follows the growing attraction between Gem and Ciaran, which is a force that each of them tries to deny for their own personal reasons. It is the differences they both try to hide, though, that strengthens the bond between them and makes them a target for other forces. With some help from the only friend Gem has, she and Ciaran attempt to flee Zcuran and the fate the Council of Demons has in store for the half-breed demon. In a world where there is no trust, can Gem and Ciaran work together and accept what they feel for one another to succeed, or will the punishments of Zcuran prove to be too much for even love to overcome?

Love and devotion are not typical qualities found in the underworld where demons enjoy pain and despair, but that is exactly what Gem and Ciaran find in one another in Forged in Fire: Witch World Series Book 2 by Lyn C. Johanson. The action is as steamy as the setting as these kindred souls are attracted to what each is trying to hide in an attempt at self-preservation. There is plenty of intrigue as the two are led to hope they can escape the torments of hell. Will their relationship strengthen them or bring them down in flames?