The Thornforged Chronicles
A Dark Fantasy Trilogy by Miranda Howman
Note for readers:
This series begins with a sheltered protagonist and evolves into a darker, more complex story, where trauma, moral ambiguity, and slowly developing relationships shape the journey. For an Upper YA / Mature Audience
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The Gilded Empire expects submission—even when it means watching someone you care about die.
Elora chose compassion anyway.
The Empire does not forgive defiance.Because of that choice…
she will become something worse.At the Miros Institute, Elora believed she was untouchable—trained as an alchemist, protected by her mentor, spared the cruelty every other student endured.
Until she isn’t.
At the Institute, failure isn’t corrected.
It’s punished.Stripped of protection, Elora is delivered into the hands of Headmaster Thorn—the architect of her unmaking.
Her intellect is tested.
Her will fractured.
Her empathy turned against her.She must learn what she was never taught:
Obedience.But survival demands something else.
To bleed.
To endure.
To refuse the fate carved for her.Because if she cannot remain who she was…
she will become something far worse than they intended.This is not a story about rescue.
It’s about erosion.Of identity.
Of trust.
Of the fragile belief that doing the right thing will save you. -
Dark Academia Setting
Morally Gray Characters
Gritty and Unforgiving World
Rivals with a Deep History
Themes of Corruption & Loss of Innocence
Dark Obsession
Trauma & Survival
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“A harrowing, beautifully written tale of survival and sacrifice, this book is essential reading for fans of morally complex fantasy willing to confront its darkest corners.” -IndieReader
“This checks every box for dark fantasy, and it is soooooo good. Miranda does such as good job of gutting you through her writing.” -Shannon, Goodreads
“This chilling reality creates an oppressive atmosphere that puts the “dark” in “dark fantasy.”
The novel’s strength lies in its ability to ground its gritty plot in complex, human characters.” -N. Marie, Goodreads -
Violence and Gore
Bullying
Psychological and emotional abuse
Abuse of power and coercive control
Forced institutionalization and confinement
Loss of autonomy
Non-consensual medical experimentation / bodily violation
Child trafficking
Physical assault
Sexual assault, including rape (partial open-door)
References to past sexual abuse of a minor (closed-door)
Suicidal ideation
Death of a loved one / grief
This story explores trauma in a realistic and unflinching way that may be distressing for some readers. Please proceed with care.
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Freedom didn’t heal her. It changed the battlefield.
Elora escaped the cage.
But survival was only the first rebellion.
Now hunted for what she is becoming, and haunted by what was done to her—she must navigate a world that demands strength from wounds not yet closed.
The magic forced into her was never meant for her kind. Now, Elora must learn to wield the feral power carved into her bones or be consumed by it.In Scars of the Unbound, healing is not gentle.
Trust is fragile.
Freedom demands a cost.This is not a story where trauma vanishes once love appears.
It is about aftermath.
About rebuilding identity when it has been stripped away.
About learning to stand beside someone, not behind them.Power is no longer something done to her.
It is something she must choose. -
Slow-burn romance
Morally gray allies
Forced bond
Shapeshifters
Found family
Trauma recovery & survival
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“The plot never drags. Even when it’s emotional, it’s always moving. The pacing is deceptively smooth—until you realize you’ve read 100 pages without noticing.” -Kimberly, Amazon
“I rarely find that I like sequels better than the first book of a series, but boy did this one deliver. The opening scene alone was pure magic.” -Shannon, Goodreads
“This was not what I was expecting after reading book one! The world building is chefs kiss, and despite the themes being dark you fall in love with the story and the characters.” -Cinthu, Amazon
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Depictions of trauma recovery
(including PTSD symptoms, flashbacks, and dissociation)Mentions of past sexual assault and coercion
(non-graphic but emotionally impactful; occurs off-page or in memory)Unhealthy coping mechanisms (alcohol, sexual behavior, magical suppression)
Mentions of Child trafficking
Suicidal Ideation and Self-harm
Torture, physical and psychological abuse
Themes of vengeance, grief, and power imbalance
Death of a loved one
This novel handles traumatic scenes in a tactful yet realistic way that may be too much for some readers.
Releasing June 28, 2026
More information to be released.
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Meet the Characters
Elora is a gifted young alchemist, set apart from the other students at the Miros Institute by more than just her talent. Under the protection of Tehvan, a renowned scholar at the Institute, Elora has been shielded from the cruelty and harsh trials that her peers endure. While others are forced to fight for survival, she’s been allowed to focus solely on perfecting her alchemy, giving her an advantage that breeds quiet resentment.
Her privileged position makes her an outsider and resented by many, like the bitter and driven Symond, yet still able to form deep bonds with those who see beyond her status, like her loyal friend Arria. This protection has left Elora feeling untouchable, confident that the walls built around her will never crack.
But her belief in her own invincibility may be her greatest weakness.
Protagonist: Elora
Explore the World
In the shadow of Mahōamorah, the ancient World Tree, magic is more than power, it is life itself.
At the heart of this world lies MahōKi Sap, a rare, golden lifeblood capable of healing, destruction, and bending reality. Coveted and controlled by the ruthless Gilded Empire, its use is strictly guarded, fueling conflict and rebellion.
Here, magic is not born but crafted through Alchemy, a delicate fusion of science and sorcery where the smallest misstep can spell disaster. Alchemists wield this art to forge weapons, heal wounds, and twist the world to their will, balancing creation and ruin.
In this world of fragile power and tightening control, one mistake could ignite a rebellion… or end it.
Learn about the Magic
Meet the Author
Miranda Howman
Miranda Howman writes dark fantasy where survival comes at a cost—and healing is never simple.
Her stories explore trauma, defiance, and transformation with an unflinching honesty, using fantasy as a lens to examine real-world experiences that are often overlooked or left unspoken. Through The Thornforged Chronicles, she aims not only to tell a compelling story, but to create space for readers to feel seen in the complexities of pain, survival, and reclaiming control.
When she’s not writing, Miranda designs her own promotional art, researches alchemical lore, or walks her dog while plotting her next emotionally devastating chapter.
Thorns of Fate is her debut novel.