This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Forbidden Scrolls

Juliyah grew up in a town where half-bloods like herself were treated like animals. At a young age, she learned how to steal to survive, and fought her way free of her oppressive start in life. But when she decides to take a job that promises a large payout, she’s going to find herself in a world of trouble. Stealing the scroll seemed easy until she was betrayed and left for dead. And when she finds out the truth about the scroll she stole, Juliyah will realize she has made a terrible mistake. Juliyah joins forces with those she stole from to seek her revenge and take back the scroll. Because if they are too late, the power contained in the scroll will bring about devastation.

Juliyah was a fun to read character. She is a confident and secure half-elf. Despite everything she has been through, she doesn’t let anyone compromise her own set of morals. I did notice that the writing had her smiling a lot to convey emotion. I would have liked to see more of a diversity in body language. But aside from that, she was well written and flowed well with all of the secondary characters.

The Forbidden Scrolls is a book that lays the foundation for future adventures. Readers will be swept up in the world-building as they follow Juliyah and her companions. While there isn’t a lot of action in this first book, it is sprinkled throughout the storytelling. Readers will learn about the different races and religions and how it all pertains to the current situation. There is also a clever subplot that evolves as the story progresses, exploring how the Gods are choosing Paladins to fight for them.

No one seems to know the battle that will soon be waged. Even the Paladins themselves are unsure of the events that have been set into motion. But I can almost guarantee the next book will be thrilling as everything comes to an explosive head towards the end of The Forbidden Scrolls. I can’t wait to see how all the characters evolve as this story progresses, and the epic battles I am sure are about to be waged. Fans of fantasy, start your journey now! ( )

Juliya is a thief, a pretty good one, but stealing the Scroll of Fire for the sorcerer Frost Dirvent is a challenge. When she succeeds, she's surprised that her reward is her death at the hands of Frost's accomplice. She's lucky that the High Priest is able to save her, and she vows revenge.
The Scroll of Fire is the first step in Frost's plan to avenge his family and take over the world, so it's important that Juliya retrieve it as soon as possible. The Triad of the Gods selects two companions each to help Juliya, though they come from different areas and races, and need to find each other. Meanwhile, Frost is trying out his new power and racing to find the next scrolls.
We have a nice mix of characters in this book, all with different motives and backgrounds. The action starts right at the beginning and really picks up as the story progresses and the company starts to find each other. There are some good battle scenes and the story advances well as it changes from character to character. Frost and his companion Jovan are suitably evil, but in shades of gray, not black and white. There are reasons they behave as they do.
The Forbidden Scrolls is the start of an epic fantasy adventure, and I recommend you jump on the ride. You won't regret it! ( )