The Blacksmith Prince

This story is set in medieval France. Belief in Fae mischief and Unseelie Courts is strong. It’s a great romance. It’s a rollicking adventure with unexpected twists and characters that you can care about. I don’t think the cover sells it very well… it seems kind of cheesy. The tale within its pages is a wonderful fantasy adventure that acknowledges classic fairy tale structure, but definitely puts its own spin on it. I very much enjoyed reading this book. I may have read it a few times… 

Once upon a time, there was a young fisherman named Jehan who wished for nothing more than to live a peaceful life.

However, he was born with the second sight, and knows how to talk to the spirits, dryads, and nymphs who dwell in the rivers and dark forests of his home. He does his best to keep his abilities secret, for in 17th century France, witches like him are burned at the stake.

To make things worse, his heart beats for the son of the village smith, Giraud, who is everybody’s darling with his swashbuckling ways and sooty smile. When Giraud fears that a dark curse has befallen his beloved parents, he seeks help from the only other man who knows about the hidden world around them – Jehan.

Before long, the two are embroiled in a wild adventure, facing brigands, witches, and noble fae, as all the while their friendship and attraction grows into something much deeper. If they manage to overcome ancient feuds and everyday prejudices, there might even be a unique happily-ever-after in store for them…

‘The Blacksmith Prince’ by Rainbow-Book-Award winners Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus is an MM historical fantasy romance, a feel-good fairytale about true love in a time when history and stories were still one and the same.

The Purple Fantastic Steam Meter gives this a 2. It acknowledges sexual attraction and corresponding body parts, but what happens on the page is relatively measured. (You can learn more about The Purple Fantastic Steam Meter on the About page.)