The Blacksmith Prince

I expect great characterizations and superb storytelling from the this writing pair, and the Blacksmith Prince was exactly that. Once a book wins a Rainbow Award I don’t know what else I can tell you besides I loved this book. And why.Sense of place: the story sucks you right back in time. It’s vivid and immersive: but thankfully without the true slog of preindustrial life (with the occasional anachronism). The language makes you believe in the small magics and the large ones: Fey belong here.“Like the afterimage of a lightning bolt, Jehan now saw antlers over his head in ghostly shapes, leaves on his shoulders and storm in his hair.”Sense of character: Jehan has magic and no desire to take on the duties his wisewoman grandmother is about to leave behind. We get to watch his understanding of how he is needed grow, and how he rises to the need. Even in the face of angry foes, he manages to parlay his small but growing skills into triumph, and the occasional punch in the nose.Giraud too grows in his power and acceptance of power. He's willing to bust heads and take names doing it, even when it wars with his sense of fitting in.Sense of story: what started as a small quest becomes a large one, even as the characters grow into themselves.What started as a lark and a way to enlist Jehan’s help, becomes much more than that for Giraud: you can feel the bond growing between the two young men. They aren’t taking much time for romance: they have grave matters to unravel, and they meet magical creatures along the way, whose help they must have in their quest, or that they must somehow defeat.The history here is woven into the fantasy, just as boldness is woven into healthy caution, and magic into the everyday. It’s a lovely tale, with the sweetness of love to leaven the adventure.If you're looking for sexytimes, this is the wrong place to look: it's all adventure and love, and I promise, you won't feel anything is missing. Because nothing is.

This was fun, sweet, and exciting.I do so love a story with the fae.Thank you for this story :)

Very good read. Nice little paranormal romance.

17th century Perigord, France. La Morangiasse market place. Jehan le Pêcheur (fisherman) was closing up his stall for the day.The other apprentices & journeymen from all the other shops were glad the work day was over.Giraud (adoptive son) wanted him to go swimming it was so hot out.It was Marianne’s (niece) birthday so Jehan had to stop by there.Jehan had brought Madame Cassanoë a goat’s horn.She gave him the current gossip of Maître Segui (smith), & Marette (Segui’s wife) who live up the hill from her.Castelfort (town). Jehan & Giraud were doing quite a lot of traveling/site-seeing & meeting new PPL.Sanglier Ivre garden. Maître Jehan & Giraud (bastard son) couldn’t believe their eyes, before them was Lord Silvanus (Prince of Castelfort).Unknown to most, he was Giraud’s father.Giraud ask for a favor but it could not be granted.Right after, Marton (brigand), & Gis go into a fight with Giraud & Jehan.Pons was making false accusations about Giraud & Jehan to the Captain.Giraud & Jehan went swimming with Limnada (mermaid).What did Jehan reveal to her?What does the future hold for Giraud & Jehan?Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written historical fiction romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 17th century romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. Wasn’t as exciting as I was hoping but I’ll still rate it at 5 stars.Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Author; PDF bookTony Parsons (Washburn)