The Blood Queen: A 'Bhanrigh Fuil

by David H. Millar

True evil is a persistent and tenacious beast. Its desire for existence is eternal and insatiable. It needs to infect only one mind for its insidious philosophy to take root and spread.
It is 394 B.C. At a remote loch in the highlands of Northern Albu, a priest sacrifices nine innocents. Below the water’s surface, a shape feeds on their blood and begins to take form. Soon it becomes sentient and begins to hunt. Sidheag has risen.
Humans cannot defeat the abomination. Neither can Mongfhionn, the powerful leader of the demi-goddesses of the Aes Sidhe. The only remedy is the Blood Queen and Gràinne is the sole heir to that throne. Will the Blood Queen stand alongside Mongfhionn to confront Sidheag?
Yet the cost for Gràinne may be too much—unless her daughter, Brianag, is in jeopardy.
Passions, always near the surface of the Celts, burst into flames in The Blood Queen where father is pitted against son; mother against daughter; sister against sister; brother against sister; and father against daughter.

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2023

About the author

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, internationally published author, David H. Millar is the founder, owner, and author-in-residence of ‘A Wee Publishing Company’—a business that seeks to promote Celtic literature, authors, and art.
Millar moved from wet Northern Ireland to Nova Scotia, Canada, in the late 1990s. After ten years of shovelling snow, he decided to relocate to warmer climates and settled in Houston, Texas. Quite a contrast!
An avid reader, armchair sportsman, and Liverpool Football Club fan, Millar lives with his family and Bailey, a Manx cat of questionable disposition known to his friends as “the small angry one”!
Millar is the author of the five volume, ancient Celtic-based, Conall series. Recently published, The Dog Roses is a spin-off from the series.

Reviews

[RoXXie | The Art of Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Challenging Journey through The Blood Queen – A ´Bhanrigh Fuil

David H. Millar’s The Blood Queen – A ´Bhanrigh Fuil transports readers to a magical realm rich in Gaelic mythology and sorcery. I gave the book a three-star rating because, despite its complex and engaging plot, I didn’t like it as much as I could have.


The Blood Queen ♦ David H. Millar

Opinion

A notable obstacle I faced was the multitude of characters whose names had strong roots in the Gaelic language. Authenticity offers a depth of cultural complexity, but it also puts readers who aren’t familiar with Gaelic linguistics at a disadvantage. It was difficult to keep track of the individuals, their relationships, and their parts in the story since there were so many names. The reading experience lost its natural flow as a result of having to frequently turn to the glossary (which I highly appreciated). An easier-to-read strategy, like adding a pronunciation guide or simplified guide to the text, might have resolved this problem.

The Blood Queen’s speed was another important element that affected how I read it. The story progresses slowly, which may try the patience of readers looking for a more dynamic and fast-paced adventure but also allows for extensive world-building and character development. Some passages felt drawn out, and there were too many descriptive ones, which occasionally took away from the plot’s general drive. Finding a middle ground between a fast-paced narrative and rich, evocative storytelling might increase the interest of a larger audience.

Still, it’s important to recognize the novel’s positive aspects. It is impressive how well Millar knows Gaelic mythology and how he can craft a multi-layered, intricate story. He skillfully captures the essence of Celtic folklore in his vibrant and captivating work. The fantasy genre gains a distinct taste from the cultural authenticity, giving readers a novel and engrossing experience.

Conclusion

The Blood Queen – A ´Bhanrigh Fuil, in summary, is an engrossing story that transports readers to the fascinating realm of Gaelic magic. The novel’s vast ethnic diversity and intricate storytelling make up for its flaws, which include a lot of complicated names and slow pacing. This novel might appeal to a wider readership and provide greater enjoyment for fantasy fans by adopting a more comprehensible approach to character names and improving the tempo.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading.

[Red Ink Book Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Blood Queen – David H. Millar

I was given a copy of this book through Net Galley in order to provide an honest review.

David H. Millar is an Irish author is published internationally. He is also the founder and owner of “A Wee Publishing Company” that promotes Celtic literature.



I did not finish this book, it was too dense and heavy. There were a lot of characters introduced at what felt like the same time so it was a bit of an information overload - the pace at which this information was given could have been slowed down and a bit more spaced out to give the reader time to digest and work they way through it all properly.



I am still struggling to make sense of the plot and what was happening in the book as nothing seemed to really flow.



The characters and the plot had strong Gaelic themes and names - which also part of the reason why I struggled as I had no idea what some of the names where and how to say them as

[Zoe Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blood Queen is an erudite take on historical fantasy, featuring descriptive battle scenes and a fast paced plot that is easy to get lost in!

The book starts out very informative, building the world up for you and helping you get aquatinted with the complex vocabulary. After about five or so chapters, I could easily recognize the characters and different setting that the scenes would take place in.

I really enjoyed the warrior women of this novel, how they seemed like the primary focus in battles and ALWAYS were fierce and non-accommodating to the men around them, even though the men were written just as misogynistic as they would be given the time period.

The length of this novel really surprised me, as I went through it so fast. I felt myself dragging my dry eyes over the screen of my kindle as fast as they would let me go. It was very easy to get lost in the fantastical setting of The Blood Queen.

I really look forward to future novels in the series, and will be recommending this to friends and family with similar interests as well as picking up a physical copy for myself.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity read and review this very fun historical fantasy!

[Amber Fritz-Hewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale blending history and fantasy with an unstoppable, blood-fuelled, ancient evil loosed upon the land. Equal parts frightening and inspiring, Millar crafts a tale that keeps you hoping amid primal fear.
The appeal of ancient Celtic historical fiction is often the desire to immerse ourselves in a time so different from our own while dealing with mundane struggles of survival and humanity. Add to that, human evil corrupted by the pursuit of god-like power and actual evil raised from the icy depths on the blood of innocents, and David H. Millar’s “The Blood Queen” takes readers on a dark and brutal journey to 4th-century Scotland.
An ancient, malevolent demi-goddess is raised from dormant, formless evil in a frozen loch by a depraved, power-obsessed priest. Unsurprisingly, no amount of human power can control corporeal evil with the powers of a demi-goddess. As Sidheag grows more powerful, she creates her Baobhan Sith – a horrific pack of beautiful demons – and wants only to slaughter all living things. Other demi-goddesses lack the power individually to stop Sidheag and their inability to cooperate leaves humans at the mercy of the entrancing, violent, and seemingly unstoppable evil.
Thus, while battling one another, the humans must overcome the evil of ancient myth. It is said that only the Blood Queen can stop Sidheag, but Gràinne doesn’t want to claim her rightful throne…until Sidheag comes for her daughter in hopes of bringing the Blood Queen to the side of evil. The struggles and battles that ensue, between humans and Sidheag, as well as between the clans of Northern Albu, consume the land.
“Gods and demi-gods of great power often underestimate or fail to recognise their limitations.” Millar’s “The Blood Queen” highlights the struggle against limitations amid a tapestry of mundane and otherworldly challenges. While the chink in Sidheag’s armour ultimately comes from complete ignorance of her limitations, the rìghrean lead their warriors into one confrontation after another despite obvious limitations, knowing they must fight. That they will die is a given, but better to die fighting, than to allow unchecked Sidheag and her evil horde to end humanity.
Millar’s ancient Scotland blends historical fiction with dark fantasy, portraying that which we comfortably think of as myth as terrifying forces that freely move amongst humans and animals, doing what they want irrespective of supplication or mundane power. The story is violent, and it needs to be. There is no gratuitous violence or sex, because in the world Millar has created, life is brutal, death is brutal, and sex is simply part of life. These are people struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving landscape; in conflict with neighbours for power and land; struggling to lead clans and honour families. As gruesome as some passages are, they fit the story. There is purpose behind each violent scene or act.
Equally well done is the gender-indifferent portrayal of men and women. What Millar does so masterfully is makes it natural and commonplace, rather than anything coming across as a trope or a placation to a complex, modern society. We see one man evolve, develop humility, and express remorse at his past as he suffers the consequences of his conduct, and another battles himself internally over his limitations and perceived failures as a parent. Women can rule as bhanrìgh, serve as battle commanders, advisors, warriors, or personal bodyguards. Men and women are equally able to lead, fight, grieve, or kill.
There is no denying the skill Millar possesses in conveying the chilling nature of Sidheag and the Baobhan Sith. What is easily done on film with lighting, music, cinematography, acting, and writing, Millar achieves solely with the power of the written word. His descriptions of Sidheag, the way she moves, the way she thinks and “feels” (feeling, we are reminded, is a human trait) is chilling. And the Baobhan Sith are both beautiful and horrific, enticing and terrifying us in one sentence.
I will most certainly be searching out Millar’s “Conall” series, of which “The Blood Queen” is a spin-off. I can only hope for more to come - a prequel or sequel to “The Blood Queen” is the only thing this book needs.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blood Queen: A ‘Bhanrigh Fuil by David H. Millar is a thrilling blend of historical fantasy and Celtic mythology, steeped in rich lore and compelling characters. Set against the turbulent backdrop of ancient Scotland, the story dives into themes of power, betrayal, and survival. The narrative follows Gràinne Ni Fearghal, haunted by a prophecy tying her to dark forces, as she navigates treacherous alliances, familial conflicts, and the sinister resurgence of an ancient evil. Millar’s world-building is meticulous, creating a vivid and gritty landscape where legends and nightmares collide.

The writing is immersive, though it occasionally indulges in detail. The opening chapter, for instance, is both gripping and unsettling. It paints a vivid picture of sacrificial rituals, setting a tone of dread and suspense. While this effectively captures the stakes and atmosphere, it might be too graphic for some readers. Yet, these moments anchor the narrative's darker themes, showcasing Millar’s ability to evoke powerful emotions. The scenes involving Gràinne’s visions are particularly striking, blending psychological tension with mystical intrigue. However, at times, the descriptive prose slows the pacing.

The characters are well-crafted, particularly Gràinne and her daughter Brianag. Gràinne’s struggles with her past and her determination to protect her family make her a compelling protagonist. Her complex relationship with her estranged lover, Brion, and the fraught dynamics with her impulsive daughter, Brianag, add emotional depth to the story. Brianag’s fiery personality and warrior’s spirit shine in her confrontations, especially the tense duel with her half-brother, Cassán. These interactions are a testament to Millar’s skill in creating multi-dimensional characters.

Thematically, the book excels in exploring the cyclical nature of power and its corrupting influence. The Na Daoine Tùrsach’s dark rituals and their ties to ancient evils reflect humanity’s capacity for both creation and destruction. The contrast between Gràinne’s maternal instincts and her warrior’s resolve underscores the tension between personal desires and larger responsibilities. These ideas are woven seamlessly into the plot, though I felt that the frequent shifts in perspective can occasionally disrupt the flow. I enjoyed the inclusion of Gaelic terms and historical details which enriched the story.

The Blood Queen: A ‘Bhanrigh Fuil is a dark and captivating tale that blends historical authenticity with mythological elements. Its vivid imagery and complex characters make it a rewarding read for fans of Celtic lore and gritty fantasy. Readers who appreciate richly detailed worlds and morally ambiguous narratives will find much to enjoy.

[Meena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to begin my review by saying that if your favorite parts of fantasy books include battles, battle strategy, and gore, then this book is for you. If you enjoy a slow burn with character development and a deeper unfolding plot, this is potentially not the book for you.

Let’s start with the pros. I love the writing itself. It flowed and I read the entire book in one day. Even though there were a lot of names to keep track of, I felt it was done well and the story was cohesive.

I also really enjoyed the “world” in this story. It sucked me in right away. I thought the various clanns and kingdoms were interesting and the history between them was intriguing.

This leads me to the cons. I felt the character development throughout the book was confusing. For example, we would witness a character committing an absolutely heinous crime, but in the very next scene that character is incredibly introspective and self-critical, which would not be typical of someone who would commit said heinous crime. I felt the characters were acting… out of character, quite often. This would be fine if there were some established characterization at the beginning, followed by a growing number of scenes that would lead this character to begin to change their behavior, but there was none of that.

This leads me to my second critique. I felt like the author pressed “fast forward” on a lot of the plot. There were so many really promising scenes that I would have loved to read over the span of a few pages at least, but it went by in about a paragraph or two. I felt a lot of the character development was also at 3x speed, so I couldn’t really feel emotionally connected to anyone. It felt like the characters’ emotions were being kept at arm’s length from me as the reader.

It really was a shame because like I said, I really enjoyed the story itself. I loved the world and the characters, and I really wished I could have gotten more from both. I would love to see a sequel that goes much deeper into each character and the history of this particular world.

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Humans have a saying that 'Pride goes before destruction.' It is a lesson you should heed"

WOW - Fantasy, Action - Adventure Readers do not pass this one up!

Be prepared to be swept away -

The Blood Queen will have you flipping pages, battling your inner child not to look ahead, as well as going back to see how you missed the clues when things go fubar for our cast.
I devoured this in a couple of days -
Each turn of the page brought a new challenge or adventure.
This does have multiple characters/storylines that run concurrent -
all a part of the what and whys that converge to bring the story to its conclusion.

This opens with an introduction to the evil that is plaguing the lands and calling Sidheag to wake.
It continues with the same fast pace throughout the story keeping the reader engaged.

The world-building was complex and beautifully detailed, rich in Scottish and Irish lore.
The characters were animated and powerfully crafted giving the story life.
I was able to pick my favorites in the first few chapters -
That changed as the story progressed though the princess stayed my favorite handful
She never backed down

I admit I wish I had had a map of the lands. A way to mark the different clan territories and names. There is a lot of information on the lore and language at the end
I will also be going back and reading the Conall series -
This was just that good

[Jordan Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review 📚
The Blood Queen by David H Miller - 4/5 ⭐

A historical fantasy with elements of battles (gore included) and a fast paced plot!

The writing in this book is phenomenal - it flowed together so nicely that it just keeps you reading on and on. There are a lot of details and names to keep record of but it's done amazingly. The clans and kingdoms were the best thing about this book, the detail was insane.

I wasn't a huge lover of the characters in this book, but that's just the way they were wrote - so I guess that's a good thing. There is a lot of character development throught the book and I don't feel like they could of been made any better. On top of that, I feel like the book was very fast-paced. So much so that we could of done with slowing down and having a lot more detail through certain aspects of the book. But nevertheless it's still a fabulous story.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Blood Queen: A 'Bhanrigh Fuil" by David H. Millar is a gripping fantasy novel set in 394 B.C. in the highlands of Northern Albu. The story begins with a sinister ritual, where the blood of nine innocents awakens an ancient evil named Sidheag. This malevolent entity becomes a formidable threat, one that neither humans nor the powerful Aes Sidhe leader, Mongfhionn, can defeat alone. Gràinne, the rightful Blood Queen, emerges as the only hope to vanquish Sidheag. However, the battle demands significant sacrifices, especially when Gràinne's daughter, Brianag, is endangered. Millar weaves a tale of dark magic, ancient legends, and the relentless struggle against an insatiable evil

[Sofia Gummeson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but unfortunately I found it a bit hard to get into. There are a lot of characters introduced at once, so it is hard to keep track of them all.

There is also quite a bit of battles and war in the book, which is not an objectively bad thing, it’s just not my cup of tea.

I had a bit of a hard time grasping the plot of the book, but that might just be me having a hard time keeping the characters apart since I’m not used to only having Irish and Scottish names on the characters.

[Adeleke Inioluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an engaging and thought provoking read that captures attention from the very first page. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together interesting ideas, relatable characters, and a strong sense of purpose. The writing is clear, the pacing is smooth, and the themes are meaningful, leaving readers with plenty to reflect on.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment, inspiration, or knowledge, this book offers something valuable. It’s well crafted and enjoyable, making it a great addition to any reader’s collection.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️. You can definitely tell this was written from a male perspective.