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The Bladesmith Queen: A Medieval Short Story
They called her a witch.
The only daughter of a long line of bladesmiths, Orsa had no choice but to take up the hammer and forge when it was her turn. But she was unlike those who came before her. Her swords are legendary—said to be undefeatable. And when she makes them, she can see their future...and the truth of the warriors who wield them. Brutal. Cruel. Unworthy of her skill. Until him.
They called him a mercenary.
A warrior with unmatched strength, Bruin has fought on the side of justice for a lifetime, a legend in his own right, he aids those in need, wherever, whenever he is called. He has no past and no future, living day to day for nothing but battle, until he finds a legendary sword—forged by the witch from the North—that reveals that he does have a future, and it is full of her...
The Bladesmith Queen** This story is available free with newsletter subscription at Sarah's website
The only daughter of a long line of bladesmiths, Orsa had no choice but to take up the hammer and forge when it was her turn. But she was unlike those who came before her. Her swords are legendary—said to be undefeatable. And when she makes them, she can see their future...and the truth of the warriors who wield them. Brutal. Cruel. Unworthy of her skill. Until him.
They called him a mercenary.
A warrior with unmatched strength, Bruin has fought on the side of justice for a lifetime, a legend in his own right, he aids those in need, wherever, whenever he is called. He has no past and no future, living day to day for nothing but battle, until he finds a legendary sword—forged by the witch from the North—that reveals that he does have a future, and it is full of her...
The Bladesmith Queen** This story is available free with newsletter subscription at Sarah's website
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2024
57 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Sarah MacLean
36 books15.5k followersNew York Times, Washington Post & USA Today bestseller Sarah MacLean is the author of historical romance novels. Translated into more than twenty-five languages, the books that make up “The MacLeaniverse” are beloved by readers worldwide.
In addition to her novels, Sarah is a leading advocate for the romance genre, speaking widely on its place as a feminist text and a cultural bellwether. A columnist for the New York Times, the Washington Post and Bustle, she is the co-host of the weekly romance podcast, Fated Mates. A Rhode Island native, Sarah now lives in New York City.
In addition to her novels, Sarah is a leading advocate for the romance genre, speaking widely on its place as a feminist text and a cultural bellwether. A columnist for the New York Times, the Washington Post and Bustle, she is the co-host of the weekly romance podcast, Fated Mates. A Rhode Island native, Sarah now lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 11, 2023
Trying to imagine these two and their HEA, communicating in short, enigmatic phrases.
“Eggs. In the pan.”
“Yes. I see them.”
“They are yours. As am I.”
“Eggs. In the pan.”
“Yes. I see them.”
“They are yours. As am I.”
September 5, 2023
This was different and interesting. A super short story, but it packs an emotional punch.
July 24, 2024
um i didn’t really get it but i still read it so 👍👍
August 18, 2023
Very short retelling of the legend of Excalibur, told in a misty, fairy tale way, with mostly exposition and vibes.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 30, 2023
Short but packs a lot into so few pages. The daughter of a long line of bladesmiths, Orsa forges swords of legend, and then he came, but not for a sword. Bruin, a warrior who saw her every time he touched one of her swords and then he finally found her. An Arthurian retelling, this Medieval romance was intense and lovely.
September 6, 2024
When we realized there was a steamy Sarah MacLean short story we hadn't read yet, we just had to pick it up. Look, it's less than 50 pages, includes a steamy scene set in a lake, and is a take on the Arthurian legend of Excalibur.
Sarah MacLean has her own MacLeaniverse; all of her historical romance novels are set in an interconnected world, and at the end of this book she goes through a bit of a contortion to say that this magical romantasy is also in the same world. Did this really add anything to the book? We're still unsure and honestly thought it was totally fine without the added afterword situating this in relation to a Regency/Victorian-set series.
Ursula K. Le Guin has talked about the language of fantasy, and how fantasy novels cannot be written using the same prose as other genres. Sarah MacLean definitely wrote this romantasy using a different voice than her other books, which was something we really appreciated.
23-Word Summaries:
Meg: It’s a good thing romantasy lets characters have sexy visions of each other before meeting, since this story is only 40-odd pages long.
Laine: When the whole town hates you, it's best to keep a wolf for safety. Fated consummation must wait until the enemies are dead.
Sarah MacLean has her own MacLeaniverse; all of her historical romance novels are set in an interconnected world, and at the end of this book she goes through a bit of a contortion to say that this magical romantasy is also in the same world. Did this really add anything to the book? We're still unsure and honestly thought it was totally fine without the added afterword situating this in relation to a Regency/Victorian-set series.
Ursula K. Le Guin has talked about the language of fantasy, and how fantasy novels cannot be written using the same prose as other genres. Sarah MacLean definitely wrote this romantasy using a different voice than her other books, which was something we really appreciated.
23-Word Summaries:
Meg: It’s a good thing romantasy lets characters have sexy visions of each other before meeting, since this story is only 40-odd pages long.
Laine: When the whole town hates you, it's best to keep a wolf for safety. Fated consummation must wait until the enemies are dead.
December 31, 2024
Sweet and quick read about Orsa & Bruin. Orsa knows she is a curse when the three boys who kissed her all died soon after their kiss. She is the daughter of a bladesmith in a long line of son bladesmiths who each inherited the craft from their father. She too has inherited the craft, but is now ostracized by the village. She and her wolf live outside the village near the lake. She and her warrior are connected by visions/dreams attached to each sword used for the unjust. The warrior avenges each sword and returns it to her. He gets his own sword in the end after some spicy times in the lake. Does her kiss kill him too? You should read to find out!
August 14, 2023
I downloaded this so quickly when Sarah gave it to her newsletter subscribers.
It's super short - 42 pages, apparently, I read it over lunch - and inspired by Authorian legend. Specifically the Lady in the Lake and Excalibur.
It's an effective short story with a full arc and that feeling of the mists of time swirling about the telling. Another author might have pursued a massive 600 page medieval fantasy with the strokes that MacLean gives us, but we get this delicious little morsel instead. It's delightful.
It's super short - 42 pages, apparently, I read it over lunch - and inspired by Authorian legend. Specifically the Lady in the Lake and Excalibur.
It's an effective short story with a full arc and that feeling of the mists of time swirling about the telling. Another author might have pursued a massive 600 page medieval fantasy with the strokes that MacLean gives us, but we get this delicious little morsel instead. It's delightful.
September 1, 2023
The best short stories are the ones you wish were longer yet still deliver a satisfying tale and this was true for The Bladesmith Queen. I hope Sarah MacLean writes a full blown fantasy romance in the not-too-distant future, I would be so happy.
February 4, 2025
DANG that was hot. I don't know a single thing about King Arthur or Excalibur. Never read any of it (yet). But I really enjoyed this. That's impressive to have that much s*xual tension in a short story. Sarah Maclean is one talented writer.
August 14, 2025
A warrior’s dream
The story begins with a curse and continues in a slow dream that comes true for the two trapped within. The pace was both fitting and rewarding for me. I would not mine reading another medieval by this author.
The story begins with a curse and continues in a slow dream that comes true for the two trapped within. The pace was both fitting and rewarding for me. I would not mine reading another medieval by this author.
November 18, 2025
A social outcast gets the hot hero she deserves. MacLean is great at building sexual tension. This story is only 42 pages, and I couldn't wait for these characters to get together. Anyone who loves the idea of lovers being fated to meet will enjoy this story.
August 13, 2023
I enjoyed this short retelling of the Arthurian legend. For a very short read Orsa and Bruin bring it to the page.
August 14, 2023
"You are not my curse. You are my destiny."
I received this book for free in authors newsletter.
I liked her historical romances and this attempt for medieval fantasy romance was a great read.
I received this book for free in authors newsletter.
I liked her historical romances and this attempt for medieval fantasy romance was a great read.
August 14, 2023
Short but very sweet and hopeful.
August 18, 2023
Historia corta, rapidísimo de leer y quedar con ganas de mas ☺️
August 28, 2023
Really my biggest complaint is that this novella was too short. Otherwise I loved this medieval short story.
August 29, 2023
I enjoyed this short story retelling of Excalibur. It was descriptive and passionate and a great little read. I was excited to download it from Sarah’s newsletter.
August 31, 2023
Simple story from one of my favorite authors. Liked the appreciation to sword in the stone references
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January 5, 2024I want a pet wolf
January 27, 2024
Sarah does such great romances. Even with very little this story is well-rounded and full of life and love. I greatly enjoyed it.
April 28, 2024
Excellent!
June 17, 2024
I need a full length Sarah Maclean medieval romance and I need it yesterday
August 19, 2024
i forgot how good this is. the writing style is completely different from her full length novels, but the floaty mythic voice works so well for a short story
November 10, 2024
Shortest of short stories - but so well written!
Possibly the best 🌶️-scene I’ve read this decade 😎
Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end, then the story will make even more sense ⚔️🤓
Possibly the best 🌶️-scene I’ve read this decade 😎
Be sure to read the author’s notes at the end, then the story will make even more sense ⚔️🤓
December 15, 2024
Well that made no sense.
January 20, 2025
A quick but fun retelling of Excalibur, and a lovely little bit of MacLean I forgot I hadn't read.
June 14, 2025
This was a fun read. It was a little too short! I wanted more.
This had a sex scene and a bit of swearing. Some violence
This had a sex scene and a bit of swearing. Some violence
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews