The Black-Eyed Queen: An Epic Fantasy Adventure

Fate Of The Furycks #6

by A.E. Rayne

After the horrors of Skarta Night, a reeling Jael must fight her way through a web of lies and deception as Oren Storgard and Gunnhild unleash their plans for Osterland. Though first she must confront Eadmund to discover what has happened between him and Ineko…

In Hest, Karsten is desperate for a dreamer. Unaware that both his enemies and his allies seek to topple him, he is distracted by a surprise visitor and a shocking murder, which has him fearing for his life. Loose in the castle, the murderer will strike again, but who will be its next victim?

And having survived their terrifying encounter at sea, Edela, Bertel and their friends arrive in the sprawling city of Ohzan searching for answers, only to be met with danger, disappointment, and an unexpected twist of fate...

The Black-Eyed Queen is the sixth book in the thrilling Fate of the Furycks epic fantasy series. Enter an immersive world of scheming kings, fearless warriors, and mysterious dreamers, where a long-held secret threatens to destroy, not just a powerful family, but every kingdom of gods and men.


What readers are saying about the

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘A story that lingers long after the last page.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘From the beginning until the end you will be on the edge of your seat.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘Beautifully written and expertly executed, it delivers everything I hope for and more. My all time favourite author.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘Magic is seamlessly woven into a sharp, well-crafted plot, the pacing is relentless, and the characters feel vivid and compelling.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘An absolutely brilliant bit of storytelling.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘So much excitement and suspense. Can’t wait for the next one.’

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘A gripping, high-octane adventure that never lets up.’

This book contains adult themes and mature content

690 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Introducing myself

Hello, I’m Amy!

I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have done for three-quarters of my life. The other quarter was spent in England, where my kids were born. I have three of those, and they’re very cool. I’m a bit demented and thought it would be a good idea to have them a year or so apart. I’m still recovering from that misguided notion, but am convinced that a month in Bora Bora would set me right!

Speaking of travelling, as much as I crave a tropical island escape, you’re far more inclined to find me hankering after snow. We don’t have any of that in Auckland – not a drop! And, although it did snow occasionally in dear old England, I’m still looking for the up-to-your-window sort of snow experience. I come from Viking stock (my grandmother was Swedish), so maybe that’s why I have always craved the cold, white stuff. In fact, my husband and I bonded over our love of scarves.

'Twas love at first discussion about the pleasure of a good scarf!


My reading journey
I was drawn to historical romance as a young reader. I loved anything by the Brontë sisters, but I think Jane Austen was my favourite author at that time. It was a toss-up between Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre for my favourite book as a tween. As I got older and developed a real love of history, I became obsessed with anything do with Vikings. I fell in love with Bernard Cornwell and Robert Lowe, Giles Kristian, too. But there’s always been time to fit in the next Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series is probably my favourite series ever (great tv too!). History is my one true love, so some of my favourites lately have been C.J. Sansom’s thrilling Tudor series and Patrick O’Brien 19th century naval adventures.

I always thought I would write the Furyck Saga as a historical fiction series, but I never found a period or place where it felt possible. Ultimately, I realised that actual history was far too limiting, so I stepped away from reality and entered the wonderful world of fantasy, and that’s when the fun started…


It took me a long time to become a writer.

I have ring binders and ring binders of stories, screenplays, tv show concepts, and book ideas that I’ve been creating since I was 10-years-old.
I was always very fast with ideas but seeing them all the way through was a lot harder, and eventually, as I grew up, life and work got in the way.
I would try writing Winter’s Fury off and on, but I never got very far, and dissatisfied, I always gave up, telling myself there simply wasn’t enough
time to fit writing in around three children, two dogs, a graphic design business, etc. etc. But what I quickly discovered is that time is what you make of it.

Inspired by an article I read about James Patterson, who got up early to write his first book and fit it in around his job, I started making writing a
daily discipline; the idea being that, bit by bit, I would eventually create an actual book. At first, it was tough. It felt like I was training for a marathon
and I didn’t even know how to run. But every day it got a little easier and eventually, I started to write more freely, and one day I had enough of a
book to show my husband. At this point it was either, forget it again, or keep going.

He read it and said… keep going. So, I did.

And I haven’t stopped!

Reviews

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some time had passed since the reading the previous book in the series. i found that once beginning this book, after that time gap, I was a bit lost on what happened previously, and the main characters were a bit foggy. It took a while before getting it back. I also recalled Ms Raynes writing style, where she jumps around constantly in the course of each chapter, focusing on multiple characters and scenarios. This used to bug me initially, but I gradually got used to it. This story is a little less intense than some of the previous, but it still has plenty of kick! I can appreciate the talent and imagination it takes to write a series like this, and I hope the next volume comes quickly!

[K.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic storytelling

Another stunning story about our Furyck Queen and her band of allies. God's, witches, dreamers, and man come together to fight each other. Who wins?

Lots of questions answered in this installment, but even more left unanswered. The pieces are moving on the board and heading to a climatic ending, but will Jael be a part of the looming battle? Will we see a reunited Eadmund and Jael? Will Mattie defeat the Mistress? What will Edela and Raymon do on their quest?

Can't wait for the final book...it's going to be epic!

[Crystal Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly enchanted

I couldn't put this book down.... Ok I realize that's the same as the last 18 booms. Y'all this entire series has been non stop action adventures love and heart brake ... Book 19 does not disappoint.

You will be on the edge of your seat biting your nails and losing sleep to find out if your favorite character is ok and what on earth is happening with the others because this is so well written that each switch of POV is a cliff hanger.

Do t take.my word for it find out for yourself I'd Edmond is going to survive or will our Queen be the one to fall ... I'm not saying but hold your breath dive in and pray your pulled out in time to find out what happens next

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I have read all three series. This book ended with the usual resolved story lines, creating a new adventure path to follow. Entertaining me and capturing my full attention, I was all in for the whole bookI really enjoy the writing and character development and look forward to following the path to a final resolution in the next book.

[Nicole Ogburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!

This author never disappoints. She wraps up varying story lines with amazing characters that speak and act their story to strong effect. Every character that enters the tale has a strong presence and I enjoy this so much. Nothing seems forced or false. Such enjoyable reads!!!

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent epic fantasy with a well written storyline and a cast of strong amazing characters. Quite an adventure that is full of exciting battles and lots of discovery. A page turning epic tale that I highly recommend. Written by a great author.

[Sabina Courtright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great series!!

This series is fantastic!! Great action, magic, creatures. Love the characters, always on the edge of my seat. I am sad to only have one more book to wrap up the furycks! Im sure it will be amazing like all the others

[Liz Otter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really good, lots of stories going on but all intertwined, easy to follow though. Can't wait for the last installment although that means the end😭.

[Yemi Olutola Balogun · Rating 5 out of 5]

The usual gripping page turner

I wanted to reach the end and yet I didn't! So now I must moan about having no choice than wait for the next and thankfully last instalment.

[Leda Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing as usual!!!

Nooo! Not Jael! I love these series I feel like I’m right there in the action. Fabulous writing. Can’t wait for the next one