Queen of Kings

by Cornelia Amiri

Macha of the Red Braids exudes the essence of female power. Defying and fighting two kings, she takes her father’s place on the throne. With one goal in mind, she uses magic, battles, disguises, and skills of seduction to take the crown as sole ruler. She is the only woman listed as a High King of Ireland. She builds the famed kingdom of Emain Macha, marking off the borders with the pin of her treasured cloak brooch. Even still, a Champion from the wilds of Connaught throws the powerful battle queen off guard when he comes to claim her heart. Has Macha met her match in Nath of Connaught? Will he pass the three trials she has set before him?

Genres: Paranormal

98 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2009

About the author

Cornelia Amiri was introduced through books to the woman who became her favorite historical character, Boudica. The Celtic Warrior Queen made her start writing professionally. Cornelia loves history and in reading a book about the dark ages, she came across the rebel queen, who inspired Cornelia so much, she started jotting down notes, but they were fiction, visions of her involved in the Boudica revolt. Before Cornelia knew it, she’d accidentally written a rough draft for a novel. And she’s been writing books on purpose ever since. Drawing on her love of a happy ending, Cornelia has written over 40 published romance books.

Now, for the more mundane stuff — Cornelia Amiri and her muse, Severus the Cat, live amid the hustle and bustle of sultry Houston, Texas. When not writing, Cornelia loves to read, watch movies, and attend comic cons. She is currently working on a sequel to Rare Finds and a sequel to The Brass Octopus, which she is renaming and republishing as The Librarian and the Rake.

Reviews

[Erin Sipes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a First Reads win and after reading the blurb about it I was really worried that it was going to be one of those books my husband reads (like George R. R. Martin). I try to read them but lose interest a few hundred pages into it. With Queen of Kings I had the EXACT opposite problem. I feel like there is soooo much story missing, and I want to read more! The time leaps the characters take leave so much unsaid and the development of the story seemed rushed at points. It's as if someone took War and Peace and made a commercial out of it.

Queen of Kings follows Macha Mong Ruad as she first establishes herself as a force of nature, blessed by a goddess and not lacking in confidence. When we first see her she is a child walking tall behind her father. Next she is wielding a sword and cleverly as her female wiles fighting for her rightful place on the throne as her father's heir. Once she finds out there is a rebellion rising against her she devises a strategy that has her marrying a former foe to keep her throne and stop the would be coup. Her husband passes away and as quickly as you can blink a new man comes to claim her hand. The end.

The book has the potential to be a real page-turner but at a mere 78 pages it just leaves the reader wanting more and not feeling satisfied. I would love for the author to take a year to go back and add more to the story. The readers deserve it and the characters deserve it.

[Heather Poinsett Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading retellings of old Celtic myths and this novella is a wonderful example of that! Cornelia stays true to the old tale and throws in a brilliant love story. This is the first work of hers that I've read and I cannot wait to read the rest of her books.

[Cornelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a tidbit of my first review for Queen of Kings - reviewed by Cheryl of Cheryl's Book Nook
“Cornelia Amiri combines all the elements of a great story in her latest Queen of Kings. It takes place in the wonderful location of Ireland; paranormal effects, and strong as well as engaging characters with a hint of romance thrown in the mix. Ever since I first discovered Cornelia and her druids, I have become a fan.” Reviewed by Cheryl - http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/

Here's a tidbit of my second review for Queen Of Kings - reviewed by Chere Gruver at ParaNormal Roamnce
"QUEEN OF KINGS is a delightful story of Celtic times. Cornelia Amiri tells a fascinating tale of a warrior queen. I really enjoyed the fact QUEEN OF KINGS is based on the life of a historical figure. The way Macha defeated the Dithorba’s sons was truly ingenous. I have always been interested in this time period and Cornelia Amiri always writes interesting tales of Celtic times and Celtic lore. If you enjoy things Celtic, don’t miss this one."
New Review.“QUEEN OF KINGS is a delightful story of Celtic times. Cornelia Amiri tells a fascinating tale of a warrior queen. I really enjoyed the fact QUEEN OF KINGS is based on the life of a historical figure. The way Macha defeated the Dithorba's sons was truly ingenous. I have always been interested in this time period and Cornelia Amiri always writes interesting tales of Celtic times and Celtic lore. If you enjoy things Celtic, don't miss this one.”Reviewed by Chere Gruver for ParaNormal Romance
http://www.paranormalromance.org/revi...
Queen of Kings

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic historical tale written in a bold, vivid writing style with memorable characters and exciting fight scenes. Paranormal devotees will enjoy the touches of magic and fantastic imagery! Very well done!

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good read with a strong heroine. my only complaint was that it is so short and i want more.