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?
Dough?
Excerpt::
"Dough? Why yes, I am kneading some to bake a loaf for my meal." The old crone took the dough from a kneading trough on a table the size and shape of a stump near the wall and handed Macha the lump.
"Have you naught else to eat?" Macha felt a tinge of warmth in her heart for this kind soul, alone and without.
"A bit of watered stew, you are welcome to it."
"My thanks, old mother, but dough is all I need." Macha rubbed it into her skin for a peeling effect. The layer of rye dough felt heavy on her face. It made her skin feel tight. As she ran her fingers down her face, the dough skin felt like thin parchment.
"My lady, you look like a leper now."
"As I wish, I travel in disguise to take my foes by surprise." Macha cocked her head. "Good crone, can you tell me where the sons of Dithorba are? It is said they camp nearby."
"My lady, I have heard they are hiding in the woods, that way." The withered woman pointed out the direction.
Macha hugged the hag. "One such as you, who has had so much toil, deserves an easier time as crone. I leave you this gift for your kindness to me." She pointed to the black iron pot hanging above the center hearth, a small, shallow pit covered in ash and firewood.
"My cauldron?"
"Yes, I called on Morrigan to bless it, and so she has. Good woman, from this day forth it will never be bare. As soon as you eat from it, the pot shall refill with food again."
"Bless the dark goddess." She wrapped her arms around Macha's neck in a tight hug.
Bidding farewell to the kind hag, she threw back the leather door flap and left the round house. After vaulting onto her white mare, she rode on as a leper. Spotting a billow of smoke, she trailed the wafting, thick scent of roasted pork deep into the woods. Soon, she came upon all five brothers, huddled around a cook fire of amber flames that licked at a skewered boar.
At last, my prey is within sight. Having eased off her saddle, she left the mare nibbling on knee-high grass.
Excerpt
It was night, and she was in her element As there were the dark gods of the moon and the sea, so there were the bright ones of the sun. She was dark. Her gaze fell onto the distant plain where she had raced with Nath earlier in the day. Though clouded in darkness now, she thought of the lush green grass that blanketed the earth. The deep, dark soil was firm and solid: sure, constant, and dependable.
She turned and gasped. Nath had come upon her, silently. He stood there at her side. “I did not mean to startle you, my queen.”
His nearness was overwhelming. She cleared her throat, pretending not to be affected. “Not at all.” But she couldn’t tear her gaze from him. Fiery sun, bright and hot, big and bold. Everyone wants him to shine on them.
“The druid thought you would be out here.”
“The druid knows me well.”
When the rays of the sun touch the rich earth, they create the lush peaceful green pasture. She needed him, the sun for her earth. They completed each other. They belonged together: dark and light, earth and sun, Nath and Macha. Lasair knew it, and druids were never wrong.
He looked up, and her gaze followed his. The pearl moon gleamed, smooth and perfect against the clear ebony sky, which twinkled with countless stars.
“Dark, sparkling, vast and enchanting,” Nath said..
“Yes, the night sky is lovely.”
“I did not mean the sky, my queen.”
A ray of moonlight caught her eye as she gazed at him. His eyes alone could set her ablaze. Fire danced in her. “I need to speak with you.”
“Yes, your majesty?” He leaned closer to her.
“Nath, what is it you want of me?”
Professional Reviews
"Wonderful retelling of a legend!"
"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
Posted October 15, 2009
http://www.paranormalromance.org/reviews/review.php?id=32108
"She is the Queen of Kings"
"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. Macha is a powerful warrior, who isn’t afraid to show up men. She commands respect and usually gets it. What I liked about Nath is that he is soft-spoken and you could tell he was just right for Macha. I really enjoyed Queen of Kings and hope to maybe see Macha and Nath again in the near future."
Reviewed by Cheryl's Book Nook
http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/2009/06/she-is-queen-of-kings.html
The Matchmaker:
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