Heat Up Your Bookshelf with These 28 Blacksmith Fantasy Books
From anvils to enchanted forges, step into stories that meld the grit of the workshop with the magic of fantasy realms, leaving you with a burning desire to grab a hammer and join the fray—or at least curl up with a good book and dream of wielding your own mythical hammer.
In these pages, iron meets imagination, crafting worlds where heroes are forged with molten determination and villains are tempered in the flames of ambition. So, let’s dive into a world where even the iron has a tale to tell with this list of fantasy books featuring blacksmiths.
The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken
Chaos ensues in the Land of the Black Hills when the Old King meets his demise, sparking a tumultuous race for the throne.
Amidst the turmoil, blacksmith Keeley Smythe finds herself thrust into the spotlight as a prophecy heralds a new ruler – a commoner, her sister Beatrix.
With her knack for trouble and a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors by her side, Keeley navigates deadly obstacles and familial squabbles with equal parts wit and grit.
G.A. Aiken crafts a rollicking tale brimming with snarky banter, dangerous alliances, and just a hint of romance.
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan is an epic fantasy saga spanning fourteen novels, rich with intricate world-building and compelling characters.
One of the main characters of the story is Perrin Aybara, initially apprenticed to Haral Luhhan, the skilled blacksmith of Emond’s Field.
Perrin’s journey from a humble blacksmith’s apprentice to a key player in the battle against the Dark One’s forces is a central thread in the series. As he hones his skills as a blacksmith, Perrin discovers hidden depths within himself, including his ability to communicate with wolves and his pivotal role in the prophecies surrounding the Dragon Reborn.
Highglade Series by D. L. Jennings
Embark on a whimsical journey through the Highglade Series, where the fantastical meets the absurd in a tale of epic proportions.
In Gift of the Shaper, follow the misadventures of Thornton Woods, a hapless blacksmith’s apprentice, and his motley crew of companions as they stumble into a war between the noble Athrani and the malevolent Khyth. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Thornton must navigate treacherous landscapes, improbable alliances, and the occasional cat-like humanoid to save his father and prevent the release of an ancient god.
In the sequel, Awaken the Three, chaos reigns supreme as exiled generals, self-proclaimed emperors, and unearthly powers collide in a whirlwind of hilarity and mayhem. Brace yourself for a rollicking adventure where gods, monsters, and unlikely heroes converge in a battle for the ages.
The Dark Ability by DK Holmberg
In the enthralling Dark Ability series by D.K. Holmberg, readers are plunged into a gripping world of magic, mystery, and moral complexity.
At its heart is Rsiran, a blacksmith’s apprentice exiled from his family due to his forbidden ability to Slide – a power that could either liberate or condemn him.
Across the seven books, from The Dark Ability to Rise of the Elder, Rsiran’s journey unfolds with escalating tension and intrigue. As he navigates treacherous alliances, confronts ancient evils, and grapples with his own inner demons, Rsiran’s quest for identity and redemption propels the narrative forward with relentless momentum.
With each installment, the stakes heighten, secrets unravel, and Rsiran’s character is tested in ways he could never have imagined.
Through twists and turns, victories and defeats, the series culminates in an epic showdown that will leave readers breathless and satisfied, having traversed a fantastical realm teeming with adventure and moral ambiguity.
Forged in Fire and Stars by Andrea Robertson
In a tale as old as the legend itself, Ara, the unwitting heir to the title of Loresmith, finds herself thrust into a world of royal intrigue and divine machinations.
When Princess Nimhea and Prince Eamon whisk her away from her quiet life, Ara’s destiny takes a sharp turn as she embarks on a perilous quest to reclaim the throne and fulfil her ancestral duties.
Alongside a mysterious thief, Ara must navigate treacherous paths and face the wrath of the gods to uncover the truths hidden within her family’s legacy.
Now, Ara has to forge her own path forward, balancing loyalty, love, and the weight of her kingdom’s fate upon her shoulders.
Faithless by Graham Austin-King
In Faithless by Graham Austin-King, the temples of the Forgefather stand in ruin, their defenders vanished, and the once-vibrant clerics silenced.
Wynn, sold into slavery, faces the harsh reality of the mines of Aspiration, where survival hinges on meeting quotas or facing death’s embrace.
Amidst the darkness of the mines, Wynn grapples with his fate, traded for a mere handful of silver. But lurking within the depths are more than just shadows.
When a failed ritual unleashes the souls bound to the great forge, one novice, Kharios, flees into the abyss. Yet, instead of finding solace, he encounters hungering soulwraiths and embittered risen souls.
Kharios must now delve deeper into the darkness, seeking a glimmer of light to combat the encroaching shadows.
Black Blade Blues by J. A. Pitts
Meet Sarah Beauhall, the twenty-something blacksmith with a knack for chaos.
Juggling her day job, night gig in low-budget films, and medieval re-enactment battles, Sarah’s life is already a whirlwind. But things take a fantastical turn when her prized sword is shattered on set.
Enter a self-proclaimed dwarf and talk of magic swords and shapeshifting dragons. As Sarah’s reality spirals into the absurd, even her love life isn’t immune, with her girlfriend dropping the dreaded L-word.
When everything crumbles around her, Sarah must confront the unthinkable: dragons, magic, and her own destiny as a heroine.
Will she embrace the chaos and rise to the occasion, or retreat to the safety of the mundane?
The Anvil of Ice by Michael Scott Rohan
In the frosty embrace of an ancient ice age, we find a trilogy of magic, myth, and marvels.
Meet Elof and his intrepid companions, who embark on a quest against the sinister Mastersmith Mylio. However, this is no ordinary journey; it’s a whimsical adventure through prehistory’s icy grip, where every letter of the alphabet marks a new escapade.
From enchanted forests to mysterious ruins, join the merry band as they navigate the whims of fate, armed with courage, wit, and a touch of blacksmithing.
With grandeur and a splash of mythology, this saga weaves a spellbinding tapestry of friendship, destiny, and the eternal battle against the encroaching ice.
The Blacksmith’s Son by Michael G. Manning
Meet Mordecai, a young man whose life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his hidden magical birthright.
As the son of a humble blacksmith, Mordecai’s journey to understand his newfound powers leads him into a whirlwind of adventure and danger.
When he becomes entangled in a daring plot to overthrow the Duke of Lancaster and unsettle the Kingdom of Lothion, Mordecai must navigate love, treachery, and the complexities of his own identity.
From the surprising discovery of his magical abilities to the comedic escapades of pretending to be a minor noble, Mordecai’s story is a delightful blend of humor, intrigue, and fantastical charm.
Tea Dragon Series by Kay O’Neill
Enter the enchanting world of tea dragons alongside Greta, a budding blacksmith apprentice, as she embarks on a heartwarming journey of friendship and discovery in The Tea Dragon Society. When Greta stumbles upon a lost tea dragon in the bustling marketplace, she is drawn into the magical realm of tea dragon care-taking by the gentle tea shop owners Hesekiel and Erik.
As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta learns the delicate art of tea dragon care and the importance of honoring tradition and finding her place in a world filled with love and acceptance.
Then in the heartwarming conclusion, The Tea Dragon Tapestry, Greta grapples with lingering grief over Ginseng’s loss and strives to impress a master blacksmith, while Minette receives a surprising package that prompts introspection about her future, both characters navigate themes of self-discovery and community support.
O’Neill’s comforting art style and attention to inclusive representation create a richly detailed world that readers will enjoy exploring.
The Blacksmith by Barbara Howe
Duncan Archer finds himself entangled in a riddle that holds the key to his fate.
As a fugitive hunted for a crime he didn’t commit, Duncan must decipher the mysterious riddle involving the king, a blacksmith, and a hammer.
With his life on the line and the shadow of murder looming over him, Duncan’s quest for answers becomes a race against time. As he navigates the perilous landscape of betrayal and intrigue, Duncan’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of a kingdom in turmoil, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.
Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey
Galwyn Varianus finds himself on an unexpected journey from the high seas to the legendary lands of King Arthur. But instead of battling on the front lines, Galwyn’s expertise lies in the realm of horse care and the smiting of prototype horseshoes.
With a knack for calming even the most spirited of steeds, Galwyn quickly becomes indispensable to Arthur and his men.
Yet, amidst the clatter of hooves and the chaos of battle, who would have thought that a humble stable hand would emerge as a key player in shaping the outcome of epic conflicts?
Join Galwyn on this whimsical adventure where horses, heroics, and horseshoes collide in unexpected ways.
Ladycastle by Delilah S. Dawson
In the uproarious aftermath of a dragon feast that leaves the castle without its male protectors, it’s high time for the ladies to don armor and wield swords.
When King Mancastle and his band of knights meet a fiery end, it’s up to Merinor, the blacksmith’s wife turned King, and Princess Aeve, now Captain, to rally the remaining women.
Enter Sir Riddick, the last (and least apt) knight tasked with training the castle’s newfound warriors. With a curse attracting all manner of monsters, it’s a chaotic crash course in defense, construction, and the art of noisy endeavors.
Who knew that behind every polished suit of armor lay a woman more than capable of running the show?
Bladesmith Series by Tricia Levenseller
The Bladesmith Series is a thrilling YA fantasy duology that follows the adventures of Ziva, a teenage blacksmith with social anxiety, as she navigates a world filled with danger and magic.
In Blade of Secrets, Ziva’s life takes a dramatic turn when she unwittingly creates a powerful magical sword coveted by a warlord.
With her sister in tow, Ziva must flee to protect the world from the weapon’s devastating potential.
In the gripping conclusion, Master of Iron, Ziva races against time to save her sister and prevent a catastrophic war. Filled with action, humor, and heart, this series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure.
Colours in the Steel by K.J. Parker
Whether it’s blacksmiths divulging the art of forging a fine sword or engineers meticulously explaining the mechanics of a trebuchet, this novel revels in the minutiae of craftsmanship.
Yet, amidst the meticulous descriptions lies a tale of intrigue and siege, where the mercantile capital, Perimadeia, faces its most formidable challenge.
Bardas Loredan, a weary fencer-at-law and survivor of legendary battles, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of defending the city. However, with enemies lurking and curses looming, Loredan’s battle might not only be against external threats but also against his own fate.
Prepare for a riveting blend of craftsmanship and conflict in this witty and engaging tale.
Engineer Trilogy by K. J. Parker
In the Engineer Trilogy, a tale of ingenuity, vengeance, and intrigue unfolds across three riveting works.
In Devices and Desires, an engineer sentenced unjustly embarks on a quest for revenge, armed only with his intellect and determination.
Evil for Evil sees Civitas Vadanis facing a dire threat from the Mezentines, forcing Duke Valens to make impossible choices for the city’s survival. Meanwhile, exiled engineer Ziani Vaatzes holds the key to defense but has his own agenda.
Finally, in The Escapement, the machinations of war and power reach a climax as characters grapple with regret, duty, and the inevitable consequences of their actions.
With twists and turns as intricate as the engineer’s designs, this trilogy is a masterful blend of wit, suspense, and engineering prowess.
Dragon Forge by J. C. Owens
In Dragon Forge, Bren, a talented blacksmith seeking escape from his abusive father, finds his life intertwined with the fate of dying dragons.
When he’s chosen to imprint a hatchling alongside Kyralian, the dragon prince, their worlds collide in unexpected ways.
As Bren grapples with the dangers lurking in their mountain fortress, he discovers Kyralian’s own struggles against the ruling council’s oppressive demands. Bound by duty and love, Kyralian finds solace in Bren’s presence, even as their growing feelings put them at risk.
With enemies closing in, they must navigate treacherous paths to protect each other and the last male dragon from forces determined to control them at any cost.
The Dragonslayer’s Sword by Resa Nelson
In a world where blacksmiths forge swords for dragonslayers, Astrid’s life takes a bizarre turn when a gemstone emerges from her body, setting off a series of catastrophic events.
As her lover, the dragonslayer, vanishes without a trace, Astrid’s world crumbles around her.
In a realm of shapeshifters where thoughts wield immense power, Astrid’s reality is upended as she unravels the secrets of her past and her estranged family.
Amidst the chaos, she grapples with her identity and her role in shaping the destinies of dragons, ghosts, and enslaved souls.
Will Astrid retreat from a world that has betrayed her, or will she rise to lead others toward liberation and harmony?
A Blacksmith’s Beloved by C. E. Higgins
Colven Sveston toils at the forge in Lava City, longing to master the enchanting process of crystal geodes and win the heart of Daysi Cavari, the girl he admires. But when rejection pushes him to quit, he faces a crossroads between familiarity and newfound freedom.
Encountering the mysterious Nightshade and his secret-hearted companion, Elle, Cole embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind corrupted geodes.
Teaming up with Daysi, their bond deepens as they confront their fears and race to save the fire elegion from a sinister plot.
Cole must learn to trust himself and Daysi as they navigate treacherous paths to protect their world’s precious boundaries.
The Skystone by Jack Whyte
In this inventive retelling of the Arthurian saga, The Skystone takes a bold step back to the waning days of Roman Britain, setting the stage for a refreshing perspective.
Publius Varrus, the last legionnaire, becomes the focal point of this tale, blending martial prowess with blacksmithing skills amidst the crumbling Roman world.
With a dash of political intrigue and personal vendettas, Publius and his comrades strive to carve out a refuge, preserving Roman virtues in a changing landscape.
This finely crafted historical novel delves into fourth-century Britain’s everyday life, intertwining Publius’s journey with the quest for a legendary skystone of fire.
Thomas and the Warlock by Mollie Hunter
In the quaint village of Warlock’s Wood, the mischievous blacksmith Thomas Thomson meets his match when his poaching escapades lead him to an unexpected encounter with a warlock.
As warnings echo in vain, Thomas’s son, Alexander, emerges as the unlikely hero, braving the whims of fate with remarkable resilience.
Caught between the mundane and the magical, their fates intertwine in a tale of mischief, retribution, and the enchanting power of secrets.
With a touch of fairy magic and a dash of familial fortitude, The Warlock’s Trap unfolds with wit and wonder, reminding us all that heedless adventures can lead to unexpected discoveries.
King of Ashes by Raymond E. Feist
In the realm of Garn, where peace once reigned among the five great kingdoms, turmoil erupts when ancient pacts are shattered, thrusting Tembria into chaos.
Amidst the upheaval, Baron Daylon Dumarch discovers a hidden heir, setting in motion a clandestine plot that will shape the fate of nations. Meanwhile, Declan, a gifted swordsmith, flees danger to safeguard his life, unknowingly intertwining his destiny with the rightful heir.
Together, they unravel the mysteries of their pasts, facing perilous foes and uncovering the truth behind a legendary war.
With fiery-haired Hatushaly and talented Declan at its helm, the saga delves into espionage, swordplay, and the intricate dance of power.
Feist masterfully crafts a tale where destiny and deception collide, promising an epic journey through realms of intrigue and adventure.
The Blacksmith’s Apprentice by Bey Deckard
Eyck, a skilled blacksmith in South Galetsy, leads a contented life with his work and best friend, Pash.
When Wex, a prickly and secretive newcomer, seeks employment, Eyck reluctantly takes him on despite their initial clashes.
Wex, a freed slave and ex-convict determined to build a better life, resists notions of trust and love. Yet, as they work together, Wex finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Eyck, challenging his beliefs and opening his heart to unfamiliar emotions.
As their bond deepens, both men confront their pasts and discover the transformative power of companionship and acceptance.
The Summoner Series by Taran Matharu
In The Novice, the first installment of this epic trilogy, Fletcher’s journey from blacksmith apprentice to demon-summoning battlemage is anything but ordinary. Amidst grueling training at Adept Military Academy, he navigates alliances, power-hungry peers, and the looming threat of betrayal.
In The Inquisition, Fletcher faces a trial by fire, haunted by revelations about his past while racing against time to prevent orcish domination. With loyal friends Othello and Sylva, he embarks on a perilous mission into orc territory, risking everything to save his world.
Finally, in The Battlemage, Fletcher confronts his greatest challenge yet: the albino orc, Khan, in a battle for survival and peace. As friend turns foe, Fletcher leads a desperate fight to protect his homeland and everything he holds dear.
The Magic Engineer by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Dorrin, a budding magician intrigued by forbidden knowledge, delves into machine workings on the magical island of Recluce.
As inventive as Leonardo da Vinci, he faces exile for his unorthodox pursuits, including his passion for blacksmithing and crafting machines.
Forced to navigate the perilous realms of Chaos, Dorrin’s journey from a rebellious youth to a defender of his homeland offers a nuanced exploration of morality and consequence.
Amidst the clash between Order and Chaos magic, Dorrin’s skills as a blacksmith and healer become vital in the battle to preserve Recluce.
Heretic’s Forge by Jared Mandani
After a decade on the battlefield, Senshi returns home to assume a new identity as a deaf-mute, concealing his status as a returned one. Back at his father’s forge, he seeks solace in his craft, haunted by the horrors of war and the contradictions of his native land.
Eager to innovate, Senshi combines foreign techniques with his father’s tradition, aiming to create the ultimate weapon: a living, ravenous sword.
But his experiments draw unwanted attention, especially from a suspicious samurai.
As he navigates the perilous path between tradition and innovation, Senshi may find himself forced to rely on more than just his blacksmithing skills to survive. After all, in a world where loyalty to the Emperor is paramount, deviation can be deadly.
Elemental Logic Series by Laurie J. Marks
In Laurie J. Marks’ Elemental Logic series, the realm of Shaftal faces turmoil as its peaceful existence crumbles.
In Fire Logic, Zanja Na’Tarwein, the last of her people, joins forces with Karis the metalsmith, a powerful yet troubled half-giant, and Emil, a reluctant warrior. They must navigate a world torn by power struggles, striving to alter its darkening trajectory.
The sequel, Earth Logic, shifts focus to Karis G’deon, the blacksmith with magical origins, who must decide if she’s willing to rule Shaftal.
In Water Logic, Shaftal endeavors to forge a new government uniting soldiers, farmers, scholars, and elemental talents. Yet, scars of loss linger, and some cannot see a place for themselves in an enemy territory.
Finally, the series concludes with Air Logic, where Karis and her allies navigate post-war turmoil and a treacherous political landscape, striving to reconcile Sainnites and Shaftali.
Dark Earth by Rebecca Stott
Set in 500 AD, sisters Isla and Blue inhabit the abandoned ruins of Londinium, a once-glorious Roman settlement, after their father, a legendary blacksmith accused of using dark magic to make swords that can’t be broken, was excited from the community.
But their father’s death means enslavement unless they can escape to the underworld community of rebel women in Ghost City.
To protect their newfound home from the local warlord, the sisters must use all their skills including ancestral magic and their father’s trade.
