Rating: DNF (Did Not Finish)

I went into The Blacksmith Queen blind, based on a recommendation from a friend who reads a lot of romantasy. It was easy to read, which I appreciated, but that’s about where my enjoyment ended. The writing felt clunky and, at times, childish, making it hard to get into—especially since this isn’t my usual genre. The world-building didn’t fully click for me, and some details were so ridiculous that they pulled me out of the story completely. I gave it about 35% before ultimately deciding to DNF. The writing style and overall tone weren’t for me, and I couldn’t stay invested in the story. I can see how it might appeal to others who enjoy lighter, more whimsical fantasy, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.