Picture a fiddler spinning tales of dwarven heroes by the shores of Lake Huron—meet A. Trae McMaken! This American fantasy author, folklorist, and musician crafts stories as rich and rugged as the Great Lakes region he calls home. Best known for his Dwarves of Ice-Cloak series, McMaken blends gritty survival tales with the haunting melodies of his fiddle, creating a unique voice in epic fantasy.
Growing up on the Michigan-Ontario border, McMaken soaked up the cultural mosaic of the Great Lakes, from Irish and Scottish fiddle tunes to the oral traditions of local storytellers. His love for folklore and music shapes his novels, which pulse with the heartbeat of a region steeped in history.
The Making of A. Trae McMaken
Raised in a China Township farmhouse on Puttygut Road, McMaken witnessed the rural Great Lakes transform as metropolitan newcomers reshaped the landscape. This sense of loss and change fuels his writing, grounding his fantastical worlds in real-world grit. A registered nurse by day, McMaken’s varied career as a traveling storyteller, fiddler, and folklorist took him from Tennessee’s bluegrass halls to Michigan’s historical sites. His two master’s degrees in folklore studies and his work with the Michigan State University Museum cemented his role as a guardian of Great Lakes musical traditions.
McMaken’s passion for storytelling began early, but it was his time as a wandering performer—playing at festivals, libraries, and dances—that honed his narrative craft. Today, he prefers the quiet of his Lake Huron farm, where he writes, tends sheep, and plays tunes with friends.
A. Trae McMaken’s Unforgettable Stories
McMaken’s Dwarves of Ice-Cloak series is his crown jewel, a five-book saga that reimagines dwarves as complex, flawed survivors. The series kicks off with The Crippled King (2022), where Naen, a lonely dwarven prospector, rallies outcasts to defy vengeful kings. Readers praise its vivid battle scenes—some liken them to Bernard Cornwell’s work—and its fresh take on dwarven culture, distinct from Tolkien’s archetypes.
The Mouth of Fire (2023) shifts to a prince’s quest against monstrous ürsi, exploring greed and sacrifice through the eyes of Korin, a trembling dwarf with a hero’s heart. The Second Gate (2023) delves into smuggling and rebellion, while Bones of Stone (2023) weaves a grueling journey with a touch of romance. The Mine Lord (2024), a standalone in the same world, follows Yorvig’s rise as a mining captain facing love and betrayal. McMaken’s style is grounded yet lyrical, blending meticulous world-building with the raw emotion of a fireside tale.
Beyond fantasy, McMaken’s memoirs like Rosin for Breath (2012) and Puttygut (2018) reflect his life as a fiddler and the fading rural life of Michigan. His music, featured in albums like For the Long Winter Nights, celebrates Great Lakes fiddle traditions, making him a cultural bridge between past and present.
Why A. Trae McMaken Matters
McMaken’s work resonates because it’s deeply personal. His dwarves aren’t just fantasy tropes—they’re underdogs fighting for dignity, much like the rural communities he champions. His folklore research, shared through MichiganFiddle.com, preserves a fading musical heritage, earning him titles like Michigan State Old Time Fiddle Champion (2022, 2023). Fans on Goodreads and Amazon laud his storytelling, with The Crippled King averaging 4.51 stars for its emotional depth and epic scope.
In a genre often dominated by sprawling magic systems, McMaken’s grounded, character-driven tales stand out. He invites readers to root for the overlooked, whether a crippled dwarf or a forgotten fiddle tune, making his work a love letter to resilience and tradition.
- Born: Grew up in China Township, Michigan
- Key Works: The Crippled King, The Mouth of Fire, The Mine Lord, Rosin for Breath
- Awards: Michigan State Old Time Fiddle Champion (2022, 2023)
Ready to explore rugged dwarven epics and the soul of the Great Lakes? Grab The Crippled King and dive into A. Trae McMaken’s unforgettable world!