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The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken Narrator: Jason Culp, Mia Barron
Series: The Scarred Earth Saga #1
Published by Kensington Books, Recorded Books on August 27, 2019
Genres: Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 304
Length: 11 hours and 3 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Source: Bought
Purchase Links: Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Chirp
Goodreads
When a prophesy brings war to the Land of the Black Hills, Keeley Smythe must join forces with a clan of mountain warriors who are really centaurs in a thrilling new fantasy romance series from New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken.
The Old King Is Dead
With the demise of the Old King, there’s a prophesy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s sons, who are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers. But for blacksmith Keeley Smythe, war is great for business. Until it looks like the chosen queen will be Beatrix, her younger sister. Now it’s all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals.
Luckily, Keeley doesn’t have to fight alone. Because thundering to her aid comes a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amichai. Not the most socially adept group, but soldiers have never bothered Keeley, and rough, gruff Caid, actually seems to respect her. A good thing because the fierce warrior will be by her side for a much longer ride than any prophesy ever envisioned …
The Blacksmith Queen is book one in The Scarred Earth Saga by G.A. Aiken.
It’s in the same world as her Dragon Kin series, but with new characters and locations. We get demon wolfs, centaurs, dwarfs, and a verity of characters.
I love G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series, so when I heard we where going to be visiting the Centaurs well I was ecstatic. I love the crazy over the top characters created and couldn’t wait to dive into this new series. Many say this is different from her Dragon Kin series. To me this series has some of the same undertones with the outrageous characters, snark, humor, and great world building. It does have more battles and violence then her Dragon Kin series.
I loved how we got multiple POV’s in The Blacksmith Queen. Aiken uses secondary characters to share the experiences and it offers something different and gives us a more menacing light on some.
Our heroine Keeley is a blacksmith. She’s rude, surly, and violent, but she’s fun, very protective of her family, totally selfless and thinks outside the box. She’s all woman and you know she deserves a big tough hunk.
The story was interesting yet simple. After a huge betrayal Keeley suddenly finds herself the next rightful Queen. She never wanted to be Queen and still she takes on the challenges set forth in front of her. Things aren’t ok! War has broken out with the late Kings children vivifying for his thrown and then theirs the issue with her younger sister. Then we have Caid and his fellow Centaurs who can only gird their loins for what might happen next.
As for the romance Keeley and Caid’s grew steadily, culminating in a steamy love-scene.
The Blacksmith Queen was so much fun. I can’t wait for the next installment nor can I wait to listen to the audio. It’s full of magical creatures, humor, and crazy family and friends.
Rated: 5 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!
Audio Dec. 2019: Narration: Mia Barron did a fabulous job on all the voices. We shift through many different POV’s in this novel. Which can be confusing, but Ms. Barron alters each character’s voice for the dialogue, making adjustments based on gender, age, species, etc. I liked Ms. Barron. She kept the tempo and silliness. Jason Culp did a the prologue which features the male scribe of the old king. I felt that wasn’t necessary, but oh well. The audio was AMAZING and so much fun. It felt like the first time reading The Blacksmith Queen. I can’t wait for the next book.
Challenge(s):
- 2019 New Releases
- 2019 For The Love of eBooks
No you don’t have to read the other series first. It’s in the same world, but a different part and we currently aren’t near the Dragon Kin characters. Maybe they will co-inside at some point, but that’s not now.
I think I have read this review about 5 times. Fantastic review! I really want to read this one. Do you think I need to read the other series first?
We did chat in another review. I loved the book, but I also loved the audio. Just listened to it and devoured it in a 2 days. Can’t wait for more and to see where things go. ^_^ Thank’s for visiting!
Yea!! I know we briefly chatted about this in another review, so I’m glad to read your review. I loved the audio.
So glad you loved it! It’s on my TBR, so hopefully I’ll get to it soon.
I hope you enjoy! She’s one of my favorite authors to read.
I have not heard of this author but you have me curious. Would you recommend reading the other series first?
The Dragon Kin series is not necessary to read; before picking up The Scarred Earth Saga series. I do love her Dragon Kin series and I’d recommend the audio or reading. I reread/listen to them ^_^. This new series is fun and I can’t wait for more. Hope you enjoy!
great review. i love a rough and tumble heroine. everything about the series sounds like one i would enjoy too
Thank you! I love a strong heroine.They are enjoyable. I hope you enjoy. This author is one I like to reread.