Review: The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga #1) by G.A. Aiken
The Scarred Earth Saga #1
Fantasy Romance
Kensington
August 27th 2019
eBook
304
Bought
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
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Challenge(s):
- 2019 New Releases
- 2019 For The Love of eBooks
I was born and raised in Northern Indiana. I’m an outdoor sun loving reader living near San Fransisco. I’m a mother, wife, dog owner, animal, and book lover. I’m the owner, reviewer, and mind behind Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. My favorite animals are horses & dogs. As for reading I love all things paranormal & urban fantasy. My favorite shifters are dragons!
 - G.A. Aiken)
