Well this was a pleasant read.

I loved the story line and the characters. It was a real laugh-out-loud book, but I felt like the ending was a little rushed. A lot happened in the last 50 or so pages and I think I would've liked to have seen it all play out a bit more.

Of course there's going to be a sequel, because we can't just stop the book here. There's too much unresolved. I don't know if I'll be reading the sequel, but for now I really enjoyed reading about Keeley, the Blacksmith Queen.

Over the top crazy, yet achingly familiar

I am a great fan of G. A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series, so I was quite sad when the author announced that she considered the series finished, especially as it didn’t feel that way. That’s why I am so delighted that The Blacksmith Queen, the first book in her new Scarred Earth Saga series, is set in the same world, but with all new characters.

The Old King of the realm is dead and his various sons scorch the country in the attempt to strengthen their position, each trying to gain supremacy. Meanwhile, Keeley is minding her own business, working in her forge, doing what she loves most. Although her father is a farmer, she has inherited her mother’s love and talent for working steel. So, she and her family could have continued to live a simple and happy life, if it weren’t for the prophecy that foretold that one of the sisters from the Smythe family would become Queen, a prophecy that puts her whole family in danger and upends their lives…

I love Aiken’s narrative voice, her storytelling is hilarious , and out there and often takes unexpected turns. Her characters are exceptional and ordinary at the same time. She can make the most outrageous circumstances and events appear normal. In think this partly due to her portrayal of family dynamics and sibling relationships that are at the same time over the top crazy, but also achingly familiar. Although most family members constantly bicker (and the closer they are the more they bicker), they always stand together as a family against any outside threat. There is the oddball sister, the crazy uncle, the strange cousin and Keeley herself, who is not exactly normal either, with her strange affinity for dangerous creatures, be they animal or something else.
Throw in a bunch of centaurs, elves, dwarves, witches and a cranky dragon, a lost treasure, spectacular fight scenes and hint of romance, and you have got the beginnings of a great fantasy adventure that will leave you wanting more.
Five crazily blinking stars, can’t wait for the next installment to hit my Kindle.

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.
There’s something about the way this author makes her characters that I absolutely love. She writes differently than most authors and I never know what to expect!! I really loved this book and devoured it as quickly as I could. Keeley is definitely one of my new favorite characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

So say that I was shocked how amazing this book turned out would be an understatement. This book was packed with a little of everything. Romance, suspense and adventure. I couldn’t get enough.

Descending from a great line of female blacksmith's, all Keeley wanted when she grew up was to follow in her mother's footsteps but when a prophecy pertaining the coronation of her sister reaches the corners of the kingdom and beyond, it's the start of a series of events that will put a wrench in Keeleys dreams.

Oh how I've missed this world and the writing of G.A. Aiken. She always has these hilariously outrageous and dramatic characters in her books, always making me smile. Aiken writes the most funny dysfunctional but endearing characters and relationships. I love how she has these stereotypical alpha males and turn their worlds upside down by introducing them to strong quirky females, often with some unhinged qualities like problems with rage and/or happy go lucky attitudes. Often with personality traits that should be opposites, making for some weird but funny scenes. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it works like magic. I loved that Aiken centered this story around a big crazy family again, emotions running high and so many strong unique characters. Some more insane than others. The dynamics and plotlines were so much fun to follow, and I can't wait to read the next installment! As always, this was a fast paced adventure and if you don't mind some strong verbal abuse with a big dose of humor, this one is for you! Be ready for silly emotional outbursts, screaming and name calling!

What an intriguing and satisfying read, Packed with action and double-crossing, this book is a gem to be treasured.

This book was fun. I was expecting a more traditional fantasy, and if you assume the romance is the main plot of the book (as is somewhat implied in the blurb) you could be disappointed. I, on the other hand, was quite pleased with the goals, values and decisions made by Keeley independant of her interest in, or relationship with, Caid.
Keeley is a refreshing heroine among the self-conscious, physically weak or otherwise vulnerable women that typically populate fantasy novels. Her family—loud, boisterous, fully realised and alive are likewise unusual. There are no convenient orphans in The Scarred Earth Saga, and the entertaining, meaningless violence and rivalry that is rife among Keeley’s family (and Caid’s for that matter) will be instantly familiar to anyone with a close, involved extended family.
I loved the way women in this book were allowed to be unashamedly sexual creatures. It’s not done in an exploitative way, it doesn’t seem crass or overbearing, it just reads as though some of the women in the book enjoy sex, a distressingly rare character trait in most fantasy women.
The matriarchal Amichai were also a nice touch, and it was great to see a race developed without lazy stereotypes or long, complicated backstories. Worldbuilding touches were added here and there, in a way that brought the world to life without weighing down the fun, not too serious plot with unnecessary information. Case in point—the demon wolves. Every scene involving them was hilarious, and Keeley’s interactions with them really allowed her to shine as a character.
Keeley’s family in general was another highlight of the book, particularly Keeley’s cousin, Keran, and sister, Gemma. I look forward to hearing more about Keran’s time as a fighter, and her new role at Keeley’s side. Gemma was a great foil for Keeley; I’d love to know more about Gemma’s faith, how she came to practice it, and the role she now fills in the world and within her organisation, especially given the revelations within the novel.
I should have realised GA Aiken was Shelly Laurenston’s alter ego as soon as the sister fights began. I haven’t read any of the Dragon Kin novels, though I believe The Scarred Earth Saga is set in the same world. I had no prior knowledge of the world, however, and followed the storyline just fine.
One of the low points of the book for me was the relatively two-dimensional nature of the antagonists. We got a few scenes providing motivation for their behaviour, but nothing that really gave a sense of urgency to the book or drove the plot. I understand The Blacksmith Queen is only the first book in The Scarred Earth Saga, so perhaps the antagonists will get stronger motivations and more of a backstory in future novels.
I also wish there had been a little less sexual assault/harassment to show who the bad guys were. The book had so many strong female role models, and varied female antagonists, and then half the feminist points got thrown away with the fairly heavy use of gendered slurs, and mentions of rape.
There were a few developments in this book that seemed introduced a little abruptly (the grey mare); though presumably they will be built on in future Scarred Earth books.
I know the warnings/complaints seem like pretty extreme issues with this one, but I assure you they don’t dominate the book as much as their inclusion in this review might make it seem. I just make a point to point put high and low points in the book I review, and the high points of The Blacksmith Queen are fairly non-specific and sweeping, not requiring much explanation.
All in all, The Blacksmith Queen is a quick, fun read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, and doesn’t mind a little fun being poked at the genre in general. Readers who enjoyed Ilona Andrews’ The Edge novels will probably enjoy this book, and no doubt Shelly Laurenston/Ga Aiken’s long term fans will also find plenty to enjoy.

The great king had barely taken his last breath before one brother took the head of another.

With that sentence I was hooked and boy did it get bloody fast. The Old King is dead and his sons are fighting for the crown and they are brutal, cruel and have no mercy.

Keeley is one of the kindest heroine’s I have met who really knows how to swing a hammer and is so oblivious to everything that you can’t help but not love her. She has her demon wolves with eyes of flames, the wild horses are her friends and she goes around saving strangers.

The centaurs of the Amicahi Mountains are sent out to find the queen and bring her to safety or the witches of Amhuinn to verify that she is the foreseen queen. Only the so called seer choses to queens. You can guess where this is going right?

While helping the stranger, Keeley is helped by the centaurs specifically Caid. Gosh, how I love the Hero who thought centaurs could be sexy.

I really have a bit stuck on how to review this book as well I don’t want to give anything away as it is awesome. It is well written, there is an extensive plot with so many possibilities. There is the typical banter and great secondary characters. I have read some of this author‘s books but under her other pen name. But this was truly fantastic for me at least. I highlighted at least half of the book. So that says it all really.

I mean we have a seer, dwarves, barbarians, elves, dragons and a frigging war monk. So cool.

My verdict read the bleeding book it is so worth it.

This story snuck up on me. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to love it. I don't want to say it felt simple, because that isn't quite right, but maybe as if it was kind of immature. In a sense some of it is a bit immature, with the constantly bickering sisters especially, but honestly it ended up just being so much fun! The plot was interesting, the action was an ever flowing gift from the gods, and the characters and their banter were wildly entertaining.

Can we also just talk about how freaking awesome it is to have kickass heroines that aren't stunningly beautiful without knowing it?! A big-burly-hammer-toting-foul-mouthed-warrior-blacksmith-queen....YAAASSSS.

That alone really sets this one apart from many others in this genre and I'm so here for it. I mean how could you not love Keely extra hard? That girl has a heart of gold and a fierce unrelenting spirit. The whole Smythe clan was a riot, not to mention the myriad of magical/mmythical beings they befriend along the way. Even the animals were captivating! Long live the demon dogs!

* "THEY ARE WOLVES" Caid adamantly reminds *
This book was full of little surprises like that. I also wasn't expecting it to be as brutal as it was in the fighting scenes either, but it was, in the best possible way. I love that this author doesn't shy away from things, she goes for it...with gusto. Whether it be bloodshed, swearing, or even just traversing a giant willful family dynamic. It also managed to feel very light to me even though there was so much destruction and danger. The banter and camaraderie kind of helped give it this awesome balance. I really appreciated that.

This was a bolder book in a lot of little ways like that and it made the journey incredibly entertaining and just so darn fun! I see this author has other books out and I can't wait to read more by her.

Have you ever read a book where you just could not decide if it was for you or not? Then it won you over right there at the very end? That’s how it was reading The Blacksmith Queen.

This book is about a woman named Keeley who is prophecized to become the new queen after the Old King’s death. To make it brief the Old King has died and his bloodthirsty sons are killing each other off to claim the throne. Keeley and her sister are both prophecized as the potential queens. In a wild twist of event Keeley’s sister turns against her and Keeley is faced with battling not only the King’s sons but her bloodthirsty kin.

I have got to say that this book is a little cheesy and I had a hard time getting through it. The main character, Keeley, her last name is Smythe, can you guess what she does for a living? Yes, she’s a blacksmith, hence The Blacksmith Queen. If that doesn’t make you cringe just a little her father’s last name is Farmerson, and yes, he is a farmer. The names in this book were not everything that made it cheesy, there is campy humor spread throughout the books and sometimes the dialogue is a bit off-putting. Here is an example between Keeley and a centaur named Quinn about a horse who’s offspring was killed in a previous battle.

Quinn studied the gray mare and the saddle on her back. “If she’s not your horse, then what is she?”

“A mother looking for justice.”

I just thought this was a little over the top and reminded me of a really bad action movie. I pictured Tom Cruise holding patting the horse while dramatically proclaiming the horse’s desire for revenge.

There’s also an awkward sex scene that I found off-putting. I honestly really don’t want to go into it, here is a weird quote from a romantic gesture between the two. Sorry, it might be a small spoiler so if you’re interested in the “mysterious” love arc to skip this quote and the following paragraph.

A hand pressed against his hindquarter and he recognized Keeley’s touch.

Yes… the romance is between Keeley and a centaur. It’s a little strange but also pretty cute. I am not going to hate on the love story, it felt a little awkward to me but maybe that’s just the way I interpreted it.

Okay now that I have gotten that off of my chest let’s move on to what endeared me to this story. The characters are badass. Keeley is awesome, her sister Gemma is stone cold, and their cousin Keran is a drunken disaster that I enjoyed every second of. This book is extremely explicit when it comes to the battle sequences, punches are not held and there will likely be scenes that turn your stomach a little.

Keeley is such an interesting character. She loves her family above all and is capable of making friends with the strangest of beings and animals. This includes demon wolves, a vengeful mare, and grumpy centaurs. Her ability to be likable while also being stubborn and flawed made her feel very well rounded and interesting. She is the kind of character you want to win because she doesn’t want the power she just wants to help those she cares about.

I struggled to read this book in the beginning and I don’t want that to deter anyone because it gets better. The cheesiness and oftentimes awkward dialogue are worth it because the characters are loveable and the plot is quite interesting.

I was originally going to give this book 3/5 stars but after reading the ending and doing some reflection I have deemed it worthy of 4/5 stars. This book captured my attention and with the flaws taken with a grain of salt, it is quite funny and ambitious. It seems that this is the debut of a series and I look forward to the next installment.

As always thank you to NetGalley and a big thank you to and Kensington Books for giving me access to this book.

Omg. This is the book I've been waiting for forever. I have been waiting for a book to fulfill my fantasy, adventure, paranormal, and of course romance needs. It had everything and then some.

Keeley and Caid were amazing. I want more. I want more in this world. I want more of the characters.

I received a free copy of THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN by G.A. Aiken in exchange for an honest review. When the old king dies, a war for succession leaves two surviving bastard princelings to fight over the crown. A prophet creates a third party to the succession war by predicting a queen from the common-born Smythe family is the rightful heir to the Black Hills throne. For blacksmith Keeley Smythe, the war is great for business until the battling bastards attempt to eradicate her family. Mountain warriors called the Amichai intervene to help the Smythes escape and to safely escort Keeley’s younger sister Beatrix to be confirmed as the prophesized queen. The second war for succession begins. What chances do a common-born queen have against an entire country’s army?

It looks like the start of another great series! It’s full of profanity and sibling rivalry, both murderous and mundane. Though it’s set in the same universe as the dragon novels, G.A. Aiken adds in human witches, centaurs, elves, and dwarves. There’s a lot of fighting throughout the book, both silly and serious. Romance and sex are present but take a low-key second place to the adventure quest that forms the backbone of the story. I recommend this book to fans of high fantasy with off-beat and occasionally funny characters.

#TheBlacksmithQueen #NetGalley

I could not believe how much I enjoyed this book. G.A. Aiken consistently delivers a fabulous read. I found myself laughing out loud several times and have reread already. Keeley Smythe is your typical older sister. Protective, supportive and did I say protective? She finds herself in the middle of a quest, She just needs to accompany her younger sister, on her trip what could go wrong? How about dragons, centaurs, gladiators and witches? Not to mention conspiracy, romance, sorrow and war. Loved this story.

I’ve loved G.A. Aiken’s books since Dragon Actually. If you’re like me, you’ll love this book too. This book is an RPG come to life alà Dungeons and Dragons or the like. It’s high fantasy with dragons and villains and strong willed women, all of which I love to read, trademarked with the usual Aiken wit and humor. Highly recommend.

I loved this book just as I did all the others from Ms. Aiken. You experience all kinds of emotions from happiness to heart break. There's also lots of family love and drama. The characters are well developed and keep you on edge wondering what will come next. Laugh out loud and enjoy the beginning of a new series that is sure to become one of your favorites.

If you’re looking for a light, fun romp of a fantasy romance, this is the book for you. If you expect traditional high fantasy, this book is not for you.
Annwyl the Bloody will forever by my favourite character by this author, see her Dragon Kin series. But Keeley Smythe, blacksmith, chiropractor, and savior of demon wolves, is quickly becoming my second favourite character.
This series take place in the same world as the Dragon Kin series but can be read separately. The characters I met in this book were the same type of hilarious, bickering, raunchy family members I met in the other series. And I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I feel really bad that this is like the 4th arc in a row that I can't finish.
The author writes like a child.
I didn't understand what was going on at all. They just threw you into this story that we were supposed to know.
Seriously the dialogue was horrible
And from that I have seen of the main character she was horrible too.

Excellent fantasy! For fans of her Dragon Kin series, this world is adjacent to that one.
Smart, fierce, and competent characters will keep you vested in the outcome. Of course it wouldn't be a G.A. Aiken series without her characteristic humor and witty banter. I can't wait to see what Keeley and company encounter next in their quest.

The Old King has died and a prophecy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills has emerged and the king’s sons are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers including each other. Blacksmith Keeley Smythe is benefiting from the war until it looks like the chosen queen will be her younger sisters, now it’s all she can do to protect her family from the enraged royals. Luckily she doesn’t have to fight alone, because the clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amicahi have joined the quest.

The author has given her fascinating world life once again with some truly wonderful additional elements that readers can definitely appreciate. The dragons may not be a full part of this story, but it takes place in the same world, just a different part. The characters of this new series are strong and blood thirsty as the others and there definitely grab all of the reader’s attention from the very beginning. While Keeley reminds readers of the Human Queen, she has her own refreshing personality that readers can definitely enjoy and the budding relationship that is building between her and Caid promises to be epic.

This fast paced story is full of adventure, suspense, excitement and emotional angst, but the way these characters deal with that turmoil can be a bit frightening as well as charming. The author makes this blood thirsty world seem so very reasonable that readers can’t help but have fun and be delighted with the captivating characters, which includes centaurs, dwarves, barbarians, witches, and wild horses, while they are completely enthralled by this riveting and exhilarating adventure.

I don't typically pick up fantasy romances! But this one was thrilling to read and it was highly entertaining. We follow a blacksmith whose family comprises of hard headed, stubborn warriors and they are thrown into a war for the throne. There are centaurs, elves, magical monks, and more!

The writing style is different since it was very direct and to the point. The dialogue was a bit stiff but I loved the banter between characters. I would have loved to see more world building as well! It was fun to read about the hijinks of these characters though.