Book number 2 from NetGalley is The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken which is the first instalment in The Scarred Earth Saga series. The story starts out with lots of violence that follows the death of the old King where his sons go on a rampage of killing each other and anyone loyal to them in order to gain the throne and the power that it represents. However, a prophesy tells of a queen who will ascend the throne ....a daughter of a farmer. As the different factions fight it out the story switches to Keeley Smythe, the big and powerful blacksmith who likes nothing more than working her forge and loving her family. When a band of kilt wearing mountain warriors come to her small village she doesn't at first realise how much she will depend on their help and protection. Especially from the gruff but hunky Caid. When the prophesy seems to point to Keeley's bookish sister Beatrix as being the intended queen she has no choice but to defend her family from the royals who don't want to see a farmer's daughter on the throne. Luckily she has some help because she is going to need it.

The Blacksmith Queen is written in a similar style to Aiken's Dragon Kin series with fun loving characters, strong female heroines, and super natural beings. Keeley is fun, strong (both physically and mentally) and knows her power. The romance really didn't make an appearance until near the end of the book which was refreshing and the sex scenes weren't as 'detailed' as in some of Aiken's other books. What is also different is that there are chapters from Caid's POV which gives a different perspective and works well when Keeley wasn't able to be part of the scene (no spoilers here). There is also a very good twist involving one of the baddies that I wasn't expecting and makes me really want to see how this character gets their comeuppance. I am very likely going to continue with this series and if you are a fan of her other books I suggest you give The Blacksmith Queen a go.

I have read GA Aiken's Dragon Kin Series and liked that so I was fairly certain I would like a new series. I thought this book was totally entertaining. The author can bring characterizations of mythical creatures to life as well as the humans. The heroine, Keeley, is a blacksmith as was her mother. She is strong both physically and emotionally but with a tender and caring heart. Caid is very protective and a worthy hero. But it is Keeley who is the true saviour of country and family.

This book is often cringe-worthy violent, with scenes of battle vividly depicted. There are many scenes of battles and anxiety producing moments. There are truly evil side characters. Aiken's world building is never an info dump but the result of action and plotting.

I recommend this book to those who like Fantasy, Romance and plenty of action.

Ebook provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

I saw a lot of myself in Keeley, outspoken but in need of her own space; I like to think myself as a strong woman, so it was refreshing reading about her. I loved Keeley and Caid’s relationship, I found it to be real, not like most of the ones in books where there is not one thing people would actually do in real life.

The world building is definitely one of my favorite, really well created and described. Characters in general are very well described and I could imagine being in their place. The Amichai are the real turning tables, amazing concept, very well developed.

I am not giving the full 5 stars because I hope to see more in the next book.

Final vote: 4/5

CURSING, FEMINISM AND A HAMMER TO RIVAL THOR’S…THIS BOOK WAS A PERFECT MIX OF HUMOUR, DEATH AND KICK-ASS HEROINES.

It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed the crazy, witty humour of G.A. Aiken. This book did not disappoint. As a fan of her earlier Dragon Kin series, I was holding high hopes for this book. It’s not often you find an author that can spin a tale of deceit, civil-war and love with a resounding dash of humour and characters you cannot but hope will surmount the insurmountable odds. In The Blacksmith Queen, Aiken managed this and so much more!

CHARACTERS

KEELEY – Easily my second favourite character. As a loyal, kind and gentle soul Keeley was very easy to like right off the bat. She had an innate goodness that extended to strangers, animals and friends alike. Despite this, her strength in wielding a hammer was impressive – as anyone who dared to threaten her family would know first-hand. The eldest daughter in a long-line of matriarchal blacksmiths – Keeley upheld the traditions of her family with pride and a personal love for the forging of steel in to weapons. What really endeared me to Keeley was her loyalty to her family. Not everyone with eleven siblings would make the effort to spend time and get to know each and every one of them. Keeley’s steadfast nature and kindness made her the quintessential heroine that we could all easily fall in love with! While facing insurmountable odds, Keeley’s optimistic dedication to free her family from being caught up in a civil war for the crown gained my affection and respect. How can you resist a strong, independent woman willing to fight wars for the good of the Kingdom and her family’s safety?

CAID – Loyal and constantly grumpy – Caid was easily my favourite character! I might have mentioned (oh…half a thousand times) in the past how much I ADORE brooding male characters. There’s just something about their deep well of annoyance at everyone and everything that gains my affection. As a warrior and son of the Amichai clan leader, he played a pivotal role in protecting Keeley’s sister after the witches proclaim her the future Queen. What really set my heart racing in this book was the gradual affection Caid began to have for Keeley. His gradual affection for Keeley was sweet to read. A brooding, warrior male paired with an optimistic, independent female was a tumultuously perfect read-at-first sight match. I couldn’t wait to see how their friendship and budding slow-burn romance would unfold!

SIDE CHARACTERS – This book had an abundance of side characters that I slowly began to adore. Caid’s sister Laila, and brother Quinn’s respective strength and craziness only made me fall in love with the Amichai’s even more! The craziness in this book only increased with the presence of Keeley’s cousin and sister. While her cousin Keran and sister Gemma were not characters I necessarily liked during the first half of the book, they slowly grew on me. I love reading about strong female characters and this book had a tonne of them! It was refreshing and highly enjoyable to read. The jokes and bickering between Keeley and her family were hilarious at times! They really knew how to get on each other’s nerves in a way that only family can achieve.

The use of multiple alternative narrations in The Blacksmith Queen made it interesting to read. I’m not always a fan of books that alternate between many characters but I was pleasantly surprised by it in this case. Aiken managed to cover a variety of concurrent events in a manner that left the ending slightly unpredictable, but also created a well-rounded story that was believable. She also gave an insight in to all of the characters, which helped me to understand some of the motivations of the less likeable characters – namely Gemma and Keran. I enjoyed reading about the influence past events had on their current perspectives and how this culminated in the decisions that would ultimately define them.

My only issue with this book was the abundance of swearing. I understand that while in a civil-war in which your family has a glaring target on their backs, you’d be inclined to swear but it felt a bit much throughout the book. The same effect could probably have occurred without such vulgar language. But then again, maybe I’m just a bit of a prude when it comes to harsh language. To each their own!

Another funny as he romance from an author who never disapoints. I highly recommend that you give this book a try!!!

The Blacksmith Queen is a fabulous first in a series. G.A. Aiken has created a wondrous world filled with centaurs, elves, dwarves and other fantastic beings. This story features strong women and a smart plot that will keep you flipping pages. This story is told with humor and heart and I can’t wait for further adventures.

So this was an interesting experience...

The book follows the journey of Keeley Smythe, an incredibly strong and skilled blacksmith, when her sister is named the prophesied queen, against the backdrop of a civil war between royal brothers.

I was initially very unimpressed with the writing style, as the sudden switches from the events in the story and exposition about other characters made it hard to keep track of what was happening when. This was compounded by the strange writing style which had unneeded repetition and odd bouts of informality that clashed with the story at large.

In addition, the low depth of many of the characters made it hard to care about what happened to them for example, the character that was the centre-point of the prologue seemed to have little purpose but, to provide exposition into the fact that there is a prophecy for a Queen.

This all changed at the 20% marker.

The reveal of certain supporting characters’ abilities (whom I won’t name in the aim of remaining spoiler free) was quite exceptional and truly brought some much needed depth into the characters, who had at this point just been placeholders that Keeley could rail against in her arguments.

The plot from then on was fairly standard fare, though Aiken’s characterisation of Keeley as a perky, ruthless, animal lover was a breath of fresh air from the usual naive heroines.

I also enjoyed the quirks of the supporting characters and how entertaining plot points, like that of the family axe, were sprinkled into their backstories. On the whole, the depth of all the characters within the story remained quite shallow, with certain characters becoming tropes e.g. an always drunk fighter and I felt that the motivations and actions of the villain could have been better explored to create a complex and engaging character.

The book also had quite an abrupt ending, obviously in preparation for a series, which meant that a lot of the threads of the story were simply left hanging.

Overall, a good read with some interesting plot and character points.

4.5 stars!

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a G.A. Aiken / Shelly Laurenston book! I have read almost all of Shelly's books and am slowly making my way through G.A.'s Dragon series (it's only that they're just long... and I really like the audio versions of her books). I was sooo excited for this book to come out, I was over the moon when I got approved for an arc.

Can we just sit back for a moment and think how magical it is to be able to create these worlds so wonderfully? I mean it just boggles the mind that all of this was created out of someone's head. Just... wow. There are some author's that find a formula and plug and play until infinity. I've read many almost all of the authors writing and I still found a really solid and unique story and world in this book.

Ok, so here we go! The Blacksmith Queen was great. The world is another facet of the Dragon's series, another land explored if you will. Keeley is a blacksmith from a long line of female blacksmiths. And she loves her hammer. (there's a lot of hammer songs that come to mind... The Beatles- Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Pete Seeger- If I Had A Hammer, Huey Lewis & the News- It Hit Me Like a Hammer, Fleetwood Mac- My Heart Beat Like a Hammer... but I think my favorite is the 90's song by The Breeders- Divine Hammer.... cuz well, just listen to it.). The Old King has died and immediately his sons have started slaying everyone in a struggle for the throne. Keeley kind of loves this, because people are buying her wares left and right. Then comes a prediction from the Witches that says her sister, the farmer's daughter, is to be queen. The warring Old King's sons catch wind and send troops to kill the girl. This, Keeley will not stand for. Family is everything to her and she will protect them with her dying breath! The Witches send a group of centaurs to protect the to-be queen and bring her to them so they may confirm her royal status. Add in her 12 brothers and sisters, farmer father, blacksmith mother, retired fighter's guild cousin, War Monk sister, demon wolves, shape-shifting centaurs, elves, dwarves, lava dragons, ohhh... and most importantly a good psychopath... and you have a grand adventure. (G.A. / Shelly always writes such a good psychopath- reference: Pride, Call of Crows, Honey Badger Chronicles, and The Gathering series'- she just gets it. Always so so fun!)

So, I should note that the language is adult... umm... pub-after-a-few-pints style... If you can't hear/stand the c-word (male or female reference) used freely and with vigor, then maybe you just walk away. I, for one, rather enjoy it so... whatev! but, you've been warned.

The Blacksmith Queen has more of an urban fantasy feel than a paranormal romance as the story itself and the world-building was the main focus... very soft focus on the relationship rather than a "romance" per se. (There was only one "adult interlude") The story was very strong, there was a lot of world-building without you feeling like an info dump, and the progression was very natural. This ended up being a fairly fast read because you are just so plugged into the story. There was ample set up for further installments, and as it's called The Scarred Earth Saga, so I imagine it will follow the centaur family rather than the farmer/blacksmith family. I hope there are lots more to come! There were references to the mad bitch queen, the different dragon factions/hordes, and other centaur groups in other areas but there wasn't a reunion of other characters that would detract from this being a stand-alone series. (the last Badger book kind of had a bit too many cross-references and old characters from the Pride series popping back in that I felt it detracted, but this was not the case here)

My one complaint is that the book just ended. I know, I know... we have to give everyone a break or else it gets a bit Tolkien-ish. I just, I wanted more! I felt a little sad when I suddenly swiped to the last page and ... fin!

Ack, anyway! The Blacksmith Queen was really a fun read. I loved the characters, there were a few lol moments and even a teary moment there in the first quarter. I would absolutely recommend this to others and cannot wait for the audio to come out. I will definitely be reading (listening) to this again!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ms. Aiken, and Kensington Books for this generously provided ARC!

I just reviewed The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken. I love this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Ms. Aiken delivers an intense adventure with her incredible sense of humor. This book is a fast-paced adventure that hooks you in from the first sentence and continues to deliver to the last. While this series is based in the same universe as Mz Aiken dragon series this is not her dragon series. All I can say is buy this book you won't regret it.

Leigh Smoak

#TheBlacksmithQueen #NetGalley
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I'm a fan of G.A. aiken and Dragon Kin Series. I didn't know the scarred earth saga was somehow related to dragon kin series. And when I found out I was the happiest girl on the planet :D if you ask what's the difference from the dragon kin - bickering humans instead of dragon clan members :D I mean humans look like our beloved dragons. they're strong and funny and the womans are highly bad asses . keeley and her mom and her sister unbelievable :D blacksmith womans and a war monk is enough for the save the world.
I loved it everyword of this book. There's some mystical creatures too like centaurs , demon wolfs , dwarves, elfs etc. romance side is a little low because there's is no time for it :D
if you like strong ,funny, crazy heroines and warriors , witty and clever dialogues , lots of action this book is for you . I'm strongly recommend you my fave author G.A. Aiken and her books . Can't wait to read what's next.

Fantastic start to a new series, I devoured this book and I loved all of it. Little slow on the romance, as in not a lot. but other then that, the story arc was epic, and I can not wait for more.

I had such high hopes for this because of G.A. Akin. I had really enjoyed Dragon Kin and the centaur part seemed interesting, to say the least. Unfortunately, I just felt like this story was all over. There was a lot of action happening early on, and yet, I didn't feel invested in it or the main character. I only made it about halfway through before I lost interest.

A great new series to look forward to. Love the story line, love the characters. Lots of action, humor and just good writing. You won't be disappointed. I can't wait till the next in this series comes out.

The Blacksmith Queen is G.A. Aiken’s first book in her new Scarred Earth Saga series. Though this series takes place in the same world as her Dragon Kin series, it’s not at all necessary to read those books first, as this completely stands alone. For those of you new to this author, you are in for quite the ride!

Keeley Smythe is a blacksmith who lives with her family in the Land of the Black Hills. When the old king dies, his sons begin the battle to win the throne. However, a prophecy predicts that Keeley's younger sister Beatrix is to become the chosen queen. Joined by the Amichai, a group of mountain warriors who wear kilts, they leave their home to meet the witches who saw this prophecy for confirmation. Oh, did I mention that the Amichai were centaurs who shifted into human form? That's kind of important. Things quickly turn strange and violent, as it seems Keeley is ALSO to be the new queen!

If you're familiar with this author, you won't be shocked by the blood, gore, violence and liberal use of the "c" word. Yes, THAT "c" word. If you are unfamiliar with her, get over any hangups you may have with these issues, because you would be missing a totally fun and awesome story if you didn't. The family dynamics in this story are as exciting and fun as ever. The characters are fresh and well fleshed out. Though you will find yourself laughing out loud quite a bit, there are also sections that will bring tears to your eyes. Some of my favorite moments dealt with Keeley's pets, who just happen to be wolves...demon wolves from hell. Though this is more of a fantasy story than a romance, the relationship between Keeley and the grouchy Caid brings a little softness to these characters. I am waiting with bated breath for the next installment. I'm definitely wanting more of Caid's brother Quinn and Keeley's sister Gemma, THE WAR MONK!!!!!! (Yes, everyone always shouts that!)

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

First of all, let me start by saying that the sense of humor in this book was delightful. The characters and the storyline we both really enchanting. Loved every bit of it!

Unlike a lot of people, this was my first book by this author, and I have to say it was a really nice introduction to her writing. I loved that the story was bloody and brutal and she wasn’t afraid to take it there. With war in the process I’m glad she didn’t shy away from the horrific side of war.

I appreciated the various beast that were implemented as well.. the centaurs, dwarves, dragons, elves, etc. not many books do this and so I was extremely Happy!

My one issue that isn’t even an issue is THAT CLIFFHANGER!

But yes, The Blacksmith Queen is one I would recommend.

Luckily the email from Netgalley saying I was approved for this book did not come too late in the evening, I didn't have to make myself the same fake promises of just one more chapter then I'll go to sleep to finish this book.... what can I say, I devoured it in one sitting!

Aiken (or the fabulously entertaining Laurenston in her shifter books) has created another world filled to the brim with compelling characters!! Set in the same universe as the Dragon series, just a neighbouring Kingdom this is the story of sisters.... extremely dysfunctional ones but still at the heart of it is about family. Yes there might be centaurs, dwarves a very angry dragon but our main feature are the Smythe/Farmson girls.

This is the start of what is sure to be an extremely intriguing series, I can't wait to see what our Blacksmith Queen and her sisters get up to next

I loved this story. Just not the bad language throughout. I am a big fan of this author so it was disappointing for her to use c*** over and over again. At times I laughed out loud at the dialogue. You have dwarfs, centaurs, demon wolves, a War Monk as well as a dragon for your reading pleasure. I did find that the writing style was more Shelley Laurenston than G. A. Aiken.

First in a new series, our plucky heroine is Keely Smythe; a blacksmith of fiercesome strength with a large, raucous family including twelve siblings. The old king in her country of the Hill Lands has died leaving several malevolent sons to battle for the throne. What has thrown everyone for a loop is a prophecy from a witch group saying her scholarly sister, Beatrix, will be the next queen. While under attack, Keely and her family are aided by a group known as the Amichai who are actually centaurs that can turn into kilt wearing warriors in human-like form.

Keely is shocked to find out that it is she who should be queen and not her conniving sister who has no heart or feelings, even for her family. Keely adores her job as blacksmith making weapons and pounding her huge hammer with great force. She also doesn’t mind hammering her enemies into the ground. Family is all for Keely so when they are threatened, she takes on the challenge of defeating all the competitors for the crown including, unfortunately, Beatrix.

Caid is not a people centaur; he likes quiet and no babbling humans or other creatures. Keely comes to earn his respect and passion as they work together to protect not just her people, but his own lands from the evil that would overtake them. He and the others are quite concerned with Keely’s “friends” which include demon wolves with eyes of fire. Keely’s love for family and scary animal associates outshines the fear and loathing proving her allies are quite worthy.

Anyone familiar with Ms. Aiken’s work will expect lots of epic battles, many bloody forays, and yet a strong undertone of humor coupled with some romance; her characters seem to find much to enjoy in the absurdities of life. Keely reminds me of Annwyl the Bloody from the connected series, Dragon Kin, which is set in the same world. Keely lives life large and with her over-the-top family and horsey allies, it is clear much more is to come for a woman who would be queen however reluctantly.

5 of 5 stars

Keeley Smythe wants nothing more from life than to be a blacksmith, be kind to all animals, and loving her crazy family. Her life is turned upside down when the Old King dies, his sons go on a murdering spree to see who will be the next king and her sister Beatrix is named the future queen. They must travel to the witches compound to confirm this and our accompanied by a warrior clan of centaurs. Keeley is drawn to Caid, the cranky glaring centaur who wants nothing to do with humans. When the unimaginable happens at the witches enclave, Keeley must fight not only her life, but accept the prophecy that she will be the Blacksmith Queen.

I absolutely loved this book. Ms. Aiken has written a compelling, intriguing and laugh out loud funny at times book as the sisters Keeley and Gemma fight/argue throughout their journey across the land. There are so many surprising aspects to this fantasy, the characters, the family, the magical beasts and the growing relationship between Keeley and Caid. If you're offended by swearing, this isn't the book for you because it's an important part of the relationship between the characters. There was so many twists and turns in this book that I couldn't put it down. Can't hardly wait for the next book in this fantastic new series!

The Blacksmith Queen is a great opening to G.A. Aiken's new series of books. I was anxiously awaiting this release, and I'm happy to report that all that we die hard fans love about her Dragon Kin series is brought forward in her latest endeavor.
This author has a knack for creating over the top characters who cause you to experience a range of emotions with their outlandish behaviors. The book has plenty of action packed scenes, with bits of laughter and love and I enjoyed every step of the journey of getting to know these new band of characters. The Blacksmith Queen is a truly entertaining read with it's many battles to win with some being between family members, secrets to unveil, and possibly revenge to exact. Another nice surprise is the fact that it seems to crossover into the laughable and lovable characters of the Dragon Kin series which I am truly ecstatic about. I can't wait to see all the trouble these quirky characters can get themselves into and eventually how they work to get themselves out of them.