So who will be Queen? Keeley will do anything in her power to keep her family safe so when she finds a group of centaurs near her family's farm she tries to be more trusting but why are they really here. Now that Gemma has returned for a visit Keeley knows that there is something bad about to happen and she has never forgiven her sister for leaving so suddenly. Will they be able to put aside their anger to help with the journey that they need to go on together? They know that something strange is going on as they can't figure out why their sister Beatrix has been chosen to be the new Queen. She has never left the farm and there is something not quite right with her. But Keeley knows that she needs to go with and now that the truth has been revealed she has no choice but to follow her destiny. Caid knows that he shouldn't fall for this strange woman but she is everything that he has wanted but can they really be happy together knowing what is expected of her and will his parents accept their relationship seeing that she is human?
Gemma followed her heart and she is now a feared war monk that will do everything to save her family even if that means having to kill her sister Beatrix. Can her & Keeley repair their relationship and will Keeley accept her as a trusted advisor?
A great read kept turning those pages to see what was going to happen next. Who doesn't enjoy a book full of mysterious creatures? Can't wait to see what will happen next in the series. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house n exchange for my honest review.

Another solid series by the talented G.A. Aiken. While set in the Dragon Kin universe, the standalone Scarred Earth series brings forth a new cast of shifters. If you have read her other books, Aiken brings that same level of hilarity to this new series.

I'm a fan of G.A. Aiken which is also Shelly Laurenston. Her writing is definitely OTT and her characters are outrageous and zany but they are humorous and endearing. This series is no different - the characters are outrageous and there are a few moments that are crazy - but it's all fun! There is also quite a bit of violence in this book but the way it's written the book never seems dark.

I really enjoyed getting to know Keeley and the cast of characters surrounding her. She has quite the adventure and along the way you get to meet centaurs, demon wolves, war monks, dwarves, elves, witches and a dragon. This book is set in the same world as the Dragon Kin series and has some similarities - a crazy family that loves to argue, really strong women, men who love and respect strong women, humor, and lots of action. The romance takes a backseat to all the intrigue, action and overall plot but it's just enough that someone who loves romance like me will be happy.

This looks to be the beginning of a great adventure for Keeley and company and I can't wait to see what happens next.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
Wowee what an amazing start to a new fantasy romance series! GA Aiken has created a female driven world full of female empowerment. They are bat sh*^ crazy most of the time but also know what they want and take it (and take no prisoners) which is a refreshing take not only on fantasy but romance in general.
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Our heroine is a blacksmith and proud of it, following in the footsteps of her mother. When her sister gets declared next queen of their land she and her family get drawn into a very bloody war. Our hero is a centaur (OMG YES) sent to protect the new queen and family. An epic adventure ensues that includes demon wolves, war horses, dwarves, elves and the dead rising.
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I will admit that the romance is so slow burn it’s almost an afterthought. There isn’t even any sexual tension between the two main characters until 85% of the way through the book... but I’m actually not bothered by it because I was so captivated by the story and the world. The world building did not detract from the story in any way (she is clearly a master).
The villian in this was so well set up I was gobsmacked- we are talking crazy, smart and more than a little terrifying. I need the next book stat!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You know what? This book is a delight. I can’t be partial-- I love GA Aiken/Shelly Laurenston’s heroines, their unabashed pride in their strength, their dedication to their families (chosen or birth), their refusal to back down from a challenge, and their willingness to own their own crazy. Keeley Smythe is no exception.

As the eldest of a passel of kids from a love match between a soldier and a blacksmith, Keeley grew up in the forge, dedicated to her craft and her siblings, not necessarily in that order. While war between heirs to the throne is happening, it’s a distant threat, one that Keeley is aware of but hasn’t felt. That is, until there’s a prophecy that her quiet, book-loving sister Beatrix will become queen. Now, Keeley’s long-lost sister who ran away to join a religious order has returned, fistfights ensue, and the whole family has to pack up and protect Beatrix, as one of the rival heirs is determined to take her out of the equation. In order to remain safe, Keeley and her family travel with the Amchai, a band of warriors from the mountains, fabled for their ferocity in battle… and also for being centaurs. (Never let it be said that Aiken/Laurenston is afraid to mix it up with mythological creatures in her novels, which have featured dragon shapeshifters, were-honey badgers, and a winged immortal pit bull.)

As the Smythes and Amchai travel, they’re accompanied by Keeley’s unexpected companions, a pack of demon wolves as well as a wild mare she befriended. Along the way, there will be prophecies, betrayals, War Monks, and necromancy. If you’ve read anything from this author, you’d expect nothing less.

While this was tagged as “romance” as well as “sci-fi/fantasy”, I would put this firmly in fantasy, as the romance is an afterthought to the adventure. Keeley’s budding relationship with the centaur Caid is a subplot, the main plot is about who’s going to end up being queen of the Black Hills. If sequels come, I’ll read them as fantasies, not as romances, and I’ll recommend this as a fantasy, not a romance, when I do reader’s advisory.

Review: THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN (The Scarred Earth Saga) by G.A. Aiken https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bfD
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 5 Stars

What fun! Ms. Aiken has managed to create another world for us to dive into. She is a master at describing where and what, so that you are quickly immersed and feel a part of it all. Centaurs? Sure…Demon Wolves? Of course…they’re all real – right? I loved it all. Keeley and her family are a rowdy bunch that poor Caid and his fellow Centaurs can only gird their loins for what might happen next. I did wonder if it was a fantasy with romantic elements, but Keeley and Caid’s romance grew steadily, culminating in a steamy love-scene. So yes, this book had it all. Magical creatures, horrible antagonists, crazy family and friends, humor, romance and of course – a happily ever after. The kind of story that keeps you in its grasp long after the book is closed. I cannot wait for the second installment.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Kindle $9.99 https://amzn.to/2RRstMj

The Blacksmith Queen literally gives us a strong female main character with a tender heart and affinity for animals ( both the regular and other wordly beings) who is reluctantly being cast as queen of the realm. She’d rather forge weapons! This paranormal fantasy saga is really going to make readers role in laughter, cheer for the good guys against insurmountable odds and go all teary eyed when sisters are forced to either fight against each other or with them. The Blacksmith Queen is just the beginning of a story but its already shaping up to a great epic story! The fight continues to the next book but Keely Smythe and her band of unconventional warriors has already captured my heart and I cannot wait for the next book!
PS it ends in a not so cliffhanger but the romance angle is resolved but the adventure continues

A very well-written and intriguing story. Good characters and exceptional dialogue. Totally enjoyed it!

3.5 Stars...

A fun, fast paced read that felt fresh. I am looking forward to the next books in the series and seeing where the author takes these characters.

3.5 Stars.
I have read this authors dragon books and enjoyed them a lot so had high hopes for this new fantasy series and was pleasantly optimistic.
This was set in the same fantasy world but also completely separate so no need to have read that series before.
So this was told from multiple POV's and was set amid a civil war and power struggle by the son's for the human throne after the death of there father the previous king.
This is, in my opinion, is not really a love story it's predominantly a fantasy with some romantic elements and it is very slow burn at that.
This didn't really bother me but just thought I would put it out there so your aware.
So this is all about a prophecy made by the witches of a future queen.
Keely Smyth a blacksmith and the oldest of 12 is the older sister of this prophesied monarch and there is no way shes allowing her younger sibling to leave her family without her going along for added protection.
I adored Keeley and her larger than life personality, she loves all creatures including her demon wolf friends, is honest and straightforward, a complete chatterbox with a heart of pure gold who will do anything for her family.
Alongside members of her family, Keeley is also assisted by Amichai Centaurs who have come down from there home to protect the future Queen.
Caid of the Scarred Earth Clan was such a lovable bad-tempered grouch he also took a shine to Keeley along with members of his family these warrior Centaurs join her rag-tag group as they help deal with all sorts of creatures and plenty of magical mayhem along the way.
This had it all Centaurs, Witches, Elves, Dwarfs and dragons this really was a rich fantasy hotpot.
This had great characters plenty of humour and really was an intriguing start.
Be aware this also contains a lot of language and vivid violence throughout.
This is the first book in the series and though this doesn't end on a cliffhanger the story hasn't yet reached a conclusion.
So yeh I didn't rate this quite as highly as the dragon series I still enjoyed it I mean Centaurs hello! how could I not?

The old king knew his sons would tear each other apart for the throne.
When a farmers daughter is prophesied to be Queen, the brothers set out to hunt her down, but her family has vowed to protect her at all cost.


I don't even know where to start.
The synopsis, and other reviews did not properly prepare me for this book.
​I loved everything about it.

There was one part, where two words were yelled out.
And I got goosebumps, at the time I didn't even understand what it meant, but I did know that it was going to be awesome.

Lately so many heroins grow into their character, all of them starting out as
'who me? I can't save anyone, i'm just bookish and shy'
and then by the end they are the stars of epic battles
'sheesh I didn't know I could punch like that'

Keeley is strong and she knows it. She can swing a hammer as good as any man, and is broad and brave. I thought the characters were all unique and interesting.
I also love this fantasy world, witches, dragons, centaurs... I love all of it.
Mash it all together and I'm hooked.
So excited for the rest of this series.

The King of the land has died and his descendants are fighting for the throne. Witches have made a prophecy that will soon have everyone racing to either capture or kill the new Queen. Centaurs have been sent to protect and lend aid to the newly named Queen. Keeley is a simple blacksmith. She loves her job and feels its important to not only know how to make a worthy weapon but also how to wield it too.

Keeley is the protector and head of her unruly clan. Soon Keeley's sister also arrives home along with some unexpected visitors. Her world will change drastically when they share that the Queen is among her kin... Things are not as they appear and there are bound to be betrayals in Keeley's future. But there is also the promise of new friendships and love that lend hope and strength to Keeley and her kin.

I haven't read anything by G.A. Aiken before and was met with a pleasant surprise with the author's writing style. I really enjoyed the comedy in the writing which made the characters came to life. I would rate this a 4 out of 5 and would recommend it to readers who are searching for something little bit Lord of the Rings meets Ilona Andrews. Even that comparison is poor because the characters are so well written you fall in love with ALL of Keeley's family and her associations.


I was able to receive a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. #TheBlacksmithQueen #NetGalley

I did not expect this book to be so humorous and witty! Can’t wait to read more books by this author.

Keeley Smythe is a blacksmith who loves her family and her hammer.
When the old King dies and his sons start to fight each other, the news of a new Queen comes from Centaurs to Keeleys family. Her sister Beatrix is to be the new queen.
As family issues arise and a long journey brings Keeley close to one sister but is almost killed by another, it is clear who the true queen is.

I received this ebook copy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So there I was, expecting the usual (and great) YA fantasy novel about a young girl who is to become queen, maybe with a handsome prince and an epic battle and definitely with some magic. Boy was I wrong. And I couldn't be happier about it. The Blacksmith Queen consistently surprised me and had me in stitches. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Where to start with this one? As said above, I went into The Blacksmith Queen expecting a rather traditional Fantasy in the sense that it would take itself quite seriously, perhaps. And yet I found a book of riotously fun read. The setup of The Blacksmith Queen is rather traditional. The King is dead! Long live the King! Only question is... who is the new king to be? The Old King had many sons, most of whom die in the first chapter. Yet for once the sons are useless, since the Witches have prophesied that a Queen shall come to the throne. And so begins a wild goose chase for the queen which drags Keeley and her family into a whirlwind of experiences. The Blacksmith Queen feels partly like a roadtrip novel, in the way that The Hobbit does as well. A group of people are thrown together by fate and now have a common goal. The Blacksmith Queen just updates this formula to be a lot more modern.

Keeley is undeniably the main character and she is brilliant. She is a blacksmith, incredibly strong and utterly devoted to her family. She is everything a main character should be and Aiken manages to make her feel real. Her confidence in her own skill is elemental to her character and it was something I found very inspiring. Many Fantasy novels start out with the main character doubting their skills, their position, and those around them. Keeley has an unwavering faith in both herself and her companions. She also has a love for nature's creatures and society's outsiders. Alongside her are her sisters and cousin, as well as warriors she all but adopts into her family. I loved reading about the family dynamics in The Blacksmith Queen, especially between Keeley and her sisters and cousin. There was something very true in their relationships, which veers wildly between utter devotion and utter outrage. Each of these women also has a strong faith in their strengths and themselves, which really shouldn't be as heart-warming and inspiring as it was. Keeley and her friends make for a very mixed fellowship that is full of interesting female characters, fascinating landscapes and innovative twists on familiar tropes.

I had never read anything by G.A. Aiken before, which means I was utterly unprepared for the fun I was in for. The Blacksmith Queen is a very modern Fantasy novel, with the dialogue the best example of it. It is fun and lighthearted, it feels natural and it brings the reader all the closer to Aiken's characters. However, this frankness also allows for more serious matters to be discussed in an open and honest way. At the heart of Aiken's novel is friendship and understanding for others, no matter how cliche it might sound. Aiken's story rests on the shoulders of her characters, but it also indulges in some lovely world-building. We visit a whole variety of beings in The Blacksmith Queen and each gets their own distinct flavor. At times the world-building kind of halts the plot, yet I felt that it added to the atmosphere. I can't wait for the next Scarred Earth Saga novel to bring me back to these characters.

The Blacksmith Queen is a funny and heartwarming read, full of fascinating characters and hilarious moments. I found myself utterly distracted by this novel and laughing out loud in public. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and modern Fantasy read.

How on earth did I never read any books by this author before ? This was the first one and was amazing.
It made me laugh, root for the characters and have a lot of fun.
There's a lot of character development, they are all fleshed out and interesting. The world building is amazing and fascinating.
I found the plot gripping and entertaining, it kept me interested till the end and I read it as fast as I could.
I look forward to reading another work by this author and would be more than happy to meet again the characters of this book.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Keeley Smythe is enjoying life as a blacksmith. She runs her family forge, helps her parents with her siblings, and spends time with her wide range of friends. Everything changes when the Old King dies and a prophecy names one of her sisters, Beatrix, as the new queen. Unfortunately for them, the Old King’s sons are locked in a bloody battle with one another to make sure that only one of them will become the new king, and anyone who threatens their chances is as good as dead. With the Old King’s sons coming for Beatrix, Keeley and her family must make a run for it and somehow confirm Beatrix as the new queen along the way.

Not only is this a great story, but it also has a lot of badass female characters at every turn. I found myself glued to the pages and ready to see what Keeley and company were going to encounter next. Out of all the characters, I love Keeley and her cousin, Keran, the most. They’re both completely different people, but they care for each other and are totally badass in their own ways. I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop in future books, especially Keran. I think that Keran has room to grow as a character and it’ll be fun to see that happen.

While this book has a lot of great characters, I do have one complaint: there are too many characters. There are so many people coming in and out of the story that it was confusing early in the story. Luckily, they’re all very different from one another so it was easy for me to get a hold on them early on, but it’s something that left my mind spinning for a hot minute. I can see people being confused about sheer amount of characters who make an appearance, especially when are people who could’ve been introduced in a later novel.

That said, I really did enjoy the book. There was never a dull moment and I love how there is a good balance between serious moments, action, and comedy. By the time I got to the end of the book, I felt like I had just finished watching a really good three-hour movie. There’s something for everyone here, including all the supernatural characters that fit perfectly into its world. If action packed novels aren’t your cup of tea, you might want to skip this book because it is fast paced and packed with action from beginning to end.

4.25 STARS!
Okay, this was so much freaking fun, and had a little bit of everything: romance, humor, fantasy, and Centaurs, yes, centaurs;)

I’ve never read this author before, but I guess she has a whole bunch of other sexy romps out there. I am 100% owning the fact that I was entranced by the cover, and that is the reason I clicked download so fast! It’s freaking stunning!

Also, as someone in their early twenties, I feel like I’m in this in between age where it’s hard to find published books that I can enjoy. Specifically FANTASY. Every time I go into the bookstore and I want a fantasy book, I come out empty handed because I’ve outgrown young adult novels, but I don’t feel like I’ve quite stepped into adult fantasy. So, after seeing this beautiful cover AND then reading the synopsis I was SOLD. This book is a perfect compromise between YA and Adult fantasy. I think this is a perfect novel for older teens and anyone who wants a little bit of sauce to their romance if you know what I mean ;)

I will say that I saw reviews where people were disappointed because this book wasn’t as raunchy as some of the author’s previous works, but in all honesty, I thought the romance was perfect because it wasn’t overkill, and there was still a plot outside the romance :)

All in all, this was SO MUCH FUN, YOU’LL LAUGH OUT LOUD AT THESE CHARACTERS, and I recommend giving it a shot :)

This was totally awesome! Honestly I was expecting a great story from this author, but I was blown away. The storyline was so exciting and unexpected and funny.... I really could read a few hundred more pages. I enjoyed the interaction with the other tribes, and her excitement and innocence of what else is out there in their world. I look forward to reading more, where this story is going, and how this will all unfold.

I can’t even begin to tell you how abso-freaking-lutely thrilled I was when I heard G.A. Aiken was giving us a new series. I freaking adore her Dragon Kin series and it’s been FOREVER since she’s given us a new book. Yes, I’m exaggerating, but that’s what it felt like. Anyway, let me just go ahead and say, I loved it. Set in the same world as the Dragon Kin books, but in a different area, it still felt like a visit home to this effed up, completely hilarious world.

I love that when you read one of Ms. Aiken’s books, you are treated to strong women facing impossible situations. They may not face it with grace, in fact quite the opposite, but they face their battles head on and leave absolute mayhem in their wake. Their battles are violent, bloody, even horrific at times, but I guarantee you can’t read one without cracking up.

This story follows a hell for leather blacksmith woman whose only goal in life is to protect her family when destiny comes calling for one of them. While there is a sweet little romance, it takes a back seat to the main storyline.

I don’t want to say too much so I don’t give anything away, but there were twists, turns, loads of action and a heart-breaking betrayal that kept me glued to my iPad. With cool as all get out centaurs, rude elves, hilarious dwarves, and even a completely pissed off dragon, I was in my fantasy happy place and can’t wait to go back when the next one comes out.

Rating: 5 Abso-freaking-lutely Awesome Stars

The first in a new series, The Blacksmith Queen is an absolutely fabulous read. Set in the same world as the Dragon Kin, this is why I love reading G A Aitken. Humor, action and an engaging story the keep me enthralled throughout. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to add it to my print addition as well.