I loved every single minute of this book and I am DESPERATE for the next in the series!
If you want to read stories about fearless, strong women and genuine love, then DIVE INTO THIS BOOk!

With her signature humor, heat, heart, irreverent language, engaging characters and interesting storylinelines, Ms. Aiken gives us a thrilling first book in a new series. There are a few Dragon Kin references since this series is set in that world but you do not need to have read the Dragon Kin books to read this one.

I loved Keely. She's sweet, funny, a little naive (or maybe has ostrich tendencies), and a total bada$$. I liked Caid as well...although we haven't learned very much about him...yet. I could definitely feel the heat between them.

The over-all conflict (that of who is the new queen) is not resolved at the end of this book. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or remuneration.

Wonderful start to a new series. Apparently this book is set in the same world as another of the author's series, but it is new to me, and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This book was filled with great strong female characters. The characters are interesting and unique, the intrigue is well crafted, and the story pulled me in. Can't wait for the next one!

A great start to this series! My only complaint was I wish it was longer, I didn't want it to end. This book takes place in the same world as her Dragon Kin series but it stands on it's own. There are a lot of interesting characters introduced as well as races that were just touched on in the Dragon Kin series that have a larger roll here. It was exciting to see how Aiken expanded on races and tossed in little Easter eggs about the 'daughters of the steppes' and other aspects of the world she's created for return readers but wrote this book so that new readers can jump right in.

When to story begins, we start off with action. War, bloodshed, betrayals, its all there. Then we skip to Keeley and get more action and violence. She loves her hammer and knows how to use it. As the story unfolds we are introduced to a lot of characters, some good and some bad. I loved the way the story flowed and built on itself and the world. I do wish we didn't get so many different perspectives but that is generally how the Dragon Kin series is written as well. Some perspectives aren't even important characters, they just allow the reader to see the action from a completely different point of view.

I really enjoyed Keeley Smythe. She is happy, loves her family and her job as a blacksmith above al things. Family is everything to her. Her relationships with her family was, for me, the main driving point of her actions. She continues to do everything she can for them and wants them to be happy. The bickering and drama that ensues from the close quarters of her journey make for very entertaining reading. There is also a hint of romance with Caid, and Amichai warrior. He gruff and mostly grouchy and I loved it. I want to see more from the Amichai's in future books. They were really interesting.

The book doesn't end with a neat tidy end, more a break for the characters between action. A chance for them, and us, to catch their breath. I am excited to read this series and see where it goes from here.

I rarely read outside contemporary but when Jane, the Kensington publicist, told me about this book I felt compelled to read it. She described it as feminist and humorous with a kick ass heroine and a shifter/centaur hero. All of those things are correct. Seriously, a sure fire way to sell me on a book is to tell me that it is feminist.

The heroine, Keeley is a magnificent blacksmith and absolutely does not need someone to save her. She loves her family fiercely, even her estranged sister, Gemma. (Who at one point is referred to by a secondary character as “Sir Gemma” due to her position. It was great)

Keeley embarks on a journey to save her family and it was a great journey. Along the way she meets a group of centaurs, including Caid, who is her love interest. We do get multiple POVs in this book, including Keeley and Caid. Multiple POV normally irritates me, but Aiken made it work.

The romance is not the main focus of this story. The core story is centered on this war of lands and who will be queen. There are some twists and turns that kept me engaged. I will definitely read the next book, Aiken piqued my interest in a pairing. The contemporary reader in me would have liked more romance but it really wouldn’t not have been appropriate for this story. There were a few moments where I wasn’t really sure what was happening but I just kept reading and knew it would work out. LOL

It should be noted that if you don’t like to read about beheadings, this book is not for you. And wow, I just tried to find a meme for that and went to a dark place real quick.

4.5 hilarious stars!

I can’t even tell you how excited I am for this new location in her awesome fantasy world from GA Aiken! I LOVE her Dragon books and their extremely fun lands but getting a look at somewhere else completely separate from them was exciting!

This book has all of the fun strong heroines as her other books and laugh your bum off one liners!

Keeley is all about her family, her town and her life’s calling as a blacksmith. She one bada** woman who is happy living her life never leaving her small town and protecting it with her extremely large hammer!

When a prophecy mentions her sister is meant to rule, the kingdom that is in turmoil as all of the princes are currently killing each other to rule, Keeley goes along to protect her sister from those who want to rule.

This books was so fun and fast paced and full of plenty of good brawls and clever plans! I enjoy the whole cast of character and I can’t wait to get more books from this series!

i had high high high high expectations and this did not disappoint! absolutely hit it out of the park. so good! highly recommend. the characters were amazing. loved it!

The Blacksmith Queen is a funny, snarky, brutal, action packed and twisty tale. There's also betrayal, intrigue and court politics all set in an interesting and intriguing world with a great cast of characters. In a nutshell it's awesome, I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
It was a great book!
I think that when you read a book by G. A. Aiken, you know that you are getting an awesome book,
And this book did not disappointment.
I love the author's sense of humor.
I am also over the moon, when I found out that this series is in the same world as the Dragon Kin series.
I am so hoping that Keeley meets Annwyl and the rest of the dragons
( I miss the dragons )
On to the book:
The old king has died, and now his sons are fighting over the throne.
But wait, there is a prophecy.
The next one to sit on the throne is not a king, but a queen.
That is bad news for Keely.
Beatrix, Keely's younger sister, is named as the next queen.
Now what ?
Don't panic, because a bunch of kilt-wearing were-centaurs are coming to her aid.
Isn't it marvelous ?
You will have to read the book to find out what happens next.
I know. I am such a tease.
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
It has all the ingredients that you need for an awesome book!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Not what I was expecting. I have always loved the books she writes under Shelly Laurenston but had never been able to get into her first Dragon Kin book so I stopped reading those.

At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this story when I started but I pushed ahead. It was interesting. Same kind of humor but definitely different. I will certainly try the next story when it comes out.

PHENOMENAL, BLACKSMITH, AMICHAI- CENTAURS, WOLF-DEMONS-WAR MONK, GUILD HUNTER AND DRAGON STARS******
WOOOOOOHOOOOOO*****I LOVED EVERY FREAKING THING IN THIS BOOK!!!! I have over 55 bookmarks because I laughed so hard and those characters? Keran, the cousin, Caid of the Scarred Earth Clan, and his family, Angus her Dad, Emma her Mum, and Archie her uncle, were AWESOME!!!! I cannot say enough about them, there were so many great people in this story. Keeley is a fantastic heroine filled with A fierce love and compassion for her family. She is an animal lover and they love her right back. I just loved everything about her! Her innocence in believing that everything is good is worthy of praise! She is just the best!

We have the Amichai Dwarves, the Wood Elves and the Barbarians, not to mention the crazy evil and awful siblings of the Old King whom Keeley and her band of warriors have to fight to save the kingdom. Filled with so much bloodshed, fighting, sarcasm, witty remarks, humor and love, makes for a tremendous tale. I truly loved it. I am not sure how Ms. Aiken is able to keep all those characters in her head and write such wonderful things about, but I am eternally grateful that she does!
Ms.G.A. Aiken/Shelly Laurenston stories are my go to books whenever I need a pick me up and non-stop laughter. I can never just re-read one in either series, I end up re-reading them all, Lol. I If I continue with this review I just might end up spoiling the this fantastic tale. Suffice it to say, you will not be disappointed!!!! Loved, loved, loved, it to pieces!!!!!

AND, AND, ANNNNDDDDD THERE WAS A DRAGON!!! And like I have said time and time again....I LLLLUUUURRRRVVVEEEEE DRAGONS!!!!!!!!! BEST EVER!!!!!

****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley.******

It has been awhile since I’ve read a novel by G.A. Aiken, but after my first few moments of WTF-ness I caught onto the rhythm of her magic and got swept along by the story.

As the Old King’s last breathe is uttered, his sons start slaughtering each other and every living relative in the hopes of being the last man standing and becoming the new Old King. A few of the brothers actually separate, hoping to gather enough soldiers to march and fight for the title when a prophesy that a queen will ascend the throne who is a farmer’s daughter waylays their plans. A race to find this girl, Beatrix, and either kill her or marry her to retain the title is foiled by the epic strength of her blacksmith sister Keeley.

Despite her almost god-like strength, Keeley is a simple woman. Family means everything to her and even though she’s thrilled at how this war is great for business, she doesn’t hesitate to fight for her families safety. Joined by the Amachai, a group of Centaur warriors, Keeley takes her sister Beatrix off to the Black Hills to be declared the girl who would be Queen, but in romantic fantasy nothing is ever as easy as it looks.

I loved Keeley’s heart, and her relationship to her sisters and family. They mean everything to her and she is an easy heroine to support and like. Even more I liked her mischievousness and humor. G.A. Aiken didn’t want a one dimensional heroine and her practical jokes and ready smile were her most likable characteristics. Caid, the Centaur romantic hero, was the perfect foil. Dark, brooding, and non-verbal, he couldn’t help but be taken with her and watching him slowly reveal more to his personality than the taciturn warrior was unexpected.

The Blacksmith Queen was an irreverent mix of fun swordsmanship (or hammer skills!), trash talking sisters, and a romantic adventure. Filled with Centaurs, dragons, trolls and elves, this novel has the beginnings of what could be an epic series. Be prepared to be surprised at the mix of modern slang with historic fantasy elements. At times it was a little confusing but if you throw all of your expectations out the window and enjoy each reveal you’ll have a blast reading this totally unique novel. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this ARC through NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and it was honest!

Another hilarious page turner from bestselling author G.A. Aiken. #THEBLACKSMITHQUEEN is book 1 of the new The Scarred Earth Saga and it's everything fans of Aiken's Dragon Kin series could hope for (including a hint that our lunatic dragon family could make an appearance in future books.)

Aiken has done it again with a laugh out loud book filled with a cast of characters featuring strong females, her usual insane family dynamics and a new lot of mythical creatures... add to that an awesome hammer, that could rival Thor's and you have a winning combination that move the story along at a fast clip.

I read the book on a 6 hour plane ride and had to take a break every so often because my fellow passengers kept giving me the side eye when I snorted out loud.

If you have read any of Aiken's previous books and loved them, you won't be disappointed in her latest series and will fall in love with The Blacksmith Queen and her merry band of lunatics.

I can't wait for the next in the series!

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review (which I happily give.)

I was so happy to receive an advanced reading copy of this book from NetGalley as G.A. Aiken/Shelly Laurenston is one of my favorite authors. When I began the book, I was expecting to miss the Dragon Kin world and dragons, and was delighted to find that both series take place in the same world, although fairly far apart. We are introduced to a different kind of dragon and there are centaurs! And battle monks! There is a lot of suspense in this book, partially because of the presence of children and vulnerable families near battles for power. Not to give too much away, but a King dies, and the killing starts immediately as his numerous children vie for power. The kingdom is thrown into anarchy.

The heroine Keeley Smythe is a fabulous character. She is a blacksmith, loves her trade, and can definitely bring the hammer down (and she carries a really large hammer). She is a member of a very large, boisterous and loving family. This is not a book where the main characters are fully developed and the other characters are background. Although there was a fairly large cast of characters, they were so vivid that it wasn't difficult to keep track of them. I particularly enjoyed Keeley's parents, her sister the nun, and her cousin who was never quite sober and who slept almost through the entire book. There is a developing love story in the book but it is part of the story, not the main focus.

What does Keeley and her family have to do with the battle for the throne? Everything, it turns out, as one of her sisters is the prophesied queen. My only complaint about the book is that it ended too quickly for this reader. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to the next. In the meanwhile I plan to go back and re-read some of the books in the Dragon Kin series as I am not ready to leave this world.

4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this advance reading copy. This is my honest opinion.

Welcome to a world that has all kinds of magical, mythical creatures from dragons, elves, centaurs, dwarfs and witches along with humans who believe. Turmoil and civil war become rampant when the Old King of the Hill Lands dies. It has his heirs fighting among themselves. A prophesy leads to a farm family running for their lives with the help of their new allies. What happens when the prophesy changes? Why you get The Blacksmith Queen.

Keely Smythe loves her job as blacksmith and has a way of using her hammer. She comes across a young man in trouble and stops to help. Caid of the Amichia and his group come to her aid. She invites them back to her business and lets it be known that she knows they've been watching the family farm. She realizes that her father's stories of centaurs is real. Caid is someone who never smiles. A visit from a sister who left years ago has Keely anger and hurt. Gemma isn't thrilled with bringing the visitors home. Keely is curious about Caid and his people and keeps asking questions. Which usually annoys him but not from her. They arrive at the farm and introduce the Amichia to the family and they reveal their reason for watching the Farmerson family. When one of the royal princes attack the farm because of a prophesy stating her sister is to be queen. They're surprised how well the family can fight and the traps are sprung. They find out what type of nun Gemma really is. The group go to a place of safety. All the while Gemma and Keely are fighting about anything and everything. They take refuge at the the uncle's home only to have the two brothers fighting over an ax and Keely's mother. Keely the Amichia, her sisters Gemma & Bridget, cousin Keran head to the witches who revealed the prophesy. Gemma tries to warn Keely about Bridget but she won't listen and keeps defending her. As they travel to the mountains to see the witches Caid and Keely become closer. His personality starts to lighten up around her. They begin to learn about each others lives, but don't think they'll be able to act on the feelings they've begun to have for each other. The witches change the prophesy to include Keely surprising everyone. A talk with Bridget puts Keely's life in danger. Keely fights for her life and Bridget leaves to go to her allies. An attack leads to everyone getting away and disappointing Bridget. They must take Keely to Caid's clan to help save her life. He realizes his true feelings for Keely. She's angry at what her sister did but says she won't kill her, even though everyone says she should. Keely is supposed to be a queen and is going to need allies, so they travel through the highlands to find them. A trip to help the dwarfs find their stolen gold results in a confrontation with a dragon and the meanest people in the area. Caid's family goes to rescue the Farmerson family and bring them back with them. Keely and Caid get closer. She realizes she needs a base of operation and to kill her sister who has now become queen by marrying one of the royal princes. A family is reunited. A confrontation comes about when Keely's loyal friends come up with a plan to liberate a village from one of the more demented princes.

G.A. Aiken also know as Shelly Laurenston writes an action packed story of doing the right thing and family is everything unless they try to kill you. The Blacksmith Queen has all types of mystical and magical character along with human beings, who must become allies to save their future from evil princes. This is the first G.A. Aiken book I've read but I've read Shelly Laurenston's Honey badger series and really enjoyed them. I see the same humor and creativity in these books as in the others. The Blacksmith Queen is the first in the new Scarred Earth series. I look forward to getting to know these characters better.

Great start to a series. I love the way this author writes. Her badass heroines are strong, colorful and take no prisoners amazing. As with all of this authors books it had action, danger and laugh out loud moments. I can't wait to read the next book.

I have to admit I was a bit nervous at the start of this book. It was slow going. The women were “crazy” as usual, and I was worried the story was going to rely too heavily on that. But I trusted the author, continued, and was rewarded. This series takes place in the same world as the dragons, but on another continent. There are some familiar creatures and some new additions. As usual, there are strong women with strong familial bonds, but there is a twist. I liked that this book allows us to see things from the villain’s point of view. We know the bad guy usually doesn’t see themselves as evil, and although the soullessness of the villain is disturbing it is interesting to see how they view the world. There is romance, but it’s an addition to the story, and those who can’t stand instalove don’t have to worry. Fans of Aiken/Laurenston fans will love this, and new readers can enter this series easily without needing other books for reference. I can’t wait for book 2.

G.A. Aiken is absolutely brilliant at writing hilarious paranormal fantasy romance and I am thrilled to say this fist novel in a brand new series is FANTASTIC!

Blacksmith Queen is ser in the same work as her Dragon Kin series but it takes place is a different area of that world.

Keeley is a lovely heroine and I fell completely in love with her! Aiken know how to write quirky and bloodthirsty queens like no other and I can’t wait for a day when Keeley and Annwyl will meet... I actually think they will get along great!

Caid is a great male lead and love his clan SO MUCH! He and Keeley make for a very sweet and perfect couple that I can’t wait to get more of...

I also cannot wait to read about the rest of their clans HEAs and I hope we get many more stories in this new saga.

If you’re new to G.A. Aiken’s storytelling, this is a perfect place to start and I just KNOW you’ll want to read more afterwards!

OK, first off I gave it 5 Stars (more like 4.5 rounded up) and the main reason was because I was reading the story feverishly and I turned the page and it said THE END!!! NOOOOOO. It was not a cliffhanger but I was not ready to stop reading about these people and considering most of this authors books consist of truly insane people, this one was a bit closer to reality compared to her DragonKin book (which I also love).

Keeley could care less about being a queen but events kind of force her into the role but all she really wants to do is make stuff a blacksmith does but too bad, she has to be queen ..... well assuming her other sister who wants to be Queen and has an army does not kill her first.

There is a bit of a romance angle here with Caid but it is early in the game still and we shall see where this one goes.

Yeah, lots of family interaction here and while I loved the story my only real complaint is that in her usual zest to have these very manly feminine heroes, at least one of them really should have been a male character since for me it detracted from the story a very small bit but if you read it you can guess which character and see if you agree.

Bottom Line: I could hardly put it down and it had just enough crazy to it that I loved it but not so much I thought it too much. 4.5 rounded to 5 Stars

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN is the first instalment in G.A. Aiken’s THE SCARRED EARTH fantasy saga set in the world of Dragon King series. This is blacksmith Keeley Smythe, and Amichai warrior of the Scarred Earth Clan, Caid’s story line

Told from several third person perspectives including Caid and Keeley THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN follows Keeley Smythe as she is tasked with protecting her sister Beatrix, the prophesized queen but a task that sees Keeley fighting for her life. In an effort to take down the newly crowned king, Keeley must side with a group of mountain warriors that are so much more than they appear to be. Enter Caid, an Amichai warrior, and the man with whom Keeley will fall in love. What ensues is a cross country journey as Keeley and her ‘army’ must fight off marauding armies, dragons, elves, witches and dwarves, in an attempt to stop the destruction of villages, and annihilation of thousands of people.

Keeley Smythe comes from a long line of female blacksmiths-powerful, strong and talented females who know a thing or two about killing and fighting but not all of Keeley’s sisters are wanna-be blacksmiths, in fact one or two have ‘chosen’ to venture down a differing path, setting their sights on something more. With the recent death of the Old King, anarchy has ensued and Keeley must fight to protect the people she loves. Meeting Caid, one of the Amichai warriors finds our heroine siding with a people she had only heard about through mythology and tales. Caid and his family are a magical people but it is their ability to ‘shift’ that makes them powerful and fierce in the eyes of the enemy.

If you are a fan of the author’s Dragonkin series you will recognize many similarities and plot structures including the squabbling and battle-raged siblings, War monk, centaurs, mythological gods and powerful demon dogs, as well as he appearance of a dragon who spews lava to destroy those trying to take him down. There are a couple of references to the aforementioned series including the barbarians, the Dragon Queen, and of course the Mad Queen, herself.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and crazy secondary and supporting characters including Keeley’s twelve siblings and numerous cousins, uncles and extended family; the Amichai warriors of varying species, as well as the rather barbaric and power hungry royal family. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN is a complex and detailed story that introduces a vast array of characters. Aiken’s trademark humor, sarcasm and snark is liberally sprinkled throughout the story but to a lesser degree than her other series. The relationship between Keeley and Caid is slow to develop, and the romance is limited but such is the nature of many fantasy story lines. The back and forth banter between siblings if oft-times crazy and disturbing but in the end, they will always protect the people they love.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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