This second book after The Blacksmith Queen centers on Gemma, her sister. A War Monk, she leads a misfit bunch of enemies that come together for the mutual good of each other when their orders are systematically eradicated to near annihilation. As they hunt the deeds of Beatrix, the war between the sister queens heat up. Great characters, snappy dialog, magic, mayhem...cliffhanger. The author is one of my favorites. She is a master of great dialog. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

What can I say I have read all of G.A Aikens books over the years and this new series has been amazing and there is a link to the dragon kin series too with the territory’s separated by a mountain range.
We in this book continue the war between Queen Beatrice and Queen Keeley, it’s been 2 years on since the initial story and we get more back story on Gemma the War monk and general now to Keeley’s army.
Other religious sects are being destroyed and desecrated and they need to find out why. Gemma returns to her war sect with Quinn one of the Amichai warriors and who seems to be her permanent shadow/bodyguard.
This brings about a third element to the story as neither sister is involved with this slaughter.
This book is brilliant I read it in under 24 hours I’m exhausted but smiling high.
Please read this if you’ve read any of Shelley’s books you won’t be disappointed, read Blacksmith Queen first though or you won’t understand the references and history.

I enjoyed Gemma’s storyline as much as Keeley’s from The Blacksmith Queen. Both are distinctively different women, but since they are sisters they are destined to push each other’s buttons in a typical GA Aiken/Shelly Laurenston way, which they do constantly and with glee. Keeley is still very much a main character, which makes sense since she is the Queen and family to Gemma.

The friendships in The Princess Knight were wonderfully satisfying, with lots of banter and teasing. The author’s signature humor was everywhere. Both Gemma and Quinn could be a bit ridiculous at times, but it just added to the overall fun of the story. Also they matched beautifully, had each other’s back, and almost understood one another without talking. Overall a pretty awesome couple.

For me Gemma and Quinn’s romance was even more slow burn than in The Blacksmith Queen. I feel the romance is just an afterthought at this point, and the fantasy and the story-building is in the main draw. So, please don’t expect much romance, this is really mostly a fantasy series.

Honestly, I love how reliable these books are, they give me exactly what I want, and it was exactly the book I needed, entertainment for hours, and an awesome escape from reality.

ARC from NetGalley

This one didn't have me laughing as much as The Blacksmith Queen. I'm quite fond of most of the characters. Even Beatrice is an interesting read. I can't quite hate her because she doesn't have enough substance. I just kind of dislike her on principle all the while being sort of impressed by her maneuverings.

I have similar complaints to the previous in that everyone sort of speaks in the same voice. There are some subtle differences, but most of the characters kind of blend together. That said, still a good read, still would recommend.

Sex was decent, could have been more. Love Quinn, would shag that crazy bastard. Quite fond of Ainsley, hope she's up next. I like where the book ended, and I'm excited to read what comes next.

I've loved G.A. Aiken as an author ever since I read her Dragon Kin series so I was excited to receive the opportunity to read The Princess Knight.

Once again Aiken has managed to create characters that instantly suck you in. Gemma is a fierce War Monk who is, at times, conflicted between her loyalty to her order and her family. Quinn is a crazy Centaur who has no filter whatsoever and loves to torment Gemma. However, no matter if they're at odds, they always watch out for each other. There is also a new cast of characters to keep you entertained throughout the book including more War Monks, Temple Virgins, Truce Vicars, Divine Assassins, War Priests, Nuns, Witches, and Ainsley, poor, forgotten Ainsley.

As much as I enjoyed the by play of the characters, the plot felt a bit rushed to me. It was one main event followed by another and another throughout the entire book. I liked the way the story went, I just would have preferred it to slow it's roll a bit. With the speed of the plot I did not feel like I could relax and enjoy Aiken's brand of humor. Instead, I was in a hurry to get to the next point in the book.

Overall, I enjoyed The Princess Knight and wish to thank the publishers as well as G.A. Aiken for the opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.

Following The Blacksmith Queen, The Princess Knight picks right up on the story line. The interaction between her characters is fantastic and the dialogue is delicious - I laugh out loud a lot. The family dynamics makes you want to be part of the family. I can't wait for the next story.