The second book in the Scarred Earth Saga continues a couple of years down the line from the last book... mostly told from Gemma's point of view we get to know the War Monk...

It wouldn't be an Aiken book without hijinks, shenanigans or, you know, world ending drama and this book does not fail to deliver on any of them (with the added bonus of dragons)

It does (sort of) end on a cliff hanger but it is more of a tee up for the next book I would say than a true cliffhanger.

Once again GA Aiken has proven why she is an 1-click author for me. Her writing skills are superb, and not only am I thoroughly engrossed in the storyline, but I’m always entertained. I especially love the way each of the characters interact with other. Never a dull moment!
Even though this book is mainly about Gemma and Quinn, other key characters contribute to the storyline. We get to see Keely and how she’s managing her new life as queen. We get to know more about the War monks, and meet loads of new characters. Beatrice is up to her tricks and is such a sinister character, you just love to hate her!
But my absolute favourite part in this book that had me gasping with excitement, came at the very end! I won’t give away any spoilers, but if you’re a GA Aiken fan you will be thrilled!!
I can’t get enough of this world that the talented GA Aiken has created! I look forward to reading book 3 and hopefully even more!

I really enjoyed this book it’s full of action and the story just pulls you right in. The main character is amazing I feel like she would be a female Deadpool she kicks butt and cusses but she loves her family and her god more than anything. All the characters in this book are amazing and any book that has dragons, demon wolfs,and dwarfs is a book for me. I hope there is another book in this series because I want more

That was a simply amazing read! Perfect com-action, act-comedy? Anyways, it was a comedy that kept the action going, and everything flowed so smoothly in the story, even though there was a lot, a lot a lot, going on. It was easy to follow, it was easy to lose yourself in the story, it was easy to giggle, cringe, laugh, and gasp along with the characters.

This is Gemma and Quinn’s story, sister to Keely and brother to Caid featured in the previous story. Everyone is still around, everyone is still fighting in the Smythe family way, and the Amichai and dwarves are still bashing at each other. Two enemy fronts are needing attention, and unlikely alliances are made out of necessity, and then kept out of familiarity, respect, and companionship

Awesome world building, great story telling, wonderful dialogue, on-point comedy, and fast-paced action, I love everything about it and can’t wait for more!

I loved the first book of this series and this one was even better!! There was so much humor in this that I just could not put it down! I read it all in one sitting and I need more! The characters were great and the pacing was perfect. I can not wait to get this in a finished copy.

Gemma Smythe is a war monk, who has dedicated her life to battle. But when her sisters become Queens, one being evil, she has to protect her other sister, and everyone else. When she learns that her fellow war monks have sided with her sister Beatrix, she has to warn the elders. Quinn is an Amichai warrior, soon to me leader. He follows Gemma to help her with her fellow war monks and fight another enemy that has arisen.

This is the second book in The Scarred Earth Saga. This series isn’t my typical genre, but after reading the first book in this series, when tells of how Keely becomes queen, I was instantly drawn in. This book has humor, and fighting, and magic. It is wonderfully written, and the characters are all great and full of life. This is definitely a series you should check out if you’re into fantasy. And even if you’re not, you might still enjoy this series. I definitely can’t wait for the next book.

2 stars

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Going from book one which I gave 5 stars to book two and ending with a 2-star rating is a big oaf.

The title honestly should have clicked that the main character would be a different sister but I didn’t realize that until a couple of chapters in. I think a big part of my confusion is that I didn’t refresh myself on book one I just jumped right into book two. Then the original main characters are even less than a side character.

Also, I was not the biggest fan of Gemma in the first book.

In this book, because we do not follow the kinder, nicer, merciful, talk before you kill sister I felt the reliance of each of the sisters and cousins stereotyped personalities was amped up more than book one.

The fighting, hard-headed, close-minded mindset of the older ones got old fast. How they try to micromanage and aggression the others out of what the other decides. I have no idea how they were able to get anything done. Then the hypocrisy from Gemma as well. I don’t know whenever they talked, fought, interacted I was left exasperated and that is just not a pleasant experience. And don’t get it wrong I thought this would be a five star based on how much I loved book one.

Then the conflicts were small in the scene of things. It was very much a middle book. Things went wrong there was action but it was this conflict with a third party that didn’t tie back to the bad sister and her evil plans etc. it all felt unnecessary for the most part.

Though I did love when Gemma goes back to the war monks and has to kick some ass!! That was fun.

The humor and informality of the politics this time just missed as well.

Overall I am sad and hugely disappointed.

The Princess Knight is the second book of the Scarred Earth Saga series (a very serious series name for a series that really doesn't take itself very seriously) and a solid continuation of The Blacksmith Queen. A new enemy threatens all of the religious orders in the kingdom/s, and it's up to Keeley, the blacksmith queen, and Gemma, her war monk sister, to protect the widely different groups and defeat the threat. At the same time, Beatrix, the rival queen and another sister, remains a threat, so Gemma is charged with stealing information - and killing her if she can. Add in Quinn, an Amichai (centaur) warrior, and a quest party that includes a nun, assassins, witches, and virgins, and you have an epic and ridiculous adventure story.

Fans of G.A. Aiken, who also writes as Shelley Laurenston, will likely enjoy this book and the other titles set in this world, but the writing style definitely isn't for everyone. Read this if you enjoy a fair bit of absurdist humor with your fantasy adventure and like when women take the lead on kicking butt and taking names.

“Both of you are too annoying to be with anyone else“. That’s the state of Quinn and Gemma’s relationship. Gemma a War Monk returns to her sister’s side to help protect the prophesied Queen Keeley. She brings with her many factions including a Blood Warlock, a Truce Vicar, Witches, Nuns and Blessed Virgins. While her sister is focused on defeating Cyrus the Honored. She sends Gemma to find what is going on with her sister Beatrix not to kill her just find out her plan as she is the most dangerous being in the kingdom. Gemma’s journey with her followers and Relationship with Quinn a centaur leads you through the pages with plenty of snarky one liners thrown in. This is very much a character driven book with many for you to connect and get involved with. Watch out for a great surprise at the end. The second in a series it would be worth your while checking out the start of the story. I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read this author before, but I see why people like her! She is funny, and gory, and refreshingly blunt. However, I could not say the same of her characters. I respect the strength and badassery of the female leads, but they all seemed one-dimensional, and that one dimension was sarcasm. It was hard for me to read page after page of angry, snarky dialogue. That being said, I know several people who would love this book for that very reason! I will still be recommending this series to people who I think will enjoy it, but for me personally it just isn't what I look for in a novel.

5 of 5 stars

I couldn't wait for this book to become available and "The Princess Knight" does not disappoint. War Monk Gemma Smythe has broken with her order to return home and support her sister Keeley, the Blacksmith Queen. With her younger sister Beatrice on the other throne, Gemma must convince her order that they should throw their support behind Keeley. Problem is, many in the War Monk Order believe Gemma is a traitor and want her executed immediately. War is raging throughout the lands as a third contender Cyrus, the brother in law to Beatrice, is making a bid for the crown of all lands as well. Gemma has her work cut out for her, but can she first survive the call for her execution?

I absolutely loved this book. It was serious and then had so many laugh out loud moments. Gemma is such a complicated character, but her love of family shines through loud and clear. I especially loved Quinn and his siblings. The Amichai centaur warriors were fierce and devoted to Gemma and Keeley and added so much to the plot. There were so many moments that had unique twists and turns throughout the book. Some of the larger questions were resolved, but Beatrice vs Keeley and Gemma will be the final battle to come in book 3. This book will be published in November and I'm already waiting for the final book in this amazing trilogy. Highly Recommended.

Not a stand alone book.
The Princess Knight is a continuation of the story from book 1, The Blacksmith Queen. Brother Gemma, a War Monk and sister to Keely, the Blacksmith Queen was introduced in book 1. Gemma and Quinn, the Centaur are the leads in this book and is filed with many interesting characters, fighting, and humor. Sides are chosen - for the Blacksmith Queen or sister Beatrix and her husband , King Marius.
Cannot wait to read Book 3.

This G.A. Aiken book has action, adventure, romance - and a good amount of wise-cracking laugh out loud moments.

More centaurs, more gods, and more religious orders make for a good time. Follow Gemma's journey from blacksmith in training to war monk. How can she get everyone to work together when she's more than half the problem?

There are plenty of scenes with familiar characters.

Princess knight is the second installment in the Scarred Earth series. While it could be read by itself, it is better to have read the first book.

Can't wait for the next book!

I wouldn't call this a romance by any means. These two main characters bicker more than anything. The last story had way more action to help move it along. A lot of talking in this book. The epilogue was by far the best and the set up for what's to come next.

Continuing from Book 1 (yes, this is honestly not a stand alone book), the book kicks into high gear with all the characters we knew and a HOST of others. Seriously, one of my minor quibbles is that there are so many awesome characters introduced that it would have been impossible to explore them all, and after a while I almost had to make a spreadsheet to keep track. The second minor quibble was that some of the dialogue sometimes went just a bit over the realm of funny and seemed childish. Again these were minor quibbles.

Now to the good stuff, I adore this world. It's seriously bonkers and that's the charm. I liked exploring Gemma more in this book and also Quinn, but in a way it almost doesn't feel like they were the main characters and I didn't lose any of the experience. Because everyone else was so great. I loved seeing more Keeley, and Caid and now Ainsley (feel she will complete the trilogy). I also liked seeing the animals and meeting the new ones (light shudder).

One thing I loved in Book 1 and continues here is that strong family dynamic and also a bit of found family. The romance here is a little stronger than Book 1 but still a little meh. This book is also like the first in that it's a travel adventure book with non-stop action and pretty descriptive battle scenes.

In conclusion, love romantic fantasy? Love crazy strong women and the people that love them? Bloodthirsty monks and nuns? Truce priests that also know how to wield weapons? Centaurs? Dwarves? Wolves from literal hell? "Special" horses? Have I got the book for you :)

A special thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I really appreciate it.

I have never been disappointed with any of G.A. Aiken's books. It alway's amazes me how complex of a world that G.A. Aiken can create. It feels as if it is a place that you could go and experience wondrous adventures along with incredible love stories. This book takes you on a roller coaster of adventure, love, heart break, and magic. The amazing depth of character that was created for both Quinn and Gemma along with the organic introduction of new characters as well as characters from other books pulls you in. The story was so good that I felt bereft when it ended. G.A. Aiken always makes me wish for more and leaves me exited for the next grand adventure in to this magical world that she has created.

Laugh out loud funny with a kick was heroine and a hero who can help but to call for her! A book that continues the writers greatness!!

I’ve been looking forward to this book since I finished The Blacksmith Queen and it did not disappoint. Now I’m in the position of having to wait yet again, until the next installment in the series is available. It has been two years since the events of The Blacksmith Queen and the land is still divided, with Beatrix and her husband, King Marius, ruling over the Old King’s lands while Keeley rules over the lands of the centaurs and dwarves. Now, however, there is a new threat on the horizon. In addition to having to worry about what Beatrix might be up to, our heroes have to contend with Cyrus the Honored and his religious fanaticism as he seeks to destroy all evidence of any god other than his in his bid to take over all the lands. This book focuses on Brother Gemma, Keeley’s war monk sister, as she undertakes a number of difficult missions, trying to save her fellow war monks and discovering what Beatrix is planning.

We learn more of her history in the order and meet her battle cohorts as she attempts to warn them about Cyrus. Quinn, centaur and brother to Keeley’s mate Caid, is constantly at her side, taking her back and trying to keep her out of unnecessary trouble. He becomes a trusted confidant and the two grow ever closer through blood, war, and destruction. Factions that have previously been at each other’s throats have to learn to work together for the greater good. In the end, one foe is defeated, another continues to plan destruction, and an old friend from a previous series shows up. Whether that last is a help or hindrance to our gang remains to be seen. Once again, Aiken has presented us with an entertaining and engrossing story full of magic, gods, and the power of loyalty. Although not strictly necessary, I do recommend that you read The Blacksmith Queen first. By doing so, you’ll have a greater understanding of the events that have brought us to this point and what is at stake for our favorite blacksmith and her family.

This was a great addition to the author’s new series. Gemma is a serious, bada** war monk and Quinn is her perfect strong, wise-cracking, good natured foil. I’ve read all of G.A. Aiken’s books as well as her other pen name, Shelly Laurenston and have never failed to love her books and characters. The battle scenes are so well thought out and the twists and turns are never predictable. Her sense of humor cannot be beat. Can’t wait for the next one!

I love it!!! Something about GA Aiken always pulls me right into the epic storyline and The Princess Knight was no different. As expected the book was chocked full of fantasy with gods galore and fantastical beasts, I can’t wait for the next instalment. The second book in the scarred Earth Saga we learn a little more about just how evil Beatrice truly is, why Gemma became a war monk and just how far Quinn will push others in the pursuit of entertainment. This book is a must if you enjoy an epic fantasy with a comedic twist.

For me when I read Ga Aiken or her Alter ego Shelly Laurenston I am guaranteed a good read the characters aren’t 2 dimensional, I enjoy the writing the world the author has created and the characters she has introduced me to. G.A. Will Always be a 5 stars as the plot delivers taking me deeply into the authors world and leaves me wanting to revisit other books in the series.