I voluntarily read an advanced copy of The Heretic Royal by G.A. Aiken. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC

The Heretic Royal was so much fun! I love how G.A. Aiken combined the characters from her dragon series with her blacksmith queen series. It has provided all kinds of new bantering character combos and really moved the story forward. Gruffyn and Ainsley were very entertaining and I loved their journey. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy G.A. Aiken's writing style. I give The Heretic Royal 4/5 stars.

3.5 stars

While I really did enjoy this one, I wasn't really feeling the relationship being built here between Ainsley and Gruff. I was thrilled that the Dragon Kin crossover happened so soon and was such a big part of it though. Because boy do I laugh when they're around. But maybe that was also part of why this new relationship didn't work as much for me. There was so much more going on away from these two that we didn't really see it happening. Just Ainsley being stupid, Gruff calling her out on it and trying to protect her, and then BAM we're told that Gruff is in love with Ainsley? I mean....really?

Honestly, I didn't really like Ainsley. She was constantly starting fights with Gemma and complaining about how she was treated by her sisters. But she doesn't actually do anything that would make anyone want to trust her with a more active role. She hides in her trees and saves a hideous, poisonous bird. And every chance that she gets, she throws Gruff under the bus that is her sisters' anger. And that's what really got me. How often she used Gruff as her scapegoat without even saying anything first. And he took it every single time. As for Gruff, I didn't really care for him one way or another. I liked him, sure. But he also never held my attention all that much.

Truly, the most entertaining parts of this book are with Annwyl. You get to see all sides of her here. Add in the dragons that came with her and you're guaranteed many good laughs. Keeley and Annwyl are practically polar opposites personality wise, but I really think they will make great allies because of it. Neither one of them are sticklers for how a queen should act, but they both are determined to protect their people. Unfortunately, It takes Annwyl's brutal bluntness to show Keeley that she won't be able to protect those most important to her if she continues on the way she is.

Beatrix is still going about her plotting for world domination. Only now she has found a demon god that she is willing to ally herself with. Which is definitely not a good thing when a certain dragon queen shows up at Keeley's town for a surprise visit without telling anyone and gets trapped there because of them. But while that sounds like it would be something super exciting, it ends up really not being so and is practically glossed right over. Even when a legion of demons show up to attack, while what does happen is kind of fun, it's also anti-climatic and over super quick. Does that mean I didn't like it? No, but I guess I expected more.

The epilogue was pretty great with Beatrix definitely incurring the dragons' wrath. I'm very much looking forward to the next book whether it's this series or the Dragon Kin. Because at this point, it could be either one.

Look, I’ll be completely honest, this entire series feels like a mess. There are so many characters (like, I swear we never even hear the name Ainsley in the first two books!! And she’s the main character here!) and different POVs, the use of modern language throws me off, and the constant bickering and fighting between these GROWN ADULTS drives me up the wall, but… I can’t stop reading. I’m invested, I have to know what happens, and I need Beatrix taken down!

Anyways, the third book focuses on Ainsley and Gruff… But also a million other people and it was hard to follow the story. These books are all fantasy action, the romance is secondary, or honestly, at times, it feels like it isn’t happening at all. Maybe that’s my main issue here, I want more romance and less sibling squabbling.

Slight Spoiler—
I haven’t read the author’s Dragon Kin series, so the crossover didn’t mean anything to me, but if you’ve read that series, you’ll probably enjoy revisiting that world.

Unfortunately, this won’t get a high rating from me, but if you want a fast paced, action fantasy with squabbling siblings, centaurs, dragon, elves, and a war for the crown, maybe check it out?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my opinion.

I just finished reading the ARC of The Heretic Royal by G.A.Aiken!❣️✨ This was book three in The Scarred Earth Saga and I actually binged the first two books before getting to this one as I found them on KU😆 And I really enjoyed them! I loved The Dragon Kin books and these were equally fun(and bonkers) with more focus on the action.⁣
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These books are centered around a family of siblings, who get pulled into a political conflict when two of their sisters are prophesied to be the next Queen - one who is a blacksmith who puts her family first and the other who is basically a soulless psychopath who doesn't mind killing off her whole family to gain power. I guess you can understand what would happen 👀😂 ⁣
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Ainsley is the fourth oldest among their brood, but she's often overlooked unless they need her to shoot something as she's a talented archer. And it doesn't help that she likes to climb up trees and hide there lol 🤣 With the increasing fights between the different factions the stakes keep increasing and unexpectedly Annwyl, who has a reputation for being crazy, shows up with the dragons. And this might be dangerous or a good opportunity for an alliance.⁣
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Among their centaur allies is also Gruffyn who is just as grumpy as his name would suggest 😂 But he makes a nice pair with Ainsley. ⁣
This one was just as action packed and chaotic as the first two books and filled with bickering and moments of humor! As much as these sisters love each other they're always bickering too lol🤣 And I loved the crossover from the Dragon Kin series with Annwyl and the others! But one thing that was pushed aside would be the romance as I wanted more interactions between them!⁣
In the end, it was a great read and I'd definitely recommend this one if you're in the mood for an amazing fantasy series with kick ass women and bickering families(with a touch of romance of course 😆). Can't wait to read the next book!❣️

I have never been disappointed in this author.
Her writing style, characters and storylines are a joy.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read an advance copy of The heretic royal by G.A. Aiken (Scarred Earth saga #3). This is definitely a book you need to read the first two books in the series to know what is going on...you also might want to read G,A. Aiken's Dragon series as she crossed over the characters in this book. I always enjoy the author's over the top hilarious fantasy which has strong kick-ass women, and sexy men. The action is sometimes violent and bloody, but mixed in with snarky dialogue from the both the main and secondary characters you know its just good fun! This book ends a bit abruptly, so I can't wait for the next in the series.

This is my bad I didn't realize it was the third in the series when I requested it. I'll. need to go back and read the first two before I get to this one, but I'm not ready to take that one yet. 5 Stars because I did enjoy what I read!

This book keeps with GA Aikens funny yet truly ridiculous fantasy series following a family with two warring queens and a lot of wonky magic. I loved the first two, but I do believe this was the weakest in the series. The jumps between characters were not the clearest and it led to a lot of confusion. I think the fact two major characters were both unique names starting with A didn’t help. But it set up well for the next book in the series and opened up the world for more characters. Overall- I give it a solid three stars. Necessary for the series but not my favorite.

They get to meet Queen Annwyl and the dragons!

Ainsley Smythe is meeting the dragons and Gruffyn (Gruff) of the Torn Moon Clan is tasked to protect Ainsley and the rest of the Famerson-Smythe family and Queen Keeley while they try to defeat evil Queen Beatrix (their sister).

You need to start with reading The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga Book 1) to even understand who all the characters are because when you have evil Queen Beatrix who just wants to have power in any way she can get it and Queen Keeley who will do anything to prevent her sister from killing everyone.

The Scarred Earth Saga series is hard to describe because so much happens but you can start with
The Dragon Kin series to know more about the dragons.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary e-ARC. All opinions provided are my own.

G. A. Aiken’s Scarred Earth Saga books absolutely go for it & I love that about them. When you read them, expect to find lots of dramatic moments, brawls & near brawls, chaos, & family squabbles & adoration (also betrayal).

They’re some of the most fun & wild fantasy books I read.

The Heretic Royal is book 3 in the saga & you must read books 1 & 2 before beginning.

In this book, Ainsley, a princess & sister of Queen Keeley, is paired with Gruff, a centaur & champion Grudge Holder who's known for being taciturn.

The chapters are short, there’s some attempt to build alliances, some family & kingdom-wide drama, & a hot sex payoff.

I definitely recommend this series if you’re looking for something bonkers that you don’t want to look away from.

4⭐️. Out 12/27.

Please check out a trusted reviewer's list of CWs.

As always with this author, I loved the book. It has humour, action, adventure, lots of intrigue and some romance.
Like with previous books, we get several different POVs, not only the main couple’s.
Love Gruff, he’s my favourite centaur, and Ainsley is a great character too, put them together and makes the book all the better and more hilarious.
And we get more of Annwyl and the dragons, of evil Beatrix and her plans, of the oldest sisters and their centaurs, and some from the rest of the family.


Details:
- Minor OM drama with a soldier that h had sex with some time before. No details, just mentioned that she had sex and he didn’t treat her right.
- Nothing on H.
- HFN.
- No epilogue. The series continues and so does the story.

The snarky humor, the action and adventure, and (high pitch squeal) so many familiar faces I’m about to burst. I am super excited that I received an arc copy of this book as this series keeps getting better and better! Don’t let the beginning frustrate you, as this book picks up right at the end of the last one. There is a lot going on, but the laugh out loud humor starts off with a bang and I can’t tell you if I love the instigator Ainsley or the silent and grunty Gruff more. They are opposites in all ways, I mean one of them is a centaur for goodness sake, but these two leads blend so well with each other. Those of you who are familiar with this author and this series, which I highly, highly recommend that you read too, know that there’s a lot of snark, attitude, pent up heat, and action in her characters, and this book does not disappoint, but to be fair there’s more of a slow build up of the relationship between Ainsley and Gruff than actual bedroom time. Trust me you will not be disappointed. There is an end to the story but there’s definitely a set up for more and let me tell you the ending, chef’s kiss. Definitely 5 stars, must read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Fingers crossed the next book comes out soon.

*Received a copy for review.*
I absolutely adored the first 2 books in this series. I was looking forward to the continuation of the story.
However, this book was really hard to get into. The beginning of the book took me over a month to get through. It was way too busy in a distracting way. Instead of getting in with the main story, there are a ton of characters from her other series and just nonsense.
I plan to read the rest of the series but this book was a difficult read and the romance took too long.

I love this series ! I look forward to each addition. G.A. Aiken has the best sense of humor. This is the 3rd release in the Scarred Earth series and they are all great. I love this family and dragons !
We don't get a lot of Queen Keely in this one and the war between two sisters does not move a lot but Beatrice makes a move at the end so I can't wait to see what happens next.
Ainsley and Gruff are the love match for this one but the story focuses on everyone that is coming together to fight Beatrice. Filled with humor and sarcasm, it made me laugh out loud at times.
Highly recommended and can't wait for the next one !

The Heretic Royal by G. A. Aiken is the 3rd book in her The Scarred Earth Saga series. I am a big fan of G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston), and as I have said before, I will read anything she writes; as she is one author who I look forward with high anticipation to read her books, which are fun, exciting, enjoyable and so much laughter along the way, with crazy and wonderful characters.

Ainsley is the third and good sister, with Queen Keeley and Gemma having had their story previously. Keely had become Queen of the Western Lands, with Gemma protecting her sister from the evil Beatrix (Queen of the East). Ainsley, who is excellent at shooting an arrow, steps up in this story. Beatrix is the evil sister, who is determined to kill off all her sisters, as she continues to build her own kingdom.

Ainsley has always been the quiet sister, who likes to climb up to the trees to get away from the constant bickering between her sisters. Ainsley knows that she must join the fight against Beatrix, who must never be queen; even joining with centaurs, monks and to her surprise, Dragons

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan is a Centaur, whom we met with his sister and brothers, in the previous book. Gruffyn rarely talks, just likes to grunt, but finds himself being attached to Ainsley, even talking to her; as well as protecting her. I really enjoyed the slow built romance between Gruff and Ainsley, which was at times funny.
Of course, this is G.A. Aiken, which means the entire story was suspenseful, action packed, but totally hilarious; especially with the return of the Dragons. It was so great and hysterical to see all of them again; as these wonderful zany characters are so much fun. We did not miss any of the amazing dragons, and Annwyl from the start, played such a major role. I loved every minute of these wonderful, wild, insane and violent characters, who spent time working closely with Queen Keely, Gemma and Ainsley.

What follows is a wild, exciting, non-stop action adventure filled with bloody battles, deaths, and our fantastic dragons. The entire book has so much humor with me constantly laughing from start to finish. I loved that Aiken brought the Dragons back, and allowed us to revisit these insane wonderful characters, who are bloodthirsty, violent, fun and totally entertaining.

The Heretic Royal was a fun filled, exciting amazing ride, with fantastic characters that G.A. Aiken creates so well. It blew my mind that the Dragons returned, giving us a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you enjoy Aiken/ Laurenston, you need to be reading this series.

Fantastic! Hilarious! Crazy! Action packed! Insane! Yup this a G A Aiken book! The Heteric Royal is book three in the Scarred Earth Saga and focuses more on Ainsley - one queen Keeley’s sisters. We get to see her grow from a hiding in a tree with her bow to taking charge in helping her sisters queendom and of course getting to know center Gruff. More importantly this book truly brings in the dragons and their crazy human queen Annwyl and dragon queen Rhiannon. The dragons bring an even crazier world into this saga. The action, family dynamics and laugh out loud antics! This book is hard to put down and even harder to read in public because you will keep laughing! Hope there is another book!!

I love this book and love this series! More than the other books in this series, this book felt a little more chaotic, but we're AT WAR, so I guess that would be very chaotic. I can't wait for the next book!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

The Heretic Royal continues the trend from the previous book in the series of being rather bland and dull. There are some small elements I did still like, but they were mostly related to the fantasy aspect. The Mad Queen, for example, was a cool character, and I did generally like the focus on her.

The world remains pretty interesting-ish…but I’m not sure if it’s enough to keep me invested in this continuing saga of nothingness on the romance side of things.

But who are the main characters supposed to be again? The only thing I remember about the hero is that his name is Gruff, and that pretty much sums up who he is too…he’s, well, gruff. And I can’t think of anything remarkable about Ainsley either.

While I can see how G.A. Aiken’s writing, including this series, works for others, I’ve decided that this series at least isn’t for me. And given much of her other work under high pen names is paranormal or urban fantasy, I’m unlikely to pick up anything else from her. But if her style and subgenre appeals to you, and you enjoyed the first two books, you might enjoy this more than I did.

The Heretic Royal is the third book in G.A. Aiken's Blacksmith Queen series (which is really called the Scarred Earth Saga.) This book is in no way a standalone, so go read the first two books or you may get confused. G.A. Aiken has the best dry wit commentary by characters and has the ability to elevate common dialogue to the hysterically funny level - you don't want to miss it!

Do you remember the dragons from book two? Well you get to see more of them and their queen along with everyone's confused reactions to well, everyone. There are shenanigans, some fighting, more shenanigans, dragons, undead horses, dragons, centaurs, dragons, the Blacksmith Queen Keeley trying her best to work out a treaty with the Mad Queen Annwyl the Bloody, and Ainsley hangs out in some more trees.

The Heretic Royal is another G.A. Aiken book that will live on my re-read shelf and I recommend it to you wholeheartedly!

I love this book series I requested this as soon I knew it was available as I enjoy all the books by this author.
This is third book of the Scarred Earth series this time following Ainsley the fourth eldest in the Smythe family. Ainsley is the archer in the family and can always be found in trees mainly avoiding her family drama.
This book continues straight on from the last book with Annwyl and the dragons appearing hunting from for the slave queen.
Once this has been ironed out they get down to finding a way to stop Beatrix.
A non stop laugh with action and romance too if you’ve read Shelly Laurenston/G.A Aiken before then you’ll love this