When a prophesy brings war to the Land of the Black Hills, Keeley Smythe must join forces with a clan of mountain warriors who are really centaurs in a thrilling new fantasy romance series from New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken. The Old King Is Dead With the demise of the Old King, there’s a prophesy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s … the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the king’s sons, who are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers. But for blacksmith Keeley Smythe, war is great for business. Until it looks like the chosen queen will be Beatrix, her younger sister. Now it’s all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals.
Luckily, Keeley doesn’t have to fight alone. Because thundering to her aid comes a clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amichai. Not the most socially adept group, but soldiers have never bothered Keeley, and rough, gruff Caid, actually seems to respect her. A good thing because the fierce warrior will be by her side for a much longer ride than any prophesy ever envisioned …
Praise for The Dragon Who Loved Me
“A chest thumping, mead-hall rocking, enemy slaying brawl of a good book.”
—All Things Urban Fantasy
“Aiken aces another one.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
more
Fell in love from the moment we meet Keeley. I love her as a character. Her self-righteous hypocrisy, her loving nature, her animal friends, her brawny size. Not your typical heroine and I love it. All the characters are wonderful in their own way and the world is so vibrant and unique. Rich and entrenched in mythology. Please I beg you do not keep me waiting for the next book. I could not put this book down.
Over the top crazy, yet achingly familiar
I am a great fan of G. A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series, so I was quite sad when the author announced that she considered the series finished, especially as it didn’t feel that way. That’s why I am so delighted that The Blacksmith Queen, the first book in her new Scarred Earth Saga series, is set in the same world, but with all new characters.
The Old King of the realm is dead and his various sons scorch the country in the attempt to strengthen their position, each trying to gain supremacy. Meanwhile, Keeley is minding her own business, working in her forge, doing what she loves most. Although her father is a farmer, she has inherited her mother’s love and talent for working steel. So, she and her family could have continued to live a simple and happy life, if it weren’t for the prophecy that foretold that one of the sisters from the Smythe family would become Queen, a prophecy that puts her whole family in danger and upends their lives…
I love Aiken’s narrative voice, her storytelling is hilarious , and out there and often takes unexpected turns. Her characters are exceptional and ordinary at the same time. She can make the most outrageous circumstances and events appear normal. In think this partly due to her portrayal of family dynamics and sibling relationships that are at the same time over the top crazy, but also achingly familiar. Although most family members constantly bicker (and the closer they are the more they bicker), they always stand together as a family against any outside threat. There is the oddball sister, the crazy uncle, the strange cousin and Keeley herself, who is not exactly normal either, with her strange affinity for dangerous creatures, be they animal or something else.
Throw in a bunch of centaurs, elves, dwarves, witches and a cranky dragon, a lost treasure, spectacular fight scenes and hint of romance, and you have got the beginnings of a great fantasy adventure that will leave you wanting more.
Five crazily blinking stars, can’t wait for the next installment to hit my Kindle.
I loved this book just as I did all the others from Ms. Aiken. You experience all kinds of emotions from happiness to heart break. There’s also lots of family love and drama. The characters are well developed and keep you on edge wondering what will come next. Laugh out loud and enjoy the beginning of a new series that is sure to become one of your favorites.
That was just awesome! There was so much going on in this book to set up this world, and these characters, and all the dynamics. But it was all laid out methodically, and built on each step, that it was easy to keep things straight. So much wonderment, and so much violence, and so much laughter. It was easy to be on the side of good, and despise the side of evil, and to see the gray from the people and creatures in-between
Humans, and centaurs, and dwarves, and elves, and wolves, and witches, oh my! This was a wonderful story, and I can’t wait for more
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.
The Blacksmith Queen is a fabulous first in a series. G.A. Aiken has created a wondrous world filled with centaurs, elves, dwarves and other fantastic beings. This story features strong women and a smart plot that will keep you flipping pages. This story is told with humor and heart and I can’t wait for further adventures.
The Blacksmith Queen is G.A. Aiken’s first book in her new Scarred Earth Saga series. Though this series takes place in the same world as her Dragon Kin series, it’s not at all necessary to read those books first, as this completely stands alone. For those of you new to this author, you are in for quite the ride!
Keeley Smythe is a blacksmith who lives with her family in the Land of the Black Hills. When the old king dies, his sons begin the battle to win the throne. However, a prophesy predicts that Keeley’s younger sister Beatrix is to become the chosen queen. Joined by the Amichai, a group of mountain warriors who wear kilts, they leave their home to meet the witches who saw this prophecy for confirmation. Oh, did I mention that the Amichai were centaurs who shifted into human form? That’s kind of important. Things quickly turn strange and violent, as it seems Keeley is ALSO to be the new queen!
If you’re familiar with this author, you won’t be shocked by the blood, gore, violence and liberal use of the “c” word. Yes, THAT “c” word. If you are unfamiliar with her, get over any hangups you may have with these issues, because you would be missing a totally fun and awesome story if you didn’t. The family dynamics in this story are as exciting and fun as ever. The characters are fresh and well fleshed out. Though you will find yourself laughing out loud quite a bit, there are also sections that will bring tears to your eyes. Some of my favorite moments dealt with Keeley’s pets, who just happen to be wolves…demon wolves from hell. Though this is more of a fantasy story than a romance, the relationship between Keeley and the grouchy Caid brings a little softness to these characters. I am waiting with bated breath for the next installment. I’m definitely wanting more of Caid’s brother Quinn and Keeley’s sister Gemma, THE WAR MONK!!!!!! (Yes, everyone always shouts that!)
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Fabulous book! The basic story involves a girl who thinks she is helping a naive younger sister with a claim to the throne, but soon realizes that both the sister’s claim and the journey are more complex and involved, and that she is much more than simply protection for the journey. It has the author’s typical witty conversation, and odd characters, but I found the story to be more nuanced and better written than some of her others. For instance, the heroine defends her friendship with some demon dogs as follows: “the world is filled with all kinds. Can’t go around ignoring the suffering of others simply because someone looks different from what I’ve seen before. …Life is too short to go around hatingthings I know knowing about. ” Definitely a really great, really entertaining read. I recieve a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was totally my jam! What a fun book. I just recently learned that G.A. Aiken is another penname for Shelly Laurenston, so I was thrilled to dive into this book.
It had everything I know this author provides. Her specialty in that quirky sense of humor she has, as well as an entertaining cast of characters and storyline.
You are getting quite the variety of characters in this book. Just in book one there were witches, Centaurs, Dwarves, dragons, elves, demon wolves and more. I have a feeling this is just the tip of the iceberg in this series.
The Blacksmith Queen is pretty brutal and bloody, what with a war for the Kingdom going on but I have to admit, a lot of that battling was more humorous because of the way this author writes.
This is not a standalone series but doesn’t end on a huge cliffhanger, more of a stop to breathe moment. I had a lot of fun reading book one and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
When I choose to pick up a book by this author no matter what name she uses I know it’s going to be a wild and hilarious ride. So discovering this is set within her Dragon Kin world had me positively salivating ! Does she include a Dragon I wondered and oo is this author sneaky because she not only expands the universe I absolutely love but adds Centaurs !
Ok the important things you should know are our heroine is Keeley and she’s rude, she’s a bit surly and she’s very violent. Ok I’m not exactly selling her right now but she’s also dedicated to her family, totally selfless oh and did I mention has the ability to think outside the box meaning she can run rings round those who get in her way ! Keeley might not be some pretty, young, nubile thing but she is most definitely all woman and you just know that she deserves a big, tough hunk of her own !
The story is a simple one in that following a huge betrayal Keeley suddenly finds herself as apparently the next, rightful Queen ! All would be ok but the late Kings children are set on removing anyone who gets in their way and then there’s the slight ( who am I kidding ?) problem of her younger sister who is also prophesied as the next Queen. Keeley needs an army and luckily the Centaurs are set on helping her but no matter how far Keeley travels she will always be drawn back to her family who I have to say are totally bonkers.
If you pick this up expecting a hot and steamy romance you might be a tad disappointed but stick with it because this is only the beginning of what I predict will be a fabulous series.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair