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
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The Blacksmith Queen is book one in The Scarred Earth Saga by G.A. Aiken.
It’s in the same world as her Dragon Kin series, but with new characters and locations. We get demon wolfs, centaurs, dwarfs, and a verity of characters.
I love G.A. Aiken’s Dragon Kin series, so when I heard we where going to be visiting the Centaurs well I was ecstatic. I love the crazy over the top characters created and couldn’t wait to dive into this new series. Many say this is different from her Dragon Kin series. To me this series has some of the same undertones with the outrageous characters, snark, humor, and great world building. It does have more battles and violence then her Dragon Kin series.
I loved how we got multiple POV’s in The Blacksmith Queen. Aiken uses secondary characters to share the experiences and it offers something different and gives us a more menacing light on some.
Our heroine Keeley is a blacksmith. She’s rude, surly, and violent, but she’s fun, very protective of her family, totally selfless and thinks outside the box. She’s all woman and you know she deserves a big tough hunk.
The story was interesting yet simple. After a huge betrayal Keeley suddenly finds herself the next rightful Queen. She never wanted to be Queen and still she takes on the challenges set forth in front of her. Things aren’t ok! War has broken out with the late Kings children vivifying for his thrown and then theirs the issue with her younger sister. Then we have Caid and his fellow Centaurs who can only gird their loins for what might happen next.
As for the romance Keeley and Caid’s grew steadily, culminating in a steamy love-scene.
The Blacksmith Queen was so much fun. I can’t wait for the next installment nor can I wait to listen to the audio. It’s full of magical creatures, humor, and crazy family and friends.
Rated: 5 Stars
The Old King has died and a prophecy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills has emerged and the king’s sons are prepared to defend their birthright against all comers including each other. Blacksmith Keeley Smythe is benefiting from the war until it looks like the chosen queen will be her younger sisters, now it’s all she can do to protect her family from the enraged royals. Luckily she doesn’t have to fight alone, because the clan of kilt-wearing mountain warriors called the Amicahi have joined the quest.
The author has given her fascinating world life once again with some truly wonderful additional elements that readers can definitely appreciate. The dragons may not be a full part of this story, but it takes place in the same world, just a different part. The characters of this new series are strong and blood thirsty as the others and there definitely grab all of the reader’s attention from the very beginning. While Keeley reminds readers of the Human Queen, she has her own refreshing personality that readers can definitely enjoy and the budding relationship that is building between her and Caid promises to be epic.
This fast paced story is full of adventure, suspense, excitement and emotional angst, but the way these characters deal with that turmoil can be a bit frightening as well as charming. The author makes this blood thirsty world seem so very reasonable that readers can’t help but have fun and be delighted with the captivating characters, which includes centaurs, dwarves, barbarians, witches, and wild horses, while they are completely enthralled by this riveting and exhilarating adventure.
I love the Dragon Kin series, and now I’m hooked on The Scarred Earth Saga. The women are so wild and wonderful, with attitude to spar.
In The Blacksmith Queen we meet Keeley, a sweet, loving woman who is passionate about her family, makes friends with wild horses and demon wolves, and is protective of those around her. She meets centaurs, dwarves, elves and even a dragon as the story goes on. The first thing you notice about Keeley is her large arms, her even larger hammer, and her skill as a blacksmith. This is going to be such a fun series!
War breaks out in the Land of the Black Hill due to a prophecy naming a queen instead of one of the Old Kings sons. For blacksmith Keeley Smith, war is great for business until it looks like it might be her sister who is to be named Queen. Now Keeley has to protect her family from the royals but at least she isn’t alone. She has her sister, her cousin, and some kilt-wearing warriors called Amichai.
Wow. Just wow…..I would give this book more stars if I could! This book was everything I didn’t know I needed right now. It had amazing freaking characters, deadly battles, different kinds of creatures, and of course love!
Keeley was amazing and I totally have a girl crush on her. She is a powerful blacksmith, loves her family with everything she is and can kick some major butt with her giant hammer. I loved her sense of humor, her excitement over animals and metal, and her commitment to her family.
“Life is too short to go around hating things I know nothing about. My ignorance doesn’t mean others should suffer.”
Caid was the sexy, strong, and silent type. Most people annoy him but Keeley doesn’t, even when she is talking nonstop. I really love how Keeley broke through his barriers. His family was just as crazy and interesting as Keeley’s. Keeley is already forging strong connections with other races and with the humans. I cannot wait to see what she will do next in her fight for the crown and saving the world.’
“Keeley always made him laugh. Always made him . . . comfortable. There weren’t many who did.”
Also I just loved how crazy Keeley’s family was. All of them were surprisingly dangerous, but also kind and sensitive. I really am interested in learning more about Gemma and her abilities. Keran was a drunken hoot. Also I loved that Keeley had a pet demon wolf and horse. Like I said, this was a crazy family who you can’t help but love.
Aiken does an amazing job at captivating readers with amazing characters and a rich world. If you are a fan of her Dragon Kin series you will love this series, which actually takes place in the same world! I already want to read the next book and I am sad that I will have to wait a year for it. Maybe rereading the Dragon Kin series will hold me over until the next release.
Shelly Laurenston… where have you been all my life? You gave me a story I could REALLY sink my teeth into. The Blacksmith Queen is full of non-stop action mixed in with colorful characters, witty banter, obnoxious silly fun, hilarious hijinks, and plenty of OTT moments to leave me quite entertained. I love when I try a new-to-me author and instantly become a fan. This story had swords clashing, magical elements, centaurs, dwarves, elves, and a mighty hammer. The women were fearless and the men WEREN’T intimidated or acting like fools. In fact, female independence was not only encouraged, it was NORMAL!! I even got to watch two of these wonderful characters fall in love amidst the constant battles, the infighting, the betrayals, the danger, and the quest for peace.
If this is what I can expect from this author, I’ve definitely been missing out! If you love strong characters, an emotional and moving story, along with a fast-paced, suspenseful and bloody plot as much as I do, you DO NOT want to pass on this book. It’s got it all and I’m beyond excited to get my hands on the next installment.
This is book 1 in The Scarred Earth Saga and let me tell you, if you have read this author’s previous books and loved them-this book in no way disappoints! In this first book we meet Keeley Smythe and her family along with Caid, an Amichai and his family. After the death of the Old King, a prophesy has been said that it will be a Queen to ascend the throne, not a King. Which throws the king’s son’s into even more turmoil than they were already in. And when the prophesy points to Keeley’s sister, she will do whatever she must to protect not only her sister but her entire family. And when Caid and his fellow Amichai arrive after being sent to protect the Queen, they both find new friends and what they are truly made of.
I absolutely loved this first book!! Now I loved her other series and knew based on the description of this one that it sounded good. But once I started it, I couldn’t put it down and read the whole thing in one sitting!! Keeley is this beyond awesome character who while she can kick butt, she still has so much compassion and love in her soul. The interactions between her and the other characters just made me love her even more, in between bouts of laughter at some points. Caid seems to be this taciturn man but I thoroughly enjoyed his interactions with Keeley and how he just seems to take everything in stride. And then you throw in all the side characters and I loved them even more! This was the perfect way to start a series and draw people into this world. Now I have to impatiently wait for the next book in the series LOL!
This was my kind of epic fantasy, fun and fast-paced. Everything was big: characters, voices and fights. There were maybe a few point of view characters than weren’t necessary, and not all of them offered a deeper understanding into the character, but as all the chapters were short, it didn’t matter. Keeley was overwhelming in everything, size, strength, goodness and her love of animals, but she had great counterparts in the people around her. All in all, a good start for a trilogy or longer series.
I’ve read everything G.A. has written and that includes her books as Shelly Laurenston, and this book did not dissapoint. Keeley is a unique heroine, who’s charged with protecting her sister against incredible odds. In typical fashion, this book was full of humor, and if you add in the kilt wearing mountain warriors and the spark between Keeley and Caid, this is the perfect fantasy romance!
If you haven’t read any of her other books, once you read this one, you’ll be dying to read anything else she’s written! I highly recommend her books!
It is time to reveal this Whimsical Wednesday’s Gem and a fine one it is. G.A. Aiken’s The Blacksmith Queen.
Aiken takes us on a journey to the Hill Lands where the Old King is barely dead before his sons are killing each other for his throne. A lusty, murderous lot, they’ve no compunction about killing all in their path to get what they want. But there is a fly in this blood soaked ointment. A witch had prophesied no king, but a queen.
Enter here a Blacksmith, tall, beautiful, strong, and happy go lucky. Kind to animals, protective of kith and kin, well, most kin, anyway..except for her younger sister Gemma, whom she sees as a traitor for leaving the family ten years ago to become a nun.
Keeley is the blacksmith’s name. She is an amazing young woman. I liked her immediately. She reminds me of our daughter. Fierce, hold and confident. She is determined to protect her cerebral sister Beatrix who had been chosen to be Queen, but who hides a dark, devestating secret.
This tale has everything the adult Fantasy lover could want: evil princes, witches, War Monks, Handsome and Beautiful Centaurs, Dwarves, Elves, Demon Wolves and more. It clips along at a wonderful pace, never boring, never slow. Aiken also includes humor in her writing which is very refreshing, I caught myself laughing out loud more than once. But, I do mean adult. Make no mistake, this is not for children.
There is much blood and gore. The battle scenes are fantastic, explicit, but not overdone. The language is extremely salty.. Extremely. . A bit too overdone for my taste. I found myself distracted from the story more than once by all the F bombs, which for me was disappointing, a bit like putting poison in the medicine. There were a few other phrases I didn’t care for either, but the story was good enough I did not stop reading. It was, however, the reason I gave it four flames instead of five.
Even the cover is interesting. Stare closely at that crown and those flames, tell me what you see!
That said, I am looking forward to the next part in this saga. If the language will not put you off, then by all means, get yourself a copy and dig in! This book is sold on Amazon or wherever great books are sold.
I received a copy of this book from Kensington Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This author is one of my rare purchase because she wrote it authors. This is a brand new saga and as expected it was AMAZING. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Not only is there fantastic action, suspense, a great world with fantastic characters, some romance and awesome plot, but the humor throughtout just puts it over the top. Fantastic book! I am totally addicted to the new saga!!
I can’t even begin to tell you how abso-freaking-lutely thrilled I was when I heard G.A. Aiken was giving us a new series. I freaking adore her Dragon Kin series and it’s been FOREVER since she’s given us a new book. Yes, I’m exaggerating, but that’s what it felt like. Anyway, let me just go ahead and say, I loved it. Set in the same world as the Dragon Kin books, but in a different area, it still felt like a visit home to this effed up, completely hilarious world.
I love that when you read one of Ms. Aiken’s books, you are treated to strong women facing impossible situations. They may not face it with grace, in fact quite the opposite, but they face their battles head on and leave absolute mayhem in their wake. Their battles are violent, bloody, even horrific at times, but I guarantee you can’t read one without cracking up.
This story follows a hell for leather blacksmith woman whose only goal in life is to protect her family when destiny comes calling for one of them. While there is a sweet little romance, it takes a back seat to the main storyline.
I don’t want to say too much so I don’t give anything away, but there were twists, turns, loads of action and a heart-breaking betrayal that kept me glued to my iPad. With cool as all get out centaurs, rude elves, hilarious dwarves, and even a completely pissed off dragon, I was in my fantasy happy place and can’t wait to go back when the next one comes out.
Rating: 5 Abso-freaking-lutely Awesome Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of 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.
Keeley Smythe would like nothing better than to work in her forge, honing her craft; live with her large family on her parents’ farm; and care for all the living things she loves, whether they seem lovable to others or not. Just a simple woman living a simple life, until the Old King dies, a prophecy claims a woman will take the throne, and all signs point the that woman being Keeley’s sister, Beatrix.
To be completely honest, when I received this book and saw “paranormal romance” on the spine, I went in with zero hopes. I am not a fan of romance novels at all; I’m the one that thinks the kiss at the end of an action flick ruins it. That being said, I really enjoyed this book! The amount of romance in this novel is really at a minimum (I’ve read horror novels with more “action”) and the bit that is there really serves a purpose and isn’t just love-interest filler.
The action in the book is great! Characters fighting while cracking jokes? Heck yes! Actually, there is a lot of humor throughout this novel, some of which I just had to share with my hubby. The characters are so compelling and well developed. Gemma is my one of my favorites, and it doesn’t hurt that she reminds me of Superman sometimes (if I explain why it will give things away, but if you have read it you know what I mean! ).
The Blacksmith Queen is the first novel in a series, and seeing as I need to know what happens, I hope that Kensington gives me the opportunity to review the other novels in the series .
The Blacksmith Queen is available now! Go read it if you like fantasy; you won’t regret it!
Thank you to Kensington Books for a copy of a The Blacksmith Queen, given in exchange for an honest review.
Excellent start to a new series – can’t wait for the next entry.
I love the Dragon Kin series, and I got this one, not really sure what she would do to surprise me…. HOLY COW I am in love I want more…. I can’t wait to hear more of the Blacksmith Queen and everyone else. I am falling down the Demon wolf hole!!! honestly couldn’t be better and I love that it set in another part of the world of the Dragon Kin…..the possibilities are totally endless. The world building is epic and the characters are funny as heck!! awesome job!!
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.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
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!
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!!!!!
The Blacksmith Queen is a great opening to G.A. Aiken’s new series of books. I was anxiously awaiting this release, and I’m happy to report that all that we die hard fans love about her Dragon Kin series is brought forward in her latest endeavor.
This author has a knack for creating over the top characters who cause you to experience a range of emotions with their outlandish behaviors. The book has plenty of action packed scenes, with bits of laughter and love and I enjoyed every step of the journey of getting to know these new band of characters. The Blacksmith Queen is a truly entertaining read with it’s many battles to win with some being between family members, secrets to unveil, and possibly revenge to exact. Another nice surprise is the fact that it seems to crossover into the laughable and lovable characters of the Dragon Kin series which I am truly ecstatic about. I can’t wait to see all the trouble these quirky characters can get themselves into and eventually how they work to get themselves out of them.
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.