The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken

August 27, 2019 Spice Book Review, Quickie 0 ★★★★★

The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken
Series: The Scarred Earth Saga #1
Published by Kensington on August 27, 2019
Narrator: Mia Barron, Jason Culp
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 304
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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 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 …

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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.