The Blacksmith Queen is the first novel in a new series by G.A. Aiken, the Scarred Earth Saga. This is admittedly a very evocative name. Between that and the cover, I just knew I had to give this series a try.
The series itself fits into Aiken’s Dragon Kin series – but you honestly don’t need to be familiar with that world in order to understand or appreciate this tale. I had no troubles, and G.A. Aiken is new to me (clearly I’m going to have to check out the rest of her works now).
The novel follows Keeley Smythe – a brilliant blacksmith and a woman unceasingly loyal to her family. Keeley is a rare gem. She’s strong, confident, and always willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family. Even if that means picking up a crown and going to war.

Warnings: The Blacksmith Queen has a few heavier moments, including some animal death (one most notably, and you can almost see it coming). There are also some hints to rape and sexual assault, but nothing overly detailed.
The Blacksmith Queen was a fun and fast-paced read. I ended up losing an entire night to this novel, having made the mistake of picking this one up at eight pm, and not putting it down until I was finished. But it was worth it.
I absolutely adored Keeley and (most) of her family. She was such a unique character. She didn’t fit into the stereotypical fantasy female description – and that was fantastic. Keeley was her own character, through and through. Her toughness was balanced out perfectly with her love. Her love for being a blacksmith. Her love of her family. Her love of animals.
As for the plot, she found herself thrown into? I loved that as well. The Blacksmith Queen takes the idea of a prophecy and turns it upside down, resulting in chaos. Though there were some amusing times as well. The plot was intense at times. But it also allowed for breaks in the tension – laugh out loud moments that I really appreciated.
G.A. Aiken used repetition to help solidify the characters, and give a semblance of order to the world. It was quite clever. There was one reference in particular (involving Keeley’s cousin) that I swear got funnier every time it came up.
Everything about this novel was slightly atypical, from the main character right down to the romantic subplot. And honestly? It was so refreshing, I can’t even put the proper words in place to explain how it made me feel. I love how different and unique this telling was, while not straying too far from what I was hoping for.
I haven’t read any of G.A. Aiken’s other works, so I can’t really make any comparisons here. Nor can I say how well it fits in with her Dragon Kin series. But I will say that I loved this novel, and am looking forward to digging through her back catalog of books. So I hope that says something to her fans about The Blacksmith Queen.

This author is always a win for me so I know I shouldn't be surprised by what a wonderful book this was. The world building and introduction of the different races (humans, dwarves, centaurs, elves, and more) was detailed enough without being too much of an information dump. (I did not realize it would tie in loosely with the Dragonkin series, which was, of course, a plus.) The sisters and their shenanigans, along with their cousin, were so much fun. I actually laughed out loud a few times. The bantering and bickering were spot on and quite entertaining, and there was not just one strong female character but several. Of course Caid was nothing to smirk at either (or his sister). There were some bloody battles but the overall sense of humor was never lost in this book, even though there was a betrayal and some real emotional pain on behalf of Keeley and her family. There is some romance but it builds gradually and is not the main focus of the book. This did not end on cliff hanger but there is much that still needs to be resolved. I am looking forward to not just the next book but the entire series.

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.

The Blacksmith Queen is the first book in a brand new series. I was not disappointed! The characters are over the top, hilarious and in your face dysfunctional. I laughed throughout the whole book. If you have a problem with gore, this might not be the book for you but it is tasteful, humorous gore. The women in this book have all the power and they are not afraid to throw a hammer or two at a persons head if they upset them.

A prophesy has declared that the new ruler of the land will be a queen, much to the chagrin of the bloodthirsty Prince's who thought that they were going to be crowned. The race is on to find the future queen. The centaurs are the first to find the would-be queen. The only thing standing in the way of them taking her is her older, brawnier sister, Keely the Blacksmith. Keely is willing to listen and put her trust in the centaurs. This may be due to her family home being attacked by murderous foes and the centaurs willingness to protect her family. Keely, the prophesied sister, another sister that she wants to punch all the time, a drunk cousin and the centaurs soon set off on an adventure to save the kingdom from some terrible people. They encounter a lot of problems along the way.

If you are a fan of badass females, hot centaurs, weird family drama and laughing until it hurts, this book is for you! I cannot wait until the next book comes out.

Best enjoyed when you need an adventure.

The Blacksmith Queen begins with a battle between brothers bent on slaying one another over the throne of their father. It’s a rather confusing, bloody scene with people getting slaughtered left and right. In the confusion, we find out that the kingdom’s witches, who are usually the ones to name the next king, have handed down an unlikely prophecy that states that the land will not be ruled by a king, but a queen. Not just any queen, but a peasant queen. Naturally, the brothers find it necessary to suss out the identity of this queen so that they can eliminate this threat to the throne that they are so willing to kill so many others for.

Of course, they think just because she’s a peasant it’s going to be easy. Spoiler Alert: it’s not. Especially not with Keeley, a talented, strong blacksmith and her scrappy family acting as a blockade to their success.

Without giving too much away–because there are plenty of unexpected twists and it would be SO EASY to spoil the heck out of this for you–there is a fantastic journey through Amichai lands (the mountainous area and home of dwarves, elves, centaurs, and barbarians which shares a border with the Hill Lands of the violent Old King), a bunch of fun characters and hilarity, as well as some visceral betrayal.

At first, I found it kind of hard to get into, which is why I gave it 3 stars initially, but I had to change that because the more I think about how much fun I had reading it, the less I felt confident that 3 was enough. I’m not usually into changing POVs, especially not ones that rapidly change like they did in this one. The story gets so good that it starts to flow. Although I didn’t feel that happening until about 30% into it, it was worth sticking with it even with the few times when it seemed like editing was the last thought on the author’s mind. After that point I honestly could have read it in one sitting had I been given the chance. I literally laughed out loud a couple of times at some of the characters, like Keeley’s professional fighter cousin Keran, who was all about a good time and would have been 100% exasperating to actually travel with on this momentous adventure, but was definitely a point of comic relief for the reader. Plus, Kelley is so strong, good natured, and optimistic that I just wanted her to succeed in all of the things she did, which included the flirtations with the broody Caid. Also, the part with the dwarves? So great.

If you enjoy high fantasy, I strongly suggest you pick this one up. I can’t wait for the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Think Stardust (old King dies and his sons fight each other to secure the throne) meets LoTR (elves and dwarves and a quest) with G.A. Aiken customary bawdy humour and you've got yourself another winner!

Keeley Smythe comes from a long line of Blacksmith women, one of numerous children she runs the smithy like clockwork and looks after her siblings. She may have the strength of a man twice her size but she is kind and gentle with children and animals, no matter if the wolves she befriends have fire burning in their eyes and are most likely demonspawn. When witches prophesise that her younger sister will be Queen Keeley has her doubts but immediately offers to escort her to the witches to get the prophecy confirmed. Joined by her crazy family and a group of battle centaurs she will need all her powers of persuasion to forge alliances and keep her family safe.

When I first started reading this I couldn't get into the book, maybe because I found Keeley too similar to Annwyl at first - incredibly strong fearless woman able to defeat impossible odds etc. I put it aside and started reading it again on an international flight and just ripped through it. Loved everything about it. Loved Keeley, loved her sisters, loved her cousin, loved the centaurs, loved the deliciously evil princes.

Only downside, I'd just really got into the book when it ended. In fact I kept pressing the next page button on my Kindle fruitlessly several times before I realised that was the end of the book (see international flight above). So this is very much "to be continued …"

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

As much as a love a fierce female protagonist, from the beginning, this book was all over the place. Furthermore, while I don't mind violence, it seemed the novel was literally non-stop with battles, fights (verbal and otherwise), blood, and gore. Additionally, while there was some decent groundwork for good worldbuilding, the nearly constant modern expletives kept taking me out of the story. I don't mind cursing, but I would have loved if the author could have invented some curse words for the universe. At best, I will skim to finish this book.

I absolutely loved this book! This is the start of new series set in the same world as the Dragon Kin series. The book begins with the death of the Old King and the battle between the princes for the throne. The heroine’s family gets drawn into the battle when a prophecy names her sister as the chosen queen.

This book has the author’s trademark humor and her usual family dynamics. The author does a great job of world building and has a wonderful new twist on shifters. I do wish that there had been more romance between the hero and heroine, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I’m hoping that the characters from the Dragon Kin series will make an appearance at some point in this series.

This book sadly wasn't for me but I'm sure a specific public audience would love this in a way that i couldn't. Everything felt rushed, I didn't enjoy the writing nor characters. Not my thing.

I was excited to receive an ARC from Net Galley for the first book in a new series created by my very favorite author. She, once again, did not disappoint. There’s suspense, action, an immensely likable, strong heroine who wields a huge hammer and Centaurs! Add in her trademark humor and amazingly awesome world-building and you have an un-put-downable read. Truthfully, I never expect anything less when I read her books.

I have read GA Aiken's Dragon Kin Series and liked that so I was fairly certain I would like a new series. I thought this book was totally entertaining. The author can bring characterizations of mythical creatures to life as well as the humans. The heroine, Keeley, is a blacksmith as was her mother. She is strong both physically and emotionally but with a tender and caring heart. Caid is very protective and a worthy hero. But it is Keeley who is the true saviour of country and family.

This book is often cringe-worthy violent, with scenes of battle vividly depicted. There are many scenes of battles and anxiety producing moments. There are truly evil side characters. Aiken's world building is never an info dump but the result of action and plotting.

I recommend this book to those who like Fantasy, Romance and plenty of action.

Ebook provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

I saw a lot of myself in Keeley, outspoken but in need of her own space; I like to think myself as a strong woman, so it was refreshing reading about her. I loved Keeley and Caid’s relationship, I found it to be real, not like most of the ones in books where there is not one thing people would actually do in real life.

The world building is definitely one of my favorite, really well created and described. Characters in general are very well described and I could imagine being in their place. The Amichai are the real turning tables, amazing concept, very well developed.

I am not giving the full 5 stars because I hope to see more in the next book.

Final vote: 4/5

Another funny as he romance from an author who never disapoints. I highly recommend that you give this book a try!!!

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.

4.5 stars!

You absolutely cannot go wrong with a G.A. Aiken / Shelly Laurenston book! I have read almost all of Shelly's books and am slowly making my way through G.A.'s Dragon series (it's only that they're just long... and I really like the audio versions of her books). I was sooo excited for this book to come out, I was over the moon when I got approved for an arc.

Can we just sit back for a moment and think how magical it is to be able to create these worlds so wonderfully? I mean it just boggles the mind that all of this was created out of someone's head. Just... wow. There are some author's that find a formula and plug and play until infinity. I've read many almost all of the authors writing and I still found a really solid and unique story and world in this book.

Ok, so here we go! The Blacksmith Queen was great. The world is another facet of the Dragon's series, another land explored if you will. Keeley is a blacksmith from a long line of female blacksmiths. And she loves her hammer. (there's a lot of hammer songs that come to mind... The Beatles- Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Pete Seeger- If I Had A Hammer, Huey Lewis & the News- It Hit Me Like a Hammer, Fleetwood Mac- My Heart Beat Like a Hammer... but I think my favorite is the 90's song by The Breeders- Divine Hammer.... cuz well, just listen to it.). The Old King has died and immediately his sons have started slaying everyone in a struggle for the throne. Keeley kind of loves this, because people are buying her wares left and right. Then comes a prediction from the Witches that says her sister, the farmer's daughter, is to be queen. The warring Old King's sons catch wind and send troops to kill the girl. This, Keeley will not stand for. Family is everything to her and she will protect them with her dying breath! The Witches send a group of centaurs to protect the to-be queen and bring her to them so they may confirm her royal status. Add in her 12 brothers and sisters, farmer father, blacksmith mother, retired fighter's guild cousin, War Monk sister, demon wolves, shape-shifting centaurs, elves, dwarves, lava dragons, ohhh... and most importantly a good psychopath... and you have a grand adventure. (G.A. / Shelly always writes such a good psychopath- reference: Pride, Call of Crows, Honey Badger Chronicles, and The Gathering series'- she just gets it. Always so so fun!)

So, I should note that the language is adult... umm... pub-after-a-few-pints style... If you can't hear/stand the c-word (male or female reference) used freely and with vigor, then maybe you just walk away. I, for one, rather enjoy it so... whatev! but, you've been warned.

The Blacksmith Queen has more of an urban fantasy feel than a paranormal romance as the story itself and the world-building was the main focus... very soft focus on the relationship rather than a "romance" per se. (There was only one "adult interlude") The story was very strong, there was a lot of world-building without you feeling like an info dump, and the progression was very natural. This ended up being a fairly fast read because you are just so plugged into the story. There was ample set up for further installments, and as it's called The Scarred Earth Saga, so I imagine it will follow the centaur family rather than the farmer/blacksmith family. I hope there are lots more to come! There were references to the mad bitch queen, the different dragon factions/hordes, and other centaur groups in other areas but there wasn't a reunion of other characters that would detract from this being a stand-alone series. (the last Badger book kind of had a bit too many cross-references and old characters from the Pride series popping back in that I felt it detracted, but this was not the case here)

My one complaint is that the book just ended. I know, I know... we have to give everyone a break or else it gets a bit Tolkien-ish. I just, I wanted more! I felt a little sad when I suddenly swiped to the last page and ... fin!

Ack, anyway! The Blacksmith Queen was really a fun read. I loved the characters, there were a few lol moments and even a teary moment there in the first quarter. I would absolutely recommend this to others and cannot wait for the audio to come out. I will definitely be reading (listening) to this again!

Thank you to NetGalley, Ms. Aiken, and Kensington Books for this generously provided ARC!

I just reviewed The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken. I love this book. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Ms. Aiken delivers an intense adventure with her incredible sense of humor. This book is a fast-paced adventure that hooks you in from the first sentence and continues to deliver to the last. While this series is based in the same universe as Mz Aiken dragon series this is not her dragon series. All I can say is buy this book you won't regret it.

Leigh Smoak

#TheBlacksmithQueen #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

I'm a fan of G.A. aiken and Dragon Kin Series. I didn't know the scarred earth saga was somehow related to dragon kin series. And when I found out I was the happiest girl on the planet :D if you ask what's the difference from the dragon kin - bickering humans instead of dragon clan members :D I mean humans look like our beloved dragons. they're strong and funny and the womans are highly bad asses . keeley and her mom and her sister unbelievable :D blacksmith womans and a war monk is enough for the save the world.
I loved it everyword of this book. There's some mystical creatures too like centaurs , demon wolfs , dwarves, elfs etc. romance side is a little low because there's is no time for it :D
if you like strong ,funny, crazy heroines and warriors , witty and clever dialogues , lots of action this book is for you . I'm strongly recommend you my fave author G.A. Aiken and her books . Can't wait to read what's next.

Fantastic start to a new series, I devoured this book and I loved all of it. Little slow on the romance, as in not a lot. but other then that, the story arc was epic, and I can not wait for more.

I had such high hopes for this because of G.A. Akin. I had really enjoyed Dragon Kin and the centaur part seemed interesting, to say the least. Unfortunately, I just felt like this story was all over. There was a lot of action happening early on, and yet, I didn't feel invested in it or the main character. I only made it about halfway through before I lost interest.

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 prophecy 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.