Member Reviews
Rated 4.5 Stars
I don't know how she does it but this author's books are consistently funny. I laugh for solid minutes at a time. I can't recommend her books enough. The Princess Knight was absolutely phenomenal. I loved it. It was funny, witty, banter filled, action packed, highly entertaining and so much more. I adored the characters and can't wait for more in this especially after the way it ended. I very highly recommend this book and series.
Although Gemma and Quinn are the focal characters of this 2nd story in The Scarred Earth Saga, the entire cast, including some fun new characters, all make for a truly entertaining book that I could not put down.
We've got War Monks, Pacifist Monks, Witches, Divine Assassins, Virgins, a Blood Warlock, the Centaurs, the Dwarves, the Truce Vicar, a not so typical Nun and an undead horse. There was action, adventure, a bit of a love story, and of course the crazy antics that make these books so much fun. All the supporting characters had their part to play to make this book a joy to read, and I laughed out loud several times.
Being a fan for quite some time after starting with the Dragonkin series, the ending blew me away and I can't wait for the next book.
I didn't realize this was a sequel when I requested it. I started The Blacksmith Queen and was thoroughly underwhelmed, and ended up DNFing it. Therefore, I will not be continuing the series.
As usual, the latest G.A. Aiken novel "The Princess Knight" is a page turner which is both a well-executed fantasy and a fun and exciting romance romp. Fans of romance fantasy in particular will enjoy the newest novel by G.A. Aiken.
Unfortunately DNR'd this at 25%.
The book doesn't start off super well, about a female knight who quits her mysterious bloody religious group to protect her sister who is now the Queen from her OTHER sister who is also the Queen. None of the characters seemed to like each other or have any redeeming qualities, the action was just a weird break from the incomprehensible plotting, and I honest to god have no idea generally what happened in the first 5 chapters.
Perhaps someone with more time to waste could finish and report back, but it's just a no from me dog.
OMG! She did it again! From 1st page to the very end--she had me caught up in each action-packed page! I love the additional characters that surfaced--Brother Katla, Brother Kir, the Abbess. the Truce Vicar, and of course, Ainsley--adding more context to the character of Gemma. I read the book straight into the night and had to muffle my squeals when I got to the end--! I am going to be one of those haunting her newsletters for word on the next book on the series. I cannot wait!
The main character is feisty and fierce, and she's a badass, which was fun to follow. A very pro-feminist book with the strong, female women and warriors. But not as fantastical a story as I wanted in terms of writing,
Ok, so let me start by saying I was honored to be given a chance to read a advanced copy of G.A. Aiken new book aka Shelly Laurenston. I was so excited when I found out and as always I was not disappointed. One of the things I absolutely love about her books not that they're absolutely hilarious, but her story and how she interweaves her books and characters. Such detail and depth it's amazing. As a Author she hits everyone of my most read check list, amazing store, funny, action, characters that such you in and the top for me is strong, kickass women. Gemma Smythe a kickass War Monk, and Quinn a Amichai warrior who set out to help her sister Keely the prophesied Blacksmith Queen, against two enemies, one being their sister ruthless younger sister Beatrix. In doing so Gemma has to get mortal enemies to work together.
If you haven't read the Blacksmith Queen its helpful to get the whole story, but not necessary. However I highly advise it because it's amazing and honestly who only wants part of a great story?
You will not be disappointed!
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So excited to read the second book in the Scarred Earth Saga, the Princess Knight. I loved the story of Gemma, the sister of the Blacksmith Queen. The story picks up right where The Blacksmith Queen ends with the sisters still trying to figure out what their younger sister, Beatrice, is up to. In true G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston) style this book is full of laughs, blood, and gore while keeping the action going until the end. And what an ending, but I won't ruin that for you.
Can't wait for the next book in the series, which I think won't be out for quite a while yet, but I'll be waiting for it.
I received this book for review, but know that I truly love this book and author. Give her books a try if you haven't done so yet.
G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston) always delights her fans by mixing strong females, men who love them and bloody battles while still making it all so funny. You get totally sucked into her worlds and this one is no different. The Princess Knight is the second book in her new Scarred Earth series. As Keeley is solidifying her base and fighting her evil sister and the Old King’s sons, we follow her sister, Brother Gemma, as she goes on quests to gather displaced religious warriors and fight to stop their enemies.
I loved this book so much I got happy chills! The characters are so well fleshed out and so full of personality that you can truly picture the interactions, with a whole batch of new characters added in with the favorites from the first book.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! This is the second book in the Scarred Earth Saga series by G.A. Aiken. Gemma Smythe is War Monk to the disappointment of the Blacksmith Queen. This follows their adventure to fight their younger sister Beatrice who has manipulated her way to a Queendom herself. They are having to gather more allies and find a way to expose what Beatrice is up to with her plotting.
I loved learning more about Brother Gemma. This was the epitome of adventure with an hint of complex and rich characters and fun! I loved the humor! This story is so unique I found it difficult to compare. It really stands out! I feel like the author did a great job of keeping the reader on their toes! (I’m crossing my fingers the third book is centered on Ainsley!)
I would rate this book a five out of five! I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What an amazing sequel to the Blacksmith Queen! I loved all the great characters, plot line, action, and hilariously witty dialogues throughout that kept me reading it non-stop from beginning to end. The end was a wonderful surprise that brings together some of my favorite characters from another wonderful series. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to see what happens next!
I'm a big fan of G.A. Aiken (Shelly Laurenston). She creates seriously memorable characters, and places them in hugely chaotic environments. I found that the description of sisters, and insane female friendships felt very relatable, and provided a lot of humor. This book doesn't really stand alone, you really need to read the first book in the series, and there is more of a payoff for the reader if you have read her previous series written under the G.A. Aiken name. My only criticism is that I wish the romantic subplot was developed more.
Whoa boy. This cast of characters just gets better and wilder and more unexpected. I really enjoyed book 2. Gemma and Quinn and contie to enjoy the original cast.
Lord but Beatrix is a huge pain in her sisters backsides and I'm starting to wonder what she's really up to because I thought I had it figured out. I was wrong. Bring on book 3 ASAP!
And it's going to be another year until we get the next book. I wonder how many books she'll have in this series, the are a lot of siblings. Loved it, great characters and an interesting plot.
Gemma Smythe is a war monk. She left her Order when she found out that her younger, unhinged sister, Beatrix was going to be named as the next queen. When both her sister Beatrix and her sister, Keeley, are named as queen the battle begins.
In this story Gemma has found out that her War Monk order is supporting Beatrix, the psychopath. Gemma heads back to her order to try to sway them to follow Keely instead. Along with her, she takes Amichai warrior, Quinn as well as her sister, Ainsley who is amazing with a bow and arrow. Quinn is irreverent and annoying, but he’s tough and knows how fight, which is what Gemma expects to have to do when she gets to her order.
On the way back to the home base Gemma and Quinn run into dwarves, nuns, more monks, virgins, witches, priests and assassins that are all there to help Keeley’s cause. They discover that they must infiltrate Beatrix’s castle and work together to bring her downfall.
Another great book in the Scarred Earth Saga. I love that the fight continues between the two queens and that so many different factions are involved on both sides.
The story revolved around Gemma and Quinn and their helping Keeley and fighting the good fight again Beatrix. This series doesn’t seem to have romance per se, but the couples do end up falling in love, or a version of love. Lol It’s not everyone’s idea of romantic, but I honestly feel that it’s a good representation of the characters and what would actually happen.
Aiken draws the reader into a world that is fantastical but believable. Most of the time I can honestly think that this was something that might have happened (except for the fact that I know it’s fantasy!). The fantasy-based beings and the magic are wonderful, but so is Aiken’s signature snark. I love that the characters aren’t serious 24/7. They know the consequences of not winning against Beatrix but it doesn’t stop their personalities from coming through loud and clear and I love that.
The Scarred Earth Saga so far is a good one and if you love fantasy and sarcasm you’ll love the series.
Rating: 4 out of 5
I have read everything I can get my greedy little hands on by this author. Under both of her writing names, and I've loved it all. However, I only loved this story a little bit. I will re read it, because I always re read her books. Her characters are always relatable, hilarious. Crazy. Over the top ridiculous and I love everything about them. No exceptions here. I just felt that this story didn't flow as smoothly as I expected, hoped? Wanted? I mean, it absolutely cannot be easy being the older sister whose two younger sisters are queens, but when you are a psycho War Monk, I mean, how can you not be amazing? Add in a sidekick, who just happens to be a centaur, with a predilection for witty reparte, practical jokes, and inappropriate sarcasm, and it's fun. Oh, and the killing! And rescuing of the innocent! Spot on!
But however, my absolute saving grace in this story was the, not so utterly, surprising twist for Leila. I mean, yes! Thank you. ❤️
This book really shouldn't work for me but holy cow it does! I should dislike the more modern language and tone in what feels like it should be a period fantasy piece but I love it! If you love cuss words and a good story then this is a series for you! The women are badasses, funny, and overall worth the day it took me to read the book from cover to cover.
The Blacksmith Queen fantasy series returns with The Princess Knight, which is Gemma's story. Gemma has left her order to help Keeley fight against (and hopefully stop) their sister, Queen Beatrix and whatever her evil plans for the kingdom might be. It's gonna take help from lots of friends, and frenemies, to accomplish this goal. Will they be successful?
So many great characters, mad-cap craziness, fighting, drinking, cussing, and a light romance in this book. It's fun and engaging and I definitely recommend it.
Oh! And there's a great surprise at the end. 4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
This review is not going to be long. I am not a huge fan of a review rehashing the entire plot and spoiling it for everyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how she puts action, suspense, and romance into her books. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought the first book of the series.
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.