I have never read this author before, but I see why people like her! She is funny, and gory, and refreshingly blunt. However, I could not say the same of her characters. I respect the strength and badassery of the female leads, but they all seemed one-dimensional, and that one dimension was sarcasm. It was hard for me to read page after page of angry, snarky dialogue. That being said, I know several people who would love this book for that very reason! I will still be recommending this series to people who I think will enjoy it, but for me personally it just isn't what I look for in a novel.

5 of 5 stars

I couldn't wait for this book to become available and "The Princess Knight" does not disappoint. War Monk Gemma Smythe has broken with her order to return home and support her sister Keeley, the Blacksmith Queen. With her younger sister Beatrice on the other throne, Gemma must convince her order that they should throw their support behind Keeley. Problem is, many in the War Monk Order believe Gemma is a traitor and want her executed immediately. War is raging throughout the lands as a third contender Cyrus, the brother in law to Beatrice, is making a bid for the crown of all lands as well. Gemma has her work cut out for her, but can she first survive the call for her execution?

I absolutely loved this book. It was serious and then had so many laugh out loud moments. Gemma is such a complicated character, but her love of family shines through loud and clear. I especially loved Quinn and his siblings. The Amichai centaur warriors were fierce and devoted to Gemma and Keeley and added so much to the plot. There were so many moments that had unique twists and turns throughout the book. Some of the larger questions were resolved, but Beatrice vs Keeley and Gemma will be the final battle to come in book 3. This book will be published in November and I'm already waiting for the final book in this amazing trilogy. Highly Recommended.

Not a stand alone book.
The Princess Knight is a continuation of the story from book 1, The Blacksmith Queen. Brother Gemma, a War Monk and sister to Keely, the Blacksmith Queen was introduced in book 1. Gemma and Quinn, the Centaur are the leads in this book and is filed with many interesting characters, fighting, and humor. Sides are chosen - for the Blacksmith Queen or sister Beatrix and her husband , King Marius.
Cannot wait to read Book 3.

This G.A. Aiken book has action, adventure, romance - and a good amount of wise-cracking laugh out loud moments.

More centaurs, more gods, and more religious orders make for a good time. Follow Gemma's journey from blacksmith in training to war monk. How can she get everyone to work together when she's more than half the problem?

There are plenty of scenes with familiar characters.

Princess knight is the second installment in the Scarred Earth series. While it could be read by itself, it is better to have read the first book.

Can't wait for the next book!

Continuing from Book 1 (yes, this is honestly not a stand alone book), the book kicks into high gear with all the characters we knew and a HOST of others. Seriously, one of my minor quibbles is that there are so many awesome characters introduced that it would have been impossible to explore them all, and after a while I almost had to make a spreadsheet to keep track. The second minor quibble was that some of the dialogue sometimes went just a bit over the realm of funny and seemed childish. Again these were minor quibbles.

Now to the good stuff, I adore this world. It's seriously bonkers and that's the charm. I liked exploring Gemma more in this book and also Quinn, but in a way it almost doesn't feel like they were the main characters and I didn't lose any of the experience. Because everyone else was so great. I loved seeing more Keeley, and Caid and now Ainsley (feel she will complete the trilogy). I also liked seeing the animals and meeting the new ones (light shudder).

One thing I loved in Book 1 and continues here is that strong family dynamic and also a bit of found family. The romance here is a little stronger than Book 1 but still a little meh. This book is also like the first in that it's a travel adventure book with non-stop action and pretty descriptive battle scenes.

In conclusion, love romantic fantasy? Love crazy strong women and the people that love them? Bloodthirsty monks and nuns? Truce priests that also know how to wield weapons? Centaurs? Dwarves? Wolves from literal hell? "Special" horses? Have I got the book for you :)

A special thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I really appreciate it.

I have never been disappointed with any of G.A. Aiken's books. It alway's amazes me how complex of a world that G.A. Aiken can create. It feels as if it is a place that you could go and experience wondrous adventures along with incredible love stories. This book takes you on a roller coaster of adventure, love, heart break, and magic. The amazing depth of character that was created for both Quinn and Gemma along with the organic introduction of new characters as well as characters from other books pulls you in. The story was so good that I felt bereft when it ended. G.A. Aiken always makes me wish for more and leaves me exited for the next grand adventure in to this magical world that she has created.

Laugh out loud funny with a kick was heroine and a hero who can help but to call for her! A book that continues the writers greatness!!

I’ve been looking forward to this book since I finished The Blacksmith Queen and it did not disappoint. Now I’m in the position of having to wait yet again, until the next installment in the series is available. It has been two years since the events of The Blacksmith Queen and the land is still divided, with Beatrix and her husband, King Marius, ruling over the Old King’s lands while Keeley rules over the lands of the centaurs and dwarves. Now, however, there is a new threat on the horizon. In addition to having to worry about what Beatrix might be up to, our heroes have to contend with Cyrus the Honored and his religious fanaticism as he seeks to destroy all evidence of any god other than his in his bid to take over all the lands. This book focuses on Brother Gemma, Keeley’s war monk sister, as she undertakes a number of difficult missions, trying to save her fellow war monks and discovering what Beatrix is planning.

We learn more of her history in the order and meet her battle cohorts as she attempts to warn them about Cyrus. Quinn, centaur and brother to Keeley’s mate Caid, is constantly at her side, taking her back and trying to keep her out of unnecessary trouble. He becomes a trusted confidant and the two grow ever closer through blood, war, and destruction. Factions that have previously been at each other’s throats have to learn to work together for the greater good. In the end, one foe is defeated, another continues to plan destruction, and an old friend from a previous series shows up. Whether that last is a help or hindrance to our gang remains to be seen. Once again, Aiken has presented us with an entertaining and engrossing story full of magic, gods, and the power of loyalty. Although not strictly necessary, I do recommend that you read The Blacksmith Queen first. By doing so, you’ll have a greater understanding of the events that have brought us to this point and what is at stake for our favorite blacksmith and her family.

This was a great addition to the author’s new series. Gemma is a serious, bada** war monk and Quinn is her perfect strong, wise-cracking, good natured foil. I’ve read all of G.A. Aiken’s books as well as her other pen name, Shelly Laurenston and have never failed to love her books and characters. The battle scenes are so well thought out and the twists and turns are never predictable. Her sense of humor cannot be beat. Can’t wait for the next one!

I love it!!! Something about GA Aiken always pulls me right into the epic storyline and The Princess Knight was no different. As expected the book was chocked full of fantasy with gods galore and fantastical beasts, I can’t wait for the next instalment. The second book in the scarred Earth Saga we learn a little more about just how evil Beatrice truly is, why Gemma became a war monk and just how far Quinn will push others in the pursuit of entertainment. This book is a must if you enjoy an epic fantasy with a comedic twist.

For me when I read Ga Aiken or her Alter ego Shelly Laurenston I am guaranteed a good read the characters aren’t 2 dimensional, I enjoy the writing the world the author has created and the characters she has introduced me to. G.A. Will Always be a 5 stars as the plot delivers taking me deeply into the authors world and leaves me wanting to revisit other books in the series.

Four and a half awesome stars!

See there's this War Monk called Gemma who becomes a Princess and she goes on a mission with a Centaur because she thinks her evil younger sister is killing holy people for some nefarious purpose.

Oh, and there's Witches and Virgins and Assassins and a Truce Monk and a Blood Warlock and a Nun and two Queens (one of whom is really a Blacksmith) and Dwarves. Sorry, forgot the chainmail. And Gods, how could I forget the Gods?

If all that sounds intriguing then I think you are going to love this. Every single member of the supporting cast of mages, witches, warlocks, nuns etc deserves their own book because each of them is intriguing (well, okay maybe not the virgins). There are battle and feasting, sometimes battles during a feast and that isn't even the best bit. Because, the end, holy cow … I. Did. Not. See. That. Coming!

If you've loved G.A. Aiken's other series Dragon Kin then I know you are going to love this and if you don't? Well have a go anyway.

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

After reading The Blacksmith Queen I was eagerly waiting to see where G.A. Aiken would go with The Princess Knight. She went full speed ahead, with wild but lovable characters; fighting sisters, religious sects, centaurs, dwarves, and lots of blood and gore. In other words, a typical Aiken book.

Gemma is a War Monk, and sister to both Queen Beatrice and Queen Keelie. Gemma left her order to fight to keep Keelie safe, and is torn between leaving her religious order and protecting her sister. She spends a lot of time with the centaurs and I really enjoyed the banter between Gemma and centaur Quinn. Quinn is so sweet and says whatever comes into his mind, mostly annoying Gemma. There are also a wide variety of magic users who are introduced, some who are quite surprising.

What I liked the most was the relationship between Gemma and Quinn. In some ways he seems so innocent, and he definitely helps to protect Gemma and temper her impulsive reactions, giving her time to think before acting, sometimes.

The pacing seemed a little off, but it was still a fun book and the epilogue was amazing! I can’t wait to see what Aiken does next.

I was lucky enough to receive an ebook ARC of The Princess Knight through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

The Princess Knight is a magnificent piece of writing! I laughed, cried, screamed, and read as fast as I could to see what would happen next. I love Gemma and her complexity. She is a war monk but at the same time she is a sister. Quinn is hilariously perfect for her. The novel picks up two years after the Blacksmith Queen and Gemma is tasked with bringing different sects to safety and some spying on the side. Quinn is tasked with staying close to Gemma and as they navigate the complex world of dragons, gods, witches, and dwarves, Aiken does a superb job of weaving the plot together. And I have to say ...the ending! It is not a cliffhanger, per se, because the storyline was wrapped up nicely, but if you are a fan of Aiken AT ALL, you will absolutely die at the end of this book it is so good and suspense and hasn’t to wait for the next one is excruciatingly painful. I highly recommend this book and will purchase a copy for my library to support the author because it is worth the buy.

G.A Aiken Didn't disappoint again. Another awesome book!. She's one of my favorite arthur's. Thiis is the 2nd book that I've read with this pen name. I've read all her books more than once under Shelly Laurenston. If you feel in luv with the characters in the book Blacksmith Queen you'll also luv this

This book is like a low class reality show.
Filled with lines like
"I'm a princess now, b!t*h"
It is crude and corny and I love everything about it.

I can't remember the last time I was so excited for an ARC. I have been searching "G.A Aiken" on NetGalley for MONTHS. And finally... the Blacksmith Queen sequel is here!

This book focuses on Gemma, Keeley's war monk sister.
We see glimpses of her life in the brotherhood , and the circumstances surrounding her departure.
The battle between Keeley and Beatrix continues, and new adversaries and allies join the fight.

The characters are great and the way they interact with each other is often quite funny.

As a whole this book is funny and fresh and entertaining and I can't get enough.

I have my favorite Shelly Laurenston/G. A. Aiken series and I never think a new one will be as good. I am also wrong every time. This is the second book, after The Blacksmith Queen, of the Scarred Earth Saga and it is just as funny as all her others.

When I read The Blacksmith Queen, I did not think I particularly liked Gemma. However, this book explains her backstory and makes her a lot more understandable. It doesn’t make her nice by any means. But really, are any of this author’s characters nice? No! And that is why we love them.

The Princess Knight, and yes, Gemma hates that title, continues the war that began in the last book. I can’t say much more than that due to spoilers. (READ THE PREVIOUS BOOK FIRST! You will regret it if you don’t.) Anyway, there is a not-really-new enemy. He was in the first book, but I had almost forgotten about him. There is also a focus on another of Gemma’s and Keeley’s sisters. Keep an eye on her. I think, hope, she will be the star of the next book.

There is an influx of new characters and that is my only problem with the book. A lot of new people are introduced almost at one time and I felt like I needed a cast list to keep track of everybody. They all had a part to play, so no one was superfluous. We’re talking witches, assassins, and virgins, oh my . . . and we can’t forget the centaurs!

The ending was wonderful. It was a solid ending with a not-quite-cliffhanger and an appearance of a surprise character. I cannot wait for the sequel!

This book was sent to me by NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I very much enjoyed this story it was awesome. The plot was great and the new characters were great we git a chance to see how Gemma became a war monk and the friendship she had with her mentor. The entire book was fantastic. Can't wait for the next one

The Princess Knight by G. A. Aiken is the continuation of the story started in The Blacksmith Queen. The story takes place two years from the end of the first book and follows the tale of Queen Keeley’s sister, Brother Gemma-The War Monk. As the story progresses we find that Gemma is torn between two loyalties, Family and Faith, each with its own strong pull on her. Gemma finds support from Quinn, the brother of Centaur Caid as she finds her balance during the fight against her Sister, Queen Beatrix. Gemma and Quinn start on a journey to discover what Beatrix’s plans are to take over the lands while also fighting a new foe who may have worse intentions. The Author brought tears to my eyes when we discover Gemma’s true path in life. I also had laugh out loud moments as well when the humor this is prevalent in all of the authors writings came thru. I hope the next story brings us more of Ainsley, another of the sisters, as I found her character heartwarming. Would love to see her story soon. Fans of the Author and her incredible world building will be at odds when they reach the end of the story and realize that they have to wait another year for the Scarred Earth Saga to continue as the ending truly left me speechless.

The Princess Knight

I love this series. The latest installment is better than Blacksmith Queen, which was a great book.

This one follows Gemma, who even though I didn't love as much Keeley, is still a delight to follow. Gemma's problem is that she left her War Monk order with a possibility of having betrayed them. Then someone is wiping out all of the orders including her own so she has to go back even if they kill her.

I love all the characters. Considering there are a lot of characters that are introduced in this book who are bad-ass with the same sense of humor, I had an easy time distinguishing everyone. This is an amazing feat. I've read a book series where all the main characters had the same voice. This became a problem when previous main characters speak to the new main and I got confused remembering who was who.

Warning: there is sex, graphic descriptions of violence, and cursing. Personally, I didn't mind this because everything felt tongue in cheek. Not that this was being done for a supposed historical accuracy. But if you want your reading material 'clean' and 'pure', this isn't it.

This is based on an advanced copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

This book was just as good as the first in the series! I wasn’t sure if she could do it again because the first one was so funny and so entertaining, but she did it. I do recommend reading the first in the series though just so you can be more familiar with the characters including our heroine. There isn’t a boring moment in this book, it hits the ground running and doesn’t really stop until the end. I loved Gemma I. The first book so it was great to see her as the main character in this story. I would say though that this is more of a fantasy than straight up romance. The romance is there but not super central. Recommended for sure if you enjoy flesh out fantasy worlds and love to laugh.