As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, this second installment didn't work as well for me. It wasn't bad by any means, and if anything the writing was better than the first. I just didn't connect with the romance in this one, and that is something I personally need as a reader.

I love this entire series, and the third book did not disappoint. The playful language, the outstanding characters, and the absolutely bonkers and thrilling plot make this another unputadownable book by Aiken!

The Torn Moon Clan of centaurs is known for being off-putting and rude, and Gruff is their official Grudge Holder, tasked with nursing the group's lust for vengeance and then seeing it through. Ainsley is the younger sister of not one, but two, queens (who are currently at war), making her a princess of sorts. Ainsley prefers to sleep in a tree over a castle, and her sisters won't trust her with any important tasks. Her family isn't keen on royal decorum and is unprepared when dragons and a famously mad queen (not one of their relations) land in their courtyard. This sets off new diplomatic challenges and a potential opportunity if they can ally against their sociopathic sibling and her rival throne.

Here's the problem. The writing... is just not good. There's an overzealous dedication to adverbs to the point of distraction (and I say that as a person with my own overindulgence to consider). The dialogue is childish-- I assume it's an attempt at irreverent humor that doesn't work because it isn't actually fun. By having all the characters constantly fighting and insulting one another, there isn't any meaningful conversation in the mix. And there's only so many times I can hear someone yell the same basic accusations. At least give me something more creative than "rude!" or "mean!" or "bitch!" They (as in the whole cast of characters) literally tell anyone and everyone to shut up and/or fuck off at the slightest provocation, regardless of the situation or relationship. We also routinely witness people being called hysterical for being angry, and it's apparently embarrassing to cry or see someone else cry. I want to emphasize that I know it's over the top on purpose, but it's grating to experience, especially because there isn't even one emotionally well-adjusted person around to call them on it or look directly into the camera and shake their head at it all.

On a more serious note, there's repeated, casual acephobia from the start because Ainsley can't imagine how someone would give up sex, associating it with only the most fanatic religious devotees. And later, we kind of find out a murderous nun is aroace? So while Ainsley's impression remains that most monks and nuns are sexually repressed, her psychotic friend stands out as someone who's actually embracing the strictures... Yay for representation. Plus, I wanted to scream because everyone's referred to as a male or female. This isn't the only fantasy guilty of this approach by far, but damn.

This was a flop for me. The romance isn't even worth discussing at any length. Here's the gist: Gruff is randomly devoted to Ainsley. Nothing happens for most of the book. They have a wild night with a million orgasms (only a slight exaggeration), and they yell at each other about how they're in love. At least I can promise that the summary is less painful than the full experience. I don't think I'd pick up another book by this author though I've read the entirety of this series thus far.

This entire series so far has been a joy to read and in each book you get a pov from a different sister. It's funny and full of magic. Also I love the covers. So beautiful.

4.0 Stars

This is a terrific action-packed fantasy romance that is heavily weighted on the action more than the romance. The humor is spot-on, as Aiken consistently delivers in her books. The main relationship is between Ainsley, sister to the queen, and Gruffyn, a centaur of the Torn Moon Clan.

She's human. He's a centaur. But both pledge loyalty to the queen (Ainsley's older sister) opposing Ainsley's other sister, an evil woman bent on taking over the land.

The story is full of family banter, slapstick humor, violence and fights. But it all fits, unfortunately with little left over for the romance. But if you're invested in the Blacksmith Queen's journey to defeating her sister, this book is not to be missed. The author has developed a rich world full of adventure, mythical creatures, and magic.

***5 Stars***

Is there a book series (or even tv series) that you love simply because of the crazy?
This is that series for me, well that the others she has written, and I freakin’ loved it!
Especially since my fav Mad Queen and Dragons were a part of it!

But I loved getting to know Ainsley and Gruff and watching as Ainsley found her footing with her sisters and showed her sneaky side when dealing with them. Gruff’s name is apt and I honestly couldn’t blame him for only speaking when it was with someone he liked. Their journey was fun because it was simply that they liked each other and while it took them both a long time to act on their attraction, I liked how they got to know each other and just liked what they saw.

But as for the series plot line, I do like that we are getting closer to a showdown with Beatrix…especially since the Dragons and the Mad Queen are involved, but I’m totally looking forward to seeing where things go and crossing my toes that we get more of Isadora and Var in the future!

I received this book from Netgalley for a honest review.

he Heretic Royal is the third book in the Earth Saga series, while I enjoyed this book, it was not my favourite. Having said that I really do enjoy all of Shelly Laurenston's book and I'm sure I will be rereading this series.

I was so excited to see some old characters!! It was a must read and I didn't want it to end! Hopefully we get another one with returning favorites!

The Heretic Royal is the 3rd book in The Scarred Earth Saga. I’d already read the first 2 and loved them, so I was ecstatic to get the opportunity to recieve an ARC of the 3rd! This book follows Ainsley, who is the “forgotten” child in the series. It’s both comical and sad how often her family forgets where she is or that she even exists.

In this book, she decides to finally determine her own destiny, by doing what she wants and not what she is told. And of course, along the way she falls in love. I love the character development in this book, even if there isn’t much progression in the overall storyline. I love the series and can’t wait to read the next!

definitely recommend reading through that section before trying any of the recipes.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

God save the queen! But which queen? Cruel, power-hungry, soulless Beatrix, wife of King Marius, the Wielder of Hate? Or her sister Keeley, a blacksmith who wants to live a peaceful life but, when pushed, can do more than bend metal with her hammer? As war breaks out across the land, every person, centaur, and dragon must pick a side, even the members of Keeley and Beatrix’s family. Ainsley is one of those family members; often feeling invisible within her family, Ainsley, willing to do whatever is necessary to stop Beatrix, will be sure to make her presence known.

The Heretic Royal picked up right where The Princess Knight left off, and I was so excited to jump right back into things with Keeley, Gemma, Ainsley, the centaurs and more. I found myself laughing as much as I did with the previous two novels in the Scarred Earth Saga as I dove back into the events involving Beatrix’s consuming desire for power. I enjoyed the new characters and what they brought to the story, especially Annwyl the Bloody; they all contributed wonderfully to the story and I can’t wait to see what they will bring to the next novel. I did feel that this installment in the Scarred Earth Saga seemed to end rather abruptly; the climax and falling action seemed a little rushed.

This is the 3rd book in the Scarred Earth Saga. Ties in nicely with past characters. The pace of the story is good and the book is really engaging. the author has a distinct narrative voice in the fantasy realm. For me, it was an enjoyable, interesting, and entertaining read.

Like the previous books in this series, I was completely enthralled by this book. Five out of five stars!

Each time I read one of these book I find more to love. This was a fun fantasy read. Each character had their quirks and that’s what I love about this series! Especially the unique pets they find along the way. Everyone has a unique perspective- I love the ongoing bickering! It makes it feel real. I would rate this a 4 out of 5. I definitely recommend reading in order.

Utterly Fantastic!! This is an excellent continuation and the ups and downs are even crazier. I was a little surprised that Ainsley was getting her story next, I expected it to be Kera or something, but it was just right for the next step in the saga. The chemistry, banter, fierceness, and tenderness was all there as it should be. I love this saga and am crazy excited for more!

I adore GA Aiken/ Shelly Laurenston, and will always read anything she writes! I really liked the Dragon Kin series, and the Pride series, and okay, all if it.

That all being said, something about the Scarred Earth Saga books leave me wanting more, wanting more of the energy and verve of the earlier books by this author, wanting them to be a little longer and delve into life past the HFN (Happy For Now.) Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, I will read any of the subsequent books, and I liked Ainsley and Gruff (and the whole crazy family.)

I particularly liked the appearance of some familiar characters from the Dragon Kin series - that was a really fun crossover! (I will be SO disappointed if anything seriously bad happens to them!)

Beatrix seems like a caricature at this point, just pointlessly, needlessly evil, and frankly, I'm not that interested in her as a villain - I'd rather just have more hijinks among the family and potential love interests!

Ainsley Farmerson is the second sister to the Blacksmith Queen. Basically, she’s been ignored all her life by her family. Ainsley is an expert with a bow and arrow and has never wanted to be a farmer or blacksmith. Gruffyn “Gruff” of the Torn Moon Clan is the keeper of the Grudge. He’s reluctantly part of the centaurs who are protecting the Blacksmith Queen. Gruff’s attention is on the younger sister, who everyone underestimates and entertains him. When dragons show up to stop the slavery, they think is happening an alliance may just need to be made to fight a common enemy. A small group of determined fighters just maybe the answer to the danger headed their way and being led by the one who everyone calls The Heretic Royal.

G.A. Aiken’s third book in the Scarred Earth series revolves around the third oldest sister to the Blacksmith Queen Ainsley Farmerson called The Heretic Royal. She’s basically the unseen sister and spends most of her time alone sitting in the trees. Besides her two older sisters who are enemy Queens and the other a Warrior Monk. Her two older sisters are always wanting to protect her, and she’s determined to find a way to prove herself to them. Gruffyn “Gruff” of the Torn Moon Clan and his people aren’t the friendliest of centaurs but are determined to help protect Queen Keeley. When dragons show up and he’s assigned by his leader to protect Princess Ainsley that’s when all the fun starts. In The Heretic Royal takes and continues the story of warring Queen sisters and takes it to the next level as the danger takes a new vision. New allies, amped up danger, an underestimated sister who turn into the hero. There’s humor, fighting between siblings, family and enemies and also a little romance. G.A. Aiken also known as Shelley Laurenston’s The Heretic Royal continues the story of the struggle between warring sisters with the third book about a younger sister finding her way through her family and as part of her sisters Queendom. She shows her courage, fearlessness, and determination to find her place in the world and finds romance along the way with a centaur everyone is leery of and doesn’t think can speak but is extremely dangerous. The only person who seems to see him as nonthreatening is the woman he’s ordered to protect. They see what others don’t see in each other that there is more to them than people think. A must read for Aiken fans and a wonderful story with humor, danger, and love of family and friends that keeps the reader completely engaged and sorry to see come to an end because you’ve got to wait for the next book in the Scarred Earth series. Which Farmerson-Smythe sibling is next to get their story? This reader can’t wait to find out.

Ms. Aiken has done it once again!!! An Exceptional, Wonderful, Terrific Stupendous, and Exciting read! Once again Beatrix is up to her old tricks, trying to annihilate and kill her entire family! Lol. We have Queen Keeley, Brother Gemma, Princess Ainsley, and Princess Isadora. Then there is Ainsley's love interest who is from the Torn Moon Clan, Gruffyn, a centaur, who grunts and Ainsley understands exactly what he is saying. So many laugh-out-loud moments, full of murder, mayhem, and dragons, so many lovely dragons. If you have read her dragon series you would understand. They are not lovely at all, Lol. Full of mirth and sarcasm dripping all over the place. I cannot explain all the scenes that flip through my mind as I read, it's like a movie playing in my head. Absolutely, wonderful! I wonder why I can't have these people as my friends, they would be awesome friends. Alas, this is fiction and it's not meant to be however if it was real I would be a Warrior Queen!!!! 5 Stupendous, Wondrous, Warrior Monk, Queen Annywl, Queen Rhiannon, and all the other crazy Dragons, (because who doesn't love fire-breathing, eating humans dragons) that I will read over, and over again stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley.******

ANNWYL IS BACKKKKKK! ♥️🙌

🦖 GA Aiken has yet to disappoint me! Every time I get my hands on one of her books, I know I will be cackling, doing my Hehehe 😈 in public like a freak & that I will love EVERY female character in the book. She is amazing.

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Rough and Wild
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Annwyl (Always)
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Easy
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Novel
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲:
5/𝟱

🌱THE EXCELLENT
~ Interesting female characters
~ Return of Annwyl (YASSSS)
~ Battles & madness
~ Building out of new world & beings
~ Sexy menses
~ Dragons
~ Funny af

The third book in the series, things are heating up in this new kingdom of humans & centaurs. With the mad, evil & impeccably composed sister enslaving children in mines, the dragons are non to pleased. As they come to investigate what is happening & unsettle all with dragon fear (except Isabella 🤣) things will get crazier & spicier.

✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.

🌱THE MEH
~ I NEED THE NEXT BOOK PRONTO!

♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)

While not my favorite of this series, I overall enjoyed this book. It had G.A. Aiken's trademark humor and fans of the Dragon Kin series will be thrilled to see some familiar faces in this new saga. While most of the focus of the book was devoted to furthering the overall plot to fight against evil Queen Beatrix, I did enjoy the dynamic between Ainsley and Gruffyn. Their relationship development was acquaintances, then friends, then lovers, and while the story didn't deep dive into the progression of their relationship, I still think they are a good pair together. After how things unfolded in this story, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I have read previous books in this series and I really liked each of them. There are lots of new characters and creatures - trust me this one will be a rollercoaster! This one has crazy characters, females that can fight and will fight when needed!
Ainsley is a sister of already well-known Keely & Gemma, but she had no place in her family, as she was overlooked by everyone else. Underestimated by everyone, as she just wants to be herself, but being the sister of the queen and the war monk. And when we add to it some romance with Gruff, who is a really cute guy. Yet they will be a great combination for the enemies-to-lovers story - this is a ship that would not be at risk at any time, but more development of it would make this story even better - it was not bad, but adding more would be something greatly appreciated!
Overall I consider The Heretic Royal a really nice fantasy romance for fans of this series (can't be read as a standalone). I'm looking forward to reading the fourth installment in this series!