The Blacksmith Queen

Written by G.A. Aiken

Narrated by Mia Barron and Jason Culp

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 . Praise for The Dragon Who Loved Me

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 27, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980054757

G.A. Aiken

Originally from Long Island, New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken has resigned herself to West Coast living, which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Writing as Shelly Laurenston, she is also the creator of the wickedly funny Pride series for Brava. For more info about G.A. Aiken’s dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, go to www.gaaiken.com.

Reviews for The Blacksmith Queen

[Kimberlyn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was really good! Can't wait for the next book. I read the sample and summary one day while at work and knew that must read it. It was really good and will be reading more of this New to me author.

[Linda Ivey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Witty banter, unusual romantic attachments and loyal honest characters. I love this author’s works!

[claire9y · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“The Old King is dead.” It was prophesied that in his place would rise a Queen to rule the Land of the Black Hills. But what was not told is that there would be two Queens, each vying for control. Those Queens are sisters, Beatrix Smythe and Keeley Smythe.

Two sisters, diametrically opposed from each other are now forced to confront their differences in a battle of wills and control. With one of them betraying the other.

The Blacksmith Queen is rousing fantasy novel with a lot of action and adventure. There are a number of gruesome war scenes, but those are tempered with a healthy dose of snarky humor. A different combination likened to the movie, A Knight’s Tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the upcoming installment, The Princess Knight. The Blacksmith Queen is the perfect novel for fans of comedic fantasy. A five star read for me. I loved it.

[nora_reads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was a very pleasant and delightful surprise. I can imagine every character in a movie. Funny, warm, action-packed. I cannot wait for the next book!

[jenniferelizabeth2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Aw man, it was like all the terrible hack-and-slash barbarian fantasies mushed with super feminist ideas and insanely lovable characters. Keeley is so awesome. The language is so ridiculous. The book on the whole is just fun.

[ouatireadabook · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I chose to make The Blacksmith Queen my first review of the year because, why not start the year off with one of my all-time favourite authors? G.A. Aiken also writes as my personal deity, Shelly Laurenston. That's right, y'all, my precious. In keeping with her usual style of weaving romance in with comedy and bloodshed, The Blacksmith Queen is an excellent launch to Laurenston/Aiken's new series in her Dragonkin world.The characters we're given in The Blacksmith Queen are, as usual, hilariously dramatic and nonchalantly violent. Keeley has a freaking hammer that she swings around like it's a feather pillow and takes a dude's head off with it. Cousin Keran's a retired member of a fighters' guild. Keeley's mum gets bored whilst preggers and builds things for the farm. I can't even begin to get started with Gemma, just y'all. Come on! And that's just the Smythe family. There's also Keeley and Gemma's father Angus and his brother, Archie, who need a family counsellor (there is no shame in that, that's healthy). And finally there are the Amichai, Caid, Laila, and Quinn all of the Scarred Earth Clan, who make me cackle.Some of the things I loved most about The Blacksmith Queen were the demonic wolves, I love them and I want one. They're so loyal to Keeley, it's so beautiful! I loved how G.A. Aiken brought up a special deity connection again, because I loved that in the Dragonkin books. I like the absurdity of the Aiken & Laurenston books, they're great for reading after a bad week or when you're stressing out over something or hiding in your closet from your anxiety (hey, I don't judge you...). One thing I disliked about this book was the naming system. I just really freaking hate occupation = surname. My last name translates to the verb "kill". That means that way back in the past somebody decided that someone in my family was good at killing. And my family has had this name for centuries. A bunch of people, known for killing. Okay, I just really hate that naming system, it's not the book's fault. It's my murderous ancestor's fault. But honestly, I'm glad that our civilisation has grown past that. But the story is not just laughs and giggles, there is heartbreak and hapless adventure and an obsession with working metal that normal folks just won't understand. You will encounter acts of vengeance and acts of betrayal in this story that you won't expect and some you will.Now, as per usual, I have content warnings for you! If you feel that forewarned is forearmed, all you need to do is click the reveal button (there is no button, I C&P'd from my site where I use a spoiler button code to hide warnings) and you have the content and trigger warnings. As always, please practise care in your readings if any of these might be problematic for you, and if you have any questions about them, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about them!This book contains gore, violence, fratricide, attempted sororicide, mention of infanticide, attempted fondling, murder of beloved animal companion, mentions of sexual assault (not on main characters and not described), a threat of rape to a main character, violence against animals, animal sacrifice, cursing, copious alcohol use, manipulative behaviours from a sociopath. Overall, I'm giving all of my 5 stars and 2 flames for heat to The Blacksmith Queen. I always love reading G.A. Aiken and Shelly Laurenston, no matter which pen name I'm reading, and I can't wait to read her next book! Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the finished copy, I now I have two copies so I can read one and lend it if I wish and one pretty one for my shelves. Readers, if you're looking for an entertaining read that you can lose yourself in, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken. This has been a review from Once Upon a Time, I Read a Book, feel free to visit my site for more weirdness! Have a happily ever after!

[stacyatufi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Strong characters, action packed storyline, betrayal, fantasy and a little romance make THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN a well rounded story.I loved Keeley's drive to do what's best for and protect her family. The world was full of interesting characters and creatures. I enjoyed the secondary characters and the way that they fit into the story. Count me in for book two. * This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.