Tabs’ review of The Blacksmith Queen (Scarred Earth Series, Book 1) by G.A. Aiken
Fantasy Fiction published by Kensington 27 Aug 19
In G.A. Aiken’s new series, a blacksmith and her family get embroiled in political shenanigans and end up smack dab in the center of a bloody war of succession for a throne they don’t want. Decapitations, mass-destruction, bickering siblings, full-frontal nudity, political scheming, and gloriously campy epic battles all ensue.
How I love Keeley Smythe, let me count the ways. First off, she’s a caretaker alpha. She’s the oldest of twelve (for the moment), serves as a third parent to most of her younger siblings, and cares deeply for and respects animals. Second, she’s a bad-ass blacksmith and her passion is palpable. She loves blacksmithing to her core and would be happy spending the rest of her days forging away. Third, she’s a bad-ass warrior. She carries around a ridiculously oversized war hammer and frequently uses it to fuck shit up. She’s multifaceted and I love her.
I feel like this book is inherently about perseverance and not giving up in the face of tyranny. Keeley and company suffer more than a few demoralizing betrayals and set-backs and still keep on. Because letting the bastards win, and destroy everyone in their wake, is just not an option.
Ahhhh. The women in her family. They were amazing. And insane. Because you needed to be both if you wanted to survive this world the way they did. Making their own choices and rules and ignoring all the men who tried to tell them no.
Aiken’s books have been leaning more heavily toward fantasy than fantasy romance over the last few years and I feel like this leans all the way in. There is a very nice romance between Keeley and centaur warrior Caid, but it is definitely a minor subplot and not the main driving force of the book. I actually love this budding romance. It’s a slow burn with accidental and intentional hand holding and it features an introverted man who hates when people talk to him but loves when Keeley does.
Caid had to admit… the longer he knew Keeley, the more he liked her. But that wasn’t unusual, he liked lots of people. Oh. Wait. No, he didn’t.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved Keeley and her bad-ass family. I loved Caid and his ridiculous siblings and his loyal father. I want to see the primary villains get what they deserve so badly. I’m extremely excited for this new series and can’t wait to see what adventures Keeley and her friends and family get into next.
Grade: A-
Summary:
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 …
