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A review by renpuspita
The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Just like your usual Aiken's book, although if you new to her works then her writing style especially the PoV's changing can be too overwhelming. Also, full of dialogue, but there's some narrative too. If you had read her Dragon Kin series, chance you already familiar with the world building though Scarred Earth saga took place in Black Hill and I don't have slighthest idea where is it. There's no map. A map will be nice, especially there's mention of Dark Plain which is Anwyl's territory and one of the Daughter of the Steppes with their ridiculous long name make appearance.
So..new characters, new places, new power dynamic, same family focused theme, sisterhood, female rage, over the top fighting between siblings (still fun) and light romance. The romance is SO LIGHT it's more like an afterthought. So if you want to read romantic relationship between Keeley and Caid, you will be disappointed because their romance more like...err..lukewarm? They have sex just once, but if there's no sex that okay too. Didn't affect the story at all. I think Aiken try to focus to so many things, so the romance got sacrificed. For fantasy aspect and action also violence you get plenty, just like your usual Aiken's trademark.
Even The Blacksmith Queen is about Keeley that come to term with her being a queen from the prophecy and face her little sister, Beatrix's betrayal, the end of the story seems like Keeley's journey is not end yet. The next book, Princess Knight will be about Gemma Smythe, another Keeley's sister whom already suspect Beatrix's evilness while Keeley remain oblivious (or choose to oblivious at first and want to protect Beatrix until Beatrix stab her in the stomach). Just like Dragon Kin, I think Keeley's story will be continue in Gemma's book and there will be many new players to introduced.
A good book if you had read Aiken's works before and worth to try if you new to her books. Also recommended if you like your fantasy romance is heavy on fantasy rather than romance
So..new characters, new places, new power dynamic, same family focused theme, sisterhood, female rage, over the top fighting between siblings (still fun) and light romance. The romance is SO LIGHT it's more like an afterthought. So if you want to read romantic relationship between Keeley and Caid, you will be disappointed because their romance more like...err..lukewarm? They have sex just once, but if there's no sex that okay too. Didn't affect the story at all. I think Aiken try to focus to so many things, so the romance got sacrificed. For fantasy aspect and action also violence you get plenty, just like your usual Aiken's trademark.
Even The Blacksmith Queen is about Keeley that come to term with her being a queen from the prophecy and face her little sister, Beatrix's betrayal, the end of the story seems like Keeley's journey is not end yet. The next book, Princess Knight will be about Gemma Smythe, another Keeley's sister whom already suspect Beatrix's evilness while Keeley remain oblivious (or choose to oblivious at first and want to protect Beatrix until Beatrix stab her in the stomach). Just like Dragon Kin, I think Keeley's story will be continue in Gemma's book and there will be many new players to introduced.
A good book if you had read Aiken's works before and worth to try if you new to her books. Also recommended if you like your fantasy romance is heavy on fantasy rather than romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Alcohol, Animal death, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Toxic relationship and Religious bigotry