The Heretic Royal

By: G.A. Aiken

Narrated by: Mia Barron

Length: 12 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

In the G.A. Aiken's fantasy follow up to the USA Today bestselling Scarred Earth Saga's The Princess Knight and The Blacksmith Queen, two sisters battle for a single throne, warring factions take up arms, a land is divided, and uncertain allies become very certain lovers...With subtle commentary on today's political polarization, this riveting epic celebrates strong female characters and champions the underdog within a diverse, high fantasy framework.

GODS SAVE THE QUEEN!

Ainsley Farmerson has always planned to break free of the family business—and the family drama. But what was once farming, smithworking, and bickering over the dinner table has turned into open warfare between sisters. Sides have been taken, lives are on the line, and Ainsley has no doubt which sister must be queen. She'll do whatever is necessary to take down the soulless Beatrix. Even if that means joining forces with angry battle nuns, irritating monks, and overbearing centaurs.

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan has no time for human beings. And yet...there is something about the uncontrollable princess that he can't ignore. Maybe it's the way her eldest sisters underestimate her. Or her bravery facing down dragons and mad queens from distant lands. Whatever the reason, Gruff is willing to fight by this human's side. Not only for the entertainment value, but because she's right. Beatrix must never be queen. So whatever he has to do, whoever he has to destroy, Gruff will battle beside Ainsley. Fast. Hard. And with absolutely no mercy...

©2021 G.A. Aiken (P)2021 Recorded Books

The dialog

Aiken has a wonderful way of bringing forth numerous characters without overwhelming the reader. The dialog was witty and humorous, the storyline quick paced and thorough. The romance was not the main focus but a sprinkle on top of a delicious fantastical tale of a sundae. I loved this series from page one and am impatiently waiting for the next release!

This was a great story. As always!

My problem is the narrator’s performance for the Dark Plains characters. They all sound like whiny psychotics and nothing remotely like what we are used to.
Most of these characters are dragons. DRAGONS. Not cranky children. Geez.

Hilarious and Captivating

another stunningly entertaining installment. the author's ability to have me rooting for or empathizing with each new yet familiar Mc and crew is wonderful. I can't wait for more!

G. A. Never disappoints!

While her books tend to be a little unfocused at times, I think that adds to the fun and funniness of the characters. I love this family but I love even more that the dragon kin are very prevalent in this book and we get to see a look at past favorites. Great book. Great continuation of the overall plot.

Obsessed with this series

I read the Blacksmith Queen quite a while ago and completely forgot about the series until recently. I loved the first book and equally love this one and the second book.

This is entertaining, funny, a bit steamy when necessary, good character development, a great narrator that sounds like a midwesterner. The depiction of all the Smythe family as midwesterners had me dying with laughter quite often. It's not common for a reader to use this accent at all, especially in the fantasy genre. For some reason pretty much all the fantasy novels I've listened to have one of two accents, British or bland American northern new England. I love the Smythe family, so much that I wish I had a family like that. The women in this series are incredibly stubborn, strong warriors, and at times utterly ridiculous, it's great! Honestly I find these characters to be inspiring in so many ways.

I can't wait to read about the next sister living with the dragons.

NEXT!!!

I impatiently await each installment from G A Aiken and The Heretic Royal did not disappoint. This author must expend a lot of time and energy to create such vivid stories. However, I can’t help wishing that we didn’t have to wait so long between each book. I’m eagerly anticipating the next release.

Unbelievably awesome!!

I can’t wait for the next book in the series. It’s impossible to believe that the antagonist developed so much power without any war experience or even personal experience.
Excellent and imaginative storytelling!!

Love GA Aiken!

Absolutely love the story line about Anwyl and her dragon family. I like the dynamic of the Farmerson/Smythe family but the centaurs are just ok for me. This love story was mediocre. The saving grace of this story was the return of old characters . The narrator was by far the worst thing about the story. Found her voice dull and boring, and it was difficult to differentiate between characters.

More more…

The story continues old and new characters more intrigue.The humor is what makes me look forward to reading this author’s books.
Want more!!

Good series

I am enjoying this series and this book was so much fun. I loved getting to see old friends. There are a few mistakes in this but nothing to bad. Unlike the last book I really enjoyed this couple. It was fun to watch them fall in love. The narrator however was not great. Still I will continue on with the next one.