The Blacksmith Queen

By: G. A. Aiken

Narrated by: Mia Barron, Jason Culp

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

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 best-selling 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.

©2019 G.A. Aiken (P)2019 Recorded Books

Very entertaining!

The Blacksmith Queen is a very entertaining tale about a change in leadership; how some will stoop low to fill their greed; and how good & honorable leaders put others first. The story is fast paced with non-stop action, with many surprises, & unpredictable twists. The slow relationship build between the queen and her man is well executed. Keeley Smythe and family provide hours of sarcastic bantering that is hands down laugh out loud funny. The characters are flawed, believable, realistic, & likable. Absolutely looking forward to book 2. Well done Ms. Aiken, well done! #TheBlacksmithQueen

Where is the romance???

I love my dragon kin series and was so hoping for that again and all of aiken/Laurenston books but it's not here. The story is good and I was there for the long haul but absolutely no romance and I read for this. Good story and great characters but I am 😥

Didn’t work for me

I love most fantasy; it certainly does not need to be highbrow for me to enjoy a story.. but this was DEFINITELY a wasted credit. I lasted about 30 minutes. Did not find it funny at all. Banter was juvenile. Third person unlimited (ie switching POV so fast you can get whiplash) runs the risk of sounding similarly juvenile, especially where romance is concerned. I don’t want to know everyone’s thoughts on each other’s appearance in real time...it ends up being tedious, rather than humorous or insightful.

Expected More

From the reviews I read, I expected more of a story. I feel like so much more could have been done with the book, but it was just the bare bones of the story. The story was told mostly through dialogue, which I wasn't a huge fan of in this book. The characters were well made and consistent, but my biggest thing was there wasn't much story telling. There was so much potential and I feel like a great story was lost.

The other thing was that the narrator was so slow. I had to speed it up to keep the story going along.

Overall, the book was just okay.

Outstanding new series!

What a great start to a new, action packed, laugh out loud series! I'll be anxiously waiting for the next book!

Brilliant

I really enjoyed this book and I didn't want it to end. There were all of the usual sword and sorcery tropes but they were twisted into something much more interesting. I can't wait for the next book.

Pleasant surprise

I didn't have much hope for this book when i downloaded it. Just took a chance, and it paid off. Great book. I gave it a max rating and that does not occur often. I want high rating to truly reflect my enjoyment of the that particular audio experience.

Less Romance, More Fantasy Epic

Awesome characters, great story, but barely a dash of romance and the main male interest was possibly the least interesting character...but another great entry in the Aikenverse!

dat centaur porn tho

Didnt do my research first. Didnt expect the centaur porn. I think overall the story wasnt bad. Honestly think it would have read better in my head. The performance tried but ultimately failed and it ruined any humor or romance this book tried to have.

otherwise it was a fun adventure to listen to falling to sleep or doing chores.

well worth the wait

I preordered this book a month ago. The story is exciting, adventurous, and hilarious. the dragonkin series will tie in nicely with this new series, and I look forward to seeing what happens with Jemma, Layla, and especially, drunk Kieran.

Fantasy, less typical heroes, light, enjoyed

Multiple female leads kicking butt. Fantasy world- humans, centaurs, dwarves, daemon wolves, dragon. Fighting. Romance. Humour. Good fighting evil. I enjoyed it. Story dragged me in. I liked the characters.

Enjoyable

I really enjoyed this audio book, easy listening and good story, the narrator was excellent.
The only criticism from me was some of the language, it was out of place and not needed to get the point across, I’m by no means a prude but it just seemed unnecessary and added nothing.

can't understand the glowing reviews

imo, this was a mess. Far too many perspectives without any indication who's speaking. narrators voice is the same for practically all (aside from when she pronounces British vocab). It seems like it would've been a great story, but it's doing way too much at once. had to give up in chapter 8. DNF

LOVED it

After reading the blurb I wasn't completely sold but decided to give it a try anyway and I'm so happy I did! I have loved the storyline from start to finish, the characters are brilliant and I found myself invested quickly. Well worth a read and I can't wait to start the next in the saga!

Brilliant...

as is everything by this author (also under the name Shelly Laurenston).
Cannot wait to start the second book!

MUST READ!

You will not be disappointed....I promise you. Very glad I chose his book and excitedly await follow up.