Ainsley Farmerson is the second sister to the Blacksmith Queen. Basically, she’s been ignored all her life by her family. Ainsley is an expert with a bow and arrow and has never wanted to be a farmer or blacksmith. Gruffyn “Gruff” of the Torn Moon Clan is the keeper of the Grudge. He’s reluctantly part of the centaurs who are protecting the Blacksmith Queen. Gruff’s attention is on the younger sister, who everyone underestimates and entertains him. When dragons show up to stop slavery, they think is happening an alliance may just need to be made to fight a common enemy. A small group of determined fighters just might be the answer to the danger headed their way and being led by the one who everyone calls THE HERETIC ROYAL.
G.A. Aiken’s third book in the Scarred Earth series revolves around the third oldest sister to the Blacksmith Queen, Ainsley Farmerson. She’s the unseen sister and spends most of her time alone sitting in the trees. Besides, her two older sisters are enemy queens and another is a warrior monk. Her two older sisters always want to protect her, and she’s determined to find a way to prove herself to them. Gruffyn “Gruff” of the Torn Moon Clan and his people aren’t the friendliest of centaurs but are determined to help protect Queen Keeley. When dragons show up and he’s assigned by his leader to protect Princess Ainsley that’s when all the fun starts.
THE HERETIC ROYAL by G.A Aiken, also known as Shelley Laurenston, continues the story of the warring queen sisters and takes it to the next level as the danger takes a new vision. New allies, amped up danger, and an underestimated sister who turns into a hero. There’s humor, fighting between siblings, family, and enemies, as well as a little romance. Ainsley shows her courage, fearlessness, and determination to find her place in the world and finds romance along the way with a centaur everyone is leery of and doesn’t think can speak but is extremely dangerous. The only person who seems to see him as non-threatening is the woman he’s ordered to protect. They see what others don’t see in each other that there is more to them than people think. A must-read for Aiken fans and a wonderful story with humor, danger, and love of family and friends that keeps the reader completely engaged sorry to see come to an end because you’ve got to wait for the next book in the Scarred Earth series. Which Farmerson-Smythe sibling is next to get their story? I can’t wait to find out.
In this riveting, feminist tale perfect for fans of Katee Robert and Nalini Singh, 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 with diverse, expert world building.
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 . . .