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The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Reviews

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The Heretic Royal (Scarred Earth Saga 3) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

 

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Description:
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

 

Barb’s Review:
The Heretic Royal by G. A. Aiken is the 3rd book in her The Scarred Earth Saga series. I am a big fan of G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston), and as I have said before, I will read anything she writes; as she is one author who I look forward with high anticipation to read her books, which are fun, exciting, enjoyable and so much laughter along the way, with crazy and wonderful characters.

Ainsley is the third and good sister, with Queen Keeley and Gemma having had their story previously. Keely had become Queen of the Western Lands, with Gemma protecting her sister from the evil Beatrix (Queen of the East). Ainsley, who is excellent at shooting an arrow, steps up in this story.  Beatrix is the evil sister, who is determined to kill off all her sisters, as she continues to build her own kingdom.

Ainsley has always been the quiet sister, who likes to climb up to the trees to get away from the constant bickering between her sisters. Ainsley knows that she must join the fight against Beatrix, who must never be queen; even joining with centaurs, monks and to her surprise, Dragons

Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan is a Centaur, whom we met with his sister and brothers, in the previous book.  Gruffyn rarely talks, just likes to grunt, but finds himself being attached to Ainsley, even talking to her; as well as protecting her. I really enjoyed the slow built romance between Gruff and Ainsley, which was at times funny. 

Of course, this is G.A. Aiken, which means the entire story was suspenseful, action packed, but totally hilarious; especially with the return of the Dragons.  It was so great and hysterical to see all of them again; as these wonderful zany characters are so much fun. We did not miss any of the amazing dragons, and Annwyl from the start, played such a major role. I loved every minute of these wonderful, wild, insane and violent characters, who spent time working closely with Queen Keely, Gemma and Ainsley. 

What follows is a wild, exciting, non-stop action adventure filled with bloody battles, deaths, and our fantastic dragons. The entire book has so much humor with me constantly laughing from start to finish.  I loved that Aiken brought the Dragons back, and allowed us to revisit these insane wonderful characters, who are bloodthirsty, violent, fun and totally entertaining.

The Heretic Royal was a fun filled, exciting amazing ride, with fantastic characters that G.A. Aiken creates so well.  It blew my mind that the Dragons returned, giving us a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you enjoy Aiken/ Laurenston, you need to be reading this series.

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Sandy’s Reviews: THE HERETIC ROYAL is the third instalment in GA Aiken’s adult SCARRED EARTH SAGA fantasy series set in the author’s DRAGONKIN world. Although focusing on several characters, and intersecting plot lines, THE HERETIC ROYAL follows the building relationship between Ainsley Farmerson , and Gruffyn, centaur of the Torn Moon Clan. THE HERETIC ROYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: Beatrix Smythe was prophesized to become queen, and her sister Keeley grew to protect her older sibling but Beatrix’ assent into power was driven by madness, and in the ensuing time everyone would come to fear the all powerful queen.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ainsley and Gruffyn aka Gruff THE HERETIC ROYAL is a flight into the fantastic as the author brings together our favorite dragons, their kin, the centaurs, and an assortment of undead horses, demon wolves, war monks and mythological gods.

With the appearance of Annwyl the Bloody, aka the Mad Queen, and a large assortment of squabbling dragons (Fearghus, Briac, Gwenvael, Gwenvael’s son Unnvar Reinholdt, and Morfyd, Bram, Ghleanna and Queen Rhiannon), Ainsley Farmerson and her sister Queen Keeley Smythe, knew all was not well with the world. Annwyl’s reputation has far surpassed all imaginable rumors but when Annwyl suspects one of the human queens is enslaving children and teaching them to kill, Keeley and Ainsley must come to an arrangement that proves to the Mad Queen that someone else is responsible for the annihilation of innocents. Meanwhile Ainsley has found herself with a guardian, so to speak, in the form of centaur Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan, a centaur who is willing to sacrifice himself to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love. As Beatrix’ armies advance on Queen Keeley’s territories and lands, the Dragons find themselves making an alliance with Keeley, in advance of the terror that is about to reign down.

THE HERETIC ROYAL has a large ensemble cast of fabulous and fantastic secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in previous story lines. There is humor, snark and sarcasm as per G.A. Aiken’s style of writing. Once again, the back and forth banter between siblings in both dragon and human families is fast, furious and frenetic, as is the requisite crazy uncle, long suffering parents, and oblivious but powerful kin.  The inventive premise is detailed and fanciful with plenty of action, violence, blood shed, and fun. The characters are numerous, familiar, powerful and charismatic; the slow building romance is passionate and intense.

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The Princess Knight by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

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The Princess Knight (Scarred Earth Saga 2) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

 

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Description:
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

Gemma Smythe dedicated her life to the glory of battle. With her fellow War Monks, she worshipped the war gods, rained destruction on her enemies, and raised the dead when the fancy took her. Until her sister Keeley became the prophesied Blacksmith Queen, and Gemma broke faith with her order to journey to the Amichai Mountain and fight by Keeley’s side.

The Amichai warriors are an unruly, never-to-be-tamed lot, especially their leader-in-waiting, Quinn. But when the War Monks declare support for Gemma’s ruthless younger sister Beatrix, the immaturity of her key ally is the least of Gemma’s problems. She has to get to the grand masters, dispel their grudge against her, and persuade them to fight for Keeley and justice. If her conviction can’t sway them, perhaps Quinn’s irritating, irreverent, clearly unhinged, ferocity will win the day

••••••••••••••

Barb’s Review:
The Princess Knight by G.A. Aiken is the 2nd book in her The Scarred Earth Saga series. I am a big fan of G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston), and as I have said before, I will read anything she writes; as she is one author who I look forward with high anticipation to read her books, which are fun, exciting, enjoyable and so much laughter along the way. The Princess Knight is no different, as always it is another one of Aiken/Laurenston’s trademark of wild, crazy and wonderful characters.

In The Princess Knight, Gemma (sister to previous book heroine, Keely) is the main focus, but the storyline continues, with Queen Keely, the wonderful Centaurs (Quinn, Caid, Laila) and Princess Gemma (she is a war monk). I have to say I absolutely loved the demon wolves, who are loyal and adore Keely.  The story picks up two years after Keely became Queen of the Western Lands, and Gemma protecting her sister from the evil Beatrix (Queen of the East). Gemma being a war monk, is always ready for danger and has no qualms of killing Beatrix.  I did get a kick out of their younger sister, Ainsley, who is excellent at shooting an arrow.  I hope she gets a story in one of the future books.

Quinn, our hero, drives Gemma crazy, but though he pushes her buttons, he is always there to protect her.  We know there is a slow built relationship developing, but romance is in the background.  I did love Quinn, as he was funny, annoying and totally adorable and he was perfect for Gemma.

What follows is a non-stop action adventure filled with bloody battles, deaths, intrigue, power struggles and so much humor that has us laughing even in serious situations.  With Gemma bringing her war monks to help Keely, we get to see witches, nuns, monks, warlock, assassins and Gemma’s dead horse who is wild but still alive (though missing various parts lol).  Ragna is another crazy leader of the war monks who help fight the upcoming battles, and her interactions with Gemma and Keely are a riot.

The Princess Knight was a fun filled, exciting amazing ride, with fantastic characters that G.A. Aiken creates so well. The epilogue blew my mind, and I so look forward to the next book in this series wondering where Aiken will take us. If you enjoy Aiken/ Laurenston, you need to be reading this series. 

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Sandy’s Review: THE PRINCESS KNIGHT is the second instalment in G.A. Aiken’s the SCARRED EARTH SAGA fantasy series. This is War monk Gemma Smythe, and centaur/Amichai warrior Quinn’s story line. THE PRINCESS KNIGHT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from several third person perspectives THE PRINCESS KNIGHT follows War Monk Gemma Smythe two years after her strange and emotionless sister Beatrix became Queen of the East, and her blacksmith sister Keeley ascended to the throne as the Queen of the West. Always Keeley’s protector and guardian, Gemma would go on the hunt for Cyrus, one of the Old King’s sons, who is murdering monks, ransacking and destroying religious communes in an effort to steal artifacts for their magic and power. Along with Amichai Warrior Quinn, amassing a small entourage of warriors, witches, warlocks, assassins, nuns, monks, virgins, and a zombie horse, Gemma will discover that Cyrus is not the only enemy desperate for power but her sister Beatrix is tunneling forward to a land of dragons and magic.

THE PRINCESS KNIGHT follows several intersecting paths as Gemma and Keeley set into motion a series of events that will culminate in the discovery of a number of underground tunnels wherein Gemma and Keeley’s psychopathic sister Beatrix would eventually execute her plans to usurp power from neighboring lands.

As per G.A. Aiken’s style of writing, THE PRINCESS KNIGHT is awash in sarcasm, humor and snark, seamlessly blending paranormal with fantasy in a cross-country adventure that culminates with a wonderful twisty surprise. The humorous moments are giggle worthy; the back and forth snippy yet playful banter is fast and furious; the familial dysfunction so reminiscent of the author’s Dragonkin series, it feels like coming home.

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THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN by G.A. Aiken-Dual Review

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THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN (The Scarred Earth Saga #1) by G.A. Aiken-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2019

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 bestselling 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

••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN is the first instalment in G.A. Aiken’s THE SCARRED EARTH fantasy saga set in the world of Dragon King series. This is blacksmith Keeley Smythe, and Amichai warrior of the Scarred Earth Clan, Caid’s story line

Told from several third person perspectives including Caid and Keeley THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN follows Keeley Smythe as she is tasked with protecting her sister Beatrix, the prophesized queen but a task that sees Keeley fighting for her life. In an effort to take down the newly crowned king, Keeley must side with a group of mountain warriors that are so much more than they appear to be. Enter Caid, an Amichai warrior, and the man with whom Keeley will fall in love. What ensues is a cross country journey as Keeley and her ‘army’ must fight off marauding armies, dragons, elves, witches and dwarves, in an attempt to stop the destruction of villages, and annihilation of thousands of people.

Keeley Smythe comes from a long line of female blacksmiths-powerful, strong and talented females who know a thing or two about killing and fighting but not all of Keeley’s sisters are wanna-be blacksmiths, in fact one or two have ‘chosen’ to venture down a differing path, setting their sights on something more. With the recent death of the Old King, anarchy has ensued and Keeley must fight to protect the people she loves. Meeting Caid, one of the Amichai warriors finds our heroine siding with a people she had only heard about through mythology and tales. Caid and his family are a magical people but it is their ability to ‘shift’ that makes them powerful and fierce in the eyes of the enemy.

If you are a fan of the author’s Dragonkin series you will recognize many similarities and plot structures including the squabbling and battle-raged siblings, War monk, centaurs, mythological gods and powerful demon dogs, as well as he appearance of a dragon who spews lava to destroy those trying to take him down. There are a couple of references to the aforementioned series including the barbarians, the Dragon Queen, and of course the Mad Queen, herself.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and crazy secondary and supporting characters including Keeley’s twelve siblings and numerous cousins, uncles and extended family; the Amichai warriors of varying species, as well as the rather barbaric and power hungry royal family. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE BLACKSMITH QUEEN is a complex and detailed story that introduces a vast array of characters. Aiken’s trademark humor, sarcasm and snark is liberally sprinkled throughout the story but to a lesser degree than her other series. The relationship between Keeley and Caid is slow to develop, and the romance is limited but such is the nature of many fantasy story lines. The back and forth banter between siblings if oft-times crazy and disturbing but in the end, they will always protect the people they love.

 

Barb’s Review 

The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken is the first book in her new fantasy The Scarred Earth Saga series.  I am a huge fan of G.A. Aiken (Shelly Laurenston) and I will always read anything she writes. As I have said before, no one makes me laugh and enjoy her stories better than Laurenston/Aiken.   G.A. Aiken gives us the best dragons, that we love and laugh all the way.  So I anxiously awaited to read this new series that are not dragons, and happy to say that once again, Aiken has another winner.  I loved The Blacksmith Queen.

We meet our heroine, Keely Smythe immediately as she is fighting bad guys trying to hurt innocent people and or animals.  Keely is a blacksmith and is a very strong woman, who has a trusty huge hammer that she uses to fight with.  While in the midst of a fight, a group of mountain warriors come to help her; to her surprise, these warriors are Centaurs.   We meet three of the Centaurs that will play an important part of this series, Laila (the leader), Caid (the brother and future love interest for Keely, and Quinn (the other wild brother).  During the fight, the centaurs are thrown by a group of wolves who come out to help Keely, as they have red eyes and are demon wolves, and they seem totally loyal to Keely.

With the Old King of the land of the Black Hills having died, his sons are trying to kill each other to become the king. When the Centaurs follow Keely home, they will meet her family, including one of her sisters, Beatrix.  Prophecy reveals that a queen will ascent to the throne of Black Hills, the Centaurs explain they are there not only here to protect them, but to take Beatrix to the witches confirming that she is the new Queen.  Keely, her cousin Keran, and her just returned older sister, Gemma (who is a war monk) will take the trip to the witches with the Centaurs and Beatrix.  There are some shocking twists and betrayals very early on, pitting Beatrix and Keely as opposing Queens (the witches claim there are two queens).

Keely spending most of her life protecting her family, is shocked at Beatrix betrayal, but the centaurs, Gemma, the animals (who love Keely) will convince her to accept her calling and be ready to fight to save them all.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, as most of what I described is early on. 

The Blacksmith Queen is another one of Aiken’s wild crazy exciting and fun adventures.  Caid slowly finds himself attracted to Keely, and a slow build romance will start, but mostly in the background.  I suspect in future books, we will see the romance escalate.

As is tradition in any book by Aiken, we have some wild characters that we come to love. I loved Keely and her family and friends; Gemma was tough, but in time she makes a great addition to Keely’s team, and I adored the Centaurs, including Caid, Laila, Quinn, their mother and father.  Of course, I loved the wolves always by her side.

The Blacksmith Queen was a fun filled amazing ride, with a number of strong (not to mention crazy) characters.  I look forward to the next book of this series to see where Aiken will take us in this wonderful world building.  If you have loved Aiken/Laurenston previous books, do not hesitate to read The Blacksmith Queen.

 

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Bring the Heat (Dragon King #9) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

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Bring the Heat (Dragon Kin #9) by G.A. Aiken – Dual Review

 

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Description:
HE SAYS . . .
I, Aidan the Divine, am . . . well, divine. My name was given to me by the Dragon Queen herself! I’m a delight! Cheerful. Charming. And a mighty warrior who is extremely handsome, with a very large and well-hidden hoard of gold. I am also royal-born, despite the fact that most in my family are horrendous beings who don’t deserve to live. And yet, Branwen the Awful—a low-born, no less—either tells me to shut up or, worse, ignores me completely.

SHE SAYS . . .
I’ll admit, I ignore Aidan the Divine because it annoys him. A lot. But we have so much to do right now, I can’t worry about why he keeps staring at me, or why he always sits so close, or why he keeps looking at me like he’s thinking about kissing me. We have our nations to save and no time for such bloody foolishness . . . no matter how good Aidan looks or how long his spiked tail is. Because if we’re going to win this war before it destroys everything we love, we’ll have to face our enemies together, side by side and without distractions. But if we make it out alive, who knows what the future will hold . . .

Sandy’s Review

BRING THE HEAT is the ninth full-length installment in G.A.Aiken’s adult DRAGON KIN fantasy romance series focusing on a group of Southland dragon shifters and their mates. This is Aidan the Divine, and Branwen, the Awful’s story line. BRING THE HEAT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary although I recommend reading the series in order for history, cohesion and character back stories. There is an ongoing threat against Queen Annwyl and the ‘abominations’-the powerful offspring of the dragon and human matings.

Told from several third person points of view including Aidan and Branwen BRING THE HEAT focuses on the upcoming war threatening Queen Annwyl the Bloody, and the children known as the ‘abominations’. A rather larger group of dragon-haters known as the Zealots has targeted the human Queen in an attempt to destroy that which they fear-the unknown. When several dragons, and the Queen go missing from the most recent battle, Branwen the Awful is charged with protecting her cousin and royal offspring, Keita the Viper, as she prepares to do battle with a potential threat of a different kind. Enter Aidan the Divine, a dragon warrior and member of the Queen’s most terrifying army known as the Mi-runach who is tasked with escorting Branwen and Keita on a journey towards another possible war. What ensues is the building relationship between Branwen and Aidan, and the inevitable battle between the dragons, the gods, the witches and the demons.

BRING THE HEAT is a story line that follows several converging paths with a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the previous story line couples and characters, as well as their growing families of gifted offspring. Talwyn, Talan and Rhiannwen, otherwise known as the ‘abominations’ continue to slowly come into their powers but it is Gwenvael and Dagmar’s hatchlings that may be a bigger surprise going towards the future. With the introduction of more extended kin, cousins and family, as well as the growing number of ‘hybrid’ offspring, I suspect many more story lines focusing on the Dragon Kin and threats to their less than idyllic family dynamics.

G.A.Aiken uses humor, sarcasm, playful banter, and witty one on one repartee between the characters as she takes the reader on a journey into the fantastic. Her world building is colorful, energetic and vast-you can feel the emotional highs and lows, the anxiety and excitement as the war kicks into high gear, threatening everyone and everything in its’ path. There is plenty of bloodshed and violence wrapped in a comforting blanket of family, kinship and ….fun! If you haven’t read G.A.Aiken’s DRAGON KIN, what are you waiting for? And, for even  more fun, check out her Pack, Pride and new Honey Badger shifter series written under the pen name Shelly Laurenston !!

 

Barb’s Review:

Bring the Heat by G.A. Aiken is the 9th book in her fantastic Dragon Kin series.   I could not wait to start this book, and made sure not to be interrupted.  If you read G.A. Aiken/Shelly Laurenston, you will understand what I mean.  No one writes wildly fun, crazy, exciting & stories about Dragons/Wolves better than Laurenston/Aiken, as despite all of the crazy insanity and violence, she has us laughing all the way.  I love Shelly Laurenston/G.A. Aiken.  So I dare anyone to interrupt me when I read her books, as I want to savior every single moment, even reread certain parts immediately.  Now to my review.  🙂

Bring the Heat is an exciting continuation and climax of the ongoing war with the Zealots and the evil villains, Chramnesind & Vateria that have been part of the main background storyline for the last few books.  Brannie (Branwen the Awful) and Aidan (the Divine) are our couple in this book, and as usual with Aiken’s heroes, they were a hilarious and awesome duo that despite Aidan’s feelings for Brannie, she was determined to not see him other than as a friend.  Aidan’s two sidekicks (Mi-runach) played a big part (wild & crazy) in this book, as did Kachka and her two Daughters of the Steppes cohorts.  Beside Brannie, Aidan, the other main character in Bring the Heat was definitely, Keita (the viper), who just about stole the show.   However, the best part is we get to see all, and I mean all of our favorites from the previous stories; Annwyl, Izzy, Dagmar, Rhiannon, Talith, Fearghus, Gwenvael, Bercelak, Eibhear, Morfyd,

With the bloody war in full force, and the Zealots given powers by the evil god Chramnesind to eliminate the dragons & human hybrids; the Dragon Queen’s armies and those helping are suffering terrible losses and Annwyl is missing.  Brannie and Aidan managed to free themselves from the rubble and are eventually sent on a separate mission to help Keita, much to their dismay.  It was pretty funny at Brannie’s reaction that Keita was indeed the dangerous protector of the throne, not the annoying fop she thought she was.  I really enjoyed seeing Keita use her powerful skills to kill the enemies, as we got to see more of what she can do. I also continue to adore the crazy insane Annwyl, who despite being human, seems to be able to defeat her enemies, even demons with her powerful rages.

This was an amazing and pulse pounding adventure for all to survive the Zealot onslaught, pull together to stop the evil god, find Annwyl, and win this horrible war.  The romance between Brannie and Aiden was fun, but at the same time, as much as I liked them, I didn’t feel the overall bonding that I did with the previous couples. 

This is a hard review because it is difficult to explain the world, dragons, the humans, abominations, etc, and why we are laughing all the way within all this violence.  Of course, I am loving every moment.  I will say this over and over,   I love Shelly Laurenston (aka Aiken), as she can do what no author can do…make me laugh through so much of the book, and keep me intensely engrossed in the story. If you have not read the Dragon Kin series, you are missing a fantastic ride, written by a fantastic author, G.A. Aiken (aka Shelly Laurenston)

 

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Dragon on Top (Dragon Kin #4) by G.A.Aiken-a review

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DRAGON ON TOP (Dragon Kin 0.4) by G.A.Aiken-a review

Dragon on Top

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 27, 2015

I am Ghleanna the Decimator. I am a warrior. A soldier. I know no fear. No pain. No mercy. I do, however, know acute embarrassment! How could I not after getting dumped by a bastard dragon in front of my own troops? So I tuck tail and return to my cave, drowning my sorrows in ale—as is my family’s way. But instead of leaving me to my misery, I’ve been summoned to the Dragon Queen’s court.

As if my life wasn’t pathetic enough, Her Majesty now has me escorting the highborn Bram the Merciful through dangerous territories—not exactly the best use of my military training. And just so he can negotiate with enemy dragons instead of battling them? Honestly, what has my world come to? Then again…Bram is quite easy on the eyes. And the perfect distraction for what ails me. Perhaps I’m looking at all this the wrong way. Maybe there is a place for a little “mercy” in my life…

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: DRAGON ON TOP is a prequel storyline in G.A.Aiken’s adult Dragon Kin paranormal, fantasy series. This is Ghleanna the Decimator, and Bram the Merciful’s storyline. For fans of the series, Ghleanna is Bercelak’s sister DRAGON ON TOP was originally published in September 2011 in the SUPERNATURAL anthology. ( I thought the storyline looked familiar)

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ghleanna and Bram) DRAGON ON TOP follows our duo as they enter enemy territory. Bram is to negotiate a treaty with the Sand Dragons , on behalf of Queen Rhiannon ,while Ghleanna has been sent to protect and guard the Queen’s peacemaker. What ensues is an attack against our couple by traitors to the Queen; and the imprisonment of Ghleanna and Bram by Empress Helena and the Sea Dragons beneath the ocean’s waters. While Ghleanna heals from the mortal wounds inflicted by the traitors, Bram must begin a new round of treaty negotiations between the Empress and Queen Rhiannon.

Bram is a merciful dragon who prefers peace treaties to war, but our hero is also a male in love with a warrior who has barely acknowledged his existence for hundreds of years. Ghleanna’s brothers and Queen Rhiannon are well aware of Bram’s attraction to their sister and sister-in –law, but Ghleanna is oblivious to the male’s wants and needs. While under ‘house arrest’ at the bottom of the ocean, Bram and Ghleanna’s relationship becomes sexual wherein our couple soon realize that mating is not far behind.

DRAGON ON TOP is a story with all of G.A.Aiken’s humor and snark; witty banter and family dysfunction that only dragon shifters and their kin are capable of doing. Their love for one another, their fierce protective natures, their interactions with other dragons and humans, as well as their need to defend family and friend is equal to the antics and ability to kill anyone who betrays the Royal line. We get a glimpse at Ghleanna’s family dynamics including her relationship with her infamous father Aileen the Whore; and her embarrassment and humiliation with her father’s reputation and past.

If you are a fan of G.A.Aiken’s DRAGON KIN series, DRAGON ON TOP is an extra storyline that focuses on the previous generation of dragon shifters. If this is your first DRAGON KIN read, I would suggest going back and reading the series in order as so much family history builds throughout the storylines and each successive novel.

READING ORDER:

0.1. Everlasting Bad Boys (includes Can’t Get Enough .1)
0.2 A Tale of Two Dragons (novella)
0.4. Dragon On Top
1. Dragon Actually (includes Chains and Flames .3)
2. About a Dragon
3. What a Dragon Should Know
4. Last Dragon Standing
5. The Dragon Who Loved Me
6. How To Drive A Dragon Crazy
7. Light My Fire
8. Feel the Burn (November 2015)

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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LIght My Fire (Dragon Kin #7) by G.A.Aiken-a review

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LIGHT MY FIRE (Dragon Kin #7) by G.A. Aiken-a review

Light My Fire Dec 14

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RELEASE DATE: November 24, 2014

The trouble with humans is that they’re far too sensitive. Forget you put a woman in the local jail for a few months–and she takes it so personally! And yet she is the one trying to assassinate the queen. And now I’m trapped with Elina Shestakova of the Black Bear Riders of the Midnight…gods! That endless name!

But what am I to do? I am Celyn the Charming with direct orders from my queen to protect this unforgiving female.

Even more shocking, this unforgiving female is completely unimpressed by me. How is that even possible? But I know what I want and, for the moment, I want her. And I’m sure that she, like all females, will learn to adore me. How could she not when I am just so damn charming?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:  LIGHT MY FIRE is the seventh full length installment in G.A.Aiken’s DRAGON KIN series. This is Celyn the Charming and Elina Shestakova’s storyline. For fans of The Dragon Kin series Celyn was Izzy’s first sexual partner, and cousin to the royal family. The storyline advances the series about ten years.

The premise of the storyline follows Celyn as he is commanded to escort the human female Elina Shestakova back to her homeland to broker a treaty between her tribe, and Queen Annwyl and the Southland Dragons. But nine months earlier Celyn had Elina imprisoned in a human jail for her feeble attempts against the White Queen’s life-and Celyn FORGOT about Elina’s existence. What follows finds Elina and Celyn’s unwelcome journey together – a journey that will end with Elina’s life in jeopardy and Celyn falling for the female who would one day be his mate.

The relationship between Celyn and Elina is tempestuous as Elina is unwilling to forgive Celyn for her time in prison. He is a dragon who has spent most of his adult life guarding the Dragon Queen and in this his idea of babysitting a human female is less than impressive. But our battling couple encounter more than they bargained for including a less than welcoming tribe who never expected Elina’s return.

LIGHT MY FIRE and The Dragon Kin series is an amazing and wonderful journey of fantasy and romance. G.A.Aiken blends sarcasm and humor into a storyline where most of the previous storyline characters (including Fearghus, Briec and Gwenvael) play a secondary role in a story that, once again, shows Annwyl at her best….and worst. Gwenvael and Dagmar’s family has expanded and it is their hatchlings who are the biggest surprise of all. Talwyn, Talan and Rhiannwen’s true callings have yet to be revealed but as their power builds so too does the fear of the unknown-the ‘abominations’ have a greater calling and with the return of a powerful dragon once long thought dead, everyone begins to understand that life is about to change. The next generation is a force unto themselves. With this, the Southland Dragons and everyone they love is threatened-death and destruction is on the horizon.

G.A.Aiken’s world of dragon shifters is a journey of which everyone must embark. The humorous moments and sarcastic banter is worth the price of admission alone. Aiken’s fantastic voice and characterizations are innovative, seductive and addicting. Her world building follows the Dragons of the Southland’s through life and death, family and friendship, mating and love. Dragon Kin is a hilariously entertaining series from the mind of G.A. Aiken.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Tale of Two Dragons by G.A.Aiken-a review

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A TALE OF TWO DRAGONS (Dragon Kin .2) by G.A. Aiken-a review

A Tale of Two Dragons

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2013

Braith of the Darkness likes going through life unnoticed. Not an easy task for a She-dragon of royal descent. But the evil plots of her father are turning her quiet, boring life upside down, and she has now become the enemy of the most vicious queen her kind has ever known. But for once, Braith won’t have to fight alone. Not when the warrior dragon of her dreams is willing to risk everything to save her neck.

Addolgar the Cheerful wishes he could say he’s helping the pretty royal strictly for honorable reasons – but he’d be lying. It’s not his fault, though! He didn’t tell Braith of the Darkness to have the most delicious tail he’s ever seen! Yet before Addolgar can get his very strong claws on that tail, heads are going to roll. Just hopefully not theirs…

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: A TALE OF TWO DRAGONS is another prequel novella from G.A.Aiken and her Dragon Kin series. This is Addolgar and Braith’s storyline. Addolgar is an easy going and ‘cheerful’ dragon; one of Dragon Queen Addiena’s warriors; son of Aileen the Wicked and Shalin the Innocent; and one of Bercelak’s elder brothers. You remember Bercelak? Father of Fearghus, Briec, Gwenvael, Keita, Eibhear? And yes, we meet a young Bercelak as he once again encounters his future mate the princess Rhiannon.

Braith of the Darkness is a reluctant royal whose mother and father never bonded. Her father’s lineage is all about the sons while her mother’s is all about the daughters. Believing herself unattractive and unloved following the death of her mother, Braith has remained in the back ground until now. Ordered by her father and Queen Addiena to accompany the Queen’s daughter, Braith is surprised to learn that Addolgar the Cheerful will be one of the escorts. Braith has always had a bit of a crush on Addolgar and in his presence, Braith becomes shy and withdrawn. But the queen’s daughter has other plans and Braith will find herself Addiena’s target when her father sets out to betray the throne.

In true Aiken fashion, the storyline is awash in humor, sarcasm, witty rhetoric and the distinctive voice of the Cadwaladr Clan as they push and shove their way into each other’s heart and our own. And we learn just how far Aileen the Wicked’s slutty ways have travelled when Braith’s own family is well connected and known to the elder Cadwaladr dragon.

Aiken’s style of writing is a true testament of her ability to weave humor and sarcasm into a storyline without sounding snarky or trying too hard. The way she is able to pull the reader into the storyline with the colorful characters and sibling rivalry between dragons allows the reader to experience the emotional highs and lows, as well as entertaining us as we travel the skies with the Cadwaladr Clan and the dragons of Aiken’s Dragon Kin series.

READING ORDER
1. Dragon Actually
2. About a Dragon
3. Can’t Get Enough (Everlasting Bad Boys Anthology)
4. What a Dragon Should Know
5. Last Dragon Standing
6. Dragon on Top (Supernatural Anthology novella))
7. How to Drive a Dragon Crazy
8. A Tale of Two Dragons (novella)

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cover Reveals July 6, 2013

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Cover Reveals July 6, 2013

The Winter King.Nov 13jpeg

 

TITLE: The Winter King

AUTHOR: C.L. Wilson

SERIES:

RELEASE DATE: August 2014

 

 

 

First Rapture Aug 19

 

TITLE: First Rapture

AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: August 19, 2013

 

 

 

 

Dragos Takes a Holiday nov 13

 

TITLE: Dragos Takes a Holiday

AUTHOR: Thea Harrison

SERIES: Elder Race Novellas

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

First Ink

 

TITLE: First Ink (3rd Cover !)

AUTHOR: Laura Wright

SERIES: Wicked Ink Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

 

othersphere Dec 13

 

TITLE:  Othersphere

AUTHOR:  Nina Berry

SERIES:  OtherKin

RELEASE DATE:  December 2013

 

 

 

Eternal Hunter Jan 14

 

TITLE:  Eternal Hunter (re-release)

AUTHOR:  Cynthia Eden

SERIES:  Nightwatch

RELEASE DATE:  January 2014

 

 

 

Tale of Two Dragons Nov 13

 

 

TITLE: Tale of Two Dragons

AUTHOR: G.A.Aiken

SERIES: Dragonkin 6.5 (novella)

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

Finding it Oct 13

 

TITLE: Finding It

AUTHOR: Cora Carmack

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

Cipher July 13

 

TITLE:  Cipher

AUTHOR:  Cindi Madsen

SERIES:  N/A

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Origin Aug 13

 

TITLE: Origin

AUTHOR: Jennifer Armentrout

SERIES: Lux

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

17999681

 

 

TITLE: River of Dreams

AUTHOR: Lynn Kurland

SERIES: Nine Kingdoms

RELEASE DATE: January 2014

 

 

Crash Into Me Sept 13

 

 

TITLE: Crash Into Me

AUTHOR: K.M. SCOTT

SERIES: New Adult

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

Face of Death Jan 14

 

TITLE: Face of Death (YA)

AUTHOR: Kelly Hashway

SERIES: Touch of Death #3

RELEASE DATE: January 2014

 

 

 

Simple Perfection Sept 13

 

 

TITLE: Simple Perfection

AUTHOR: Abbi Glines

SERIES: New Adult

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

Forever Us by Sandi Lynn

 

 

TITLE: Forever Us

AUTHOR: Sandi Lynn

SERIES: Forever #3

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

Sea of Shadows .April 14jpeg

 

 

TITLE: Sea of Shadows

AUTHOR: Kelley Armstrong

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: April 2014

 

 

Prince of Shadows Feb 14

 

TITLE: Prince of Shadows

AUTHOR: Rachel Caine

SERIES: A Novel of Romeo and Juliet

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

Compelled Feb 14

 

TITLE: Compelled

AUTHOR: Shawntelle Madison

SERIES: Coveted

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

Angel Seduced.Feb 14jpeg

 

TITLE: Angel Seduced

AUTHOR: Jaime Rush

SERIES: Hidden

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

The Shadow of Mist Sept 13

 

TITLE: The Shadow of Mist

AUTHOR: Yasmine Galenorn

SERIES: Otherworld Novella

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

Fatalism Aug 13

 

TITLE: Fatalism

AUTHOR: L.K.Collins

SERIES: New Adult

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Revealing Us

 

TITLE:  Revealing Us

AUTHOR:  Lisa Renee Jones

SERIES:  Inside Out #3

RELEASE DATE:  September 2013

 

 

 

My Unexpected Forever Sept 13

 

TITLE:  My Unexpected Forever

AUTHOR:  Heidi McLaughlin

SERIES:

RELEASE DATE:  September 2013

 

 

 

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