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
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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.
Copies provided by Publisher
Great review, Sandy. I enjoyed this story. Look forward to more from Aiken.
wonderful review, sandy & barb. i think i might enjoy this. thanks.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews Sandy and Barb.
Great reviews, ladies! I can’t wait to dive into this one.
Looks great, thanks ladies.
Terrific reviews, Ladies. I look forward to reading this book, I expect it to be a fun read.
Great review, Barb & Sandy. Sounds like another winner for Aiken.
Wonderful review, ladies. Aiken has fun and humorous stories.
Fantastic reviews, thanks.
Another great review, thanks. Barb and Sandy.
Wonderful review, Ladies. I love Aiken/Laurenston. She is one of the best authors who make you laugh so much. Thanks.
Very nice reviews, thanks.
Fantastic reviews, thanks Barb and Sandy