Blurb
The Old King Is Dead
With the demise of the Old King, theres a prophesy that a queen will ascend to the throne of the Black Hills. Bad news for the kings 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 its all Keeley can do to protect her family from the enraged royals.
Luckily, Keeley doesnt 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 …
Review
In book one of the Scarred Earth Saga, Keeley Smythe loves her job as a blacksmith and loves her large, wild family even more so. Shes a strong warrior with a pack of demon wolves at her side willing to help her whenever she needs it. After a group of witches proclaim that Keeleys younger sister, Beatrix, is destined to be the next queen of the land, Keeleys happy life turns upside down.
I normally read romance books, but this book turned out to be about 90% fantasy and 10% romance. Keeley is a kick-ass heroine with a lot to love about her, but she didnt have much of a hero counterpart. Caid, the centaur whos suppose to be her love interest, was more of a friend and comrade than a lover or potential spouse. Their first kiss and only sex scene happened at 82% in my Kindle.
Keeley often argued with her sister and cousin, and though it was funny at first and relieved the tension, the constant fighting grew repetitive and made Keeley and her family members look childish.
Im not sure where or when this story takes place. Its obviously not on Earth since the planet has two suns, but the time period feels as though its the Middle Ages. Even though I enjoyed Ms. Aikens punchy dialogue, the characters spoke with a modern voice, which didnt feel right to me. There were inconsistencies, too, which forced me to reread.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, so theres no happy ever after for Keeley and Caid, nor is there a declaration of love. The next book focuses on Keeleys other sister, Gemma, and will hopefully tie up several loose ends.
I have other books from Ms. Aiken (and from her alternate pen name, Shelly Laurenston), which Ive heard great things about, but this book and series just isnt for me.
3 Stars
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