ARC Review: The Princess Knight by G.A. Aiken

Title: The Princess Knight

Author: G.A. Aiken

Series: The Scarred Earth Saga (Book 2)

Page Length: 352

Publication Date: Nov. 24, 2020

Publisher: Kensington Books

Synopsis: In New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken’s gripping new fantasy romance series, the Blacksmith Queen must confront armies and pretenders desperate to take her new-won crown. But with the Princess Knight at her side and a centaur warrior clan at her back, she’ll risk everything for victory . . .

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 . . . 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.

LINKS:     Goodreads    |       Amazon     |     Book Depository


My Review:

The Princess Knight is the second book in The Scarred Earth Saga, and it is just as action-packed as the first book! Gemma is the focus of this story, which takes place two years after the conclusion of The Blacksmith Queen. Keely and Beatrix, Gemma’s sisters, are both Queens of their respective lands. Gemma stands with Keely in the hopes of defeating their ruthless, power-hungry sister.

However, in addition to Beatrix, the Smythe sisters have other problems. Someone is targeting different religious sects and stealing valuable artifacts. Gemma leaves on a quest to save as many religious sects as she can since they are being targeted.

Gemma is fierce on and off the battlefield. Trained as a War Monk, Gemma’s reputation alone is enough to send the bravest warriors running. Even though she gave up her calling as a War Monk to help Keely defeat Beatrix, Gemma remains fierce and feared. She can also raise the dead, which comes in handy during some precarious situations.

One of my favorite aspects of the story is the portrayal of strong, fierce women. Gemma, Keely, their mother, heck even Beatrix is powerful and intelligent. They have partners but are self-reliant and self-assured. I love that the author highlights such brave and fierce women throughout the series.

I also really enjoyed the romance. It’s clear from the start of the story that Gemma and Quinn have a strong connection, and their sarcastic and funny banter highlights their chemistry. Thought he love story isn’t the main focus of the novel, it is a nice addition to the story. Much like Keely and Caiden in The Blacksmith Queen, Gemma and Quinn complement each other well.

The Princess Knight is an action-packed story with some epic battle scenes and a ton of twists and turns. Readers who enjoy young adult fantasy stories with tons of action and well-developed characters will love this series. Thanks so much to Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.


Rating:

Favorite Parts:

  • The romance, of course! Gemma and Quinn have great chemistry, and I loved their bantering.
  • The action. A lot happens in this story, and it happens at a pretty quick pace. It made for a fun read!

Recommendation:

As this is the second book in the series, I would recommend reading the first before you start this one.

9 thoughts on “ARC Review: The Princess Knight by G.A. Aiken

  1. I’ve been waiting to see a review for this one and I definitely think I will check out the series now! Great review. 😊

Leave a Reply