Fantasy Audiobook Review: The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken

The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken (The Scarred Earth Saga #1)

bought on audio

Synopsis from Goodreads
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 …

Amazon kindle US/UK | Audible US/UK

8/10

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“You have a trebuchet?” Caid asked . . . because he couldn’t think of anything else to say. “Mum made it. She gets bored when she’s pregnant.”  

If The Blacksmith Queen were a movie it would have been directed by Taika Waititi. Because when I think of  Keeley Smythe, all that comes to mind is Thor: Ragnarok. Deadpan humour at its finest.


I think I read G.A. Aiken once a long time ago and wasn't impressed, but this book changed my mind and made me want to grab something else written by her. On audio especially, it's a pure comedic delight.

I know I repeat myself. However, Keeley, her family and the supporting cast steal the limelight anywhere they go. Rowdy, sassy, loudly expressing their opinions. The plot isn't very coherent, but that's not the book's attraction, and perhaps, the most boring part of The Blacksmith Queen are the villains. 

I don't know about you, but I'll be looking closely at G.A. Aiken's backlist. Recommended.

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Если бы Королева - Кузнец была фильмом, то ее бы ставил Тайка Вайтити. Как я не представляю себе Кили Смайт, я все вижу Тора из Тор:Рагнарок. Такой вот новозеландский юмор в своем лучшем стиле.

Мне кажется, когда-то давно я пыталась читать Г.Э. Айкен и ей не впечатлилась. Теперь я думаю, что к ее юмору я просто была не готова. Особенно в аудио формате это - сплошная комедийная прелесть.

Кили, ее семья и поддерживающие ее персонажи забирают себе все внимание читателя своими больше чем жизнь характерами, постоянным стебом и перепалками, и на их фоне, злодеи в этой книге какие-то блеклые и вялые.

Сюжетная линия не внятна, но она не главная привлекательность книги, поэтому такую погрешность мне простить было легко. А в общем, рекомендую. Мне очень понравилось.