The Heretic Royal
The Scarred Earth Saga, #3
Fantasy Romance - Paranormal Romance
Recorded Books
December 27, 2022
Paperback/Audiobook
12 hours and 37 minutes
Bought
As two sisters battle for a single throne in G.A. Aiken’s newest fantasy, warring factions take up arms, a land is divided, and uncertain allies become very certain lovers . . .
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 . . .
The Heretic Royal is book three in The Scarred Earth Sage series by G.A. Aiken and narrated by Mia Barron. It’s full of chaos, bickering, fighting, silliness, and more.
The Heretic Royal picks up immediately after the conclusion of the previous title, The Princess Knight. This book needs to be read in order and not as a standalone.
I’m always excited to read a new Aiken novel. There are so many fun, humorous, and unique characters. At times it can be a bit overwhelming, but it works. The world building and details are amazing. The character development is done well. The violence is a bit over the top, but that’s Aikens style. It’s a style I enjoy in her novels.
In this novel we have several dragons and Queen Annwyl from the Dragon Kin series joining Queen Keely in her territory. The families are dysfunctional, but oh do they care about each other deeply. We continue the overall story arc with Queen Keely and her evil sister Queen Beatrix.
The romance is between; Ainsley and Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan. Ainsley is an excellent marksman, but she’s often pushed aside by her sisters, so she’s not sure where she fits in and how to help. Gruffyn encourages Ainsley to discover what she can do to protect the Queen and balance her safety. It was nice to focus on Ainsley and of course see the Dragon’s from the Dragon Kin series.
Audio: Mia Barron did well in her narration. The novel is full of MANY different and constantly shifting POV’s. She uses little clues to help indicate the changing POV’s and each character has a unique voice, even if at times their narrated voices sounded the same. I enjoyed the performance and had fun listening.
Overall, The Heretic Royal was enjoyable and I enjoyed the romance. The stakes are getting higher for everyone. I’m looking forward to the next Scarred Earth Saga novel.
Rated: 4 Stars
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Angela
I'm an outdoor sun loving reader living near San Fransisco. I’m a mother, wife, animal & book lover. I'm the owner, reviewer & mind behind Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. My favorite animals are horses & dogs. As for reading I love all things paranormal & urban fantasy & my favorite shifters are dragons.
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
February 17, 2023 at 8:47 am
I’ve enjoyed this series, but I missed this one. (Me out looking for it now…)
Angela
February 17, 2023 at 8:55 am
^_^ It’s the newest release from G.G. Aiken. Hope you enjoy!
Jen Twimom
February 16, 2023 at 3:05 pm
This is such fun series! Aiken is hilarious.
Angela
February 16, 2023 at 3:27 pm
I agree with you on the series and Aiken. Thanks for visiting!
Sophia Rose
February 16, 2023 at 2:33 pm
I’ve not started either series yet, but I have the Dragons on my reading list for some point. Glad this spinoff series had some good crossover and you could get all the busy-ness sorted out.
Angela
February 16, 2023 at 2:46 pm
I like having the Dragons back, but I also like that this spin-off deals with Centaurs as the main paranormal creature. It’s fun that its in the same world as the Dragon Kin series. I’d recommend starting with Dragon Kin, but you can read this series without the other. The audio for both series is good.