The Heretic Royal by G.A. Aiken
The Scarred Earth Saga #3
PNR/Fantasy
12/27/2023- Kensington
ARC

Review by Angela

If you’re familiar with this author, then you already have a pretty good idea of what you’re wading into when you open The Heretic Royal. Shenanigans, blood-thirsty yet loving characters, and a good time.

This book continues the ongoing plot arc of the Farmerson-Smythe family’s quest to stop their evil sister Beatrix and keep their kingdom safe. The third oldest sister, Ainsley, is known for climbing trees and her ability with a bow. She loves her family, even if their overprotective ways sometimes drive her crazy. Especially her sister Gemma. Gruffyn of the Torn Moon Clan, the grudgeholder of his clan, is known for not having much use for humans and communicating through grunts and growls. He ends up a protector to Princess Ainsley and very soon realizes she’s just as unpredictable as the rest of her family.

If you love this author’s Dragon Kin series, you’ll absolutely adore this book. Dragons have come to Keeley’s kingdom and while they are at first mistrusted and considered potential enemies, everyone soon figures out a way to ally together for the good of the world. Beloved characters from that series are prominently featured in this current book and are a vital part of the climax and end battle.

Like so many of this author’s more current releases, the romance is super quiet and the main protagonists don’t really become a couple until the very end. Oh, you see them together a lot, but not in a super lovey-dovey way. Gruff kind of falls into protecting Ainsley and then starts to like her. There are quite a few dangerous situations they need each other to get out of, and then BOOM! love. But I didn’t really mind, I expected it, and the overall fun, wacky storyline drew me in and kept me reading.

I do think the overall story arc was moved along, this book acting as sort of a bridge toward the final showdown between sisters, and with the addition of the Dragon Kin characters is sure to get more exciting as the series continues. I’m especially interested to see how the family member exchange plays out in the future.

Grade- B

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