The Heretic Royal

By G.A. Aiken

The Heretic Royal - G.A. Aiken
  • Release Date: 2022-12-27
  • Genre: Historical Fantasy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 100 Ratings

Description

In this riveting, feminist tale perfect for fans of Katee Robert and Nalini Singh, two sisters battle for a single throne, warring factions take up arms, a land is divided, and uncertain allies become very certain lovers. With subtle commentary on today’s political polarization, this riveting epic celebrates strong female characters and champions the underdog with diverse, expert world building.

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 action speeds along and the dialogue pings among sarcastic dragons, earnest fathers and obnoxious siblings.”Bookpage

Reviews

  • Perfect

    5
    By blindsans
    Hilarious and fun! Definitely have to applaud the author for making none of the women damsels. Really shows how powerful women could be
  • No, not up to her other books

    1
    By Dorasacha
    It lost me, I spent way to much time trying to remember the characters that were brought up. I have read all her books and loved them, this one is not as good as her other books. Ended too soon, disjointed story. I hope the next one I’d better than this one. Not a story I’ll be reading and re-reading lots of time. Too bad I was waiting for this book to come out, now I wish I didn’t buy it. I guess I’ll have to re-read it to see if it is any better than the first read. I hate writing reviews, even more I hate writing bad reviews. But the previous reviews make this book sound wonderful, and it isn’t.
  • Yes!!

    5
    By Yaz218
    I love her work never fails to keep me engaged and entertained!! Mixing new characters with the old ones I love so much !! I am so loving it just wish I didn’t finish it so fast please let the next one come out soon!!
  • Addictive, exciting story

    5
    By threers
    As usual, G.A. Aiken does not disappoint. I found myself laughing very loudly on numerous occasions. I can think of twice where I sprayed my coffee on the Kindle. Thank goodness the dragons have come to Keely's kingdom. They have made my day. I didn't realize how much I missed the wonderful dragons from the Dragon Kin series. Then Gwenvael let loose with so many things he might have thought better of. The strength of Morfyd shines as she puts Briec in a corner. He may think he doesn't belong there, but his antics say otherwise. Oh my word!!!! My side was hurting. The clashing of personalities was lovely. The clashing of queens was not so lovely. Others trying to influence the possibility of an alliance created chaos. The rumors have both queens leery of the other. They are not off to a good start. Have no fear, Ainsley is here to help save the day. The archer is so misunderstood. I don't see it. If I had her family I would be hiding in trees as well. Her actions have its advantages. She listens and learns. She will fight battles to protect her family. She will have Gruff right by her side. The battle scenes had me wishing The Heretic Royal was on the big screen. But I didn't need that. The author was so descriptive, I could picture arrows flying. The author had me gagging with some of the situations. The Heretic Royal is not a cute romance. My imagination went wild with Annwyl dropping into to save the day. Queen Beatrix is at war with Queen Keely. Queen Beatrix will stoop to new levels in her quest for world domination. Only Annwyl knows how to destroy the demon army. As usual, it got a little messy. It was a glorious battle. But there is more to come now that Beatrix has begun to make moves on the Dark Plains. Alliances have never been important. It will now be three queens standing against Beatrix. The question is--will it be enough?
  • Bloody Entertaining!

    5
    By ~Mindy Lou~
    Funny. Action packed. Violently Bloody. Entertaining. The Heretic Royal follows the 3rd or is it the 4th oldest Farmerson sister? I can't remember where the evil sister falls in line in age but I think she might be older so that would make Ainsley the 4th oldest. Either way, I had just us much fun with her book as I did Keeley and Gemma's. These crazy characters are so entertaining. I can't tell you how many times I laughed out loud over something one of them said or did. It's not even just the sisters, but all the characters. Most of them are wildly inappropriate. Almost all of them are very violent. And best of all there is a humor that makes me feel guilty for enjoying. I would highly suggest reading this series in order. It does follow an overall plot and it would probably feel jumbled if you don't start with the first book. I'm so looking forward to the next book!