The Heretic Royal: An Action Packed Novel of High Fantasy

· The Scarred Earth Saga Book 3 · Kensington Books
4.5
36 reviews
Ebook
336
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

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

Ratings and reviews

4.5
36 reviews
Renée Fleming
September 9, 2025
Many things are going for this series. Unfortunately, romance & intimacy, etc, are not one of them. Character names would have been appreciated, as the perspective changes a lot (to the point that it's confusing). Idk why Keelie is suddenly lacking in the intelligence department. Too much fluff. Open ending.
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Sandy S.
December 27, 2022
THE HERETIC ROYAL is the third instalment in GA Aiken’s adult SCARRED EARTH SAGA fantasy series set in the author’s DRAGONKIN world. Although focusing on several characters, and intersecting plot lines, THE HERETIC ROYAL follows the building relationship between Ainsley Farmerson , and Gruffyn, centaur of the Torn Moon Clan. The inventive premise is detailed and fanciful with plenty of action, violence, blood shed, and fun. The characters are numerous, familiar, powerful and charismatic.
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Ann I *bookchick_annie*
December 28, 2022
Archers, sisters, centaurs, queens (both good and evil), and dragons!!! The Scarred Earth saga (and this book in particular) has it all. It's the 4th sister, Ainsley's story, but it also seems to be a bridge book joining the dragons (from the Dragon Kin series) with Queen Keely and her armies. After all, Keely is gonna need all the help she can get to defeat her evil sister, Queen Beatrice. This book really had alot going on. I enjoyed it so much. There's danger and laughter and zaniness and heat and...dragons!!! I enjoyed Ainsley and Gruff's adventures, and catching up with Queen Annwyl the Bloody and her dragonkin. And we get a glimpse at who will be featured in the next book. I recommend reading the previous books in the Scarred Earth saga, and in the Dragon Kin series (although Aiken does do a decent job of bringing in enough backstory to not be completely lost). Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my
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About the author

G.A. Aiken is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Dragon Kin Series and the Scarred Earth Saga. When she's not writing about sexy dragons and feminist blacksmiths, she's writing about hot wolf, lion, tiger, and other fang-filled predators as Shelly Laurenston, the acclaimed and bestselling author of the Pride series, the Call of Crows, and the Honey Badger Chronicles. Originally from Long Island, she now lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pitbull doesn't love everyone into a coma. Please visit her online at GAAiken.com.

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