lena_taco's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
shaf164's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
taylorreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I received a digital ARC from Penguin’s First to Read. This is my first ever ARC and to have it be a book as enjoyable as The Dark Days club is just icing on the cake!
London: The year is 1812 and Lady Helen Wrexhall is about to make her debut in front of the queen and come out into society. It’s the Season as they call it, where young high-class ladies attend balls and social functions in order to find a husband. That is what Helen’s Uncle is hoping for, for some young lord to take Helen off his hands. After her parents died when she was young her Aunt and Uncle took in Helen and any mention of her mother and father was forbidden. Helen’s mother has a wild streak in her and right before she died she was even associated with treason. Helen’s family has always worried that she had her mother’s wildness running through her blood. Could they be right? Helen has noticing odd things, her instincts and ability to read faces has sharped and her reflexes are not those of a young lady. Enter Lord Carlston, cloaked in shadows and mystery, carrying the answers to what is happening to her. But can she trust him?
I really enjoyed The Dark Days club, while it seemed to start out slowly, and took its sweet sweet time to build, I loved getting to read through the historical aspects of Regency London. I love history and I love when authors do their homework and create their fictitious stories in and around small bits of the past that we don’t get to see much anymore. From the use of the word “miniature” throughout the entire book (when most authors would have caved and gone with picture) to all of the high end social gatherings and the accurate edict of the day.
Really the only thing that bothered me besides the slow start was the similarities to Cassandra Clare’s The Infernal Devices series. That series is set in Victorian London with a female protagonist who also discovers she has a special gift and finds herself in the company of demon killers.
Striking similarities aside I did enjoy it and look forward to the next book in the series!
London: The year is 1812 and Lady Helen Wrexhall is about to make her debut in front of the queen and come out into society. It’s the Season as they call it, where young high-class ladies attend balls and social functions in order to find a husband. That is what Helen’s Uncle is hoping for, for some young lord to take Helen off his hands. After her parents died when she was young her Aunt and Uncle took in Helen and any mention of her mother and father was forbidden. Helen’s mother has a wild streak in her and right before she died she was even associated with treason. Helen’s family has always worried that she had her mother’s wildness running through her blood. Could they be right? Helen has noticing odd things, her instincts and ability to read faces has sharped and her reflexes are not those of a young lady. Enter Lord Carlston, cloaked in shadows and mystery, carrying the answers to what is happening to her. But can she trust him?
I really enjoyed The Dark Days club, while it seemed to start out slowly, and took its sweet sweet time to build, I loved getting to read through the historical aspects of Regency London. I love history and I love when authors do their homework and create their fictitious stories in and around small bits of the past that we don’t get to see much anymore. From the use of the word “miniature” throughout the entire book (when most authors would have caved and gone with picture) to all of the high end social gatherings and the accurate edict of the day.
Really the only thing that bothered me besides the slow start was the similarities to Cassandra Clare’s The Infernal Devices series. That series is set in Victorian London with a female protagonist who also discovers she has a special gift and finds herself in the company of demon killers.
Striking similarities aside I did enjoy it and look forward to the next book in the series!
koalathebear's review against another edition
2.0
This book was really interesting and well-written but the two stars were because I couldn't stand the main character. All the other characters were very interesting and compelling.
The heroine is supposed to beautiful, clever, selfless and brave. She comes across as selfish, stupid, vacillating and vapid. I'm hoping she improves over time - and will definitely be reading the second book with that hope in mind.
The heroine is supposed to beautiful, clever, selfless and brave. She comes across as selfish, stupid, vacillating and vapid. I'm hoping she improves over time - and will definitely be reading the second book with that hope in mind.
jessicatamm92's review against another edition
4.0
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book!
It was so well-researched and bursting with historical details! I could tell right away that Alison Goodman really spent a lot of time learning about life in 1812, London! I've since been to her website and Pinterest board and I think it's amazing how she included important figures of the era, artists, fashions, buildings, etc! She even researched the moon and weather patterns so it would be accurate as well!
Another aspect I really liked was the pacing. After reading what this book was about I thought for sure it was going to have fight scenes in every chapter and demons galore. Instead, our main character, Helen, was slowly submerged into this world over the span of the entire book. It was such a relief to not have so much knowledge dumped in our faces 2 chapters in. I loved the main character Helen and how curious and witty she was. Helen (unlike some heroines) wasn't just "okay" with everything two pages later, and really tried to make educated decisions throughout. She has a lot expected of her from her family and society in general.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book!
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about seeing Carlston and Helen training together! Eek!
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book!
It was so well-researched and bursting with historical details! I could tell right away that Alison Goodman really spent a lot of time learning about life in 1812, London! I've since been to her website and Pinterest board and I think it's amazing how she included important figures of the era, artists, fashions, buildings, etc! She even researched the moon and weather patterns so it would be accurate as well!
Another aspect I really liked was the pacing. After reading what this book was about I thought for sure it was going to have fight scenes in every chapter and demons galore. Instead, our main character, Helen, was slowly submerged into this world over the span of the entire book. It was such a relief to not have so much knowledge dumped in our faces 2 chapters in. I loved the main character Helen and how curious and witty she was. Helen (unlike some heroines) wasn't just "okay" with everything two pages later, and really tried to make educated decisions throughout. She has a lot expected of her from her family and society in general.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next book!
Spoiler
There were definitely a lot of questions raised about Lord Carlston that we still don't know about. For example with his wife. I still think there's much more to his relationship with the Duke as well. I still suspect some people for being Deceivers and I can't wait for the next book!!I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited about seeing Carlston and Helen training together! Eek!
a_ghostintheroom's review against another edition
5.0
Although it wasn't truly that hard to get through, I did find myself dragging along in parts of this story. While very true to its era, and this author's research was clearly thorough, propriety has got to make for the most god awful boring plot lines. Chaperones, calling cards, lack of being able to use one's "Christian name" in casual conversation... If I were sent back to that time, you may as well label me a trollop, because that nonsense is awful. Aside from those painful parts, it really is a great book. A slow moving, well developed plot that ended in a great cliffhanger kept me rapt and certainly has tied me down for the sequel. Hardly any mysteries were untangled in the first which basically necessitates that I read the sequel as I need to know if all my guessed are as spot on as I guessed!
sarahjolioli's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fadingmoths's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Sexual content
erinarkin20's review against another edition
5.0
The Dark Days Club is the first book I have read by Alison Goodman but I can tell you it won’t be my last. I have been on a historical fiction kick lately and the second I cracked the cover on this book, I was pulled into the story and couldn’t put it down.
Lady Helen Wrexhall is eighteen and has been raised since she was eight by her aunt and uncle due to the death of her parents. To add another layer to her story, we find out that Helen’s mother was seen as a loose cannon and Helen’s guardian’s biggest fears are that her mother’s reputation will create problems for Helen. Since Helen is now of age, her presentation to the queen and her season is what will determine whether she finds a match amongst the gentlemen of society.
The thing I love about historical fiction (if they are done well) is that they bring me into the story and Goodman does a fantastic job of setting up the story here by showing the restrictions women had placed upon them during the 1800’s. To be a lady in Regency London meant you had to follow the rules or become an outcast or even put into an asylum. Admittedly the first quarter of the book is really setting up the story and while it built slowly, it didn’t bother me.
Lady Helen is an interesting character. She starts out as someone who is focused on making her family proud and that means she can’t embarrass them. She also still very much loves her mother and father and when she hears disparaging comments about her mother, she has to fight her reaction to defend her because she knows it will cause a stir. In addition to that, she doesn’t really know her mother’s history and that is something she wants to remedy. As she is introduced to new people throughout the novel, Helen begins to learn more about her mother and it only reinforces her love for her mother.
I don’t want to say too much about the Reclaimers and the Dark Days Club but as Helen becomes more involved with Lord Carlston and the Club, she learns more about herself and what is important to her. The paranormal aspect is what adds a twist to this story and separates it from other historical fiction novels I have recently read. I loved the idea of this small group of people that possess the strength and ability to protect the world from these demons who wreak havoc on society (at all levels). The fact that the main character is someone who has restrictions placed upon her by society and she has to figure out how to make it all come together while still maintaining her reputation was just another fantastic layer to this story that I loved.
Lord Carlston is another main character and he definitely has a history…and it isn’t good. His wife was murdered a few years back and everyone within Helen’s circle believes he killed her. Because of that, he left but now that he is back as Helen’t mentor, his reputation makes it even more difficult for them to connect. Thankfully Lord Carlston has some really well placed friends in society which helps them do what they need to. I actually enjoyed seeing what he would do next to get where he needed to or have Helen where he needed her to be. In the beginning he is definitely closed off but as the story progresses I loved seeing him open himself up to sharing his fate with someone who really understands what it means (or will mean) to be a Reclaimer. And despite decisions that Helen made, he was always willing to support her and protect her…which I loved.
The secondary characters are also well done and they help move the story along. From Lady Margaret and her brother to Helen’s friends and family, all are well developed and add to the story. One thing I have to say is I wanted Helen’s brother to support her more. I get it…he was also restricted by society and it had been driven into his head what is/is not acceptable behavior but I wanted him to be more accepting of who Helen is whether he agreed with her or not. I was glad that in the end he came through and look forward to seeing how their relationship adjusts as the series moves forward.
Goodman definitely did her research for this book. Between the clothes, the society nuances, and the overall atmosphere, I felt like I was navigating society right alongside Helen and I loved every minute of it. After I finished the book, I found her pinterest page just so I could see all the images that she describes and uses throughout the book. Consider checking it out if you are curious – I love those sorts of things and this only helped me to picture everything that was being described.
If you are looking for a book that has a page turning story, a historical bend, and some great characters, definitely check this one out. I loved the twists and turns Goodman has put into this story and I can’t wait to see what the next book in this series brings. The Dark Days Club has made my list of favorites and I will be looking forward to more from Goodman.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
Lady Helen Wrexhall is eighteen and has been raised since she was eight by her aunt and uncle due to the death of her parents. To add another layer to her story, we find out that Helen’s mother was seen as a loose cannon and Helen’s guardian’s biggest fears are that her mother’s reputation will create problems for Helen. Since Helen is now of age, her presentation to the queen and her season is what will determine whether she finds a match amongst the gentlemen of society.
The thing I love about historical fiction (if they are done well) is that they bring me into the story and Goodman does a fantastic job of setting up the story here by showing the restrictions women had placed upon them during the 1800’s. To be a lady in Regency London meant you had to follow the rules or become an outcast or even put into an asylum. Admittedly the first quarter of the book is really setting up the story and while it built slowly, it didn’t bother me.
Lady Helen is an interesting character. She starts out as someone who is focused on making her family proud and that means she can’t embarrass them. She also still very much loves her mother and father and when she hears disparaging comments about her mother, she has to fight her reaction to defend her because she knows it will cause a stir. In addition to that, she doesn’t really know her mother’s history and that is something she wants to remedy. As she is introduced to new people throughout the novel, Helen begins to learn more about her mother and it only reinforces her love for her mother.
I don’t want to say too much about the Reclaimers and the Dark Days Club but as Helen becomes more involved with Lord Carlston and the Club, she learns more about herself and what is important to her. The paranormal aspect is what adds a twist to this story and separates it from other historical fiction novels I have recently read. I loved the idea of this small group of people that possess the strength and ability to protect the world from these demons who wreak havoc on society (at all levels). The fact that the main character is someone who has restrictions placed upon her by society and she has to figure out how to make it all come together while still maintaining her reputation was just another fantastic layer to this story that I loved.
Lord Carlston is another main character and he definitely has a history…and it isn’t good. His wife was murdered a few years back and everyone within Helen’s circle believes he killed her. Because of that, he left but now that he is back as Helen’t mentor, his reputation makes it even more difficult for them to connect. Thankfully Lord Carlston has some really well placed friends in society which helps them do what they need to. I actually enjoyed seeing what he would do next to get where he needed to or have Helen where he needed her to be. In the beginning he is definitely closed off but as the story progresses I loved seeing him open himself up to sharing his fate with someone who really understands what it means (or will mean) to be a Reclaimer. And despite decisions that Helen made, he was always willing to support her and protect her…which I loved.
The secondary characters are also well done and they help move the story along. From Lady Margaret and her brother to Helen’s friends and family, all are well developed and add to the story. One thing I have to say is I wanted Helen’s brother to support her more. I get it…he was also restricted by society and it had been driven into his head what is/is not acceptable behavior but I wanted him to be more accepting of who Helen is whether he agreed with her or not. I was glad that in the end he came through and look forward to seeing how their relationship adjusts as the series moves forward.
Goodman definitely did her research for this book. Between the clothes, the society nuances, and the overall atmosphere, I felt like I was navigating society right alongside Helen and I loved every minute of it. After I finished the book, I found her pinterest page just so I could see all the images that she describes and uses throughout the book. Consider checking it out if you are curious – I love those sorts of things and this only helped me to picture everything that was being described.
If you are looking for a book that has a page turning story, a historical bend, and some great characters, definitely check this one out. I loved the twists and turns Goodman has put into this story and I can’t wait to see what the next book in this series brings. The Dark Days Club has made my list of favorites and I will be looking forward to more from Goodman.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!