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lynguy1's review
4.0
COURTING DARKNESS by L.R. Braden is the second book in The Magicsmith supernatural suspense / urban fantasy series. The female protagonist, Alex Blackwood is a metalsmith creating works of art in Colorado after a fragile peace between the Fae and humans. She’s been summoned to the fae court and needs to learn a lot about proper etiquette and the fae world as a whole. When a dead body is found above an art gallery and a friend is implicated, her life gets even more complicated and her studies suffer for it. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself, her friends, secrets, enemies, relationships and the Fae.
Alex is a likeable main character who is loyal to her friends and is definitely someone you want to succeed. Her goals were clear and her motivations were believable. However, I wanted Alex to be a stronger protagonist. The main secondary characters are getting more developed, but new characters were introduced as well. They did enhance the story and they added to the story rather than detracting from it. Hopefully, Alex will become an even stronger protagonist and the secondary characters will show even more growth and depth as the series develops. The prose was well-written, engaging, and entertaining. The plot was engrossing, fascinating and action-filled. The world-building was good, but I wanted a bit more.
Overall, the book was suspenseful, entertaining and fast-paced. I am looking forward to reading more in this fantasy series. If you enjoy urban fantasies with a lot of action, then this book is one you may enjoy as much as I did.
Many thanks to Bell Bridge Books, Inc. and L.R. Braden for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Alex is a likeable main character who is loyal to her friends and is definitely someone you want to succeed. Her goals were clear and her motivations were believable. However, I wanted Alex to be a stronger protagonist. The main secondary characters are getting more developed, but new characters were introduced as well. They did enhance the story and they added to the story rather than detracting from it. Hopefully, Alex will become an even stronger protagonist and the secondary characters will show even more growth and depth as the series develops. The prose was well-written, engaging, and entertaining. The plot was engrossing, fascinating and action-filled. The world-building was good, but I wanted a bit more.
Overall, the book was suspenseful, entertaining and fast-paced. I am looking forward to reading more in this fantasy series. If you enjoy urban fantasies with a lot of action, then this book is one you may enjoy as much as I did.
Many thanks to Bell Bridge Books, Inc. and L.R. Braden for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
miduhadi's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
hookedbythatbook's review
3.0
Alex is busy preparing for her upcoming appearance at the fae court. Kai is still there as her teacher, and Chase is spending more time in his more human form around her. Alex and James are dating, but he is cancelling a lot of their dates, and is being very mysterious. Alex is pulled into paranormal fights once again when people start disappearing around James.
There is constant action, and while Alex has developed some skills of her own, she is still sadly outmatched by pretty much everybody around her. Luckily, she has some pretty powerful beings on her side, willing to put up with her smart mouth.
I liked it when James turned out to be not-human, because it explained much of his previous behaviour, and makes him a more suitable potential partner for Alex. I still didn’t really feel the love between Alex and James. In this story Alex expressed more of her ambivalent feelings towards James, and the two of them went to extraordinary lengths to save each other. Maybe it was because we only see the story from Alex’s viewpoint, so we are only privy to her thoughts and her interpretations of James’s actions.
In some instances it was a bit annoying to just have Alex’s viewpoint on the story, especially the fighting scenes. Because she is the weakest, she often gets sidelined during the physical fights and usually only wakes up later after all has been said and done. And then her partners in crime don’t want her to know the details of the aftermath, so they keep it to themselves, which means the reader also doesn’t know what happened exactly.
I did enjoy the story overall, and would love to read the next installment.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is constant action, and while Alex has developed some skills of her own, she is still sadly outmatched by pretty much everybody around her. Luckily, she has some pretty powerful beings on her side, willing to put up with her smart mouth.
I liked it when James turned out to be not-human, because it explained much of his previous behaviour, and makes him a more suitable potential partner for Alex. I still didn’t really feel the love between Alex and James. In this story Alex expressed more of her ambivalent feelings towards James, and the two of them went to extraordinary lengths to save each other. Maybe it was because we only see the story from Alex’s viewpoint, so we are only privy to her thoughts and her interpretations of James’s actions.
In some instances it was a bit annoying to just have Alex’s viewpoint on the story, especially the fighting scenes. Because she is the weakest, she often gets sidelined during the physical fights and usually only wakes up later after all has been said and done. And then her partners in crime don’t want her to know the details of the aftermath, so they keep it to themselves, which means the reader also doesn’t know what happened exactly.
I did enjoy the story overall, and would love to read the next installment.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Netgalley to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
mermaidmomma's review
4.0
This book reminds me of the Merry Gentry series, but that may just be because that was the first series I read with a strong female lead and the fae. Just without all the steamy romance and court politics, so I guess there really aren't that much alike.
I was super nervous coming into this book since I have not read the first book in the series. I was worried that I would be lost. The first chapter does a good job about catching you up in the world, to a certain extent and making sure you know the important cast of characters. While there were some aspects of the first book that were mentioned throughout, I was able to follow without having read it.
I really enjoyed the action and exploring the relationship that were built between Alex and the other character. The story was able to keep me hooked, without the romance that I have been craving lately. I see a lot of potential for that as the series continues. Overall, this was a very entertaining read and I think I will pick up other books in the series.
I was super nervous coming into this book since I have not read the first book in the series. I was worried that I would be lost. The first chapter does a good job about catching you up in the world, to a certain extent and making sure you know the important cast of characters. While there were some aspects of the first book that were mentioned throughout, I was able to follow without having read it.
I really enjoyed the action and exploring the relationship that were built between Alex and the other character. The story was able to keep me hooked, without the romance that I have been craving lately. I see a lot of potential for that as the series continues. Overall, this was a very entertaining read and I think I will pick up other books in the series.
redhairedashreads's review
3.0
This book started slow with Alex prepping for her trip to the fae court. Once the book picks up thought we have murder, a new fae teacher, a new shifter, James's secret, and a dangerous vampire nest.
Overall, I enjoyed the action and can't wait to see how her time in the fae court goes.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*
Overall, I enjoyed the action and can't wait to see how her time in the fae court goes.
*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*
bananatricky's review
3.0
Some spoilers below for the first book in the series.
Alex is a halfling, half-fae in a word where the humans and the fae have just brokered an uneasy peace after a brutal war. She has found out that she is related to one of the Fae Lords and has been summoned to Court to make her curtsey (as it were) where she will be quizzed on fae life and possibly challenged by rival fae. Oh, and added to which she and her friend Sophie were attacked by a werewolf and Sophie is now a werewolf being cared for by the local pack.
I thought all of the above was enough plot for the second book, but no, Alex's sort-of boyfriend Simon has been accused of murdering a young woman in his art gallery and we are suddenly drawn into yet another group of non-humans.
I'll be honest I found all of the different characters a bit confusing - Alex seems to have befriended a member of every single fae species, most of whom hang around her cottage on a regular basis but none really have enough personality to distinguish them from each other.
Alex did have a touch of the TSTLs, when your BFF who has just turned into a werewolf and can't be allowed out unsupervised calls out of the blue and invites you to go clubbing do you think that's normal? If she says her alpha says it's fine do you believe her? Alex does! Also she is consistently rude to the fae sent to teach her what she needs to know about her grandfather's court. Granted Hortense is a snooty entitled woman but does Alex have to behave like a petulant child?
Overall, once the story came together it had all the drama and action that could be required but it felt like too many characters have been introduced too fast and we just need to consolidate the characters and their relationships a bit more.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Alex is a halfling, half-fae in a word where the humans and the fae have just brokered an uneasy peace after a brutal war. She has found out that she is related to one of the Fae Lords and has been summoned to Court to make her curtsey (as it were) where she will be quizzed on fae life and possibly challenged by rival fae. Oh, and added to which she and her friend Sophie were attacked by a werewolf and Sophie is now a werewolf being cared for by the local pack.
I thought all of the above was enough plot for the second book, but no, Alex's sort-of boyfriend Simon has been accused of murdering a young woman in his art gallery and we are suddenly drawn into yet another group of non-humans.
I'll be honest I found all of the different characters a bit confusing - Alex seems to have befriended a member of every single fae species, most of whom hang around her cottage on a regular basis but none really have enough personality to distinguish them from each other.
Alex did have a touch of the TSTLs, when your BFF who has just turned into a werewolf and can't be allowed out unsupervised calls out of the blue and invites you to go clubbing do you think that's normal? If she says her alpha says it's fine do you believe her? Alex does! Also she is consistently rude to the fae sent to teach her what she needs to know about her grandfather's court. Granted Hortense is a snooty entitled woman but does Alex have to behave like a petulant child?
Overall, once the story came together it had all the drama and action that could be required but it felt like too many characters have been introduced too fast and we just need to consolidate the characters and their relationships a bit more.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
jessicareadsit's review
4.0
L. R Braden has done it again with Courting Darkness- the second installment of the Blacksmith series. As soon as I opened the pages, I felt like I was returning home.
Our MC Alex Blacksmith really shows growth in her character both emotionally and physically. Courting Darkness allowed Alex to gradually accept her fae side while opening herself to the possibility of love. I thoroughly enjoyed the honesty of Alex's emotions and the way L. R. Braden has penned her as a fighter and a believer makes for an interesting, entertaining and dynamic read that really stands out among the paranormal/urban fantasy genre.
Always at the thick of things, Alex is unwavering in her loyalty and support for those she cares for which was a far cry from where we first met her in a drop of magic with her "Don't care about anyone" approach.
I love that she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and that when it comes down to it she is willing to do anything to protect those she loves.
Alex has always felt more realistic to me than most paranormal characters. She isn't the strongest, fastest, prettiest or smartest nor does she possess any insanely kickass supernatural powers. Instead, she has a quiet strength, with an unwavering resilience that helps her utilize the resources she has, combined with her sharp intellect to maneuver the curveballs that are constantly thrown her way. Alex is not infallible, she bruises, she bleeds and she hurts just like everyone else and I think it makes her more real and approachable as an MC.
L. R Braden definitely stepped up in her game in Courting Darkness as there was no shortage of action, action, action. There were tons of fight scenes, drama, mystery, zealous magic haters, suspense, and murder scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.
Once again, Braden has woven an intricate story that focuses on our MC but also allows room for our favorite supporting characters to grow and even included some new additions that only served to enhance the overall story. I was very intrigued to see the gradual incorporation of the faerie world and the introduction of rules, customs, etc which masterfully set the stage for upcoming events.
Courting Darkness was beautifully written, keeping in theme with Braden's style which I highly appreciated. Even in the darkest scenes, Braden made the whispers of death sound poetic and eloquent. I don't want to drop any spoilers but I sense a love triangle of epic proportions for the next installment of the Blacksmith series. I look forward to reading more Alex and Braden's strangely quirky dental hygiene descriptions.
Thank you to L. R Braden, Bell Bridge Books and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this amazing book. All views and opinions expressed above are my own.
Check out my blog for the full review here: https://jessicareadsit.wordpress.com/
Our MC Alex Blacksmith really shows growth in her character both emotionally and physically. Courting Darkness allowed Alex to gradually accept her fae side while opening herself to the possibility of love. I thoroughly enjoyed the honesty of Alex's emotions and the way L. R. Braden has penned her as a fighter and a believer makes for an interesting, entertaining and dynamic read that really stands out among the paranormal/urban fantasy genre.
Always at the thick of things, Alex is unwavering in her loyalty and support for those she cares for which was a far cry from where we first met her in a drop of magic with her "Don't care about anyone" approach.
I love that she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and that when it comes down to it she is willing to do anything to protect those she loves.
Alex has always felt more realistic to me than most paranormal characters. She isn't the strongest, fastest, prettiest or smartest nor does she possess any insanely kickass supernatural powers. Instead, she has a quiet strength, with an unwavering resilience that helps her utilize the resources she has, combined with her sharp intellect to maneuver the curveballs that are constantly thrown her way. Alex is not infallible, she bruises, she bleeds and she hurts just like everyone else and I think it makes her more real and approachable as an MC.
L. R Braden definitely stepped up in her game in Courting Darkness as there was no shortage of action, action, action. There were tons of fight scenes, drama, mystery, zealous magic haters, suspense, and murder scenes that had me on the edge of my seat.
Once again, Braden has woven an intricate story that focuses on our MC but also allows room for our favorite supporting characters to grow and even included some new additions that only served to enhance the overall story. I was very intrigued to see the gradual incorporation of the faerie world and the introduction of rules, customs, etc which masterfully set the stage for upcoming events.
Courting Darkness was beautifully written, keeping in theme with Braden's style which I highly appreciated. Even in the darkest scenes, Braden made the whispers of death sound poetic and eloquent. I don't want to drop any spoilers but I sense a love triangle of epic proportions for the next installment of the Blacksmith series. I look forward to reading more Alex and Braden's strangely quirky dental hygiene descriptions.
Thank you to L. R Braden, Bell Bridge Books and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this amazing book. All views and opinions expressed above are my own.
Check out my blog for the full review here: https://jessicareadsit.wordpress.com/
wisecraic's review
4.0
**I was provided with an electronic ARC by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**
Vampires and werewolves and fae folk- oh my! The second book in the Magicsmith series did not at all disappoint. This was another one day read, and had all of the features I enjoyed so much about the first book.
In the interest of not having spoilers in this review, suffice it to say that our protagonist Alex can't catch a break this entire novel. Every time she thinks she's making progress, there comes another obstacle. The pacing is good throughout, the solutions to the problems are feasible and logical, and I really haven't got complaints. Is Alex loyal to the point of stupidity, absolutely, but that's just the way she rolls.
I enjoyed learning more about old characters and getting to know new characters. Hortense is a particularly charming addition, and I enjoyed being able to get to know Chase (and Jynx). I still want to explore these characters, and this universe.
I'm definitely eager to read the third installment in this series and whatever LR Braden writes in this vein in the future.
Vampires and werewolves and fae folk- oh my! The second book in the Magicsmith series did not at all disappoint. This was another one day read, and had all of the features I enjoyed so much about the first book.
In the interest of not having spoilers in this review, suffice it to say that our protagonist Alex can't catch a break this entire novel. Every time she thinks she's making progress, there comes another obstacle. The pacing is good throughout, the solutions to the problems are feasible and logical, and I really haven't got complaints. Is Alex loyal to the point of stupidity, absolutely, but that's just the way she rolls.
I enjoyed learning more about old characters and getting to know new characters. Hortense is a particularly charming addition, and I enjoyed being able to get to know Chase (and Jynx). I still want to explore these characters, and this universe.
I'm definitely eager to read the third installment in this series and whatever LR Braden writes in this vein in the future.
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