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jrice17's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press for the advanced reader's copy of this book!
The second book in the Blood of a Fae series, A Court of Claws, was a phenomenal sequel to the first book, Queen of Roses. We really got to learn so much more about not only the Fae, but the Gods, and the world of Eskira.
Our two main characters, Morgan and Draven, showed some improvement from book 1 to book 2. I wish Morgan was a little less naive and basic, but hope the next book she can grow into the badass female MC I know she can be. Draven and his court were by far my favorite part of this sequel. Every new character we are introduced to has such a great and distinct personality. Draven has the classic dark, brooding, Fae male love interest vibe, but was still sassy and secretive enough to be a great character. I can't wait to engage with Draven and his court more in the next book.
The Arthurian lore is not always at the forefront of this book, but I appreciate that. It gives the author the freedom to create a new unique world that most readers still have an underlying knowledge of the structure of the world and characters. But the additions of the Valtain and Siabra Fae as well as the Pantheon of Gods into the Arthurian world is a refreshing take. The author is an amazing world builder and I can't wait to learn more!
As other reviewers have mentioned, the book does end on a rather large cliffhanger, so be prepared to immediately pick up the next book.
The second book in the Blood of a Fae series, A Court of Claws, was a phenomenal sequel to the first book, Queen of Roses. We really got to learn so much more about not only the Fae, but the Gods, and the world of Eskira.
Our two main characters, Morgan and Draven, showed some improvement from book 1 to book 2. I wish Morgan was a little less naive and basic, but hope the next book she can grow into the badass female MC I know she can be. Draven and his court were by far my favorite part of this sequel. Every new character we are introduced to has such a great and distinct personality. Draven has the classic dark, brooding, Fae male love interest vibe, but was still sassy and secretive enough to be a great character. I can't wait to engage with Draven and his court more in the next book.
The Arthurian lore is not always at the forefront of this book, but I appreciate that. It gives the author the freedom to create a new unique world that most readers still have an underlying knowledge of the structure of the world and characters. But the additions of the Valtain and Siabra Fae as well as the Pantheon of Gods into the Arthurian world is a refreshing take. The author is an amazing world builder and I can't wait to learn more!
As other reviewers have mentioned, the book does end on a rather large cliffhanger, so be prepared to immediately pick up the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Cannibalism, Murder, Gaslighting, and War
anapthine's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Often with sequels or the second book of a series, it is never as good as the original. However, this second instalment of the Blood of a Fae series is so much better. I cannot put into words how addicted I was to the plot. The twists and turns were often unpredictable, and I loved the new characters with their own backstories. This was an incredibly well written addition to Queen of Roses.
We once again follow Morgan, after the events of the betrayal and deaths of Queen of Roses, where she deals with her grief and still is determined to save her little brother who is trapped under King Arthur’s reign and command. Surrounded by lies and the still a stranger Draven, she is forced to adjust in the court of Siabra, almost a lifetime away from her home.
Oh my word, the ending I was not expecting and made me frustrated that the Empress of Fae (#3) could not come any sooner - I am so excited to read it.
My favourite line from this book was: “Morally grey asshole.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infertility, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia
booksalacarte's review
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Court of Claws- 3.5⭐️ 3🌶️
Betrayal
Fake relationship
Morally grey MMC
He Falls First
One bed
Surprise twist
Kingdom politics
Found family
Trials
War
Animal familiars
Miscommunication
🏳️🌈 Side Character Rep
This story begins right where the first left off. I really like how this reimagined Camelot is pulling more and more from the original. Links are being revealed and coming together. All of the little pieces of the original story finding their way into this one, just with a spin. It’s refreshing and highlights taking a misogynistic tale and restructuring it to not be so archaic.
The writing is a little stilted, it felt like the word “F*ck” was added in excessively (mostly by one character) to make things edgier… sometimes it was in juxtaposition to the story creating a jarring harshness of language in situations where you would expect more finesse. And I’m not talking about the bedroom scenes… those were good!
Anyway, it wasn’t off putting enough that I didn’t enjoy the book. Far more than the first, mainly because of the non-stop action and fast pace plot.
Morgan is an infuriating character. It’s almost like she is completely ignorant of court politics or intrigue. (Reminder, she was raised as a princess!) She only sees things in black and white. She is full of flaws; immature, annoyingly defiant for terrible reasons, stubborn, wishy-washy as hell, and seemingly purposefully and idiotically obtuse. Her character arc isn’t evident yet… hopefully she will grow in the next book… and says “f*ck” in more appropriate instances, instead of throwing it around because her character needs to be more daring and grown up… She just sounds like a middle schooler on a playground trying to show how badass she is by saying the worst curse word she can think of.
Draven seems to be an enigma with his loyalty and willingness to do what has to be done. Talk about the definition of “Morally Grey”. A softie with a hard exterior. Exactly what a morally grey man should be. He has killed, been exiled, caught for Morgan and himself, sacrificed himself and his kingdom. I think he is well written… as well written as any other fantasy romance MMC. They all have flaws.
The exmoors are so cool! I’m a sucker for animal familiars. If something happens to them I’ll riot.
The side characters are endearing. I’m undecided if I can get past Morgan’s poor character arc enough to read on… if I do, it’s only for Draven and the exmoors.
Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for the advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Betrayal
Fake relationship
Morally grey MMC
He Falls First
One bed
Surprise twist
Kingdom politics
Found family
Trials
War
Animal familiars
Miscommunication
🏳️🌈 Side Character Rep
This story begins right where the first left off. I really like how this reimagined Camelot is pulling more and more from the original. Links are being revealed and coming together. All of the little pieces of the original story finding their way into this one, just with a spin. It’s refreshing and highlights taking a misogynistic tale and restructuring it to not be so archaic.
The writing is a little stilted, it felt like the word “F*ck” was added in excessively (mostly by one character) to make things edgier… sometimes it was in juxtaposition to the story creating a jarring harshness of language in situations where you would expect more finesse. And I’m not talking about the bedroom scenes… those were good!
Anyway, it wasn’t off putting enough that I didn’t enjoy the book. Far more than the first, mainly because of the non-stop action and fast pace plot.
Morgan is an infuriating character. It’s almost like she is completely ignorant of court politics or intrigue. (Reminder, she was raised as a princess!) She only sees things in black and white. She is full of flaws; immature, annoyingly defiant for terrible reasons, stubborn, wishy-washy as hell, and seemingly purposefully and idiotically obtuse. Her character arc isn’t evident yet… hopefully she will grow in the next book… and says “f*ck” in more appropriate instances, instead of throwing it around because her character needs to be more daring and grown up… She just sounds like a middle schooler on a playground trying to show how badass she is by saying the worst curse word she can think of.
Draven seems to be an enigma with his loyalty and willingness to do what has to be done. Talk about the definition of “Morally Grey”. A softie with a hard exterior. Exactly what a morally grey man should be. He has killed, been exiled, caught for Morgan and himself, sacrificed himself and his kingdom. I think he is well written… as well written as any other fantasy romance MMC. They all have flaws.
The exmoors are so cool! I’m a sucker for animal familiars. If something happens to them I’ll riot.
The side characters are endearing. I’m undecided if I can get past Morgan’s poor character arc enough to read on… if I do, it’s only for Draven and the exmoors.
Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for the advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
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