erinarkin20's review
5.0
I kinda knew the ending was going to hurt. I love this series so much...apologies if it is rambling and just a warning, if you haven't read book one, don't read this review!
I had been waiting to get my hands on The Dark Days Pact since I finished The Dark Days Club. This series is a great mix of historical and paranormal and I love everything about it. Of course, there is a bit of romance, angst, and quite a bit of danger for these characters.
If you recall, The Dark Days Club left off with Lady Helen essentially being disowned by her uncle and with nowhere else to go, Helen ends up staying with Lady Margaret and Mr. Hammond while in Brighton. This is a perfect cover for her to continue her training with Lord Carlston and transform into her role as a Reclaimer.
This book picks up shortly after the group has made their way to Brighton and Helen is working hard to embrace this new part of herself, which includes changing all the things she has had ingrained into her since she was a young girl. As a Reclaimer she will need to go places a Lady would never be able to go so the decision is made to disguise herself as a young man when necessary. This means changing her voice, her walk, and her hair and clothing. It isn’t an easy adjustment but Helen is willing to do whatever she needs to in order to show she is committed to her new position.
I really do love Helen as a character. She could easily take the path of least resistance and embrace the life her uncle and brother want her to have but she knows it isn’t the right road for her. I also like that she is willing to dive right into her Reclaimer role and do whatever it takes to help and protect the people around her from the dangers that surround her and the Club.
While Helen is going through a change, Lord Carlston is as well. He hasn’t really been himself and it is obvious to them all that he is struggling with something. He not only has unexplained headaches but he also has times where he is unable to control himself and with his level of power, it is difficult for anyone to stop him. At first it is unclear as to what the trigger is but eventually Helen comes to a conclusion but in the meantime, it is this struggle that prompts Carlston to make an agreement with a Deceiver.
The relationship between Helen and Carlston is a slow burn for sure. There is progress in this book (when you get to the one part…ahhhh) but the angst is still there and these two have some definite hurdles to work through. They both have their doubts about themselves which then translates to doubts about each other so it isn’t going to be an easy road for them. Hence the sloooowwww burn.
All of the normal secondary characters are back and I thought Goodman did a great job of integrating them into the story as it continued to move forward. We learn more about Mr. Hammond and I loved that he had more time working with Helen. Of course, despite all the things Helen does to get the Duke of Selburn to walk away from her, he refuses. I’m on the fence with him. He is doing whatever he can to protect Helen and I appreciate that but he does some things that I don’t like. Granted, some of those feelings may be because I really want Helen and Carlston to figure things out. Of course, Lady Margaret is her usual self.
Outside of the normal cast of characters, we also get some new people introduced into the group for this book. First is Pike, the Second Secretary to the Home Office. He is a very questionable character and it was tough to figure out what his endgame was. He has secrets but he is one of those people who isn’t above using threats and coercion to get what he wants. Helen’s friend Delia also makes an appearance in this book and I liked her addition to the story.
This book gives us a little bit more around the Grand Deceiver and what Helen’s role is in the whole scheme of things but I wanted to know more. I feel like this book set the stage for taking a deeper dive into what’s to come but I’m impatient…the little bit at the end wasn’t enough for me. With that said, we did learn a bit more about Helen’s powers and what might set her apart enough to defeat the Grand Deceiver when it comes to it.
The other focal point in this book is a journal that Benchley created and it is what everyone is ultimately looking for…all for different reasons. Of those that are aware of this journal, not everyone knows exactly what it is. Pike is the one to reveal the most information to Helen and it just happens that Benchley was crazier than everyone thought. He basically created a Ligatus which happens to be a book that combines both Deceiver and Reclaimer blood and through alchemy it is one of the key items that could be used to open a door to the place where Deceivers originate. So obviously that has to be destroyed and everyone wants it but Helen is the one tasked with chasing it down. I’m not going to say much more about this but this is one of the key storylines that pushes everything forward.
I mentioned this previously, but I love how Goodman has successfully combined historical with paranormal. The plots could easily go awry with these storylines but Goodman combines just enough of each to blend them together into a wonderful story that kept my attention and made it hard to put the book down. She clearly has done her research on the era and covers off on everything from etiquette to clothing in a way that isn’t boring but then mixes in something completely off the wall (like teaching a lady to fight with a cane) which made it even better.
This book was just as good as the first one and I don’t even know how I am going to be able to wait for the third book because that ending punched me right in the feels. I knew it wasn’t going to be resolved the way I wanted when I noticed how few pages were left after all the danger was wrapped up. You can bet that as soon as I can get my hands on a copy of the next book, I will be diving right in. If you enjoy a historical that blends in some paranormal aspects, danger, and a bit of romance, definitely check this series out.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
I had been waiting to get my hands on The Dark Days Pact since I finished The Dark Days Club. This series is a great mix of historical and paranormal and I love everything about it. Of course, there is a bit of romance, angst, and quite a bit of danger for these characters.
If you recall, The Dark Days Club left off with Lady Helen essentially being disowned by her uncle and with nowhere else to go, Helen ends up staying with Lady Margaret and Mr. Hammond while in Brighton. This is a perfect cover for her to continue her training with Lord Carlston and transform into her role as a Reclaimer.
This book picks up shortly after the group has made their way to Brighton and Helen is working hard to embrace this new part of herself, which includes changing all the things she has had ingrained into her since she was a young girl. As a Reclaimer she will need to go places a Lady would never be able to go so the decision is made to disguise herself as a young man when necessary. This means changing her voice, her walk, and her hair and clothing. It isn’t an easy adjustment but Helen is willing to do whatever she needs to in order to show she is committed to her new position.
I really do love Helen as a character. She could easily take the path of least resistance and embrace the life her uncle and brother want her to have but she knows it isn’t the right road for her. I also like that she is willing to dive right into her Reclaimer role and do whatever it takes to help and protect the people around her from the dangers that surround her and the Club.
While Helen is going through a change, Lord Carlston is as well. He hasn’t really been himself and it is obvious to them all that he is struggling with something. He not only has unexplained headaches but he also has times where he is unable to control himself and with his level of power, it is difficult for anyone to stop him. At first it is unclear as to what the trigger is but eventually Helen comes to a conclusion but in the meantime, it is this struggle that prompts Carlston to make an agreement with a Deceiver.
The relationship between Helen and Carlston is a slow burn for sure. There is progress in this book (when you get to the one part…ahhhh) but the angst is still there and these two have some definite hurdles to work through. They both have their doubts about themselves which then translates to doubts about each other so it isn’t going to be an easy road for them. Hence the sloooowwww burn.
All of the normal secondary characters are back and I thought Goodman did a great job of integrating them into the story as it continued to move forward. We learn more about Mr. Hammond and I loved that he had more time working with Helen. Of course, despite all the things Helen does to get the Duke of Selburn to walk away from her, he refuses. I’m on the fence with him. He is doing whatever he can to protect Helen and I appreciate that but he does some things that I don’t like. Granted, some of those feelings may be because I really want Helen and Carlston to figure things out. Of course, Lady Margaret is her usual self.
Outside of the normal cast of characters, we also get some new people introduced into the group for this book. First is Pike, the Second Secretary to the Home Office. He is a very questionable character and it was tough to figure out what his endgame was. He has secrets but he is one of those people who isn’t above using threats and coercion to get what he wants. Helen’s friend Delia also makes an appearance in this book and I liked her addition to the story.
This book gives us a little bit more around the Grand Deceiver and what Helen’s role is in the whole scheme of things but I wanted to know more. I feel like this book set the stage for taking a deeper dive into what’s to come but I’m impatient…the little bit at the end wasn’t enough for me. With that said, we did learn a bit more about Helen’s powers and what might set her apart enough to defeat the Grand Deceiver when it comes to it.
The other focal point in this book is a journal that Benchley created and it is what everyone is ultimately looking for…all for different reasons. Of those that are aware of this journal, not everyone knows exactly what it is. Pike is the one to reveal the most information to Helen and it just happens that Benchley was crazier than everyone thought. He basically created a Ligatus which happens to be a book that combines both Deceiver and Reclaimer blood and through alchemy it is one of the key items that could be used to open a door to the place where Deceivers originate. So obviously that has to be destroyed and everyone wants it but Helen is the one tasked with chasing it down. I’m not going to say much more about this but this is one of the key storylines that pushes everything forward.
I mentioned this previously, but I love how Goodman has successfully combined historical with paranormal. The plots could easily go awry with these storylines but Goodman combines just enough of each to blend them together into a wonderful story that kept my attention and made it hard to put the book down. She clearly has done her research on the era and covers off on everything from etiquette to clothing in a way that isn’t boring but then mixes in something completely off the wall (like teaching a lady to fight with a cane) which made it even better.
This book was just as good as the first one and I don’t even know how I am going to be able to wait for the third book because that ending punched me right in the feels. I knew it wasn’t going to be resolved the way I wanted when I noticed how few pages were left after all the danger was wrapped up. You can bet that as soon as I can get my hands on a copy of the next book, I will be diving right in. If you enjoy a historical that blends in some paranormal aspects, danger, and a bit of romance, definitely check this series out.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
erinarkin20's review against another edition
5.0
I seriously love this series you guys. If you haven't read it yet...you need to fix that immediately. Also - the narrator for the audio is FANTASTIC!! I really, really, really need the next book soon.
fionak's review
4.0
I wasn't sure I liked this initially but it managed to suck me in quite effectively when I wasn't paying attention. Unexpectedly clever in all sorts of ways. Highly recommended to everyone, even people who don't usually like this sort of thing.
I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher for review.
I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher for review.
foxon's review against another edition
2.0
Well, I suppose I will have to be in the unpopular opinion camp, again. This is not a review for people who are Team Carlston. I feel like I am repeating myself but the first book had so much promise (if a very, um, familiar premise) and this one just took all that potential and drowned it in the Brighton sea.
What I liked:
Darby. Actually all of the side characters are better then the main ones. Their motivations are clear, they are funnier, and they mostly say whats on their minds instead of being covert for no apparent reason. Thats it, thats all I like. Oh and the ending where.
The things I found distracting and bothersome:
What is with the constant Bible talk all of a sudden? I know this story is about thedevil Grand Deceiver, but the constant mentioning of religion felt.. odd and, more annoyingly, monotonous.
And I hate Carlston. He is just as annoying as the Duke; he is controlling, overly secretive, unapologetically stubborn (and certainly not in an enduring way). Basically every bad boy troupe we are all suppose to find irresistible but I cant stand. Maybe its my age showing. Also, I hate the name Carlston and how it is spelled. I know thats an irrational and petty reason to dislike a character but there you have it. I was happy when Duke Selburn showed up, not because I think he's a good guy (I hope he's the Grand Deceiver, that would be hilarious) but because the author is giving me permission to dislike him and thats a nice change of pace from her trying to force me to like that other idiot.
What the hell happened to all that progress Helen made in book one? Where did your backbone go, girl? She just stagnated in this book, let everyone walk all over her, never spoke up for herself or demanded the answers she deserved. So, so frustrating. That character development was the bright spot of the DDC.
I still laugh every time someone says Dark Days Club in a serious tone, its just a such a silly name.
Im a little on the fence if I will read the next one. I am vaguely curious how this is all going to sort itself out and like I said, I very much want Selburn to have some crazy hidden agenda. The copy my library has was checked out the last time I was there and I might forget about it before I go back, a sentence which says a lot about my enthusiasm for this series.
What I liked:
Darby. Actually all of the side characters are better then the main ones. Their motivations are clear, they are funnier, and they mostly say whats on their minds instead of being covert for no apparent reason. Thats it, thats all I like. Oh and the ending where
Spoiler
she is going to marry the Duke now, hahahahaha, suckerThe things I found distracting and bothersome:
What is with the constant Bible talk all of a sudden? I know this story is about the
And I hate Carlston. He is just as annoying as the Duke; he is controlling, overly secretive, unapologetically stubborn (and certainly not in an enduring way). Basically every bad boy troupe we are all suppose to find irresistible but I cant stand. Maybe its my age showing. Also, I hate the name Carlston and how it is spelled. I know thats an irrational and petty reason to dislike a character but there you have it. I was happy when Duke Selburn showed up, not because I think he's a good guy (I hope he's the Grand Deceiver, that would be hilarious) but because the author is giving me permission to dislike him and thats a nice change of pace from her trying to force me to like that other idiot.
What the hell happened to all that progress Helen made in book one? Where did your backbone go, girl? She just stagnated in this book, let everyone walk all over her, never spoke up for herself or demanded the answers she deserved. So, so frustrating. That character development was the bright spot of the DDC.
I still laugh every time someone says Dark Days Club in a serious tone, its just a such a silly name.
Im a little on the fence if I will read the next one. I am vaguely curious how this is all going to sort itself out and like I said, I very much want Selburn to have some crazy hidden agenda. The copy my library has was checked out the last time I was there and I might forget about it before I go back, a sentence which says a lot about my enthusiasm for this series.
emiann2023's review against another edition
5.0
My poor, tattered heart. But wowza this was a great book.
The chemistry! All the characters were incredible and fascinating (except Selburn who was annoying and clingy and desperate.) I don't want to wait until November for book 3!!!
The chemistry! All the characters were incredible and fascinating (except Selburn who was annoying and clingy and desperate.) I don't want to wait until November for book 3!!!
clarissep's review against another edition
4.0
The last 1/4 of this book redeemed all of the annoyances I experienced during the first 3/4. What a way to end a book!! This is what I love about Alison Goodman. Even though I do not feel this series is as strong as her Eon/Eona, that last 1/4 made me feel as if this series is finally hitting its stride.
spiringempress's review against another edition
4.0
"Unlike Millicent, she would never have a husband or the chance of children. Of course she had known that before she'd read Aunt's letter, but now it was felt brutally real. She had signed a different kind of vow, and there could be no place for a family within it."
Offered a reprieve in the coastal town of Brighton, Lady Helen has started her training as a reclaimer and learning about her role in the Dark Days Club. The only issue is that Lord Carlston and Second Secretary to the Home Office, Ignatious Pike, have different opinions on Helen's role. Lord Carlston believes that Helen's direct inheritance of reclaimer powers from her mother indicates the arrival of a Grand Deceiver, but the Home Office believes that Helen is inferior to male reclaimers.
To make it more complicated, Lord Carlston is battling with the Deceiver energy that resides in him as a result of reclaiming and increasingly becomes more erratic. Pike believes that Carlston cannot be trusted and tasks Lady Helen and Mr. Hammond with reporting on his well-being. He also assigns the pair to recover Benchley's journal that contains sensitive information about the Dark Days Club without involving Lord Carlston. Not only is Lady Helen expected to undergo Reclaimer training, but she needs to keep an eye on Carlston, carry out a secret mission, and battle the everyday sexism of the Home Office.
This was a worthy sequel to The Dark Days Club and introduced a number of conflicts that felt appropriate to the time period. Goodman brilliantly incorporated the sexism of the Home Office into the main story and made it an obstacle to Helen becoming a Reclaimer. Not only do the men doubt Helen's ability to be a good Reclaimer, but they question whether she should have a female Terrene and believe that a male one would offer some much-needed reason and logic. Even though this is infuriating, it works well for the time and creates a compelling narrative as Helen must prove herself to the Home Office.
Along with this, Goodman also introduces a conflict between duty to the Darky Days Club and following the desires of the heart. In the first book, Helen was swept away by her Reclaimer powers and the danger of the Deceivers. She hardly gave any thought to what she'd been sacrificing in order to follow that path. The second book closely examines how Reclaimers must forego family and love to fulfill their vows and protect the world. This plays out nicely with the relationship between Darby and Mr. Quinn, as well as, Helen's unrequited attraction to Lord Carlston. Therefore, Helen struggles with her choice to become a Reclaimer and what she unknowingly gave up. I really liked this as it showed that a grand destiny and great power does not come without some heartache.
Overall, all these themes work together to create conflict as Helen undergoes training and her first assignment. In the first book, Helen decided between relinquishing her powers or embracing them. Now, she must decide to stick with her choice and become a Reclaimer or return to her old life. As Helen starts her journey, Goodman masterfully introduces several sources of doubt: her abilities are questioned and her lodestar, Lord Carlston, proves to be unstable. Brilliantly, Goodman offers alternatives in the form of Selburn, who still wants to marry her and offers an opportunity to leave behind the Reclaimer lifestyle. Therefore, it examines realistic questions and doubts as Helen starts her formal initiation into the Dark Days Club.
Offered a reprieve in the coastal town of Brighton, Lady Helen has started her training as a reclaimer and learning about her role in the Dark Days Club. The only issue is that Lord Carlston and Second Secretary to the Home Office, Ignatious Pike, have different opinions on Helen's role. Lord Carlston believes that Helen's direct inheritance of reclaimer powers from her mother indicates the arrival of a Grand Deceiver, but the Home Office believes that Helen is inferior to male reclaimers.
To make it more complicated, Lord Carlston is battling with the Deceiver energy that resides in him as a result of reclaiming and increasingly becomes more erratic. Pike believes that Carlston cannot be trusted and tasks Lady Helen and Mr. Hammond with reporting on his well-being. He also assigns the pair to recover Benchley's journal that contains sensitive information about the Dark Days Club without involving Lord Carlston. Not only is Lady Helen expected to undergo Reclaimer training, but she needs to keep an eye on Carlston, carry out a secret mission, and battle the everyday sexism of the Home Office.
This was a worthy sequel to The Dark Days Club and introduced a number of conflicts that felt appropriate to the time period. Goodman brilliantly incorporated the sexism of the Home Office into the main story and made it an obstacle to Helen becoming a Reclaimer. Not only do the men doubt Helen's ability to be a good Reclaimer, but they question whether she should have a female Terrene and believe that a male one would offer some much-needed reason and logic. Even though this is infuriating, it works well for the time and creates a compelling narrative as Helen must prove herself to the Home Office.
Along with this, Goodman also introduces a conflict between duty to the Darky Days Club and following the desires of the heart. In the first book, Helen was swept away by her Reclaimer powers and the danger of the Deceivers. She hardly gave any thought to what she'd been sacrificing in order to follow that path. The second book closely examines how Reclaimers must forego family and love to fulfill their vows and protect the world. This plays out nicely with the relationship between Darby and Mr. Quinn, as well as, Helen's unrequited attraction to Lord Carlston. Therefore, Helen struggles with her choice to become a Reclaimer and what she unknowingly gave up. I really liked this as it showed that a grand destiny and great power does not come without some heartache.
Overall, all these themes work together to create conflict as Helen undergoes training and her first assignment. In the first book, Helen decided between relinquishing her powers or embracing them. Now, she must decide to stick with her choice and become a Reclaimer or return to her old life. As Helen starts her journey, Goodman masterfully introduces several sources of doubt: her abilities are questioned and her lodestar, Lord Carlston, proves to be unstable. Brilliantly, Goodman offers alternatives in the form of Selburn, who still wants to marry her and offers an opportunity to leave behind the Reclaimer lifestyle. Therefore, it examines realistic questions and doubts as Helen starts her formal initiation into the Dark Days Club.