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headcanonheadcase's review
3.0
Court of Claws pick up shortly after Queen of Roses ended. The setting shifted from the mortal realm to one of the Fae kingdoms. I really enjoyed the fish out of water storyline for Morgan as well as the character development for Draven. However, much like with the first book in this series, it felt like the pacing was off. There was a fair amount of action and enough intrigue to keep me reading, but there were parts that could have been trimmed. I would have also liked to see Morgan train with her powers.
What I enjoyed about this book was the fated mate trope. There were layers to how it was presented here, and while I don't want to give anything away, it was interesting to read about Morgan and Draven's connection. Plus, I adore an animal companion and was so happy to see Morgan bond with her exmoor.
What I enjoyed about this book was the fated mate trope. There were layers to how it was presented here, and while I don't want to give anything away, it was interesting to read about Morgan and Draven's connection. Plus, I adore an animal companion and was so happy to see Morgan bond with her exmoor.
bookloverjulie's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
littlefoot10's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I enjoyed this book so much more than the first in this series. Maybe it was because I was more aware of the characters, and the world building.
Court of Claws was hot, heavy, steamy, tense and had some really sad moments woven throughout.
Kairos -- holy fuck. YUM. New Book Boyfriend for sure !
Morgan can be infuriating at times, because she is fighting with her heart and her head.
The trails and this Kingdom were so interesting. The characters we meet are likeable and some are down right despicable.
I am intrigued to see where the story goes from here; especially with that ending and what Morgan has 'become'.
Court of Claws was hot, heavy, steamy, tense and had some really sad moments woven throughout.
Kairos -- holy fuck. YUM. New Book Boyfriend for sure !
Morgan can be infuriating at times, because she is fighting with her heart and her head.
The trails and this Kingdom were so interesting. The characters we meet are likeable and some are down right despicable.
I am intrigued to see where the story goes from here; especially with that ending and what Morgan has 'become'.
amyreadstomuch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brooksie03051's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Blood of a Fae #2 by Briar Boleyn (ARC from NetGalley)
An explosion of danger, powerful magic, lust, and a brutal game that will test the relationships of the people Morgan has grown to care for in this cutthroat realm.
Court of Claws is the second book in this epic dark fantasy romance series about Morgan Le Fay, King Arthur's sister. She escaped his cruel reign, but is the court she unwillingly thrown into any better? It's an enemies-to-lovers series that features unique magic systems, glorious magical creatures, witty banter, and spicy scenes emerging after a slow-burn romance from book one.
Morgan Pendragon wakes in the dangerous court of the Siabra. The fae male who followed and clung to her in the town tavern wasn't all that he seemed. She was falling in love with him until he betrayed her and is now dead by her hand. Draven is famous for being a notorious killer but continuously protects her making her rethink what she thought she knew of him. Whenever she was put in danger, Draven was at her side, but can he still protect her in his courts?
She is now surrounded by danger and liars with some in his court and could be killed at any moment. This is extremely similar to her previous life but . Feeling trapped against her will, Morgan wants to run back to Camelot to stop her evil half brother King Arthur, and keep her baby brother safe but cannot leave the place she was taken. Prince Kairos Draven is determined to keep her by his side to keep her safe and her as his own. He believes he can do this because he is the crown prince and the people in his kingdom should obey his commands. The issue is he was banished for things he did in his past and the fae in this court are less than thrilled to have Morgan in their realm and involved with their prince. He told everyone that Morgan was his paramour (aka lover, mistress, whore) to keep her safe, but his word may not deter others who are bloodthirsty for the crown that is Dravin's right as the heir.
As Morgan and Draven's lives become even more irrevocably entwined, the danger that Draven has to endure with the trials to win the crown may be the end of them both. It is dangerous, and little does Morgan know the reality of her relationship with Draven could drive them apart. She is afraid of her powers and he wants her to train so she can control it better. If she cannot do that, she can potentially hurt innocent people. The Prince of Claws will drown kingdoms in blood for her and his own sake. All they need to do is keep each other alive.
The first book slowly introduces this world and sets up this story to continue Morgan and Draven's journey. It has more action, enemies to lovers, dangerous situations, fantastic magical beasts, and steps up the story. I enjoyed this book infinitely more than the first and found it hard to put down.
An explosion of danger, powerful magic, lust, and a brutal game that will test the relationships of the people Morgan has grown to care for in this cutthroat realm.
Court of Claws is the second book in this epic dark fantasy romance series about Morgan Le Fay, King Arthur's sister. She escaped his cruel reign, but is the court she unwillingly thrown into any better? It's an enemies-to-lovers series that features unique magic systems, glorious magical creatures, witty banter, and spicy scenes emerging after a slow-burn romance from book one.
Morgan Pendragon wakes in the dangerous court of the Siabra. The fae male who followed and clung to her in the town tavern wasn't all that he seemed. She was falling in love with him until he betrayed her and is now dead by her hand. Draven is famous for being a notorious killer but continuously protects her making her rethink what she thought she knew of him. Whenever she was put in danger, Draven was at her side, but can he still protect her in his courts?
She is now surrounded by danger and liars with some in his court and could be killed at any moment. This is extremely similar to her previous life but . Feeling trapped against her will, Morgan wants to run back to Camelot to stop her evil half brother King Arthur, and keep her baby brother safe but cannot leave the place she was taken. Prince Kairos Draven is determined to keep her by his side to keep her safe and her as his own. He believes he can do this because he is the crown prince and the people in his kingdom should obey his commands. The issue is he was banished for things he did in his past and the fae in this court are less than thrilled to have Morgan in their realm and involved with their prince. He told everyone that Morgan was his paramour (aka lover, mistress, whore) to keep her safe, but his word may not deter others who are bloodthirsty for the crown that is Dravin's right as the heir.
As Morgan and Draven's lives become even more irrevocably entwined, the danger that Draven has to endure with the trials to win the crown may be the end of them both. It is dangerous, and little does Morgan know the reality of her relationship with Draven could drive them apart. She is afraid of her powers and he wants her to train so she can control it better. If she cannot do that, she can potentially hurt innocent people. The Prince of Claws will drown kingdoms in blood for her and his own sake. All they need to do is keep each other alive.
The first book slowly introduces this world and sets up this story to continue Morgan and Draven's journey. It has more action, enemies to lovers, dangerous situations, fantastic magical beasts, and steps up the story. I enjoyed this book infinitely more than the first and found it hard to put down.
catiedearest's review
4.0
Love, loss, and everything in between.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Brair Boleyn for the opportunity to read Court of Claws.
Court of Claws was not what I was expecting. Thrilling, adventure, love, and loss all tied up into one book. I started it around 7am this morning and could not put it down. Boleyn does an amazing job with character development and world building. There were some parts that felt a little like Valaris (ACOTAR Night Court) to me which honestly, I loved. She did a wonderful job creating a new world with tropes and ideas used in other popular books.
If you are an ACOTAR fan, I cannot recommend this series enough. Give it a shot and get ready to fall in love with the characters and feel a lot of emotions.
This book is a 4.5 star read for me. My heart was broken by the end but then hope blossomed in the last few pages. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Brair Boleyn for the opportunity to read Court of Claws.
Court of Claws was not what I was expecting. Thrilling, adventure, love, and loss all tied up into one book. I started it around 7am this morning and could not put it down. Boleyn does an amazing job with character development and world building. There were some parts that felt a little like Valaris (ACOTAR Night Court) to me which honestly, I loved. She did a wonderful job creating a new world with tropes and ideas used in other popular books.
If you are an ACOTAR fan, I cannot recommend this series enough. Give it a shot and get ready to fall in love with the characters and feel a lot of emotions.
This book is a 4.5 star read for me. My heart was broken by the end but then hope blossomed in the last few pages. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next.
single_star101's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book was such an improvement from book one. The book was fast paced and everything that happened in the book impacted the characters bringing them together (or apart). It had some really good plot twists and sets up the next book in the series so well.
I mean this in the best way possible but there is no good solution to what comes next in the plot. Draven and Morgan are going to have to make compromises to both their goals and each other to get anything done and I for one cannot wait to see what those choices will be.
I mean this in the best way possible but there is no good solution to what comes next in the plot. Draven and Morgan are going to have to make compromises to both their goals and each other to get anything done and I for one cannot wait to see what those choices will be.
clairereadstoomuch's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
“Thank you NetGalley and the author for an eARC of this book*
Okay well, new world, new characters but at least some of the answers I had from book one were answered.
Let’s start with the plot and the world building. What I said for the first book still stands. I like this new world, the new development and plot points introduced in this book are clear and easy to follow. For the most part.
I have a feeling the author was trying to achieve a big moment when a key element is revealed and everyone is shocked. However, she decides to do so using the miscommunication trope. And that’s when my frustration and discontent stems from.
I have a hug problem with the romance in this book. The two MMCs could be great together. The chemistry is there and the potential as well. What’s in their path you ask? Morgan’s immaturity.
It’s incredibly frustrating how many times she demands answers to her questions and straight up refuses to listen and accept the truth. She also has the annoying habit of stopping Draven from speaking just when he’s about to tell her something important.
By doing this, not only does their relationship feel flat and discontinuous but we also get confused about things that honestly could have been better handled if only she let him speak.
I get her frustration in the beginning and I get her denial after a traumatic event. But then what’s the excuse? Like, grow up and open up your ears girl.
However, the story is fast paced, it’s filled with action and politics and lore which are all elements I enjoy in a romantasy. I’m curious to see how things develop and get resolved but the way we basically are thrown back to square one by the end of the book makes me a bit wary to reach for the next book straight away.
Okay well, new world, new characters but at least some of the answers I had from book one were answered.
Let’s start with the plot and the world building. What I said for the first book still stands. I like this new world, the new development and plot points introduced in this book are clear and easy to follow. For the most part.
I have a feeling the author was trying to achieve a big moment when a key element is revealed and everyone is shocked. However, she decides to do so using the miscommunication trope. And that’s when my frustration and discontent stems from.
I have a hug problem with the romance in this book. The two MMCs could be great together. The chemistry is there and the potential as well. What’s in their path you ask? Morgan’s immaturity.
It’s incredibly frustrating how many times she demands answers to her questions and straight up refuses to listen and accept the truth. She also has the annoying habit of stopping Draven from speaking just when he’s about to tell her something important.
By doing this, not only does their relationship feel flat and discontinuous but we also get confused about things that honestly could have been better handled if only she let him speak.
I get her frustration in the beginning and I get her denial after a traumatic event. But then what’s the excuse? Like, grow up and open up your ears girl.
However, the story is fast paced, it’s filled with action and politics and lore which are all elements I enjoy in a romantasy. I’m curious to see how things develop and get resolved but the way we basically are thrown back to square one by the end of the book makes me a bit wary to reach for the next book straight away.
bibi_reads_writes's review
4.0
“You think knights bear no scars? That they possess no disfigurements? That they are pure and whole?”
Note: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
3.5⭐ I have mixed feelings about this one. The whole time, I thought “Wow this is better than the first one,” with many things I absolutely loved, but at the same time there were too many things that aggravated me—especially when it came to the main characters—to justify giving it a 4-star rating. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading it and I’m looking forward to knowing what happens next!
❤️ World building and evocative descriptions
❤️ Side characters and animal sidekicks
❤️ Jaw-dropping ending
❤️ Pronunciation guide
❌ Immature, annoying FMC
❌ Too much push and pull / slow burn done wrong
❌ Miscommunication Trope / “You Lied to Me!”
Note: Make sure to read the trigger warnings, as there are many and things get pretty dark here and there.
Plot:
Morgan wakes up in a kingdom she never knew existed, with magic everywhere and creatures beyond her wildest dreams. But most of all, she is confined to a bedroom and called the prince’s Paramour as a way to protect her from the many enemies lurking in the ruthless Court of Claws. With her own kingdom waging war on three fronts, Morgan wants to return to Camelot as soon as possible… but her life is irrevocably entwined with the prince’s, and first she will need to help him win his crown.
The pace was a little slow at first, but the world-building and location setting amply compensated. It was such a pleasure to discover the Court of Umbral Flames and meet the new characters with Morgan. The pace picked up as soon as Morgan was allowed to leave her chamber, with lots of action and danger. I felt like the story was more compelling, the stakes higher, than in the first book. It was definitely harder to put down!
Characters:
I feel like the biggest flaw in this series is the main characters as well as their development (or rather, lack of) and interactions. The side characters and sidekicks are all great (I mean, how can one not fall in love with Beks, Hawl, Nightclaw, and Gawain?), but the main characters are just… not. At first, I thought Morgan’s character had improved as compared to the first book. She seemed more assured and discerning, but then she fell in the immature-and-needlessly-defiant FMC trap. I should have counted how many times she says “I hate you” when Draven is just trying to help or protect her. Urgh. And Draven really does try to help and protect her, but in all the wrong ways. So much conflict could have been avoided if he simply chose to be more transparent, to explain. Why all the secrets? Why not tell her everything?! But I guess that would have ruined the slow burn / hate to love trope… All the push and pull between the main characters was tiresome and took away from the plot.
Writing:
The world-building and the place/clothing descriptions were pure gold—vivid, lyrical, immersive. I feel like Boleyn stepped up with this one, and I enjoyed her prose.
Note: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
3.5⭐ I have mixed feelings about this one. The whole time, I thought “Wow this is better than the first one,” with many things I absolutely loved, but at the same time there were too many things that aggravated me—especially when it came to the main characters—to justify giving it a 4-star rating. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading it and I’m looking forward to knowing what happens next!
❤️ World building and evocative descriptions
❤️ Side characters and animal sidekicks
❤️ Jaw-dropping ending
❤️ Pronunciation guide
❌ Immature, annoying FMC
❌ Too much push and pull / slow burn done wrong
❌ Miscommunication Trope / “You Lied to Me!”
Note: Make sure to read the trigger warnings, as there are many and things get pretty dark here and there.
Plot:
Morgan wakes up in a kingdom she never knew existed, with magic everywhere and creatures beyond her wildest dreams. But most of all, she is confined to a bedroom and called the prince’s Paramour as a way to protect her from the many enemies lurking in the ruthless Court of Claws. With her own kingdom waging war on three fronts, Morgan wants to return to Camelot as soon as possible… but her life is irrevocably entwined with the prince’s, and first she will need to help him win his crown.
The pace was a little slow at first, but the world-building and location setting amply compensated. It was such a pleasure to discover the Court of Umbral Flames and meet the new characters with Morgan. The pace picked up as soon as Morgan was allowed to leave her chamber, with lots of action and danger. I felt like the story was more compelling, the stakes higher, than in the first book. It was definitely harder to put down!
Characters:
I feel like the biggest flaw in this series is the main characters as well as their development (or rather, lack of) and interactions. The side characters and sidekicks are all great (I mean, how can one not fall in love with Beks, Hawl, Nightclaw, and Gawain?), but the main characters are just… not. At first, I thought Morgan’s character had improved as compared to the first book. She seemed more assured and discerning, but then she fell in the immature-and-needlessly-defiant FMC trap. I should have counted how many times she says “I hate you” when Draven is just trying to help or protect her. Urgh. And Draven really does try to help and protect her, but in all the wrong ways. So much conflict could have been avoided if he simply chose to be more transparent, to explain. Why all the secrets? Why not tell her everything?! But I guess that would have ruined the slow burn / hate to love trope… All the push and pull between the main characters was tiresome and took away from the plot.
Writing:
The world-building and the place/clothing descriptions were pure gold—vivid, lyrical, immersive. I feel like Boleyn stepped up with this one, and I enjoyed her prose.
xxflowerbabyreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-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
4.0
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boelyn for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, found family, slow burn, touch her and you die, spicy fantasy.
Book two starts off sort of slow placed like book one and then it slowly picks up speed and from there it’s fast paced. I absolutely loved the banter between Morgan and Draven. Morgan’s sarcasm never failed to make me laugh. I LOVED learning more about both Draven’s and Morgans heritages, Morgan’s just absolutely blew my mind, all of my theories were promptly thrown out the window. I spent the whole book rooting for Draven whom I fell in love with in pretty early on in book one. At times I really felt like Morgan was fighting him a little too hard on everything and her defiance almost started to annoy me, but at the same time Draven has always been mysterious and secretive so I just had to keep reminding myself her perspective of him was different and her experiences were very different than mine. I just felt like you could tell how much he feels for her through all of his actions and my heart was breaking for the man. When the spice finally hit I wasn’t expecting dravin to have such a dirty mouth, HOT DAMN. Once again I didn’t see all of the plot twists that came my way and I really didn’t expect the cliffhanger at the end. I can’t wait to start the third book!!
Tropes: enemies to lovers, found family, slow burn, touch her and you die, spicy fantasy.
Book two starts off sort of slow placed like book one and then it slowly picks up speed and from there it’s fast paced. I absolutely loved the banter between Morgan and Draven. Morgan’s sarcasm never failed to make me laugh. I LOVED learning more about both Draven’s and Morgans heritages, Morgan’s just absolutely blew my mind, all of my theories were promptly thrown out the window. I spent the whole book rooting for Draven whom I fell in love with in pretty early on in book one. At times I really felt like Morgan was fighting him a little too hard on everything and her defiance almost started to annoy me, but at the same time Draven has always been mysterious and secretive so I just had to keep reminding myself her perspective of him was different and her experiences were very different than mine. I just felt like you could tell how much he feels for her through all of his actions and my heart was breaking for the man. When the spice finally hit I wasn’t expecting dravin to have such a dirty mouth, HOT DAMN. Once again I didn’t see all of the plot twists that came my way and I really didn’t expect the cliffhanger at the end. I can’t wait to start the third book!!