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brokenrecord's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. I liked this, but I did have one kind of major complaint, so I ended up not enjoying this as much as the first two books in the series.
(and it turned out she was dead the whole time anyways, so it didn't really make a difference if she was a Deceiver prior to her death or not, since all of that happened prior to the start of the series, so that bothered me less). I just liked the idea of Selburn genuinely liking Helen and wanting to be with her and it not being part of some grand scheme, but that she'd end up choosing Carlston anyways. And he was nice enough in the first book, but he got more and more annoying in the second book, and then even worse in the third book, but even then, I still wanted him to just be an ordinary human. But of course he was a Deceiver. I knew it was coming, especially the second they started talking about the male/female Deceiver dyad, I was like, "So, Elise and Selburn, right?" And, pretty much. idk, I just found it frustrating because it was such a cop-out way to get rid of Selburn. I will say that I didn't see the twist about Elise not being alive after all coming, so that was good at least.
I did still really enjoy Carlston and Helen a lot, although I would've liked a LITTLE more at the end between them.
I mean, this was definitely enjoyable, I didn't find it hard to get through, but the ending was just a little disappointing overall. But still a good series on the whole.
Spoiler
Since basically the first book I had been hoping that Selburn wouldn't be evil, not because I loved him and wanted Helen and him to be together (I was firmly in favor of Helen/Carlston, of course), but because it just seemed way too OBVIOUS and easy for him to be a Deceiver. Same for Elise, although I cared less about her just because she was not much of a character(and it turned out she was dead the whole time anyways, so it didn't really make a difference if she was a Deceiver prior to her death or not, since all of that happened prior to the start of the series, so that bothered me less). I just liked the idea of Selburn genuinely liking Helen and wanting to be with her and it not being part of some grand scheme, but that she'd end up choosing Carlston anyways. And he was nice enough in the first book, but he got more and more annoying in the second book, and then even worse in the third book, but even then, I still wanted him to just be an ordinary human. But of course he was a Deceiver. I knew it was coming, especially the second they started talking about the male/female Deceiver dyad, I was like, "So, Elise and Selburn, right?" And, pretty much. idk, I just found it frustrating because it was such a cop-out way to get rid of Selburn. I will say that I didn't see the twist about Elise not being alive after all coming, so that was good at least.
I did still really enjoy Carlston and Helen a lot, although I would've liked a LITTLE more at the end between them.
Spoiler
It somehow felt abrupt, even though the book was plenty long. I mean, I know they had already basically agreed to marry non-verbally before the thing with Carlston having a son, but still, it would've been nice to have a little more at the end. But I did love all their non-verbal communication, and the moment before they're going after what they think is the Grand Deceiver, and she finally tells him she loves him, and they kiss — that was lovely. I also really enjoyed Darby and her relationship with Helen, as always, and her wedding with Quinn was very sweet.I mean, this was definitely enjoyable, I didn't find it hard to get through, but the ending was just a little disappointing overall. But still a good series on the whole.
raadelma's review against another edition
5.0
What a brilliant finale to one of my favorite series - The Dark Days Deceit was everything I wanted and more. Everything came together satisfyingly, with some great plot twists and revelations that made me cry both sad and happy tears. It's clear how much Helen and the others have gone through since the first book, and how much she, especially, has grown.
Her relationship with Carlston has evolved too, and it was joy to read about their interactions - not only because of the aching slow burn romance (I will probably tear up whenever I hear 'amore mio' now), but because they truly are equals in this book, giving each other confidence and comfort and companionship. Just... so, so good. Of course there were other important relationships as well - Helen and Darby, Darby and Quinn.... It was also great to see Helen and her aunt coming to an understanding. She is a strong woman in her own right, just as Helen. (Also, Hammond was amazing as always).
All in all, I loved this book so much, and will miss Helen and Carlston all the other main characters terribly. As satisfying as the ending was, I wouldn't also mind some kind of continuation,
Her relationship with Carlston has evolved too, and it was joy to read about their interactions - not only because of the aching slow burn romance (I will probably tear up whenever I hear 'amore mio' now), but because they truly are equals in this book, giving each other confidence and comfort and companionship. Just... so, so good. Of course there were other important relationships as well - Helen and Darby, Darby and Quinn.... It was also great to see Helen and her aunt coming to an understanding. She is a strong woman in her own right, just as Helen. (Also, Hammond was amazing as always).
All in all, I loved this book so much, and will miss Helen and Carlston all the other main characters terribly. As satisfying as the ending was, I wouldn't also mind some kind of continuation,
Spoiler
given the way the last chapter left some kind possibility to it.kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, actually.
In this third installment of Regency England house party with demon-fighting secret society, we have Lord Carlston and Helen bonded as the Grand Retriever dyad, fighting off feelings as Helen is about to get married to Lord Selburn.
But in the last book Helen also got tangled up with a powerful dark force that causes her to lose control of her powers somewhat.
Hmmm….lots of waiting around in this one. Lots of going from London to Chenwith (Lord Selburn’s estate) or sending of aides or relatives one place or another. Lots of talking about a dark force bursting through Helen’s mind while she simultaneously is pressured to quite the Dark Days society entirely.
Lots of protective men for some odd reason being okay with various women putting themselves in mega danger with the excuse of “I understand.”
It was slow. And a bit repetitive until finally the Grand Deceiver makes a move. (they also find an old and wise deceiver in Bath who apparently ……doesn’t attack them? Is willing to give them info against its own race? what?)
So didn’t enjoy this one as much as the prior books. I felt like the author had to manufacture alot of running around for just one secret reveal, really, that if you are a romance fan, seemed like it had to be obvious for a happy ending.
In this third installment of Regency England house party with demon-fighting secret society, we have Lord Carlston and Helen bonded as the Grand Retriever dyad, fighting off feelings as Helen is about to get married to Lord Selburn.
But in the last book Helen also got tangled up with a powerful dark force that causes her to lose control of her powers somewhat.
Hmmm….lots of waiting around in this one. Lots of going from London to Chenwith (Lord Selburn’s estate) or sending of aides or relatives one place or another. Lots of talking about a dark force bursting through Helen’s mind while she simultaneously is pressured to quite the Dark Days society entirely.
Lots of protective men for some odd reason being okay with various women putting themselves in mega danger with the excuse of “I understand.”
It was slow. And a bit repetitive until finally the Grand Deceiver makes a move. (they also find an old and wise deceiver in Bath who apparently ……doesn’t attack them? Is willing to give them info against its own race? what?)
So didn’t enjoy this one as much as the prior books. I felt like the author had to manufacture alot of running around for just one secret reveal, really, that if you are a romance fan, seemed like it had to be obvious for a happy ending.
ashleyreadsanything's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
thebitsnbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
may_12's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
2.0
The first book in this series was so fun and interesting. The second book lost some of its umph. This final book was not all I hoped it would be. I figured out the big twist before the end of the last book and it drug all the way through this one. I loved the idea and the characters but the story fell flat
nathaliesdv's review against another edition
4.0
Right after finishing this book i gave it 4 stars. I really enjoyed this series. The world building is well done and the magic system is really interesting. But now, one day later its more of a 3 star book for me. And here is why:
Spoilers ahead.
After 3 books of pining and the world biggest slow burn romance it ends with... wel almost nothing? The romance is concluded in 4 sentences. (4!!!) Barely any closure. This makes it feel unfinished for me. I've read the whole series in 1 week for the most unsatisfying ending ever.
Spoilers ahead.
Spoiler
After 3 books of pining and the world biggest slow burn romance it ends with... wel almost nothing? The romance is concluded in 4 sentences. (4!!!) Barely any closure. This makes it feel unfinished for me. I've read the whole series in 1 week for the most unsatisfying ending ever.
bonjour11111's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.5