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brokenrecord's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. I continue to really enjoy this series. I liked seeing Helen kind of come into her own as she becomes more experienced in this world, and I also continue to really enjoy the dynamic between her and Carlston. And the friendship between Helen and Darby is always super excellent. Basically, this was a really excellent sequel, and I'm excited for the series to continue.
Spoiler
I was definitely suspicious when I read the first book and throughout this one that Carlston's wife would turn out to be both alive and evil, so I was pleased to see my instincts were correct. I have a feeling she'll also be involved with the whole magical world and will turn out not to just be a French spy, but we'll see, I could be wrong!tehani's review against another edition
4.0
The last quarter of the book was page-turningly gripping!
kblincoln's review against another edition
5.0
No second book slump here-- Goodman ups the ante for all characters involved. Indeed, I've never seen such outright author glee in twisting the angst screws onto all her main characters.
Lady Helen is now a full member of the Dark Days Club and training with the stern, handsome, and weary-with-pain Lord Carlston. She and her servant, Darby, are close to becoming ready to become a full-fledged Reclaimer (killer of the Deceivers who inhabit human bodies) and Terrene (human who keeps the Reclaimer from going crazy with Deceiver energy when they kill them) duo.
But things get complicated quickly. Remember those angst screws I was talking about? Well, besides the fact that Lord Carlston is married, and that he seems to be succumbing to Deceiver-energy madness, and Helen is still being courted by a Duke, it seems that there is a pesky rule in place about Reclaimers being forbidden to love. And then there's a mysterious journal Helen has to get without Carlston knowing, and then there's the budding love between Darby and Carlston's servant that has to be quashed, and society is getting scandalized by Helen's public displays of strength and speed.....
But what makes this series stand out for me, besides the deliciously devilish ways in which Helen and Carlston are prevented from being together, is the obvious research that went into this book.
Many times historical romance or steampunky romance is more made-up than historical. This one is not. There's a little girl from a bawdy house who uses authentic-sounding street-cant. A characters with a profession (dipping people into the sea at Brighton) that I'd never heard of. And a scene where Darby dresses Helen for the first time as a man wherein I learned more about period dress (who knew those long shirt fronts were tucked between the legs in order to keep the family jewels stable?) than I ever have.
I'm eager for the third installment. There are so many issues (and a delicious situation wherein Helen and Carlston are drawn irresistably together but can't actually BE together) to be resolved that I'm worried for them all. I've got my fingers crossed for a happy ending, but I know it will be a fun ride no matter what happens.
Lady Helen is now a full member of the Dark Days Club and training with the stern, handsome, and weary-with-pain Lord Carlston. She and her servant, Darby, are close to becoming ready to become a full-fledged Reclaimer (killer of the Deceivers who inhabit human bodies) and Terrene (human who keeps the Reclaimer from going crazy with Deceiver energy when they kill them) duo.
But things get complicated quickly. Remember those angst screws I was talking about? Well, besides the fact that Lord Carlston is married, and that he seems to be succumbing to Deceiver-energy madness, and Helen is still being courted by a Duke, it seems that there is a pesky rule in place about Reclaimers being forbidden to love. And then there's a mysterious journal Helen has to get without Carlston knowing, and then there's the budding love between Darby and Carlston's servant that has to be quashed, and society is getting scandalized by Helen's public displays of strength and speed.....
But what makes this series stand out for me, besides the deliciously devilish ways in which Helen and Carlston are prevented from being together, is the obvious research that went into this book.
Many times historical romance or steampunky romance is more made-up than historical. This one is not. There's a little girl from a bawdy house who uses authentic-sounding street-cant. A characters with a profession (dipping people into the sea at Brighton) that I'd never heard of. And a scene where Darby dresses Helen for the first time as a man wherein I learned more about period dress (who knew those long shirt fronts were tucked between the legs in order to keep the family jewels stable?) than I ever have.
I'm eager for the third installment. There are so many issues (and a delicious situation wherein Helen and Carlston are drawn irresistably together but can't actually BE together) to be resolved that I'm worried for them all. I've got my fingers crossed for a happy ending, but I know it will be a fun ride no matter what happens.
emmascc's review against another edition
5.0
OH MY GOD THAT WAS INTENSE I NEED TO CALM DOWN ALSO I HATE SELBURN SO MUCH CAN HE LEAVE ALREADY AND STAY FAR AWAY FROM HELEN
malglories's review against another edition
4.0
This was ridiculously stressful. Which I suppose is a good thing, but this much tension, so many problems - Goodman is not merciful, whatsoever, to her characters. I don't know how I made it through.
french_yak's review against another edition
3.0
I'm really enjoying this series! Lady Helen is a lovely main character and the world of reclaimers and decivers is so interesting. I like how she has to work around the conventions of the time and yet it doesn't seem too ridiculous!
I highly recommend this series!
I highly recommend this series!
hijinx_abound's review against another edition
3.0
Although I really enjoy these books, the lack of communication between the main characters drives me batty. I realize it is a different period in history and women are not quite as free in what they say but dang. I continue to enjoy Helen and her steadfast desire to protect and serve while finding her way in a strange new environment. I love Darby and her loyalty. The men aggravate me but I'm sure there were a lot of societal rules that hindered them.
Dipping was interesting as I had no idea what it was and that the author based her character on a real woman is awesome.
This book was a good solid addition to the story and although I had already figured out a big plot point, I enjoyed it.
I am looking forward to the next book.
Dipping was interesting as I had no idea what it was and that the author based her character on a real woman is awesome.
This book was a good solid addition to the story and although I had already figured out a big plot point, I enjoyed it.
I am looking forward to the next book.
bethrb's review
5.0
Damn that bloody Duke. Can't take no for an answer and suffers no consequence for his actions.
darquedreamer's review against another edition
5.0
The Dark Days Pact is riveting and heart-pumping! You will be kept on the edge of your seat. This second installment of the series is better than the first!
The Plot: Two months have passed since Lady Helen's world of High Society has been turned upside down. With scandal hanging over her, she has left her family to stay with Lady Margaret and Mr. Hammond in Brighton to begin her training as a Reclaimer under the tutelage of the dark and mysterious Lord Carlston. She must learn how to fully harness and use her abilities, as well as learning the art of alchemy, combat, and becoming accustomed to disguising herself as a man. It is during her training that unforeseen, dangerous events unfold, telling of a journal called the Ligatus, that is not only full of secrets, but can be used to the advantage of The Grand Deceiver. Can Lady Helen find this journal before the deceivers do? And, what of the sudden darkness and fits of violence being exhibited by Lord Carlston?
I think I must have held my breathe for, at least, the last 50 pages. What an action packed ride this was! The Dark Days Pact held all the same time period and character details, but was much faster paced than The Dark Days Pact. I enjoyed witnessing Lady Helen's training and felt like she began to adventure out "Sherlock Holmes" style in her investigations. This second book was quite comical (in a good way) at times, and was also full of scandal and betrayal. The concept of duty, for The Dark Days Club, was highly reinforced here, and the plot and some of the new characters introduced more doubt and suspicion to the story.
We are introduced to Ignatious Pike in this second book. Pike comes off as one of the main antagonists. He is sexist, homophobic, hateful, and devious. He plays a large role in the story, and I am sure we will see more of him in book 3.
We are also introduced to Reclaimer Stokes and Comte d'Antraigues. Both are somewhat mysterious characters, but play equally large parts in the story. Stokes becomes somewhat of an ally but still maintains his club duties, and the Comte, a deceiver, actually plays a beneficial role to our heroes, which is very intriguing.
I finished this book much faster than the first, and now I am so upset knowing I have to wait almost a whole year for the 3rd book! Alison Goodman did an AMAZING job in keeping with the time period and character development. The story line is progressing fabulously and I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath during much of this book!
The Plot: Two months have passed since Lady Helen's world of High Society has been turned upside down. With scandal hanging over her, she has left her family to stay with Lady Margaret and Mr. Hammond in Brighton to begin her training as a Reclaimer under the tutelage of the dark and mysterious Lord Carlston. She must learn how to fully harness and use her abilities, as well as learning the art of alchemy, combat, and becoming accustomed to disguising herself as a man. It is during her training that unforeseen, dangerous events unfold, telling of a journal called the Ligatus, that is not only full of secrets, but can be used to the advantage of The Grand Deceiver. Can Lady Helen find this journal before the deceivers do? And, what of the sudden darkness and fits of violence being exhibited by Lord Carlston?
I think I must have held my breathe for, at least, the last 50 pages. What an action packed ride this was! The Dark Days Pact held all the same time period and character details, but was much faster paced than The Dark Days Pact. I enjoyed witnessing Lady Helen's training and felt like she began to adventure out "Sherlock Holmes" style in her investigations. This second book was quite comical (in a good way) at times, and was also full of scandal and betrayal. The concept of duty, for The Dark Days Club, was highly reinforced here, and the plot and some of the new characters introduced more doubt and suspicion to the story.
We are introduced to Ignatious Pike in this second book. Pike comes off as one of the main antagonists. He is sexist, homophobic, hateful, and devious. He plays a large role in the story, and I am sure we will see more of him in book 3.
We are also introduced to Reclaimer Stokes and Comte d'Antraigues. Both are somewhat mysterious characters, but play equally large parts in the story. Stokes becomes somewhat of an ally but still maintains his club duties, and the Comte, a deceiver, actually plays a beneficial role to our heroes, which is very intriguing.
I finished this book much faster than the first, and now I am so upset knowing I have to wait almost a whole year for the 3rd book! Alison Goodman did an AMAZING job in keeping with the time period and character development. The story line is progressing fabulously and I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath during much of this book!
kellijean83's review against another edition
5.0
I truly adore this series. Ms. Goldman puts so much research and thought into the world that she has created. It’s such a great mixture of historical fact and fantastical elements. Can’t wait to read the next one!!