A review by brooksie03051
Court of Claws by Briar Boleyn

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.