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A review by thebookishunicorn
The Dark Days Deceit by Alison Goodman
4.0
Actual rating 3.5 stars
"When the earth is fractured, and the poison pours forth, bring the blood, bring the bone, bring the dead."
Like the previous two entries in the Lady Helen series, this book is full of historical accuracy and Georgian mannerisms. I really loved how researched these books were, down to the most inconsequential things, making the reader feel as though they were actually there. Even though there was so much detail, and so much going on with the plot, these books still manage to read very quickly.
I felt that this was a satisfying ending to the whole series, wrapping up all the loose threads from the second book and answering all of our questions. I was really looking forward to the end of this series, it didn't really have the pizzazz I was hoping it would have. The ending felt almost rushed, and was kind of predictable, even though this was over 500 pages long!
Helen ended up becoming a little boring in this last volume, having a lot of the same thoughts over and over again about her training, and her wants in life. But thankfully that was of balanced by the amazing cast of side characters, especially Darby, Helen's handmaid and Terrene. Darby really grows into her role in this book and really, just stole my heart.
Overall I would say this series is worth your time if you like really detailed historical fiction with some dark fantasy thrown in!
*****MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW *****
BUT I was surprised that Delia was initially the other half of the Grand Deceiver, before she died and jumped into Margaret's body, I did not see that coming. I do think that maybe Delia should have lived and revealed herself as one half, it would have been more of a emotional blow.
I am also just so sad that Margaret died, she was so awesome and such a strong female character, even in this male dominated world.
"When the earth is fractured, and the poison pours forth, bring the blood, bring the bone, bring the dead."
Like the previous two entries in the Lady Helen series, this book is full of historical accuracy and Georgian mannerisms. I really loved how researched these books were, down to the most inconsequential things, making the reader feel as though they were actually there. Even though there was so much detail, and so much going on with the plot, these books still manage to read very quickly.
I felt that this was a satisfying ending to the whole series, wrapping up all the loose threads from the second book and answering all of our questions. I was really looking forward to the end of this series, it didn't really have the pizzazz I was hoping it would have. The ending felt almost rushed, and was kind of predictable, even though this was over 500 pages long!
Helen ended up becoming a little boring in this last volume, having a lot of the same thoughts over and over again about her training, and her wants in life. But thankfully that was of balanced by the amazing cast of side characters, especially Darby, Helen's handmaid and Terrene. Darby really grows into her role in this book and really, just stole my heart.
Overall I would say this series is worth your time if you like really detailed historical fiction with some dark fantasy thrown in!
*****MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW *****
Spoiler
One of the major things I was able to predict was that Selburn ended up being one half of the Grand Deceiver. I started having my suspicions in the second book and thought it was weird that no one thought he could possibly be one. His actions were so odd at times, especially with how obsessed he was with Helen.BUT I was surprised that Delia was initially the other half of the Grand Deceiver, before she died and jumped into Margaret's body, I did not see that coming. I do think that maybe Delia should have lived and revealed herself as one half, it would have been more of a emotional blow.
I am also just so sad that Margaret died, she was so awesome and such a strong female character, even in this male dominated world.