The Dark Days Club

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?

Goodman's research into Regency society really shines throughout the book. Attention is paid to "the ton", fashions, publications, etc. Important figures of the era appear: Lord Byron and his lover Caroline Lamb, Beau Brummell, quite a few artists.

Helen is a fabulous heroine because, even though she's curious about everything, fairly ballsy, and can throw a man to the floor, she remains firmly rooted in the period. For example, she doesn't sigh and whine about needlework, because it's simply a part of her life. And, of course, she's clever and all that other good stuff.

LORD CARLSTON *shrill yelling* I mean, he's pretty ok I guess. Dastardly and cinnamon roll-y at the same time. Damn him to hell. *more yelling, show more punctuated by crying* F%$&ing LORD CARLSTON

Also, a huge cast of excellent supporting characters.

I really loved the world-building (besides the well-researched historical bits I mean). It's pretty straightforward and uncluttered. Goodman doesn't suddenly throw a thousand kinds of magical creatures at you. "Oh there are demons. AND ALSO WITCHES AND VAMPIRES AND FAIRIES AND..." None of that (it's not always bad, but more often than not it feels overdone). The demonic classifications didn't come across as stupid-sounding, and they're pretty kick-ass/terrifying. Magical items, some alchemy....it's easy to follow and a delight.

The book starts off pretty slowly, but I didn't mind that at all. A good change from being 15 pages in and having your heroine already inducted into a secret society and battling the bloodthirsty hordes. There isn't a lot of touchy-feely romance (THERE IS SOME DEFINITE DEMON-KILLING-FUELED STEAM IN A FEW PLACES THOUGH), probably to stay true to the era, where almost everything was improper when within 2 feet of the opposite sex. Also fine. I NEED THE REST OF THE SERIES ASAP THOUGH BECAUSE THE SLOWBURN ROMANCE I CAN FEEL COMING IS KILLING ME. But it's fine.

So: well-researched and bursting with historical detail, a perfect (but not in the annoying way) heroine, a ridiculously villainous (tasty, not-so-villainous) lord, a wealth of other amazing characters, world-building to die for.

READ IT. show less

Wow. That's good. I've been recommending it all over the place... The Regency details are fantastic; some of them disagree with what I "know" from reading Regency romances, but they work so smoothly that instead of doubting the author's research, I'm doubting all the previous Regencies I've read. It's not a period I've ever researched independently. The magic aspect is fascinating - and works smoothly with the Regency characters. Lady Helen is a perfectly ordinary young noblewoman, and when she discovers she has special powers and that she's needed to fight a terrible foe - her first thought is that fighting isn't appropriate for a lady. She's not a modern girl in Regency dress; she's been thoroughly taught manners and propriety of the show more period, and has to make her choices with that information and attitude. I was pretty sure Lord Carlston had bigger secrets than even Lady Helen attributed to him - but the short story at the end, from his point of view (the novel is entirely Lady Helen) gave me quite a bit of info I was not expecting. I started reading rather wincingly - I dislike horror, and this sounded (from the blurb) like it could slide too far in that direction. It doesn't, for me, because Helen always makes her own choices - she's never, or hardly ever, helpless. Actually, the only times she's helpless is in the face of her uncle and aunt - the Deceivers are easier to deal with. It's a very long book, but once I got into it I didn't notice - the story swept me up. And I am definitely looking forward to the next one. show less

Oh Alison Goodman, how I love your beautiful, beautiful stories.

My biggest complaint about The Dark Days Club was the constant reminder that there was >>something curious
However, once we got to the halfway mark, I found that I was very forgiving of the first 30% of the book. Things happened, and they started happening quickly. We're introduced to a secret world of demon hunters who are intent on saving 19th century London from demons who have found a way to blend within societies ranks.

I enjoyed that, intermingled within the plot, were actual people and places that existed during that era, with a little bit of the Dark Days Club twist. I also loved that, while there is that undertone of romance, it doesn't overwhelm the plot. For that show more matter, I can't say that the first installment of The Dark Days Club has a solid romance - though, perhaps, the intent of one. There was also a shadow of a love triangle, but nothing tangible - or unbelievable enough - for me to dislike it (it fit the era and fit the plot).

I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for book two! show less

This book is rich is descriptive historical details and while I could see that causing the story to drag, it only added to my reading experience. Seriously, the level of research that went to this book is incredible (just read the authors note at the end to see what I mean).

I also really love our main character- Helen's hesitancy at risking her entire reputation, family's reputation, life and soul is entirely believable and seems far more likely than the numerous other headstrong heroines who simply embrace their supernatural destinies with no care to the lifelong consequences.

Carlston is supremely intriguing- dark and dangerous with an edge of irredeemability that Helen (and the reader) still longs to redeem. Their slow-burn will show more hopefully be as well done over the rest of the series as it was in this first installment.

I love Darby and the friendship between her and Helen-- something I did miss in this book was the one dimensional friendship that we see between Helen and Millicent- for purported best-friendship Helen confides very little in her (but then again, considering the level to which young ladies were chaperoned, it would make far more sense for Helen to be closer with a maid she sees every day within the privacy of her rooms versus a friend she may only see once a week or so and then always in the public eye).

Overall the supernatural elements kept me guessing as Goodman laid out the world's rules for Helen and the readers. This book does involve a lot of telling and a lot of Helen not yet harnessing her true powers- but that leaves me extremely excited for the sequel with Helen finally free to train and to truly exercise the extent of her abilities. show less

I enjoyed this heaps. It's a subjective five-star, but I heartily recommend this to those who think Regency demon-wrangling with some romance on the side sounds like their cup of tea. Because this is just plain great tea.

Helen is a great heroine, both sensible and sensitive, wrestling with what a woman can and cannot do, but not wanting to be too outrageous, thank you very much. (When young ladies are told so much to "be yourself", it's good to read a book where a young lady wrestles so thoroughly and believably with just what "herself" might be.) The fantasy is dark (and tentacled without being ridiculous) and the Regency details are frothy (and copious) but also include a lot of the grit that Austen elides (including Luddite riots and show more political assassinations that I had not known about before now - yay learning something new). show less

Not my usual type of story but you know the lengths I will go to complete a challenge:) At least I did start with book 1. This is a regency romance and dark fantasy, filled with mystery, dangerous secrets, rivalry, and lust. Yeah...lots of lust but toned down quite a bit. I liked Helen more than I thought I would. She's quick, witty, curious, loyal and strong. Unlike some heroines she is also rational and just cautious enough, without being paranoid. She thinks for herself and is willing to entertain the ideas of the impossible. When she is revealed to have "gifts" she never dreamed were possible she finds that she is forced to make a choice: choosing the life she's always believed she'd have or one in which she would be able serve a show more greater purpose but would mean her life would be in constant danger. As Helen reasons..."Sometimes there is no right choice". We also have a colorful cast of back-up characters...the mysterious, dark, and handsome, and commanding Lord Carlston...the witty, kind and loving Duke of Selburn... and the fiercely loyal, sassy, willful Darby. However, there still remains many unanswered questions and the battle against good and evil is only just beginning. I believe it will continue without me though. show less

Well, this was delightful. A proper Regency novel with the added thrill of a bit of spirited demon hunting. Helen makes for a charming heroine, with a curiosity and intellect to make her interesting, yet enough deference to societal norms and expectations to make her believable. Lord Carlston is your standard enigmatic gentleman, with the added bonus of respect for a woman that can hold her own and studly demon wrangling skills.

It's the early 19th century in London and Lady Helen is a typical high society woman coming of age. Her days are a constant barrage of balls, social calls, demure ladylike activities, and shopping excursions. She's hoping to secure a marriage with one affable and irresistible Duke of Selburn and get out from show more beneath the domineering thumb of her uncle, but the world may have something else in store for her. Helen unexpectedly finds herself developing unexplainable abilities as she's thrust into a life of dark alleys, grievous secrets, and dangerous creatures; caught between the choice of the secure life of a high society woman her mother was never able to have and one of great peril, yet even greater purpose.

An alluring story with a slow start, but plenty of action as it develops further. Goodman's research skills are impeccable, with enough fine detail to satisfy any Regency buff, and her representation of genuine female friendship a breath of fresh air. Thrilled the second installment will be released next month. show less