Sunday, November 29, 2015

Review and Giveaway: The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman


The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman
Book One of The Dark Days Club series
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC sent by the publisher

Summary (from Goodreads):

London, April 1812. On the eve of eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall’s presentation to the queen, one of her family’s housemaids disappears-and Helen is drawn into the shadows of Regency London. There, she meets Lord Carlston, one of the few who can stop the perpetrators: a cabal of demons infiltrating every level of society. Dare she ask for his help, when his reputation is almost as black as his lingering eyes? And will her intelligence and headstrong curiosity wind up leading them into a death trap?

What I Liked:

Whew! What a read! This book is a doozy - very long, but worth every page. I tucked in for a good read, and I got what I was looking for. I've been waiting for this book for nearly three years (according to Goodreads, anyway). I read Eon and Eona as a young teen (probably around fourteen, fifteen?), so reading The Dark Days Club was really exciting for me (I'm twenty now, random tidbit). Waiting for a new book by Alison Goodman has not been easy!

Lady Helen Wrexhall is about to make her debut at the royal court of George III, in front of the queen. Her aunt and uncle want her to secure a good future, and being presented and recognized by the queen will aid the process - and hopefully ward off the taint of Helen's mother's actions from the past. Lady Catherine was wild and unrestrained, and Helen's uncle is happy that Lady Catherine and her husband died years ago. But Helen is finding that she might be more like her mother than she thought. Her instincts have been getting sharper, and she's has been noticing odd things. It seems that the dangerous and mysterious Lord Carlston is the one who has answers, who knows what she is and what she is seeing. When worlds collide - the glittering world of Regency London, and the shadowy world of demons - Helen's life will never be the same.

You all know how much I love adult historical romance novels. Yup, you know the type - the ones with the shirtless males and ball-gown-clad females on the cover. This book is set during the same time as many of those historical romance novels - Regency London, the 1800s. I LOVE historical romance novels, a lot of which is due to the time period. Historical fiction in general (not just romance) set in the 1800s has always fascinated me. I love that Goodman set this series during the 1800s, and had so much fun doing the research for it! She did a stunning job with the setting, and world-building. 

The 1800s can be so restricting, especially in a YA novel with a female as the protagonist. Goodman really set up the world in an authentic manner; Helen's life must revolve around attending social events, balls, gowns, and securing a future match. Helen's uncle controls every aspect of her life, including her inheritance, until she either marries, or turns twenty-five. Scary thought, right? I didn't like Helen's uncle at all, and I thought her aunt was ridiculous (but she had good intentions). Helen's brother is SUCH a young lord in the 1800s (carefree, privileged, has no idea how lucky he is to have his freedom - freedom a young woman does not have in this time period). Same with his nice friend Selburn - he's nice, but I don't trust me. I did like Helen's friend Millicent, and Helen's maid Darby. Go Darby!

I really liked Helen - she's a different sort of character in YA. She's intelligent and curious and witty, which is not typical of a girl in the 1800s (they're not supposed to be smart - rather, they should be pretty, well-mannered dolls, ready for marriage and children). She IS well-mannered, and I'm sure she's pretty (Goodman never made physical appearance a big deal, which I thought was refreshing!). I like that Helen takes steps to protect herself, and her maid Darby, when she finds out what she is and what she can do. She doesn't immediately jump into the cause, which you see so many girls in YA lit do, when they find out that they're different.

So what IS Lady Helen? It turns out that her mother, Lady Catherine, was a demon hunter, with enhanced senses, instincts, reflexes, and the ability to see demons (with some aids). Helen is born with those abilities, and her powers are slowly awakening. Lord Carlston, an Earl, has recently come back to London - as it would turn out, to hunt demons, but also to seek out Helen.

Lord Carlston is known for supposedly killing his wife. No body was found, so this wasn't proven, but all of London is quite sure that he killed her. The young Earl is cold and seems savage, but it isn't until he shows Helen what SHE is that she understands why he is so. He's a Reclaimer as well, and he wants Helen to join him in taking demons' power to destroy them.

I like Lord Carlston. He's generally very misunderstood (poor guy) and seems like a good man. We don't get to know all of his secrets in this book, but we do get to see a lot of his personality. He protects Lady Helen at every turn, no matter her thoughts on The Dark Days Club (those who hunt the demons). Lady Helen is reluctant to join (which is so reasonable), and it's respectable that Lord Carlston does not push her.

I've seen some people asking if this book is similar to Susan Dennard's debut trilogy, but I personally don't think so. There are no zombies in this book, and I feel like Lady Helen's life is MUCH more rigid and restricted than Eleanor's. Lady Helen is a very high-ranking lady in society, with a hefty inheritance. Her brother is Lord Hayden, another noble, and he is good friends with a Duke, Selburn. Even Lord Carlston is an Earl. I don't really think that this book (and series) is similar to the Something Strange and Deadly series, especially given Lady Helen's reluctance to join the group.

There is a hint of romance, the smallest, barest hint. You can probably guess who the leading pair are. In 1800s London, unmarried eligible girls are often pushed towards the first interested nobleman, in order to secure a good match. Keep that in mind as you read this book. THERE IS NO LOVE TRIANGLE. I adored the beginnings of a romance in this book, and the ending is very favorable. I foresee no love triangle in the future, and I DO foresee the romance that I'm hoping will develop, developing. *swoons*

Spending of the ending... as soon as there is some grand ball or event or dance announced in YA lit, you KNOW something bad is going to happen. In contemporary YA, if there is a homecoming dance, or prom, something bad will go down. I knew the showdown was coming, but I didn't expect it to end as it did. I cannot wait to see what happens in book two! You just KNOW that Selburn is hiding something. And we've barely scratched the surface, in terms of Lord Carlston! I must know more!

Amazing world-building, excellent character arcs and development, unique story, budding romance - I'm hooked! This book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but suffice it to say, I need the next book!

What I Did Not Like:

This isn't so much a complaint as a warning - this book is LONG. And it reads long. I usually don't mind lengthy books. Give yourself enough time to read it in one sitting (trust me, you'll want to read it in one sitting). It wasn't boring at all, but you really FEEL the 500 pages while you're reading (it didn't read quickly).

Would I Recommend It:

I absolutely loved this book - no surprise there, as I really love adult historical romance novels set in Regency London, and I adored Eon and Eona at a younger age. I had confidence in Goodman and she did not let me done! This is book one of a trilogy, so it isn't the worst idea to wait for all three books to publish. But I knew I would want a new Goodman book in my hands as soon as possible! If you're not much of a historical fiction reader, go slow! I was exposed to all of the customs and rules of Regency London because of all the adult historical romance novels I read.

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded down to 4 stars (I bet if there were kissing in this book, it would have gotten 5 stars. LOL.). This book was very close to 5 stars, believe me. I am quite sure that the next book will not come soon enough!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!


The Giveaway:

Thanks to Penguin, you could win an ARC of The Dark Days Club! USA only, begins today (11/29) and ends on 12/12 at 11:59 PM EST. Courtesy of the publisher. Good luck!



USA residents: want another chance at winning an ARC? Enter the Goodreads giveaway!

50 comments:

  1. I LOVED Eon and Eona!! Also enjoy those historical romances too. :) they're surprisingly pretty good reads! I can't wait to read about this supernatural history, despite its length. (I do enjoy long books sometimes haha) and YESS TO NO LOVE TRIANGLE. Praise! Subtle romances are the best in my opinion. Awesome review as ever!

    - Aila @ One Way Or An Author

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  2. Eon was awesome and Im thrilled and excited to read this book, it sounds incredible! - Ashley R.

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  3. I was immediately attracted to the cover, and I love this time period

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  4. I love historical fiction, and the regency period is a favorite.
    Dianna

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  5. i read Eon and Eona a really long time ago but I still remember how much I loved it -- can't wait for this new book!

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  6. I enjoy historical romance ♡ The Dark Days Club sounds great, thank you

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  7. A blooming demon hunter in the 1800s and she is a she? Sign me up!

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  8. A supernatural historical romance? Sign me up. And yes I read her enology and surprising loved it.b

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  9. The blurb and the cover sounds likes something at least 2 of my daughters would love.

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  10. Aaahh! No kissing?? Even though I like romance at a minimum, I need at least one kiss x-x. Great review though! I can't wait to get a hold of this!
    And, no, I haven't read Eon/Eona, but I did manage to find an ARC of Eon at this little thrift shop nearby, so I can't wait to start it

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  11. I haven't read that duology yet but it looks awesome!

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  12. I haven't read the duology but I would like to.

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  13. I haven't read any books by this author yet, but heard lots of great things about Eon and Eona. I will definitely add this book to my TBR list, because i love historical fiction when its mixed with fantasy/mystery. :D Thanks for recommendation. Excellent review!

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  14. You're awesome review alone makes me want to read this, but also the time period sound interesting. Unfortunately haven't read any of the authors other work yet.

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  15. YES! I have read EON and EONA! I LOVED them! XD
    Mary G Loki

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  16. Whoa whoa whoa this one sounds so so good!! Thanks for the giveaway, I'm kind of desperate for this one now because of your review. Aww poor Carlston seems like such a misunderstood guy. Helen does seem like a different (yet awesome) type of YA protag, and I LOVE London 1800s in the Regency time period. Sign me up, I'm ready for this book!! Lovely review, dear <3

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  17. I've not read Eon or Eona but I'm interested in this one. Fantasy Regency London? Yes please! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  18. It's ALISON GOODMAN. Enough said! I really enjoyed Eon & Eona (and now I actually want to do a reread), and so I've been eagerly anticipating this one since I first heard about it.

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  19. I love historical fiction with the paranormal or fantasy to it like this one seems to have. I haven't read Eon or Eona, not sure if I will, they're not really my type of stories I don't think.

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  20. Oh snap. A lady demon hunter??? SIGN ME UP. I love the fact that it's set in Regency London, too. I'm feeling mini vibes of The Hired Girl and love it x100000 more! Darling review!

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  21. Reading the synopsis and seeing the cover have made me greatly want to read this book. I don't think I have read her other books yet, but I might have to pick them up. Thanks for the chance.

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  22. I have yet to read Eon or Eona, but this cover is simply gorgeous! Also, the synopsis sounds really interesting, and I love books set in the past. I loved your review, and that seals the deal. Dark Days sounds like a great book.

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  23. Love the cover and the review...plus if it got a 4/5 from you, I know I'll like it!

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  24. Everything about this book appeals to me. I love that it is set in Regency London, I love the bit about demons, and it just sounds so mysterious! I have not read Eon or Eona, but they have been on my TBR list for a while. I think that I will catch up on that series and read it before this book comes out.

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  25. Anything historical with demons and other supernatural things are my go to. I haven't read Eon or Eona, but maybe someday.

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  26. Great Review!!! This book sounds really interesting! Plus, I loved Goodman's Eon and Eona so I am really looking forward to this book. :)

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  27. I have not read Eon and Eona. I love historical fiction and the setting especially appeals to me. I basically love anything I read set in 1800's London! I love the idea of throwing in some dark paranormal aspects, too!

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  28. I still need to read Eona, but you know I loved Eon! And this one sounds quite awesome! Adding it to the wish list for sure!!

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  29. I haven;t read the dualogy yet, but I love dark and gothic seeming and this sounds awesome. Thanks for the giveaway~

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  30. I haven't read the other books :/ I NEED MORE TIME TO READ!!

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  31. I haven't read Eon but I've wanted to. I'm interested in this book because the summary sounds really awesome, and I like long books. :)

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  32. I have not read her other books yet, sadly but I am so very excited about this one, a YA historical? gah yes please. So glad that there is no love triangle either

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  33. I haven't read Eon or Eona Alyssa! (should I?) Anyway, I don't mind big books if , as you say, it's worth it. As you know, I also love historical romance and this one sound like a blend of that (a different century) and paranormal too. I hope to read it soon :)

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  34. I have not read Eon or Eona. The main reason why I want to read this book is REGENCY LONDON!!!! <3 YES PLEASE!
    xo

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  35. I was immediately attracted to the cover,

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  36. I LOVED Eon and Eona, and I'm currently reading The Dark Days Club (an eARC), which I'm really enjoying. I prefer to read ARCs, so I'm very grateful for this giveaway. Thanks so much!

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  37. Yaaay :D So so so glad that you liked this book so much Alyssa. <3 Stunning review, as always. I'm dying to read this one :D YAY! You make it seem awesome. <3 Though.. I'm disappointed about no romance :( Sobs. I don't like small hints.. I want big hints, lol :D But glad you liked it, though. I can't wait to read it myself :) Thank you for sharing sweetie. <3

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  38. When I saw another book from Alison Goodman I squealed! I absolutely LOVED the Eona duology. To pieces. Cannot wait to read this one!

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  39. I have not had the opportunity to read Eon or Eona yet, but I came across this giveaway on the PenguinTeen twitter account. Upon my discovery,I saw the cover and fell in love with it, and I loved it even more after reading the synopsis. YA Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres, and when I first noticed this giveaway, I couldn't help but join! Thank you!!! :)

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  40. I read Eon and Eona, I loved the first but was a little bored with the second because, like you said, they feel like long books. But this looks and sounds amazing, so I'm so looking forward to it. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  41. Your review on goodreads made me really want this!

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  42. "Regency London" and "Demons." <-- Those words = Mer needs this book ASAP!!!!!!! I love ALL books set in Regency London, but especially ones with supernatural elements! I have not read Eon or Eona, but I'll check them out!!! :) Thanks for an AMAZING giveaway! *Crosses fingers!!!!*

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  43. I'm so happy to read your review and hear that you loved this! I've been excited for this since I first heard about it many months ago! I haven't yet read EON and EONA, though both are.on my must-read list and I have the first on my Kindle. I am a sucker for anything and everything with dragons, and I've heard her books are incomparable. I ALSO am a sucker for historical fiction (hist fic and scifi/fantasy have been my top two favorite genres since I knew what a genre was!), and I'm so excited for Ms. Goodman's take on hist fic!! I had heard from another blogger that she was very "meh" about this book, which was disappointing to hear, so I'm THRILLED to read your glowing review :-) Thanks so much for the chance to win this ARC! I will treasure it if I am lucky enough to win!

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  44. I've never read it. But the "shadows of regency London" color me intrigued!

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  45. This sounds so so so good! I've been wanting to read it ever since I saw that gorgeous cover!!

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  46. This sounds so so so good! I've been wanting to read it ever since I saw that gorgeous cover!!

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  47. Summary is interesting would love to review it

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  48. Summary is interesting would love to review it

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  49. I actually read an excerpt of this book, and I love the writing style and the subject matter has really got me intrigued. I can't wait to read this one, it is one of the books I am looking forward to the most in early 2016!

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  50. Basically yes to everything you said, haha. It as such a fun, weird book. I'm so excited for more of the series and more development of the romance please! Such a tease, haha. Awesome review, Alyssa!

    PS I just posted my review of it today, if you're interested (:

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