Book Review: Crown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising Book 2) by Bec McMaster

Crown of Darkness (Dark Court Rising Book 2)
by Bec McMaster
September 15, 2020
439 pages
Thiago and Iskvien survived a dangerous curse, but will they survive the coming war?

Princess Iskvien made a dangerous bargain with an ancient goddess in order to break her mother’s curse. Now she must find the Crown of Shadows within a year, or the goddess will take her firstborn child.

Thiago—her heart and soul—stands at her side, but their love has never been tested like this.

Enemies surround them, but in the game of love and war, does her mother, Queen Adaia, hold the ultimate weapon up her sleeve? Or can their love defeat all?

True love will face the ultimate challenge when a dark goddess rises, secrets threaten to tear two lovers apart, and a queen will stop at nothing to gain revenge. Read this epic fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!

Warning: Cliffhanger ending.

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Bec McMaster has quickly become on of my favourite writers. I adore this fantasy series and its power couple Iskvien “Vi” and Thiago. Book two, Crown of Darkness, is a continuation of the pair’s struggle against Iskvien’s malevolent mother, Adia, and her dangerous machinations against Thiago’s crown. Thiago and Vi face an additional threat to their future at the hands of a mysterious and imprisoned goddess with ancient and terrifying power.

McMaster’s world is creative and vivid. The series starts as a Hades/Persephone inspired tale but has become so much more. There are many moving parts in this series; the intrigue is vast. McMaster’s entertaining cast of characters tease at stories and relationships yet to unfold, particularly with Andraste and Edain, Vi’s sister and stepbrother, and ensconced members of Adia’s court. The emergence of Grimm, Vi’s familiar/protector, has been an entertaining and intriguing twist to the story.

The author warns of Crown of Darkness’s cliff-hanger ending. We are, however, reassured by an author’s note indicating she writes HEA romance and a third installment is forthcoming. This is a must-read series for fans of fantasy romance. Start with book one, Promise of Darkness. You won’t be sorry.

Five Sheep



Bianca Greenwood

About the Author:
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I'm a writer. Dreamer. Travel Addict. And enthusiastic-if-not-perfect baker. I'll honestly admit that I don't always follow the recipe, be it cooking, or writing romances. If I'm not sitting in front of the computer, I'm probably plotting my next world trip. Or eating chocolate. Sometimes I run. Because...chocolate. I grew up on a steady diet of 80's fantasy movies like Ladyhawke, Labyrinth, and The Princess Bride, and love creating epic, fantasy-based worlds with heroes and heroines who must defeat all the odds to have their HEA. I live in a country town in Australia, with my very own beta hero, Byron; Kobe, a dog who will eat anything (even used teabags); and demanding chickens, Siggy and Lagertha.

Sheep Reviewer Bianca Greenwood's Top 5 reading discoveries of 2019 + giveaway

My Top 5 Reading Discoveries of 2019 

Sheep Bio

2019 was a year of personal game-changing discovery. I’ve embraced a fitness tracker, menstrual cup, and facial serum, all the while sharing my discoveries with an evangelical fervor. This year has also been one of my favourites in books. I was captivated by several series and compelled to read like a fiend, completing over 51 books this year. I’m so excited by some of this year’s reads, I wanted to share my top picks with I Smell Sheep community. So while not all these book/series were released in 2019, they were new to me this year. 

#5 Touch of Smoke, Karissa Laurel

Bianca's review

Released in February this year, Touch of Smoke is a standalone novel that had me enthralled from start to finish. It’s part paranormal romance, part mystery. The characters in this book are superbly developed and the storyline is imaginative. Laurel is a first-rate storyteller. I’ve always enjoyed Laurel’s strong female characters. The author’s Norse Chronicles is another great series to check out.

#4 The Girl in Red, Christina Henry

Bianca's Review

This book is part of Henry’s anthology series, wherein she re-writes classic fairy tales or folklore. It can be read as a standalone. Each entry in this series has been a fabulous read and Girl in Red is no exception. It’s a post-apocalyptic rewrite of Little Red Riding Hood. It’s suspenseful, dark, heartbreaking and heartwarming. While the post-apocalyptic trope is not my fave, Henry won me over with her complex, non-linear storytelling, and formidable main character, Red.

#3 Dark Court Rising series, by Bec McMaster

Bianca's Review

McMaster’s brand-new series premiered with book one, Promise of Darkness, released this year. This was perhaps the most entertaining book I read all year with memorable characters and a complex storyline. It’s a fantasy story loaded with fae court intrigue. It’s also sexy as hell and features my favourite new book boyfriend. I am impatiently waiting for the rest of this series to roll out. 

#2 Dark Maji series, by Kel Carpenter and Lucinda Dark

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I discovered this dark fantasy series last July and was most pleased the entire series was included with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. There are currently three books released in this series, with the fourth due in early 2020. I adore the relationship dynamics in this series. The plot and setting are immensely creative and unique. The action is riveting. The series is quite dark at times, particularly book three. For me, however, it’s just the right amount of dark. I’m eagerly anticipating book four. 

#1 Gaslamp Gothic series, by Kat Ross

Bianca's Review

Gaslamp Gothic is another series, while not new in 2019, I discovered this past summer. It’s a smart, imaginative Victorian-era collection. There are five books in the series. I’m currently reading the most recent installment, Dead Ringer. Gaslamp Gothic is a masterclass in genre-blending; combining horror, mystery, crime, comedy, fantasy, history, and romance in a wonderfully addictive read. I ran the gambit of emotion while reading this series and was wholly riveted the entire time. There is something within Gaslamp Gothic for every reader. This is fresh historical fiction with contemporary relevance. For its entertainment value, complexity, and intelligence, it’s my top pick for 2019.

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One winner will get an ecopy of their choice from Bianca's top five list.

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Book Review: Promise of Darkness (Dark Court Rising Book 1) by Bec McMasters + giveaway

Promise of Darkness (Dark Court Rising Book 1)

by Bec McMaster
Sept 18, 2019

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Princess. Tribute. Sacrifice. Is she the one prophesied to unite two warring Fae courts? Or the one bound to destroy them? In a realm ruled by magic, the ruthless Queen of Thorns is determined to destroy her nemesis, the cursed Prince of Evernight. With war brewing between the bitter enemies, the prince forces Queen Adaia to uphold an ancient treaty: she will send one of her daughters to his court as a political hostage for three months. The queen insists it’s the perfect opportunity for Princess Iskvien to end the war before it begins. But one look into Thiago’s smoldering eyes and Vi knows she’s no assassin. The more secrets she uncovers about the prince and his court, the more she begins to question her mother’s motives. Who is the true enemy? The dark prince who threatens her heart? Or the ruthless queen who will stop at nothing to destroy him? And when the curse threatens to shatter both courts, is her heart strong enough to break it? A fairytale twist inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth.

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Promise of Darkness marks my introduction to Bec McMaster. I’m hooked. The premiere installment to Dark Court Rising is everything I adore in a read. It’s a fae fantasy full of action, intrigue, twists and turns. I enjoyed every moment of this book and it’s easily become a 2019 fave. I cannot wait for the next installment.

Princess Iskvien, daughter of Adaia Queen of Thorns, is given to the dark and dangerous Prince of Evernight, Thiago, as a political hostage. At the order of her mother, Iskvien must remain in Thiago’s court for three months. She’s there as a supposed good-will gesture designed to avoid war. Adaia’s seething hatred for Thiago runs deep, however, and Vi soon realizes nothing is as it seems; not with Thiago and his court, her mother, even herself. The layers begin to peel away almost immediately, leading to a fabulously engrossing read.

The fae scape of the Seelie and Unseelie created by McMaster is imaginative, rich, and wildly creative. Vi is a formidable main character with boundless bravery. I loved the evolution of her character from start to finish. Thiago has rocketed to the top of my favourite book boyfriends list. He’s deadly, dangerous, and deliciously mysterious. Thiago has secrets I cannot wait to discover.

Promise of Darkness is loosely based on the Hades Persephone myth, but spins from this starting point into something wholly unique. It’s an excellent read; the kind you devour. Book two is slated for release in 2020.

Five Sheep

Bianca Greenwood

The tension in the prince’s shoulders softens as I press my back into the stone of the arch, turning my entire body toward him. “Do you think I’d stand in an open window with my enemy behind me if I wasn’t bedazzled by his pretty eyes?”

“I thought we were past the ‘enemies’ part of this?”

“I’m still considering the notion. I don’t know what comes after ‘enemies.’”

“That’s easy.” His voice grows rough. “We kiss. We argue. We fall into bed.”

My cheeks heat. I’d wondered if he’d mention that.

Thiago brings his hand to my cheek, brushing his knuckles against the smooth skin there. “But you’re the one who makes that decision. I won’t steal into your bed, Vi. You’re the one who’s going to have to do that.” He gives a sly smile. “Though for every day you make me wait, I’ll repay you with an hour of sensual torture.”

Help.

I stare at him breathlessly. “Doesn’t that behoove me to make you wait longer?”

Thiago leans closer, stealing a soft kiss from my lips. “That depends.” He takes a step back, finally giving me some space to breathe. “On whether your willpower is stronger than temptation.”

It’s not.

I know it’s not.

I want to throw up the white flag of surrender right here, to taste more of that kiss he barely gave me.

And some part of it must show on my face, because he draws back and laughs. “Willpower, Vi.”

It’s a smoky sound that curls inside me, as though he’s somehow infected me.

“I’m trying to remember why this is a bad idea.”

“Oh, it’s not. It’s a very, very good idea,” he croons. “But we’re supposed to arrive in Stormhaven within the hour, and an hour’s not long enough to do any of what I have planned.”

I close my eyes. Images dance there, of the pair of us tangled together on heated sheets. “That isn’t helping.”

Thiago chuckles under his breath. “It wasn’t supposed to. Come. Kyrian will be waiting for us.”

About the Author:

Website-FB-Twitter
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I'm a writer. Dreamer. Travel Addict. And enthusiastic-if-not-perfect baker. I'll honestly admit that I don't always follow the recipe, be it cooking, or writing romances. If I'm not sitting in front of the computer, I'm probably plotting my next world trip. Or eating chocolate. Sometimes I run. Because...chocolate. I grew up on a steady diet of 80's fantasy movies like Ladyhawke, Labyrinth, and The Princess Bride, and love creating epic, fantasy-based worlds with heroes and heroines who must defeat all the odds to have their HEA. I live in a country town in Australia, with my very own beta hero, Byron; Kobe, a dog who will eat anything (even used teabags); and demanding chickens, Siggy and Lagertha.

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Book Review: To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #4) by Bec McMaster

To Catch A Rogue (London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy #4)
by Bec McMaster
October 30, 2018
150 pages
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Steampunk
Goodreads
An impossible heist. A thief and a rogue. But will she steal his heart, instead?

The Company of Rogues finally knows the identity of the mastermind behind a plot against the queen—but their enemy is still one step ahead of them. When he kidnaps one of theirs, the Rogues plan a daring rescue mission that will lead them into the heart of the bloodthirsty Crimson Court.

It’s a job for a master thief, and there’s nothing Charlie Todd likes more than a challenge. To pull off the impossible, Charlie needs a crew, including the only thief who’s ever been able to outfox him.

He broke her heart. But now she must risk it all to save his life…

Lark’s spent years trying to forget her past, but the one thing she can’t ignore is the way a single smile from Charlie still sets her heart on fire. When he proposes they work together again, it feels just like old times, but she has one rule: this is strictly business.

It’s Charlie’s last chance to prove he can be trusted with her heart. But Lark’s keeping a deadly secret. And as passions are stirred and the stakes mount, it might be the kind of secret that could destroy them all…

What a damn fun book! I had no knowledge of this author before this point, that's shame on me, to be honest. I loved that this was a short story that could be read in an afternoon. It moved at just the right pace with the just right amount of every damn thing you could want. 

Fang watering vampires and sexy alpha men, yes, please! 

From start to finish you get your money's worth, the whole steampunk world was vibrant and drew me in completely. I loved the hot as all hell romance and the heist like action had me reading like crazy to find out how this would all end. 

If you're looking for something fun, exciting and thrilling then check this one out.

Getting 4 and 1/2 Sheep

KD

About the Author:

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BEC MCMASTER grew up on a steady diet of 80's fantasy movies like Ladyhawke, Labyrinth, and The Princess Bride, and loves creating epic, fantasy-based worlds with heroes and heroines who must defeat all the odds to have their HEA. If you like sexy, dark, paranormal romance, try her Dark Arts series; for some kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance then check out London Steampunk; and for rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then see her Burned Lands series.

Bec has been nominated for RT Reviews Best Steampunk Romance for Heart of Iron (2013), won RT Reviews Best Steampunk Romance with Of Silk And Steam (2015), and Forged By Desire was nominated for an RWA RITA award in 2015. The series has received starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal, with Heart of Iron named one of their Best Romances of 2013.