*I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley*

*SPOILERS*

Very impatiently waiting for the release of Empress of Fae! I am really enjoying this series, and Court of Claws was even better than Queen of Roses.

I was going to rate this a 5-star read until the last 10% or so - Morgan’s attitude to Draven really started to irritate me, and there were just some completely random things thrown in towards the end (like Draven cutting out a piece of his own heart and surviving…WTAF?), but I would still place this at 4.5 stars overall.

The plot flows really well, and I’m excited to see how Morgan’s return to Camelot plays out in the third book. Is Kaye safe? Will Lancelet become a total badass? Will Morgan stop Arthur? How will the people of Camelot react to Morgan’s transformation? Will she take over Camelot and be a Queen there as well as the Empress of Siabra? Will she get over herself and just let herself be happy with Draven??? Will Draven follow her to Camelot???? SO MANY QUESTIONS.

Onto my favourite part of this series… Draven himself… SWOON. His protectiveness and “who did this to you” attitude is adorable but even better is that he sees himself as an equal to Morgan, and not better than her in any way - LOVE THIS! And the spicy scenes (yes, there is some good spice in this book, it is definitely a slow burn)… the PRAISE from that man’s mouth - “Be a good girl and wait” and “There’s a good girl. F*ck me back like you mean it” - JHEEZ.

Grab Queen of Roses, get some background info in your brain, then devour Court of Claws like I did. (Check trigger warnings first if you have any potential triggers though!!)

PS. Avriel should have had a much more horrific death. He was scum.

Such a good read! Already cannot wait for book 3! Criminally underrated.
Morgan and Draven- Chefs kiss

"I was trapped in a palace with a horned man who had told everyone I was basically his bed toy."

2/5 🌶
___

She's captured by her enemy in a foreign court with even more enemies. She has to pretend they're something else and they're more entwined than she's aware of.
___

This book is the sequel to Queen of Roses and I enjoyed it much more than the first.

The pace was faster, way better and I really didn't expect the storyline.

Morgan has grown so much, I loved seeing that. How she stands up for herself but is always full of love for everyone else.
Draven is a horned man who grew on me. He would do anything to keep Morgan safe. If you want your heart to melt, he's your man.

I enjoyed their dynamic and connection as it developed and became something beautiful.

I definitely recommend this series after reading Court of Claws and can't wait for the last book, because this cliffhanger was so heartbreaking.
___
also reviewed on Amazon, but it's not posted yet. I will also post it on my Instagram soon.

I really enjoyed Court of Claws and inhaled it over the course of two days! I loved being introduced to the Court of Umbral Flames, learning more of Draven’s brutal and often heartbreaking backstory and the addition of characters such as Lyrastra and Beks (and Nightclaw - I definitely want an exmoor now!) but I think I would have loved it even more than I loved Queen of Roses had it not been for Morgan’s continued stubbornness and her inability to believe that Draven might actually have a good heart, even though she acknowledges how good he is multiple times across both novels and all he does (apart from some admittedly morally grey lies) is show her how much he cares, and when that is not clear enough, he tells her - and everyone - how much he loves her in no uncertain terms!

By the end I was practically begging Morgan to open her eyes and stop being so petulant all the time. Some of her reactions were absolutely understandable considering what she has gone through, how men have treated her and her family history, but with her and Draven I just felt like what could have been great snarky banter at times came across as Morgan being frustratingly and wilfully unaware, and that got little grating as the book went on and unfortunately stopped this from being 5 stars for me.

I really enjoy Briar Boleyn’s writing and will definitely be reading book three when it comes out! Hopefully, Morgan will be able to come into her own a little bit more in the next one, and I am definitely intrigued to see what happens next after reading that epilogue!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed Queen of Roses, but I liked this book even more. This book had more of everything! More mythical creatures, more battle, more spice, and more magic wielding!

Morgan finds herself in a different Palace and is understandably confused and upset. She wants to get back to Camelot to help her younger brother escape his older brother, King Arthur’s, wrath. The King has started a war and people are suffering. She’s desperate to help, but she can’t possibly help all on her own. Draven has promised his help, after he wins the Blood Rite and is crowned Emperor….But he has to complete three deadly trials first!

We get to see Morgan learning how to control her fire power, and let Draven into her heart- just a little bit. We find out more about where she came from, and how. We learn a lot more about Draven’s terrible family and why he was banished- and why he returned.

I loved so much about this book. I love the world building. Absolutely necessary in a fantasy book, especially when the palace is way below ground! I loved all of the mythical creatures. They are truly unique and some are nightmare fuel like the undead children -shudder-. I thought we were done with them, but we were definitely not! Harpies with their womanly features and long beaks who will not hesitate to bite your head off, the creepy trolls, and the exquisite exmoors (love).

I loved the unique fae features of each individual character. Most books I’ve read only have beautiful, human like fae. This book gives them much different features- sometimes scales, other times it’s hooves or horns, or something else. These fae also have unique talents or magic that I’ve never read about before.

The three trials were interesting, the first two were more deadly and had a lot more detail than the final one. I felt the final one was too easy and too short? It just… ends?

I didn’t like how MUCH Morgan pushed back at Draven and for EVERYTHING. Could she not see how much he had helped her? How much he wanted to help her? It irritated me how much she detested him. I wish they had more time of building trust and love in this book. More spice would have been nice but it wasn’t necessary.

I don’t want to put spoilers so I don’t think I can say much else but that ENDING. I was NOT expecting that. So much happened in the last 100 pages. Rychel!?

Definitely need book 3 ASAP.

I love this series that retells and enhances the stories of Camelot. The relationship with Morgan and Draken is explosive and has so much potential. There's so much betrayal and intrigue involving the royalty that it can be a challenge to tell who is on the right side. The worldbuilding is beautifully done and quite expansive. Morgan and Draken have plenty of flaws but are strong and courageous. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Let me start off by saying the first book was great I loved it…this book was even better!

I can’t wait for the 3rd book to come out! Super invested to see what happens next. Draven and Morgan’s banter is so comical🤣😂…the ending 🤦‍♀️when will Draven learn…I think he means well but I hope he learns to speak up and be honest from the beginning… poor Morgan I hope she finds her footing soon she is not having a good couple of months…my only thing about Morgan is she seems a little wishy washy at times she will say one thing make a commitment or stand about something then before you know it she’s taken 5 steps back in her characters growth…I just wish she would make a choice and stick with it have a bit more conviction.

Overall I feel like the plot and romance are paced quite nicely for the most part.,I hope to see some more of where and when Morgan’s from in the next book.

I would definitely recommend this series to my book friends!

We pick up straight from the end of book 1. This book was my favourite of the two - it continued to build on the political intrigue, but the romance really steps up which adds something to the whole story.

In this book we see Morgan become more of her own character. She’s feisty and I love the challenge she presents to those around her.

Draven is everything you need a male hero to be - hot, strong, commanding and protective. We learn so much more about him in this book which I loved and the dynamic between the two is amazing to read.

The introduction of new side characters and familiars really adds to this story and I loved these added elements.

There were so many plot twists in this story, that it really served to keep the mystery and intrigue going and the ending had me floored. I can’t wait for the next one…I need to know what happens.

Court of Claws

When you wake up, you expect to know where you are, even if you’ve been traveling. Well, Morgan Pendragon has no idea where she is, how she got here, why she can’t move or who the hell these people are in the room with her.

Once that’s figured out, there are a million more questions that need answers. Where did those horns come from? Why can’t she go home? Most importantly, she’s who?! And how old?!

Dive into this book knowing you know nothing of Camelot and Eskira, and be ready to be thrown for a loop. Morgan’s world breaks wide open and so much more information comes with it. On a journey of learning about herself, she also learns about Draven and who he really is-so she thought-as he battles his way to the Umbral Throne.

~spoilers~



I love how Morgan never backed down in this book-continuing on with her backbone from traveling before. Every time Draven wouldn’t give up information she pushed him harder and found ways around it. I hated how secretive he was with her and kept disappearing for training, but I loved the opportunity for Beks to come in and help her navigate the tunnels to get information. Usually it’s another love interest, and I love that there wasn’t another one, even when she’s angry at Draven. Beks was a great add to this story in a small way, and I was very sad to see him go in the end.

I was disappointed in the simple way Avriel died because he deserved so much worse! The whole third trial seemed too easy, and simple, compared to the first ones. I was also disappointed in the way Morgan left Draven, but that twist at the end with Lancelet was pretty out of nowhere! Can’t wait for book three, will be looking out for it on netgalley!
#courtofclaws #netgalley #fantasy #fae

There was so much fun action in this book! I was on the edge of my seat during the trials. The idea of “trials” wasn’t particularly unique but I thought the actual tests themselves were interesting. The author has invented some very cool creatures. I love the exmoors! And that ice wolf! And the harpies and creepy zombie children!

Morgan herself leaves me feeling a little apathetic. She grew on me during this book and she really opened up her heart to Kairos which I thought showed some real growth. There were times when she seems very immature and I want to tell her to appreciate Kairos! But also Kairos has lied to her like a billion times and, obviously, as the reader you can tell he sincerely loves her, but she has a legitimate reason to be mad at him. He’s very “I did this for your own good” but that’s not going to be a good enough excuse for our tough, independent MC.

The supporting cast is fleshed out well and I think these characters really help add to the story.

My biggest concern is that maybe the author is trying to do too much as far as plot goes?? I actually kind of forgot about the whole Camelot part until the end! I’m wondering the author will be able to wrap everything up in one more book or if there will need to be a fourth. Bottom line…I will absolutely read the next one and am looking forward to it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review!

What a cool sequel! Boleyn steps away from the Arthurian originals to develop her version of the fae and their Blood Rise for the crown. I enjoyed diving into this world, and I liked our new characters. This very much gave "Rhys' persepective of Feyre during her Trials" which was a nice vibe, although I think ending of <spoiler> Morgan having to step up was a little obvious and a little overdue. She had a lot of sitting and watching in this book. </spoiler>.

Morgan continued her streak of being simultaneously way too trusting and way too suspicious, picking and choosing her allies with all the discernment of a piece of chalk. She needs to sort herself out! Get some therapy, girl.

Also, Rychel is such a jerk!! <spoiler> I really liked her at first but she tricks Morgan into taking Draven's place without giving her all the facts and almost kills everyone. I kind of hope she dies in the next one. Really annoyed me. </spoiler>

<spoiler> Avriel's end was also a bit anticlimactic but that was acknowledged in the book and I do understand that even though he felt like the antagonist of this book, at best he was a distraction. </spoiler>

The ending was really fun! A little peek back at Camelot and a tease of more Arthurian myth to come. I'm definitely reading the next one! 3.75 stars, rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.

The second book in the (Blood of a Fae series) by Briar Boleyn. Oh boy, reading this book was like being on thin, cracking ice. I didn’t know what was going to happen next or which character was going to implode – but not in a good way. I’m still struggling to get my head around it all, to be honest. There are a lot of trigger warnings that should be moved to the first page of the book, not the last!

I can appreciate where the author wanted to take this book. The idea behind the plot had potential but I think it was let down by the female protagonist, Morgan, and some questionable things suggested by the other male main character, Draven.

I’m a reader who does enjoy a well-written dark fantasy, I expected good things, but this book at times took it over the edge with how toxic the dynamics were between Morgan and Draven. I stuck this book out because I enjoyed The Queen of Roses (Book 1). I had some issues with Morgan’s character in book one, but you could overlook those flaws because of the strength of the plot and the interesting angle the author took on a re-telling of Arthurian legends – world-building was top-notch in book 1. Morgan’s character seemed to devolve in this book into the worst version of herself. Reading her felt like torture: I wanted to slap her and tell her to grow up. Yes, she was placed in an awful situation - lied to, forced imprisonment, and forced to endure deadly trials – but her behaviour turned me cold to her. I felt sorry for Draven being bound to her for the rest of their lives.

This scraps a 3-star review from me by the skin of its teeth because I do like Draven as a character, the world-building is generally good and while too extreme for me in parts, the plot could be engaging.

I absolutely loved Queen of Roses 🌹 so how did I like Court of Claws?
It was breathtaking, I might even think of it as a masterpiece ❤️ I just couldn’t put it down.

In the second book of Blood of a Fae series Morgan formes new relationships, learns more about her mother, her own past.
We follow Morgan and Draven to a new place, dangerous court where almost everyone seems to hate Morgan for who she is.
The story is perfectly paced, with many twists and important informations revealed.
I loved new characters, most of all Nightclaw. Can I have him in real life please?!
Draven must fight for his throne and for Morgan’s heart as well. He definitely should have said what was happening to her! I don’t blame her for freaking out. But maybe she has some trust issues? Well who would blame her after everything she’s been through.
And what the hell?! That ending was just spectacular. I need to read Empress of Fae asap. What will happen next and just how did that one person survive?

Vague and minor spoilers.
This book is...fine. The first in the series was also fine. I like the story and the world building. It is interesting. I do find the MFC to be a little hard to relate to. There are times where I do not understand why she is fighting the MMC so much. Maybe it is an over abundance of pride? Maybe it ia that she is finding it hard to trust and the fact that she is blindsided by some things fuels that? Idk. There were some plot holes that do not hurt the story necessarily, but kind of stick in your mind. One issue I have is that she never asks about the little girl after she wakes up. Just never does. She remembers her, but does not wonder where she is?I see it is a device so that that information and other information can be held back but that is annoying. The other thing, is that for someone who is so angry about not getting the whole story, she tends to let so many things just drop. "You would not believe me if I told you." Well try me, buddy. Just answer me.
Anyways, I am reading the third one when it comes our because even the very last part of this book does not answer the basic question, but how did you get from there to here and I want to know.

Words can not describe how happy I was to be reunited with the stubborn Morgan and the dreamy Draven! What a torturously slow burn…

I can’t believe how quickly I devoured this book. I mean, I actually CAN because it was just so good. Every second of Morgan and Draven….I soak it up.
I’m so sad the way the book ended between them, but I feel positive for the future.

Dark fantasy lovers? This book is for you.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for my access to this book, Court of Claws! I’m already eagerly awaiting the third book!!
will be sharing this review on my Goodreads account: https://www.goodreads.com/user/edit/profile/profile_url

"'You're going to die for the Umbral Throne?'
'No, I plan to live for it.'"

I had an inkling this book was going to be good but I didn't think it was going to be this good!

"I was done with being meek."

Court of Claws picks up right where Queen of Roses left off and readers are thrown into a world full of magic, mayhem, and sometimes, murder. This book was unputdownable and I found myself on the edge of my seat the whole time. If you are looking for a fantastical book filled with Fae, royals, political court scheming, dangerous trials, ancient wars, and romance then look no further!

"At times, I had wanted to kill this man.
And yet I couldn't seem to live without him."

I found Morgan and Draven to be much more interesting characters and I enjoyed watching them and their relationship develop over the course of this book. Readers will find themselves anxious to turn the next page and find out what happens next. After that cliffhanger I am now impatiently waiting for book 3 and can not wait to get my hands on it!

Court of Claws is the second installment in the Blood of a Fae series and begins where Queen of Roses left off. Morgan wakes up and discovers Draven has not been truthful with her and he's taken her to his home. She's thrown into a new world with a completely different set of rules than she's used to. Draven is determined for her to stay and she fights him every step of the way for her freedom. However, as she uncovers Draven's secrets, she starts to question if he's really as bad as she thought.

I enjoyed Court of Claws even more than Queen of Roses! In Court of Claws, we find out so much more about Draven and his past. You can't help falling for him when you discover everything he's been through and everything he's fighting for. He really cares for Morgan and I loved seeing their relationship progress. Morgan fought him as hard as she could but even she couldn’t deny the connection between them. The steam really heats up in this one.

At the end of the first book, I had a ton of unanswered questions. Thankfully a lot of those questions are answered and we learn more about the Valtain and Siabra history and more about Morgan’s lineage. Morgan experiences a lot of change and I'm excited to see what she does next!

The first few chapters seemed slow to me and it took me a while to get through them. However, once the competition started, the book picked up and I flew through the rest of the story. I really liked the side characters (especially Beks). I enjoyed seeing how Morgan's relationship with them evolved over the book. Hopefully we get a lot more of them in the next book.

I have so many more questions after finishing this book and I'm counting down until the next installment comes out!! I’m really enjoying this series and recommend it if you’re a fan of fantasy romance!

Thank you, Starwater Press, NetGalley, and Briar Boleyn for the ARC!

This is the 2nd book in the series and it is better than the first. It was really fast paced and kept me interested from the beginning.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I received an ARC of Court of Claws from Netgalley for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

...wow. I'm not going to lie, my head hurts from this one.

Let me begin by saying that I did not finish Court of Claws. I tried my best, but it just wasn't meant to be.

It's been a while since I've read A Court of Thorns and Roses, but when you see it everywhere, it's hard to forget about it. And it's everywhere. I can hardly open up Instagram without seeing something about the series or anything else that Sarah J. Maas has written. The reason I mention this is because it's one thing to take a generalized plot and make it your own. That's literally what a writer has to do. It's another thing entirely to take a plot and redo it but perhaps forget to make changes and make it your own. There are some books I've read that are clearly inspired by Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series. That's fine. What's not fine is to plop her ideas and themes into your book, change some names, and mix up the setting and the magic a bit but leave all of the important details practically the same. I wouldn't have had a problem if this had been labeled fanfiction. But it's not, and so to take scenes, literal scenes, from a different series feels a lot like plagiarism to me. But maybe I'm reading too much into it. I'm not going to point out all of the similarities because that would take far too long, and I don't want to spoil the other series for those who haven't read it, but I was having a hard time reading Court of Claws as its own thing rather than fanfiction. (I noticed the similarities in the first book, but I thought I was reading too much into it at the time. This just took it too far.)

I honestly don't know what else to say. I didn't enjoy the characters. Morgan is ridiculous and has no agency still. Draven's just a jerk. And not a good jerk like everyone wants in their morally grey heroes. Just a plain old jerk. I wasn't invested enough in the rest of the characters to understand their part in the story or their motivations. I'm honestly surprised I read it for as long as I did. Perhaps 70%? I got pretty far. But the culmination of everything that was happening just wasn't doing it for me.

Perhaps I'm being too harsh, but unfortunately, Court of Claws was not my cup of tea.

I don't think I have the words to discribe how much I loved this book. Book 1 left us on a major cliff hanger and court of claws jumps straight into the action continuing the story of Morgan and Draven.

We meet lots of new characters, some to love (who can't love becs?) And some you will love to hate.

Filled with action and plenty of spice court of claws had me staying up late to read it. I got so invested in this world and its characters I rationed out the last few chapters because I didn't want it to end!

Briar Boleyn is one of those very special authors who can create worlds and characters so clearly that you can see them perfectly. They come to life.

If it was possible to give court of claws more than 5 stars I would. The only downside is I have to wait until November to find out what happens next in the Blood Of fae series.

Thank you to netgalley and Briar Boleyn for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.