Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for this ARC.

Having just finished the book moments ago, first thoughts are that I need book 3 pronto. Boleyn does a great job writing an action packed stories that end with you on the edge of your seat…I mean the cliffhangers. The world building was great, the descriptions helped make visualizing this story rather easy—especially because it’s a fae fantasy story containing places and species unique to this universe. The characters are diverse and easy to like. I’m obsessed with Draven and am absolutely gutted every time Morgan thinks he’s lying/faking/being disingenuous. The plot twists are fun and the series has been fun to read too.

Overall I would rate this book a 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5/5). I would recommend this to romantasy fans.

Big thanks to briar boleyn and netgalley for the eARC in exchange for a review.

The second in the series and we've been given some of Morgan's secrets. We've also got some of Draven's secrets exposed as well as tournament to the death for a crown.
Morgan is fairly whiney in this book, whereas the first, she felt more stable, more confident. Maybe the intent of hot/cold personality change was supposed to come from a place of stubbornness, justified by her feelings of being wronged, but it made her less likeable.
It didn't ruin the book, still enjoyed it. Loved the bigger focous on magic, loved (hated) the tragedies, and loved the relationships that came from places of mistrust and misunderstandings.

100% looking for the 3rd book.
4.5

I'll start off by saying I definitely enjoyed Morgans character way more in this book. I mean this book was absolutely fantastic. When book 1 ended in a cliff hanger I knew I had to rush to read book 2 because I had to see where she was going to end up. Now Morgan is with Draven in the courts of Siabra and she has to navigate through new politics and her new role which is Dravens paramour. There's gripping trials, more magic then book 1 and overall more fanatic world building.
I'm super excited to read book 3 and even more thrilled to see the cover ( I'm sure it'll be beautiful )
Thank you to Netgalley and Starwater Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I breezed through this in 2 days. This was really wonderfully done. Morgan is going through it in this book, and I was here for it. Sometimes it is hard to get into the second book in a series for me, but I didn't find that to be the case here. I was sucked right back in immediately.

If you're interested in a dark high fantasy with enemies to lovers, touch her and die vibes, secrets, betrayal, plot twists, found family, court intrigue, romance, spice, and some action and adventure then this is for you. Bingable from start to finish. I am now anxiously awaiting book three.

Tysm for letting me be an ARC reader.

Great high fantasy read for Sarah J Maas fans. Great series and loved the writing style. The cover is amazing art

Book Review: Court of Claws

In "Court of Claws," the second installment of an enthralling dark fantasy romance series, readers are plunged into a world where everything Morgan Pendragon once knew and cherished has been ruthlessly ripped away. As she awakens in the perilous court of the Siabra, Morgan is confronted with the painful reality of losing the man she was falling in love with, now replaced by a stranger. Surrounded by deceit and hidden threats lurking in the shadows, Morgan's instinct is to escape this treacherous realm. However, fate has other plans, as Kairos Draven is relentless in his determination to keep her by his side.

The narrative swiftly evolves, revealing the complex and inextricable bond between Morgan and Draven, each faced with a fate laden with twists and turns. Unbeknownst to them, the sins of their pasts are creeping closer, threatening to shatter the fragile peace they've managed to find. At the heart of it all is the Prince of Claws, ready to spill kingdoms' blood in a bid to claim Morgan as his own.

Author's Note: The brilliance of "Court of Claws" lies in its seamless continuation of an epic saga, shedding light on the captivating tale of Morgan Le Fay, King Arthur's sister. This enemies-to-lovers series is a splendid choice for aficionados of distinctive magic systems, mystical creatures, and clever repartees. Drawing comparisons to the works of renowned authors such as Jennifer L. Armentrout, Raven Kennedy, Rebecca Yarros, Carissa Broadbent, and Sarah J. Maas, this New Adult Dark Fantasy Romance series is enriched with mature themes, eloquent prose, and sizzling chemistry.

Readers are advised to exercise caution, as "Court of Claws" delves into mature situations and adult language, complemented by ample doses of steamy encounters. The narrative does touch upon sensitive topics, for which the author thoughtfully provides trigger warnings. Prospective readers are encouraged to consult the book's trigger warning page in the table of contents for a comprehensive understanding of the content.

In summary, "Court of Claws" offers a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and intrigue, leaving readers hungry for more as they eagerly anticipate the next thrilling installment in this exceptional series.

Thank you Netgalley and Starwater press for the advanced copy.

I am so glad I had an advanced copy for this book as I jumped straight into it after finishing the first book. I needed more and I was not disappointed. If anything I was even more impressed than I was with the first book. I love all the characters and the plot was full of betrayal and action. I absolutely can not wait to read the 3rd book. I wish I had it now!

Wow... What did I just read?

The story begins with Morgan alive. But where?
At Draven's homeland. Who are the Siabra? Will they see her as one of their own? Or does their hate for Valtain still remain?

And what happens with our well-written morally grey Draven?

Emotions, intrigues, battles... This book contains everything in just the right amount!

So, keep going my fellow readers. After Queen of Roses, here comes the Court of Claws. Here kitty, kitty...

Can't wait for the final book in the series. Briar Boleyn is a master in fantasy romance!

Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for giving me the opportunity to write an honest review about this book!

4.5 stars

So one thing I love about this series is that it's a retelling of the story of Camelot but with faes! I also love that this series contains a lot of my favourite tropes and let me tell you, enemies to lovers is strong in this one!

I really liked seeing how Morgan and Draven have grown and continue to in this series. Their chemistry is through the roof and I'm absolutely obsessed with them.

I loved the first book but I loved this one even more! The world-building, character development and plot just continue to be amazing and addictive! Court of Claws was a gripping and at times a heartbreaking read (I'm still not over it). I am desperate for the next book and thankfully I don't have to wait too long!

This book will be popular because the first book is good. But I didn't really like it very much. Morgan was annoying. The feelings that she had for one of the characters that had been developing since the first book seem to have just evaporated into thin air.. she also doesn't use the powers. She has been honing for ages. I don't know something was off. Something was missing and it just wasn't as good. Sorry.

Thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

I was very excited to start reading this book as I really liked the first one. I thought that it was a fresh and interesting take on the classic Arthurian tale. In this series Arthur is not a saint and he is not kind of character. It also had a strong female character that, though capable, was honestly inexperienced and out of her breadth, lending to her relatability. I found that that aspect really elevated the plot. That being said, I don't feel that Court of Claws truly delivered on that front. I think the romance in it felt stilted and while it explored an interesting culture, it did feel mildly derivative of ACOTAR, which I think was a pretty big downfall. I ended up quiet unenthused by the end of the book even though I want to see what happens. It's worth going into and starting but I do think that there is a lot of room for growth and deviation from the booktok dark romance box, especially with such an interesting premise.

Court of Claws is book 2 in the Blood of a Fae series.

I was quite disappointed with this book as I enjoyed Queen of Roses very much. Morgan was very annoying and her constant whining was putting me off reading this book. I thought she had feelings for Draven since the last book, but at the end she acted like she never felt anything for him at all. And then at the end, she doesn't use the resources that are now available for her and leaves. But I would still like to find out how all this ends.

First, thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Court of Claws was an absolutely incredible continuation of Morgan’s storyI I loved the new characters and the new parts of the world we get to see in this book. The magic and world building hit the spot for me. There was a ton of action, beautiful moments, and some gut wrenching times as well. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book when it comes out!!!

The only negative I have is, like the first book, this definitely could have been proofread again. There were several errors, phrases and words repeated too closely together, or words just missing. While I could still easily read the story it did make me pause while reading. I would hate for people out there to let that take away from the book so that is why I mention it.

Loved this book! I enjoyed Court of Claws more than the first book actually! I thought that the twist was expertly done and it made me keep turning the pages for more. I devoured this book in one sitting!

Thank you Netgalley & Starwater Press for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review!

“I’m in awe of you, every part of you. Can’t you tell? I’m spellbound. You’ve awakened something in me I thought was long dead. Something I never thought I’d come close to feeling again.”

4.5 stars!! Spice 3/5!!

Court of Claws is a fae-filled fantasy & dark romance full of action, friendships, betrayal, heartbreak, magic curses, and interesting twists that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat!!!

After the events that took place at the end of Queen of Roses, Draven knows it isn’t safe for Morgan to return to Pendrath wounded and without Excalibur. He instead takes her to his home, the Court of Umbral Flames, a beautiful kingdom full of secrets, danger, and court intrigue. Here he plans to take part in the Blood Rite, a series of treacherous magical and mystical creature-filled trials. If he can win, he will become ruler of the Siabra and he’ll have the full use of its army to help Morgan return to her own kingdom and save her friends and family from the brutal war her brother, King Arthur, has begun. Though Draven means well, Morgan wakes up pissed as all hell when she realizes she isn’t allowed to return home just yet and that she must pretend to be Dravens paramore for protection from members of his court. While Draven competes in the trials Morgan makes some new friends as well as enemies while she discovers more of her past and who Draven really is and it all comes crashing together for another wild cliffhanger ending!!

Briar Bolyn has a way of creating complex and diverse characters that are impossible not to become emotionally involved with and Court of Claws did not disappoint. The relationships that Morgan formed with each of them felt authentic and not just page filler.

I think my favorite part of this book was finally getting to know more about the sandalwood and smoke-scented Draven! I really love how much he steps up his game in Court of Claws!! No matter how strong the walls were that Morgan put up, he came with the strength and determination to tear them down and I finally got some of that spicy goodness I wanted for these two! There were times in the book I was a bit perturbed by Morgan's behavior towards Draven and his own lack of communication with her but I also understood both of their motives and reasoning for this.

I really enjoyed how Morgan stood up for herself and spoke her mind in this book. She also seems to have a knack for attracting grumpy but lovable types and making friends with them and it really showed that she is quite charming beneath her hardened exterior.

Though the histories of the Fae, and the characters and settings within the Court of Claws and Queen of Roses were unique to each book, I am eagerly anticipating to see how book 3, Empress of Fae, will weave them both together. I've already pre-ordered my copy on Amazon and can't wait to find out what comes next for Morgan and Draven as well as the many lovable characters that remain from both books.

🗡️🗡️🗡️
Read Court of Claws If You're Into-
Romance
Fantasy
Action
Broken Stabby FMC
Secrets/Mystery
Fae Court Intrigue
Plot twists, Cliffhangers
Touch Her And You Die
Slow Burn/One Bed
Relationship of Convenience
Mystical Creatures and Magic

🖤🖤🖤

Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for providing me an ARC of Court of Claws in exchange for an honest review.

-This is a dark fantasy romance - so please check the trigger warnings before reading this book.-


Note-
I will be posting a giveaway for Queen of Roses and Court of Claws on my instagram tomorrow, September 26, 2023, link to my instagram page is below. I will post a partial review for Court of Claws along with the giveaway post on my feed as well as in my stories to be added to my book reviews highlight folder on my page.

The cover fits well with the first volume. Unfortunately, I find both a bit unimpressive.
The writing style is very pleasant, as in the first volume. The author could immediately inspire me again for the story and captivate me. I was immediately back in the thick of the action. Nevertheless, the beginning is a bit bumpy and in some places not so easy to see through. Sometimes it is a bit difficult to follow the plot and understand the connections. Despite all this, I enjoyed reading the book very much and would definitely like to read the third volume, especially because of the events that have occurred recently.
The characters Morgan and Draven have grown on me. I like how their love story has slowly developed and now has such a stark damper. I love how much Morgan is rising above and gaining strength. I'm excited to see their story unfold.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Sadly this book suffers from the sequel slump, just doesn’t hold a candle to the first book. I wonder if the series will spring back in book 3 or not.

A sequel to Queen of Roses, Court of Claws continues in telling the story of Morgan, however unlike the last novel she's no longer home in Camelot but stuck with Draven in his kingdom on another continent, after finding out he wasn't telling her the truth back when they first met and seems to be hiding his past.

A delicious sequel and expansion on this decidedly twisted version of Camelot, the ending had me on tenterhooks for the next instalment, and as opposed to the first novel which I felt would have resonated more with teenage me's taste in literature, this felt more suited to the me of today.

2.5 / 3.0 This book suffers from 2nd Book Syndrome and could have easily been divided in equal measure into the 1st and 3rd books. Additionally, it could have been condensed into a few chapters and not rambled on for hundreds of pages.

The FMC and MMC regressed as characters. The plot did nothing and the vein of the King Arthur legends was really lost. I want to read the last book to see if the series is redeemed but don’t recommend this one like I did the first. If the 3rd is really good, then this is a necessary quick read, but if the story is a dud then this is just the beginning of that devolution.

Until Next Time,
MC

At first the prologue and the first few pages of the first chapter was a bit confusing not knowing who the woman was that the story was being told from. I will send it seem to switch and being Morgan’s perspective.

I’ve yet to finish, but I have so many questions that still are not answered. Such as what happened to the little girl from the first book that they saved? Did Morgan’s mother not save herself brown being beaten to death because she didn’t want to have the fae king sense her magic? What happened to Sunstrike the female exmoor? Is Morgan really only half fae or is she full blood fae? I still have a few chapter to go but I hope these get answered if not I hope they are in the 3rs book and I can’t wait to read when it comes out.

At the end of this book it answered a few questions I was wondering about but not all. There were some parts of the book I wasn’t a fan of or I should say some of the attitudes of characters I didn’t like because it was such a roll a coster. For example Morgan, I wanted to scream at her and tell her to get over herself and stop acting like a spoiled brat that she was better than that, but I suppose that is how the author wanted the reader to feel. The villains were very easy to hate and not feel anything for. Some characters I still am not sure of. Over all book two was even better than book one and I can not wait until book three comes out.