This is an incredible series based off the legend of Camelot, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The second installation into the series was perhaps my least favourite but was still a well written and gripping book. I loved that the drama started right from the beginning, keeping the suspense all the way to the end.

The characters only seem to grow on you the more you read of this world. I loved watching Morgan and Dravens's relationship grow. Draven did some rather questionable things that I'm not sure I personally would have forgiven, but this didn't stop me enjoying the plot nonetheless. There is a lot of steamy romance in this book, which I do love, but it doesn't overwhelm the actual plot which I find is the case in a lot of fantasy romance books. Morgan is one of my favourite characters from a fantasy romance novel in a while and I think she's been incredibly well created by the author. The way the author explores Morgans grief over Lancelet, her torment at being captive yet again and her personal growth during the blood rite is just incredible.

The world building, like with the first book, stunned me. The way the author builds this world of the Court of Umbral Flames around the readers is fantastic. I really felt like I was a part of the world and was walking the corridors alongside Morgan. The way she also integrated the whole new political system of the Siabra and introduced a whole host of new, interesting chatacter was cleverly crafted and clearly the author took a lot of care and attention into weaving this crazy world of fae politics.

I rated this 4 out of 5 stars overall. I've loved this authors writing style since the first book of this series and really look forward to reading more from her. I would highly reccomend this book to fans of steamy fantasy romance that also has a brilliant, gripping plotline.

Okay I am absolutely obsessed with this series… I have no idea what magic the author used to make this book so impossible to put down but she did something alright!

The slow burn was so so worth it and I ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE TWISTS AND TURNS. I can’t even put into words how much this book has captivated me. This series is easily one of my favourites of 2023. I am completely in love with Kairos and I cannot wait to continue this absolutely wonderful story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for giving me the chance to read this book.

My review is already up on good reads, and currently waiting for approval on Amazon. I will also have a TikTok video posted by the end of the day.

Okay so I did take longer reading this one but that didn’t stop me from absorbing this freaking book. Holy freaking cow dude. This book was freaking awesome!! It poured detail after detail out like a wine bottle with an eternal spout. Briar kept on giving even when I wasn’t sure how it was possible. Utterly beautiful, brilliant, and very detail oriented. On to the next!

Okay so at first I was worried that this book was falling into the second book syndrome issue, but my god when the plot starts hitting it HITS. It's giving ACOTAR and all the good bits of From Blood an Ash. It was addictive once you really got into the story again, and realized that the plot took a whole new turn with a new set of characters to love and to hate.

It really picks up where the first book left off, and leaves you at the edge of your seat. For a while you the reader are just as confused as the main character about what kind of place she is in and how it's so different from where she was from. But slowly things start to click and form this deadly and addictive world that really sucks you in. It's messy and bloody and magical in all the right ways.

I don't want to spoil anything but the last half of the book was chef's kiss. It was so addictive and Morgan was such a badass, it was the perfect way to end this story while also setting up for the next addition to this series.

This is the second book in this series and I really enjoyed this one. I very much liked how this read basically took place in a different setting then the first and we got to know the one character as who they really are. Also, the fake “dating” and spice were a great addition to these two characters relationship. I can not wait to see what becomes of the main characters and their squads in the next book.

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

we are pushed straight back into the cliff hanger left by the end of book 1 and we are now in the court of Umbral Flames. I really enjoyed the lore and set up of Dravens court and the real reason why he left when he was telling Morgan did pull on my heartstrings. Morgan still is as annoying and nasty as ever and it still gets to me how much she is ungrateful to Draven after saving her life in the first book
I loved the new character Beks, such a lovely friendship until the worst bit happens of course!
By the 55%ish mark I started really enjoying this book (& why it was bumped up to 4), loved all the fighting action at the end and flew through the last 20% of the book and am so interested to see where the third book will take us!

(I really wish a map was included in the books!)

Thank you to Net galley, Briar Boleyn & Victory editing for an e-copy in exchange for a review - All views are my own :)

Again this world has me so enthralled. All my favorites in one place. Enemies to lovers, magic, heartbreak, Draven is top notch for his touch her and die attitude. I am absolutely smitten. Again with the cliffhanger, I am so excited for book 3

Thank you Netgalley and Briar for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

100% 5⭐️!!!
Just wow! I’m sooooo Hooked🪝

When an author decides that the story will become a multi book series, I feel it’s always difficult, the pressure to keep the audience engaged while also engaged without going off on a tangent is a monumental job.
Briar has done this effortlessly! The 2nd book in this series is better than the 1st for sure.

Briar managed to respect her characters and their true personalities while also managing to let them grow naturally. Her world building skills are amazing.

Morgan is still on her journey discovering herself the reality of what she is and also dealing with her past and what she may or may not have to do in her future.
Morgan still os the same person she was from the start, guarded, respectful with a slight edge of sass.

Draven the poor man still can’t do no right without doing wrong.
His character has had a dramatic change out of all of them but not in a way where it ruins his persona. It’s just shows how he has to adapt for the good.

I really want to see the other characters develop a little more and get more of a feel for them.

I have actually decided I will order the 3 books for my shelf, I normally read from my kindle unless I really enjoy them, then I decide if I buy them for my book shelf (my kindle trophy’s I call them).

I’m about to start book 3 but I am slightly hesitant because I won’t have book 4 to move straight on to!
But I’m sooooo excited to see where this story goes!!!

Defo a TBR for any
Fantasy lover
Enemies to lovers
Mates
Riding mythical creatures
Found family
Secret pasts

You won’t be disappointed!!

This book was a compelling five-star experience for me. The transformation of Morgan's character was truly captivating, and the sequel took everything up a notch - more spice, intrigue, banter, and moments that brought both Morgan and me to tears. This series has completely absorbed my attention, causing me to pause my entire TBR list. Eagerly anticipating diving into "Empress of Fae," but perhaps a good night's sleep is in order after staying up until 3 am to savor the final pages of this gripping read!

4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Thank you to the author, Briar Boleyn, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.


This book certainly didn’t suffer from second book syndrome - I’m so invested that I don’t even want to be writing this review. I could be using this time to start the third book!


“But I see you, Morgan Pendragon. I see you truly for everything you are and everything you will be and I claim you as mine.”


What to expect:

Book 2 of Blood of a Fae series

Fae court politics

Trials trope

Fake relationship trope

Queer representation

Spicy scenes 🌶️🌶️

Found family

Self discovery


Author provided trigger warnings: “Abduction,Abuse, Alcohol Consumption, Amputation, Animal Abuse, Animal Death, Cannibalism, Child Abuse, Child Death, Decapitation, Deceased Family Member, Domestic Violence, Drug Use, Homophobia, Infant Loss / Death, Infertility, Murder, Physical Abuse, Poisoning, Slut Shaming, Violence / Gore”


*Do NOT read past this point if you want to avoid spoilers*

Morgan wakes up seemingly paralysed with two highly unpleasant Fae standing over her after the cliffhanger from Queen of Roses. After Draven sends them away, Morgan learns that he has brought her to his court under the guise of being his Paramour. Oh yeah - he is Fae. He’s also the Prince of the Siabra and the rightful heir returning after a period of banishment during which his mother acted as Queen Regent. No biggie right? Morgan is rightfully angry at being forced into this position without any consent but, he states that he saw this as the only way to protect her. Her anger funnily enough does not dissipate when he has her warded into their suite (hello one bed trope).

A few days later and she has a surprise visitor from the walls in the form of an endearing magically inclined human orphan boy. He guides her through the tunnels in order to show her around and spy on the contestants, Draven included, training for the upcoming trials to compete for the crown of the Umbra throne.

This book takes the world building that the first book started on and deepens it really well whilst also moving the plot along at a good pace (after the first 1/4th of the book). I really enjoyed the side characters that are in Draven’s circle of trust - they weren’t all thrown in your face at once in an overwhelming manner and there was also time given to allow friendships to form. I love character development that shows a transition from when they first meet to later on having friendships or an understanding of each other. I live for it - found family tropes done well are top tier.

The only thing I couldn’t really get on board with was the overly defiant part of Morgan’s personality. I understand - she did not consent to a lot of what happened or what she had to do. But, it went past the point of “This happened/is happening and I did not agree to it. I’m super not okay with it and you need to be upfront with me” to acting in a way that only added to some issues and came off as very immature. That said - characters are allowed to have flaws and parts that readers may not like.

The jaw dropping cliffhanger was so good! It was one half a bit predictable for the plot and was in line with Morgan’s personality but, the OTHER half of the ending. Well done Briar! I cannot WAIT to delve into it.

Court of Claws — Briar Boleyn
Overall rating: 4
Spice: 3.5

I can’t believe how quickly I devoured this book. It picked up immediately where Queen of Roses left off, and we immediately got a glimpse about Morgan’s true history. Just like the first book, the second is extremely fast paced. Boleyn fully delves in the fantasy aspects and we see a world of magic, elemental powers, and otherworldly abilities.


Things I liked
Morgan’s development was a notable (and enjoyable) aspect within the novel. She really shows up those that need her, and we see herself developing new relationships, as opposed to the first book, which focused on her interactions with a limited amount of people. The introduction of new characters with diverse personalities helped Morgan be more realistic and empathetic. Furthermore, we got to see Morgan’s physical growth, with her taking on badass fights and asserting herself in a place where she faces persecution and judgment.
Draven. He gets his own section, I just love him. He’s intelligent, but not in a cunning way. Instead, he’s selfless, and plans for the success of Morgan and their respective kingdoms. His devotion to Morgan is unwavering, despite what she may do or say against him, and it's clear that her happiness and safety is his priority which is so romantic and cute. He’s honest with his emotions which solidifies the transition from mere lust to the promise of an actual relationship.
Worldbuilding and setting. Boleyn did it again. Not only is the setting described perfectly, but it was unique. The world of Siabra is unlike any I’ve ever read about before, and its physical descriptions really add to Morgan and Draven’s familial ties and fae history.

Things that didn’t work for me
Some of the writing did seem juvenile at times. One of the actual lines is “the power of friendship,” which I will admit made me giggle.
There were so many plot points that some got lost or were rushed. In that aspect, I wish the book was a tad slower paced and plot points were allowed to be fully fleshed out. At some points, I was confused at the novel’s direction and development, but there are two more books, so there’s plenty of time to resolve any conflicts.
Morgan seemed emotionally immature, unfortunately. Yes, she was right to be upset with Draven. But, her emotions seemed very all-or-nothing. Either she’s wholeheartedly into him or she utterly hates him, which seems unfair to her, the relationship, and the plot. It points to a lack of emotional intelligence, and I hope her future growth allows her to understand the dichotomies within a relationship. Furthermore, her emotional growth with Draven doesn’t match her growth otherwise (physically, magically, mentally), which was hard for me to reconcile.

Overall, the series is going strong, and I would definitely recommend it. The second book features even more adventure, intrigue, magic, and romance!

* I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Court of Claws was absolutely amazing! I was blown away by the world building and characters. Morgan’s remarkable transformation makes her sounds so beautiful and powerful. The Oxmoor’s so majestic and primal. What more are they capable of?

The Siabra Court was described so vividly I can see it my mind. It is one of the most unique world building landscape I’ve ever read (as far as the castle creation and design). It sounded both beautiful and terrifying and how cool is a subterranean castle built off of an underground volcano!!! And The Blood Trial was described amazingly well it had a very edgy treacherous atmosphere that was wild and animalistic a definite hunger game vibe with vicious magical fae. This book was so action packed I hardly know where to start. Rychel so tortured and naive her decisions are shocking and could have horrifying consequences. And the horrific fate of the Valtain children Ugh I shudder to think of the monster capable of doing what was done to them and the horrific aftermath of what remains in Meridian.

Draven is so complex terrifying and alluring to Morgan will she forgive him once she realizes everything he has done??? The ending I mean wow I had to immediately start the next book it was that good. This is hands down a must read and an amazing series I highly recommend it!

3.5 stars

Court of Claws is the sequel to Queen of Roses. Going into this book, I had high hopes. I loved the first book it showed so much promise. I had put my other tbr on hold to read this. However, I don't feel like it lived up to my expectations.

Court of Claws starts right where the Queen of Roses left off. Following Morgan, who is now bonded to Draven. The feelings she thought she had are complicated once she finds out he was keeping secrets. Now Morgan is stuck in Myntra with Draven and the dangers of the Siabra challengers.

Morgan Pendragon- I felt like she was immature, whiny, and overall ungrateful. She constantly wanted to fight with Draven throughout the whole book even though he had clearly saved her. Understandably, he wasn't entirely truthfully but the lack of communication was frustrating.

Their relationship, which I had enjoyed, started to show some promise but lost everything it gained by the end of the book. I don't normally mind slow burns, but this was a regression.

One of the redeeming factors of this book was Dravens group of loyal friends. Some might describe them as "misfits" but they made the book more enjoyable. It was a found family trope. I loved seeing them grow closer throughout the book and looking out for each other.

In conclusion, I found myself somewhat disappointed with this book. The first half was slow, leaving me feeling like not much happened. It didn't leave me wanting more like the first book did. Will I read the next book? Probably, just because I want to see what happens and if it's redeemable.

EXCUSE ME. I AM REELING???!??!

literally still sweating from everything that just happened I am so confused but at the same time it makes perfect sense. I can’t decide if I hate Kairos or not (pretty similar to Morgan I suppose) and I just cannot cope.

The writing in these books is almost poetic? I feel like I sound extremely pretentious by saying that but honestly the way that things are describe is just beautiful, it doesn’t feel like the author used a thesaurus and it all flows naturally within the story, almost like a work of art. I’ve become so incredibly absorbed in the book that it feels like I’m there, I haven’t had this since I read ACOTAR or maybe Foxglove King. Honestly it is just incredible, who needs drugs when you can read a good book?

Okay going to go and continue being ill while reading the next book because I NEED to know what happens xxx

3.5⭐ I have mixed feelings about this one. The whole time, I thought “Wow this is better than the first one,” with many things I absolutely loved, but at the same time there too many things that aggravated me—especially when it came to the main characters—to justify giving it a 4-star rating. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading it and I’m looking forward to knowing what happens next!

❤️ World building and evocative descriptions
❤️ Side characters and animal sidekicks
❤️ Jaw-dropping ending
❤️ Pronunciation guide
❌ Immature, annoying FMC
❌ Too much push and pull / slow burn done wrong
❌ Miscommunication Trope / “You Lied to Me!”

Note: Make sure to read the trigger warnings, as there are many and things get pretty dark here and there.

Plot:
Morgan wakes up in a kingdom she never knew existed, with magic everywhere and creatures beyond her wildest dreams. But most of all, she is confined to a bedroom and called the prince’s Paramour as a way to protect her from the many enemies lurking in the ruthless Court of Claws. With her own kingdom waging war on three fronts, Morgan wants to return to Camelot as soon as possible… but her life is irrevocably entwined with the prince’s, and first she will need to help him win his crown.

The pace was a little slow at first, but the world-building and location setting amply compensated. It was such a pleasure to discover the Court of Umbral Flames and meet the new characters with Morgan. The pace picked up as soon as Morgan was allowed to leave her chamber, with lots of action and danger. I felt like the story was more compelling, the stakes higher, than in the first book. It was definitely harder to put down!

Characters:
I feel like the biggest flaw in this series is the main characters as well as their development (or rather, lack of) and interactions. The side characters and sidekicks are all great (I mean, how can one not fall in love with Beks, Hawl, Nightclaw, and Gawain?), but the main characters are just… not. At first, I thought Morgan’s character had improved as compared to the first book. She seemed more assured and discerning, but then she fell in the immature-and-needlessly-defiant FMC. I should have counted how many times she says “I hate you” when Draven is just trying to help or protect her. Urgh. And Draven really does try to help and protect her, but in all the wrong ways. So much conflict could have been avoided if he simply chose to be more transparent, to explain. Why all the secrets? Why not tell her everything?! But I guess that would have ruined the slow burn / hate to love trope… All the push and pull between the main characters was tiresome and took away from the plot.

Writing:
The world-building and the place/clothing descriptions were pure gold—vivid, lyrical, immersive. I feel like Boleyn stepped up with this one, and I enjoyed her prose.

Morgan finds herself tied to Draven in the court of Siabra. In order to keep her safe, Draven has named Morgan his paramour.

After the set up from the first book, you are thrown into a new world. There is a trial similar to that of ACOTAR or Hunger Games. Lots of action sprinkled with romance and shocking revelations. This book will hook you in. Now onto book number 3!

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. The world building, the curveballs and enemies to lovers to enemies again! The character building and the new characters you can’t help but fall in love with. The romance, the spice 🌶️, the adventure, THE MAGIC. This one was a faster pace than the first book but it was a great read. I found my self howling with laughter at the banter between Morgan and Draven. I absolutely loved how some of the most hated character’s you came to respect. I absolutely loved this book. The one thing I couldn’t deal with was Morgan’s low self esteem and non belief in Draven. She still seems so naive and clueless about her feelings towards Draven. I wanted to scream girl grow up so many times. She can’t even trust in herself. It drove me crazy! But I loved it overall. This series is the perfect series to help with a hangover from Fourth Wing #Arcreview #NetGalley #Briarboleyn #victoriapublishing

This book continues Morgan’s story letting us learn more about who she is and the world we’re diving in. I really enjoyed the exploration of Draven’s court and the subterranean places. However, the focus on the Arthurian legend is a bit lost and there’s a bigger focus on the romance.

The slow burn develops, and we have some forced proximity among political intrigues which I enjoyed so much. We also see a lot more of the world building in this book and for me that was a plus.

I’m so excited to discover where this story is going since it has a hunger games vibe while we explore the Siabra court. The scenery and the events of this book is different from the first one and while I would rather explore a bit more of the Arthurian legend I’m still curious to see where it will develop in the next book.

Thank you, NetGalley & the publisher, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.

I was immediately gripped more by this second book in the series. After the dramatic ending to the first book, we discover how far Draven has gone to save Morgan's life.

Morgan discovers so much about herself in this book, and secrets and revelations are appearing from every dark corner. New characters are introduced, and Draven's origins become clear...wrenching the tentative bond between the two.

This book had a much better flow, and drama, battles and magic abound. A great read!

Action-packed, spicy romance, I could not put this book down!! Court of Claws gave me ACOTAR with King Arthur references, as many of the characters in the series are from this legend.

#CourtofClaws #NetGalley