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Lady Helen and the Dark Days Club

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By: Alison Goodman

Lady Helen Series Bk 1

The year is 1812 and Lady Helen Wrexhall is preparing for her debut, such an important and changing event in the life of young women in Regency London. Helen’s debut is tainted by the demise of her parents, by her mother’s apparent treason and subsequent death. Despite being told to keep as much distance between herself and her past there is something going on that Helen finds she just cannot let go of. Then there is Lord Carlston, who is reentering society after some scandal of his own. He is a man of many secrets, some of them directly related to Helen, her past and possible future. Helen is supposed to be a lady but a lady doesn’t get herself involved in a hidden world of missing servants and demonic conspiracies, surely.

Goodman has woven a tale that transports us into Regency London with all it’s intricacies and foibles. Helen is a young woman on the cusp of rest of her life, how is that a thing when you aren’t sure who you are? That is the crux of Helen’s dilemma, the known and expected verses the unknown but possibilities. Goodman’s attention to detail transports the reader to the drawing rooms, ballrooms, and habits of the wealthy as well as plunging you into the dank, crudeness of the lower classes.

A thoroughly entertaining read that delves into dark fantasy in the midst of structured culture.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 14th December 2015

Key Words: Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Demons, Regency

ISBN: 978732296094

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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Eona

By: Alison Goodman

Eon is now Eona, no longer hiding her sex doesn’t mean her life is any less difficult though. Now she finds herself thrust into the forefront of revolution and into the role as her country’s savior. It’s a precarious position to be in – fighting preconceived notions of her sex and holding on to her new secret – that she cannot control her powers. The ten spirit dragons of the murdered Dragoneyes, are in anguish and as a result a terrible killing power is unleashed when she tried to bond with the Mirror Dragon.

On the run Eona, her friends and the Pearl Emperor, Kygo, must do everything they can to wrest back the  throne from High Lord Sethon. This means making a deal with an old enemy and uncovering the truth about her ancestress’ deeds. If they get it wrong they could all be destroyed.

This book is a fantastic sequel. Eona is a strong yet flawed individual and it is that very combination that makes her so intriguing. The characters around her are brilliantly developed to draw her forward and tempt her sideways as she grapples with so many incredible changes in her life. While Eona doesn’t always do what seems right, you understand why it seems right to her.

Goodman has stayed away from a trait I find incredibly annoying – where characters make the same bad decision over and over again just so the story can move forward. In the process she has also given us a wonderfully detailed world and culture. The story sweeps us in, the characters engage us and we are happy to go along for the ride. A rich and well crafted fantasy. Recommended.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

Published: 01 February 2010

Format: Paperback 480 pages

Categories: Fantasy

ISBN 13: 9780732284947

Purchase: here or use Booktopia logo on the side of the page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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Eon

By: Alison Goodman

Eon is training for Dragoneye selection, a revered position – a powerful Lord able to master the wind and water elements to protect the land. Eon struggles with a damaged hip and a desperate secret for Eon is in reality Eona, a gifted young woman disguised as a boy in order to provide her master with the chance for a return to power. This deception is deadly as the world she inhabits views women as powerless, they have no respect and can only be wives or servants, for the most part they are hidden away.

The outcome of the Dragoneye testing is totally unforseen and thrusts Eona right into the heart of a vicious struggle for the Imperial throne and ultimate power. With no way out Eona must learn to navigate the treacherous court and make the hardest decisions she has ever faced. She will need all her wits and strength just to survive the bloody struggle and hold onto her magic.

An amazing read, I just have to start there.

Goodman has created a wonderfully detailed world that draws you in and doesn’t let you go – like the monsoon winds controlled by the Dragoneyes. Eon/Eona is an amazing character of vulnerability, confusion, determination and strength. At her heart she wants to do good and she struggles with her lack of knowledge and uncertainty. She is thrust into a world far more complex than she could have imagined. The events around her sweep her in as much as they do us as she struggles to to come to terms with the depth of her deception and the scope of her responsibility.

Lady Dela is a wonderful companion/advisor for Eona allowing for a unique and interesting perspective. Other characters flesh out the world and contribute to it’s total believability.

The story is at one time both simple and complex. To say it is a story of good versus evil would be true but an oversimplification. The politics, culture and natures (hidden and open) of the characters make this story so much more. This was a book I didn’t want to put down and I look forward to reading the sequel Eona. If you are looking for a well constructed fantasy with layered and interesting characters and a story that won’t let you go, I would have no qualms recommending this.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd

Published: 01 December 2009

Format: Paperback 448 pages

Categories: Fantasy, Dragons

ISBN 13: 9780732290115

Purchase: here or use Booktopia logo on side of page

Category:

Young Adult Fiction

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