Court of Claws ♦ Briar Boleyn | Review

The captivating voyage into the mysterious realm of fae with a hint of the Arthurian legend is continued in Court of Claws, the second installment in Briar Boleyn’s Blood of a Fae series. The story weaves a tapestry of intrigue, sensuality, and unexpected turns. There are parts of character development that need to more exploration, while the story deftly digs deeper into the fae’s lore, providing a rich and engaging experience. 

Court of Claws ♦ Briar Boleyn

Opinion

The way the female protagonist Morgan Pendragon is portrayed in Court of Claws is one of its most notable features. She may be charming, but it’s difficult to ignore her enduring innocence and sluggish progress toward developing common sense. It is impossible not to wish for Morgan to grow up from her initial innocence throughout the story. Although her character does experience some improvement, it happens at a slow pace that occasionally makes the reader impatient. However, this flaw is not without its silver lining, as it sets the stage for a promising arc in future installments.

In contrast, Kairos Draven, the male lead, matures admirably in Court of Claws. Boleyn expertly sculpts his character, revealing layers of intricacy and depth that lend richness to the story. Draven’s emotional and mental growth is a feature of the novel, demonstrating the author’s skill at creating various characters. The sole complaint is the two characters‘ lack of communication. More open interaction between Morgan and Draven could have helped the storyline by reducing some of the unneeded drama that emerges throughout the novel.

The surprising cliffhanger that finishes Court of Claws is one of the novel’s most riveting parts. Boleyn keeps readers on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next chapter in her extraordinary story. The epilogue, in particular, defies expectations, providing a dimension of suspense that wants readers to grab the next volume immediately. 
 

Conclusion

Finally, Court of Claws drives the Blood of a Fae series ahead by constructing a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of the fae realm. While Morgan’s delayed progress tries the reader’s patience, Draven’s growth and the unexpected narrative twists make this installment worth reading. Fans of the series will definitely look forward to the next installment in order to solve the secrets hinted at in the cliffhanger finish.


This review was first published at The Art of Reading. 

Morgan Pendragon has now found herself on a new continent within the kingdom of Sorega, surrounded by a new kind of Fae she never realised existed, the Siabra. She is learning many things about this new court, including their prince Draven who had been in disguise while traveling with her. Morgan is desperate to get back to her own court, which her elder brother has turned violent, but in Sorega an internal fight has begun and Draven refuses to free her just yet.
This sequel to Queen of Roses is a beautiful romantasy retelling of Camelot. I found myself submerged in the story, and I love Briar Boleyn's writing. With Morgan in a new environment, I love that we learn things about Sorega and the Siabra at the same time as her. There are some elements of this sequel I didn't enjoy as much as the first book, including how manipulate the love interest is however that's my personal preference as the world and character building is once again amazing. I definitely recommend this series to all my romantasy girlies.
Once again there are graphic themes, so please check content/trigger warnings.
Thank you so much to Briar Boleyn, Netgalley and Starwater Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.