The Dark Days Club (Lady Helen Trilogy, #1)

by Alison Goodman

I read EON earlier this year, and while I liked aspects of that book, I did have a few reservations that kept me from picking up the sequel, EONA. Still, Alison Goodman's writing and gift for storytelling compelled me to try her new series. And I loved it!

I'm a huge fan of Gail Carriger's paranormal victorian novels (both the adult and YA series), and found THE DARK DAYS CLUB a lovely addition to that genre mashup (if a touch more Jane Austen than P.G. Woodhouse). The period details are rich and painstakingly researched, infusing the entire novel with effortless authenticity (and there tons of real historical events and figures sprinkled in for good measure). I was completely taken with Lady Helen and the realistically portrayed patriarchal society surrounding her (it wasn't overly inflated for effect, nor was Lady Helen modernized in her reactions to the gender roles of the time--that drives me nuts in many Regency novels where the heroine acts like a modern woman would). The limitations that Lady Helen has to navigate because of her sex, reveal just how resourceful and intelligent she is without disregarding the Regency era norms.

There are only a couple things keeping this from recieving a 5 star rating. This is a long book (nearly 500 pages), a touch too long in places. I love all the details, but even I could have done with maybe a hundred pages less. Also, it doesn't feel YA at all. Lady Helen is eighteen, and ready for marriage for the time period. It feels very adult, which may disappoint some readers. Still, I loved this book and already have the next Lady Helen book (due for publication in 2017) on my wishlist.