The Dark Days Club

Alison Goodman

Book 1 of A Lady Helen Trilogy

Language: English

Published: Jan 1, 2016

Description:

New York Times bestseller Alison Goodman's eagerly awaited new novel -- a Regency adventure starring a stylish and intrepid demon-hunter!

Helen must make a choice: Save her reputation, or save the world.

London, 1812. Eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Wrexhall is on the eve of her debut presentation at the royal court of George III. Her life should revolve around gowns, dancing, and securing a suitable marriage. Instead, when one of her family’s maids disappears, she is drawn into the shadows of Regency London.
            There, she meets Lord Carlston, one of the few able to stop the perpetrators: a cabal of demons that has infiltrated all levels of society. Carlston is not a man she should be anywhere near, especially with the taint of scandal that surrounds him. Yet he offers her help and the possibility of finally discovering the truth about the mysterious deaths of her parents.
            Soon the two of them are investigating a terrifying conspiracy that threatens to plunge the newly Enlightened world back into darkness. But can Helen trust a man whose own life is built on lies? And does she have the strength to face the dangers of this hidden world and her family’s legacy?    
           Set in the glittering social world of the Regency upper-crust, the Dark Days Club is a supernatural adventure that introduces New York Times best-selling author Alison Goodman’s Lady Helen Wrexhall—another heroine whom, like Eona, readers can take to their hearts.

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From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up—As 18-year-old Lady Helen Wexhall prepares for her audience with Queen Charlotte at Buckingham Palace in 1812 London, she is constantly admonished by her aunt and uncle not to mention her mother, Lady Catherine, to the queen. Helen's mother and father drowned at sea, a result of her mother's wild and reckless pursuit of intrigue and excitement. Her aunt and uncle adopted her and her brother, and while her brother is as staid and stolid as they are, Helen shows the same reckless streak, intelligence, and curiosity as her mother. When her lady's maid mentions that one of the other housemaids is missing, Helen undertakes her own investigation. As she enters a season of parties and social affairs, she meets Lord Carlson, whose family has the ancient duty of investigating a cabal of demons who have infiltrated all levels of London society and want to bring an enlightened world back into a darker age. Although warned against Lord Carlson, she finds herself drawn more and more into his work, which seem to parallel her own and plunge her into greater danger. The first of a series, this Regency romance/supernatural mash-up introduces Lady Helen and Regency London as well as the underworld of the deceivers. Fast-paced, rich in description, with fascinating characters and excitement, this tale from Australian author Goodman will leave fantasy fans wanting more. VERDICT With mass crossover appeal, this genre-pushing tale will be enjoyed by those who don't usually read historical romances or supernatural works.—Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas

Review

PRAISE FOR ALISON GOODMAN:
 
“I literally held my breath through much of this exciting book as Eon walks a razor's edge among powerful, plotting lords . . . I loved it. Can't wait for the sequel!”—Tamora Pierce on Eon
 
*"This mesmerizing story begins where most novels end: in a tension-filled climactic event, in which the fate of the protagonist and a nation in the balance. Goodman catapults the reader headfirst into a pivotal moment in the Empire of the Celestial Dragons, a world so richly imagined that it feels real.”—Booklist , starred review for Eon

“One of those rare and welcome fantasies that complicate black-and-white morality.”—Kirkus Reviews on Eona

AWARDS FOR ALISON GOODMAN
 

Eon and EonaNew York Times Bestsellers

Eon: Winner of the Aurealis Award
 A Locus Recommended Reading Selection 
 A James Tiptree, Jr. Award Finalist
 An Amelia Bloomer Master List Selection 
 An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
 A CBCA Notable Book
 
Eona: An Indie Next Selection
 An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

Singing the Dogstar Blues: An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
 Winner of the Aurealis Award, best YA novel