[yasr_overall_rating size="small"]
On January 26, New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman released The Dark Days Club, the first novel of a new paranormal series set in London, 1812. The story is a fun Regency romance flirting with a darker Gothic tale. Fans of England’s Romantic era and the occult will be equally pleased with the story of Lady Helen Wrexhall.
In Goodman’s novel, Lady Helen is drawn to the dark side of London when one of her maids disappears. She joins with Lord Carlston, a man steeped in secrets, to fight a slew of demons who permeate all levels of society. Carlston can teach her to succeed where her mother could not, but can she survive the scandal of association?
This book was a true Gothic romance. Strong heroine meets dark, broody anti-hero. Trouble ensues. Will it tear them apart? Add in the excitement of fighting demons and you have a book that’s difficult to put down. The characters have substance. The plot is mildly dark and wholly entertaining, and the historical elements feel truly accurate. The ending is satisfying, yet leaves the story open for the next in the series, which I believe will be high on readers’ to-be-read piles.
Alison Goodman became famous with her Eon series, but this book proves she’s not a one-hit wonder. Goodman will continue to impress readers of all ages with her wit and willingness to deeply research her novels. If you’re a fan of paranormal or Regency novels, pick this one up. You’ll be glad you did.