Goldenfire (The Darkhaven Novels, Book 2)

A. F. E. Smith

Jan 2016 · The Darkhaven Novels Book 2 · Sold by HarperCollins UK

About this ebook

In Darkhaven, peace doesn’t last long.

Ayla Nightshade has ruled Darkhaven for three years since the tragedy that tore her family apart. She has left her father’s cruel legacy behind and become a leader her people can believe in – or so she hopes.

Tomas Caraway is no longer disgraced; he’s Captain of the Helm and the partner of the most powerful woman in Darkhaven. He will do everything to protect Ayla and their adopted son against all possible threats.

But protecting the Nightshade family is no easy task: a weapon has been discovered that is so deadly, it can kill even the powerful creatures they turn into.

A weapon that has fallen into the hands of an assassin who will stop at nothing to see Ayla dead.

Ratings and reviews

I really loved Darkhaven but I think if anything, I loved Goldenfire even more. You get to know some of the original characters in more depth and there are some great new ones as well, all with the same level of complexity that made Darkhaven such a good read. Like Darkhaven, Goldenfire has an action-packed plot and a certain bittersweetness that appeals to me, but it also introduces some quite sophisticated ideas about justice. If Darkhaven was an impressive debut, Goldenfire is very much its grown-up older sibling, handling the role of tricky second album with aplomb. Hopefully there will be a book 3.

Another excellent instalment in the Darkhaven series. The character work is still admirable but this one, I think, also has something quite important to say about sexism and prejudice. Certainly I intend to pass it on to my daughter to read when she is a little older. Note for readers: though this is the second book, I think it could be read without the earlier one. You would miss out on some lovely character development across the two, but on balance, I believe Goldenfire to be the better book.

I love this series beyond what words can say and would give it ten stars if I could!!! I look forward to more!!!!

About the author

A.F.E. Smith is an editor of academic texts by day and a fantasy writer by night. She lives with her husband and their two young children in a house that was apparently built to be as creaky as possible. She can be found on Twitter @afesmith