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Court of Elves #6
The Desperate Gamble
A crucial mission forces Kenna and her allies into a highly unpredictable and dangerous environment. In order to save their home, they will have to navigate a culture they do not understand and trust people who have no reason to help them. But without assistance, they will never succeed.
Thrust into a desperate plot, Kenna and her friends will have to rely on each other more than ever. However, with every increasingly risky situation, long-held secrets threaten to spill into the light. The truth might irrevocably alter relationships, but holding on to the lie could mean their deaths.
With the fate of their entire homeland on their shoulders, they will have to risk it all to make their scheme work. But betrayal and secrets lurk around every corner. Can they keep their friendships intact while they carry out this impossible mission? Or will some bonds change forever?
Thrust into a desperate plot, Kenna and her friends will have to rely on each other more than ever. However, with every increasingly risky situation, long-held secrets threaten to spill into the light. The truth might irrevocably alter relationships, but holding on to the lie could mean their deaths.
With the fate of their entire homeland on their shoulders, they will have to risk it all to make their scheme work. But betrayal and secrets lurk around every corner. Can they keep their friendships intact while they carry out this impossible mission? Or will some bonds change forever?
317 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2024
167 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
About the author
Marion Blackwood
32 books1,586 followersMarion Blackwood is the author of The Oncoming Storm series, the Court of Elves series, the Ruthless Villains series, the Ruthless Enemy trilogy, and the Flame and Thorns series. She has a Master's Degree in English and History Education, and she worked as a high school teacher before becoming a full-time author. When she's not busy writing fantasy books or traveling the world, she reads, binges shows, and loses at video games. Marion has previously lived in the US and China, but now she once again calls the beautiful country of Sweden home. To find out more, visit: www.marionblackwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 24, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
I swear Marion gets better and better with each book. And it’s not just one element that gets better—ALL the elements get better. This one really shines in that aspect: characters get more shine, plot gets thicker, tension grows and those God damn twists that she’s so good at are *chef’s kiss.*
I love how the little details she incorporates into each book are built on and come back to importance later. Little things that you never imagined would be important and barely noticed are suddenly thrust into the light and you go both “What???” and “Knew it!” All at once.
I adore how Marion has both captured what I love about elves while also giving them their own culture and draws on some of them more ancient types of elves. Make no mistake, their trickster elements from pre-Tolkien myths have strong relevance in this series and I live for it.
Eagerly awaiting book 7!
I swear Marion gets better and better with each book. And it’s not just one element that gets better—ALL the elements get better. This one really shines in that aspect: characters get more shine, plot gets thicker, tension grows and those God damn twists that she’s so good at are *chef’s kiss.*
I love how the little details she incorporates into each book are built on and come back to importance later. Little things that you never imagined would be important and barely noticed are suddenly thrust into the light and you go both “What???” and “Knew it!” All at once.
I adore how Marion has both captured what I love about elves while also giving them their own culture and draws on some of them more ancient types of elves. Make no mistake, their trickster elements from pre-Tolkien myths have strong relevance in this series and I live for it.
Eagerly awaiting book 7!
July 25, 2022
Picking up where we left off we follow Kenna and her group. I like to say that Kenna has, not necessarily matured more, but her character has grown. I love how every small detail comes together, like I don’t now how Marion does it. I would lose my mind trying to put it all together. Yet another great fast paced story and on to the next one!!
July 26, 2022
Such a great book! My heart could not take all the bad things that happend all the time.. And in the end it was exactly what I love with a great book!
July 24, 2022
This is book #6 in the Court of Elves series, and we find our motley crew of heroes right where we left them on their way to the kingdom of the High Elves. So far we don't have that great of an impression of the High Elves. Most of them are arrogant and cruel to the lower elves, which means that our gang has to plot and scheme like never before. This book was a roller coaster for my emotions! I started our supremely hopeful, but by Chapter 5 things quickly plummet. From there this book was one scheme after another. The question, "How are they going to pull this off?" rattled around in my mind from one page to the next. Of course, our crew did not disappoint! There's thievery, plotting, scheming and of course blackmailing. They made allies, more enemies and even made enemies into reluctant allies.
And I absolutely loved how Marion brought some of our side characters into more focus in this story! Theo and Valerie have always been some of favorites since their introduction into our group, but this book really emphasized their importance! And Eilan and Valerie...GAH, I love them! Also, Idra and Hadeon love to hate each other, and I cannot wait to see that explode! And of course, Modren and Kenna have their moments that almost melted my kindle! I am so excited for the ending that is coming for our villain, because I have no doubt that it is going to be beyond epic. Bring on book #7!!
And I absolutely loved how Marion brought some of our side characters into more focus in this story! Theo and Valerie have always been some of favorites since their introduction into our group, but this book really emphasized their importance! And Eilan and Valerie...GAH, I love them! Also, Idra and Hadeon love to hate each other, and I cannot wait to see that explode! And of course, Modren and Kenna have their moments that almost melted my kindle! I am so excited for the ending that is coming for our villain, because I have no doubt that it is going to be beyond epic. Bring on book #7!!
July 18, 2022
The Desperate Gamble follows Kenna, Mordren and their gang, picking up right where we left off in The Lethal Deception. As we get closer to the end of this series, the character's scheming is getting more and more impressive (and reckless!).
My favourite thing about the whole Court of Elves series is that Marion Blackwood has a way of making me forget small details that end up becoming a huge part of the end scheme. She weaves seemingly unnecessary tidbits into the story, then distracts the reader from focusing on those tidbits. Then by the end of the story, the reader (eg. Me) is sitting there thinking 'ohhhhhhh of course!!'. I love that every book Marion writes leaves me super impressed with the sneaky schemes and plots, and she absolutely nails the art of misdirection!
A few of my favourite things from The Desperate Gamble:
- More Mordren (obviously)
- Valerie learning about Eilan's shapeshifting and being totally fine (and THAT conversation towards the end of the book, whoooo!)
- Eilan taking centre-stage!
- The most reckless scheme so far
I love this series, and I am so not ready for it to be over! Especially because with every book Marion Blackwood writes, I think it gets better and better. I'm super excited for the seventh book in this series, and I want everyone to read them all asap.
My favourite thing about the whole Court of Elves series is that Marion Blackwood has a way of making me forget small details that end up becoming a huge part of the end scheme. She weaves seemingly unnecessary tidbits into the story, then distracts the reader from focusing on those tidbits. Then by the end of the story, the reader (eg. Me) is sitting there thinking 'ohhhhhhh of course!!'. I love that every book Marion writes leaves me super impressed with the sneaky schemes and plots, and she absolutely nails the art of misdirection!
A few of my favourite things from The Desperate Gamble:
- More Mordren (obviously)
- Valerie learning about Eilan's shapeshifting and being totally fine (and THAT conversation towards the end of the book, whoooo!)
- Eilan taking centre-stage!
- The most reckless scheme so far
I love this series, and I am so not ready for it to be over! Especially because with every book Marion Blackwood writes, I think it gets better and better. I'm super excited for the seventh book in this series, and I want everyone to read them all asap.
June 24, 2023
“We would still fight. For our home. Our freedom. Our power. Our courts. And the people we love. ”
The High Elves have taken over the five courts, causing complete chaos. Kenna and her friends, with the help of the guard they’ve manipulated, travel to Valdanar, home of the High Elves, to see the Emperor and Empress.
But when their meeting doesn’t go as planned, Kenna and her friends need to come up with a new plan…and fast. They are willing to risk everything to save their land and the people they love.
I’m dreading to read the final book. I just love this series so so much. The characters. The new relationships developing. The plot. The betrayals. The scheming. Everything is literally perfect.
Mordren and Kenna forever have my heart. Although constantly experiencing new threats, the pair seem to always make time for one another. In addition to their relationship, the group friendships grow stronger as they constantly rely on and trust each other.
I genuinely believe that there aren’t enough words to describe my love for this series.
The High Elves have taken over the five courts, causing complete chaos. Kenna and her friends, with the help of the guard they’ve manipulated, travel to Valdanar, home of the High Elves, to see the Emperor and Empress.
But when their meeting doesn’t go as planned, Kenna and her friends need to come up with a new plan…and fast. They are willing to risk everything to save their land and the people they love.
I’m dreading to read the final book. I just love this series so so much. The characters. The new relationships developing. The plot. The betrayals. The scheming. Everything is literally perfect.
Mordren and Kenna forever have my heart. Although constantly experiencing new threats, the pair seem to always make time for one another. In addition to their relationship, the group friendships grow stronger as they constantly rely on and trust each other.
I genuinely believe that there aren’t enough words to describe my love for this series.
August 11, 2022
Once again, Marion has delivered an epic tale that continues right where we left off in book 5.
Jumping straight back into the excitement, we follow Kenna and her motley crew of friends into a new land filled with fresh new dangers - who knew that being a "low" elf or a lowly human could be fraught with such peril??!
As with the previous books in this series, I have laughed out loud on more than one occasion, as well as had moments of real sadness. Those bleed through the words on the page and makes your heart ache 💔
The friendships that Kenna has found and created throughout this series so far, are nothing less than magical and I see at least 2 new friendships forming before the end of book 7.
Anything else I could write now would be spoilers so I'll just leave you with this - read the book! Read the series! I swear on all that is chocolate, you won't regret it!
Jumping straight back into the excitement, we follow Kenna and her motley crew of friends into a new land filled with fresh new dangers - who knew that being a "low" elf or a lowly human could be fraught with such peril??!
As with the previous books in this series, I have laughed out loud on more than one occasion, as well as had moments of real sadness. Those bleed through the words on the page and makes your heart ache 💔
The friendships that Kenna has found and created throughout this series so far, are nothing less than magical and I see at least 2 new friendships forming before the end of book 7.
Anything else I could write now would be spoilers so I'll just leave you with this - read the book! Read the series! I swear on all that is chocolate, you won't regret it!
July 21, 2022
The Desperate Gamble features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ NA fantasy
○ Schemes
○ Elves
○ Romance
○ Found family
○ Magic
My overall rating for The Desperate Gamble is...
5 Stars
By this point, I really should expect nothing less then epic, raw and unpredictable storytelling from the magnificent Marion Blackwood. The Desperate Gamble was a speedy read yet as action packed and shocking as ever. With exciting new settings and death defying encounters, re-entering the world of Court of Elves has never been so thrilling. And how could I not mention those sneaky schemes she plots behind our backs, revealing them with a bang when we least expect it. I can't wait to join Kenna and her hilarious band of misfits on their next adventure!
○ NA fantasy
○ Schemes
○ Elves
○ Romance
○ Found family
○ Magic
My overall rating for The Desperate Gamble is...
5 Stars
By this point, I really should expect nothing less then epic, raw and unpredictable storytelling from the magnificent Marion Blackwood. The Desperate Gamble was a speedy read yet as action packed and shocking as ever. With exciting new settings and death defying encounters, re-entering the world of Court of Elves has never been so thrilling. And how could I not mention those sneaky schemes she plots behind our backs, revealing them with a bang when we least expect it. I can't wait to join Kenna and her hilarious band of misfits on their next adventure!
Read
August 11, 2022Another amazing book to add to the shelf!
Often times when characters have to travel to a new land I tend to get detached with the unfamiliar territory, thankfully that wasn’t a problem with this book! It was so much fun absorbing all the new details that Valdanar had to offer. And as usual if your on book 5 then you know the fights, chaos, schemes, and blackmail were top tier. It never gets old, each book manages to always draw me in and keep me on my toes. Something that Marion Blackwood is a expert at and because of that skill she will always have a diehard fan eager to read her next book!
I can’t wait till the final book of Kennas journey comes out, it will be a bittersweet end but I’m ready for it.
Often times when characters have to travel to a new land I tend to get detached with the unfamiliar territory, thankfully that wasn’t a problem with this book! It was so much fun absorbing all the new details that Valdanar had to offer. And as usual if your on book 5 then you know the fights, chaos, schemes, and blackmail were top tier. It never gets old, each book manages to always draw me in and keep me on my toes. Something that Marion Blackwood is a expert at and because of that skill she will always have a diehard fan eager to read her next book!
I can’t wait till the final book of Kennas journey comes out, it will be a bittersweet end but I’m ready for it.
July 24, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
Loved the action and further development of the friendships in this book, alongside the bigger displays of power and new creatures and characters we met. I also felt as thought Kenna really grew up in this book which made her more enjoyable as a character to me.
Valerie is my absolutely favourite character, adding light and sass into this series!
The plot and set out of the story is very repetitive in each book which is a little bit disappointing as this is such a long series and makes the timing of events predictable. It’s taking away from the story and characters for me but I’m really looking forward to seeing how Marion ties this series up with the next book.
Loved the action and further development of the friendships in this book, alongside the bigger displays of power and new creatures and characters we met. I also felt as thought Kenna really grew up in this book which made her more enjoyable as a character to me.
Valerie is my absolutely favourite character, adding light and sass into this series!
The plot and set out of the story is very repetitive in each book which is a little bit disappointing as this is such a long series and makes the timing of events predictable. It’s taking away from the story and characters for me but I’m really looking forward to seeing how Marion ties this series up with the next book.
July 16, 2022
I'm crazy about this series and The Desperate Gamble did not let me down. It's clever and stitched togheter perfectly towards the end. Only the last stand left, which will be epic.
The writing is extraordinary, as always. I get transported to their world right away and the emotions stirs in me. Gosh, the thing with the lockpicks? Hilarious!
We get to visit some new magical places in this book and meet a lot of new lovely characters as well.
The romance/ spice is getting better and better. I have nothing to complain about.
The writing is extraordinary, as always. I get transported to their world right away and the emotions stirs in me. Gosh, the thing with the lockpicks? Hilarious!
We get to visit some new magical places in this book and meet a lot of new lovely characters as well.
The romance/ spice is getting better and better. I have nothing to complain about.
October 1, 2022
I really love how much Kenna is growing as we progress through this series, and how their found family is becoming closer & closer together.
This book was another exciting addition to the series, I loved learning more about the Elven realm & also the challenges the characters faced. I especially enjoyed the Empress!
I love how Marion includes tiny details that show up later on and it all clicks and makes sense - plots within plots.
Thank you so much to Marion for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was another exciting addition to the series, I loved learning more about the Elven realm & also the challenges the characters faced. I especially enjoyed the Empress!
I love how Marion includes tiny details that show up later on and it all clicks and makes sense - plots within plots.
Thank you so much to Marion for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2025
A fight for freedom
Trapped in a foreign land, Kenna and the gang try to survive and convince the ruthless rulers to take action against the High Commanders. Their are amazing magical creatures, Poisonwood forest, and descriptions of a place filled with magic in the air. This series takes you on a magical journey, and you become invested in the characters and what happens to them. It is one drama after another. They are always running for their lives, and the story is peppered with sweet romantic moments that make you smile amongst with the tragic ones.
Trapped in a foreign land, Kenna and the gang try to survive and convince the ruthless rulers to take action against the High Commanders. Their are amazing magical creatures, Poisonwood forest, and descriptions of a place filled with magic in the air. This series takes you on a magical journey, and you become invested in the characters and what happens to them. It is one drama after another. They are always running for their lives, and the story is peppered with sweet romantic moments that make you smile amongst with the tragic ones.
August 24, 2022
This book was in my opinion the best of the series thus far. We join Kenna and the crew as they journey to a new land in order to save their homeland.
I adore the deepening connections between each character. How deceptive and strong the main character Kenna is and of course…the spice level 🌶
I am SO not ready for this series to end with the next book, but also SO excited to see what happens.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend you give it a go!! 100% do it!! Please!!
I adore the deepening connections between each character. How deceptive and strong the main character Kenna is and of course…the spice level 🌶
I am SO not ready for this series to end with the next book, but also SO excited to see what happens.
If you haven’t read this series yet, I highly recommend you give it a go!! 100% do it!! Please!!
October 14, 2022
Gamble
I love these books. They're well written and full of awesome and unique characters. So much happens in every one. It's crazy watching the stories develop. This one was the bomb. It was a whole new world that really made Anron shine as the villain. There's not been a way to really develop his character until this point. It's great to see what has brought out his character and made him a mastermind.
I love these books. They're well written and full of awesome and unique characters. So much happens in every one. It's crazy watching the stories develop. This one was the bomb. It was a whole new world that really made Anron shine as the villain. There's not been a way to really develop his character until this point. It's great to see what has brought out his character and made him a mastermind.
October 7, 2025
I dont know how she does it
I dont know how she does it!!! Just when you think she cant top the last scheme, even as the reader i get blind sided everytime! How on earth does the author not only pull off the amazing schemes in the book but also fools us as readers??? Just wow! Major props for another amazing story 👏
I dont know how she does it!!! Just when you think she cant top the last scheme, even as the reader i get blind sided everytime! How on earth does the author not only pull off the amazing schemes in the book but also fools us as readers??? Just wow! Major props for another amazing story 👏
July 15, 2022
I don’t know how Marion does it but she keeps me on the edge of my seat throughout every book!
I need to know how it all ends come “The Last Stand”!
Kenna, Mordren and the crew are certainly going to have their work cut out for them
I need to know how it all ends come “The Last Stand”!
Kenna, Mordren and the crew are certainly going to have their work cut out for them
July 21, 2022
Absolutely love this series! Kenna is my spirit animal! I love the scheming and how we don’t know everything that is going on in the background to make things fall into place. I love the relationship that start to build more in this book. And I can not wait to see how the story wraps up!
September 16, 2025
This has actually bugged me since a different series, but the author uses lightning for both a power that brings can wield as well for tingly feelings during spicy time…and it gets a little confusing some times.
June 16, 2022
Perfect pace, believable, likeable and cool characters and an epic foreplay to a surely breathtaking finale. Blown away.
October 8, 2022
Great book
This book does not disappoint. There are just as many plot twists as always. I agree with Kenna though they need a rest and time to themselves.
This book does not disappoint. There are just as many plot twists as always. I agree with Kenna though they need a rest and time to themselves.
Read
November 25, 2024Over halfway through and it's just draaaaaging. I've finally given up. Dropped.
November 4, 2025
How am I on the last book!
November 18, 2025
More Please!!!
The twists and turns in the plot were magicly conceived, which kept me interested. The sex scenes warmed my heart and other places. Well done!
The twists and turns in the plot were magicly conceived, which kept me interested. The sex scenes warmed my heart and other places. Well done!
August 12, 2022
Marion, you’ve done it again!
I’ve loved the first 5 books of this series and I loved this one just as much. There was the fast paced, scheming adventure we’ve come to expect, but not only that we’re beginning to see some of the budding relationships from the previous books finally come to head. I’m super excited.
I can’t wait for the finale, man I can’t wait for Anron to get what’s coming to him 😂
I’ve loved the first 5 books of this series and I loved this one just as much. There was the fast paced, scheming adventure we’ve come to expect, but not only that we’re beginning to see some of the budding relationships from the previous books finally come to head. I’m super excited.
I can’t wait for the finale, man I can’t wait for Anron to get what’s coming to him 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
Yesss!!! Thank You so much, Marion, for providing an ARC, to this wonderful, exhilarating, and enjoyable book.
I love that this book, focuses a little more on the side characters, and yes, everyone needs a big ball of sunshine mixed with a fireworks kind of personality in their lives.
This book paves way for the next one, and I honestly can say, the climax was devious, cunning, and unbelivably believable. I love that you push the characters through so much turmoil and action, that the reader, aka me, wants a break for the poor devious cunning villianish protagonist gang.
I love that this book, focuses a little more on the side characters, and yes, everyone needs a big ball of sunshine mixed with a fireworks kind of personality in their lives.
This book paves way for the next one, and I honestly can say, the climax was devious, cunning, and unbelivably believable. I love that you push the characters through so much turmoil and action, that the reader, aka me, wants a break for the poor devious cunning villianish protagonist gang.
September 25, 2022
4 ⭐️ // The story picked up right where the previous instalment finished and I couldn’t have been happier. So much action occurred that kept me invested within the storyline. Kenna as a character as matured and grown so much which I love. I’m both nervous and intrigued to read the finale of this series soon!!
— THANK YOU to the author for kindly gifting an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts/feelings are my own.
READ IF YOU LIKE:
- Found Family
- High Fantasy
— THANK YOU to the author for kindly gifting an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts/feelings are my own.
READ IF YOU LIKE:
- Found Family
- High Fantasy
February 26, 2023
I want this book soooo badly...
Truth to tell, I haven't actually read the previous one, as it only comes out in the end of April, but I already can't wait for this book to come out.
What can I say? I'm ambitious... 🥰
Truth to tell, I haven't actually read the previous one, as it only comes out in the end of April, but I already can't wait for this book to come out.
What can I say? I'm ambitious... 🥰
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews