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Chaos #4
Usurper
It’s been a year since Cara returned to the human realm with her daughter, and the fae have come knocking again. The game of kings is still being played, power is the ultimate prize, and Scarlet is an asset every court wishes to acquire.
As Sadler’s next move is revealed to be his deadliest yet, and Scarlet’s burgeoning powers begin to develop into something that can’t be hidden, Cara realises that something more significant than a faery promise is needed to protect her family. It’s time for her to build on what she started in Sadler’s court.
But although the game is seductive, the price of winning might be too costly for a human to pay.
As Sadler’s next move is revealed to be his deadliest yet, and Scarlet’s burgeoning powers begin to develop into something that can’t be hidden, Cara realises that something more significant than a faery promise is needed to protect her family. It’s time for her to build on what she started in Sadler’s court.
But although the game is seductive, the price of winning might be too costly for a human to pay.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2014
53 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 4, 2015
Out of this series so far, I found this book pointless and frankly, a waste of space. It achieved nothing until about the last 20 pages, raved on repetitively with the same old issues, and love remains unrequited. The character went from a strong singular purpose to a whiny pain in the arse.
I will go on to the next novel, but the story better ratchet up or I won't bother with the final book. From a high in the third book of despair vs comic relief whilst displaying a feminine strength and commitment for a cause with a distinct flair for creative deception, to a whiny piece of shit.
I will go on to the next novel, but the story better ratchet up or I won't bother with the final book. From a high in the third book of despair vs comic relief whilst displaying a feminine strength and commitment for a cause with a distinct flair for creative deception, to a whiny piece of shit.
April 3, 2018
Excited to see what happens next
I knew that Cara would have to eventually deal with Sadler but she was definitely a bit too eager to do that. I am really concerned how she is blocking her feelings though. I love Scarlet and all of the other characters, especially Brendan. I just wish Cara would let go around him and trust him. He deserves a second chance. I don't blame her for trusting Drake though. Anyone who would marry someone they didn't love just to get power is not trustworthy. I just hope she fixes things with Brendan eventually. I am excited to see what she does with the Darkside.
I knew that Cara would have to eventually deal with Sadler but she was definitely a bit too eager to do that. I am really concerned how she is blocking her feelings though. I love Scarlet and all of the other characters, especially Brendan. I just wish Cara would let go around him and trust him. He deserves a second chance. I don't blame her for trusting Drake though. Anyone who would marry someone they didn't love just to get power is not trustworthy. I just hope she fixes things with Brendan eventually. I am excited to see what she does with the Darkside.
December 23, 2015
Cara Kelly was getting on my nerves, but it paid off in the end of the book... Funny, how through the series I started liking the characters I didn't like before and vice versa. Good read, still... very good.
March 2, 2018
Yet another powerful read! I don't know if Cara is one of the most loyal and courageous people in this book or the stupidest...sighs. She's not really known for making wise decisions but I was thrilled with her decision on protecting the Darksiders. They are good people who were dealt a shitty hand. Her humanity is not a weakness, doesn't matter what Drake says. He's an asshole anyway, not the cool faery he started off as.
That's why I loved Zoe being around Cara, being her BFF gave her the ability and grit to be honest with Cara, especially when it came to Drake. He's a lost cause, was never meant to be with her. He married Sorcha and she's in love with him..despite being a complete and total twat. Cara needs to get over him fast and quick because he only cares about his stupid ass revenge...psycho.
I feel bad that Brendan felt betrayed by Cara, I know that even though she pulls away from him, she does feel some sort of love for him. Now is the time for her to focus on her people though so Breandan will have to wait, if anything ever comes out of that relationship.
That's why I loved Zoe being around Cara, being her BFF gave her the ability and grit to be honest with Cara, especially when it came to Drake. He's a lost cause, was never meant to be with her. He married Sorcha and she's in love with him..despite being a complete and total twat. Cara needs to get over him fast and quick because he only cares about his stupid ass revenge...psycho.
I feel bad that Brendan felt betrayed by Cara, I know that even though she pulls away from him, she does feel some sort of love for him. Now is the time for her to focus on her people though so Breandan will have to wait, if anything ever comes out of that relationship.
May 9, 2017
Rip yourself in two for the people you care about and then be blamed for caring. Hardening herself in order to survive and protect those she loves most is what our main character does at the cost of her happiness again and again. Will she learn to cope with what she cannot control or learn to control what she cannot cope with....get this series and you'll find out.
May 28, 2021
I feel like each book is getting better than the last. The characters, world building and the plot are really solidifying.
Cara needs to hurry up and officially get with Brandon because, come on!
So excited to find out what else Scarlet can do!
I think I really am addicted to this series now... Claire Farrell didn't disappoint.
Cara needs to hurry up and officially get with Brandon because, come on!
So excited to find out what else Scarlet can do!
I think I really am addicted to this series now... Claire Farrell didn't disappoint.
June 8, 2019
Thank God it wasn't as brutal as book 3. Holy moly what a ride. I find myself angry at Cara they so much if this book. Putting Brendan and hating Drake. Power hungry sick with deceit and plotting. The end was amazing. I love Scarlet and can't wait to see what happens next.
June 21, 2017
The title says it all. What a great book!
January 6, 2018
It is a great book to read
January 21, 2018
This series... oh my god what are you doing to me?! So amazing! Keep the books coming...
April 10, 2019
Intriguing read
Once again the world of the fae is described without rainbows and unicorns in a charming and brutal way. A must read for lovers of the old world 's faeries.
Once again the world of the fae is described without rainbows and unicorns in a charming and brutal way. A must read for lovers of the old world 's faeries.
April 19, 2015
Absolutely wonderful story. Full of excitement, danger, and the challenges a human mother will go to to protect her special daughter from power seeking fae. I don't know if I will be able to handle the suspense until the next book comes out!
I completely love Claire's Chaos series; and Usurper did not disappoint. ❤:-)❤
I completely love Claire's Chaos series; and Usurper did not disappoint. ❤:-)❤
January 8, 2015
Can't wait for 5 and 6
April 13, 2017
It has been a year since Cara gave birth to baby Scarlet in the forest before escaping to the human realm. Living with Zoe and her grandparents, Cara has attempted to live as a normal human in the human realm. She realizes that without all the magic and fae, life is rather dull. Life is better than living with Sadler, but still dull (and, let’s face it, that’s a pretty low bar). However, Cara is intent on keeping Scarlet safe from the faeries and their blight thus she means never to go back. Things change when a giant faery king shows up at her door asking for help and informing her that she and the child are no longer safe even in the human realm.
Of course, Cara can’t resist. Leaving Scarlet behind in the care of her friends, Cara returns once more to the faery realm with Brendan. Upon returning to the Green Court, Cara is reunited with some of her old friends and enemies alike. Representing the Chaos Court as the reigning queen of the Darkside, Cara uses her still valid marriage ties as well as her Darkside informants to help the cause of both the Green and Silver Courts. Brendan may trust her advice, but it becomes clear that other members of the Green Court as well as Drake and his Silver Court don’t trust her. If you are like me and were a fan of Drake in the beginning, you have to admit that he acts like a royal douchebag (very technical term) in these meetings. He is still upset that Cara killed Deorad, his father, thus taking away his revenge. You can also tell he probably struggles with a lot of other things as well. Still, he is a royal douchebag in this book. Meanwhile, Brendan gets to be charming and supportive (and Drake fans kind of hate him for that… or not HATE, but I definitely didn’t trust him).
Cara also starts to realize how unsafe Scarlet and her are... everywhere. She learns from both Vix and Bart that Sadler will not be happy until she is dead. Also, he may or may not be getting assistance from a god in raising a dead navy from the sea.
Intense, I know. And I’m glossing over it quickly.
Despite all the “human-is-lying” vibes you get from both the Green and Silver courts, they do realize that something needs to be done about Sadler and that they must all work together to do so. Yay! Family field trip to the Darkside time with mommy, baby, baby daddy and the guy-who-wishes-he-was-the-baby-daddy. Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it.
On reading Usurper, you can see that it is one of those books in a series that gets the main plotlines from Point A to Point B. Like the second book in a trilogy, there’s a lot of talk and lot of planning but not much happens on major character-changing level until the very end. Both Cara and Drake have already changed and now they have to see each other again. It’s painful. The book is not boring or bad, I just felt like I got through it quickly, eager to continue the story.
What I do enjoy about Usurper is you get to see how Cara has changed. Her edges are harsher and she realizes that she has to see how the new “her” fits into this world. She doesn’t fully answer her own question about herself, but the clockwork is turning and you can see that she is starting out on her path and that it won’t be easy.
The other thing that Cara deals with in Usurper are the feelings that she has for both Drake and Brendan. With Drake still married to Sorcha, there’s not much either can do although you know that Drake is not happy with his choices. Cara also starts to understand a bit more about why Drake sent her back to the human realm in the first place; Cara has to make a similar decision with her human friend Zoe. Still, as someone who is holding out for Drake, I felt a little sad about their relationship. I’ll admit, he’s not exactly being the best version of himself but I also think that Cara might be a little harsh. Just a little.
What this means, of course, is that Brendan gets to move in to the place by Cara’s side, proving to be a more solid foundation for Cara to stand on. I feel for Drake when Brendan is able to sooth Cara and he has to stay away with his banshee wife. I mean, come on. It’s not that he doesn’t WANT to… Sorcha is just absolutely terrifying and who knows what she will do to Scarlet?
Despite all the hardships each of the characters face on this journey to Sadler’s castle, they eventually make it to face off with the mad king. The end result is surprising… but not in the way I was thinking.
Favorite Character: Bran, Brony faery. When Cara called him a brony, I had to laugh out loud at that one.
Favorite Runner-Up: Jackie. Minor character and I don’t know why, he just seems like he would throw a good BBQ.
Least Favorite Character: Renard the fox. Ew. Just ew. I love foxes and I think they are insulted.
Favorite Fairy Tale Gone Horrid: This blight that is taking over the realm is scary but ships rising up from the sea? A dead army? No, thank you.
Favorite Moment: When Cara doesn’t back down. I mean, she never really has backed down, but when she realizes she is a queen well, it gets funny. I also love how she cares for each of the Darksiders that they meet along the way.
Least Favorite Moment: The ending for sure. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, it’s just… well, read it. Also, when Cara realizes that Sorcha may actually love Drake because… ew.
Favorite Quote: Brendan nails the quotes in this once more. Here is one of my favs:
“Some say that love is straight as an arrow. But anything else is just the trappings. Gender, looks, titles, that’s all on the surface. It’s what’s underneath that a person falls for – the soul. That’s what love really is.”
Of course, Cara can’t resist. Leaving Scarlet behind in the care of her friends, Cara returns once more to the faery realm with Brendan. Upon returning to the Green Court, Cara is reunited with some of her old friends and enemies alike. Representing the Chaos Court as the reigning queen of the Darkside, Cara uses her still valid marriage ties as well as her Darkside informants to help the cause of both the Green and Silver Courts. Brendan may trust her advice, but it becomes clear that other members of the Green Court as well as Drake and his Silver Court don’t trust her. If you are like me and were a fan of Drake in the beginning, you have to admit that he acts like a royal douchebag (very technical term) in these meetings. He is still upset that Cara killed Deorad, his father, thus taking away his revenge. You can also tell he probably struggles with a lot of other things as well. Still, he is a royal douchebag in this book. Meanwhile, Brendan gets to be charming and supportive (and Drake fans kind of hate him for that… or not HATE, but I definitely didn’t trust him).
Cara also starts to realize how unsafe Scarlet and her are... everywhere. She learns from both Vix and Bart that Sadler will not be happy until she is dead. Also, he may or may not be getting assistance from a god in raising a dead navy from the sea.
Intense, I know. And I’m glossing over it quickly.
Despite all the “human-is-lying” vibes you get from both the Green and Silver courts, they do realize that something needs to be done about Sadler and that they must all work together to do so. Yay! Family field trip to the Darkside time with mommy, baby, baby daddy and the guy-who-wishes-he-was-the-baby-daddy. Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it.
On reading Usurper, you can see that it is one of those books in a series that gets the main plotlines from Point A to Point B. Like the second book in a trilogy, there’s a lot of talk and lot of planning but not much happens on major character-changing level until the very end. Both Cara and Drake have already changed and now they have to see each other again. It’s painful. The book is not boring or bad, I just felt like I got through it quickly, eager to continue the story.
What I do enjoy about Usurper is you get to see how Cara has changed. Her edges are harsher and she realizes that she has to see how the new “her” fits into this world. She doesn’t fully answer her own question about herself, but the clockwork is turning and you can see that she is starting out on her path and that it won’t be easy.
The other thing that Cara deals with in Usurper are the feelings that she has for both Drake and Brendan. With Drake still married to Sorcha, there’s not much either can do although you know that Drake is not happy with his choices. Cara also starts to understand a bit more about why Drake sent her back to the human realm in the first place; Cara has to make a similar decision with her human friend Zoe. Still, as someone who is holding out for Drake, I felt a little sad about their relationship. I’ll admit, he’s not exactly being the best version of himself but I also think that Cara might be a little harsh. Just a little.
What this means, of course, is that Brendan gets to move in to the place by Cara’s side, proving to be a more solid foundation for Cara to stand on. I feel for Drake when Brendan is able to sooth Cara and he has to stay away with his banshee wife. I mean, come on. It’s not that he doesn’t WANT to… Sorcha is just absolutely terrifying and who knows what she will do to Scarlet?
Despite all the hardships each of the characters face on this journey to Sadler’s castle, they eventually make it to face off with the mad king. The end result is surprising… but not in the way I was thinking.
Favorite Character: Bran, Brony faery. When Cara called him a brony, I had to laugh out loud at that one.
Favorite Runner-Up: Jackie. Minor character and I don’t know why, he just seems like he would throw a good BBQ.
Least Favorite Character: Renard the fox. Ew. Just ew. I love foxes and I think they are insulted.
Favorite Fairy Tale Gone Horrid: This blight that is taking over the realm is scary but ships rising up from the sea? A dead army? No, thank you.
Favorite Moment: When Cara doesn’t back down. I mean, she never really has backed down, but when she realizes she is a queen well, it gets funny. I also love how she cares for each of the Darksiders that they meet along the way.
Least Favorite Moment: The ending for sure. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, it’s just… well, read it. Also, when Cara realizes that Sorcha may actually love Drake because… ew.
Favorite Quote: Brendan nails the quotes in this once more. Here is one of my favs:
“Some say that love is straight as an arrow. But anything else is just the trappings. Gender, looks, titles, that’s all on the surface. It’s what’s underneath that a person falls for – the soul. That’s what love really is.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2018
Cara got hella annoying..I can understand..first child.the danger..etc etc., but goodness.
#teambreandan girl just do it already. Drake is MARRIED..lol
Chaos King went down way to easy and Drake..tsk tsk. How can he turn it around? What's he about?
#teambreandan girl just do it already. Drake is MARRIED..lol
Chaos King went down way to easy and Drake..tsk tsk. How can he turn it around? What's he about?
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews