The Forever Court

Knights of the Borrowed Dark Trilogy #2

by Dave Rudden

Livet börjar återgå till det normala för Denizen Hardwick. Eller normalt och normalt. Att bekämpa monster tillhör numera vardagen, liksom att försöka få styr på de magiska krafter han fått av Mercy, den ändlöse konungens dotter.
Men Denizen kommer att få användning för sina krafter fortare än han anar – dels rör det på sig bland monstren, dels står det lånade mörkrets riddare inför ett nytt hot från ett oväntat håll…
Evighetens hov är andra delen i den rafflande och fantasisprudlande serien om Det lånade mörkrets riddaree...

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Adventure, War, Magic, Irish Literature

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 6, 2017

About the author

I began my arts career as a storyteller in Dublin at nights like The Monday Echo and Milk & Cookies, before realising that it might be a good idea to try writing some of this stuff down.

From then, it was submitting to journals and anthologies, getting rejections, and then occasionally getting accepted by nice places like Bare Hands, the Stinging Fly and The Quotable.

In 2013 I won the Fantasy Book Review Short Story Prize, which was lovely, and I’ve had short stories short-listed for the Hennessy New Writing Award and the Bath Short Story Prize. I graduated from the UCD Creative Writing Masters with the first chapter of what would become Knights of the Borrowed Dark and signed with rockstar agent Clare Wallace of the Darley Anderson Children’s Agency soon after.

Since then, I’ve released the second two books in the KOTBD trilogy, written Doctor Who books for the BBC, and written plays and TV and music videos and RPGs .

I teach creative writing at UCD, currently serve as DCU’s Artist in Residence, and have travelled to more than nine hundred schools and libraries all over the world to talk about writing, mental health, and monsters. I also have two new series coming in 2025.

Follow me on Twitter at @d_ruddenwrites or on TikTok at @daveruddenwrites

Reviews

[Bentley ★ Bookbastion.net · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knights of the Borrowed Dark: ★★★★✩

Consider my hype levels after finishing the first book effectively dashed.


I had such high hopes for this one too! I was really excited to see where Denizen's story, and the exploration of the world of the Tenebrae was going to go next, but the last place I expected or wanted the story to go was backwards. Which is exactly what happened here. New characters and points of view were introduced here that dragged the focus off of Denizen in a way that made it difficult for me to feel emotionally connected with the material.

One of the things about Middle Grade is that it's meant for younger audiences. Tweens and young teens who are just getting invested in reading full novels. I wrote about some concerns I had with the previous book feeling a bit overwritten, considering its audience. Well, consider that complaint redoubled here, as brand new characters start introducing a storyline about the history of magic in the world, as ancient goddesses start betraying each other, while a cult is rising and a magical summit between the Knights and the Tenebrae is threatened. It was just way too much.


I was totally lost for roughly 60% of the book, trying to figure out what was going on with the cult and all the new characters. If I got lost, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for younger audiences to connect to the material.

I don't mean to diminish Dave Rudden's talent, because he's got an exquisitely lyrical writing style that I quite enjoy, but I have to rate the book in consideration of the genre it's been placed in. This might work better if it had been an adult series, geared towards adults that are ready to scour the material for hidden connections to ancient Gods and wars, but for Middle Grade it's just overly complicated.

Not to mention that my complaint about the darkness of the first book still stands and perhaps becomes more poignant with this entry in the series. Again, this is a book written for tweens and young teenagers, but the stuff going on is pretty horrific. There are themes of religious fanaticism, cultish behavior and child abuse that didn't sit well with me, coupled with a few overtly violent scenes and the threat of decapitation at one point too.

I don't know if kids are just built from more hardy stock these days or what, but even if they were I don't necessarily think we need to throw total darkness at them in story form either. One issue I took with this book is that there are no happy, uplifting moments to celebrate in here. It's all gloom and doom and quite frankly, depressing. At least the first book had Denizen's introduction to the magical world to keep things exciting and uplifting. Here, that's been stripped away and what's left behind feels needlessly devoid of hope.


I really think that if Rudden were to shift and start telling stories about adults living in this universe, written for adults I would absolutely love it. The dark imagery is cool, and I still enjoy the monsters in this world but I don't really feel connected to it anymore.

★★✯✩✩ = 2.5/3 stars, rounded up for Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley, and Penguin Random House UK Children’s Puffin for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

See this review and more like it on my blog: Bookbastion.net

[Vi ~ Inkvotary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got to the end. Doesn´t mean that the story was bad, no. This novel shows the unique style the author has. It was only that I couldn´t read it the way I had planned.

Denizen has to learn a lot of things. About his mother, about himself, about everything. He feels very old is yet a little boy who is at the beginning of his teenage years. Hormons are flying high, his voice cracks whenever she wants and only his best friend Simon is able to help him in certain situations.

But the new life both are living now isn´t exactly what they thought it would be or could be. And it took quite some time to figure out what Uriel´s role in this novel was. Because the author takes an awful long time to bring both strands together -which is almost at the end of this book.

This book or trilogy is a great way for boys to use their own imagination to see what Denizen is seeing. Dave Rudden has a fantastic way to let come scenes alive, to describe how he sees some things and let them tell their own story. So, for all boys 12 up in the world, this is definitely for you *smile* And girls, of course, too. But be aware that the tone in this book is that of a little boy *double smile*

[Fiona Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second books are often not as satisfying but this one bucks the trend. Fast paced with a bit of horror and so many twists and turns, as well as a whole Family of new characters to come to grips with.
Denizen Hardwicke is trying to get used to having all the magical Cants in his mind, trying to not use these even though they push at his mind. The Palatine of the Order is coming, and he absolutely cannot find out about this, or the strange, unusual and undefined 'relationship' between Denizen and Mercy, the Endless King's daughter.
And who or what are the Croits, and exactly what is their Redeemer, and what happens when she finally wakes?
A great read and now I have to wait a year until book three...

[Adibah Atiqa (persephtiyareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read, slow pace like more than half of the book but I really love the world building and some of the characters' development.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely non-stop action and adventure from page one and written with an elegance of language I very rarely see in "kid's" books. This is by far the most fun book I've read in ages!

[Aelvana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uriel Croit has spent his entire life waiting for the Redemptress to awaken. The Croits train and prepare for the War that will come when they will take over the world. But when Uriel's fondest dreams are realized, he finds the world isn't as simple as he thought . . .

Denizen Hardwick is in training to become a Knight who kills the Tenebrous who invade the world from some outer dimension. Too bad he's absolutely fascinated by Mercy, the Tenebrous he saved, the Tenebrous who granted him knowledge of ALL of the Cants the Knights use to control their magic. And when a message comes from the Tenebrous asking for Denizen by name, no one knows what to think. Could peace even be possible, or is this some elaborate scheme? And even if it is a genuine offer from the Tenebrae, will the Knights risk it, or try to sabotage it themselves?

I adored the first book, and was happy to find this one was just as good. Uriel's sections are important, but Uriel isn't as funny as Denizen, so I tended to prefer Denizen's commentary about basically everything.

Like the first, this has a good dose of horror, humor, and fantasy. Denizen is exploring his first crush---and amusingly enough it's Mercy. Which gets him into no end of trouble with everyone.

We will see each other again, Denizen Hardwick.

Denizen had assumed that was the kind of thing magical glowing girls said all the time, to promote an air of mystery. He hadn't realized it was something she was going to go and organize.

And:

He'd read enough fantasy books to know that diplomacy didn't mean honesty and conversation. It meant fancy dinners, watching betrayal flash behind people's eyes, and not trusting Grand Viziers.

Naturally, the situation is way more complicated than anyone realizes. I liked the rough relationship between Denizen and his newly-discovered mother. He thought of himself as an orphan for so long he's not sure what to do with family. And honestly, he almost feels like an orphan still, because the way Vivian runs the Sanctuary is more like a barracks and less like a home. He's much more a novice Knight to her than her son.

It was an occupational hazard of being a bookworm. You stopped thinking in terms of reality and started thinking of nick-of-time rescues and the power of a dramatic speech. It couldn't be over because it shouldn't be over.

And I liked how Denizen is an absolute wildcard in this whole mess. His knowledge of the Cants makes him extremely dangerous---but he doesn't have the training to use them properly, or the physical ability to back them up. Cants are supposed to be a last resort, because of the Cost. He's the only one who believes Mercy is telling the truth and that peace between the Knights and the Tenebrous is even possible. But is he right about her heart, or have those older and wiser Knights who see only monsters spotted something he missed? Just because a happy ending would be a nice story doesn't mean it's actually the truth.

Overall, I was thrilled to finally get a copy of this in my hands, and I can't wait for the next installment. I really need to start a quote file to save off my favorites---the above are only about half the places that had me laughing so hard I had to put the book down. I rate this book Highly Recommended.

More quotes because I can and I want to remember these:

Mercy gave a passable approximation of Frown No. 12---Here Is Some Sympathy I Am Not Sure You Deserve.

And:

Jack shrugged. "There's no point to revenge. You either don't get it, in which case the want grows until it collapses your world around you, or you do get it. And then you have it. Great. Show me something you can build from revenge that you can't build from acceptance."

And:

I want a form, Denizen thought. I want everyone to have a form, and you have to fill out your intentions and list why you're doing what you're doing. And you're not allowed to lie.

And:

He'd feel like a right idiot if all this was happening and he died from smoke inhalation.

And:

Denizen didn't think he was claustrophobic, though he had avoided small spaces up until now precisely because he didn't want to find out. He had the sneaking suspicion he was home to a whole plethora of phobias he hadn't discovered, simply because he hadn't been exposed to them yet.

And:

She gave Denizen a half-smile. "Hardwicks aren't great with emotion. We're our own worst enemies, really." She paused. "Which, considering our vocation, is actually rather impressive."

See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....

[Niamh Ennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

While initially feeding into my usual middle book slump this book is a slower burner but presents interesting history for the world as well as interesting future directions and relationships with the enemy. This is presented with the same wit and charming characters as the first book so I will of course be reading the finale in due course and interested to see where it goes. The only downside to this book was that with the added focus on the Croits and Mercy and the wider order, there was just a little too little of the characters i grew to love, or Darcie, Abigail, Simon and Jack. It likely is the usual protagonist with power that friends cannot understand shuns friends that may not understand but i do hope he values them more going into the last book.

[Elizabeth Emily Browne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know why but i just couldn't connect with this book. Much like the last book I was lost for about 75% of it and then by the time I'd figured it out a little it was basically over. I don't know whether it's because I'm ridiculously simple but I just found it far too complicated.

I hate to give It two stars as I was really hoping that I'd enjoy these books but it just didn't have the same feeling as the first which I liked slightly more than this one. Maybe if it was developed a little more and aimed at adults it could have given it a little more sparkle.

I thought that this book might focus on Denizen and Grey mainly as of how the last story ending. But there wasn't enough of them for my liking. I'd like to have seen more from Grey and what becomes of him but there wasn't enough for me.

Overall I just wished I'd enjoyed it more.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS JUST AS AMAZING AS THE FIRST!

Honestly, not a moment where the plot isn't thickening or propelling. Denizen's character development is gorgeous, his struggles with love in all its corners were so real and heartfelt. THe new characters bought depth to the world without taking away what had happened in the previous book. Second book itis who?

SUCH A GOOD JOB. Rudden, my man!

[Lazybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent plot, but book was finished way too fast.

[Jamie Cayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Dave Rudden and Penguin Random House UK Children’s for this opportunity (this review is for both book 1 and 2).

I started reading Knights of the Borrowed Dark without having ever heard about either the author or the book and having no more information than what the synopsis provides. Having finished the books I can't believe I'd never heard of them before! I absolutely loved them and they rightfully earned the top spot on my list of favourite books. My only complaints are that Spring 2018 is too long a wait to get to read the third book and that none of my friends have read them so I have no one to spend hours talking about it with.

I feel like there's so many things I have to say about these books but on the other hand I feel like anything I say about them will fall short of even beginning to describe how awesome they are so I'll just end my review by encouraging everyone to give them a go. Also, while the orphan suddenly becomes a hero or has their entire world change drastically is definitely an overused storyline, these books are nothing like all other books with that kind of storyline that I've read so don't let that put you off.

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could kiss whoever it was on netgalley who approved this for me...absolute stunner. I couldn't put this book down, much like the first one. Dave has a very unique voice which stands out between these pages. The words flow and enthral making it an absolute pleasure to read. I could easily sit and compare this to HP/Miss Peregrine's/Patrick Ness but it wouldn't be doing this enough justice. This is one author to watch out for!

[Adam Burnley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of the story which has a different structure compared to the first book their is now another pov added which takes a bit of time of getting used and not something that i loved straight away

The reason why i was not a lover of this new pov is that at times, i found it hard to understand what was going on with it confusing me at times and to be honest the characters did not vibe with too strongly. I must say once we kind of got into the middle of the book, and thr last half of the book this storyline did become interesting to me and had me intrigued so it did pick up but it just took a bit of time for me. Their is one character left from that faction by the end of the book that i hope we pick up with in the last boon because his storyline was left on a cliffhanger that i am curious about in terms of where is the author going with it seeing that an important relationshio has been left in the wind so it be interesting too see if he can break through the ideals that havr been ingrained in her or will he lose her to the very beliefs that he once believed in.

We have picked back up with our main character who has gone through a major powrr upgrade, that was not forced upon him but was a power that he needed in a despearate moment but a moment that he was not ready for seeing due to his lack of training which is really obvious in the book. I thought this personal story line for him was very interesting seeing that you can tell how much of a burden it is for him so it very interesting to him trying to control these powers that seem to have a mind of their own. This story line was present through out the whole book, with me feeling that this story line had a really good pay off seeing that it also linked into his story line with him mother, seeing this lack of control allows him to open up to his mother with it softening their realationship

Now we had a major shock by the end of the last book, around simon who got the shock of his life with his power awakening in him during a needed moment. I do wish that their wasnt so much of a time skip, because when we get into this book i feel like we have skipped over simon beginning training days now we get scenes of thems hands to hand combot with a high importance placed on this combot which i liked and agree with but i do wish to a certain extent that we got the beginning stage of his training. Now i do feel like these training scenes along with how these characters fights gives us a good idea, on the strenght and weakness for each of these characters with us getting a good idea of how these characters handle themselfs in a battle with it showing us what they can bring to the battlefield for example simon is really good at blending in by using his magic but his hand to hand combat is not great like our main characters who uses magic to get ahead most of the time where his hand to hand combat is not great also.

The pace of this book like the first one was very quick, and easy to read to be honest with it being just a fun read that you dont have to really think about too much juno it was a light and breezy read that you can just sit and chill with so even though this book was average, it was still a fun and good read and i am excited enough to pick up the last book but would i be rushing to read somethint else by this author well the answer is no but that doesnt mean i would never pick another one of his books because as far as i know these are his first book so credit is due that his books are good enough

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rudden, Dave. Knights of the Borrowed Dark: The Forever Court. 416 pages. Random House, 2017. $16.99. Sexual Content: G. Violence: PG. Language: G (2 swears).

The second book in the Knights of the Borrowed Dark series, takes place a few months after the last book. Denizen is still struggling to connect with his mother who left him in an orphanage for thirteen years to pursue a suicidal revenge mission. Denizen has over seventy cants in his mind, words with magical power that seem to want to be used. But every time magic is used—there is a cost. Mercy, the daughter of the Endless King, who Denizen helped rescue wants to meet with the Knights of the Borrowed Dark to talk peace. The Palatine sees it as an opportunity. Denizen sees it as a chance to see the girl he fancies.

A new character is introduced named Uriel Croit. He is the narrator of every other chapter. His family lives on a hidden island and worships the Redemptress. His twin sister Ambrel and he are both blessed with powers. The Redemptress awakens and Uriel is disturbed at the changes in his sister. The Redemptress wants to take over the world and doesn’t care who she hurts to do it. The Croit family kidnaps Denizen and Uriel must pick a side to fight for.

Magic, mystery, knights, and a hint of romance. What more could a middle-schooler want from a fantasy adventure book? The plot moves quickly and the twists and turns all come back neatly together at the end. Author, Dave Rudden has excellent world-building in both books, but this second one expands the reader’s understanding of the existence and the history of the Endless King, his daughter, and the Tenebrous. Denizen continues to be a likeable character. Uriel’s character development is the heart of his story. How can he do what is right and still be loyal to his family? A great book for boys (and girls). This is the perfect series to recommend to Rick Riordan fans.

MS-ESSENTIAL. Samantha Hastings, MA, MLS.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Eloise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Knights of the Borrowed Dark & The Forever Court by David Rudden

The story centers around Denizen, a 13-year-old orphan living at Crosscaper Orphanage. Denizen has been at Crosscaper for 11 years with absolutely no knowledge of his parents; Battling everyday through the grim and dank orphanage with only his best friend, Simon for company. Until a stranger arrives…
…and Denizen is thrown head first into a world of secret societies, super powers and other world monsters.
Denizen is such a well written character. Rudden does a brilliant job of describing the emotions and thoughts that would have been rushing a terrified 13-year-old mind, having being told that not only does a whole other world full of horrific creatures exists but that you are a direct descendant of The Order of Borrowed Dark, a secret society sworn to protect the Earth from said horrific creatures. Denizen, his Aunt and the rest of The Order must fight to keep this world safe from the beasts and creatures creeping in from another world.

I really enjoyed this book and it was definitely a refreshing change to the usual YA Fantasy book that have been on the scene in recent months. The story line was great, characters believable and enough action to keep me gripped through-out.

I was lucky enough to be selected by the NetGalley team to review the second installment of The Knights of the Borrowed Dark series as well as the first. And I jumped at the chance to dive straight into The Forever Court.
I really enjoyed the characters first time round and couldn’t wait to see where the journey had taken them. Rudden writes the characters in such a was that you feel although you know then and genuinely care about them, especially Simon, I found him particularly endearing and I am so glad that he has joined Denizen.

While desperately struggling for peace and attempting to co-operate with an unlikely and not all together trust worthy source, The Order face a much deadlier battle from a completely unexpected opponent; forcing both The Order and Forever Court to work together.

Although the story line was much more complex than the previous book, it was equally enjoyable to read. I was overjoyed to hear that there will be another installment in the series.
What great reads! Definitely the next big thing to come out of the YA Fantasy genre.

Thank you NetGalley and David Rudden for the opportunity.

[Matt Pavloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to Knights of the Borrowed Dark takes place a few months after the events of the first novel, and continues the story of Denizen Hardwick, his friends, and the Knights. While the story takes readers back to the familiar halls of Seraphim Row, the events of the first novel have left Denizen and the Knights changed and scarred in many ways. On top of dealing with these changes, the war with the Tenebrae continues-until the Endless King does the unthinkable and offers the Knights a chance at peace. But this tentative treaty between sides is nearly upended when a rogue faction, the mysterious Croit family, emerges and seems bent on destroying the Knights.
Those who read and enjoyed the first novel will clamber for this next installment, and for good reason. Rudden proves himself wonderful storyteller with a strong grasp of language and pacing, and introduces some fascinating new heroes and villains. Fans of fantasy will enjoy seeing some familiar tropes turned on their heads, as well as tongue-in-cheek nods towards common fantasy clichés. Educators and librarians should try to get this book into the hands of as many fantasy fans as possible. However, new readers should be sure to start with the first novel, as The Forever Court is short on exposition which could leave readers with the feeling that they are missing some important details.
**Originally published in VOYA, July 2017**

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I have to say a big thank you to the author/ publisher for putting this up for grabs on Goodreads. I received this and the first in the series though I only expected this one.

4.5 stars, but I always round up.

Dave Rudden is a brilliant writer, both in style as well as story telling. It is easy to read (handy when you're reading long after you're tired), and engaging (which is why I was reading long after I was tired).

The story of Denzien continues several months after the first book. The complexity of relationships and situations deepens in this novel, which is why it received the extra half star from the first book.

The ONLY criticism which I had was the introduction of a whole new set of characters with little to no explanation of who they are. In the author's defense, this is revealed at the end, but in the chapters where they took center stage it was a little confusing.

Overall, I really loved these books and I wasn't expecting to as the MC is a younger teen boy. I loved them so much that when the finale comes out next year it will be on my list to buy.

[Sinéad O'Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so *this* didn't disappoint.

I'd been eagerly waiting for the follow-up to KOTBD for what feels like YEARS, and so I tore into The Forever Court with a hunger - and (no spoilers) IT WAS BRILLIANT. I just love the way Dave Rudden writes; he has such power in his prose, and so many turns of phrase that leave you marvelling at his ability (and perhaps wibbling slightly in terror, too). I loved Denizen in the first book, and even though he's a bit more acted upon than acting here, perhaps, he's still wisecracking and bumbling and so full of heart that you can't help but adore him. The baddies - think the Malfoys, only with the power of an all-consuming cult behind them - are genuinely pants-wettingly terrifying (though it did take me a while to get to grips with the narrative jumps between their story and Denizen's, but it became clearer the further I read); the creature they worship is just... well. *insert scary-but-brilliant emoji here* And, of course, the Order is still cool as anything, and the Tenebrous still as scary as all get-out, and then there's this girl...

Also, the end. Is. So. Cool.

So, basically, read this. It's great. Team Denizen forever.

[Marlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been putting off reading The Forever Court for a while.

Not because I don't enjoy the series, but it's just so dark. Surprisingly, The Forever Court sheds some much needed light into the mysteries of the Order and the trilogy in general. It's still dark, but there is light and there is hope and a bit of a glimpse into what might be an ending to the series.

Speaking of endings, the ending of The Forever Court was meant as a surprise twist, but I was just left confused. Not much really happens in The Forever Court either. We get glimpses of other Knights and where our characters are now in their own personal journeys, new characters are introduced as well as enemies and new plot twists, but not much really happens outside of our final climax.

Three stars more for the characters and the overall story of the trilogy than this book by itself. It reads very much as a middle novel in a trilogy and isn't as strong as the first novel.

[A. K Grounsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok firstly let me make one thing clear. I am well aware that this book was written for pre-teen boys and not 15 year old fangirls. But I really enjoyed reading this book!

I read the first book on holiday as I had ran out of reading materials and so was forced to borrow some of my younger brother's books. I was surprised by Rudden's humorous, interesting writing style and the books action-packed plot line. So when I found the second instalment in my local library I was pretty excited. It took me a while to get back into it but once I was their I became completely submerged in the Orders world. Sure, I found the flicking back and forth between Denizen and Uriel occasionally annoying but overall it was an amazing book.

I am super excited for the next instalment and eager to trust Mercy (although I still have my doubt).

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is explosive - so fast-paced, so full of language that takes the imagination leaping into whole new spheres of fantasy, and so brilliant in the modification of the tropes of young-adult fantasy that we already know and love. None of this is inspired by the fact that Dave Rudden came to school to talk to our students recently, but that doesn't hurt... As an author, he has done wonderful and amazing things, and as a speaker, he charmed, captivated and beguiled a room full of kids as well as I've ever seen anyone do. He's totally in control of his magic.

There's real depth and morality in these books, right alongside the beautifully devised world and painfully authentic thirteen-year-old protagonist. They're destined to become classics - I can't wait for the final installment!

[Minna Mäkinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firmly in love with this franchise after finishing the second instalment in the Knights of the Borrowed Dark trilogy.

Picking up where the first novel left off, we’re straight into the unexpected and difficult to navigate world of interdimensional politics. Trying to broker a peace when sneaks on both sides want nothing more than to sabotage any efforts is hard in the here and now world, never mind trying to achieve the same with representatives from The Forever Court.

Rudden introduces a host of new characters to the story slowly, their back story and motivations drop fed through the wider narrative. I felt the pace a tad too slow in places (especially when comparing to the first novel) but once things kicked off, the narrative moved on explosively fast.

Two down…
One to go.

[Hell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic sequel to The Knights of the Borrowed Dark.
The lore is expanded upon with brand new characters adding even more depth to the vast world.
Denizen fights with himself over his cants and how he feels about Mercy. Usually I avoid anything remotely romantic but this sways away from typical love mush and remains focused on the Order and the Court as opposed to falling where many books tend to end up, focusing on love between the main character and a cliche girl.
I loved Uriel and I hope we get to see more of him in the next book, him and Simon are quickly becoming my favourite characters.
Apart from Grey, Grey will forever have a place in my heart.
I miss him.

[Karen Broughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic story, true roller coaster of a read. I will at some point have to read it again to clarify a few points as I have to admit i did skip over lightly on the Croits as I found it a tad boring till we got further into the book. this one didn't flow the same way as the first one. I found thier side a little boring but my gosh when i finally was able to put it all together it made great sense. Anyone reading it for the first time i urge you to keep on reading as the way it ties up neatly at the end is so worth it. I have literally just finished and already got the final installment sitting at the side of me.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the first book, and loved it the way we did (we bought it!), you know it can be hard for an author to keep up that level of writing excellence in a sequel.

My son grabbed this as soon as it came in and read it. I really wanted to read more of Simon's story in the sequel, but instead Rudden introduces a whole new character, Uriel Croit.

Now, the book is written in two different POVs -- Denizen's and Uriel's, just like the first was written from Denizen's and Simon's POVs. But while Simon is in this story, we don't get "his story."

You're supposed to read it as one seamless tale, and I did for the first book, I think because the boys shared a link -- they were friends and allies at a horrible orphanage. But Uriel and Denizen have no link, no connection at all (it's by design), until about 3/4 through the story, when their plot lines connect.

The back-and-forth switching of POVs in this book distracted me, so I exercised my reader's rights and read through all of Uriel's POV chapters first. Then I went back and read Denizen's, and then I took up where they came together and finished the read.

I won't spoil how it ends. Just know, the pivotal decision comes from Uriel, not Denizen. It's up to Uriel to realize Denizen is his ally, that actions speak louder than words, particularly when those words are delivering a warped message.

My son liked it, but he had a very negative reaction to a key character -- I won't say who -- and she greatly troubled him. In addition, the theme this book tackles, fanatical belief, was difficult for him to understand, even at 15. We spent a few hours talking about it, discussing it, how this one character could behave / think this way, despite all the evidence -- and Uriel's feelings -- to the contrary.

I won't spoil the big twist at the end. I'm still giving it five stars, because the writing is sublime. Just know, it may take some discussion with a parent for a tweener, or even young teen, to fully "get" this story. Enjoy the read!

(And I do hope we get Simon's story in the next book!)

Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/

[Lisa Friel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I hadn't come across these books before, and had to make myself wait before starting the second one in the series - but now have to wait until next year for episode three! Dave Rudden writes in such a way that I can see all the characters and locations very clearly. There was a risk that this one would not match the first for impact and humour but, apart from a short period in the middle where the action died down, The Forever Court more than kept up the enjoyment levels of The Knights of the Borrowed Dark.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I consumed this one as an audiobook, I am always wary of authors who narrate their audiobooks because let's be honest some are shamazing and some are...tripe. I was pleasantly surprised, Dave does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life, and I think his accent really helps with this, there's a richness to it that may not appear in the printed version.

I think this is perfect for those on the cusp between YA and MG but more importantly, anyone who likes a good adventure and often self-deprecating humour without it being a slog.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

13-year-old Denizen Hardwick is trying to manage his powers while honing his skills as a knight in the secret society that is protecting our world from the darkness of the endless court. There is a newly found force of humans determined to protect the court, politics, grief, family mysteries and disagreements and politics all winding through battles with monsters and humans alike. This sequel to the first Knights of the Borrowed Dark is a fast-paced fantasy adventure. Recommended for grades 5 -9.

[Joseph Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly darker installation of the series with very similar positives and negatives. The nature of telling two parallel stories at once is that both get told much faster - meaning this installation (as with the first) does take a little while to get going. However, when it does get going this novel has a great amount of character development - and really builds on the world setup in the previous book. Still highly recommend the read if you enjoyed the first!

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear. The distinct voice and occasionally charming syntax and wordplay is still there, and the world itself works, but Denizen is approaching the type of insufferable special snowflake main character I just can't get behind, especially where the ever ill-advised 'she's just so different' fantasy romance is involved.