Blood of the High Court

Rise of the Dark Fae #2

by Marisa Claire

Last of a royal bloodline

This has to be a dream...a nightmare. I don't want any of this. An irresistible, yet infuriating fated mate, scary unwanted powers, and worst of all, the responsibilities of two realms bearing down on me. Can I just go back to being broke and alone?

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Magic

221 pages, Paperback

Published March 11, 2020

About the author

Marisa Claire is a Torment Publishing author who writes snarky, Young Adult/New Adult fantasy and paranormal books about werewolves, shifters, dragons, magic, and more.

In her free time, Marisa loves to spend time with her dogs and family. She loves traveling and seeing the world. Marisa also enjoys hearing from her readers!

Reviews

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though we did finally get.. some... answers from book 1 in a way that is keeping the story together.. I'm still not really all on board. This has to do with several factors. Number one the FMC is extremely hostile making it that much harder for her to get her shit together which tended to drag out certain parts and at the same time rushes into things unprepared and with inadequate knowledge creating a kind of whiplash for the reader. Number 2.. Though our fae prince has done a very reluctant 180.. I still can't help shipping our female with any other character that walks into the story.. the new alliance members.. the summer fae prince... Nina.. just anyone... I was even hoping that she would drop the cold guy and take up with the fiesty spring female warrior. I'm not sure it bodes well for the story, at least for me, when i'm trying to pair the fmc up with anything that has a pulse other than her mate. lastly, I feel like the entire "alliance" she has put herself vulnerable to is a bad freaking idea. She isn't actually trying to make any friends or lasting relationships, shes not trying to learn and fit it, she is just so confused about what she wants other than to stop the human sacrifices. Shes not really trying to become what her new people might need or anything really. Shes just going in guns blazing hoping it works and its irritating me lol. I think I'm going to have to put this series on hold for a bit. Even after all the reveals we have gotten here in the second book I still feel like I'm a couple crayons short of a box here and more than being entertained I'm just getting frustrated with the mess we find ourselves in, not only that but it seems we are on the loosing side of the mess due to lack of preparation and trusting people we knew by all "the feelings" the fmc was getting constantly, we shouldn't trust. May come back to this at a later date.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story seemed a bit drawn out in the beginning. Most of the action was at the end.

[TXBRITGAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn and her BFF Nina finally escaped the clutches of the fae, and their attempt at sacrificing humans as part of the celebration. So began a complete eye opening night!!! It's not every day one learns all her memories of childhood are more than likely false. Brunnemer doesn't even know who her biological parents are now, but she DOES I ow she still loves the couple she believed to be her parents all.this time. Her mind and heart are still catching up with all the revelations, and it doesn't help when everyone surrounding her are keeping things from her. Who can she trust? Especially now when it seems there's a traitor in their midst. Brynn doesn't trust easily, and with everything in her life so up in the air ... All she's ever known torn to shreds, and her internal radar on who to trust so obviously.On the fritz? Suffice to say she's having to take a.HUGE leap.of faith here!! She can only hope not to run afoul of their mysterious traitor. She only hopes once it's known, that her heart can indeed handle the reveal. Secrets wrap around every person, deed, and action since she became aware of the fae. Hopefully the magic growing within her as the heir to the High Court, grants her more wisdom than usual. May she soon become the queen needed so desperately in this warring kingdom of spiteful, prideful seasonal fae. If only she could I ow who her actual allies were, and who the snakes in the grass are. Thankfully she has Nina to help her maintain a balance, and learn what's needed. Brynn has a kind heart and fierce soul... Those out to harm her or those she loves best beware!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE ROUGH AND TOUGH ADVENTURE!!!
Heads up! Marisa lays it on the line with this intriguing approach, balking at the old and refreshing the new, seizing control and calling the shots, fusing this gem together sleek, shiny and tight. Navigating the trials and tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Shenanigans rule the roost as drama, intrigue, danger, betrayal, mounting suspense and precarious situations along with a boatload of sinister deeds while dodging chaos, you have one chart topping adventure. A tumultuous wild ride of baffling circumstances and shocking events, blasts those swirling emotions into play front and center. Twixt, twinned and interwoven, exposing the heart pounding ups and gut wretching downs, grounding in it's strength and awe-inspiring in it's depth. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits, the back and forth banter flows fluidly transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly. Amazing job Marisa, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[Holly Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of Rise of The Dark Fae series. Contains betrayal, romantic attraction and the heir of the four courts is marked for death by the winter and summer court. The first book is called Winter Sacrifice. The second book of Blood of the High Court continues with Brynn running for her life from the winter court that is trying to kill her because she is from a long lost ancient Fae court in which she is heir too, that rules over all fae’s. They find someone who can teach and train her on how to use your magic. But can she trust that person. She learns that someone has betrayed her and her court. Will Brynn and Torin be able to fight their attraction for each other or will they give into it? Well Brynn be able to win or will she lose it all?

I can’t wait for the third book of the series Rise of The Dark Fae: The Glimmer War! I suggest reading the series. Can’t wait for August 31st!!!!!

**** I volunteered to read and review the ARC ****

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn and Nina have escaped from the Fae who were trying to incorporate the sacrifice of humans into their celebration. Brynn’s trust, though, has been shattered. Her memories troubling and doubtful. Despite her discomfort with the scary unwanted powers of magic she feels, she is heir to the High Court and might soon become the queen that the kingdom needs. Mostly what she needs for herself is to identify her allies as well as her enemies!

Among all of the mistrust, we are finding a wonderful, fast-paced story line with terrific characters, well-defined world-building, and an amazing adventure to delve into! Brynn is strong and determined. The story is getting even better, so grab your copy and come along!

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn knew who she could trust when it was just her, and her best friend. Now she is being told she is the last heir to the fae High Court, and the fae who claim to be her allies, well, she doesn't find them particularly trustworthy. Brynn would rather be broke and alone, but she finds herself in the middle of a war, and feeling responsible for the people of two realms. Brynn way be able to wield all four elements, but she is in no way prepared for war, and she knows it.

Well written, unique, and fascinating characters. Exciting, and action packed read set in a magical realm. Fantastic book!

I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn is back and this time the ride is even more crazy. She successfully saves her friend Nina and escapes the Fae realm, but they are not save. Thus begins a wild adventure as Brynn learns about her past and tries to figure out what really is the truth and what secrets her supposed allies are keeping from her. Loved all the new and old characters that show up and thought the story entertaining and crazy. Loved trying to figure out how the evil guys were that were out to get her besides the Kings and Queens of the courts. Just a great story that was full of adventure and snark as Brynn is not fragile Princess.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brynn is far from being diplomatic, but she might need to learn some skills at it to survive the challenges ahead of her. She is gathering allies, although are all of them trustworthy? Luckily she has her best friend Nina (human) by her side. Torin is certainly driving her wild, and she is getting her own back on him, I loved the banter and torment they both do to one another. I loved this book, and the challenges/betrayals that this interesting group of Faes and a human have, I am looking forward to the next book.

[Barbie-Ann Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I had to take a little time to compose myself and get my thoughts clear in my head before I put them in a review.
Wow this book was amazingly written. Once I started I couldn’t put it down till I was finished. This book has twists and turns you don’t know what’s happening. will they all get there happily ever after or will it all go wrong. To find out what happens go buy the book. You won’t be disappointed I wasn’t.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit in this series. I could not believe the action, the betrayal and the caring that was displayed in this book. I was glad to read that Brynn has gained some more use of her powers. The back and forth scenes between Torin and Brynn are so comical. They like each other but do not want the other to know how much they care for each other. There is so much intrigue within the courts that I cannot tell who is looking out for Brynn or their own interests. I was so not ready for this book to end! When it did I cried out...Noooooo! Hopefully the next one is coming soon.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brynn has saved her friend fled the winter Fae realm and learned shes more then what she thought. Her past was erased shes the last of her breed of Fae. The Fae of the High Court and she is there queen but with lies and deceit around every corner and her natural distrust of people who can she trust and Torin is still missing let's hope that the traitor will be stopped before it's to late. With war coming who will prove trustworthy and will Torin be there with her.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn is such an awesome, strong heroine. I love that she's not letting herself just be turned into a figurehead for the High Court. She's completely out of her element, everything she's known all her life has changed, but she's not letting herself fall apart or be pushed around and I love it! Everyone surrounding Brynn seems to have a hidden agenda, except her friend Nina, who she managed to save from sacrifice, but now she's struggling to keep her safe in her new world. This story has really kept me guessing. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it's quite a few months since I was supposed to review this (aka back in March) but with the whole global pandemic I think it's okay. But when I started to read the book I felt like kicking myself. It was so good!

I still live Brynn and Nina's friendship the most but Torin did grow on me in this one. The sequel to the first book has everything you want and need. I honestly think it's better than the first one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one even more than the first! The action has really ramped up. Brynn has started learning to use her powers and we get a chance to see all four elements at work. Many new characters are introduced, leaving Brynn (and us) unsure who she can trust. The relationship between Brynn and Torin is changing, deepening. I’m excited to see how things will develop there. The end left me wanting more and now I’m waiting with bated breath for part three.

[Mellissa Monteforte Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was suprised at the direction the story went in this book. I found that character development is forming but Brynn has so far not come into her own. During parts of the story I found her to be annoying and rude when she shouldn't be. Yet everyone else around her, their characters have grown. I am looking forward to the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

She found out she is to be the queen of the high court but it is not eaSy. The winter and summer court want her fead. Even though prince torin is loyal to his fated mate, brynn feels his loyalty lies in the winter court. Fight after fight ensues while she desperately learns her magic to save her life. Man this book is a blockbuster. It just hit the ground running. With non stop action and a compelling story this is one dynamite series. The characters are fierce. I love this series.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of the High Court by Marisa Claire is such an awesome story that I have read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved reading very much and can not wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who love reading about dark fae, fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cassi Sanchez-Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finding out she’s been lied to her whole life and the the couple that raised her are not actually her biological parents Brynn trusts no one. Brynn and Nina have finally escaped the crazy Fae that imprisoned Nina for a crazy sacrificial ritual but the story is nowhere near over.
This book is full of twists and turns...and a little romance AND once again left me wanting more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book was better!

There were a few dialogue issues in the first book, that I overlooked because of the story - which I was enjoying. But unfortunately this second book didn't hold my attention, and the childish dialogue became very irritating. Unfortunately I had to quit this series. I've given 4 stars, because this series would probably be enjoyed by some 16 to 20 year olds.

[Jennifer Lil'n Dunski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. Although this story was a little drawn out, it still had a great plot.
I really like Brynn and Nina and maybe Torin, it's hard to truly enjoy other characters, but it's thrilling all the same.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I am really enjoying reading about Brynn. I love a fierce female, and she is definitely that! This second book in this series did not disappoint. While there is some romance, it isn't the primary focus. Lots of adventure, and some serious twists and turns. You definitely recommend! I can't wait for Book 3!

[Deb Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is even better than the first in the series. So much intrigue and mistrust. Excellent characters, fantastic world building. This one had me gripped from start to finish. I am impatient to learn where this is all going already!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valerie Bradham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second installment of this series. I did have a little trouble getting into this installment at the beginning but it picked up rather quickly and stayed fast paced from there. I like how Brynn and Torin's relationship is evolving.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tammy Northington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picks up right where book 1 ended. Brynn & Torin are still separated. She knows he's not dead since she's alive, but she knows that she has to find him. She's still trying to learn & connect with her magic, but it's not easy. As she's determined to take her place as the only heir to the High Court, she's going to do everything she can to bring order back to all realms within the Glimmer. Things aren't going to be easy as she tries to save Torin and her allies, but when they are ambushed by both the Summer & Winter Courts, she's not sure who she can trust and who is betraying her.

This one is a wild ride for them. The characters are still true to who they were in book 1. This series has me hooked & I can't wait to see what happens next. Once again, story ends on a cliffhanger.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable second addition to this series. This has a great pace that is fast yet followable. There is fantastic and detailed world building along with amazing and personable characters. There is wonderful development in the overall plot and Brynn and Torin's relationship. This is a magic filled and thrilling read. I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Marisa Claire; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anastasiia Nesterenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the pacing of the second book, and how the main heroine character slowly developed. It was quite realistic and relatable. It was a bit slower at the beginning and a bit hard to get into, but it was still a very good read. I sincerely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brynn and Nina have barely escaped from the Fae... and now Brynn finds out she is the last queen of the high court?? This is not the life she wanted, and with secrets and lies everywhere, who can she trust? This is an enjoyable story and I like all the Fae courts and magic. I also really like Torin!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James Haydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your life becomes a nightmare you never even dreamed possible do you give up or forge ahead and try and make things work? Book 2 continues to develop the overall storyline as Brynn continues to try and find her place in this new world

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.