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Relic Hunters #2
Sword of Darkness
The race to claim Agrona’s Claws continues…
Agrona’s claws—three godly artifacts that, when used together, have the power to either extend darkness or utterly banish it—were deliberately hidden eons ago so that no man or woman would ever again wield them. But nothing stays hidden forever, and the Crown of Shadows was recently unearthed and stolen, despite Bethany Aodhán’s best efforts to stop it.
Now Beth and her brother Lugh must seek out the Sword of Darkness before those intent on destruction can reunite two of the three Claws and unleash chaos.
But even the help of a cranky goddess and two sexy elves might not be enough to save the day… or the world itself.
Because the forces of darkness are gathering momentum, and its origin lies closer to home than any of them guessed.
Agrona’s claws—three godly artifacts that, when used together, have the power to either extend darkness or utterly banish it—were deliberately hidden eons ago so that no man or woman would ever again wield them. But nothing stays hidden forever, and the Crown of Shadows was recently unearthed and stolen, despite Bethany Aodhán’s best efforts to stop it.
Now Beth and her brother Lugh must seek out the Sword of Darkness before those intent on destruction can reunite two of the three Claws and unleash chaos.
But even the help of a cranky goddess and two sexy elves might not be enough to save the day… or the world itself.
Because the forces of darkness are gathering momentum, and its origin lies closer to home than any of them guessed.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
123 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
103 books6,011 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 21, 2022
Ahhh I hate it when a story becomes mediocre, especially when the first book gives you high expectations!
I love Keri Arthur, love her books and writing style... and this has only ever happened on one other of her series so I am definitely not complaining. I just found this book a struggle to read, difficult (at times) to follow and I had no desire to pick up my kindle... so although I still gave 3 stars, I won't, sadly, pick up book 3.
I love Keri Arthur, love her books and writing style... and this has only ever happened on one other of her series so I am definitely not complaining. I just found this book a struggle to read, difficult (at times) to follow and I had no desire to pick up my kindle... so although I still gave 3 stars, I won't, sadly, pick up book 3.
November 6, 2022
The world is going to end, wanna shag? Sorry if I’m crude but this is the feeling this series left me with. :) And yeah I realized what it’s bothering me: there’s no gripping power to the story, as I feel the characters’ reactions are off kilter or shallow. I don’t feel the pressure for the hunt nor the loss of life (and I know a mother’s is crushing..).
Nor there’s a depth of world-building: would we still have Google Maps if magic was around? And if so why?
Nor there’s a depth of world-building: would we still have Google Maps if magic was around? And if so why?
February 10, 2023
I enjoyed it a lot until like the last 15% when it felt like Beth - who for two books has been a clever FMC - suddenly started making dumb decisions. It felt like she just got TSTL because the plot needed it, which was odd and out of character.
Still, I like the story, and it seems like the next book is the last, so I'll read it when it comes out later this year.
Still, I like the story, and it seems like the next book is the last, so I'll read it when it comes out later this year.
November 12, 2022
Way too much going on in this book for me to keep track of it all. I was so lost a majority of the time. I won’t be continuing on with this series.
April 21, 2025
These are just so lowkey and fun
2025 reread: happy there are 3 more books in this series
2025 reread: happy there are 3 more books in this series
November 1, 2022
I am not sure where the hell the romance is going but other than that aspect, this is a great series. Looking forward to the next book!
August 15, 2023
YES loving these books really has me on the edge of my seat. Just can't put the book down.
January 8, 2025
Enjoyed the sibling dynamics between Beth and Lugh. The romance part is just meh.
November 30, 2022
This story just didn't keep my attention! DNF
November 16, 2022
I love Keri Arthur’s books and this second story in the Relic Hunters series was no exception. There is plenty of mystery, deceit, betrayal, danger, and evil doers, as well as romance and fun sexy times. Bethany is an interesting heroine, learning more about her magic as she goes, and her brother Lugh is a stalwart companion who is always there for her. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next in this great series.
March 1, 2023
I am a huge fan of Keri Arthur’s writing—her books always make my favorite books of the year list! When she started a new series called the Relic Hunters in 2022, I was excited to see what new things she had in store and I wasn’t disappointed. The first book was called "Crown of Shadows." "Sword of Darkness" is the second book in the series. The series features a pixie named Bethany Aodhán.
In "Crown of Shadows", you find out that Bethany has been running the family tavern in old Deva ever since her mom disappeared six months ago. While she is a pixie, she is no ordinary pixie. Beth comes from a family who once guarded the treasures of the old gods, however, they lost that honor thanks to a light-fingered pixie. Her brother, Lugh, is a relic hunter. In Crown of Shadows, he shows up at the tavern after he has been attacked and his best friend murdered. Beth is pulled into the drama when a mysterious stone awakens powers that she didn’t know she possessed.
In "Sword of Darkness", the race that began in "Crown of Shadows" to find three godly artifacts called Agrona’s Claws, continues. When used together, these artifacts have the power to either extend darkness or utterly banish it. They were deliberately hidden eons ago so that no man or woman would ever again wield them. The first one was recently found and stolen and now Beth and Lugh must find the Sword of Darkness before those intent on destruction can reunite them. With the help of two sexy elves both vying for Beth’s attention, Beth and Lugh are trying to save the world, but the forces of darkness are getting stronger. But Beth’s powers seem to be getting stronger as well–hopefully, she can learn how to harness them.
Once again Keri has hit it out of the park with a fast-paced, action-packed book filled with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. One thing I love about all of her books is the combination of fantasy and mystery—which is my favorite kind of story! She also writes interesting well-developed characters and fascinating lore that keep you coming back. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens!
In "Crown of Shadows", you find out that Bethany has been running the family tavern in old Deva ever since her mom disappeared six months ago. While she is a pixie, she is no ordinary pixie. Beth comes from a family who once guarded the treasures of the old gods, however, they lost that honor thanks to a light-fingered pixie. Her brother, Lugh, is a relic hunter. In Crown of Shadows, he shows up at the tavern after he has been attacked and his best friend murdered. Beth is pulled into the drama when a mysterious stone awakens powers that she didn’t know she possessed.
In "Sword of Darkness", the race that began in "Crown of Shadows" to find three godly artifacts called Agrona’s Claws, continues. When used together, these artifacts have the power to either extend darkness or utterly banish it. They were deliberately hidden eons ago so that no man or woman would ever again wield them. The first one was recently found and stolen and now Beth and Lugh must find the Sword of Darkness before those intent on destruction can reunite them. With the help of two sexy elves both vying for Beth’s attention, Beth and Lugh are trying to save the world, but the forces of darkness are getting stronger. But Beth’s powers seem to be getting stronger as well–hopefully, she can learn how to harness them.
Once again Keri has hit it out of the park with a fast-paced, action-packed book filled with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. One thing I love about all of her books is the combination of fantasy and mystery—which is my favorite kind of story! She also writes interesting well-developed characters and fascinating lore that keep you coming back. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens!
May 16, 2024
This book has a little bit of everything I enjoy. There's great comradery between the characters and quick comebacks and fun between them. There's action and fighting while our characters grow and learn.
We spend time with Bethany and Lugh at the beginning of the book. Siblings. I love seeing them together and on the hunt for the relics. Even as Bethany learns what she can do, and what she's inherited from her father and learning about the Eye. Of course the gods all talk in riddles and they have to figure out what they need to do. It does come around and the hunt continues. Though, will they find the Sword of Darkness before those who have bad intentions? The race is close!
Inheritance, whether station or an item, can be trouble in a family. There's always those family members who always wants something, or has been told they deserve it.
It's interesting to see how family comes into play here, good and bad. With family also comes seeing more in depth the way of pixies and elves. We see Bethany do more as well as Cynwrig.
Bethany then spends the second half of the book with Cynwrig. This is fun with their quick heated remarks back and forth. I love the boldness and normalizing of the smexy conversations.
This book didn't feel as smexy as the first, but the fun hints are there. This book felt more focused on the action of relic hunting.
We spend time with Bethany and Lugh at the beginning of the book. Siblings. I love seeing them together and on the hunt for the relics. Even as Bethany learns what she can do, and what she's inherited from her father and learning about the Eye. Of course the gods all talk in riddles and they have to figure out what they need to do. It does come around and the hunt continues. Though, will they find the Sword of Darkness before those who have bad intentions? The race is close!
Inheritance, whether station or an item, can be trouble in a family. There's always those family members who always wants something, or has been told they deserve it.
It's interesting to see how family comes into play here, good and bad. With family also comes seeing more in depth the way of pixies and elves. We see Bethany do more as well as Cynwrig.
Bethany then spends the second half of the book with Cynwrig. This is fun with their quick heated remarks back and forth. I love the boldness and normalizing of the smexy conversations.
This book didn't feel as smexy as the first, but the fun hints are there. This book felt more focused on the action of relic hunting.
June 28, 2024
-4 stars. i enjoyed it except for the sex with the elf and the tension with the other elf she used to have sex with. i feel like it took away from the story, all that inconvenient "intense sexual desire" having to CONSTANTLY be ignored by the main character, with no relationship and continual reminders that there could never be a relationship.
"stop interrupting and we might just find out."
"i have no patience. you should know this by now."
"Cynwrig's gaze cut to mine and, just for a moment, there was nothing except cool distance in those silvery depths. it was yet another reminder that i needed to tread a little more cautiously with this man. no matter how well i knew him physically, he very much remained a stranger."
i had to wait a long time for my library to get this self published book in.
"stop interrupting and we might just find out."
"i have no patience. you should know this by now."
"Cynwrig's gaze cut to mine and, just for a moment, there was nothing except cool distance in those silvery depths. it was yet another reminder that i needed to tread a little more cautiously with this man. no matter how well i knew him physically, he very much remained a stranger."
i had to wait a long time for my library to get this self published book in.
October 27, 2022
Fae meets "The mummy" adventure read...
A fantastic adventure finding relics and stopping world domination and destruction.
Keri Arthur's stories are vivid and detailed, but most of entertaining. The female characters are kickass heroines with a serious sarcastic streak. The male characters are strong, stubborn and alphaholeness perfection. The monsters, myths and stories are usually the obscure which makes for impressive reading.
Book 2 continues the hunt for the claws. Bethany faces betrayal and the realisation she might fall for Cynwrig but knows is not meant to be. Bethany is slowly learning about the goddess's gifts and her inherited powers.
Looking forward to book 3.
Highly recommended read and author.
A fantastic adventure finding relics and stopping world domination and destruction.
Keri Arthur's stories are vivid and detailed, but most of entertaining. The female characters are kickass heroines with a serious sarcastic streak. The male characters are strong, stubborn and alphaholeness perfection. The monsters, myths and stories are usually the obscure which makes for impressive reading.
Book 2 continues the hunt for the claws. Bethany faces betrayal and the realisation she might fall for Cynwrig but knows is not meant to be. Bethany is slowly learning about the goddess's gifts and her inherited powers.
Looking forward to book 3.
Highly recommended read and author.
December 10, 2022
I really can't pinpoint what it was about this story that was boring and hard to hold my interest, since there was a lot that happened. I found myself not remembering the secondary characters in this story from the first book, so at times I was a bit lost. I'm unsure and confused over the romance part of this series. The story read basically the same as the first, only with a sword. The bad guys are always two steps ahead of the good guys. She has tools available to use and she's reluctant to use them...because why? Anyway, short story that took me 4 days to read because it didn't hold my interest as much as the first. I will finish the series, but I do hope the good guys up their game a bit. I also hope the whole bed buddies romance situation is figured out.
November 22, 2022
2.5 rounded up because of strong pickup in last couple of chapters. I had much the same response in the first book. I’m over the whole “hormonal response” interrupting the flow of the story. Main characters, especially Beth, struck me as juvenile(?)/shallow(?) overall, so hormonal interruptions are on brand. I was tempted after first 3rd to just jump to last few chapters to see how it would end, but I was rewarded for breaking on through. There is enough engaging in this series, that I’ll read the next installment…but maybe borrow from library instead of buying.
January 6, 2024
Frustrating read.
Too many events piled on top of each other without any foundation or structure.
Too many actions undertaken without any preparation, let alone an actual plan.
Too many briefly seen or heard about minor characters to keep track of.
Too many discussions that failed to bring any clarity or even have a point.
And what happened to the female lead's revenge idea involving the white van?
It felt like a bunch of action scenes strung together without rhyme or reason.
Disappointing after the great first installment.
Too many events piled on top of each other without any foundation or structure.
Too many actions undertaken without any preparation, let alone an actual plan.
Too many briefly seen or heard about minor characters to keep track of.
Too many discussions that failed to bring any clarity or even have a point.
And what happened to the female lead's revenge idea involving the white van?
It felt like a bunch of action scenes strung together without rhyme or reason.
Disappointing after the great first installment.
October 30, 2022
So much happens in this book that it is hard for me to understand why it felt a little slow. Keri Arthur does such a good job at developing characters that are layered and interesting and putting them in a world that feels like it could be right outside your door. That's just as true for this book as it is for her others, but I did have a hard time staying interested in this one.
However, in the end I am glad I did and I can't wait for the next book!
However, in the end I am glad I did and I can't wait for the next book!
November 1, 2022
Lots of fun. As with KAs other books, the characters are interesting and fun to get to know. There is enough humor to keep a smile on my face. I can’t wait for the third installment. I had a problem with the e-book though: there are lots of errors -words repeated, in the wrong order or missing. This doesn’t affect the story, but there are enough of them to be noticeable and a minor nuisance.
April 28, 2023
Review for book 1 & 2
It's good to read a Keri Arthur series again. I've missed her. She has always been one of my favorites and this series proves this. Beth is another sassy and spunky heroin that keeps you laughing and on your toes. The men in her life are awesome and this makes for a great story.
Can't wait for book 3.
It's good to read a Keri Arthur series again. I've missed her. She has always been one of my favorites and this series proves this. Beth is another sassy and spunky heroin that keeps you laughing and on your toes. The men in her life are awesome and this makes for a great story.
Can't wait for book 3.
October 30, 2022
Great Continuation of the Series
Another excellent book from Keri Arthur! Great action and plot twist in the finding and protection of Agrona's Claws. I won't spoil the story except to say it's sad when relatives get involved.
Another excellent book from Keri Arthur! Great action and plot twist in the finding and protection of Agrona's Claws. I won't spoil the story except to say it's sad when relatives get involved.
November 18, 2022
Bethany, her new lover and her ex along and her brother Lugh star in this second book about a world with pixies and elves. It continues where the first left off with Bethany emerging Pixie powers and hidden players in this fast paced adventure.
Read
July 26, 2023I started it but I did not finish it because I started another book at the same time and then got lost in the other book. Anyways, it's now been a year? and I did not get back into the book. Maybe someday I will read the series again. I did enjoy the first book after all.
October 12, 2022
Loved it, now just the wait for Ring of Ruin.🥺🥺
October 28, 2022
4 stars
The pace was unrelenting, characters were likable, heroine badass. Good mystery, nice continuation from the first book. Recommend the series.
The pace was unrelenting, characters were likable, heroine badass. Good mystery, nice continuation from the first book. Recommend the series.
November 12, 2022
3.5 stars
November 27, 2022
Wind
I can not wait until the next book. Ugh. Anticipation. A must read. And I loved this book obviously. It's full of so much I can't even tell you whatbis my favorite.
I can not wait until the next book. Ugh. Anticipation. A must read. And I loved this book obviously. It's full of so much I can't even tell you whatbis my favorite.
December 19, 2022
lovely series, humor & mystery
Enjoying this series. Fun, well written characters, good mystery. Enjoy the feminist spin & main character. Support cast is also well done.
Enjoying this series. Fun, well written characters, good mystery. Enjoy the feminist spin & main character. Support cast is also well done.
May 4, 2023
There is A LOT going on in this sequel. The story is good, and I love the characters. However I could barely keep track of the who, what, where, and when outside of the main crew.
May 10, 2023
3.5 stars: these are pretty good. I like the author’s Lizzie Grace books better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews