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Darkhaven (The Darkhaven Novels, Book 1) Kindle Edition

by A. F. E. Smith (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 167 ratings
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Ayla Nightshade never wanted to rule Darkhaven.

Yet her half-brother Myrren hasn't inherited the family's ability to shapeshift, so their father, Florentyn, forces Ayla to take over as heir to the throne.

When Ayla is accused of Florentyn's brutal murder only Myrren believes her innocent and aids her escape. A fugitive from her own guard, Ayla must now fight to clear her name if she is ever to wear the crown she never wanted and be allowed to return to the home she has always loved.
But does something more sinister than the power to shapeshift lie at the heart of the Nightshade family line?
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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Darkhaven Novels
  2. Print length
    365 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publisher
    HarperVoyager
  6. Publication date
    July 2, 2015
  7. File size
    1391 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A beautifully written and perfectly paced debut with unique world-building, wonderfully nuanced characters, and oh yes, I cried at the end." Books, Bones & Buffy
"With her debut A.F.E. Smith has delivered a wonderful fantasy tale, one filled with heart and if you like your fantasy laced with a good mystery, Darkhaven is definitely a book to check out." A Fantastical Librarian

"I was obsessed with this book from the first page. Deceit, betrayal, and a lot of danger set within a magical realm - Darkhaven has it all!" The Book Cellar

"If you're looking for something magical, exciting and full of action, Darkhaven should definitely be your next read." The Bibliophile Chronicles "A.F.E. Smith's Darkhaven novels will leave you breathless, with a grin on your face and your heart aching for more." Fantasy-Faction

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00RSOWC16
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperVoyager (July 2, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 2, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1391 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 365 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0008120730
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 167 ratings

About the author

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A. F. E. Smith

A. F. E. Smith

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A.F.E. Smith is an editor of academic texts by day and a fantasy writer by night. So far, she hasn't mixed up the two. She lives with her husband and their two young children in a house that someone built to be as creaky as possible - getting to bed without waking the baby is like crossing a nightingale floor. Though she doesn't have much spare time, she makes space for reading, mainly by not getting enough sleep (she's powered by chocolate). Her physical bookshelves were stacked two deep long ago, so now she's busy filling up her e-reader.

What A.F.E. stands for is a closely guarded secret, but you might get it out of her if you offer her enough snacks.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
167 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Mike Reeves-McMillan
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent craft and compelling story
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2016
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Impeccably edited, masterfully plotted - with not one, not two, but three romance subplots, all completely different; a mystery; intrigue; and some strong thriller elements, all in a lightly sketched but effective early-steampunkish secondary-world fantasy setting. Plus shifters. And not your usual wolves, either, but wyverns, alicorns and other wondrous beasties.

First, let's talk about the editing. As a copy editor myself, I notice editing errors, and HarperCollins' books are usually full of them. In this, I didn't notice a single one. I suspect that has a lot to do with the author being an editor in her day job, but regardless of the reason, it's rare, and commendable.

The characters are well drawn: conflicted, flawed, sometimes obsessive, but mostly wanting to do the right thing (the exception is an excellently depicted, scarily effective, and believable villain). All seven viewpoint characters have strong, and contrasting, arcs. The plot, with its many moving parts, fits together beautifully, and the author isn't afraid to mix tragic and happy endings. The book both brings all of the threads to a conclusion and sets up the dominoes for a sequel, which I went off and bought without hesitation.

The setting isn't especially prominent; it's early industrial age, with coal-powered trams and factories, but guns are new, foreign, and rare. It's mostly background, but what there is of it is sketched competently, and there's plenty of space for development. The shifter parts have great sensawunda as well as a darker, more threatening aspect that helps to drive the plot.

All in all, highly recommended, both for its excellent craft and its compelling story.
3 people found this helpful
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David Zampa
4.0 out of 5 stars Effectively smushes a second world fantasy into a murder mystery.
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2016
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Read this book a while ago. I'm about to pick up the sequel and it reminded me to come back and leave a review. As a consequence, I don't remember many details of what I liked, but I will say I enjoyed the read enough to keep an eye out for the next book. Readers of fantasy drawing on old European culture will feel right at home. It's a strong debut, imaginative and ambitious in its smushing together of mystery and second world fantasy. I'm also a sucker for shapeshifters, which is probably what drew me to it in the first place.

The plot divided itself pretty evenly between the main characters, Myrren and Ayla, both fun stories to follow, and Caraway, a drunk disgrace with a heart of gold and a hell of a lot to prove. Caraway was my favorite, by far, though that's not to put down any of the others. I felt he was the most off-beat, with the lots of well-rounded conflicts. He also served as a bridge between characters and events, so it felt like he made a lot of things happen.

Well worth the price. I look forward to the sequel, and hope to see more from the author in the future.
3 people found this helpful
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happyq
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is so good!
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2016
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Darkhaven is a fantastic read- one of my absolute favorites of 2015. It's got everything- action, mystery, romance- but the story is uncompromised in spite of drawing from such varied elements.
For mystery fans out there, this book is perfectly structured. It switches its point-of-view from character to character, including the villain (who is not necessarily the killer- no spoilers here!) In the hands of a lesser writer, such a delicate balancing act might fall to pieces, but not here. Darkhaven gives up its secrets one at a time, with a truly compelling final act.
The characters are vivid, fully realized people. Smith takes special care to ensure that the reader completely understands every person in the story- what they want and what they're willing to do to get it- and no two characters are alike. I could go on and on!!! This book is so good!
2 people found this helpful
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Michelle4Laughs
4.0 out of 5 stars Tomas quickly became my favorite character. He made the story for me
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2016
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This book really took off for me when Ayla is on the run from Darkhaven and collides with Tomas, the guard thrown out years ago for failing to save her mother from a landslide. Ayla always blamed him for her mother's death, and now he might be the only thing keeping Ayla alive. If he can stay away from the drink long enough.

Tomas quickly became my favorite character. He made the story for me! I loved the interaction between Ayla and Tomas. It added just the touch of romance for me.
4 people found this helpful
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Ellen Morrison
3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Start with an Improbable Wrap-Up
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2016
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I rate this at 3.5 stars - would have been 4.5 except for the last 10%.
I really enjoyed reading this book, but the ending was a bit of a mess. The majority of the book's pacing is steady, with good world-building and interesting characters doing interesting things, but the last 10% was different. Towards the end, everything becomes formulaic and starts moving way too rapidly to be believable - wrapping up all plot lines and putting the characters into their final situations like eggs in an egg carton. It is nice that everything was wrapped up, but this was done in such a way that I didn't enjoy the last 10% nearly as much as the first 90%.
That said, I will certainly try to read the second novel that looks to be being published fairly soon - next week, in fact!
4 people found this helpful
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Kelley Kelley
5.0 out of 5 stars Great epic fantasy
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2015
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I am an avid epic fantasy reader and this novel did not disappoint. A world of shapechanging leaders and the expectations of those who rule leads to a rift in the ruling family. The exploration of this political intrigue brings Anya into dangerous schemes against her. The mystery of who lies behind the murders discovered in the kingdom leads to a devastating conclusion. Really hoping to read more in this delightful world.
2 people found this helpful
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Kem Tetlow
4.0 out of 5 stars Good but predictable
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2017
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The heroine takes a while to grow up but it does drag on a bit and it is predictable which is young
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Thumbs up
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2015
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This book is a brilliant blend of dark fairy tale, epic fantasy, and murder mystery, featuring a tight cast of intriguing, nuanced characters. Had a hard time putting it down once it got going. And the conclusion managed to wrap everything up in a bittersweet bow, while still leaving room for so much more.
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Believer
4.0 out of 5 stars Political Intrigue In A World of Shapeshifters
Reviewed in Canada on January 18, 2016
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"Darkhaven" an exciting new fantasy adventure is set in the kingdom of Mirrorvale where Florentyne Nightshade a pure-blood shapeshifter rules with an iron fist. In a land where the Nightshade family rules because of their ability to "Change" Myrren Nightshade is considered abnormal; a pureblood who can't shapeshift. Usually he would have changed into one of five forms by age fourteen, mating with his half-blood sister Ayla to keep the bloodline strong but Myrren has never been able to change even when provoked. Afraid that without a legitimate heir the Nightshades will lose their grip on the country Florentyne takes harsh measures to persuade Ayla to take over as the heir but she continues to refuse.

The plot heats up when Ayla escapes from her detention cell on the night her father is brutally slain. Because Ayla is the only Nightshade left at Darkhaven the Helm-the royal guard- begins hunting her through the levels of Arkannen. With the help of a former Helmsman Ayla struggles to find the truth while her brother and a priestess of the Altar of Flame believing in her innocence search for clues that will reveal the real murderer.

Threads of this well-developed mesmerizing story center around the hunt for Ayla, Myrren and Serenna's search for the truth and Florentyne's alternate plan for an heir. Cleverly the author builds the action and adventure as Tomas Caraway clashes with the Helm guard in his search for proof of Ayla's innocence while Myrren and the priestess Serenna uncover Florentyn's scheme to breed another heir. With each twist and turn the story reveals past guilt, pain and tragedy in the lives of the characters as the mystery deepens and passion ignites between Myrren and Serenna, and romance stirs between Alya and Tomas. The plot is intense and gripping with its power politics as Captain Travers tries to increase the influence and authority of the Helm only to be thwarted at every turn by Myrren. The pace never slows as events flow towards a violent confrontation and startling discovery at the end.

The characters are unforgettable and passionate, each with imperfections that gives complexity to their personalities. Ayla Nightshade with the mixed blood of a human mother and Florentyne flowing through her veins can change into a hybrid creature which only her brother and father have seen. Haunted by the death of her mother she tends to be a bitter and arrogant young woman with mercurial moods, but is also strong-willed and resilient as she stays one step ahead of the Helm. Myrren Nightshade her brother, a skilled swordsman incapable of shapeshifting is controlled, direct and honest , his dreams and headaches masking a dark secret. Serenna a priestess of the Altar of Flame is non-judgmental, observant and clever while Tomas Caraway is a drunkard looking for redemption from the guilt and shame that shattered his self-worth, confidence and pride as a Helmsman. These personalities and others infuse this page- turner with excitement, high-energy and drama.

I thoroughly enjoyed this imaginative fantasy with its shapeshifters, mystery and political intrigue. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see where A.F.E. Smith takes the story next.
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G Talboys
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2015
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This is a rich blend with base notes of the mythic and epic underpinning an urban setting in a world on the verge of industrialisation. A world in which the ruling class has turned in on itself and then stumbles – with far reaching consequences. And on top of this is the added spiciness of a mystery that will keep you guessing.

From the very beginning it is a story that grips. The intriguing set-up is wonderfully handled as the succession of consequences of the characters’ actions is almost hammered home. Yet you never feel you are being hit over the head with it, rather standing back and watching a virtuoso display as dominos start to fall, whole rows of them leading into different rooms you cannot yet see into.

The world itself is vividly drawn and layer upon layer is added as the book progresses. This takes you on a journey from the isolated austerity of the centre of the city where the ruling elite live through into wider and richer circles of humanity with something new, surprising yet nonetheless fitting round each street corner. The characters likewise unfold with subtlety exactly as if you were spending time with real people and getting to know them and their foibles.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was extremely well written. The plotting was deftly handled – everything flowed smoothly. The characters were well drawn. The pace was nicely judged and by the end didn’t go for the easy options. If that is all there is to be, I will be a happy reader, but… but… I really do hope there is more to come because I would buy any sequel without the slightest hesitation.
5 people found this helpful
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S. Chisholm
5.0 out of 5 stars This book was recommended to me by a friend of the author and ...
Reviewed in Australia on December 16, 2015
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This book was recommended to me by a friend of the author and I absolutely loved it. The plot was easy to follow, but interesting and was very well written. I can't wait for the next one.
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Mr Kibbles
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable debut
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2016
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Shapechangers, romance, and a murder plot - all contained within a tightly-controlled, heavily stratified city with an oppressive citadel at its heart... Darkhaven steals elements from several sub-genres for its setting, but does so with style and never loses sight of the central mystery.

Ayla's flight through the rings of the city, and her brother's quest to find her, contrast well against each other. Their father casts a long shadow over the story, both main characters running to escape his influence. The shape-changing element, while key to the plot, never intrudes so much as to unbalance the plot. And there's a satisfying ending for two supporting characters despite the inevitable tragedy that Smith has carefully plotted out.

Definitely one to follow up.
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A. ROGERS
5.0 out of 5 stars A talented new authoress
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 5, 2015
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Having just finished this book I can give my considered opinion on both the novel and the authoress so here goes. Although this is a fantasy novel the central theme is of a mystery and apart from the ruling family being able to change form little else fits this genre' so it is a book you could enjoy even if fantasy wasn't your greatest love. I actually cannot fault this book at all, it moves at pace, has fairly short chapters so if you wish to stop for a while it's convenient, the writing style is sophisticated without having to constantly refer to a dictionary [my pet hate], it has only a half dozen or so main characters so the reader won't get confused as to who's who, the characters have depth and the story, which is after all the most important part, is excellent. I only heard about this book by accident as it was in my free local newspaper and it had an article about a local author and her debut novel, Darkhaven, which got me curious so I found it here, read a sample and downloaded it. It was just luck but I'm pleased I did as it was so enjoyable and if she writes another, I will buy that one to see if she keeps the same high standard as her debut novel. I can't recommend this book enough and I think you would too if you take the chance on it.
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