Edge of Darkness

The 2nd Freak House Trilogy #3

by C.J. Archer

Past secrets have come back to haunt the residents of Freak House and their visitors. With the help of a 300 year-old ghost, Charity, Samuel and their friends peel back the layers of lies and deception to reveal the terrible events of 1867 that changed everything. At the heart of it all is a page of spells and two missing men.

But as they draw closer to answers, Charity pushes Samuel further away. Desperate to win her love, he hovers on the brink of madness and misery. One small push might send him over the edge.

The sensational conclusion to the Second Freak House Trilogy is full of twists, turns and heart wrenching moments that will stay with you long after you reach The End.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Paranormal, Audiobook, Adult Fiction, Magic

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

C.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.

She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.

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Reviews

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the 2nd Freak House Trilogy series.

Always fabulous fun reading paranormal romance.

Love C.J. Archer 's voice.

A page turner.

[Mischa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm honestly not overreacting when I say reading this was pure torture. The plot was boring, I had no idea why would I even WANT Charity and Samuel together when she's freaking afraid of him, and I barely forced myself to finish this. Archer's books never were, for me, the SUPER enjoyable read I would give four stars to, but I have to say that this one is definitely a low so far, and honestly, I'm kinda disappointed.

[Linda Collings · Rating 4 out of 5]

yay it's finished lovely ending

[Ellana Thornton-Wheybrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was amazingly cute. Several plot twists at the end. The abuse and PTSD was once again handled with care. Just brilliant

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
A beautifully haunting finale to a memorable trilogy.

Edge of Darkness was a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the Second Freak House Trilogy. I really enjoyed following Charity and Samuel’s journey, and this final installment delivered the perfect mix of mystery, romance, and ghostly intrigue. The atmosphere felt dark and tense in all the right ways, and the ghost element added a great twist to the unfolding secrets.

Charity’s growth throughout the series really stood out to me in this book—she’s strong, flawed, and more layered than ever. Samuel, as always, was steady and protective, but we also got to see more of his vulnerability, which made their connection feel even more genuine.

The only reason I’m giving it 4.5 instead of a full 5 is that a few moments felt a little rushed, especially near the end—but that didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I’m going to miss these characters and the eerie, magical world of Freak House.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for historical fantasy with heart and a touch of the supernatural.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good end to FH 2 book 2

A good ending to this installment of the Freak House Trilogies. We know more intrigue will ensue in future books....and I miss Bollard too....and there is much to look forward to. The mystery of the ruins remains and Myers...what's up with that evil dude... as well as needing some resolution of Sylvia and Tommy's relationship. I like Cara is being given a prominent place in the storyline and look forward to seeing her gift further legitimized as she is as smart as she is sweet. It's telling that loose ends need tying yet the story felt complete. A good read all in all.

[Gale Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally Charity starts letting her guard down about Samuel and his power of hypnotizing her. Once they’ve gotten that straighten out, a bunch of and answer to many of the unusual issues that have plagued freak house for years. This opens the door with them as a couple, and once Samuel‘s family finally accepts her. Her history and the fact that she was an orphan in the way in her mind, Book conclusion. I was not happy with this narrator at all though. Glad to see the next series is done by someone else.

[M.E. E. May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't get invested with the female lead of this series. Plus, the audiobook narrator read like she was reading it for the first time--stopping or pausing in parts of the sentences that made it confusing. I liked Samuel in the first Freak House trilogy but couldn't feel much for him in this trilogy as his personality was so different. Teens might be able to get into this trilogy but I wouldn't recommend it to adults.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall this was a good series. Not my favorite, but still entertaining. I was never fully invested in Charity. I liked Samuel, but at times the decisions he made really bugged me. Some questions were left unanswered, but I am hoping they will be answered in the next series.

And if Tommy and Sylvia don't get together in the next one, I am not going to be happy.

[Veronica A Pitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed This Story

This story is packed with a lot of issues that arrives. Such as things missing. Also people end up hypnotized and asked to kill someone.
Oh there is a shooting. Many things happen in this book.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of predictable

While I liked the book, I felt it was very predictable. You could tell what would happen next way too easily. But it was an easy read and I will read the next series.

[April Moser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big C. J. Archer fan but I was not a fan of this one. I skipped the 2nd book all together and bought the 3rd one just to see how it ended because, the one good thing that I can say about this series is that, I did become attached to th he characters.

[Diana Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal abounds

I enjoy the stories of Archers paranormal activities. She keeps you busy following each character’s highs and lows but generally one finds a satisfying ending to their problems.

[Michelle Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad at how this ended. I know it takes place in a time where woman were not considered important and wealth mattered more than anything but geez I was getting tired of the rich looking down on Charity.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and series.

Looking forward to reading the 3rd Freak House Trilogy now.

[Nikolina · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am addicted

I can’t help it. I love everyone of CJ’s books I read. I read on Kindle App and when I get to about 80% i can put them down until I finish. Even if it’s 2 am.

[MRS K A FOSTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable series

The concluding book in this series is every bit as good as the others. I look forward to reading the next series.

[Serena Keene · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 230 pages

[Kathryn Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic conclusion to another awesome series. C J Archer is a great writer. An absolute master of slow burn.

[Amber Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s harder to follow than other books and not a dark romance like I thought

[Dr Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrator on this audiobook was terrible! It interfered with my enjoyment of the book and I stopped it early.

[Kelsey Bedolli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Takes an interesting detour necessary to the next trilogy and Ministry books 9 and 10, but really doesn't make a whole lot of sense with the rest of Charity's ish.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. However, in an earlier review of mine with respect to the first trilogy, I had stated that each trilogy could be a stand alone. I now retract that statement. You really should read these in order. I am finding that Trilogies 2 & 3 keep making references to the previous books. I originally started reading Cara's story (the Third Trilogy) & realized that I was getting only half the story. I love each heroine, too. They are quite different from each other, but likable all the same. They are no-nonsense females!

I actually finished the second trilogy within four days - these books are really well written & not bogged down with annoying descriptions about anything & everything mundane, unlike so many books these days. I also love the fact that these books are more like gothic paranormal mysteries - I don't consider them to be "romance" novels. There is the romance aspect, but there is just so much more going on, too.

[L. C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing but love for this story.

This is more of a YA book series. (Yound Adult)
Let me begin by saying I came across one of C.J. Archer's books while looking for bargains. Wow! What a great find! Instantly fell in love with her writing style and her stories. Very different from what I'm use to reading; her skill to keeping the story engaging, interesting and intriguing is one of the best I've seen in a while.
Now, back to the main review... this book was a great ending to the 2nd Freak House Trilogy. Besides wishing Mrs. Archer had added a little more detail towards a wedding.... I'm truly happy with how the relationship between Charity and Samuel was developed. Charity's change of heart and emotional progress was believable and realistic. Really great work! Mrs. Archer has made of me a lifetime fan!

[Cindy Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trilogys not always needed

I do enjoy the writing of these Freak House romances, but I do wonder if they are not stretched a bit thin by weaving the action over three books. The plot begins to get a little wacky and predictable at the same time. If you like very clean romance with Victorian elements and surprising relationships (LGBT for example) and you like reading about the paranormal, I do think you will like this book.

[Amy Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read and an adept story-teller...but...

It's very discouraging when an excellent story teller is so woefully ignorant of correct grammar and syntax. Can't help cringing after many years of English when I read a sentence such as"...the demon gave it to me and Owen..."!! Yikes! I know they don't teach English grammar any more but surely an editor could catch these kinds of mistakes. And there were many.

[Sandy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the last installment in Charity and Samuel's story. As always, the mystery is interesting. I especially liked when Samuel catches Charity in a compromising situation he sees the truth of what is happening, rather than the misunderstanding typical in romance books. I loved the resolution of the story. I am also so glad that Cara has come and joined the cast of characters at Frakingham house. You should read this.

[Lisa Eiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really enjoyed reading this book. This is the last book of the 2nd trilogy in the Freak House series. It continues the story of Charity and her time spent at Frakingham estate, and her involvement with friends that live there. If you are a fan of YA safe books that are historical fiction with a strong supernatural edge, you will enjoy reading this series. I'm looking forward to reading the final trilogy in this series soon.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my second re-read I have remembered that Chastity/Samuel are my least favourite pair.

Everything wraps up nicely, but the 2nd Freak House trilogy is a tough read compared to the others. I mean, dammit Chastity, take your Sylvia/Tommy negative attitude and get outta here. They are the heart and soul of this series!

Big fan of the author, will forever read her books, but am glad to be moving on to Cara’s story.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of Darkness was, by far, my favorite in the second Freak House series. I have to catch up with C.J.'s third Freak House series now even though I've started her Ministry of Curiosities series already. Review on the blog soon!