What do you think?
Rate this book
Arravan #2
Blackstone
When Captain Darrius Durand and Princess Jessa of Lyoness announce their love, they know it will be an end to many things. What they do not expect is that it will be the beginning of so much more. For good or ill, in the wake of their declaration, the tide of events that sweep through the corridors of Blackstone Keep will change the course of history. While one kingdom awakens to the drums of war, another finds itself entangled within the dark legacy of an aging tyrant. And when an age-old prophecy is reborn beneath the light of their new love, Darry and Jessa must forge their own path through the turmoil, a treacherous path that leads them to a truth that no one expects, a path that binds their fate to an ancient love still caught within the threads of time.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2014
15 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Shea Godfrey
4 books77 followersShea Godfrey is an artist and writer working and living in the Midwest. While her formal education is in journalism and photography, she has spent most of her career thus far in 3D Animation and Design.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 13, 2019
Very very entertaining! I read Nightshade and Blackstone in two days. I have only one complaint and that is that now I have to wait for the next part of the series.
June 30, 2022
Absolutely loved it. No way this is the last book in the series. No way. Too much going on. Dang this is going to go down as top of my fantasy genre list. Ugh. So good.
December 3, 2017
4.2 stars. Not as good as the first book but still engaging. Darry's and Jessa's story continues, this time around with a lot more action which is not author's strong suit. I had trouble following the action scenes and imagining the flow of it from scene to scene. And I rarely have this problem. Seems like the fights are not descriptive enough. But otherwise a solid read, the rest of the writing besides action scenes is top notch.
But the last trap by the brother was kinda dumb. No matter how I wrap my head around it, I can't believe they fell for it just like that. I can think of at least three ways to avoid it and these characters are usually well prepared for worst case scenarios. That's my only nitpick plot wise.
I'm saddened by the fact that there's not a third book and there might never be. Godfrey released a new book just a couple of days ago and it's not connected to Arravan in any way unfortunately. And she releases one book every 4 years so it seems we are left in a limbo with this series but you never know. Gotta set a reminder 4 years from now and pray to the old gods and the new for a miracle.
But the last trap by the brother was kinda dumb. No matter how I wrap my head around it, I can't believe they fell for it just like that. I can think of at least three ways to avoid it and these characters are usually well prepared for worst case scenarios. That's my only nitpick plot wise.
I'm saddened by the fact that there's not a third book and there might never be. Godfrey released a new book just a couple of days ago and it's not connected to Arravan in any way unfortunately. And she releases one book every 4 years so it seems we are left in a limbo with this series but you never know. Gotta set a reminder 4 years from now and pray to the old gods and the new for a miracle.
March 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book a lot: nice romance, mystery, a little family drama and fantasy. My only question is when the third book is going to come out.
March 25, 2018
I love this sequel. It is much better than the first book imho. So sad that I've to wait till 2019 for the third book to be released! Happy tho. I'll line up when the 3rd book released.
September 6, 2014
This book is a stirring sequel to ‘Nightshade’. It is essential that you read ‘Nightshade’ before reading ‘Blackstone’ so you can understand the main characters and the all-important settings. Then the extraordinary breadth of this tale can truly be appreciated. Along with becoming familiar and comfortable with this story's use of the mythologically poetic phrase, , the incredible grand picture and scheme of things will unfold meaningfully before your eyes and in your heart. Astounding!
Jessa-Sirrah's talents, skills, and sensitivities were expanding beyond belief in some ways after she and her lover committed themselves to each other. Their lives together will need to grow and prosper away from the protected sanctuary of Blackstone Keep. However, there are some exceedingly dramatic and explosive scenes early on, that had both Jessa and her lover right in the thick of things. By the way, Blackstone Keep is the seat of power for Arravan and Jessa pledges her oath of fealty to the land of Arravan and the crown of Durand. She is a royal princess from Lyoness, so this shift is quite profound. In fact, all of Jessa's actions speak to the amazing focus and phenomenal change that is presented in this second book. Remarkable!
Darrius Lauranna Durand, preferably called Darry, is a true wild card and there are layers upon layers supporting and expanding this youngest royal member of the Durand family in all her compelling manifestations. Not only is she profoundly linked with her historical hero, she shares a nearly incomprehensible bond with a golden mountain panther. This astounding animal called Hinsa is also intimately linked although not quite as physically as Darry is with Jessa-Sirrah. The power, scope, and intensity of the love story between Darry and Jessa places this series, in my mind, unquestionably heads and shoulders above anything I have ever read so far. I have read and reviewed Blackstone close to a half-dozen times to date and still cannot know for sure how many more times I will move through its pages in awe, wonderment, and continuing to find new nuances, enlightenment, plus multiple levels and instances of sublime passion. Completely amazing!
I truly hope there will be countless additional books in this series. Please read ‘Nightshade’ first, and then revel in the incandescence of ‘Blackstone’. Brilliant!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jessa-Sirrah's talents, skills, and sensitivities were expanding beyond belief in some ways after she and her lover committed themselves to each other. Their lives together will need to grow and prosper away from the protected sanctuary of Blackstone Keep. However, there are some exceedingly dramatic and explosive scenes early on, that had both Jessa and her lover right in the thick of things. By the way, Blackstone Keep is the seat of power for Arravan and Jessa pledges her oath of fealty to the land of Arravan and the crown of Durand. She is a royal princess from Lyoness, so this shift is quite profound. In fact, all of Jessa's actions speak to the amazing focus and phenomenal change that is presented in this second book. Remarkable!
Darrius Lauranna Durand, preferably called Darry, is a true wild card and there are layers upon layers supporting and expanding this youngest royal member of the Durand family in all her compelling manifestations. Not only is she profoundly linked with her historical hero, she shares a nearly incomprehensible bond with a golden mountain panther. This astounding animal called Hinsa is also intimately linked although not quite as physically as Darry is with Jessa-Sirrah. The power, scope, and intensity of the love story between Darry and Jessa places this series, in my mind, unquestionably heads and shoulders above anything I have ever read so far. I have read and reviewed Blackstone close to a half-dozen times to date and still cannot know for sure how many more times I will move through its pages in awe, wonderment, and continuing to find new nuances, enlightenment, plus multiple levels and instances of sublime passion. Completely amazing!
I truly hope there will be countless additional books in this series. Please read ‘Nightshade’ first, and then revel in the incandescence of ‘Blackstone’. Brilliant!
NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 2, 2018
Reading this series up against other recent lesbian high fantasy releases is almost a futile task, because Shea Godfrey has pretty much mastered the genre. Much like the first book in the series, this book seamlessly blends high fantasy politics and scheming with a passionate, scorching lesbian romance. The characters are excellent, the plot is intense, the dialogue keeps you on edge, and the writing quality is top notch.
The first quarter of this book is made up of almost entirely one battle (or, more accurately, a planned massacre turned into a battle because no one fucks with the Durand family) and I was holding my breath throughout the entire course of action. I've been a little lost lately in literary fantasy action scenes--they rarely hold my attention like they do when presented in a movie or TV show. But Godfrey manages to provide key characterization and strengthen character dynamics and relationships amid the clash of swords and flashes of magic, making the whole sequence practically perfect.
My biggest worry after finishing Nightshade was that Jessa and Darry would leave the kingdom in the next book and we'd lose all the great minor characters that make up the Durand line. But that worry is quickly erased when the stakes are raised and family becomes more important than honor.
Honestly, I don't even know what else to say. This is pretty much a perfect second book. Questions are answered and new ones are raised. Characters we never thought would have much of a relationship (Jessa and Owen, Nina and Bentley) come together in unique and believable ways. And as always, Darry and Jessa are absolutely legendary together.
Godfrey has a pretty slow book output, but at this point, that only makes me (and her growing number of fans) more excited for what she comes up with next for Arravan. This book is absolutely not an ending--no way is this a duology. It feels like an important and well-done stepping stone to even more amazing stories.
The first quarter of this book is made up of almost entirely one battle (or, more accurately, a planned massacre turned into a battle because no one fucks with the Durand family) and I was holding my breath throughout the entire course of action. I've been a little lost lately in literary fantasy action scenes--they rarely hold my attention like they do when presented in a movie or TV show. But Godfrey manages to provide key characterization and strengthen character dynamics and relationships amid the clash of swords and flashes of magic, making the whole sequence practically perfect.
My biggest worry after finishing Nightshade was that Jessa and Darry would leave the kingdom in the next book and we'd lose all the great minor characters that make up the Durand line. But that worry is quickly erased when the stakes are raised and family becomes more important than honor.
Honestly, I don't even know what else to say. This is pretty much a perfect second book. Questions are answered and new ones are raised. Characters we never thought would have much of a relationship (Jessa and Owen, Nina and Bentley) come together in unique and believable ways. And as always, Darry and Jessa are absolutely legendary together.
Godfrey has a pretty slow book output, but at this point, that only makes me (and her growing number of fans) more excited for what she comes up with next for Arravan. This book is absolutely not an ending--no way is this a duology. It feels like an important and well-done stepping stone to even more amazing stories.
March 2, 2017
I need the next book in this series and there has to be a next book because, as amazing as this book was, the story is definitely not over.
May 31, 2019
After all the setup in Book 1 - which was excellent, this is action packed. Find out how useful majik and a spirit animal are in a hand-to-hand fight. Loved it!!!
Definitely need to read Nightshade first. And definitely need to read next book too...
Definitely need to read Nightshade first. And definitely need to read next book too...
November 7, 2017
Now that's what I call a thrilling magic fantasy unfolding....but, I have yet to quench my thirst for this story. I appreciate that the magic part came in play more obvious than in Nightshade where you could just see it being hinted at, but it was great. The sexually charged scenes with Darry and Jessa were still present as I hate it when it goes to the background. So I suppose now we have to see what the prophecy is about and how their story ends.
March 2, 2024
Another excellent book in the series. We have a massive battle. Darry, Jessa, and Darry’s boys save the Durand Royal Family. Both are bad ass, Jessa’s powers are incredible, and Darry’s skill and strength are legendary. I love how they give each other strength and how in love they are. In this book we learn a lot more about the possible players on the chest board. Who benefits from Jessa’s intended marriage or death. Jessa’s worm of a brother, Jaoquin, finally meets his fate at the end of Darry’s sword. King Owen finally steps up and shows more of the man I’d want for a king. He has a long way to go if he hopes to repair his relationship with Darry and his family, but I feel like he is headed in the right direction. Malcolm is such an asshole. I did not see the twist coming at the end. I’m glad Darry, Jessa, and the boys were able to escape and find a place of solace to heal and regroup until the fight continues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
_______ SPOILERS_____ ; Though this book was released 11 years ago.
This almost became my favourite but that ending was so abrupt, very whiplash giving. But yes, my sweet babies finally admitted their love and it was gratification at its finest. The whole drama between Darry and his parents was everything. The way Shea wrote it, just amazing. Esp between the scenes between Darry and his mom and then Darry and his Dad. And all the revelations between the three for the older sister Emma.. just exquisite.
Also, Jesse being the daddy yet she is femme, now that was "I will get on my knees for you, Queen" moment because given her past, I absolutely did not expect it. Also the revelation of Radha's character was also a very nice touch.
PS: The older brother is also a closeted gay and he is really crazy and homophobic or whatever but that's besides the point, the point is, the author is rather explicit about the gay intimate scenes but not as explicit on the sapphic intimate scenes - not that she should be, it is just weird since this is a sapphic book. Also, maybe that doesn't really matter because the m/m is rare but it was a moment of heartbreak during this book. The way he killed his love, that was some Shakespeare tragedy right there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2019
this gets a star more than the first one because even tho the first part with was chaotic and hard to understand what was happening at times because of the writing stile that jumps between character's pov in a single scene I finally had the exposition of the world that was missing in the first book.
February 5, 2018
not as good as the first and every bit as collar-tuggy
November 4, 2019
Truly enjoy this world and the stories of the characters within it. Happy to be drawn further into the lives of Darry and Jessa, along with all their family and friends.
February 23, 2020
Brilliant!
Do yourself a favour and buy this book! You may lose sleep until it’s finished though, consider yourself warned. It’s brilliant.
Do yourself a favour and buy this book! You may lose sleep until it’s finished though, consider yourself warned. It’s brilliant.
July 9, 2021
4.4 stat rating
Great story teller with captivating characters. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Great story teller with captivating characters. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 26, 2017
I guess for book 2, the writer reach the conclusion it was not a good idea (the 5 year old answer).
This is the book where she called her inner Lackey, with tribal past life, mysterious magics, angsty sexually conflicted male character.
It doesn’t really work. Conflicted parental attitudes don’t either.
Instantaneous transformation of cowed horny princess into magically awesome high priestess with out of the world political understanding left me perplexed.
Jessa become so badass it doesn’t add up… at all.
And there’s also the point I hate most. Why is bad guy gay ?
It reminds role playing with my sister. The story starts ok, then we lost it and it usually went sour. But we still had our fun and nobody was gonna review it, so.
This is the book where she called her inner Lackey, with tribal past life, mysterious magics, angsty sexually conflicted male character.
It doesn’t really work. Conflicted parental attitudes don’t either.
Instantaneous transformation of cowed horny princess into magically awesome high priestess with out of the world political understanding left me perplexed.
Jessa become so badass it doesn’t add up… at all.
And there’s also the point I hate most. Why is bad guy gay ?
It reminds role playing with my sister. The story starts ok, then we lost it and it usually went sour. But we still had our fun and nobody was gonna review it, so.
December 16, 2016
This was a wonderful sequel to the Nightshade book! It was riveting from the start to the end. The supporting characters were very well done. I love to hate Malcom and I sincerely hope Darcie and or Jesse can clean his clock in the next book! Can't wait for the third book in the series next year. Keep them coming!
October 10, 2014
Love the characters. Liked this one a little less than the first one as there was more of an action plot here and a little less love story. Still great book. Would definitely recommend. I hope there is another in the series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews