Darkfever

by Karen Marie Moning
Darkfever cover
Good Books rating 4.19
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Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 6499
  • Added: 2025-11-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-11-18
good 4.00

The reviewer enjoyed Darkfever, the first book in the Fever series, praising its murder mystery plot, worldbuilding, and character development, particularly Mackayla Lane's growth. They found the romance lacking but were intrigued by the potential of the series and the character V'lane.

The reviewer found Darkfever to be an engaging start to the Fever series, with a compelling murder mystery that drives the plot and a richly developed world of fae lore. They appreciated Mackayla Lane's character growth, from a shallow, bubbly blonde to a determined and vengeful protagonist. The reviewer also enjoyed the worldbuilding, which includes the Seelie and Unseelie courts and the concept of sidhe-seers. While they found the romance lacking and some characters stereotypical, they were intrigued by V'lane's character and the potential of the series. The reviewer plans to continue with the next book in the series.

Quick quotes

    So just what I needed…another series to dig my hands into.

    I saw something special in the main character, Mackayla Lane: I loved her hilarious commentary throughout the story, especially as she’d called out a certain character who may or may not be a vampire.

    He’s a powerful Fae prince to the Seelie Queen, and has the ability to draw out sexual attraction in humans that come into contact with him, like some pheromone on steroids.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-11-18
mixed 3.75

Readers found Darkfever to be an entertaining and exciting read with great writing and world-building. Some appreciated the character development, while others found the main character's narration annoying or the writing style repetitive.

Many readers enjoyed Darkfever for its engaging story and well-developed world. The main character, Mac, was a point of contention; some found her narration annoying and repetitive, while others appreciated her growth throughout the book. The character Jericho Barrons was highlighted as particularly interesting. The writing style was praised for its creativity, but some found the repetitive mentions of Mac's love for pink to be excessive. Overall, the book was seen as a fun and exciting read, with a mix of adventure and mystery.

Quick quotes

    Really enjoyed this one. Great writing and entertaining story

    Loved it. I had a hard time at first because the main character was a little too much like Sookie Stackhouse. But, slowly she came into her own where I wasn't comparing the two.

    I'm very conflicted. I've heard so much about this series, so I don't know if my expectations were set too high or if I just need to keep reading because it will improve, but right now I can't say I honestly care what happens.

vilmairis.com · Unknown · 2025-11-18
exciting 4.50

Darkfever is an exciting and imaginative story set in a dark underworld with intriguing characters. The book combines mystery, action, murder, passion, and revenge, making it a compelling read. The protagonist, MacKayla Lane, is drawn into a shadowy realm where she discovers her own hidden powers and faces dangerous challenges.

Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning is a captivating and addictive read that transports you into a dark and sinister underworld. The story is filled with mystery, action, murder, passion, and revenge, making it an all-encompassing experience. The protagonist, MacKayla Lane, is an ordinary woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when her sister is murdered. Her quest for answers leads her to Ireland, where she uncovers a shadowy realm filled with intriguing and well-developed characters. The book's imaginative take on the Fae and the vividly captured evil and ugliness of Dublin's shadowed streets make it a standout. The multidimensional characters and their connections add depth to the story, making it a suspenseful and engaging read. MacKayla's journey is one of self-discovery and courage as she navigates this dangerous world and uncovers her own hidden powers. The relationship between MacKayla and Jericho Barrons is particularly fascinating, with their contrasting personalities and the tension between them adding to the story's allure. Overall, Darkfever is a brilliant and enrapturing read that leaves you hungry for more.

Quick quotes

    Exciting. Consuming. Addictive. Imaginative.

    I was utterly consumed by Karen Marie Moning’s world, her story, her characters.

    He wasn’t handsome. That was too calm a word. He was intensely masculine. He was sexual. He attracted. There was an omnipresent carnality about him, in his dark eyes, in his full mouth, in the way he stood.

Reddit - Fantasy · 2021-10-10
great 4.50

The urban fantasy elements are well-executed, with a focus on Celtic mythology that enhances the story's atmosphere. The characters are compelling, and the narrative is engaging from start to finish.

Darkfever is a fantastic example of urban fantasy done right. The author's use of Celtic mythology is both creative and immersive, adding depth to the story's world. The characters are well-developed and engaging, with Mac being a particularly strong protagonist. Her journey is filled with danger, mystery, and a touch of romance, making it a compelling read. The narrative is fast-paced and keeps the reader hooked, with plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to read, making it a great choice for fans of the genre. The atmospheric setting and rich mythology make Darkfever a standout in the urban fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    It's really more straight urban fantasy, and the world building is honestly awesome.

    The use of Celtic mythology rocks, and its very atmospheric.

    The characters are great and the story is engaging from start to finish.

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