Scan barcode
themichellegray's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I'm so sad to say that the finale in this Elfhame duology was a total letdown.
The writing & storytelling methods were subpar compared to what Holly Black has previously published. Oak and Wren's characterizations simply seemed like knock-offs of Cardan and Jude while their relationship and personal journey's seemed forced.
Overall, I struggled to get through this book and this duology didn't feel necessary. It's very clear Holly Black will be publishing another spin-off following Nicasia and these books were simply a bridge to get there.
The writing & storytelling methods were subpar compared to what Holly Black has previously published. Oak and Wren's characterizations simply seemed like knock-offs of Cardan and Jude while their relationship and personal journey's seemed forced.
Overall, I struggled to get through this book and this duology didn't feel necessary. It's very clear Holly Black will be publishing another spin-off following Nicasia and these books were simply a bridge to get there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Confinement
Moderate: Toxic relationship
callidoralblack's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, Physical abuse, Toxic friendship, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Blood, Child death, Addiction, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Child abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, and War
bloomingrose92's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I absolutely loved "The Stolen Heir", and have been waiting all year for "The Prisoner's Throne" to come out. My disappointment was doubled by this anticipation. "The Prisoner's Throne" was a fine book, but lacking the depth that "The Stolen Heir" gave. Oaks is another one of Black's character's that I never particularly liked in the original series, and despite the extra characterization in this book, failed to feel like a fully-fleshed out human. Most of the conflict in the book comes from his doubling-back on decisions, which is a writing choice I despise. After rereading excepts from "The Wicked King", it was disappointing to see how far this series has fallen. Perhaps things will look up in the next series, given the return to Jude and Cardan. They were the highlight of this book, and a couple that Black has fleshed out fully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: War and Toxic relationship
More...