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kristinareads_ 's review for:
The Prisoner's Throne
by Holly Black
This book was such a great ending to the Stolen Heir duology. It was so good to be back in Elfhame and see more of the dynamics between Oak and his family almost 10 years after the original series. As always, the plot twists and storytelling didn’t disappoint. (I mean...Holly Black)
That said, I didn’t enjoy Wren as much in this book as I did in The Stolen Heir. Maybe it’s because the story is told from Oak’s perspective, so we don’t get access to her thoughts the same way, but she felt more distant here. For most of the book, it didn’t seem like she shared the same depth of feeling until the very last chapters. I understand why she's the way she is, and I did feel for her, especially at certain points, but I just wish we had seen a bit more emotional growth from her by the end.
Putting the romance aside though, the drama and plot were absolutely worth it. And I loved seeing Jude and Cardan again, still going strong as rulers and as a couple. Their presence was a highlight, and they stole every scene they were in. I only wish we got a bit more of Oak’s relationships with Madoc and Oriana, and also with Vivi and Heather, since he spent a good chunk of his childhood in the mortal world with them. It felt like there was more to explore there.
Overall, this was a satisfying, twisty finale that gave me exactly what I wanted in terms of fae drama, politics, and complicated family dynamics.
That said, I didn’t enjoy Wren as much in this book as I did in The Stolen Heir. Maybe it’s because the story is told from Oak’s perspective, so we don’t get access to her thoughts the same way, but she felt more distant here. For most of the book, it didn’t seem like she shared the same depth of feeling until the very last chapters. I understand why she's the way she is, and I did feel for her, especially at certain points, but I just wish we had seen a bit more emotional growth from her by the end.
Putting the romance aside though, the drama and plot were absolutely worth it. And I loved seeing Jude and Cardan again, still going strong as rulers and as a couple. Their presence was a highlight, and they stole every scene they were in. I only wish we got a bit more of Oak’s relationships with Madoc and Oriana, and also with Vivi and Heather, since he spent a good chunk of his childhood in the mortal world with them. It felt like there was more to explore there.
Overall, this was a satisfying, twisty finale that gave me exactly what I wanted in terms of fae drama, politics, and complicated family dynamics.