Le Trône du prisonnier (The stolen heir t. 2)

The Stolen Heir Duology #2

by Holly Black, Leslie Damant-Jeandel (translator)

Un prince captif. Une reine vengeresse. Un complot qui menace l’avenir de Domelfe.
 
Le prince Chêne paie lourdement sa trahison. Emprisonné dans le nord glacé et lié à la volonté d’une monstrueuse nouvelle reine, il doit s’en remettre à ses charmes et à de fins stratagèmes pour survivre. Le roi Cardan et la reine Jude de la Haute Cour sont prêts à déployer tous les moyens nécessaires pour récupérer l’héritier trahi. Chêne est déchiré. Doit-il tenter de regagner la confiance de celle qu’il a toujours aimée, ou rester loyal à la couronne et prendre les mesures qui s’imposent pour mettre fin à son règne – quitte à ce que cela signe la fin de Wren  ?
Une guerre se prépare et les murmures de trahison enflent dans tous les coins. Ni la ruse de Chêne, ni son esprit aiguisé ne seront suffisants pour sauver tous ceux qu’il aime. De terribles choix l’attendent…

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fae, Romantasy, Audiobook, Fiction

509 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2024

About the author

Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over thirty fantasy novels for kids and teens. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. Her books have been translated into 32 languages worldwide and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library.

Reviews

[SK · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars✨

Disappointed. So damn disappointed.

The first half was far better written than the second. The second half completely fell flat for me. I liked Oak's pov more compared to Wren's in The Stolen Heir. Imo this duology should have never been written. It does not do The Cruel Prince justice, that trilogy is so beautifully crafted and everything about this one is so mind numbingly boring.

There is no real plot tbh. If Oak had just talked about his plans to his family, this whole book would have been like 70-100 pages max. The romance was so lackluster. Wren and Oak have zero chemistry. They have a few cute moments but that's pretty much it.

The OG couple was the only reason I kept reading. They still have the firepower. Whenever they were included in the scenes, those scenes became powerful and ofc this overshadowed Oak and his story. They are the reason for this generous rating.

I was intrigued about Oak and his magic and I wish it would have been utilized more. Oak is much easier to get along with compared to Wren. Wren had no personality in this one, and it frustrated me quite a lot.

Am just glad this book is done. I would much rather read The Cruel Prince trilogy over a thousand times to this.

~•~•~
Unfortunately am not that excited about this one as I hoped to be, but I still want to know how it ends. So here we go...

[dani]

one jurdan appearance to end my years long depression thanks

EDIT: BOTH CARDAN AND JUDE MAKE AN APPEARANCE EVERYONE SAY THANK YOU HOLLY🙏🙏

[Haley pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 could easily be changed to 5 stars.

[Clace · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75!

This was more slap and less yap which is good because the stolen heir was more yap and less slap (I gave it a one)

Considering that I gave the first one a 1, it is a MASSIVE improvement because it was just so much more closer to a four and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Holly fixed two of my biggest flaws in The stolen heir which were No Jude and Cardan scenes and the book not being in Oaks POV. This one had a hefty serving of Jude and Cardan, they indeed spooned out and it was in Oak's POV which just proved how much better the first would have been in his POV.

You know there are cases where the main characters who become side characters in spin offs are treated as the main characters? Yeah, I do not like that but since Oak and Wren were such weak characters in terms of the depths of their arc, I cherished every minute of Jude and Cardan that I got. I do feel like Oak got more development and I saw what the author tried to do by giving both the main characters their own books to manage their arcs but she somewhat succeeded with Oak because we get to see a lot of development on his side, I went from not feeling anything for him to actually liking him but as for Wren, she failed because I could not make myself to like her at all!!

Another thing was that I was already so attached to Jude and Cardan that even when Oak was defying them or when Wren was fighting them, my love for Jurdan was so high that I started hating our two main characters so that kind of did not help my case.

The romance, the flirt that Oak was! I am 100% sure he learned all of that from Cardan because him saying all those stuff resembled Cardan a lot and I liked that but the romance besides Oaks groveling felt short for me, only because I could not make myself to care for Wren AT ALL!
Jude and Cardan on the other hand took everything and aced it.

Now, the plot and the politics were heavily intertwined so I was enjoying it to some extent but then it started jumping off places, was sometimes a little too convenient, so I could not enjoy it that much. I did not like Wren (sorry for mentioning it a lot) Also did not like Oaks hooves and what else? OH I thought that the last battle instead of the fight of Jude was very underwhelming could have been better!

It also did improve one thing that bugged me a lot in the first one long ass chapters, here there were chapters with fine length. Also this Jude and Cardan scene (spoilers obviously *Minor*):

“Cardan is lying on the bed, bandaged and sulking, in a magnificent dressing gown. “I hate being unwell,” he says.
“You’re not sick,” Jude tells him. “You are recovering from being stabbed—or rather, throwing yourself on a knife.”
“You would have done the same for me,” he says airily.
“I would not,” Jude snaps.
“Liar,” Cardan says fondly.”

Overall, for those who liked the stolen heir this is probably going to be a five stars and for those like me who did not like the stolen heir and had the same problems as me, read it! it is going to be a fun ride. (very impressed by how Holly redeemed this novel cuz my expectations were low)

Elfhame rating:
The Cruel Prince: 4.37
The Wicked King: 4.57
The Queen of Nothing: 4.28
How The King of Elfhame Learned To Hate Stories: 4.50
The Stolen Heir: 1.48
The Prisoner's Throne: 3.85
~~
Jude and Cardan scenes in this book better fucking spoon out and for the love of god do not mention Oaks hooves more than once, please and thank you!

[Ali Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars! A great end to the duology. I'm so happy I got to experience the world from the cruel prince series again through this duology but also so sad I won't get to experience it again😭 (unless Holly Black writes another spin-off series of course🤞🏻).

I will say I did like this book a bit less than the first one, The Stolen Heir. Wren's character changes quite a bit in this one and I totally understand why! But I did connect with her and enjoy her story more in book 1. This one is from Oak's POV tho (book 1 was Wren's POV). I love that we got to get both of their POVs through the 2 books. And we got to see Jude & Cardan and other Cruel Prince characters in this book which was so cool!!

[Rachel Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Pain is better than being dead.”

I find it so funny how the top quotes in the quotes section are all Jurdan 😭 makes sense though.

I'll just start this off by saying that I'm gonna be a little unintentionally biased in this review because certain things happen in this book that I literally hated because of my love for Jude and Cardan, so please bear with me 😭

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
The Plot

Going into this book I was a little bit wary, because my experience reading The Stolen Heir for the first time wasn't a good one. I initially rated it like 2 stars, but I reread it as a refresher before reading this one, and thankfully it got bumped up to 4 because I was much more entertained the second time around, so I was a lot more excited going into this!

I liked that this book was in Oak's POV, because it gave a lot more backstory on his part and why he did some things he did, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that it was also mainly because we saw a lot more Jude and Cardan 💀

The first half of the book was alright for me, I didn't really understand much what was going on but it was easy enough to follow along with. The second half (mainly near the end) was my favorite I'd say, I will admit it was a little confusing and a bit muddled with how much was going on, but I liked that it was more action-packed.

Though I'll say it again, mainly 'cause of Cardan and Jude 😭

Also, the little teaser at the end of chapter 24 is crazy, but now I'm annoyed because the next Elfhame book will probably be in someone else's POV, who I don't want to have, I just want another Jurdan exclusive 😭

“She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder, and closed her eyes. The king’s arms came around her, and she shivered once, as though letting something fall away.”

I SCREAMED, THEY'RE ACTUALLY MY BABIES

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
The Characters

Again, extreme bias incoming 😭

Suren/Wren was...alright. I liked her character more in the first book, probably because we were actually in her POV and could understand her actions a bit more, but I loathed her at some points in this, especially when she was defying Cardan or Jude. It also felt like her character personality switched so fast from cold and deadly to soft and loving, which I guess could've been a side effect to her powers or something that made her so cold? I don't know, it just felt very abrupt.

Oak's annoying. Every time he criticized Cardan and Jude in his mind I actually got so mad, because he doesn't understand literally anything 😭 The ending made me cringe so bad that I literally couldn't read it, like I get that it was gut-wrenching for him but I couldn't do it. Also, since we were in his POV or something, it's like the book was trying to make me dislike Jude or Cardan, which we all know is never going to happen.

Now we have my wonderful Cardan and Jude, who are my favorites of all time, I literally almost cried when they popped up 😃 I'm so glad they showed up in this book since we were fed literal dust in the first book, but the bad thing about this I suppose is that their presence made me hate the main characters, who we were supposed to actually like. But anyways, they're as magnificent as ever and I wanna reread their book again even though I just did a few weeks ago.

Taryn was barely in this but she sucks and I hate, hate, hate her.

Also, Madoc's character felt weird 😭 he wasn't in this much, but maybe he just interacts differently with Oak than he did Jude, but he felt..nicer.

“Not everyone needs to love you.”

the need and want for people to like you is one thing I agree with about Oak

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
The Romance

🙂

Soooo, I'm not gonna lie, I didn't care at all about the romance 😭 I honestly was rooting against it at some points because I literally didn't care one bit. It just felt so artificial, and quick. Like me personally, if someone locked me away in their ice castle and threatened my family, I'm pretty sure I'd move on and never look back, but Oak's a romantic or whatever 🤚 And as I stated above, when someone big happened at the end and Oak was all sad and crying and whatever, I literally didn't care, I was skimming at that point. And then there was the ending ending, which I also skimmed because I couldn't find any cares in my head.

But Jude and Cardan's romance was as good as ever 😋

“Who can love someone who is empty inside? Someone who steals love instead of earning it?”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
Overall, this book was pretty good. I will say, once you get into the book it's hard to stop reading. I picked the book up and on that same day I read like 200 pages, then took a few days break where I didn't read anything, and then when I picked it back up I finished it that same day.

Again, I beg that the next book is in Jude's POV or something, but I highly highly doubt it will be and I won't say who because of spoilers but it'll definitely be interesting.

4 stars

“Cardan is lying on the bed, bandaged and sulking, in a magnificent dressing gown. “I hate being unwell,” he says.

“You’re not sick,” Jude tells him. “You are recovering from being stabbed—or rather, throwing yourself on a knife.”

“You would have done the same for me,” he says airily.

“I would not,” Jude snaps.

“Liar,” Cardan says fondly.”

this quote is long but worth it

<><><><><><>
PLEASE PLEASE LET THE NEXT ELFHAME BOOK BE IN CARDAN AND JUDE'S POV

based off of things, i think that is unlikely, but i'm going to be so upset if they're side characters again

now that i know the plot of the next elfhame book basically, i'm so excited and nervous 😭

but anyways, this was pretty good, jude and cardan were the best inclusion obviously, but the last half of the book made my heart pound

rtc!

<><><><><><>
Edit 7/9/23: I literally just got back from vacation and I see that the release date got pushed back to MARCH?? I CANNOT WAIT THAT LONG TO SEE JURDAN AGAIN

Edit 6/16/23: FINALLY, FINALLY WE HAVE A COVER. My thoughts are.....it's fine.

Edit 1/16/23: so I finished The Stolen Heir and let's just say I'm only reading this book for Jude and Cardan and because I'm a tiny bit curious about what happens next. I want to see Jude go absolutely FERAL trying to get Oak back

Edit 1/12/23: As much as I'm disappointed in The Stolen Heir rn (i'm not done with it yet so i can't say much about that at the moment) I would give ANYTHING to see Jurdan again, and also FEBRUARY 27TH 2024??? THAT'S SO FAR AWAY

Edit 1/9/23: THE PRISONER'S THRONE OH MY GOD

Edit: JUDE AND CARDAN BETTER HAVE A BIG ROLE IN THIS I BEG

Oh. My. God. THE FIRST ONE ISN'T EVEN OUT AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW MY EXCITEMENT FOR THIS AHHH

[jude⋆°. (IS EDITING REVIEWS) · Rating 2 out of 5]

honestly speaking, this book fell short in several aspects. but judecardan moments elevated the reading experience.

[rehaab ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

₊ ˚ 🐇・ɞ ₊ ˚ 3 stars – major spoilers

tropes:
⤷ strong fmc
⤷ fairy world
⤷ betrayal

╰ ꒰ ⊹ – “i adore you. i want to play games with you. i want to tell you all the truths i have to give. and if you really think you’re a monster, then let’s be monsters together.”

˖ ✧ ݁ ˖thoughts before i read the book:
before starting this book, i did not have quite the highest of hopes and thought the sequel to the stolen heir would be boring. i had expected to give it a 3 stars which, for a holly black book in my opinion, is quite disappointingly low. while reading this book, i expected to give it a low rating, which i will go into depth about in the next part of this review, i did, in fact, rate this 3 stars.

╰ ꒰ ⊹ – “we do not love because people deserve it—nor would i want to be loved because i was the most deserving of some list of candidates. i want to be loved for my worst self as well as my best. i want to be forgiven for my flaws.”

˖ ✧ ݁ ˖ overall thoughts:
let us get into the review! this entire book wasn't good at all but the good parts were the judecardan content, oaksuren content, the ending which gave total the cruel prince vibes which i devoured. but, as usual, holly black had to play with our hearts when it came to wren and oak ... and i really hoped they would get married after all that anticipation but they didn't and i also loved the ending line!

╰ ꒰ ⊹ – “charm me. rip me open. ruin me. go too far.”

˖ ✧ ݁ ˖ favourite quotes:

• 𓏲 ‛that must be what you like about me.’ ‛that you’re terrifying? i adore it.’

• 𓏲 i thought love was a fascination, or a desire to be around someone, or wanting to make them happy. i believed it just happened, like a slap to the face, and left the way the sting from such a blow fades. that’s why it was easy for me to believe it could be false or manipulated or influenced by magic. until i met you, i didn’t understand to feel loved, one has to feel known. and that, outside of my family, i had never really loved because i hadn’t bothered to know the other person. but i know you. and you have to come back to me, wren, because no one gets us but us. you know why you’re not a monster, but i might be. i know why throwing me in your dungeon meant there was still something between us. we are messes and we are messed up and i don’t want to go through this world without the one person i can’t hide from and who can’t hide from me.

• 𓏲 ‛i hate being unwell.’ he says. ‛you’re not sick. you are recovering from being stabbed—or rather, throwing yourself on a knife.’ jude tells him. ‛you would have done the same for me.’ ‛i would not.’ jude snaps. ‛liar.’ cardan says fondly.

• 𓏲 ‛then i’ll have to marry you, prince oak of the greenbriar line. just to make you suffer.’

[Melanie (meltotheany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

1.) The Stolen Heir ★★★★

“I need no protestations of your feelings. Love can be lost, and I am done with losing.”

let me just start this mini review with a big preface: you all know holly black is one of my favorite authors of all time, and her world of faerie is one of my favorite settings of all time, so just reading a new book by her, and being in this world again, was truly a joy to me and will be one of my favorite reading experiences of the year.

in the first book in this spin off duology starring oak, we get to go on a quest line adventure alongside him and Suren, while they both are contemplating the person they want to be versus the person their birthright is trying to lead them to be. i really enjoyed it and could not wait for this second book, especially because we all know holly black loves a good cliffhanger ending.

yet this second and final installment, despite picking up right where book one left off, felt so unlike the first book in this duology. i feel like a lot of people picked up the stolen heir wanting more of jude and cardan’s story, and were a little upset when they were given something completely different. and i almost feel like that sentiment was very heard, therefore this book feels way more like a continuation of jude and cardan’s story with oak struggling to be the main character alongside the plot that ultimately felt like a new set up for what is to come. and i don’t really know if this is a complaint or praise, but it for sure felt jarring and just overall was so very felt. and again, i know a lot more people will prefer this book, because again, way more jude and cardan and a big set up for what is cooking in elfhame next, but i do think it hindered my reading experience of this book a little bit.

and trust me, i love jude and cardan with the sum of my being. they are truly my otp of all otps and i am waiting with bated breath to see them in the undercity. i just wish we got more oak and wren, because i really did/do love their storyline, and this personally just felt so different in tone and set up from book one that it just made me feel a little sad for them. as always, i love madoc and all the complicated love and feelings involving him and his children. i love that something really big is happening with taryn and leander (and a tree) and i am absolutely quaking in waiting to find out. and overall, this world and these characters just mean everything to me and i will forever be thankful to get any and all stories set in the world of faerie from holly black.

trigger + content warnings: talk of infidelity in past (not mcs), poisoning, death, murder, torture, alcohol consumption, captivity, child abuse / abusive parents in past, mind control magic, drowning

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1.) The Cruel Prince ★★★★★
1.5) The Lost Sisters ★★★★★
2.) The Wicked King ★★★★★
3.) The Queen of Nothing ★★★★★
3.5) How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories ★★★★★

[toointofiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I adore you. I want to play games with you. I want to tell you all the truths I have to give. And if you really think you’re a monster, then let’s be monsters together.”


If this book hasn't cured my depression, I don't think anything will (unless it's another Elfhame Novel). My expectations were already high and then Holly Black goes and exceeds them like it's nothing. I cannot possibly comprehend the intelligence it takes to write a story like this one. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. From the plot to the characters to the lore, everything is perfection. I particularly loved a specific parallel between Wren and Cardan at the end of the book, that I can't describe more without spoiling the story. Besides, you cannot believe the joy I feel knowing that this isn't the last book in the series! If Holly Black's confirmation wasn't enough, this book definitely leaves more to be told. I just hope Jude and Cardan will be there like they are in this one. Or perhaps at the center of it once again. 🤩

Moreover, for those complaining that Oak lacks significant character development in The Stolen Heir, it's because it happens in The Prisoner's Throne AS IT SHOULD. He is such a complicated character, he deserves to be explored in his own book. What's more, he is even more like Cardan and Jude in this book. He has created this facade of the weak, spoiled young heir, hiding his true self even from his family, much like Cardan has done in the OG series. In truth, he is as devious and skilled as Jude has ever been, and just as charming and alluring as Cardan. He uses those skills to weed out anyone plotting treason and protect Jude and Cardan. How cute is that? In addition, Wren isn't the only one with fears and insecurities about being loved. Oak's gancanagh power makes him wonder if anyone truly loves him or if he inadvertently made them do so, even his own family. Given everything his family sacrificed to protect him, especially Jude, this makes him feel even more guilty. Honestly, I just want to hug him and tell him that's not true. Oh, by the way, what the hell is wrong with his hooves exactly?! He's a faerie! I'd be weirder if he didn't have animalistic features. If anything they make him even more fascinating. Lay off him, dudes!

Furthermore, Wren's character is just as incredible. For all her character development in the first book, there is still room left for more. In The Stolen Heir she goes from this scared and easily manipulated girl, desperate to be loved to a terrifying and powerful monster queen, but with no resolution to her major and justifiable trust issues. It's these issues she overcomes in this book. Besides, despite becoming a powerful queen rivaling the High King and Queen of Elfhame, neither her power nor her time is limitless. There's still a lot of conflict to resolve. However, it's her turn to become the enigmatic one as Oak tries to figure out what she's hiding and what she truly feels for him.

Additionally, I will never not appreciate reading the main characters from their love interests' perspectives. I loved reading about Wren from Oak's point of view as much as I loved reading about Oak from Wren. It is undeniable how much he loves her, even after the questionable things she's done to him, i.e. locking him in prison and putting the bridle on him, among other things. The animosity between them did little to damper their feelings. The tension between them is almost as intense as Jude and Cardan's which means a lot. They say such sweet things to each other I became a puddle on the floor reading them. They are such simps they make me a simp. I love them! They're so precious.

What's more, another couple that stole my heart is Tiernan and Hyacinthe. Their love for each other is so complicated, yet neither can deny the other (and it's not because they're faeries and can't lie). Things are even worse between them in this book than in the last, yet their passion only intensifies. Much like Oak and Wren, nothing can get between them. The only thing that bums me out is that we only experience them through Oak (and Wren in the first book) when they more than deserve their own points of view. Their love story needs its own book.

Last but definitely not least, it's the couple that gives me a reason to live, the air that I breathe, my sweet villains and my darling gods, the High Queen and King of Elfhame, and my heart and soul, Jude and Cardan. There's little I love more than reading about my favorite couple from other characters' points of view, especially from a character that cares and loves them almost as much as I do. The Jurdan content in this book made my little simp heart pound in my chest. It cured my depression for the rest of the year. I squealed so loudly at every single moment with them in it, and all those moments were pure, wholesome perfection. Words cannot truly describe the feelings I experienced reading about them. I will never be able to think about anything else again. Ever.

P.S. I still don't like Taryn, but Madoc is well on his way to a redemption arc.

[manju ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

there is nowhere i’d rather be than in elfhame with my favorite people 💝💗💞💘💓💖💓💝💓💗💘💕💗💖

holly black’s books may simply be young adult fantasy to most — entertaining, escapist, and indulgent — but my opinion remains that the original trilogy is a masterclass in character work. rarely do i read books with characters so compelling, so fascinating, so awe inspiring, so memorable. and that is what i think, once again, shines so brightly in this book. though i don’t find oak to be as endearing as jude, it was a treat being able to follow his point of view for 350 pages. his cunning and cleverness and scheming remind me of jude and his “courtly charm” of cardan. oak’s feeling indebted to his family, his consequent sense of detachment from them, his desire to prove himself, to discard the masks he’s spent so long hiding behind, to be seen — not looked at but through — it all makes for an absolutely enchanting conclusion to the duology.

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand the political intrigue and betrayals was well done, but on the other hand the pacing was inconsistent, the romance and character development was lacking. The plot was interesting, but I felt that it dragged and at times I had a difficult time following the plot. The pacing was inconsistent throughout, it was very slow at times and then it was too fast. I have mixed feelings about Oak, he is charming and manipulate, but he also cares about his sisters and family. I didn't feel a connection to the characters, which had an effect on my enjoyment of the book. I liked Wren, but she made decisions that I didn't agree with and her character development was lacking. I wished the story also included Wren's point of view, I didn't understand her decisions in certain situations and her feelings were not explained. I really enjoyed the Jude and Cardan cameo in this book, I loved seeing them together and it was interesting seeing them interact with Wren and Oak. The romance between Oak and Wren was lacking and I didn't feel a connection between them. I liked that their romance developed over time and they understood each other, but the chemistry and tension was lacking. I enjoyed the ending and I was shocked by the several betrayals. Overall this book was okay, but I felt that the pacing was inconsistent, the character development was lacking and the chemistry was lacking between the main characters.

[✨⚡ Kelcey (felinebooktrovert) ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

What did I just read? 😭😭
Lawd, this fucking dragged. I don't remember the last time it personally took me 4 days to read something that wasn't 600+ pages. I did not want to pick this up and really had to force myself to read it because JudeCardan obviously.

Honestly, this duology is a pale imitation of the TFOTA series. I felt basically nothing for any of these characters and it really felt like nothing happened this whole book. None of the scenes really had any emotional depth and the pacing was just strange.

The only thing I cared about was seeing Jurdan, and even that was disappointing for me. Didn't get nearly enough of them and what we did get seemed like a watered down version.

TBD if I'll continue any books in this universe 😟

[ingrid ₊ · Rating 3 out of 5]

oh my judecardan it’s so good to see them again

[Robin]

Holly Black bring judecardan back to me please

[Poppyflowerjj · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/ 5⭐
1/5 🌶️

I HATED IT!!! hated it. ugh

I'm so disappointed.

The Stolen Heir Duology #2, "The Prisoner's Throne" by Holly Black, oh sweet mercy, did this one drag like a sinking ship! I can't even recall the last time it took me a solid 10 days to claw my way through. I was bored a lot!

Now, let's give credit where it's due—the political intrigue and betrayals were masterfully crafted. But, and this is a colossal "but," the pacing was all over the blasted place, and the romance and character development? Ha! Nonexistent! Sure, it was packed with betrayals, secrets, and twists that kept me hanging on by a thread. But, let's face it, it seriously suffered in the middle. I probably should've just hurled the book across the room and saved myself the agony.

But, oh, those last few chapters? Finally, some action to rouse me from my stupor! And the writing? Oh, it was a symphony of brilliance! Jude and Cardan? They absolutely hijacked the narrative! I was giggling, blushing, every time they graced the page. I've yearned for them with every fiber of my being. The Truth. I am was not interested in Oak or Wren...

Quotes:
“We do not love because people deserve it—nor would I want to be loved because I was the most deserving of some list of candidates. I want to be loved for my worst self as well as my best. I want to be forgiven my flaws.”

“Oh, my darling, my sweet child. Not everyone needs to love you.” She sighed. But Oak liked everyone loving him. Oak liked it so much that he didn’t understand why he would want it to be otherwise.

"Cardan is lying on the bed, bandaged and sulking, in a magnificent dressing gown. “I hate being unwell,” he says. “You’re not sick,” Jude tells him. “You are recovering from being stabbed—or rather, throwing yourself on a knife.” “You would have done the same for me,” he says airily. “I would not,” Jude snaps. “Liar,” Cardan says fondly."

.......................................................................................

"No one in chains could ever truly love you."

Now we have to wait until 2024 to see what happens with Oak and Wren!!

......................................................................................................................................

[rin ⋆˚✿˖° · Rating 5 out of 5]

IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT!! JUDE AND CARDAN ARE MY PARENTS

update 1: WE HAVE A TITLE!!!! IM SO EXCITED

update 2:

done. finished. crying screaming throwing up
IF THIS SERIES HAS 5 FANS IM ONE OF THEM. IF THIS SERIES HAS 1 FAN IT IS ME. IF THIS SERIES HAS NO FANS IM DEAD.
i love this series so much, this book was great!!! a little slow at times but honestly i didnt even care. i can’t wait for whatever comes next

[Annabella⁷ (henry li’s version)]

Edit- I JUST NOW REALIZED WE WERE GIVEN A PROPER TITLE🤯🤩 I GUESS I’VE BEEN SLEEPING UNDER A ROCK AHHHHHHHHH
me:
🪨
😴✌️

THIS IS THE BOOK WITH JUDE AND ZADDY CARDAN!!!!!! THE STOLEN HEIR ISN'T EVEN OUT YET BUT SEEING THIS ON GR IS SO EXCITING (and torturous)😫💃😮‍💨🙏😭🫶😤

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

⤅ I hate to say this, but I think this was a rush job, and it shows.

(Warning: spoilers).

I remember very clearly the dizzy intensity with which I fell in love with The Cruel Prince, which came out on my 18th birthday. I was deliriously joyous when I got an ARC of The Wicked King, and discovered I loved it just as much - or even more. But nothing has been the same since. I don't even think it's confined to this series - The Book of Night was objectively poor, and although I made myself enjoy The Stolen Heir (which was decent), I'm terrified that the magic is gone.

This book has done nothing to allay my fears.

We pick up where the last one left off, with Oak in Wren's prisons and an army gathering outside the doors. Initially things seemed promising. We're no longer in first-person Wren's head; instead, the entire book is narrated in from third-person Oak's POV, and at first that was great, because we could see Oak's desperation to catch Wren's attention while she remained aloof.

But then... I don't know. Things started going downhill. For one, I am genuinely not as convinced as I should be that Oak actually loves Wren. It's well acknowledged that he always knew where she was, but instead of seeking her out, he'd spend all his time falling in love with others and leaving her to scrabble for her life in the dirt. What makes this latest love any more real than the others? The book touches upon this, but doesn't give us a satisfactory answer. Unforgivably, Oak actually believes at one point that Wren has betrayed his family, and he goes WAY too far before realising that's not the case. Sorry, but my preferred sort of romance is the kind where even if the heroine has actually betrayed the hero, he NEVER stands over her with his sword drawn and contemplates chopping her head off. Oak's love felt shallow, and that's tragic because Wren deserved so much better.

My heart honestly breaks for Wren. She's never been loved, and the fact that we don't see her thoughts in this book actually does nothing but underscore how little Oak understands her in some ways. He never takes her to all the fun places in Elfhame like he promised, and he even still carries on a semblance of a romance with someone else (to ferret out her secrets, but still. How far would he have gone? Too far, I suspect). The lack of epilogue is the cherry on top. Wren has pretty much nobody, at multiple points she doesn't even have Oak (when it gets too hard for him). This series badly needed a third book to really make me feel like she was in a good place.

Random plotlines in this book get picked up and then dropped again. Like, the ancient troll kings or whatever - they just... are no longer a thing?? And the whole Nicasia-looking-for-a-husband... I actually got the impression Black might be planning to write a book of Jude and Cardan in that setting. As expected, those two were by far the strongest part of the book, because that's a couple where the love actually shines through and had time and energy devoted on it. Unfortunately Taryn also made appearances, but what can you do - Black seems to have a weird soft spot for her.

⤅ Overall

I'm really disappointed, to be honest. The writing is as lovely as ever, but I expected - and hoped for - so much more in the way of sheer emotion and clever plot twists.

[mariam (Cardan's tail's version♡)]

Pre-review:
Umm I am done guys... Review and rating to come...


HAPPY RELEASE DAY MOTHERRR

BUCKLE UP BABES NO MORE WHINING I HAVE THE BOOK IN MY HANDS!!!! BR WITH MY BAE JAE 🥰💗 CARDAN HUBBY HERE I COMEE

------------------------------
Edit 4: SORRY FOR BEING A WHINY BITCH EVERYONE BUT I CAN'T FIND THE ARC 😭😭😭

Edit 3: GUYS HOLLY BLACK RELEASED A SNEAK PEAK ON TPT !! IT IS SO GOOD 🤭💗

Edit 2: guys tbh the cover is kind of ugly... But hey I won't judge the book by its cover. HAS ANYONE SEEN THE ARC ANYWHERE ???? I WOULD SELL MY FIRST BORN FOR IT.

JURDAN ARE GOING TO BE IN THIS BOOK !!!!!!! I CAN'T FIND THE ARC ON NETGALLERY UGHH💔😭😭😭
THIS BOOK NEEDS TO COME OUT NOWW
WTF ARE THERE NO ARCS OR WHAT 😭😭😭 I HAVEN'T SEEN A SINGLE ARC REVIEW 😭😭

[Grace (irisroman & evajacks' version) ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

･:*:･ﾟ⁀➷ 4/5 ★

This was really enjoyable!! 🤭🤭 Imo a great conclusion to the series & i will always love any book set in elfhame 🥹💐

Tropes:
❄️ Morally grey characters
❄️ Fae
❄️ Enemies to lovers
❄️ Political intrigue

This is the second book in the stolen heir duology and i was really excited to read it after thoroughly enjoying the stolen heir. And thankfully, it did not disappoint! I had a lot of fun with this one 🤍🤍

ೃ⁀➷ Writing & plot:

I always go into a holly black book excited bc i just love holly black’s writing so so much!! 🥹🫶 The way she writes makes everything seem so whimsical and magical and i can never get enough of it. The vibes of her books are always immaculate! ✨️

I also really liked the plot of this book! I wasn’t sure where we were going to go after the stolen heir’s ending but i enjoyed the direction we took and the last little bit of the book was so action-packed. However, i must say, the pacing of this book was a littlee bit slow and i wish more could’ve happened in the beginning.

ೃ⁀➷ Characters:

I’ve grown to really enjoy the characters in this series! In the first book, it felt like we were following a very small cast of characters but seeing so many of the og characters in here was sm fun 🥹🥹

➵ Oak: i am actually so glad we got to read from his pov in this book bc it was so interesting!! Seeing how he hides between this mask and actually has sm more to him than meets the eye was fascinating to me and made me appreciate his character a lot more than in the stolen heir 🫶🫶

➵ Wren: why did she kinda have no personality in this book…? 🤨🤨

➵ Also, the judecardan appearances!! Holly black listened to us bc they had sm screentime in this book and I WAS EATING IT UP 😩😩 judecardan forever!! 🥹❤️‍🩹

ೃ⁀➷ Romance:

‼️ potential spoilers in this section ‼️

➵ Oak and Wren: I have mixed feelings on oak and wren’s romance. I do wish they had a different trope than also enemies to lovers bc it’s hard not to compare them to jude and cardan, and they are obviously nowhere near as good. However, i was surprised by how much i liked their scenes in this book and i think their ending was done really well!! 💐 I wasn’t a hugee fan of them at first, but you know what, they’ve grown on me 😚

➵ Tiernan and Hyacinthe: cutiepies 🎀

‼️ spoilers have ended ‼️

ೃ⁀➷ In conclusion:

A solid conclusion to this series! 🥹🫶 I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for:

➛ Fae!
➛ Scheming & betrayals
➛ Great writing
➛ Amazing world

I just love elfhame sm 🎀💐

《 2024 Challenge: Book 45 of 115 》

･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ･:*:･ﾟ

ೃ⁀➷ pre-review:

➛ I had a lot of fun reading this one! 🤍🤍 a great conclusion to the series and I will love any book set in elfhame 🥹🎀

Rtc 💐

[angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. So the first 65% of the book drags a bit. But the next 35%?? I was gasping, jaw dropping, crying.

But... um... miss Holly Black left some loose ends and so I am expecting another book or novella following these characters 😁😁😁


---

OAK, PRINCE OF SUNLIGHT, POV??

(and jude and cardan cameo perhaps? update on taryn & the ghost?)

[astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters)]

i knew and know this is a duology but damn, conclusion sounds so final.

[ellie જ⁀➴ · Rating 3 out of 5]

➵ 3.75 ☆! spoiler free + warnings

“Some broken things stay broken”

🎧 - the one & mad woman


look, i didn't hate it. i actually had a great time reading! i always love being back in the world of elfhame. i still haven't found a world like it. tho i will say, the cruel prince trilogy is was better than the spin-off imo. but that doesn't mean you should stop yourself from trying it out!

i love holly black for continuing books in this world. this duology just wasn't my favorite. i can't explain too much of this book, as it was contain spoilers. but it was better than the first book! but i did get the one thing i wanted: jurdan cameo!! 😍 and no, i wont shut up about them

๋࣭ ⭑⚝

↳ pacing & plot: 350 pages for a fantasy book is NOT BADDD. and not every duology i read, hits. but this one kinda did. the 2nd installment was better. i didn't really have expectations. i just wanted to like it more. the ending was just super rushed imo. also - this one is told in oak's POV, while 'the stolen heir is told in wren's!!

↳ overall experience: love!! im glad i was able to get another series done <3 i wonder what holly black will do next. (will she continue this world?) i have some theories 🤭 but yeah! i do recommend this duo, as long as you loved the OG series. if you didn't then there's no point in reading this 😭


⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔 character under-study

oak - he was def more enjoyable in this book, with witty comebacks & much charm. his inner monologue is hilarious. im glad we got more insight on his childhood & how that effected him. everyone is always making huge sacrifices for him.. thinking oak is innocent and a helpless child. but he's not. overall, i love his dynamic! wish him the best <3

“I adore you. I want to play games with you. I want to tell you all the truths I have to give. And if you really think you’re a monster, then let’s be monsters together.”🪐

wren - same with her, i liked her far more in this one. she grew on me! even tho we weren't in her POV. i understand her too. she has childhood trauma like oak & it is how she'll overcome that. she super strong <3 wrenoak also grew one me! tho... JUDE ON TOP!! 😌

“If anyone wants to torture you, all they need to do is make you talk about your feelings.”⚔

honorable mentions: hyancinthe a tiernan!! they were so funny and hilarious in this one. i needed that. 🥹

๋࣭ ⭑⚝

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔 quotes!

“What if I am too much? If I need too much?” she asks, her voice very low. He takes a deep breath, his smile gone. “I’m not good. I’m not kind. Maybe I am not even safe. But whatever you want from me, I will give you.”

“Everything. Charm me. Rip me open. Ruin me. Go too far.” He shudders at her words, shaking his head against them.

๋࣭ ⭑⚝

jurdan cameo!!
yes, i did in fact SCREAMM when they were on the page. they were so present here and that was all i needed. and the fact they're like 27 now, like WHAT 😭 who knows, maybe we'll get another adventure with them 🤭 but just like at this quote by yours truly:

“Have I ever told you how much you sound like Madoc when you talk about murder?” Cardan said, opening one eye. “Because you do.”

Oak expected his sister to be angry, but she only laughed. “That must be what you like about me.”

“That you’re terrifying?” he asked, his drawl becoming exaggeratedly languorous, almost a purr. “I adore it.”

She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder, and closed her eyes. The king’s arms came around her, and she shivered once, as though letting something fall away.”


bottom line: go ahead and try this series if you want!! i think this world will always be magical, and who knows maybe you'll love this 🤭 thanks for sticking around guys, I LOVE UU <3



୨୧・・・・୨୧


⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚POST-READ APRIL 15th
im so conflicted.. but it wasn't bad..! 3 or 4 stars, rtc <3

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚PREVIEW APRIL 5TH
well here we are. i dont know if im excited or not, but i cant lie, i adore this world. the world of elfhame so i am very excited 🥹 i still haven't found a world like it and i dont know i ever will! ANYWAYS - also every time im back in this universe, i just have to mention: anyone remember when i had the cruel prince as my pf for like 6 months LMAOO anyways, love you guys, i hope i love this 🫡 also i sense a jurdan cameo!!


mar, 7, 24
can someone PLEASE explain to me how i forgot this just released 😭 umm oh well!! i hear no one talking about this, but when i get to it, it BETTER DELIVER OKMSDCJD. jurdan wya 🙈 im looking.

[JustJJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog | Instagram

Rating: 4 stars

Cover: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This simple design is quite pretty and displays significant aspects of the story. In addition, the gothic font used for the book title is a nice touch that not only showcases the fantasy genre of the story but also creates a solid connection with the cover of the previous book.
 
Writing: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The casual, easy-to-follow writing style contains vivid descriptions that smoothly establish the fascinating world of Elfhame, with its various creatures and landscapes. The narrative is also presented from Oak's witty point of view, which constantly brought a smile to my face, but I craved Suran's perspective as well.

"to feel loved, one has to feel known."

Storyline: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
After an extensive prologue that presents most of Oak's backstory, a simple storyline unfolds centred around his efforts to repair his relationship with Suran and his family while navigating various political ploys. As the story progresses, tension is gradually built through frequent bursts of action, twists and hints of mystery, culminating in an intense climax and satisfying ending.
 
Main character(s): 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Besides the prologue, flashbacks of Oak's childhood and past are woven into the story to establish his complex motives and characterisation in this series. While these memories and his heartwarming arc made it easy to empathise with his character, I wish Oak's magic had been explored further and contributed more to the story, like Suran's.

"Maybe he doesn’t understand how she feels exactly, but he understands that familial love isn’t guaranteed, and even when you have it, it doesn’t always keep you safe."

Secondary characters: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
In this sequel, Suran's character lacked the fierceness I loved previously. Her character was simply used to drive the storyline and had no significant development. However, I loved that several characters from The Folk of the Air series, particularly Oak's family, play a central role in this story, and their complicated family dynamic was interesting.
 
Romance: 🌟🌟🌟
Oak's attempts to make amends led to some cute moments between him and Suran, but their reserved and guarded personalities made their connection underwhelming. In contrast, I loved every moment between Jude and Cardan since their connection was unmistakable and entertaining.

"Love… That power by which we can all be bound. That which we ought to fear and yet most desire."

Narration & Audio: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
While I did not find Barrett Leddy's narration very engaging, he neatly uses character voices and vocal effects to enhance the listening experience.
 
Everything considered, I am glad I picked up 'The Prisoner's Throne' after being disappointed by The Stolen Heir, as it was a nice addition to the Elfhame novels. Those who enjoyed this book should check out Sing Me to Sleep by Gabby Burton for a similar fantasy read.

[Keya · Rating 2 out of 5]

When your most anticipated read turns into your most disappointed read<<<

Even though the last book kind of felt flat for me, I was still so excited for this one. Considering how the last book ended, I was expecting some great war between Jude and Wren and a lot of action and betrayals...but heh that definitely did not happen.
Here are things I liked about this book and the complains I have:

LIKED

Oak: No matter what, I can't deny it. I LOVED Oak's personality. It was so unique and just fun to read. He played like a fool and made others think he was dumb and careless while meanwhile he was constantly strategizing and planning his next move.

"It's easy to make someone look foolish if you're willing to play the fool"

Romance: The romance between Oak and Wren wasn't necessarily good but I loved Oak's part in it. How determined he was even after getting his heart broken over and over just made me wanna give him a big hug. I love his so much 🤧

Wren stares at him "And if I send you away, even after this speech? If I don't want you?" He hesitates. "Then I'll go," he says "and adore you from afar. And compose ballads about you or something."

The Writing: I know you're all gonna agree with me on this because Holly Black's writing is so beautiful and the way she writes, I'm in awe. In this book, the tone was pretty formal and Victorian era types but it was still so easy to read! The way she describes things and make them appear so realistic, I love it. I love her.

There is a taste on his tongue that is somehow the flavor of sleep itself, as though he went so deep into the land of dreams that he brought some of it back with him

Jurdan moments: I missed my babies 😭😭 Just the name of Jude or Cardan gives me butterflies. I was so happy to meet them again, I can't explain. They own my whole heart. I wish Holly Black wrote this duology about them instead of Oak and Wren but what can we do? 👀

Cardan says. "But if it's just pushing wooden little wooden people around on maps, I will leave that to Leander.

Ahh Cardan 😩😩 I can honestly read about them all day and all night and still not get tired of it.

DIDN'T LIKE

Plot and Pace: The most important elements in any book and Holly Black just ruined it for me 😭😭 I'm actually questioning if she even wrote this duology herself. The first interesting thing that happens that actually caught my eye or made this book slightly more interesting, happened when the book hit 80% mark. From the very start, it dragged on sooo much, I actually fell asleep. Too much of unnecessary stuff and details and it was super boring 🥱

Wren: This actually made me so mad. I loveddd Wren in the first book. Her sharp teeth and blue skin and how realistically she was written...I adored her. But in this book? No. She's a completely different person. Her part was so small and minimum, she literally did close to nothing and i expected something bigger. Her character disappointed me the most and now I'm just sad 😔💔

Romance: I said I loved Oak's side in it but in general it was phew. Non existent really. I couldn't see the spark between Oak and Wren at all...how was I supposed to love them? There was no chemistry or angst between them and just a no overall. Tiernan's and Hyacinthe's romance was better than them.

Overall, I didn't feel the spark or happiness I felt while reading the cruel prince trilogy. It was so boring I had to literally push myself through it. I wouldn't recommend reading this duology tbh but if you do plan to read this book, just read the last 30 to 20% and it'll all be the same.

***

Probably my most anticipated read so when I saw it in my local bookstore, you know I ran for it 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

I trust Jurdan to get me out of my slump 🫶

[nikki | ཐི༏ཋྀ​​݁ ₊ ݁ . · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oak knew what wanting the throne did to people. He would never be like that.

it's actually incredibly unfair elfhame isn't real. tw: hooves 🤣

the way i DEVOURED this. getting oak's perspective was a delightful switch up, i actually adore him even more thanks to this book. jurdan appearances are fun and exciting, and i enjoy madoc SO MUCH as a character. dad and daddy lol. i feel like this did an excellent job of confronting the complexity of their family.

i wish i had reread the stolen heir before this to refresh my memory on some things, bc i wasn't sure how much we as the readers were supposed to have known throughout this. regardless, i enjoyed the mystery and the pining on oak's behalf.

i will always love being in elfhame. i might be a little idealistic in thinking we may be getting more elfhame stories in the future, but a girl can dream.

spoiler for a side character's fate if i had a nickel for every time a character got turned into a tree... well i'd only have two nickels but crazy that it happened twice lololol

“So advise me—I wish to be obeyed, even if I cannot be loved.”

Wren saw things that were far more terrifying and cruel than anything he witnessed. And perhaps somewhere inside her, she is coming to learn that she can be all the things that once scared her.

“We do not love because people deserve it—nor would I want to be loved because I was the most deserving of some list of candidates. I want to be loved for my worst self as well as my best. I want to be forgiven my flaws.”

[｡Rose꙳ ೀ⋆｡˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

꒰ა ❄️ ໒꒱ 3.5 stars ☆

Note: this is more of a personal reflection than a proper review

I’ve always craved acceptance. It’s as if I’m constantly chasing a version of myself that everyone can love, terrified of doing anything that might leave someone with a negative view of me.

Although it's a small part of the book, Oak mirrors my own struggles. He hides his true self to satisfy others (and for some other reasones), but unlike me, he also has unique powers. Oak is a Gancanagh—a "love-talker" or "honey-mouth"—which means he’s almost effortlessly likable, with a charm that draws people in, making them adore him. At first, this made me wonder how amazing it must be. How life could be so much easier with such a gift.

But then, there’s a moment in the book where Wren asks him, “Have you ever wondered if anyone truly loved you?”
This question made me stare at the wall for a few minutes. For Oak, she was simply talking about his abilities, but for someone like me, who always strives for others’ approval, it felt as if she’d asked me the same question: Do people love me for who I am, or just for who I shape myself to be? Do I even know my true self at this point?

and it was painful (and comforting, in a way) to see Oak questioning himself too. I wanted to hug him and reassure him that, ofc his family loves him and ofc he is important to them, how can he not see it?

“Oh dear, not everyone needs to love you.”

And it’s such a simple line, but it hit me. It's not that I hadn’t heard that before, but reading those words after that realization felt like a warm hug from the pages—an invitation to be whole and imperfect without apology. Maybe not everyone will love me, but those who do, will love me for who I really am.

-ˋˏ✄--------------------

⊹ ˚. ✦ pre-read:
Im 10% here for the plot
and 90% for Jude and Cardan crumbs bc i miss my babies so much

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok i see many people aren't that satisfied with the first book cuz they thought that one's gonna give tfota series and it didn't and proud to say that's not the case with me. I LOVED THE FIRST BOOK GODDAMN AND THE ENDING DID NOTHING BUT MADE MY INTEREST GROW IN THIS DUOLOGY 1000× MORE. I'm already rating it 5 stars cuz holly black never disappoints. If you have a problem go talk to my lawyer!

ALSO THIS BETTER GIVE ME MY JURDAN MOMENTS OR I'LL GO BALLISTIC