The Stolen Throne

This second book is better than the first. And I LOVED the first. Can not wait for the third!! Too many reading sensations I want to experience now. Maybe I can shadow myself to the future and read it early. Oh the wait is going to be torturous!

Phew this book. It was definitely a stay up too late, cannot put it down, it should get more than 5 stars kind of book. I loved the first book in this trilogy but I loved, loved this book even more. This beautifully crafted and expertly delivered epic fantasy novel will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, knuckle biting, and cheering. Expect a roller coaster of a story because instead of a slow ratcheting up of the danger and suspense, this part of the story starts with intensity and just never lets up. The book picked up right where the first book left off. Meren and Reven, along with their loyal cohorts, are continuing to try to thwart the evil Eidolon, the immortal king of Tyndra’s, plans, heal her sister, and save the dominions. The majority of the main characters from the first book are again in this story and there are also some new characters who are introduced. The world building was superb, drawing from the last book and weaving in new threads as the story progresses and more dominions are visited and new characters are introduced. The story includes all the goodness that you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, end of the world scenarios, paranormal creatures, evil entities, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, mystery, secrets, betrayal, revelations, and laughs. I love that Meren and Reven’s characters, despite their unique overwhelming powers and how the rest of the world views them, are still kind, self-deprecating, modest, reluctant, and at times resentful which makes them very likeable and relatable heroes. While this is a YA fantasy, is also a deeply emotional book. At its heart, it’s a story of damaged and bruised but not broken people who continue to find their way by owning their choices, recognizing their scars, finding their strength, embracing life, and deciding to answer the call to do what is right, even when it is hard. I cannot wait to read the conclusion of this trilogy.

Wow! So much happened in this second book that once it got started, I was enthralled. This whole storyline is very creative and the action is exciting. The characters are unique and you can't help but fall in love with all of them. I can not wait for the final book because I just need to know what happens next. I highly recommend this series and definitely start with book one.