| Title | : | The Stolen Heir (The Stolen Heir Duology, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0316592706 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780316592703 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 356 |
| Publication | : | First published January 3, 2023 |
Eight years have passed since the Battle of the Serpent. But in the icy north, Lady Nore of the Court of Teeth has reclaimed the Ice Needle Citadel. There, she is using an ancient relic to create monsters of stick and snow who will do her bidding and exact her revenge.
Suren, child queen of the Court of Teeth, and the one person with power over her mother, fled to the human world. There, she lives feral in the woods. Lonely, and still haunted by the merciless torments she endured in the Court of Teeth, she bides her time by releasing mortals from foolish bargains. She believes herself forgotten until the storm hag, Bogdana chases her through the night streets. Suren is saved by none other than Prince Oak, heir to Elfhame, to whom she was once promised in marriage and who she has resented for years.
Now seventeen, Oak is charming, beautiful, and manipulative. Heβs on a mission that will lead him into the north, and he wants Surenβs help. But if she agrees, it will mean guarding her heart against the boy she once knew and a prince she cannot trust, as well as confronting all the horrors she thought she left behind.
#1Β New York TimesΒ bestselling author Holly Black returns to the opulent world of Elfhame in the first book in a thrilling new duology, following Jude's brother Oak, and the changeling queen, Suren.
The Stolen Heir (The Stolen Heir Duology, #1) Reviews
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Not quite
The Cruel Prince but I enjoyed this a lot.
I loved being back in this world. I loved the writing, the familial angst/trauma, the riddles and twists and turns (though I guessed some). I enjoyed Wren as a narrator, though not as much as Jude, but I doubt I will ever come to see Oak as sexy. He's stuck as a little boy in my mind. Also-- hairy feet and hooves? Not my jam π
Also, the ending was exciting. I await the sequel. -
3.5 β
oak was a disappointment, but suren!! i loved her so much.
βI canβt pretend that I donβt like the sound of him screaming my name.β
hot girl shit. canβt wait for book 2 π«Ά
pre-reading review:
oh my god you do not even know how excited i am for this. we better get jude & cardan appearances
update: we have a cover!! -
4.5 stars βοΈπ§π»π₯Ή
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WE HAVE A COVER, OMG, WE HAVE A COVER!!!!
I NEED THIS MORE THAN THE AIR ITSELF. WE'RE GOING BACK TO ELFHAME. OMG!!!! I NEED HELP -
I would like to apologize in advance for the person I will become when I read this book
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Every single mention of Oakβs hooves was a jumpscare
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OMG IM SHAKING IM SO EXCITED IM GOING TO CRY I HOPE WE GET JUDE AND CARDAN APPERANCES
update: I GOT MY BOOK!! REVIEW COMING SOONNN
update #2: iβm so heavily putting off reading this because i know im gonna make it my whole personality -
if Suren doesn't threaten Oak with a dagger while he tells her he can't stop thinking about her, neither of them are worthy of carrying on the Greenbriar legacy π€
update: OKAY THERE IS A COVER AND IT IS GORGEOUS β€οΈ -
hmm. i didnt obsess over this one like i did with the original trilogy.
while i did enjoy the characters and the writing, i actually was a little bored of the storyline at times. HOWEVER, the plot takes a VERY compelling turn towards the end that has me highly interested in how the story/series will progress. so i guess thats something!
overall, i do think this is a good expansion to the world of elfhame. so heres hoping the story is a little more exciting in the next installment (especially since its going to be a duology).
β 3.5 stars -
SCREAMING AND THROWING UP!!!
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jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan jurdan
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okay now i know holly black did not just do that to me
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Oak be like "clop clop clop" (he has hooves btw)
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It is hard to explain the savagery of hope.
Dear Holly Black,
I'm sorry for being selfish and devouring in a matter of hours the book it took you months of hard work to write, but I swear it wasn't my fault.
Every time I put it down, it kept calling my name.
Picture me currently howling at the moon, crying my eyeballs out and also throwing up a bit.
All at the same time.
IT. WAS. JUST. THAT. GOOD.
One advice I feel like I'm allowed to give you guys is this: don't go into this thinking it's TCP or that Oak/Wren are Jude and Cardan 2.0, because you'd only be preparing yourself for disappointment and it might spoil your enjoyment of the novel.
Just read it as its own story and buckle up.
This is only the beginning.
Holly Black writes the best and cruelest fairytales and even if I've apparently finally outgrown YA books, I'll never stop loving this world she's created.
It's much more than what the book genre it's defined by.
This entire saga transcends literature barriers and age limits.
It's a tale for the past and for the future, and overall a present of the best kind.
π§π§ππ π¦π§π’πππ‘ ππππ₯ - ππ¬ ππ’πππ¬ ππππππ§
β πππ‘ππ π₯ππ§ππ‘ππ¦: ββββ
β π¬π/π‘π/π: ππ °
β π¦ππ₯πππ¦: ππ·π΄ πππΎπ»π΄π½ π·π΄πΈπ π³ππΎπ»πΎπΆπ #π· - π΅πΎπ»πΊ πΎπ΅ π°πΈπ ππΏπΈπ½-πΎπ΅π΅ π±ππ π²π°π½ π±π΄ ππ΄π°π³ π°π π° πππ°π½π³π°π»πΎπ½π΄
β π£π’π©: π΅πΈπππ-πΏπ΄πππΎπ½ - πΏππ΄ππ΄π½π ππ΄π½ππ΄
β πππ‘π₯π ππ‘π π¨π‘πππ₯π§π’π‘ππ¦: π΅π°π½ππ°ππ - π΅π°πΈππΈπ΄ - πππ±π°π½ π΅π°π½ππ°ππ - πππΏπ΄ππ½π°ππππ°π»
β π§π₯π’π£ππ¦:
β ππππ₯πππ§ππ₯π¦: π₯π₯π₯/5 (π²π°π½'π ππ°πΈπ ππΎ ππ΄π΄ πΌπΎππ΄ πΎπ΅ ππ·π΄πΌ)
β πͺπ₯ππ§ππ‘π: βπΌβπΌβπΌβπΌβπΌ/5 (πππ΄π΄π½ π·πΎπ»π»π π±π»π°π²πΊ!)
β π£ππ’π§: ππππ/5 (πππ΄ππ-π»πΈπΊπ΄ π°π³π π΄π½ππππ΄π)
β πππ₯π π§πππ ππ¦ & π§π₯πππππ₯ πͺππ₯π‘ππ‘ππ¦: πππ/5
β π¦π π¨π§ π€π¨ππππ§π¬: π²π»π΄π°π½ (πΈπ πΌπ΄π½ππΈπΎπ½π΄π³ ππ·π°π πΌπΌπ² π·π°π³ π π°ππΈπΎππ πΏπ°πππ½π΄ππ πΈπ½ ππ·π΄ πΏπ°ππ, ππ·πΎ)
β π¦π π¨π§ ππ‘π§ππ‘π¦ππ§π¬ & π€π¨ππ‘π§ππ§π¬: π/5
β ππ«π£πππππ§π‘ππ¦π¦: π€/5 (π½πΎππ·πΈπ½πΆ ππΎ π²πΎπ½π΅π΄ππ ππΎ ππΎππ π»πΎπ²π°π» πΏππΈπ΄ππ)
β π₯π’π ππ‘ππ:
β ππ’π©π π§π₯πππ‘πππ:
β π πππ‘ π₯π’π ππ‘ππ: π΅/πΌ
β π₯ππ£: π½πΎπ½π΄ ππ΄π»π΄π π°π½π
β ππ‘ππ πππ¦-π§π’-ππ’π©ππ₯π¦π‘ππ¦π¦:
β°β°β°β°β°β°β°β°β°β°β°β°
π»π³π΄π°π π΅π΄π»π»πΎπ ππ΄π°π³π΄ππ π°π½π³ πΉπππ³π°π½ π΄π½ππ·πππΈπ°πππ. πΈ πΉπππ ππ°π½ππ΄π³ ππΎ π»π΄π ππΎπ πΊπ½πΎπ πΈ'π»π» πΏππ πΌπ π΄π½ππΈππ΄ ππ΄π πΈπ΄π πΈπ½ ππ·π΄ ππΏπΎπΈπ»π΄π ππ°πΆ π΅πΎπ π½πΎπ (π΄π π΄π½ πΈπ΅ ππ·π΄ ππ΄π πΈπ΄π πΈπππ΄π»π΅ πΎπ½π»π π²πΎπ½ππ°πΈπ½π π π°πΆππ΄ π³π΄ππ°πΈπ»π), ππΎ ππ·π°π πΈπ ππΎπ½'π πππΈπ½ ππ·π΄ π΄ππΏπ΄ππΈπ΄π½π²π΄ πΎπ΅ ππ·πΎππ΄ ππ·πΎ πππΈπ»π» π·π°π π΄π½'π ππ΄π°π³/π°ππ΄ π²ππππ΄π½ππ»π ππ΄π°π³πΈπ½πΆ ππ·π΄ π±πΎπΎπΊ. π΅πΎπ ππ·πΎππ΄ ππ·πΎ ππΈπ»π» π±π΄ π±ππ°π π΄ π°π½π³ π²π°π½'π ππ°πΈπ, πΈ'π»π» π°π»ππΎ πΏππ ππΎπΌπ΄ πΎπ΅ πΌπ π΅π°π πΎππΈππ΄ πππΎππ΄π π°π ππ·π΄ π±πΎπππΎπΌ πΎπ΅ ππ·π΄ ππ΄π πΈπ΄π.
π»πΎπ½πΆ π»πΈπ π΄ ππ·π΄ ππ½π°πΊπ΄ πΊπΈπ½πΆ π°π½π³ π·πΈπ πΌπππ³π΄ππΎππ πππ΄π΄π π½π΄πΌπ΄ππΈπ, πππ΄π΄π π πΈπ»π»π°πΈπ½, π·πΈπ π³π°ππ»πΈπ½πΆ πΆπΎπ³.π»
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i'm sorry, the old holly black can't come to the phone right now. why? because she's doing hot girl shit
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βYour sister may have inherited your fatherβs gift for strategy, but you're the one who got his bloodlust.β
i loved this, it was perfect /for me/, but i still enjoyed
the cruel prince a lot more (and jude + cardan a lot more). i also feel like some readers might not love that this is a quest storyline so they are constantly traveling throughout this, but that is also something i really enjoy in stories - so i feel extra biased. holly was really giving the creepy and dark fae side with this one and now i am forever screaming at the last scene.... well, until i get book two!
trigger + content warnings: kidnapping, parental abuse, physical abuse, torture, abandonment, gore, violence, drugging, vomiting, captivity, murder, blood depictions, self harm to get blood for magic, mention of animal death, suicide mention in past, mention of death in childbirth, ptsd depictions, and a few scenes with bugs/insects/spiders.
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βAnother girl might have frozen, but I am cold all the way through.β
I already know that this is going to be my most disappointing book of the year. If you know me or have at least seen some of my pre-book updates, you know how obsessive I was over this book, and I was freaking out over every single little detail. I LITERALLY CRIED WHEN I DIDN'T GET THE BOOK IN THE MAIL WHEN I WAS SUPPOSED TO (to be fair, I wasn't in the best place before that and not getting the book just made it even worse).
and now I feel like a fool.
What may have also impacted my reading experience was that I wasn't going through the best time while reading this, my mental health I guess you could say, wasn't doing good and that greatly affected my experience, pushing me into a reading/mental slump. I'd put it off for a bit and read a few comfort reads, which did help me. I don't think I'm all the way out of the slump, because I have no desire to pick up a book right now, but at least it was enough to finish this book.
what also added to the fact was that I ADORED The Folk of the Air, and this was definitely not TFotA. I kept comparing the two books, which I knew I shouldn't have been doing but I couldn't help it. I couldn't get over Jurdan or the world or the plot.
And then there was the actual book that caused me to dislike it.
The Plot
I think another factor that put me into the slump was the pacing. The beginning of this book just felt really slow- this is a traveling book which I typically have mixed feelings about because I like concrete settings and characters, and it really annoyed me in this one, which led into me having a slump.
The things that I did love though were the mentions of Cardan and Jude- those few moments gave me life and I'm so excited to see them in the next book (yes, I am reading the next book because I want to read about Jude and Cardan so badly and I am a little curious about what happens)
Thankfully I got back into the book like over halfway through, and the plot began to pick up a little bit, and the middle to end was wild.
I'm also unsure how I feel about that ending. I'm kind of mad, because I was hoping it would save the book for me but it didn't. It just made me not like a certain character which is disappointing, because I already feel indifferent to the characters, which is also very disappointing.
βIt is hard to explain the savagery of hope.β
The Characters
I miss Jude and Cardan beyond belief.
I cannot picture Oak as a seventeen year old, I literally can't. And please don't remind me about his goat legs. I can excuse the horns, but the goat legs?? I loved Cardan's tail, but goat legs I just cannot imagine. I don't want to imagine them. But anyways, I kind of liked him I guess. He was cute at times, while other times he was really mysterious and you could tell Cardan taught him a few things. I honestly can't even think of a time he annoyed me, nor actually of a time he made me smile. I'd rather have a character who makes me mad than a character I feel nothing towards. GIVE ME CARDAN BACK
I am also completely indifferent towards Suren/Wren. She does have a personality, an interesting one at that, but she also annoyed me, which I suppose is better than feeling nothing. The ending especially made me want to scream- she's bloodthirsty sure, but she can NEVER beat Jude. NO ONE beats Jude. I was so angry with her at the end that it literally ruined it for me, which is because I'm an extreme moodreader and let my emotions control me way too much. I must admit though, I felt terrible for her at times. What she had to go through was something no one should ever have to go through.
I know nothing about Tiernan or Hyacinthe or whatever their names are, so I don't know what to say about those two.
βThe Folk adore Cardan, and theyβre terrified of my sister, two excellent things. I hope they rule Elfhame for years and then pass it down to one of a dozen offspring. No need for me to be involved.β
ππ Cardan and Jude >>>>>
The Romance
Nothing in the entire world will ever beat Cardan and Jude. You're probably thinking "Avery, stop comparing the two, they aren't supposed to be alike!!" and to that I say, I cannot stop myself and I honestly do not care anymore π
But seriously, I feel like Wren and Oak didn't have much chemistry when they first kissed. Like, I felt no spark, nothing, zero zip nada. I really, really wish I could've loved them because I want to be invested in their relationship, especially after what happened at the end, but I literally cannot if I don't feel the chemistry. They have their cute moments, but I wanted so much more. Cardan and Jude were much more developed, mainly because they didn't kiss until much later but in this I couldn't really feel anything, like the flashbacks did nothing for me because I didn't care, which is upsetting.
But anyways, I'm going to go cry into oblivion because I feel like a fool and I hate that I disliked this and now writing this out I want to rate the book lower because I realized that I like it much less than I thought I did. I'm so disappointed, especially since it's also my fault for not liking this because of my stupid head and brain, and I honestly hate myself for it.
2.8 stars
βSometimes life gives us the terrible gift of our own wishes come true.β
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honestly? i'm just glad it's over. and right now, i'm not even sad, i'm annoyed. i'd been hyped up for this book for MONTHS, and here i am, rating it 3 stars, which in my system isn't a high rating
this book put me into an awful reading slump that caused me to have to read TWO of my favorite rom-coms, not even just one.
rtc
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Haha guess who lied about the final edit edit: i finally have the book and i'm terrified i'm going to ruin it for myself because i can't get over Jurdan what's wrong with me π
FINAL EDIT: HAPPY RELEASE DAY AHH. MY BOOK BETTER GET HERE SUPER FAST BECAUSE I WANT TO READ IT SO BADLY. I JUST WANT JURDAN MENTIONS PLEASEEE π₯³π₯³ and yes I did stay up until midnight just to type this out right when it's the 3rd.
Edit again again: I just read the exclusive first chapter for this and oh my gosh. Also I heard Jurdan doesn't show up till book 2?? I can't wait until the second book ughh. Also I heard something about a Jurdan baby??? Don't take this from me, I've just heard it around. I'm unsure how I feel about it. On one hand, I don't think Cardan and Jude would have a baby. On the other....I wouldn't mind it if they did. I don't know lol
Edit edit: did y'all see the quotes that have been posted online?? I'm even more excited
Edit again: I just realized Taryn's kid is gonna be in this. I don't know how to feel about this. BUT I NEED MORE JURDAN PLEASEEEE I'M MAINLY COMING FOR JURDANππππππ
Edit: OMG There's a cover!! <33
OMG, I AM FREAKING OUT. WE GET MORE ELFHAME, MORE OAK, AND I BEG OF YOU, PLEASE TELL ME THAT THERE WILL BE CARDAN AND JUDE APPEARANCES!! -
When his eyes meet mine, desire, as keen as any blade, bends the air between us. The moment slows. I want to bite his lip. To feel the heat of his skin. To slide my hands beneath his armor and trace the map of his scars.
Rating: βββββ
βThis review is spoiler-freeβ
Best first book of the year, EVAAAAAAAAHH!!! Leave it to Holly Black to drive me absolutely insane using only the written word. Damn, that was an exceptional book. I couldn't stop reading even if I wanted to. I actually grew accustomed to Holly Black keeping a slow pace, at least at the beginning of most of her books, but not in this case. The Stolen Heir starts right away and gets right to the point immediately. It was a pleasant surprise. Not to mention the much darker turn it takes than its predecessor. Like...wow!! ππ I did not see it coming but I'm obsessed nonetheless. However, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, beats that cruel and unfair cliffhanger of an ending. N O T H I N G!!! In fact, I can picture Holly Black sipping tea with Satan and cackling loudly at the utter shock she has dealt us. My brain is literally splashed all over the walls. I will, however, consider forgiving her if she publishes book 2 within the year. I'm not being unreasonable, am I? ππ
I had no doubt whatsoever that Holly Black would absolutely NAIL her characters. Suren was incredible, painfully relatable at times, and her character arc was mind-blowing π€―π€―π€―, and she still has a looong ass way to go. In many ways she reminded me of Jude, specifically her distrust of the Folk (she was hurt by them...like a lot) and Oak in particular, as well as her constant need to outwit those around her (not always as successful as Jude) and be accepted by them, at last. Not to mention, her complete inability to realise that the charismatic Prince of Elfhame is irrevocably in love with her. Is there anything more Jude than that? ππ
As for Oak, the surprisingly enigmatic and alluring Prince of Elfhame, I see a lot of both Jude and Cardan in his personality, in the most delightful way possible. Similar to Jude, he is strategic and cunning, and he runs face first at the sight of any danger without thinking at all of his safety. He is also charming and flirty, with that captivating smile that makes others leave logic behind and hides a deeply passionate and loyal young man within, exactly like his uncle/brother-in-law, my alcoholic baby Cardan. There wasn't much of a character development for him in this book, but I imagine it's because Holly Black is saving it for book 2 that, if I remember correctly, will be written in Oak's POV. Seriouslyyy, I can't waiiit!!!! πππ
Other than all the major plot twists in the book, there was another thing I did not see coming but probably should've; OAK AND WREN STEAMING UP EVERY PLACE THEY'VE BEEN TO WITH THEIR INSANE SEXUAL TENSION!!! Holy horny teenagers, Holly Black!!! What made this especially shocking was the fact that the last time we read about Suren and Oak they were just a couple of sweet, innocent little kiddies. Now, they are full of very adult desires, and YA level spicy scenes that absolutely melted my mind. I was left reeling. It made me wonder what the series (TOFTA and TSH) would be like if they were NA or Adult. ππ Besides that, their dynamic and chemistry, just like their personalities, bare some resemblance to Jude and Cardan's. They aren't an exact copy, of course, that would be pretty lazy writing, just some parts that made Jurdan so unforgettable.
On that note, I can't finish this review without mentioning my all-time favourite fictional babies, Jude and Cardan. While they didn't have much of a presence in this book, every mere mention of them by anyone had me squealing in delight and joy. A lot of it captured their collective energy so perfectly, it was like reliving The Folk of the Air series all over again. ππ I love them so much and I can't wait to get a lot more of them in the next book. According to the author, we are getting more of them in book 2 which only makes me want it more.
Have you lost your mind over The Stolen Heir, yet? -
suren can bite me any day
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β 2 stars
the first disappointment of the year goes to The Stolen Heir!
i tried to not go into this book with high expectation, because there is just no way Holly Black can top judecardan. but then how can i not go into this book with certain expectations, cause THIS IS THE WOMEN WHO CREATED JUDECARDAN!?!?!
needless to say, the book didnβt meet my expectations. i was excited to be back in Elfame, but my excitement for this fantasy world quickly vanished. Wren/Suren and Oak are different than Jude and Cardan (as they should be), but they are not very compelling to read about. Holly Black tried to make Wren another girlboss, but itβs not enough to only show that in the last couple of chapters for a shocking ending, when for the most part of the book all Wren does is whine that she wants to be loved. Oak on the other hand β¦ apparently he is very charming. a feat everyone and their mother tells me, but i donβt really see it?
just the cherry on top of this dull book is that Jude and Cardan are mentioned quite a lot of times, but never make an appearance in the book. I WAS ROBBED YOUR HONOR!!!
in conclusion, High Queen Jude and High King Cardan stole the show without even appearing and thatβs a fact. π Β will be reading the next book in my continued quest for judecardan crumbs. π€‘ -
βI had heard the stories, but it was another thing to be inside it, to feel it surround meβ
And this is the new fantasy world of βStolen Heirβ ruled by terror and greed, inhabited by a plethora of fantastical creatures like trolls, stick creatures, falcon soldiers, hooved men, and the invisible occupants of Stone forest, but with the same intrigue and eagerly waited endings that Holly Black is known for.
This is a story and a journey involving, among others, Wren / Suren and Oak / The Prince of Elfhame, an emotional one, a coming of age, and a mission to return 'Mellith's heart which requires a physical journey and one where battles are numerous and the terrain is unforgiving.
The Plot
Wren is a child isolated and continually hunted by the tormenters of the βCourt of Teethβ (a bit off the wall but anyway). The prince is a flatterer, a charmer but most of all a deceiver, which keeps a tension between Wren and Oak throughout the story. From the moment they meet, until we come to that shocking ending we are kept pondering who really is βthe deceiverβ and βthe deceivedβ? in an unpredictable and action-packed conclusion to this first part of the duology.
This book is a journey, of different kinds. One physical as the main characters make their way through the treacherous landscape of the Stone forest, with various courts at play but the other is the journey of the friendship and budding romance between Wren and Oak that captivates the reader. Wrenβs journey requires one thing and that is to trust Oak again. A young man who has betrayed her once and is set to again, but this time their feelings towards each other are tested and challenged as the chemistry ignites but the notions of trust are as ever - illusive.
Review and Comments
There isn't much of a plot to write about but that is not to say there is anything missing. why says you? The whole book is a journey with lots of events happening en route. It is action packed with many twists and surprises, and the reader is left in suspense as to the real purpose of this mission.
This has great character development, particularly within Wren, who strangely enough I absolutely love as a character, and praise to Holly Black for creating a central female character that does not confirm to the stereotypical badass 'bitch' in Fantasy stories. It was Oak that got on my 'goat' at times - sorry for the pun. I'd like to see some heroism in him, you know 'man up' instead of all this 'hoofing' around - sorry I've done it again!!!
Love Holly Black as a Fantasy writer, along with Sarah J Maas of course. So if you are interested in Fantasy, The folk of Air series is wonderful and this is shaping up to being another exciting series, but just bear in mind Holly Black starts slow.
Imaginative, action packed, and such a joy to read. -
2.5 starsβοΈ
biggest plot twist of 2023 so far is me giving a Holly Black book two stars.
this is one of those books that is so boring and shallow that it drains your energy so that even being a hater feels like too much effort.
usually, books i give this type of rating to end up being the recipient of my all-consuming loathing it stirred within me. but this was so bland that i canβt even really detail every which way this flopped.
we all know Holly Black knows how to write tension and chemistry like no other. we have seen it, adored it, revelled in it, lost our damn minds reading it. so youβd think sheβs be able to write a new set of characters who have tension and chemistry, right? right????
it was genuinely painful, at times, to read the sheer lack of chemistry between Oak and Wren. it is truly astronomical how unromantic they are as a pairing. Holly Black puts very little effort into convincing us that we should be rooting for the pairβ we get like two flashbacks to when they were kids and she thinks that makes up for the lack of bonding we get in the present.
their connection was so surface level. and as a result the big cliffhanger ending has zero gut wrenching impact because they still felt like generic strangers. they werenβt anything specialβ no passion nor intensity, no pining or tension. i truly donβt know how to fully articulate the stale blandness of them lmao. no words that exist in my English vocabulary does their lack of chemistry justice.
Oak was a flop. i truly couldnβt care less about him. he is not even worth my time. he felt like a caricature that needed so much more fleshing out. there was nothing unique about him, nothing that i found riveting or special.
Wren was a disappointment. she was set up to be this feral unhinged little weirdo that was gonna provide us with some fun af energy. but half the time she was just like an empty shell with no real thoughts or feelings or motivations (and i will admit there is a slight spoiler that could explain this but i donβt think it was actually Holly Blackβs intent to make her this dullπ).
she was so incredibly passive when she had the potential to be far more complex than what she was. whenever she was presented with an issue, a betrayal, an attack etc. itβs like she had the memory of a goldfish and forgot why she shouldnβt trust a certain person or why she should run away.
her backstory in the beginning was set up to be so fascinating (then the reveals about her later were fun af too), but none of it really goes anywhere? thereβs so much info-dumping that it was very overwhelmingβ one of my friends legit had to send me voice notes to explain the plot to me because my brain was scrambled it was that confusing. the plot doesnβt make sense or become interesting until like the final 10%?
also the amount of conversations that the characters all apparently had but weβre not privy to them drove me insaneπ no wonder im not convinced of the connections and the depth of the story when you donβt show me them all bonding?! itβs likely why i wasnβt attached to anyone or convinced of the depth of the characters and the their dynamics.
i ultimately feel like this could have been fleshed out waaaaay more. this felt like a rough first draft and not a finished manuscript ready for publication.
disappointed is an understatement. -
5/5 β
0/5 πΆοΈ
The Stolen Heir is the first book of Holly Black's planned Stolen Heir Duology. The main characters are Wren and Oak. I am so excited to be back in Elfhame and in the lands of faerie. I did tear up once or twice, I really feel for Wren. Her characters is raw, real and painful. I loved the writing, the familial angst/trauma, the riddles and twists and turns. And Oak. His characters is stunning with just enough cruelty, betrayal, faerie cunning of a cruel prince but with new twists and heartbreak.
The second installment is going to be perfect! Holly Black is the queen of betrayals, secrets and cleverly concealed lies.
Quotes:
βI have little hope that will chase her off, but I have little hope at all.β
βIt would be safer if I hated him. Since I cannot, perhaps it is good that he now hates me.β
βHeβs the kind of beautiful that makes people want to smash things.β
βMy sister thinks that sheβs the only one who can take poison, but I am poison,β he whispers, eyes half-closed, talking to himself. βPoison in my blood. I poison everything I touch.β
βMy greatest weakness has always been my desire for love. It is a yawning chasm within me, and the more that I reach for it, the more easily I am tricked. I am a walking bruise, an open sore. If Oak is masked, I am a face with all the skin ripped off. Over and over, I have told myself that I need to guard against my own yearnings, but that hasnβt worked.β
βFear is not love, but it can appear much the same.β -
was this as good as cruel prince? no.
just thought id start the review with that in case that's all u wanted to know. (ur welcome) (i accept thanks in the form of cash).
im not going to lie i bought this book without reading the summary. i was like OMG JUDE AND CARDAN *add to cart*. when i found out it was about oak when he was older i was 1. disappointed i wouldn't see any Jardan action (Cude?) and 2. grossed out. why would i want to read a romance with jude's baby brother in some rando's POV? i still thought of him as the little horned baby laughing and pulling tricks on jude. but once u are able to picture him not as a child, BOY HE IS HOT. (that was a very weird and problematic sentence so lets just move on).
i saw so much of Cardan in Oak, i actually had to think back to if they were related (they're not) (that would be weird) (ok update they are) (and it is weird). the flirtatiousness, the drunkenness, the carelessness about his own safety. oak is cardan if he went to finishing school and learned some freaking manners. (don't get me wrong, cardans lack of manners and conscience and doing the responsible thing is what i loved most about him) (also his tail).
and so much jude in wren. the way it felt like reading about cardan and jude in another timeline. the coming from the mortal world, having to team up with a Folk royal... what i loved most about jude in cruel prince was the shit she gave cardan and BOY did wren do oak dirty at times. they both did. and i loved it. holly black is so good and making the characters we love hurt each other. they hurt each other it hurt me and i had so much fun while it was happening.
the way i don't see anyone on my feed talking about this book. either yall are seriously missing out or GoodReads algorithm is fucked. its probably GoodReads. it's always GoodReads. stay safe out there kids.
ok and unrelated but does the Bogdana remind anyone else of a cross between the bone carver and the weaver from ACOTAR?? -
monster girl x goat boy shenanigans π«Ά
-
Edit #1- THEREβS TALK OF A JURDAN BABY!!!π!!!π
Also, I love how Holly wants us to be surprised for the SurenOak tropesπ
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG SOMEBODY SEDATE ME -
![lila β§ [semi-hiatus]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1676792821i/156112178._UX200_CR0,22,200,200_.jpg)
well well well. i'm a jumbled mess, and have too many thoughts. BUT I'M SO HAPPY TO BE BACK IN THIS WORLD and that might have impacted my rating, like, a lot π .
safe to say, this was a pretty great read, all in all. i felt so so much. this was written pretty beautifully, tho be forewarned - this is not like TFOTA at all, so don't keep expectations like that. (also you guys have to read the previous series before reading this one bcos the number of things mentioned here about that are like, A LOT) β‘.
this was ballroom dances and soft kisses and curses and betrayal and a little wild, if i was to describe it in a few words. it was pretty frigging spectacular, imo.nowhere close to the folk of the air but where's the comparison now
this book is definitely different, had a more darker, mature tone to it bcos of the things Suren went thru. and at the same time, the characters are also so very different. π
βWe don't need her!β Oak shouts, the first time I have really seen his emotions out of his control. βAnd I don't want her.β
The words hurt, the more because he cannot lie.
π¦Wrenπ¦
i felt too sad for her sometimes bcos of the things she has had to go through in her past. the abuse is not too graphic for YA, but it still so heartbreaking π. that being said, she was a very complicated character bcos of the nuances to her character. and yes, she was a bit dull and passive definitely (that frustrated me a littleokay fine a lot) but i felt SO MUCH for her bc she had to endure a hell of a lot.
her backstory was so interesting and all the reveals about her were so so fun to learn about! i absolutely loved thatmake Oak grovel a lot, Suren - you have the potential, come onnnn...
π³Oakπ³
see - he was so intriguing and HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL, that he did. now i feel like his character could have been developed so much more, but Holly decided to leave it at that and i have to admit i'm a lot disappointed bcos WHERE'S THE PINING? WHERE'S THE EMOTIONS, WHERE'S THE FORBIDDEN ASPECT TO IT ALL?
but, he did have his moments -
He touches my cheek lightly with his fingers. βYou - I thought --β
I stare up into his eyes, puzzled by his expression.
βAre you hurt?β he asks.
and fyi why does he have to bring up every moment he fell in love with someone cruel? it kinda bugged me... but it's also real cute that Wren was Oak's first love ππbut i stand by what i said - puh-lease, Cardan would have never kissed a fricking MERMAID just for safe passage π (i'm sorry that moment kinda bugged me haha)
Oak's protectiveness quota was really there tho - i could see it, even after all those many secrets he was hiding.but he didn't do anything when Wren was being tortured and her TONGUE was being CUT OUT i'm still salty about that
but i did love how he was so concerned about Wren π₯°π₯°π₯°
basically i'm dying to have a peek under that persona of his. i want to try and figure out what's under that sunshine-y, charming exterior he has on. and i have a feeling the next book might be a LOT more in-depth, so BRING IT ON.
the plot
actually the plot was pretty interesting.except for a few info-dumpy moments where my mind got boggled but that was just me haha
it had so many layers and twists and turns and i had SO MUCH FUN reading it <3
there was just sm suspicion and revealing of stuff and all i love it. it did follow a journey narrative which might not be for everyone, but i enjoyed it a lot.
BUT THE ENDING WAS A REAL SHOCK in some ways - i did and did not anticipate that at all and now i'm biting my lip bcos i need to know what's going to happen π.
what all i did NOT like
~ so i know it was wrong to keep expectations of Oak being like Cardan here - ofc he would be completely different, but i went in expecting his character to have a little more depth. and we don't see anything about that. like, WHAT?
~ the characters felt pretty one-dimensional to me, other than Wren and Tiernan and Hyacinth. i mean, at least the latter two had some - okay, quite a lot - of β¨t a s t eβ¨ to them.
ο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½β
overall
i feel like my friend
Koistyfishy's review was a lot more eloquent, so i'm leaving it up to her to explain all the rest of the things to you all. π
in a nutshell, despite thepossiblymany faults i've pointed out (i think?) i don't feel anything less than 4 stars will do this justice for me, somehow, bcs the world itself is VERY beautifully developed and i love it β€οΈ. the character growth is also there and it's absolutely MARVELOUS.
my anticipation levels have skyrocketed for the next book and I CANNOT WAIT FOR SUREN TO FINALLY BECOME THE QUEEN SHE IS, PPL.and, as i said, some groveling from Oak - maybe some *ahem* payback?
speaking of, now i need to reread TFOTA stat. this is giving me nostalgia...
ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½
the stolen heir duology
#1 -
The Stolen Heir - 4 stars
#2 -
The Prisoner's Throne - tbr
ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½
edit #2: GOSH I GOT IT MY COPY ARRIVED NOW I JUST HAVE TO SURVIVE THE TEMPTATION OF NOT PICKING IT UP TILL TOMORROW ahhh
ο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½βο½β
edit #1: Just finished reading Cardan's letters to Jude as a refresher and omfg πππ crying again bc jesus christ we're talking about ELFHAME here πππ
ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½β₯ο½*ο½β‘ο½*ο½
ANNNDDD.... i'm gonna be buddy reading this with
Koistyfishy!
*drumroll*
π€©π€ͺβ¨π₯ππ€π€©π€ͺβ¨π₯ππ€π€©π€ͺβ¨π₯ππ€π€©π€ͺβ¨π₯ππ€π€©π€ͺβ¨π₯ππ€
(don't mind me just drowning in my excitement π) -
4.5 stars!
βWhen his eyes meet mine, desire, as keen as any blade, bends the air between us. The moment slows. I want to bite his lip. To feel the heat of his skin.β
Iβm obsessed! This was an epic and enchanting young adult fantasy about betrayal, love, power and desire. This book follows Suren, the daughter of the queen of the Court of Teeth and Prince Oak as they go on a journey to stop Suren's mother and save Oak's father. Along the way Suren faces new enemies and meets potential allies.
This book is from Suren's point of view. The plot was so exciting and the pacing was perfect. I loved the magical world full of fae, trolls, knights, witches, and princes. I love the author's writing style and the writing transported me into this enchanting world from the very beginning. The characters are so complex and relatable. I love Oak, he is charming, very handsome, cunning and brave. I really like Suren, she is strong, clever, brave, cunning and stubborn. The character development was great, I loved seeing different sides to both Suren and Oak and watching them grow. The chemistry and sexual tension between Oak and Suren was amazing. There were so many betrayals and plot twists that I didn't see coming. The ending was so shocking and exciting! I'm speechless! I can't wait to read the next book!
-
It is hard to explain the savagery of hope.
β World-building
β Ruthless and cruel faes
β Fake-out make-out
β Pace
β Lies and betrayals
β (π) Plot
β π Politics
β π Chemistry between Oak and Suren
βοΈβοΈTrigger warnings: mentions of past child abuse, torture, and some gore.
This is a good adventurous quest, with betrayals, characters thirsty for power, some (kind of weak) politics, and a hint of potential future romance.My greatest weakness has always been my desire for love. It is a yawning chasm within me, and the more that I reach for it, the more easily I am tricked. I am a walking bruise, an open sore. If Oak is masked, I am a face with all the skin ripped off. Over and over, I have told myself that I need to guard against my own yearnings, but that hasnβt worked.
We had glimpses of Suren in the previous trilogy, but not enough for her to really make an impression on me, to be honest, so I was surprised to learn that this duology would be about her, and even more surprised when I realized that the book was in her point of view, but I donβt regret the authorβs choice. Suren is brave and very resilient, but I was expecting her to be a little more badass, to be honest. She survived hell and still continues to care about others and try to help humans. The fact that she could remain empathetic after everything her parents put her through is impressive, and I loved seeing her mature and gain more confidence as their quest progressed, but at the same time, I feel that half of her personality revolved around her clinging to her human life and her past.
There were a few flashbacks of her past with Oak, when they were both children, and it helped us better understand her reaction to him when they met again and why she was so reluctant to trust him at first. I am not usually a fan of flashbacks in books, but there were not too many in this one, and I actually enjoyed seeing more of Suren and Oak as kids.βBecause I donβt like being the fool whoβd been tricked. I like games, but I hate to lose.β
I admit that it was weird to imagine Oak as a dashing and charming young adult instead of a cute child, and I still struggle a little to picture him as a potential future love interest, because heβs Oak! Cutie pie Oak that fled into the human world and was happy to eat pizza and watch TVβ¦ Still, I have to say that the author did a great job with his character, he is cunning and hides his strengths well. He knows the game of politics and is not afraid to put himself in danger in order to protect others, which is a rare quality in the gentry faes in this world. I said that it was weird to picture him as a sexy grown-up fae, but I know that the author will have no trouble making me fall in love with him in the next book because I am already halfway there. But the hooves? Still not sure how I feel about that. π
The secondary characters were quite bland though. I do not care much for Tiernan and Hyacinthe, they are not bad characters, and they have potential, but they were not developed enough and relevant enough in this book for me to really care about what happens to them in the next book.βAll of Faerie is beautiful like this, with carnage hidden just beneath.β
If youβve read The Cruel Prince before reading this book, you already know how deliciously dark and cruel (and creepy at times) Holly Blackβs faes are, and I loved being back in Elfhame. There are also many magical creatures in this book, from faes to trolls, with hags and mentions of sluaghs, I just love the creepy magical world that is Elfhame.
This book has a different vibe from the Cruel Prince series though as it is more quest oriented, with traveling all throughout the book. It was still a great book, but I preferred Jude and Cardan and I was not expecting a quest vibe, so it took me a little by surprise. Maybe itβs my fault, but Iβd read absolutely nothing about this book before jumping into it, except that it was about Oak and Suren. It is a very good book, but donβt go in it expecting something similar to the Cruel Prince.βSometimes life gives us the terrible gift of our own wishes come true.β
Not only was the plot engaging and the pace fast enough to keep me hooked, but there were plot twists and betrayals, and I LOVED it! I do love plot twists, and even more when itβs coupled with betrayal and angst, and when it promises some groveling in the next book. Some twist I was kind of expecting, but others took me by surprise, and I like it when a book keeps me on my toes.
The βromanceβ is where I struggled a little more. Some people say that the chemistry and sexual tension between Oak and Suren were off the chart, but to be honest, I didnβt really feel it. Sure, we could see that Suren was attracted to Oak, and that a part of her missed the little boy she met so many years ago, and we could guess that Oak had a crush on her when he was younger, and probably still has one, but thatβs about it. I didnβt feel sexual tension at all, besides a few kisses that were not that spicy either, and while there is a good development in their relationship and they go from reluctant allies to kind of friends, I wouldnβt call what they have βintense chemistryββ¦ Hopefully this aspect will get better in the next book. I honestly donβt mind if they end up together or not, but if they do, I want to feel more feelings and intensity between them than I did in this book.βShe's going to want to wear your skull for a hat," Oak warns.
There is an uncomfortable shifting among the ex-falcons. Perhaps they are recalling their own choice to denounce her, their own punishment.
"And Cardan is going to laugh and laugh when she does.β
I was hoping for at least a teeny tiny glimpse of Jude and Cardan... Maybe in the next book... π₯Ί I thoroughly enjoyed the few mentions of them we were gifted in this book, and reading this made me realize how I missed them both, and how I am overdue for a reread of the Cruel Prince.
Fanarts by Avendell and Lenyan.art
Follow me on Instagram π -
"No one in chains could ever truly love you."
Β°β’*ββ·
And boy does that quote sum up this book.
I think I've been wondering what the plot of this book would be for so long that absolutely nothing could be what I dreamt up. There's another quote about how "sometimes life gives us the terrible gift of our own wishes come true" and I have to say that sometimes, expectations can kill anything.
I wanted
The Cruel Prince, and I didn't get it.
In complete contrast to that, I easily fell in love with Oak with every new page I turned. When he asked Wren to pretend with him I melted completely off the couch. He's Cardan with a filter.
This book follows Oak who, if you've been following along, has a very big habit of absolutely shocking your pants off. Whether it be handing off crowns meant for his head or practically begging creatures to kill him, he's not the little boy I remember.
He's on a quest to save his father. It sounds very noble, but knowing all I know, I can't imagine wanting to risk anything for that monster. Luckily, Holly Black only writes monsters, so I come to understand rather quickly why Oak feels the need to do so. He promises a trade, and I have to say I was tricked the entire time.
I hope I'm not alone in that simply because now that I'm looking at the hidden cover beneath the dust jacket, all I can think is how very stupid I am not to have caught on sooner. I can't wait to see where Oak and Wren end up next on their journey.
I wonder how much hate we'll see... since no one in chains can ever truly love you. What I really can't wait for, though, is to see where that quote comes into play next.
How exciting. Thank you for always keeping me on the edge of my seat Holly Black.
- Paige
