The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Release Date: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 528
Series: Seven Realms #3
Review Source: For review from Hachette Book Group Canada (@HBGCanada)

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

My Thoughts:
It’s hard to write anything that will do these books justice, but let me start off by saying that the ‘Seven Realms’ series is now one of my favourites. I really enjoyed the first book, loved the second book, and I totally adored this third book as well. The only negative thing I can think to say is that I’m disappointed I’ll have to wait for the fourth book! I honestly feel like I was on a journey with these characters and I’m sad the book is over because I can’t continue on with them. Thankfully there’s no big cliffhanger, but these books will make you fall in love with the characters and the storyline.

If you enjoyed the first two ‘Seven Realms’ books then no doubt you will love ‘The Gray Wolf Throne’. If you haven’t yet read the series but are a fan of ‘Graceling’, ‘Poison Study’, ‘StarCrossed’ (Elizabeth C. Bunce), ‘The Girl of Fire and Thorns’, or similar books then you are likely to enjoy them. The books contain such a fabulous balance of adventure, action, politics, magic, and even romance. All the characters come alive, and Han and Raisa easily make my “book boyfriends” and “favourite heroines” shelves on Goodreads. Silly as those honours are, I don’t give them away lightly, so that shows you how great the characters are.

Besides the great characters, these books also contain a richly imagined and vividly described world. The geography, the culture, the politics... all of it is wonderfully laid out. Political intrigue comes up in this book even more than in the past two, and it was incredibly interesting to read about. Besides Raisa’s small group of allies it’s hard to know who to trust. Even amongst these allies there are specific agendas, and dealing with these becomes a main focus. I love how the best fantasy books bring up issues that are important for us today, and I saw that in this book. The wizards, clan, and valefolk cannot see eye to eye, which leads to so many different problems, and most of it is based on prejudice because of race and/or class.

I really cannot describe how great these books are. As I mentioned, they’re some of my new favourites, and I can see why fans of the books have been recommending them so much. If you’re at all a fantasy fan then I suggest you make this series your next endeavour.

The Cover:
So gorgeous!

Rating:
[5/5]

Find The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.