The Stolen Heir by Holly Black

 

Last week, I read The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. This fantasy novel, taking place in the Elfhame universe, is about the child queen of the Court of Teeth, Suren. Eight years after the events of the Battle of the Serpent, Lady Nore has reclaimed the Ice Needle Citadel. Suren, or Wren as her human family called her, is the only person who has power over her mother. After Wren helps a human man get out of an agreement with a glaistig, she is chased by the storm hag who helped raise her, Bogdana. Just in time, Wren is saved by Prince Oak, the heir to Elfhame. Oak is on a quest north with his guard, Tiernan, and wants Wren's aid. Although Wren believes she can't trust Oak and it means confronting the horrors of her past, she agrees to go with them. As they journey first to the Court of Moths for information and then to the Court of Teeth, Wren and Oak become closer, but there is a secret about Wren's past that could destroy their fragile relationship and change everything.

I am absolutely reeling from the end of this book. Although I thought it started out a bit slow at first, it definitely built in excitement and I didn't want to stop reading about halfway through. It was interesting to learn about Wren's past and I loved how her attraction to Oak grew despite her better judgement. While I had my suspicions about the plot twist at the end, I didn't really want to be right, so the big reveal was shocking and I can't exactly say I like how Wren handled the news. It made me see her in a less sympathetic light because she reminded me way too much of her parents, Lady Nore and Lord Jarel. I hope when she's had some time to calm down and reflect that she'll realize that she overreacted. I can't say too much more without spoiling, but I can't wait for the sequel, The Prisoner's Throne, which will be released next year. Overall, The Stolen Heir was amazing and all fantasy fans should read it.