Review by krood10 -- Audiobooks.com Book of your Choice

[krood10]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Audiobooks.com Book of your Choice" by Audiobooks.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima is the third installment in the Seven Realms Series. This young adult fantasy continues to chronicle the entwined stories of Princess Raisa and street thug Han Allister.

The story continues directly after the second book ends. Raisa is being taken from Oden’s Ford against her will to return to the Fells. There is news that her mother has been coerced into disinheriting Raisa, leaving her young and impressionable sister as heir. When Han finds Raisa (who he still knows as Rebecca) half dead in the forest after she mysteriously left Oden’s Ford, Han takes on the responsibility to save her. Little does he know that he is saving more than the Rebecca Morley, serving girl, he has come to know. When news of Raisa's mother's death reaches her, Raisa realizes she needs to make a decision. Reject her rights and responsibilities as heir, or lose the life or freedom she craves. Han is also on a personal journey of his own. He is still visiting the mysterious Crow, but no longer trusts him. Han is also determined to discover who Crow is, and how he became so knowledgeable about magic. Raisa and Han now need to fight for their destinies that neither of them wanted but now both need.

This book is nothing new. There are all the basic elements of every young adult fantasy book included in this series. The heroine of the story is a tough and independent princess looking to make her own mark on the throne away from the influence of her passive mother. Although she has her rebellious and self-assured side, she is also compassionate and tender with her people and peers. Through an unfortunate twist of fate, she is force to join under an assumed name with the rough, yet lovable, street rat. Already this has been done a thousand times in literature and movies. The book continues to heap on the redundancies with the forbidden love triangle, centuries old tensions between the clans, wizards, and Fellsian people, and a wizard seeking to overthrow the queen and gain control of the kingdom. I have seen these plot devises more times than I can count. But there is a reason I see them so often. They work. This book is entertaining, exciting, fast paced, and filled with lovable (although cliqued) characters. Yes, it is remarkably predictable but sometimes there is a comfort in the familiarity. There are some “plot twists” that keep the story interesting, although I could see them coming from a mile away.

I also found it incredibly refreshing that, despite the current trilogy mold, this series has four books. Chima is taking her time and wrapping up all lose ends. It does not feel rushed, nor does it felt dragged out. Chima is fighting against the trends and going at her own pace. I respect that as a reader.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I loved this book. I could not give it 4 stars because it is not original. There was nothing new or unique to this book to have it stand out above the rest. However, it is a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it.

The Gray Wolf Throne is perfect for people who want a fun, uncomplicated, young adult fantasy book. It’s also a great filler for those who are between series or waiting for the next book. Those who are fans of strong female characters will want to add this to their reading list.

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