The Gray Wolf Throne: Seven Realms 3 (ARC)

Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Genre : Young Adult – Fantasy
Publication Date : August 30th 2011
Publisher:  Hyperion Book
Age Range : Young Adult
Pages :  528
Date Scoot Read: April 2011
Source: eGalley from Netgalley and Disney Hyperion

Scoot's Rating : 10 – Amazing! Loved it. Read it now!

Synopsis (via 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.

Scoot’s Review:
If you have read my previous reviews on the Seven Realms series, you will know that I am a huge fan of it.  I was thrilled to have an advanced copy of The Gray Wolf Throne on hand; however, I am now cursed with an even longer wait for the next addition to the series! The Gray Wolf Throne did not disappoint.  Picking up the story soon after events in The Exiled Queen we join Raisa and Han on their different journeys; Raisa trying to find her way to safety or home, and Han trying to find Raisa - while still fulfilling his commitments to the many masters of his life.  The pace and plot of the story are fast and intriguing.  The story has quite a few heartrending moments, and it takes on you on an emotional roller coaster. This is one of those series that just hooks you in from the start and keep you anxiously turning the pages until the end.  I love it!  In The Gray Wolf Throne truths are revealed, betrayals abound and hearts are broken and strengthened.  In this story filled with tragedy and intrigue the only complaint I have is that there weren’t more times with Han and Raisa together. Or just more time with Han.  This novel is a lot more Raisa-centric, and she in some ways is a little more flimsy of a character.  Raisa continues to develop, but her waffling in the romantic areas of her life did become a frustration. Regardless, this novel was a great adventure and I can’t wait to find out what happens next! If you haven’t started this series yet, go get started on it - and if you have - make sure to pick up The Gray Wolf Throne on August 30^th! You won’t be disappointed.