A great ending to a great duology! I’m so glad we got more of Neve in this one. I love her and character arc. This book starts out strong and has my absolute favorite dedication that I’ve ever read and it hooks you in even before you start! “To anyone who grew thorns instead of flowers - you had your reasons.”

I’m giving this 4 stars only because I was a little confused about Red’s story line. It felt kind of like a waste of time for Red to go see Kiri after everything she had done AND after Red’s dreams of Neve and being told to essentially just wait while Neve goes through what she has to. I would have preferred for this book to have almost entirely been about Neve with short snippets of Red - kind of like the first book. But overall, it was great to see the characters I love again and it was a satisfying ending in my opinion.

I enjoyed this second book in the Wilderwood duology. You really need to read For the Wolf before picking this one up to understand exactly what is going on with these characters. This book picks up right after the events from the first book. Neve is in the Shadowlands while Red is in the Wilderwood and desperate to bring her back. Both sisters will risk everything to save each other and make the world whole again.

Neve is in the Shadowlands which are as unfamiliar to her as the Wilderwood was to Red in the first book. She is not alone though since the former king Solmir is with her every step of the way. As they work to find the Heart Tree, they will encounter one challenge after the next and Neve isn’t sure how much she should really trust the former king. Red is willing to do anything to bring her sister back and her husband Eammon fears losing her. Before everything is over, both sisters and those they care about will face more than their share of danger.

I thought that the world-building in this book was incredibly well done and I enjoyed going on this journey with both sisters. I found this story to be really exciting with more than a few surprises along the way. I liked seeing both sisters grow over the course of the duology. I thought that the relationships in the series felt authentic and I liked seeing how they developed over the course of both books.

I would recommend this series to others. I found it to be an incredibly well-written and imaginative story set in a vivid world. I really liked the characters and was invested in how things would work out for them. I do hope to read more of this author’s work in the future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Orbit Books via NetGalley.

The writing is generally good, and I appreciated getting to see Neve's journey and the ways in which it mirrored Red's in the first book, but it felt like slow going, and some of the plot elements seemed a little convenient/shoehorned in.

Neve and Solmir did not disappoint 👏👑

I absolutely loved the banter, the character growth and the plot. I loved seeing our favorite characters from the first book and how they tied into this one! I honestly think the ending was perfect.

When can I reread 🥹

I don't think this series is for me. I wasn't super crazy about For The Wolf but it was an intriguing book and the way it ended had me dying to find out what was going to happen with Neve. I will say the story is well developed and the characters are fully flushed out and believable.

A redeeming follow-up that corrected many of the stumbles of the first one. It seems that alternate fairy-tale books are becoming more common, and I'm all for reading alternate or modernizing takes that bring classic tales to a new audience; especially those aimed at an older audience that's moved beyond the scope of the originals.

At the end of the day this is a ROMANTIC fantasy rather than a romantic fantasy and I think I want more world building and magic and less deep sighs and angsty looks. Hannah Whitten is a gifted writer but I can only abide so much slow burn before I need the story to kick in already. I just don't know enough about this world or its people to really care about it and that's what I need from a good fantasy.

Content warning; spiders,

Rep: gods, slow burn, bisexual mc, sisterly love

Thoughts
Neutral thoughts:

If For the Wolf was a Red Riding Hood & Beauty and the Beast remix, then For the Throne is a Snow White & Hades and Persephone remix.

I’m not really sure what I think about this book. I REALLY loved the first one & I was really excited to go into this one. I listened to audiobook as I read along & if it wasn’t for the audiobook, I’m not sure I would have been able to finish this book. In book one I didn’t have many thoughts about Neve, but as I got further and further into Throne, the more and more I found myself just not caring about Neve, her POV, her part in this story & just HER all around. I just did not CARE. I didn’t find myself caring for Solomir either. Which honestly made me really sad that I just felt like I was trudging through the book just so that I could see what happened to Red & Eammon & the rest of the crew of the Wilderwood. I just kept thinking as I was reading was “Where is this story going?” because I felt like I could not get a clear direction of the plot/the story. I thought that the lore, the magic and the history of the world & the Shadow Lands was actually really interesting & it was part of what made me keep going. But I just closed the book feeling disappointed & indifferent after I read For the Throne.


Pros:

We got to see how deep the bond is between Neve & Red in this one & I really loved seeing that.

We find out in this one that Neve is Bi or Pan which is cool. Happy Pride ya’ll.

Gripes:

Neve.

The romance(s):

Red & Eammon have my heart 🥰

Neve & Solomir were okay *shrug* I honestly did not care for them

**3.5-stars**

For the Throne is the final book in the Wilderwood duology by Hannah F. Whitten. This Adult Fantasy story follows two sisters, princesses Neve and Redarys, known as Red. In their kingdom tradition claims the first daughter is for the throne while the second daughter, Red in this case, is for the Wolf of the Wilderwood.

In the first book we follow Red as she journeys into the Wilderwood to fulfill that obligation. Once there she finds that the Wolf is much different than she expected. He's not a vicious beast, but a man who she comes to know and love. It was a slow burn story, but one that I thought was good and also a great set-up for a second book.

Red has a type of earth magic that really came alive once she entered the Wilderwood; I enjoyed watching that power blossom. The setting was fantastic, I loved the dark atmosphere and reading about the lore behind this world.

Neve, the first daughter, is left behind in their kingdom when Red enters the Wood. Neve will eventually take over the throne as queen. She's fine with that, but she's not fine with sacrificing her sister for that purpose. She wants Red back. She just needs to figure out a way to make it happen.

Although she had a smaller role than Red in the first book, I was most intrigued by Neve's perspective. She was adept at scheming and I never knew what lengths she was going to go to next to reach her goals. In this book, Neve plays an equal role in the narrative to Red. Actually, I feel like she's sort of the star of the show in this one as she evolves into a new type of queen.

In this second book though it's not just Neve trying to save Red from her fate, but now Red feels equally compelled to rescue Neve as well. Neither one feels like their sister is in the right place and their love for each other keeps them highly motivated throughout it all.

I would say there is much less of a romance element in this one. There's still a little there, particularly between Neve and the individual she is forced into an alliance with, but personally I didn't mind the less romance. I definitely preferred this narrative over the first book, however the story still failed to ever truly capture me. It moved so slowly.

While I can fully appreciate that this is a good story with a well-built world and characters, it just wasn't for me. I liked it, it was fine, but it wasn't captivating enough for me to give it a higher rating. I do know that a lot of Adult Fantasy Readers will adore this one though. If you think the premise sounds like something you would enjoy, you absolutely should pick it up. Particularly if you like slow-burn romance and dark atmospheres.

Thank you to the publisher, Orbit Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity to provide my opinion.

Hannah Whitten does it again! For the Throne is the final book in the Wilderwood duology and this time follows the journey of Neve into the Shadowlands. Things pick up right where For the Wolf ended, and things were not exactly settled when Neve was swallowed into the upside shadow world. Similar to book one, For the Throne is told from the perspective of both Neve and Red. This book gives me all of the morally grey main character vibes that I was looking for and really fits the saying "the villain is the hero of someone's story". I loved the interactions between Neve and Solmir and how we were able to see not only her perspective as she worked through things in the shadowlands (both physically and mentally) but how Red was dealing or working with things in her own way in the Wilderwood. I loved the mix of how myths and legends can be told and retold and still have a basis in truth and tie in to fate. Overall I loved this book and while I am said that this is the final entry in the Wilderwood series, I am very much looking forward to whatever else Hannah Whitten writes! Thank you NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I will read absolutely anything and everything that Hannah Whitten publishes. This was a near-perfect sequel! I loved being able to explore Neve's character more. Her journey with Solmir led to so many powerful lines and fascinating discussions of morality and goodness. What I loved the most was how Whitten weaved Neve and Red's storylines together. The theme of them being mirrors of each other was demonstrated through the story itself. The magic system in this series is fascinating and I love how it has almost a personality. For the Throne did an excellent job expanding on the themes of the first book.

There were a few moments that felt a bit repetitive. The big climaxes, in particular, were a bit overly drawn out with a lot of back and forth decisions.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and I was not disappointed. Well maybe only a little disappointed, but let me explain. This is a 5 star read for me and Hannah Whitten can do no wrong in my eyes, however, It was a bit slow going at first. I’m thinking that might be because it has been so long since I read For The Wolf, but it did take me a while to get back into the story. I wasn’t expecting to like Neverahs POV as much as I did, seeing as I disliked her so much in the last book. In fact, I started to only enjoy the parts of the story involving her and Solmir. I really enjoyed the new perspective and change of landscape. Exploring the shadowlands with a king? Absolutely, sign me up. Hearing more about Red and the wolf? eh. I’m good. Besides all the romance subplot, I really liked the story of twins becoming a mirror of the other, trying to save the world and each other. I think at it’s core, this is a story of sisters and the undying love they have for each other.

I love how much this book is reminiscent of Eastern European fairy tales of gods and monsters and magical forests and folklore. The legends and lore of this world and the prophecies to be fulfilled. The first daughter for the throne, the second for the wolf. But we get to know these daughters as people and not just the roles they are to play in a prophecy. In book one, part of the prophecy was fulfilled, and now it is Neve's turn to complete her journey though ultimately the two, their bond and love, will need to be balanced to complete it.

Though we get more of Neve we still get Red as well in alternating chapters. Neve is in the shadowlands with the former God traitor Solmir. The man who tried to free the kings, and almost killed her sister. But as with any good story, Solmir is more than he appears. Together, they need to get to the heart tree to escape the shadowlands. In order to do so they face quite a few complications, Both sisters set off on adventures to get answers, to save their sister and understand their power and roles in the prophecy. Action (and romance) ensue.

This story has very in-depth world building and creative monstrosities. It can be a bit complicated to keep track of the multiple characters and storylines, the consequences and resolutions to conflict. The writing is beautiful, the emotional tension taught and character development complex. This at times made it difficult to follow, but I'd try not to think too hard on it and just go with the flow, rooting for the romance plots and for the heroes and hoping for the happily ever after.

This was a darker, twistier sequel to the first but a strong conclusion to the duology.

For the Wolf, Whitten’s debut, is one of those books that sank its claws into me and refuses to let go. And I don’t want it to.

For the Throne, the second book of the duology, confirmed what is suspected while reading For the Wolf.

Hannah Whitten writes books for me. They are exactly what I want, and they make me want to curl up in a chair with a blanket and a cup of tea in front of a fire and just….exist. Hannah is an auto-buy author for me until the end of time.

The dedication in Throne was the first spot in this book that made me have feelings, and it certainly wasn’t the last.

I’m already planning out a reread of the duology.

I am in love with this duology! The Parallels between this story and the first as well as between Red and Neve are just beautiful. I love that the concepts seem so much bigger in this book and that the The monstrousness of the characters and the settings. I love how everything is put together and can’t wait to she what Whitten has in store in the future!

Thank you to Orbit and NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book in this series -- any retelling of a fairy tale that brings it back to dark roots (pun intended) is something I love. And so I was eager to see what would happen to dear Neve and the WOlves and everyone else. And wow, did this deliver! It was a much tighter, clearer narrative than the first book, and hugely absorbing with our new evil-but-is-he love interest. I loved so much of the parallels, even if they were heavy-handed, and lots of the mythology and worldbuilding. This was great as a duology and I think it wrapped up perfectly.

5 stars.

If you loved the first one, you’ll love this one too! I loved it even more! I honestly didn’t think I would because it sounded like it would focus more on Neve, and I wasn’t a big fan of hers in the For the Wolf, but I’m so glad to be proven wrong. Her and Solomir have such a clever dynamic that was a mix of the stuff I love and a bit of newness. This book wrapped up the duology wonderfully. And while I’m sad it’s over, I’m completely satisfied!

Hannah Whitten is definitely an auto-buy author for me, especially after For the Throne. The way that Whitten weaves this story together is just so beautiful and breath-taking.

It was hard to pick up a new book after reading this beautifully dark and captivating story. I can't believe it's over! Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book! I was honestly skeptical at first when I read the synopsis and saw that this book was going to focus on Neve because I really didn't have a whole lot of interest in her character in the first book. But Neve's character development and arc were beautifully done in the conclusion to this duology.

For The Throne was one of my most anticipated books of 2022 and Hannah Whitten did not disappoint!


The second book in the Wilderwood duology follows Red’s twin, Neve, on her journey into the Shadowlands—with Solmir as her guide. Neve is risking her soul in order to help her sister and learning that old power is a welcome and frightening thing. Neve and Solmir make their way through the Shadowlands in order to complete the task of destroying the kings once and for all, but the risk of becoming monsters themselves is greater than either of them realize.


I absolutely loved this book. I loved the character build up and that so many of these characters are so complex and waver in between good and evil. I think Hannah does a great job of creating a world that is rich in description—a mix of haunting, beautiful, and dangerous elements. Most of all, I love that both of these sisters are strong willed, loving, and loyal badasses.


I couldn’t have asked for more. Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


I received an advanced copy of For The Throne from @netgalley @orbitbooks_us in exchange for this honest review!