Member Reviews
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Stolen Throne picks up where the first installment, The Liar's Crown left off and follows Meren and her friends' journey to defeat King Eidolon. I enjoyed The Liar's Crown however it did take a little while to get into due to the world-building and explanation of the magic system however The Stolen Throne had me hooked from page 1. There was action happening consistently throughout the book, there literally was never a dull moment. I think one of the best aspects of this book is Meren's character development; I loved how strong Meren is at the end and I am so so so excited to see that strength in the next book, This was an excellent continuation of the story, and having to wait for the third after that CLIFFHANGER will be torturous!!!!!
Thank you again to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC!!
Even better than the first book! Honestly, I don't think I could fall any harder for the characters and the trials they go through in The Stolen Throne. Their arcs and development are top tier. The writing is amazing as always and I cannot wait for book 3.
If you loved the first, you will not be disappointed by the sequel
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC 💕
I only requested because of the pretty cover, and when I got accepted I realised it was the second book in a trilogy! So I had to read the first book, and I really loved it, so now I’m extra happy I got this arc 🤭
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just a teeny bit under my expectations but still super enjoyable!!
Meren is as delightful as ever, and the world building + writing is stunning as usual, I’m SO excited for the next one 💓
One thing I really like about The Stolen Throne, right from the start, is that the reader does not need to have read the first book to follow the story. The author does a great job of painting enough of the backstory for the reader to follow. That being said, now that I've finished the book, I've purchased the first one to read the details.
This is a very intricate story, good depth to characters and world building. Book was very fast-paced. While this is classified as a teen novel, I would put it at the 'older teen' end of the spectrum. Ending of the story is not a cliffhanger, although it's obvious there are more stories to come in the series.
I look forward to book #3.
I ended up DNFing…. I had such a hard time reading the first one and am still struggling to get into this one. I would like to come back and try to read this but I am just not into it sadly. I think the idea is interesting but it isn’t for me. Thank you for this opportunity to read before publishing.
I am still giving this 3 stars because I do think I would’ve LOVED this as a teen but I cannot get into it for some reason. I would recommend this to my younger friends/family.
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. I’m honored to voluntarily read and review (all opinions following are my own). I was on the edge of my seat as this story started out - and stayed there until the end. This action packed novel is the second in a series. Meren is a twin and someone we can all relate to: full of anxiety, heartache, and courageous at times. I loved this unique story of the twin involuntarily impersonating her sister, the real Princess, as tradition dictates anytime a situation feels dangerous. But when the Queen dies, the situation turns dangerous for Meren herself. The twists in this story (and especially the ENDING) were not expected!! Thanks to Abigail Owen for writing something so different in high fantasy stories! The beautiful cover is what caught my eye, but the fast paced story is what held me. 5 of 5 stars! #netgalley #thestolenthrone
This will be published no more than 4 weeks prior to the release date to to GoodReads, LibraryThing, Amazon, Barnes&Noble,
First let me say this is a 4.5. I felt it was a bit longer than it needed to be and at times Meren's internalizations seemed dull and repetitive. Loved Reven and Meren's relationship. Lots of action in this one with some twists and turns thrown in as well.
I received a digital copy of The Stolen Throne via NetGalley to read and review.
The Stolen Throne picks up where The Liar’s Crown ended. I felt the story teetered into…less interesting territory about a quarter the way in but it really picks back up and of course leaves us wanting more.
I basically binged this in a couple days because I’m on spring break. This book is just as good as the previous one! There was great character development and the story never seemed slow. I really enjoyed reading about more about Meren and Reven’s relationship. The ending cliffhanger has me excited the next book!
Thank you for this opportunity.
I was entertained but not engrossed in the story. It didn’t grab me by my brain cells and consume me. It was entertaining and that’s it. No complaints really. Good story. Great writing. Unique concept. But for me I wouldn’t read it again
I can’t believe I was ever “team Cain.” This book was everything a sequel should be, and so much more. I loved the character development for some key people we met in book one (looking at you, Pella), and the pace of the story picked up to give a beautiful sense of urgency without sacrificing the plot. The cliffhanger at the end was heartbreaking, and I can’t believe I have to wait until next year to find out how the story ends.
The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen is an enthralling read that will keep readers captivated from start to finish. With a captivating plot and vivid characters, this novel is sure to be a hit with fantasy fans. The story follows the journey of a young girl who must reclaim her stolen throne and restore peace to her kingdom. Along the way, she faces many obstacles and must rely on her courage and strength to overcome them. With a unique blend of action, adventure, and romance, The Stolen Throne is sure to be a hit with readers of all ages. It's a must-read for anyone looking for an exciting and engaging fantasy novel!
What makes a book good or great?
Characters
Storyline
World-building
The realism of Romance (if romance is present)
The characters are meant to draw you in, have you invest in them, and make sure that once the book is over, you still think of them. Without these qualities, the characters have no charms which makes the story less interesting for the reader. Yet, this does the opposite. The characters are ones you become invested in, drawn to and connect with, and think of when the story is over. Each character is flawed and that makes them more human. Meren is fearless, determined, compassionate, and flawed. A shadow princess is meant to stand in for her sister if she becomes sick or unable to remain on the throne. She has lived outside the palace and has seen the world with different eyes. This is what makes Meren a far better candidate for queen. Tabra is weak-willed, naive, and sweet. She would be used immediately by the court and even by other dominion-ruling families because of it. When she accepts something that causes Meren to try to dissuade her from it, Tabra ignores it and wears it anyway. She should have been suspicious and cautious when accepting something from a King known to be cruel and dark. Now Meren has to find a way to heal her sister and keep Eidolon from taking the throne belonging to the generations of her family. This is placed heavily upon her shoulders but Meren is a strong character and resourceful character that won't stop the fight. Reven is flawed and yet perfect at the same time. A shadow wraith shed and born with the abilities to move through the darkness and yet unable to contain the power he has. He does everything to protect Meren and help her fight against Eidolon. There is just something about him that makes him the anti-hero that is compatible with Meren.
World-building is unique, filled with a lush world steeped in history and yet still flawed with dangers. The beautiful imagery and the secondary characters are what make this world unique and complex. This is what this book has done. It is everything in world-building and lush visuals that offer glimpses into each world and its characters. You feel part of it be it scenery or secondary characters that charm you. This is the world-building you want. The world-building that makes a story complete and lush. It is everything that is in this book and I love it. Every bit of it is great and I enjoyed every second of it.
The storyline is a puzzle weaved with intricate details that help develop not only the characters but draw the reader deep within the world and keep them glued to the very end of the story. Authors want their readers invested in their work and characters. If you are pulled into the story, invested in how it ends, and continued page-turning, the author has done his or her work. This is what this book does. All characters have developed since the first book and the storyline has developed since. The story is twisting and turning and the reader has no way of knowing how it will end. This is what the author wants and it works here in this story. I absolutely love it when a story cannot be put down. I was like this with the first and second books of this series. No matter how many times I needed to do something I was always drawn back to this book. I wanted to know how it would end. I wanted to know where the character development would go. I am so invested in this series that I NEED THE LAST BOOK! I WILL SELL MY SOUL TO THE AUTHOR OF THAT BOOK. xD Sorry I cannot contain myself with this series.
The romance between Meren and Reven is the chef's kiss. It is not too over-powering to the story. To be honest, it does not even saturate the story. It is slowly built and although the two characters, Meren and Reven, should not have happened it does and you cannot help but be invested. Reven wants nothing more than to protect Meren. And then there is Cain. Don't get me wrong I would have gladly been his supporter had he been the main interest but come to think of it, I just don't feel he is right for Meren. Their relationship feels more like friends than the thought of being lovers or in any romantic relationship. The romance between Meren and Reven feels right, meant to be, and personally, you become invested in it. I need more of them. I need to see their ending and revel in the beauty of their romance. I want their ending to be everything I can envision. Don't fail me!
But in all honesty, I am invested in this story and its characters. I love all of it. Every aspect of this story is superseding. I cannot wait for the final book in this series. I am super excited to see how the author wraps this story up in a neat little package.
I received an E-ARC from Netgalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.
I give it 4.5 stars. Wonderful adventure! The first book I loved the plot but Meren and Reven fell a little flat for me but this book made me second guess on why I thought that in the first place. Reading how their relationship grows was wonderful. It is super fast paced and something is always happening! The ending was a tad predictable of what generally was going to happen but still had me on my toes to read. Stolen throne is an adventure noone should miss reading out on!
Perfection. That's the only way to describe it. I wish I could read the next one now. Meren isn't the only one who needs Reven. He is everything. Dark, brooding, dangerous, and oh so good.
Their friends aren't bad either. We get more time with those who return and meet new favorites, especially Bene, along the way. If anything happens to that giant beast made of sand....
Everyone has come together though and it feels like a real group out to save the world, or at least stop the dark force that is Eidolon. He is not the only evil though. There is something new at play.
We witness much bravery, strength, and magic along this incredible journey. How these characters don't get lost in these amazing places filled with wonder and beauty I don't know. They just don't have time to relax or barely take a breath even.
Things turn into a real horror show at times so I can't blame them for not having enough time for love either. It might be too dangerous as well. They think about it though. They're strong but you can see it in their eyes.
But a Queen must take care of her people. Entire dominions are at risk. A shadow has to fight every moment to keep it together. In a race against time and evil any misstep might mean death even for the gentlest of souls. Don't miss out on this story. It's time to claim The Stolen Throne.
This novel was an enjoyable read to the first novel and continues where the first one left off. There is much more adventure for Meren, Reven, and the rest of the group trying to stop Eidolon. Meren and Reven's relationship grows as Reven struggles not to return to Eidolon. Meren has to take her sister's place and begins acting like the queen, even though she keeps telling herself that she sister is the queen. Meren works on developing her powers so she can use them to help her companions. Their adventures take them to seek out allies and discover the truth behind Eidolon's quest. Lots of plot twists, some romance, action, and more! Looking forward to the next novel!
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
OH MY GODDDD. GIVE ME BOOK 3 IMMEDIATELY I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LOVE REVEN. this book is everything I look for in a fantasy series - fast paced, complex worldbuilding, slow burn love, the fmc having a backbone !!! Abigail Owens created a masterpiece and this has escaped the second book curse. You usually expect the second book to be boring and just a shadow of the first one but boy does this put the first one to shame. I LOVE THIS SO SO MUCH THANK YOU NETGALLEY TO GIVE ME AN EARLY COPY I WILL CHERISH IT
‘If I’ve learned anything, it’s that if I don’t reach out for the good life blesses me with, just because I fear the bad or the loss, then I’ll only end up with a pile of bad in the end. And let’s face it—this may still end badly…but what if it doesn’t?’
I just want to say thank you so much to Entangled Publishing for sending me that email to be able to read this ARC. When I seen it I was screaming! I truly loved the first book and this book was bringing back all those amazing emotions plus some! I’m so enthralled with Meren’s story and all the connections she had made. So again thank you, to Abigail who truly knows how to work an amazing story, and to NetGalley for the platform to read this.
We pick up a few months after the first book, where Meren is with Eidolon and of course you have Reven and Cain whom come to save her. They go back to the desert with the Zariph, Wanderers, and The Vanished. Tabra is also there and in her weakening state, Meren must step up as acting Queen and is up to her to come up with a plan to stop Eidolon for good. The story takes you all over on a fast paced epic journey where death and emotions are on the line.
“What?” I offer a teasing smile. “Are you finally considering the heartmate thing?” He doesn’t smile. “I’m asking for something much bigger than that.”
Tropes 💥
•grumpy x sunshine •forced proximity •good vs evil •fated mates •second chance love
Thank you Netgalley & Entangled Teen for the eARC.
This was my most anticipated book of this year and it absolutely did not disappoint. It was packed full with twists and turns and so much action. I can't get enough of Meren and Reven and their relationship. Reven continued to be swoon worthy and Meren continued to be an absolute badass. I need book three, like yesterday.
5/5 ⭐
1/5 🌶️
Rated 4.5 Stars
Epic does not begin to cover The Stolen Throne! This book was wild. It was so good. I loved it. Everything was ramped up, the angst, the stakes, the action, the adventure, the betrayal, the suspense. I was here for it all every twist, every turn and everything in between. I can't wait to get my hands on the conclusion. I highly recommend this book and series.