Member Reviews

AH I FEEL SO CONFLICTED.

I loved the first book in the series. It was fun had some great twists and kept me entertained.

Sigh......

Going into this one I enjoyed the beginning! I really like some of the more magical and world building aspects of the story as well as how all the little secrets start to come out one by one to build a bigger picture. I enjoyed the ansty romance and the fun secondary characters.

However, as I kept reading I kept feeling SO confused. I am someone who loves intricate plots and world building/magic systems....however this just felt overly convoluted and I kept having to go back to see if I missed something. I think the author was trying to kept the mystery going but she kept me as a reader in the dark for too long. It felt for me there were a lot of inconsistencies pertaining to the magic system/portals/etc and there were a lot of different cities, names, places and it personally got overwhelming for me and lost its flow.

I also got frustrated with the romance. There is this really cool bond aspect from the first book. I still like Reven, but the romance kept going back and forth in not an enticing way...I still don't know if its possible for them to be together or if its dangerous or what the heck is going on. I wish she would have established some stronger ground on this front.

Despite my critiques and not loving it as much as I did the first book, I do still want to read book three and hold out hope for things to turn around and be brought to a better light! I think this is a unique series with a lot of good things going for it!

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The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owens

Overall this was a fun read but there were a few things I had trouble with.

The first half of the book is A-MAZ-ING. The added world building and story were so good! The characters were great, there’s fun banter, and the excitement to continue the story is strong.

Then it’s starts to get a little weird. It felt like there was just a bunch of filler put in to try and make the story longer. The action was choppy and storyline felt out of place. The romance was so hot and cold that I wasn’t sure if I even wanted it to happen anymore.

I still have questions I want answered and things I want to see through so I’ll be reading book three.

Content: explicit language, violence, death, explicit open door

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This was fantastic! I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t remember enough from the first book but I found it really easy to slip back into this fantastic world. I thought that the author did a wonderful job of reminding the reader of important events from the first book at key points in the story. Meren, Reven, Cain, and the rest of the group have their work cut out for them. Eidolon seems always to be one step ahead of them but I have faith that they will figure out how to defeat him.

I found this story to be incredibly exciting with enough action to keep the story moving. There were times when things looked really bleak for Meren and the rest of the key characters and I have to admit that I was worried for them more than once. I loved the fact that there were some pretty big surprises worked into this installment which helped to keep me glued to the pages. The world-building in this series continues to be top-notch!

I would definitely recommend this book to fans of YA fantasy. This book was exciting, with great characters, fantastic world-building, and just enough romance to keep things interesting. I am very eager to get my hands on the next book to see what happens next!

I received a review copy of this book from Entangled: Teen.

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When I read liars crow, I knew Abigail would be an author that I would be chomping at the bit to read everything she released. I was dying waiting to be able to read this. And now I’m dying for the next one.

As much as I enjoyed this. There was a bit of time in the middle that I wanted to fast forward too, although that could be because I was in a bit of a slump.

The world building in this is very good, but the backstory is Eidolon is kind of a lot and I get a bit lost in it sometimes.

I like the action and romance, although I was craving more of it in this one. I adore Reven and I just need them happy. The ending was devastating.
Definitely looking forward to the next release

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4.5/5 ⭐️
1 🌶️

First I’d like to thank the author and Entangled Publishing for the eARC opportunity. With that said, as always this review is completely voluntary and honest.

Ahh this book was a fantastic continuation to book one. While at first I had a hard time getting back into the world with the FMC sometimes sounding and acting younger than she is, I was thoroughly invested once I got through that and Meren (FMC) came more into her own. She’s funny and deflects a lot around her with that and sass. I could even see a little more growth to her chars as the book continued. She had to face a lot and make a lot of hard decisions even though she just wanted to enjoy the small happiness she grasped.

Reven.. oh Reven. I missed his more sassy side in this book since he was more brooding and closed off for a good chunk of the book in hopes of protecting Meren. But gah, he just made me want to give him a hug 😭. I just want him and Meren to be happy and be able to enjoy it.

The ending left a slight hole in my heart, which leaves me wanting book three immediately. I need more answers. I need everyone to be okay 😩

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A great sequel to a great starter. This book had lots of twist and turns. Meren continues to be the strong heroine that she didn't know she needed to be. We learn more about this world and are shown areas of the world that we had only been told about before. Cannot wait to see what happens in the end but we will have to wait til next year for the conclusion.

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The first half of this book was fantastic! I was engaged and loving all the angst, magic and world.
I was totally feeling all the banter, characters and LOVING it. Then it started to go downhill.

Meren and Reven were going in emotional pining circles. She wants him, can't have him and he goes all cray cray, when anyone threatens her. (repeat)

The magic was confusing. He can't be near her and then she helps him but then he's too dangerous but then she "grounds" him. Make a decision please.

Also, WHAT are the shadows exactly? are they a magical force he can manipulate or actual ghost people? I'm still confused, and the sexy scene with the shadows was a huge turn off for me.

The minute that "Mates" was suddenly thrown into the plot, was not my thing. Let's leave the mating to SJM.

Reven is gone during random times, and I WISH we'd had his POV during those parts.

There's more but I'll just say that I think this is sadly suffering from the second book syndrome. I ADORED book one. and I'll keep going to book three, but this was not my favorite. I think it's worth the read for the series and maybe you'll love it, so give it a try.

Characters/Depth/Growth – 6
Atmosphere/World building - 6
Writing Style/flow - 6
Plot/creativity - 6
Intrigue/ - 7
Love/Relationships - 6
Enjoyment – 7
Total: 44

Divided by 7 = 6.2 (3 stars)
1.0-2.9 *
3.0-4.9 **
5.0-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****

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The Stolen Throne is the follow up to the excellent Liar’s Crown, and I hate to say it but you may find yourself upset when you reach the end. Why? Because you’ll be stuck waiting for the third book to see how author Abigail Owens wraps everything up, lol. Picking up not long after the events of book 1, we continue Meren’s journey. As you might recall (*Spoilers* if you haven’t read the first book, which I definitely recommend doing. And no spoilers for book 2 here.) Meren is a hidden twin (who acts as a body double/decoy) for her sister, princess Tabra. On the night before Tabra’s coronation Meren, mistaken for Tabra of course, gets kidnapped setting up the adventure of the first novel. Building upon the lore of the first book, everything gets knocked up a notch or two. And because of the groundwork laid in out in book one, I think Stolen Throne feels like it has a quicker pacing, more action, more intensity overall. Often times the middle film/book of a trilogy can drag or falter a bit, but not here. It’s engaging and intense from start to the finish…the finish that as I said at the start may leave you a bit upset since you’ll find yourself in the position I’m in…waiting for book 3 to arrive. I’d like to thank Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Stolen Throne.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2FHDYB9WL0B43/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

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This was a great read that anwered any questions from book 1 but still kept the story going. Lots of betrayal, love, friendship and growth.
Overall this was a great read.

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Did I forget nearly everything from the first book?
Yes.
Did I reread the first book to get reacquainted before starting book 2?
No of course not, I was far too excited to find out what happens next, because I did remember loving the first book and that I needed to read this ASAP. As I moved through this book the bits and pieces from The Liar's Crown began to come back to me.
The Stolen Throne introduces a lot more treachery, mystery, adventure, intrigue and adorable animals.
To say it had me enthralled would be an understatement.
Abigail Owen has talent and I am here for it; can't wait for The Shadows Rule All to come out because she left me with sooo many questions at the end of this one!
Much love to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for my ARC.

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The Stolen Throne is the second book in the Dominions series. The plot picks up right where Book 1 left off, with Meren being held captive by the evil shadow king and Reven trying to rescue her. The world-building is just as beautiful as the first book, and I enjoyed the introduction of new characters and the layering of tales from Dominions' past. The character development and romance factor fell a little below my expectations. Overall, I thought The Stolen Throne was an engrossing read with a unique inspiration from an obscure Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale that added depth to the villain and hero characters. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

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Woo lord, there is a lot to unpack here. It feels like enough happened that it should be 2 books. From goddesses to water monsters to a pet made from sand. Magical rights to shadowy explosions. A jealous love interest who literally plunges everyone into darkness at the mention of her potential marriage to another man. I've gone with 4 stars because the ending is just so good it needs it, but there were points where the romance was taking me out of the action a bit.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Abigail Owen, and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book.

Firstly, the side character development in this book is amazing. Achlys must be protected at all costs. I really enjoyed getting more of her relationship with Tabra. The addition of the goddesses and a certain devourer was a brilliant choice. It allowed the author to take us on a journey to all the dominions and build the world up even more.

Meren is a badass woman, and I love her for it. In this book, we get to see her come into her powers more, and I think they were explained a lot better in this book too. Seeing the different ways she can use her control over sand is super cool. The way she uses them in the climax of this book is absolutely insane.

If I could ask for anything in the next book it would be multiple POVs. Meren and Reven, especially given the ending of this book. I think it would really add to the romantic aspect if we could get into his head. This book had a lot of back and forth and refusing to be together for her protection. I think having his POV might have made that more bearable because it did start to feel repetitive. But by the end, their feelings come across as a lot more developed.

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I am an avid fan of Abigail Owen’s and will read anything she writes! That being said, The Stolen Throne, Book 2 in the Dominion series, is even better than The Liar’s Crown. Each book has grown in depth and detail, from the world building to the characters growth. There is no shortage of action and danger.

I am a huge fan of book covers. Once I read that someone saw a lobster on the pretty cover of The Stolen Throne, I couldn’t stop looking at it. Check it out for yourself. Great cover, Elizabeth Turner Stokes. And, I love maps. Kellerica did a great job on the maps of Nova.

I read a lot of teen and young adult novels. Many times I cannot give them a five star rating, through no fault of the author or the story. It’s just not deep enough, engrossing enough, sexy enough, violent enough…well, you get the drift.

The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen is an exception to my normal. The book was long, so I couldn’t finish it in one sitting, but I would have if my eyes didn’t start to cross, blurring the words. I was so engrossed in the details, wandering the worlds with Meren and her unlikely group of heroes, traveling through portals to places I never would have dreamed of on my own. I feel their pain, their struggles, their love, their loyalty…to the twin of the Queen, who was meant to be disposable.

I have a people to protect. I have a bondmate to save. I have a king to destroy.

We have moments to smile, even laugh. Moments to drown our sorrows in those lost. Moments of hope and inspiration, like Abigail Owen’s inspiration for this novel, which starts with an obscure Hans Christian Anderson fairytale about a man who shed his shadow, and when the shadow turned real, he took over the man’s life. She found her villain and her hero. I love when one character can fit both roles. It makes for a more interesting character.

I loved everything about The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen.

I can hardly wait for The Shadows Rule, Book 3, due for publication in January 2024.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

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For 500 years, King Eidolon has harmed the Royal twins to prevent them from taking his ruling power over the Kingdom of Aryd. Meren, 19, is trying to save her twin sister Tabra who is under some horrific spell of shadow poison. With the help of several others, Meren is collecting amulets to stop the king once and for all. The group faces danger and deception and many challenges. The shadows threaten all.

Likes/dislikes: The concept of the story is interesting but new problems were randomly added which felt like unnecessary filler material. I became bored with the repetitiveness and filler content. I was not invested enough in the characters to make it an enjoyable read. Points of view transitions were confusing and disrupted the flow of the story. The first book of this series is much better.

Language: R for 124 swears and 5 f-bombs.
Mature Content: PG-13 for implied sex, woman with sheer top showing the dusky tips of her breasts. Vaguely detailed sex.
Violence: PG for non bloody death. Bloody injury.
Ethnicity: Ethnicity is predominantly white but there's mention of a bluish black skinned, white haired character and another person with tawny skin.

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THE STOLEN THRONE was a great follow-up to The Liar’s Crown, and it picks up right where that book left us. Meren has done her duty and stepped in as Tabra, while Tabra remains hidden away. Now she must become Queen if she wants to stop Eidolon and his armies from seizing control. The storyline is tense and brutal as they race to stop Eidolon, and the journey is fraught with danger as they encounter enemies seemingly at every turn. The world-building continues to be phenomenal, and I loved how much the world expanded in this second book. The world is layered and detailed and intricate, and I enjoyed seeing Reven and Maren as they make their way across various landscapes and climates. ⁣

The romance in this one is done SO well and it’s the absolute highlight. The first book in the series really laid the foundation for Reven and Meren’s fantastic relationship. Book 2 really rocks that foundation as Reven becomes almost unrecognizable, fighting a war within himself to not succumb to his true nature. This, naturally, affects his relationship with Meren, and I loved the angst and the tension and how much it made me *feel*. The romance is by far my favorite part of this series, and I loved how this particular romance just makes my heart ache at times. ⁣

The ending is, once again, a cruel one, leaving us with more questions than there are answers. The wait for book 3 is going to be a loooong one and I will certainly be counting down the days…hours…minutes until its release. 5 ⭐️.

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As the second book in the Dominions series, The Stolen Throne does not stand alone. In fact, it really should be read in conjunction with the first book, The Liar’s Crown. The Stolen Throne picks up pretty much where its predecessor left off. It’s part of a complex storyline that loses nuance when not read in quick succession.

At the center of the story are Meren (the backup twin) and Reven (a Shadowraith). The two are drawn together like magnets. They’re supposed to be together, but their connection could be their downfall. Meren is again the storyteller while Reven falls into a more supporting role. It’s a shift that changes the dynamic but also makes sense within the overall plot.

Abigail Owen’s world building continues to be strong with her taking readers to further flung lands and introducing impressive creatures. The magic structure that she has created remains complex and accessible. And there are definitely some swoon worthy moments.

As with its predecessor, The Stolen Throne features moments of sexual tension and one chapter that’s pretty steamy. It’s as close to graphic as you can get without being graphic, and would garner at least a PG13 rating. If you’re uncomfortable with this level of description, but still want to read the book — which is a strong fantasy — you could skip Chapter 77 and not miss any of the story.

The Dominions series is not for everyone. It’s not suitable for younger teens, but older teens and new adults will quickly get lost in the magic, mystery, action and romance.

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The Stolen Throne is the second book in the Dominions series by Abigail Owen. After the suspenseful ending of The Liar's Crown, I was looking forward to seeing where this story would take me. It picks up with Meren under the evil eye of Eidolon. Reven, the Shadowraith, is on a rescue mission and the true queen of Aryd, Yabra, is a husk of her former self, clinging to life. And let's not forget Cain...

▪️Morally Grey Characters
▪️Found Family
▪️Betrayal
▪️Political Intrigue
▪️Young Adult

The world building is still as vibrant and atmosphericly sinister as the first. The journey Meren embarks on was definitely a highlight. Action packed with an almost quest-like feel through different dominions. Did I mention fighting off creatures? That too! You know how I love creature-features in books.

The found family and bonds between sisters are themes I enjoyed along with growth and a twisty plot. I sadly wasn't as thrilled with the path the relationship took between Meren and Reven. With everything going on it felt childish and in some parts it pulled away from the climactic scenes. And the intimacy .... Well... This was a lot different than what I'm used to from Owen, let's just say that.  As I mentioned, there is so much occurring that I was too eager to see what happens next that I pushed past those parts. I was also a bit off put by Tabra's part in this one, but I'll keep that under wraps for spoiler reasons.

Owen knows how to end with an epic closeout. If there is one thing that makes my inner feminine beast roar, it's when a female character finds her inner badass and takes justice (or vengeance) in her hands. I'm so looking forward to The Shadows Rule All and seeing how this trilogy ends. Thank you Entangled teen for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review! True rating 3.5 out of 5.

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(4.5 stars rounded up to a 5)

The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen is a YA fantasy romance with paranormal elements, and the second book in the Dominions trilogy.

Mereneith is the hidden twin, meant to die for her slightly older sister Tabra--the true queen of Aryd--or to take her place if she were to perish first. Trying to stay hidden from the evil King Eidolon, Mere travels with a ragtag group of friends, including Reven the Shadowraith, who has stolen her heart though their love is forbidden.

When I started reading this book, I accidentally stayed up until 3 am and read to nearly the mid-way point. I also ended up staying up until 3 am to finish the book a few days later. It is very compulsively readable.

If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you'll have a good time with this one too. We pick up right where we left off with our faves on the run from Eidolon. There's a bit more adventure in this installment, as our characters go globe-hopping a bit.

Some of the author's greatest strengths in this series so far are her descriptions and her world building. I found the pacing of this book a bit better than the pacing of the first book. There are a few more steamy scenes here, and another sex scene that does not fade to black.

I am very excited for the final book in the trilogy, which is planned for publication next year.

Tropes in this book include: secret twin, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, forced proximity, dark fantasy, queer side character (sapphic)

CW: abduction, violence, death, murder, mind control

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To say I am in love with this series so far is an understatement!

Last time we saw Meren she had been caught by
Eidolon and now we're back with Meren, Reven and the gang and what followed was explosive!

Here we have new friends, old foes, quests and heartfelt, emotional moments in this high stakes, fast paced, intense plot! I loved every minute!

Also I have a statement to make....MEREN AND REVEN MAKE MY LIFE!!!

'Forever. In this life and every life hereafter.'

This was a solid second book. That ending though. Next book please!

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This book is all sorts of amazing! I could not put it down! You get to learn so much more about Nova, see some of the different dominions, and meet new characters. I loved all the sass, the fights, the romance, and fantasy. Omg the betrayals! This book has it all!!!

Abigail Owen writes such beautiful characters. You can see their personalities as they come to life. I loved everything we found out about the other dominions and the significance of Meren's pendant. I loved that we got a second pov out of Reven, but I do wish there was just a little more.

I can't wait for the conclusion, the cover is every bit as beautiful!!!

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