Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This is a satisfying continuation of the story author Stephanie Burgis started in "The Raven Heir". This book picks up several weeks after Cordelia was crowed as Raven Queen, and her siblings Rosalind and Giles are trying to adjust to living as princess and prince. The demands of Court and their new stations means that both are constantly under scrutiny by courtiers and servants, and neither can indulge in the kinds of activities they used to: combat practice in Rosalind's case, and singing in Giles' case.

Cordelia is doing her best to honour the promises she made to the ancient spirits of the natural world and to the farmers' who helped the triplets by changing kingdom practices and giving land to the dispossessed farmers. Needless to say, the nobility is NOT happy. So, this book deals with the weighty aspect of power, in that it's one thing to win power, it's another thing to rule.

Rosalind and Giles are finding that though their previous life was isolated, it was idyllic compared to the intrigue, expectations, plotting, and subtly snide words they must now deal with constantly. Giles does not feel safe singing, and tries to use his considerable personal charm to make allies, and Rosalind is constantly belittled and bullied by her lady-in-waiting, who tells her Rosalind is not princess material, from her looks to her behaviour. This grinds down Rosalind's confidence, which has serious implications when Cordelia is attacked and falls into an enchanted sleep. Giles and Rosalind, with supportive nobles, head off to find help and a solution, and the two siblings must find a way to work through their personal problems while saving their sister and the kingdom.

I've already said this is a satisfying sequel to the first book. Burgis deepens our understanding of the other two siblings (book one was pretty much Cordelia's) and how the stresses of their new lives are affecting their relationships with each other and their family. Giles' charm offensive is extremely successful, and he's seen as fun. On the other hand, it's genuinely painful to feel how Rosalind is shamed daily; the words directed at her are insidious, and leave Rosalind isolated, which only helps the plotters in their attempts to return the kingdom to the way it had been prior to Cordelia's assumption of power. I really appreciated how Burgis showed how it's not enough to put a crown on one's head, one has to work hard to rule equitably, and there are often those, previously privileged, who feel hard done by even though their actions caused great damage. It's a deep topic, but Burgis does a great job at illustrating how privilege doesn't automatically mean being right or doing the right thing.

We also get to meet an adorable hedgehog, experience lots of magic, and watch Rosalind and Giles save the day, all in a fast-paced plot.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

It’s been two years since Stephanie Burgis introduced us to Cordelia, Rosalind and Giles in The Raven Heir. Their tale was captivating. Now, Burgis is back with the next chapter in their story with The Raven Throne. And make no mistake, The Raven Throne is a definite sequel and should be read as such.

It’s also a lot different.

This time around, it’s Cordelia who plays a supporting role and Rosalind and Giles take center stage. It’s a smart way for Burgis to mix things up. It gives readers fresh perspectives and new material to digest.

The Raven Throne takes place just six weeks after Cordelia is crowned, and all three of the triplets are struggling in different ways to adjust to life as royals. Cordelia is always surrounded by people and struggles to hear the land she’s tied herself to. Rosalind is being forced into acting like a lady and being shamed at every turn for not living up to expectations. Giles no longer turns to music, trying to charm everyone with his personality instead.

I was excited to see Burgis exploring these two characters, and she really gets to the heart of what makes them who they are. And moving them out of the castle for a while came as a breath of fresh air.

The Raven Throne is a fast-moving read that fans of the first book won’t want to put down.

The sequel to The Raven Heir doesn't disappoint. We're back to following the adventures of a family that will do whatever they can to protect each other, even if it means trying to be someone they aren't for the sake of their sister queen.
With multiple povs, we get insight into each one of the triplet's minds and their struggles.
They are all different and with different skills. From persuasive music, and amazing fighting skills to connecting to land and magic, they will all be fighting in their way against a court of intrigue and the greed of other royals. Since there was an attempt on the Queen's life her siblings are working hard to understand the dangers and keep her safe.
Even if you have "t read book one (and you will be very motivated to collect all from this series) you'll still get pulled right into this story and the author helps by giving the highlights of what happened before so we are never lost. Also, this story of mystery and intrigue wraps us immediately and we focus on this journey against infuriating villains. This author's descriptions are very cinematographic and if you love fantasy, shapeshifters, animals, and magic you're in for a treat.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC. My opinions are my own and honest.

"The action-packed sequel to the critically-acclaimed fantasy adventure The Raven Heir, perfect for fans of Robert Beatty and Shannon Hale.

Now that Cordelia sits on the Raven Throne, life in Corvenne must change.

When their triplet sister became the Raven Queen, Giles and Rosalind knew they would have to learn to behave at court. For Rosalind, no more fighting. For Giles, no more loud singing. But what they didn't foresee was having to foil a wicked plot against their sister.

When Cordelia falls into an enchanted sleep and cannot be woken, Rosalind and Giles must quest across the kingdom to seek help from the ancient spirits of the land. But their family's greatest enemies lurk at every turn, and it will take all of the triplets' deepest strengths to fight against them.

From the author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart comes a thrilling new fantasy full of magic, adventure, and the power of family."

Not only are we readers lucky enough to get TWO new Stephanie Burgis books this summer, this one has Bufftastic names!