Now I usually don't review the subsequent books in a series BUT this was so far beyond the storylines of Carden and Jude that I felt safe to speak on it. AND I cannot help but talk about books written by one of my favorite authors. Holly Black can do no wrong and I will listen to no slander.
Synopsis: Introduced at the end of Queen of Nothing, Suren, the child heir to the ruthless Court of the Teeth goes leaves Elfham to hide in the human world. Oak, now 17, is on a mission in the North, and he wants Suren's help. Childhood friends that haven't seen each other in years have to work beyond trust issues and growing attractions to get what they both came for.
Plot: Like many books I read, I went into this blind, not really caring about the plot but just wanting to be in this world again. I have to say though that as much as I did enjoy this on its own, it didn't hold much of a candle to the original trilogy. Don't be expecting fun cameos and glimpses into the lives of crowned Cardan and Jude because you won't get that either. All of that aside, this had the same charm and fantasy elements I expect from Black's books. The world was just as fantastical and is expanding even further than before. A fun ride and journey with tasks to complete and with the enemies-to-lovers romance that we all know and love from Miss Holly.
Characters: Oak is no longer the little twig boy from the OG trilogy but instead a full-blown tree now (lol not actually). But really though, this is definitely not the same naive little boy from previous titles but instead an angsty and charming prince that may even rival Cardan in his mysteries and manipulation tactics. Suren on the other hand is also a similar character to Jude in her traits of mistrusting everyone and doing everything capable to prove herself and protect the ones she cares about. I definitely see some comparisons between Cardan and Jude's relationship and Suren and Oaks...minus the attempts to murder each other.
Immaculate vibes and twisty turns a plenty.
4/5 stars.
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