A review by katroseknibbs
For the Throne by Hannah Whitten

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 FOR THE THRONE by Hannah Whitten. 3.75 stars, rounded to 4.

I knew going into this book that I probably wouldn't like it as much as For the Wolf but it was still a great read. The universe gets expanding in a way that makes this book fairly different from the first. With the limitations of the Wilderwood gone, Red, Eammon, and company are free to travel around, giving us a larger glimpse of the outside world, as well as the Shadowlands.

I love that the author didn't make excuses for Neve and Solmir. We learn that some of Somlir's story and motivations are different than what we may have assumed in the first book, but he's still unapologetically an asshole. People aren't black and white, so getting to know Neve (even if you still don't agree with her actions) fleshes out her character in a "real person" way. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded spending more time with them in the Shadowlands, but this book is divided POV much more than the first.

There were a couple things at the end that I thought were odd choices.
Mostly the soul stuff. After we spent a lot of time being like "don't lose your soul" in the Shadowsland, but then at the end it's like, fine? Arick coming back to life was also strange to me, since there was a big emphasis of "actions have consequences" and "somebody has to pay for your mistakes". Having him come back negates a major consequence of the first book. Also, I didn't really care for the introduction of Kayu. I knew from the beginning that she was just going to be an alt love interest for Raffe, so I didn't really care about her.
However, a lot of it was great and emotionally satisfying.
I love that magic has returned to the land and that Eammon can't even see/use it anymore. The poor kid needed a break.
Overall, a powerful debut duology. I can't wait for The Foxglove King and whatever Whitten puts out. I'd probably read her grocery list if she'd let me.

Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Orbit for the eARC. All opinions are my own. 
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