Pages

Thursday, September 14, 2017

One Dark Throne

One Dark Throne (Three Dark Crowns, #2)

Wow this was fun. I couldn't stop reading. Picking up from the events of the first book, we have sort of a standoff between the three contenders for the crown. Katharine the poisoner queen has come back changed from the events of the Quickening, and man is she ever changed. Almost not even the same character. Arsinoe the naturalist queen has a secret that I won't reveal, and Mirabella the elemental queen is considered the strongest of the three. Nothing is settled though- each contender still has their faction firmly behind them, and so the struggle continues. 

There are a lot of characters in this book, and even though I took some notes when I read book one, I still had a few things I didn't remember. For the most part though the story continues seamlessly and the characters continue to impress. It's not just the three queens who are compelling- the supporting characters, like Billy and Jules and others, are as well. One thing about the first book is I had a hard time picking a favorite, and indeed didn't really have one. That changes here, as things get a little more ruthless and I was definitely pulling for one (or two) of the sisters over the other. There are story reasons for that, and in fact the central mystery of the book is specifically bound up with one of the sisters. 

As far as the mystery itself, much like the first book we are given bits of information but a lot remains unknown. It's clear that this mystical island has a lot of secrets, and the factions and queenly traditions are so rigid and bloodthirsty that one wonders what started all this. I expect that in the next two books we're going to learn a lot more about the island, what it actually is, and why the queen selection process seems so odd.  I would have preferred more answers, but I still enjoyed this a great deal. The pace is fast and frankly I thought this one got going a lot quicker than the first one. 

It's hard to say too much more because of spoilers, but suffice to say that if you enjoyed the first book you are probably going to like this. I loved it and blew through it. This is fast becoming a favorite series, and there's a lot more action in this one too. This one was superior to the first one for me, and the moral quandaries they face- do you kill your sisters to win a throne, just because that's what has always been done- were handled well. 

39 comments:

  1. Glad to hear the sequel is good. Now if I could just read the first book...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting story but I've heard that book one is kind of slow which would put me off. Most people seem to like this one better.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome review! I'm really looking forward to this one. I also thought the first book needed more world-building and it sounds like that continues. I can't believe there are going to be two more books?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought we needed more world information too, it feels too vague? That's unfortunately still the case. I'm not sure how I feel about two more books but I'm kind of excited?

      Delete
  4. I really liked the first book, I should have grabbed this one as well but for some reason I didn't. Kind of kicking myself for that now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, yeah the first one was pretty good. I wanted a smidgen more action, but this one delivers that.

      Delete
  5. I still need to read the first one but I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the sequel!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really did, a lot better than the first one I thought. A little more going in this one, I'm likin this series now!

      Delete
  6. I think that now that both books are out I am interested in picking up the first book :D

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hmmm, maybe I should tell the library to get it, they go for ya fantasy

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm curious about this series because I really liked her Anna Dressed in Blood duology.

    For What It's Worth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you might like these, especially if you like Blake. They're dark but not too dark, nice YA- ish fantasy.

      Delete
  9. This sounds so awesome! Stop tempting me, I'm supposed to be finishing her other series before I start another new one! :D

    ~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice to hear there wasn't any second book syndrome going on. I've liked Kendare Blake in the past so I'll have to check out this series. Wonderful review, Greg! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If anything, I thought this one was stronger than the first. Just felt more put together, I don't know. Like the set up is all in place and now she can get down to business. :)

      Delete
  11. I am impressed that you took notes! My plan was that if I didn't know a character, I just pretended like I did and then eventually I relearned them? I don't think it was a GOOD plan, mind you. Just a plan. But yeah, I agree with you completely about the book, of course :D And we have the same favorites. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series too, it's been fabulous so far! And great review, I am so glad you liked it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, when does that happen? But in this case I knew, with all the characters, that it would be crazy. But your plan is good too. :)

      I'm glad we both liked this one too, I'm cautiously optimistic that it will be well liked. I can't wait for book three, we need MORE answers!!!

      Delete
  12. This seems like one of those high-end Game-of-Thrones like fantasy books. That's great! I'm currently on a hive for fantasy too.

    Great review!

    Anne @ The Reading Life (https://goo.gl/XipYz2)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I need to pick this up. I liked the first one.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Glad to know this series is shaping up to be strong. At some point I'd like to give the series a chance, but since I'm working on (again) focusing in on my favored genres, who knows the "when." :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I will probably never have time for these books, but they sound good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great that it was a good middle book that kept you interested and left you wanting to know all the secrets.

    ReplyDelete
  17. So happy you loved this! I didn't love the first book, but I think I'll enjoy this one more as I've heard a lot of people say that the pace is faster and things are more exciting.
    Great review :)

    Amy @ A Magical World Of Words

    ReplyDelete
  18. I want to read about monarchies and Kings and Queen and all that so badly! I hope I can soon. You make this one sound so good! I can tell you are excited about it

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really liked the sound of the first book so I'm of course intrigued by this one. It does sound like it might help to read this one right after the first one so it'd be easier to keep track of everything. I guess that's the benefit of taking forever to get around to books!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wonderful review! I tore through this one as well. I was worried because I committed to review on release and then failed to pick it up while sick. But once I did, I seriously devoured it :) I know some felt that the first was to slow, but it really was the perfect setup. I need the next book ASAP!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Even better than the first is a good sign, indeed! I still haven't read the first one, but you do make these books sound good.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ah, people are loving this so much! I love the cover on this one, it's very dramatic!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm really glad to hear your review. I was interested in the first book, but the reviews were mixed so I never picked it up. It sounds like it gets better.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've heard a lot of good things about this one. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great review! I think all bets are off for book 3 except for a theory that Jules may take over, lol.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yaaaas! I loved this one. I have to say I can't pick a favourite Queen, nor the frontrunner as far as predictions go! And that's great that I can't even begin to see where this one is going.

    I really enjoyed so many thing about this one and I cannot wait for more!

    Great review!

    ReplyDelete