Review: The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Title: The Gray Wolf Throne
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Series: Seven Realms #3
Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Source: NetGalley

Han Allister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana'Marianna, heir to the queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And as far as he's concerned, the princess's family as good as killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the theif-turned-wizard Han Allister can be trusted. She wants to believe it - he's saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive - and even they might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hands of fate.

This series gets better with every book. I loved The Demon King, and I loved The Exiled Queen even more, and I love The Gray Wolf Throne more still. The characters and intricacies of plot grow and develop with each installment.

Han and Raisa both have to step up their responsibilities in The Gray Wolf Throne, and they are ready to meet the challenges that are in front of them. Han and Raisa's relationship becomes very interesting in this third book, as well. Dangers and complications arise, obviously, and the dynamic between the two of them shifts. They must dare to trust each other like never before. Han is such a schemer! And now he knows what he wants. That is going to mean trouble for everyone that gets in his way, and I cannot wait to witness it!

The world building is great, as it is in the previous two installments of this series. The Seven Kingdoms are epic in scope, and the politics and war and class distinctions flesh it out into something that feels as realistic and fantastic and complex as anything I've read in YA.

If you enjoyed the first two books then I'm sure you will love this one too. Things that I've been silently willing to happen, happen in this book, and the ways in which those things take place are awesome! I really liked this one and am very impatiently awaiting the next book in the series!