Book Review: The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen

About the Book:

Series: Dominions #2

Page Length: 460

Publication Date: May 2, 2023

Publisher: Entangled: Teen

Synopsis: My twin sister is the true queen of Aryd. She survives, hiding and clinging to life in the desert, while I reign as the false queen alongside the monstrous King Eidolon. There’s only one escape from this gilded prison: Reven. My Shadowraith. My heart. Only the shadows that he struggles to control are growing more sinister, more powerful.

It’s just a matter of time before they turn on him…and on me.

Even escape doesn’t mean true freedom, though, when we’re still on the run from Eidolon’s unstoppable armies. And when we discover there’s a traitor among us, I have no choice…I must become the queen I was never meant to be.

Because as one evil hunts me, the other loves me more than himself.

And my fate lies with both.

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon

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My Review:

I was super excited to start The Stolen Throne after reading and loving The Liar’s Crown last year. It was such an entertaining and suspenseful story, and the cliffhanger ending made me extremely eager to get the second book. The story picks with Meren posing as her sister under the scrutinous watch of Eidolon and Reven desperately trying to get to her and save her.

Right from the start, this story is intense as Reven works with Cain to rescue Meren from Eidolon. Meren has been playing the part of her twin sister Tabra, and when she escapes, she finally reconnects with her twin. It’s heartbreaking to see what has happened to Tabra, and her situation fuels Meren’s determination even more. When she learns of Eidolon’s plan, she goes on a perilous and adventure-filled quest to find the stones he’s searching for. It’s suspenseful and exciting, and with possible traitors in their midst, no one can be trusted.

I was kind of surprised, especially after the first book, how Meren and Reven’s relationship changes in this one. Reven decides it would be safer if he distances himself from Meren. I understand Reven’s intentions and fears, but his moody, brooding demeanor is surprising. He was so determined to get to Meren, and I thought there would be more communication and connection between them. Some of his and Meren’s decisions confused me, but their chemistry and feelings for each other are still palpable. I so want these two to be end game. They’re the kind of couple that shouldn’t work, but for some reason, they do, and after all each has been through, I need them to find some peace and happiness together.

Like the first book, this one has a lot of intrigue, suspense, and twists and turns. It also continues with amazing world-building, which I loved. The found family aspect of the story is also fantastic. So, overall, I really enjoyed the story. It was a good addition to the series, and that ending!! Owen sure knows how to leave readers hanging in the best way possible, and I have a feeling Meren is going to throw down in the next book. I’m definitely eager to read more of this unique series, and I’m thankful to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The action and intrigue.

• The ending!!!

• The found family.

• the world-building.

Favorite Lines:

Heavy is the crown that was never supposed to be mine, and all that crap.

You have to keep fighting until it’s over. That’s your fate. And I will burn down the world if I have to, just to keep you safe while you di it. That’s mine.

Recommendations:

This isn’t a standalone, so I would definitely recommend reading the first book before jumping into this one. Also, you might want to check the content warnings, as there are some elements that could trigger readers.