Book Review: The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3) by Cinda Williams Chima
Publication Date: August 30th, 2011
Format: Library Book

Han Alister 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 thief-turned-wizard Han Alister 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 that might not be enough.

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

From the last book, The Exiled Queen, we know that Raisa had been kidnapped by the magicians that attended the same school of her and Han Alister. She manages to escape their grasp, but she never realized just how much people outside her home really dislike her and her kingdom. Or, well... that may have been putting it a little bit too lightly.

In fact, if it wasn't for Han Alister accidentally finding her injured and close to death due to poisoning, she most likely wouldn't have made it. But he saved her thinking that she was Rebecca- the girl that trained him in proper manners so he could fit in with the proper audience with a more proper voice. But once he does, he realizes there's so much more at stake involving the bargain he made a while back... and knowing just how unrealistic it is for him to fall in love with a girl like her. Even if it is already too late.

As Raisa quickly gets back in the usual routine of learning how to become a proper queen, attempts on her life are still being made. But Alister- being in a room right next to her- is determined to keep her safe... and determined to see her rule like a proper queen should. Even if it is without him by her side.

There's a lot going on- most of it political at this point. It's difficult to understand who to trust, entirely, and how things should go. I think, needless to say, I wouldn't want to be in Raisa's shoes. There's so much going on that I could barely keep up with a lot of things. There are a lot of things that need to change in her kingdom, but it's going to take a whole lot more than just a simple change in ruling.

It's going to take a lot to sway her people into supporting her into a better world, even if Raisa has seen how things are outside her castle walls. I'm interested to see how she handles this position as a young woman- as a seventeen year old. There's a lot riding on her shoulders and... I'm curious if she can handle it. But she has a good support behind her... I'm interested in how this ends.

I fell in love with the characters, despite the little downfalls in this book. It's not the best in fantasy, in my opinion, but I find myself reading this series for the characters and the hopes that things will work out in the end. It's a bit too long, in my opinion, though and I feel like it can afford itself to be slightly cut down... but I still love the book.

If you like fantasy books and reading mostly for interesting characters, this might be the book for you. c: