Book Review ~ The Gray Wolf Throne

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3)
By Cinda Williams Chima
Published By Hyperion
Release Date: August 30, 2011

*Received via netGalley for review

Summary: 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 Raisaana’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 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. 


My Thoughts: I've really enjoyed reading this series and this book was no exception. The story picks up right where The Exiled Queen leaves off with  Raisa is trying to make it back to the Fells. The action starts up right away  with little let up through most of the book. You spend a good portion wondering if anyone will be left to fill the Gray Wolf Throne and even if there is will there be anyone left to support/defend  that person.
Most of the questions/complaints I had from book two were addressed in this story. Han finally finds out who Rebecca really is and we find out who Crow really is. I'm still not sure about the story-line with Crow, it just seemed to still be left hanging with no type of closure. I'm sure it will play out in the final book but the use of the character in this story just seemed to be more for springing another surprise on the reader than moving this characters story forward.
While I know this was supposed to be a trilogy and the 3rd book became too long so was split into two books it just seemed incomplete in some ways. Two main problems for me were, the revelation about Dancer and how the book ended. Again I'm sure Dancer's story will become important in the last book it just seemed to be presented and then dropped not to really be mentioned again. The ending left me with a feeling of deja vu and been there done that dread. That being said, I'm really looking forward to book four and finding out who gets the girl and who makes it out of this story alive.


Rating: 4