The Gray Wolf Throne (A Seven Realms Novel) by Chima

I have read this book several times and loved listening to the audio book in conjunction to the kindle version. If you haven't read these yet and you liked game of thrones, the inheritance series, Percy Jackson, or the Night Angel trilogy then pick this one up.

This was a great addition to the series. Chima is a great world builder and she keeps you guessing with her twists. I recommend this book for fantasy, medieval times, or sword/sorcery fans. She also has a great system of magic.

This is the BEST installment of the Seven Realms yet! It's impossible to put the book down.

DON'T READ IT YET THOUGH - THE CLIFFHANGER IS DEVASTATING AND THE CRIMSON CROWN DOESN'T COME OUT UNTIL NEXT FALL...just wait a bit and then read it!

I love the series, and well everything except the end. I'm like -omg why? Right before I finished it I was like go for Han go for Han.
I get to the end and I'm so disappointed, oh us go for the line -no I think not -really why just why?!

My love for this series explodes further with each book that I read. I loved the first two books, but this book far exceeds the illustriousness of the first two books. I am so completely in love with this series.

The world building is as strong as ever. Everything from the first two books stands firm in this book and there are small added tidbits to expand upon those things. It really does feel like a drop in the water that ripples out. I am so impressed with it.

The characters get so much more lovable in this book! OMG, I cannot express my love of the character growth for each of the main characters. Heck, even the not-so-main characters. The main characters have come such a long way from who they were at the start of the first book of this series. They are almost different people. I say almost because the core of what has always made them who they are are still there. They have just matured in different ways. They have gone through magical transformations. The writing of these characters is exceptional. I mean, for example, I never thought that I would feel sorry for one of the antagonists. The relationships that are forming are also a delight to experience. I love the friendships that are forming.

The plot is so unbelievably good! I love how everything has built up from the previous books. There is so much tension and so much champing at the bit for what will happen next. I like how the plot is full of mystery and that there are pieces in place for things that we don't know about yet. I also like that the plot flows very seamlessly. There are no choppy plot points that seem out of place.

I adore the romances in the book. Especially the romance between the main characters. I like that the main romance was a slow-building romance that is still powerful. The way that the two main characters came together was very natural and wasn't forced at all. It is a perfect slow burn romance that burns intensely. I can't wait to see how it plays out in the last book!

Overall, this series is definitely one that I recommend! This series is perfect for fans of the Falling Kingdoms series by Morgan Rhodes or the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. It is high fantasy with a deep-rooted plot, memorable characters, and a vibrant magical world. You'll definitely want to put this series on your to-be-read list!

The Gray Wolf Throne continues a month later from the ending of The Exiled Queen – with Raisa trying to get back to Fells to reclaim her place. Her path is plagued with assassins and danger, and even when she gets back to her queendom, her life is under constant threat. She has to navigate assassination attempts, eager suitors, and has to please everyone around her, but also maintain the ideals of the Throne – all while projecting an image of strength; all this while at the young age of 17. For all her knowledge and learning, she is still constantly underestimated by the people around her, and she stands alone – trusting very few.

Meanwhile, Han is trying to rise in power – to get his revenge on the Bayars, and to also be worthy enough to stand by her side. Her being the Princess Heir had made him feel blindsided and betrayed, and he still doesn’t know where he stands in her eyes, but he has a duty to see her safe and on the throne. He is also maneuvering pieces into place that will help her, but also help himself. It is a dangerous game they both play, knowing she can never openly be with him, and a dangerous prospect for them if they are together. The queendom is divided, and she is the only one who can balance out every part of it, which is why any alliances she makes has to be completely thought out. And though she is headstrong, she is also realistic – she knows her duty is to her throne and her people first, and has to keep the peace now more than ever, since Arden is making a play for all of the Seven Realms.

The pacing in this book is slower than the two earlier books, definitely, with the events happening over roughly two months. But even so, I was not bored with the pace – there were plenty of things happening, with high stakes and enough political intrigue to keep me interested and hooked. The various secondary characters, and untangling their motives also gave the plot complexity. Suffice to say, this book was a good sequel nevertheless, even if it suffered from a slower pace. In the series, it may not be the strongest book so far, but on its own it is still an amazing read.

The Gray Wolf Throne is the third installment in the Seven Realms series. It’s full of action and romance as the paths that Han and Raisa have twisted around each other finally converge in an epic and large collision of hurt, betrayal, and love. Though Raisa stepped on Han’s trust and feelings for her, he still repeatedly helps her and is always the shadow behind her when she needs a shoulder to lean on.

Being in the court rather than out in the world was quite the change, and I appreciated the adaptation of the former street lord to the confines of blue blood life. Alister is just as manipulative and snide as those who live in the court, but he knows better ways to get what he wants. Raisa also has to struggle with the many callings of being a young queen, being pushed and pulled in many different directions, both in responsibility and in love. She’s got many options to marry, but she has to decide if her heart will choose over a political marriage for the better of the country. I like that Raisa has her head on her shoulders, and recognizes the many mistakes and wars that would be a result of an unwise choice in marriage. It’s an unusual thing to see such a high maturity level in someone her age, and I love to see how she takes on the many problems that are presented to her, and uses her mind. She also isn’t completely deterred by the many affections around her, the people trying to vie for her hand in marriage.

The plot thickens with the introduction of the plans to destroy, control, or use the throne. Many people want to have the Fells under their hand for war, for power, or many other things. Raisa has a lot on her plate. I thought the plot overall was good, but slow in some spots. I can’t wait to pick up the fourth book!

originally posted at long and short reviews

This series is so good, it really deserves more credit. This book starts right where the last book left off with Reisa heading back home and Hans still not knowing who she is really is. I was always more of an Amon person through the other books, but Han did grow on me in this book. He has definitely grown up a bit. SO MUCH happens in this book, I felt so bad for Raisa, but loved how she never sat around crying about everything. I really have no idea what is going to happen in the last book, but its going to be a good one.

I love this series! It just gets better and better. I am worried what all is going to happen in the last book but I know most of it will be good. I know we are going to lose more people and I will be prepared.

This book is just so amazing! I hated when certain people died, but there is one that was awesome when they got killed off :)

I was sad for Raisa when Han was upset after he found out who she was.. I don't want to give out spoilers though so I will just say it's awesome and if you love the first books you will love this one!

MY FULL REVIEWS:
http://melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-gray-wolf-throne-by-cinda-williams.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1376767650

Holy crap. Absolutely fantastic. Crap, crap, crap. Why crap? Because after THE DEMON KING and THE EXILED QUEEN, what do I have left to say?

The world is still as utterly fantastic as it's always been. Richly colored and full of life, Chima hasn't let it slip by as a sacrifice to the greater plot. It still plays its role magnificently, hanging out just on the edge of the background and foreground, being its own character but knowing when not to be overwhelming.

I'm all for Han and Raisa but there was a piece of me that rooted for Raisa and Amon too, despite how implausible (even more so than her and Han) the relationship was. It did end up going down the route it was destined to go down (as intoned in the second book, the Byrnes are not about to break the line any time soon, 1,000 years of history supports that). Even though it went where it was supposed to go, I couldn't help but feel a little bit sad. For as long as it was pushed off, the harsh reality could be ignored. No more and it was a bit of a hard pill to swallow. But they both swallowed it because they had to.

The mounting tension between Raisa and Han is just phenomenal. When he finds out just who Raisa is, it's heartbreaking. You want to tear through the pages and slap some sense into him but it's Han. He's far too steadfast for something like that. But they're forced together anyway (in a more professional manner) so any ill will Han does have towards Raisa he's forced to swallow it back for the greater good.

But Han's resilient. He knows full well he's being used but he flips the situation to his advantage. He finds all of the holes that would end up benefiting him while performing his duties and he takes them. He makes sure that he plugs those holes with his desires first and foremost. You can't help but be impressed by someone like that. He holds his own against the bluebloods and he deserves some respect for that.

Raisa is still infinitely awesome. After multiple attempts on her life she continues to land on her feet. Like Han, she's fully aware that she's being used by everyone around her, not to mention being underestimated constantly (bad on those doing it) but she's had enough political upbringing to view things from all sides. She doesn't make hasty decisions and knows strategy like no seventeen-year-old does. I don't feel like I'm reading about someone so young but about someone even older than me for how she holds herself. I love her more and more with every book.

And the ending? Cruel to the point of barbarism. If I'm not mistaken there's one more book in the series yet to come out. How long do I have to wait for that one???

If you haven't started reading this series yet, you really need to get on it. It's such a relatable, engaging high fantasy novel that I think even someone that isn't the biggest fan of fantasy will get pulled right into it. Sure there's magic and wizards and a whole new world but it's about the people, first and foremost. And the people are just so dynamic and intriguing that you won't want to take your eyes off of them. THE GRAY WOLF THRONE is a fantastic piece of the SEVEN REALMS puzzle. This series just keeps getting better and better. I'm going to have to create a sixth bite rating for the next one.

Same great writing and intent that was present in the previous books. Some things were explained to the characters (almost nothing new was explained to the reader). More character development and world-building takes place, though the overall pacing is much slower than the other novels.

It was satisfying to see the Han and Raisa arcs come together to make the storytelling more seamless and not jump all over the place. What I didn't like was that there wasn't a whole lot that went on in the book, sacrificing action for political maneuverings and drawn-out teenage romance. Raisa's inability to define her feelings and the reverse-harem theme that continues to repeat itself throughout this series still grates on my nerves. However, I expected that going in. What I didn't expect was for that to take up the whole novel (with 1 or 2 assassination attempts being the only time anyone actually draws a weapon) and end with a cliffhanger.

Have to admit going into this I thought it was going to be the conclusion and am a little disappointed it wasn't. This release was in keeping with the series with suspense and mystery (almost frustratingly so). So, there was a lot of build up that (with the anticlimactic ending) resulted in nothing happening; hopefully to be revealed in the next book. It was like watching harry potter p1 with the crying and Twilight scenes and drama and then having to wait 7 months for the epic, final battle all over again.

Han is still my favorite character, though in this book he's relegated to the sidelines as more of a love interest than a protagonist. I'll probably continue the series just to see if he can pull off his plan, though I'm crossing my fingers that some of the 'villains' actually get killed this time around, instead of being allowed to buzz around like flies.

The world that Chima has built for this series is magnificent. It is full of complexities and unique characters. I love the political machinations and prejudices that the heroes have to fight, and at times, use.

Han Alister, aka Cuffs, is a fascinating character with great depth. It is easy to sympathize with him, but you are never sure what he is going to do next. He can be kind and heroic, but there is an edge of danger to him that comes partly from his past as a streetlord and partly from his frightening strength in magic. There is something about him that warns you to be wary.

I don't like Raisa as much as Han, but it was nice to see her growing up a little. She is less foolhardy than she was in the previous two novels and she impressed me with her quick and decisive actions. However, she still toys with too many men at once for my taste. She loves Han, but can't have him. She half loves Amon, but she can't have him either. She is still attracted to Micah Bayar, but he is completely untrustworthy and forbidden. She doesn't care much for Nightwalker, but she kisses him anyway. I want to smack her sometimes.

The mysterious Crow's identity is at last revealed, and I was not surprised by his true name. The author has been foreshadowing it for a while and is definitely setting up something big with this novel. I can't wait to see where it goes.

This novel has a different feel to the others in the series. It is a little darker and more dramatic, full of intrigue and betrayal. I really enjoyed this novel and I would recommend it to lovers of forbidden romance, court intrigue and wonderful character development.

Han is looking for his friend Rebecca Morley who was kidnapped by the Bayars, following her tracks and hoping she is still alive. His disbelief when he finally finds her, and his hopes to keep her alive could cost him his own life, which may have been a risk not worth taking once he discovers Rebecca's real identity. Now he must put aside his feelings of betrayal and keep his end of the bargain with the clans, and that means do anything it takes to see Raisa in the throne and alive.
Meanwhile Raisa must stay sharp is she wants to stay alive and learn quickly in who she can trust for everyone has a secret agenda where she is concerned. Each attempt in her life makes her realized how she must not only fight to keep herself alive but grow smarter then her enemies for her friends to stay alive as well.

I like this book, it may be more political then the other two yet it's still full of action and even a little romance. We finally see a substantial grow on Raisa that I adore and we get some unexpected turns in our story. If you've read the other two installments you will like this one just as much as the other two.
The reason I got into the Seven Realms series was that i got this uncorrected advanced copy at SDCC this year, and honestly I wasn't disappointed on this book not even for a second or the series in general. If we are talking about great world building and character development this series is just what the doctor ordered.

Oh. My. Stars. LOVE! Lovelovelovelovelovelovelove. I don't know how Chima does it but this series just gets better and better! Each book immerses the reader more and more in to the world Chima has created. Seriously. I feel like my heart is invested with the characters and the people. I would so be clan!

Often times as a series progresses I feel like it loses momentum. Some books begin to feel like "fillers" until the series ends. Not so with the Seven Realms series. The Gray Wolf Throne certainly has me dying to know how it will all turn out but it also felt complete in itself. Yes, there are still huge issues that need to be resolved (which is good since there is another book!) Still, the book has it's own well developed plot and pacing.

In this book more than either of the others I loved seeing how the characters have changed and matured. Raisa, Han, Amon, Bird, Dancer... even Micah! None of the characters are exactly as they were at the beginning of the series. I think that is one of the reasons that I get so attached! I've feel as though I've been with them through the good times and the bad times, through laughter and tears, and all those other corny things people say ;)

My only complaint? I have to wait for book four!

The Gray Wolf Throne has it all: magic, intrigue, lost love that shouldn't be and yet can't be ignored, assassins, family tragedies & sacrifices, secrets that are revealed and more that are kept and a coronation.

I LOVE this series!!! I mean in the really, really LOVE it, thought this was going to answer all my questions but only added more way!!!!

The Gray Wolf Throne picks up with Raisa still on the run after escaping from Micah Bayar and trying to get back to the Fells alive. Raisa growing into her own, and watching her journey from where she was in The Demon King to this point has been such an exhilarating and at times heartbreaking ride. Rasia is a main piece in the puzzle that as soon as you think you have it figured out, there is another twist in the plot.

While The Gray Wolf Throne is mainly about Raise's treacherous and unexpected path to the throne, we find out more about Han and Crow's connection. I'm usually pretty good about picking out twists and turns, though there is one with Dancer that I did NOT see coming! As with many scenarios in life, things are not always as they seem. This is one plot line that I'm sure will have to be addressed in the next book because Dancer deserves some peace and happiness too.

I really, really want Han to figure out a way to be with Raisa and I HOPE (Cinda Williams Chima, feel free to send spoilers or ease my nerves at any time) that Han has learned from his past and choses to use his powers for good. Cheesy I know, but I just love the story between Han and Raisa. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

I thought I have loved fantasy series before, but they have nothing on The Seven Realms. More engaging, not to mention reasonably lengthened, than The Wheel of Time. Fuller characters with a more adventurous plot than Graceling. Better dialogue and more contemporary themes than Beka Cooper. And more intricate and, well, hot than Poison Study. As a hopeless lover of all the afore mentioned books, that is no small praise.

While I didn't like this book as much as the first two in this series (there was a little too much belly-aching from Raisa and not enough progression in the overall storyline), I still enjoyed every moment of reading. It also helped that though there's still one more book in the series yet to come, I didn't throw this book down in disgust because of an unsatisfying ending. There's nothing I hate more than a series where an individual book can't stand on it's own and I spend the next year totally frustrated while waiting for the next book. Instead, I am eagerly anticipating the conclusion of this amazing series.

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 authentic and fantastic and complex as anything 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 excited for The Crimson Crown!

Continuing in the same manner leading up to this book, this series branches in intrigue and plot development. It keeps getting better. Everyone we have come to love in this series is struggling in some way, whether fighting for their lives or fighting for love and recognition. We really do not know who to trust just as the characters themselves.
It is a great story and the characters are growing and maturing as they struggle with the challenges that afflict them.

(I believe that people should be aware that there is a same sex relationship though very minor and glossed over, it is still there)

I am anxiously waiting for the next one to come from the library.

I am enjoying this series! It's high fantasy which is nicely done. There aren't trolls or elfs or anything, but there are certainly many different races of people all with their own ways of life. There are wizards, healers and warriors, as well as others. And magic abounds! There are even some ghosts..
At the end of book 3 we now have a new Queen of the Fells and you definitely get the idea things won't be easy for Han. That's too bad because if anyone deserves a break, he does!
I'm onto book 4....

Okay, this is the book where I REALLY, like… COMPLETELY got invested in this series. I know, it’s book THREE, but yeah. Everything is building up to some seriously freaking awesome and intense and super cool and scary and OMG moments! I absolutely LOVE the slow burn romance of this series, and the way that the stakes just keep being raised for both of the protagonists. (I also like that the title gives you a hint as to the theme of the book, but the story goes SO DEEP with it.)

Rarely has any author achieved such excellence in high fantasy for young adults. Actually, YA high fantasy is rare, and rich fantabulous world-building with three-dimentional fully-developed characters is even more rare. So this book and the rest of the series are truly a gem in their kind.

Cinda Chima is one heck of an author. She just makes this story more and more enthralling with surprises and twists everywhere. The writing always blows my mind and the fact that she manages to have astonishing writing, magical storytelling and a gripping plot in every single book is beyond incredible. Every character is unique. I absolutely love Han like a crazy person. Every scene is so powerful, so full of images, that it's hard to remember you are not there with them.

I stated when I first read this back in March that feel unqualified to write this review, because I feel so stubbornly biased. My passionate yearning for this book and my bleeding love for the story has made it so I cannot possibly find any wrongs in it. And that is true and will be true for the last book as well. So instead of raving some more I will tell you that if you want excellence in fantasy you should read this. If you like Game of Thrones and books (or tv shows) of the kind, you should read this. If you enjoy romances and royalty dinamics, you should read this. And if you don't read this, man, you'll be missing SO MUCH.

This series started off great, and is getting better with every new installment.

I won't go into the book synopsis, as there are already a fair share of them out there. Suffice it to say that I could not put it down, and that I was grateful the fourth book had just come out when I finished "The Gray Wolf Throne".

I want this series to go on beyond the fourth book, as it is the best I have read this year!!