Thorn Queen

Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead

Dark Swan #2

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she's also become queen of the Thorn Land. It's hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why. 

Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature...

Even though she is very reluctant to accept her new role as Thorn Queen, Eugenie still feels a sense of duty to protect her people when she learns that young girls are disappearing from her kingdom. As she sets out to find the culprit she finds things are not as they seem, and that there will be no easy fix. Meanwhile Kiyo has been tied up with the impending birth of his child, and Dorian continues to try and worm his way into Eugenie's life. She'll have to learn to harness the incredible power she has if she is to have any hope at protecting her people.

Eugenie is quickly losing much of her human side as she starts to fully integrate into her role as the Thorn Queen. However, I don't think she will ever lose the most important part of her human half, her compassion. Whenever she uses her powers people look at her with fear as they are very similar to the Storm King. However, her morality and compassion will never let her be like him. I have a feeling she will revolutionize the Otherworld as the prophecy says, but not in the way everyone thinks. I think in the end she will bring balance and a better overall existence for many. Perhaps I have illusions of grandeur, but I just cannot see her turning "evil." She has too much heart for that.

When it comes to the men in her life, Eugenie seems to be between a rock and a hard place. While she loves Kiyo dearly, things have been pretty strained lately. Not only is he having a baby with another woman, but he also doesn't understand nor support Eugenie's desire to practice her magic. When she inherited her kingdom it became an irrevocable part of her life, yet he continues to try and separate her from the Otherworld. Now Dorian on the other hand is the complete opposite. He is overly supportive of her powers and her role as queen, almost to the point of pressuring her too far. It is obvious he cares for her, but you can't help but wonder whether he would be so helpful if the prophecy about her potential son didn't exist. It's obvious she has feelings for Dorian as well, no matter how much she may deny it. I'm hoping she stays strong and continues to make choices based on what is best for her and her people, rather than just caving to either one of the men.

While this book was a little less steamy than the last one, there were still plenty of intimate moments mixed in with the action, making this a very well balanced book.Without spoiling anything, I will say that some of the events of this book were absolutely horrifying. Be prepared for an ending that will definitely be a game changer in this series. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment to see where things go, and how Eugenie continues to grow.

Rating:

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Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, Book 2)

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Outdo Yourself
Horror and Urban Fantasy