Review: For the Throne (Wilderwood Duology, Book 2)

Title: For the Throne	Author: Hannah Whitten
Series: Wilderwood Duology	Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Orbit Books	Page Count: 474

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: blood, death, gore

• Moderate: body horror, sexual content, violence

• Minor: grief

The First Daughter is for the Throne The Second Daughter is for the Wolf... Red and the Wolf have finally contained the threat of the Old Kings but at a steep cost. Red's beloved sister Neve, the First Daughter is lost in the Shadowlands, an inverted kingdom where the vicious gods of legend have been trapped for centuries and the Old Kings have slowly been gaining control. But Neve has an ally--though it's one she'd rather never have to speak to again--the rogue king Solmir. Solmir wants to bring an end to the Shadowlands and he believes helping Neve may be the key to its destruction. But to do that, they will both have to journey across a dangerous landscape in order to find a mysterious Heart Tree, and finally to claim the gods' dark, twisted powers for themselves.

★★★★★ — obsessed
🥵🥵🥵 — sweltering

The conclusion to The Wilderwood Duology was a heartbreaking and beautiful tale that left me with a mix of emotions. It was a captivating exploration of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human nature.

One of the highlights of the book was the deep dive into Neve's thoughts, feelings, and motivations. She was a truly heartbreaking character, and I found myself empathizing with her struggles and rooting for her throughout the story. The chapters from her point of view provided a fascinating insight into her inner world, making her journey all the more compelling.

The setting of the Shadowlands was another aspect that fascinated me. Having been introduced to the Wilderwood in the first book, I was pleasantly surprised to explore a new and mysterious realm. The vivid descriptions brought the Shadowlands to life, painting a haunting and atmospheric backdrop for Neve's journey.

Solmir, the villain, was a standout character with a well-crafted arc. He added depth to the narrative and served as a formidable adversary. The complexities of his character made him more than just a typical antagonist, and his interactions with Neve were both intriguing and intense.

At first, I was hesitant to move away from the familiar characters of Red and Eammon, but I soon found myself engrossed in Neve's story. In fact, I can confidently say that this second installment has become my favorite of the two. The character development, the emotional depth, and the unpredictable twists and turns kept me hooked from start to finish.

Hannah Whitten's writing style is a true delight. Her prose is evocative, lyrical, and filled with a sense of wonder. She effortlessly weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and redemption, creating a narrative that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. I am eager to explore more of her works and immerse myself in her captivating storytelling.

In conclusion, The Wilderwood Duology has left a lasting impression on me. With its heartbreaking characters, rich world-building, and lyrical prose, it is a testament to Hannah Whitten's storytelling prowess. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels with a touch of romance and a dash of magic.