An enthralling continuation of this epic fantasy

Phew this book. It was definitely a stay up too late, cannot put it down, it should get more than 5 stars kind of book. I loved the first book in this trilogy but I loved, loved this book even more. This beautifully crafted and expertly delivered epic fantasy novel will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, knuckle biting, and cheering. Expect a roller coaster of a story because instead of a slow ratcheting up of the danger and suspense, this part of the story starts with intensity and just never lets up. The book picked up right where the first book left off. Meren and Reven, along with their loyal cohorts, are continuing to try to thwart the evil Eidolon, the immortal king of Tyndra’s, plans, heal her sister, and save the dominions. The majority of the main characters from the first book are again in this story and there are also some new characters who are introduced. The world building was superb, drawing from the last book and weaving in new threads as the story progresses and more dominions are visited and new characters are introduced. The story includes all the goodness that you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, end of the world scenarios, paranormal creatures, evil entities, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, mystery, secrets, betrayal, revelations, and laughs. I love that Meren and Reven’s characters, despite their unique overwhelming powers and how the rest of the world views them, are still kind, self-deprecating, modest, reluctant, and at times resentful which makes them very likeable and relatable heroes. While this is a YA fantasy, is also a deeply emotional book. At its heart, it’s a story of damaged and bruised but not broken people who continue to find their way by owning their choices, recognizing their scars, finding their strength, embracing life, and deciding to answer the call to do what is right, even when it is hard. I cannot wait to read the conclusion of this trilogy.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for allowing me to read this ARC!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the first book and fell in love with Owen’s writing then. She has done just as well, if not better for book two! The Stolen Throne provided the character development and world building that pushes this story from being good to being great. Owen does an amazing job at creating characters and plots that keep readers engaged and wanting to come back for more.

I cannot recommend this series enough, and I’m not so patiently waiting for book three!

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC.

Ahhh, such a good follow up to book one! I really do enjoy our characters and the take on "heir and spare" is definitely unique to me. I loved the world building and the dynamics in this one as well!

This is the second in a series and the first one has to be read in order to understand what is going on. This is a story about royal twin sisters and an in interesting take on the heir and spare idea. Meren's job is to be the spare in every sense of the word.

I love Meren and Reven together. I feel badly for Cain and I do hope he finds happiness before the story is through.

A five star follow up! The first book in this series was a real stand out for me last year and The Stolen Throne is no different this year! There is no sophomore slump to be seen/read.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book to read and review! All of these thoughts and comments are my own. Some spoilers ahead!

I’ve waited what has felt like forever for this book and I’m so thrilled I got to read it early.

This book literally put me through a whirlpool 😉. So much was going on and I didn’t think I was ever going to get a breather. Usually when too much is going on, it throws me off but not with this book. I just kept wanting more.

First, Meren and Reven have my heart. I hate how much he fights to not be with her. I completely understand it though but I just want them to be happy and together. But, it also makes me feel bad for Cain because I truly think he’s a great person too and deserves to be happy. But Meren isn’t going to be happy with him. Reven is her person.

I’m really hoping that Tabra doesn’t die. I really love her and Achlys. They too, need a happy ending. I never really cared for Omma to be honest until she died. I don’t know why it bothered me but it did. Also, I had a feeling that that certain somebody 🙄 was the traitor and that really sucked because I liked her and I also seen her reasoning for it. Meren feels like she’s losing everyone she cares about and it makes my heart hurt for her.

I know Tabra is also suppose to be the real queen but I feel as if Meren is better suited for the job. She is constantly putting effort into saving anyone she can and I think she has better leader quality. The ending didn’t shock me as much as it should have because it just felt right that people are seeing her as the queen now.

I’m really looking forward to the next book because WE HAVE GOT TO GET MY MANS BACK!!! I’m excited to see what book three has in store because I feel like it’s going to be Meren’s “bad bitch” era. She’s going to do whatever it takes to save Reven and I’m here for it.

5 stars because this is a master piece.

Imagine existing for the sole purpose of being the extra for your sister and then, by happenstance, receiving the opportunity for someone to see you for who you are. To BE who you are—a person with an identity outside the shadow of expectations. And then, imagine, after truly finding yourself, you can be yourself and be someone that matters. That's this book. Mixed with an immense love for someone with nearly as many secrets as you. What I appreciate the most about this story is that both the romance and fantasy plots are equally important.

This is book two in a series that everyone should read. The characters are well-developed, with evident flaws. The world is vivid. Every aspect of the magic system is what it needs to be without feeling random. I love that this book is about a character using their strengths to win instead of someone else's.

<i>I received the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book and it honestly made my week (or my month... I read too much.). </i>

I wanted to like this but the places the plot is going to go are not something I find appealing and also just overall something we have seen time and time again,