The Stolen Heir by Holly Black

#1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black returns to the opulent world of Elfhame in the first book in a thrilling new duology, following Jude's brother Oak, and the changeling queen, Suren. A reluctant prince. A runaway queen. And a quest that may destroy them both.

Super fun to read as always. Wren was an interesting character to read about, and so was Oak. You guess what's coming from miles away but then get to see it unravel to a satisfying end.

Loved the main trio (quadruple counting Hyacinthe). Their dynamic was fun even though Tiernan was understandably a bit prickly.
Oak was hilarious and delirious!
Wren was that quote from Six of Crows: “When everyone knows you're a monster, you needn't waste time doing every monstrous thing.”

God I love this world. Enjoyed every second of reading this delightful book

This was a very very good book, but I DESPISED the ending.

First of all, I really loved Oak & Wren/Suren but the fact he was lying to her was so so obvious the entire book. Wren knows fae can't lie and still she only realises his scheme in the last 20 mins or so? And then she gets angry about it, EVEN THO SHE DID WHAT SHE WAS NEEDED FOR (namely to command Lady Nore) so most of the plan was STILL TRUE.

Besides, Wren literally heard him say “I would never kill her.”
I just didn't think her suddenly placing the bridle on him (after explicitly stating everyone and everything hates the thing including herself and it would be better if it was destroyed) made any sense. Especially for her character who didn't seem like the type to want power.

I really liked the quest aspect of this book and to see the consequences of the ending of Queen of Nothing but the “scheme” from Oak fell short (simply bc I couldn't see or understand why he would keep this from her?) and the ending of this book definitely felt rushed.

I do however look forward to the next installment