Member Reviews

I absolutely loved Holly's Folk Of The Air series, it helped spur my love for YA fantasy! You can imagine how happy I was when I found out she was bring out a duology set in the same world. I loved this book. Cannot wait to finish the book!

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Thank you NetGalley for the preview! I thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 chapters provided. I will admit I am usually hesitant to read spin-off books, but Suren was a delightfully feral, and I cannot wait to read the full story.

(3 stars because I want to read the rest of the book first)

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Hard to rate a sampler, but well, three chapters in, and now I need to know what happens next, so the sampler has definitely done it's job!

A couple of slight criticisms, I read this sampler straight after finishing The Queen of Nothing from the original Folk of the Air trilogy that The Stolen Heir continues, so I could dive straight in, for anyone who has left it a bit longer since reading the trilogy, or who hasn't read the trilogy, you might want to catch up. This book is based on two side characters from the original trilogy, and, while their history is explained gradually throughout the first three chapters, it is easier reading with prior knowledge of who they are. Having said that, I found Oak's character description a bit jarring at first because it seemed to contradict the image I had of him from the previous books, in fact his character seemed to be described as exactly what Jude had worked to avoid. Further in, it became clear that this is because it is Wren's perception of him, and that is based on a part of their past which we learn of right at the end of the third chapter, but it still feels more like a way to turn their relationship into enemies-to-lovers, because that is what made The Folk of The Air so popular. I kind of wish we didn't seem to be going down the same enemies-to-lovers spoilt princeling who may turn out to be all right in the end route so soon, but maybe it will surprise me. I really want an expansion of The Folk of the Air series, but I hope it's not just a repetition of it.

Despite my misgivings though, I was really intrigued with Suren in the Queen of Nothing, so am pleased that we get to read her story, I will definitely be reading more, I love all of the creatures, the world, the interactions with the mortal world, and though the plot/heist/quest set-up was done rather obviously, maybe slightly heavy-handedly, it is a compelling start to this new story, and I'm excited for it!

Also, a bit random, but loved the nod to the game Pass The Pigs, and now I want to go and buy that, haven't played in years!

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I loved Her Cruel Prince series, one of my favourite fantasy/fae stories I’ve ever read. Will be getting this book soon as it’s payday. Already been pulled in to buy it! Great read so far.

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this has made me even more excited to read the whole book, its rich and promising and has fully drawn me in.
we already know this is going to be good based off the cruel prince series and this has confirmed it with only a small part of the book
although its only a snippet, the set up of the plot and the presentation of our new characters is clever and intense, leading us to want to continue and take it further.
i can't give a full review as a sampler only provides so much, but this is strong and a well constructed start to the book and i'm looking forward to going back into elfhame some more

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Only read the sample but my god! I want to carry on! I can not wait to get the full copy tomorrow! I pre ordered this as soon as I heard it was coming out and then was offered the 3 chapter sample and it did not disappoint just made me want to continue to read on!

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4.5 stars! ⭐️

I managed to get my hands on the whole book so my review below is for the whole book:

What kind of enchantment did Holly Black put on this book?

Both Oak and Wren were so charismatic and enticing and I can't wait to continue this new chapter of Oak's life.

I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails with anxiety in the last 25% of this book, and I loved it so much.

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Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I wasn't already excited to dive back into this world these three chapters have certainly cemented it. Little tiny Oak is all grown up and having adventures of his own.

Looking forward to getting my hands on a full copy of this.

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The way this has me so excited for the full book! I cannot wait to dive back into this world. Full review to come!

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Many thanks to Netgalley, Bonnier books UK, and the author, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The folk of the air trilogy is one of my all time favorite fantasy books and I am so excited for this book!! The sampler gave me a taste of what to expect and trust me I'm even more excited if that's even possible!!

The stolen heir follows the story of Suren i.e., Wren as she likes to be called and our sweet little boy oak!! Who ain't lite anymore!!

He's all grown up and I feel like a fond elder sister!!

I cannot wait to read the rest of the book🤌🏽

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I love the Folk of the Air trilogy, and I was excited to read this book. For me, I'm not sure that this is a necessary spin off. I loved getting to know Wren more, she was an interesting character in QoN and I liked seeing a more in depth character.
I found that this book had a lot of travelling and limited plot in it. I think that it could be great, but for me it was a bit too much walking and not quite enough action. I probably went in with high expectations as there was so much angst and drama with Jude and Carden, but Wren and Oak just didn't have that chemistry.
Good book, I want to read the sequel, just not quite what I wanted.

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I loved these sample chapters! They are very engaging and I feel very invested in Wren's story - I really want to read the book to find out if she is ever able to return home. The only thing is - I might have to reread the books before diving into this one. I didn't feel too out of place - I understood everything that was going on - but I want to remind myself of the character's roles in the previous books, particularly Wren's parents!

Excellent chapters! I'm delighted to say this was the first book I started in 2023.

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This review is based on 3 chapter sampler of The Stolen Heir, provided by NetGalley.

Wren, once Queen Suren of the Court of Teeth, is hiding in the mortal world, watching over her mortal ‘unfamily’ and breaking faerie curses, when she is captured by Oak, the Prince of Elfhame. Oak needs Wren’s assistance to thwart the plans of Wren’s mother, Lady Nore, which means Wren must return to Faerie.

Wren is an engaging character, and I found myself immediately invested in her point of view. As with the previous Elfhame novels there is plenty of intrigue and I’m eager to read the rest of the story. If you are planning to read this book, I would recommend reading the Folk of the Air series first, as it seems that events and characters in that series will play a major part in this new duology. Overall, I’m very excited to read the completed novel, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of Wren.

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Thank you so much Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read a sampler for The Stolen Heir. 3 whole chapters...Merry Christmas to me 🎉

The Stolen Heir is one of my most anticipated reads for 2023 and I have to say what I've read so far does not disappoint. This was a great introduction into Surens world.

Holly Black has such a magical writing style, you can recognise her work and I love that. In just 3 chapters I think we have a good idea of what we have in store and I know there will be lots of surprises thrown in there too.

The book begins in Surens past and we learn how thinks started for her. It got really sad there. I'm already rooting for her after what she's been through in life. Please don't break my heart Holly Black.

Now I reeeeeaaaaalllllyyyyy can't wait to read the rest. Only 4 more sleeps...eeeeekkk!!!!

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Holly Black take my money! I knew from the literal first page (I mean I knew before I even read this sampler let's be real) that I was gonna buy this book! I'm so happy to be back in this world and Holly Black writes in a way that just draws you in immediately. The language is stunning and the prose is just as captivating as the dialogue (which is not something that I often say). Seeing Oak as a teenager is kind of jarring at first after knowing him as a child for the original trilogy but I know I'm gonna fall in love with him and Soren just like I fell in love with Jude and Cardan. I think it's time for a Folk of the Air reread before I get my hands on this next month!

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I love the folk of the air series and this sample has just made me want to read the full book more than ever!
This instalment begins with a new character Wren who I’m already rooting for and OAK is all grown up!
Cannot wait for release day 💕

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I thoroughly enjoyed the sampler and can’t wait to read the full book.
I was excited to get back to the world of Elfhame and so far have not been disappointed.

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Having read all of the other books by Holly Black, I was excited to get my hands on a sampler for the next release. I'm now counting the days down to the release of The Stolen Heir to find out what is going to happen next.

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I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to see a first few chapters of this exciting new book.
It definitely made me more curious for the coming novel. It was a great introduction into the story and I can't wait to see more, as the text grips the reader's attention from the first page.

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As always, I want to say I was given access to a copy of this book to review on netgalley by Bonnier Books. My reviews are always a 100% honest and contain my own opinions. #NetGalley #BookReview #TheStolenHeir #HollyBlack #BonnierBooks #Elfhame

I feel that I should preface this that while I try to remain unbiased I have been a fan of Holly Black since picking up a copy of Tithe back when I was in my early teens so I am of course a little bit biased. The Stolen Heir is set within The Folk of Air universe but I think even those not familiar with the other books would be able to enjoy this. Now we all know I am a fan but I have to say the first three chapters really drag you in and help you connect to Wren. I was already heartbroken for her by chapter one and I cannot wait to see her evolve when the full novel is released. I had already pre-ordered this title but I think this sampler will have anyone who loves a good fae fantasy pre-ordering. I also think it’s a brilliant way to see if you will enjoy Black’s writing style and story telling. A definite five stars, and I hope the full book will be as well. The only negative thing is now I have to wait for the full book to be released and I am even more excited!

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