The Stolen Heir: A Novel of Elfhame: The Stolen Heir, Book 1
Faerie queen in exile plots revenge in captivating fantasy.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Stolen Heir is the first volume of a new fantasy duology by Holly Black (The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King). Suren, child queen of the Court of Teeth, has exiled herself to the human world, where she fixes the bad bargains made by mortals. Her world is turned upside-down by the arrival of her long-lost love, 17-year-old Prince Oak, to whom she was once promised in marriage but who betrayed her. There's a low level of violence by magic and swordplay, without much blooodshed, and monsters made of sticks and snow. A couple kisses and cuddles, infrequently and mostly offscreen, and there are vague references to past romantic dalliances.
Community Reviews
A solid addition to the world of Elfhame
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What's the Story?
As THE STOLEN HEIR opens, Suren thinks she gave up court intrigue years ago, but her mother has different ideas for her. Now Suren must travel to the Ice Needle Citadel, in the company of the boy to whom she was once betrothed, all while fighting off monsters made from sticks and snow.
Is It Any Good?
It can be fun to watch fantasy writers experiment with new characters, and this spin-off offers ample evidence that author Holly Black was ready for a change-up. Black works at her usual high standards, offering plenty of action and whip-smart dialogue. Suren is crafty yet vulnerable, often surprising herself with what she's capable of. Prince Oak is the perfect male lead for The Stolen Heir, constantly keeping Suren on her toes as they test each other's trustworthiness. If it's court intrigue you want, The Stolen Heir overflows with it, artfully setting the stage for the conclusion of the duology.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Stolen Heir and how it reflects Celtic mythology and folklore. Why are fantasies about faerie folk so popular?
What would it be like to never be able to tell a lie?Would such a rule make your life easier or more difficult?
What are some of the civic challenges of monarchies? Why are some governments based on bloodlines?
Book Details
- Author: Holly Black
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Fairy Tales, Great Girl Role Models, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: January 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 358
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: January 27, 2023
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