Review: The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2)
by Elizabeth May
Yesterday, I reviewed book 1 in The Falconer trilogy and today I bring you my review for The Vanishing Throne, book 2 in the series by Elizabeth May. I am already reading my ARC of book 3, so be on the lookout for that review soon too.
The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2) by Elizabeth May
Category: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publication: June 21st, 2016; Chronicle Books
Purchase: Amazon
Everything she loved is gone.
Trapped. Aileana Kameron, the Falconer, disappeared through the fae portal she was trying to close forever. Now she wakes in an alien world of mirrors, magic, and deception—a prisoner of the evil fae Lonnrach, who has a desperate and deadly plan for his new captive.
Tortured. Time after agonizing time Lonnrach steals Aileana’s memories, searching for knowledge to save his world. Just when she’s about to lose all hope, Aileana is rescued by an unexpected ally and returns home, only to confront a terrifying truth. The city of Edinburgh is now an unrecognizable wasteland. And Aileana knows the devastation is all her fault.
Transformed. The few human survivors are living in an underground colony, in an uneasy truce with a remnant of the fae. It is a fragile alliance, but an even greater danger awaits: the human and fae worlds may disappear forever. Only Aileana can save both worlds, but in order to do so she must awaken her latent Falconer powers. And the price of doing so might be her life…
Review:
[book rating=4.5/5]DUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEEEEE.
This book picks up right where the first left off. And it. Is. Magnificent.
Usually, the middle books of a trilogy are the weakest. There are very few exceptions to this rule, and I have to add The Vanishing Throne to the minuscule list.
The level of action is magnified and the sheer amount is as well. There is so much going on, but these battle scenes add even more epic flair to an already brilliant story. Seriously.
And the new creatures! Elizabeth May has a gift. Not only has she brought me back to the way I originally saw faeries, but she’s also added a creepier element to them. Plus, just when I think Aileana has circumvented fate yet again, another twist or villain shows face and we are once again left awestruck. I mean, I obviously knew things wouldn’t wrap up in this book. No HEA. But damn if I didn’t expect LESS things to happen here! So now, the final book has a lot to resolve and I’m stoked to see how it all will play out.
I still love Aileana. She’s become even more of a bad ass than before. Kiaran has finally won me over. Derrick is still hilarious (and my favorite!). There were also new characters introduced. One, I completely love. A second I loathe as much as Aileana does.
OMG, the ending to this book! I shouted a very loud “NO!” I wasn’t prepared. I’m thankful I have an ARC of book three, because I’d hate to be left hanging and waiting to see (what I’m sure will be) the epic climax. If you’re not reading this series, rectify that IMMEDIATELY. It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to binge read anything. And this series has now eclipsed many of my top reads of 2016.
