The Crowded Shadows

Starred review from May 10, 2010
This powerful, page-turning sequel to 2009's The Poison Throne follows Wynter Moorehawke as she struggles to find Alberon, the so-called Rebel Prince, and discover the true nature of the rift between him and his father, King Jonathon of the Southlands. Wynter surmounts innumerable dangers with a little help from her friends: Razi, the king's other son, and Christopher Garron, with whom she's falling in love. Hiding their true identities from royal forces and outlaws, attempting to evade the dreaded Loup-Garou slavers, the trio find love, passion, death, and betrayal along their path. Hints of an alliance between Alberon and the fanatical ruler of a neighboring land add a dark note. Compelling and complex, romantic and suspenseful, populated by memorable characters and intricately detailed, this impressive middle volume will leave readers demanding the conclusion.