CLP Teens Blog

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Cinda Williams Chima’s “Seven Realms” series was originally planned as a trilogy. However, due to either editorial pressure, a story and characters that simply kept on expanding, or the current trend of expanding trilogies (think Christopher’s Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle) the series will continue to a fourth book. If you are interested in fantasy literature and looking for a series to pick up, then look no further. I’ve just finished the third book in the series, The Gray Wolf Throne and have thoroughly enjoyed the complex and shifting familial, political, and magical alliances. In the Seven Realms, there exists an uneasy truce and balance of power between the power-hungry magic-wielding blue-blood wizards, down-trodden town populace, and rural-dwelling Spirit Clans, who manufacture magical artifacts. In the distant past, all seven realms were united under one ruler, though now all is fragmented.

The story begins with Princess Raisa, last in a long-line of warrior queens, who has run away from the capitol, trading a life of political maneuvering for that of a student. Receiving word from her mother, the Queen, Raisa (traveling under the name of “Rebecca”) starts to return home, only to discover–via the messages that only arrows and attempts on her life can bring–that her mother has died suddenly, and that there is a conspiracy prevent her from ascending the throne. Raisa, with the help of street-lord-turned-wizard Han Allister, must thwart those who would place her sister as a puppet-queen on the throne, as the kingdom faces an uncertain future and invasion from abroad. Secrets are revealed and new alliances forged, though for the real fireworks and conclusion, we will have to await the fourth and (we think) final volume. A great read, though if you are new to the series, you’d be better off starting at the beginning.

Review by Ian, CLP-Homewood