The Stolen Heir

Eight years have passed since the tumultuous Battle of the Serpent, but peace remains elusive in the land of Elfhame. In the frigid north, Lady Nore of the Court of Teeth has reclaimed the hauntingly cold Ice Needle Citadel. Wielding an ancient and malevolent relic, she creates monstrous beings from stick and snow to carry out her vengeful plans.

Meanwhile, Suren, the erstwhile child queen of the Court of Teeth and once the sole arbiter of power over her mother, Lady Nore, has found refuge in the human world. Living a feral existence in the untamed woods, Suren is tormented by the memories of her cruel past. To pass the time and find some semblance of purpose, she frees mortals from their misguided bargains. She believes herself forgotten, a lost soul until the menacing storm hag, Bogdana, pursues her through the darkened streets.

In a twist of fate, Suren’s escape is orchestrated by none other than Prince Oak, the enchanting heir to Elfhame and a figure she once despised. Prince Oak, who is now seventeen, stands before her—charming, breathtakingly beautiful, and cunning. He is driven by a mission that will take him deep into the north, a journey fraught with danger and deception, and he seeks Suren’s help.

The request is not without its complications. Accepting Oak’s proposition demands that Suren fortify her heart against the boy she once knew and now regards with suspicion. The stakes are high, requiring her to confront the nightmares she thought she had buried in the past. The cunning prince presents a complex challenge, one where trust is tenuous and alliances are tested.

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black is a riveting fantasy that delves deep into the realms of magic, betrayal, and courage. The tale unfolds with a rich tapestry of characters and intricate plots, making it an enthralling continuation for fans of the world of Elfhame. Black's masterful storytelling ensures that readers are gripped from the very first page, experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as the protagonists navigate their perilous paths.

Immerse yourself in a world where the stakes are life and death, and every decision carries profound consequences. The journey through the icy north with Suren and Oak is one filled with haunting beauty and chilling suspense, making The Stolen Heir an unforgettable addition to Holly Black's extraordinary body of work.