In Thorn Queen, Eugenie Markham finds she must straddle the two worlds of her new life with even greater difficulty than before. And what awaits at the end is the ultimate question, the decision: will she embrace or abandon the prophesied destiny that is to be her future? Who will be at her side?

Mead punctuates this ever-present conflict by weaving back and forth from the Otherworld to Eugenie's human life back in Tucson. Her not-so-humble beginnings that had begat the legacy of Odile Dark Swan may have taken a backseat to her newest duties. Fans will relish in this departure delving into the otherworldly realm, and the next stage of evolvement of this character.

And that is the focus of Mead's second installment. Eugenie's duties in Tucson, her old job seems to have faded in importance, a mere afterthought, with comparison to her new burden as Queen. Her lands, and her subjects need her. There is commerce, brigands and famine in which to deal with. There is a potential alliance with she and her sister. And the decision to make about two very real men in her life: Kiyo and Dorian. A decision that comes on the heels of a crucial event and changes her life forever.

There is also the portent, a foreshadowing, that Mead touches on. Is Eugenie more like her father or herself? Will she be the Storm Queen or the Thorn Queen? It is anyone's guess. Either way devoted readers (like myself) will be avidly rooting for the next book to come out and eagerly devouring it. Especially now that she's got the right guy at her side (not giving it away, though I so want to!) Hey I bet the next one will be called Storm Queen? Ya think? ( )

Great Follow up book. I was pleased with the character progression. I did like Kiyo, but his soapbox was a little too high. Dorian, while honest, still has ulterior motives and wants to rule the entire world. Hopefully, Eugenie can tone him down :D

Can't wait for the third book. ( )

Eugenie found herself Queen of Thorn Land after killing it's last owner, she's no where near happy about it, but her sense of responsibility gets her to come back of Otherworld once in a while to make sure her land doesn't perish without her around. While travelling to visit Kiyo's pregnant ex, Eugenie discovers that her subjects are tortured by famine and aridity. But it's not the only extend of their problems; young girls have been disappearing for quite a while now. The Queen is gonna takes matters in her hands and do all she can to help her people, but it won't be easy task.

Her love life is no where near easy either. She's in a relationship with Kiyo but have an hard time making her mind around the fact that he is spending a lot of time with is pregnant ex (who wouldn't) and about to have a baby of his own, while she won't allow herself to have one scared to fulfill the prophecy. Dorian is still around, poking in her life and teasing her like he can so well! Nothing to ease matters!

Did I ever mention how I LOVE Richelle Mead's books? Well this is no exception! Storm Born was great but Thorn Queen is awesome! Eugenie is facing so many questions and moral issues it's a wonder she is still sane. Dealing with her sister, her lovers, her land, demons and humans problems, Eugenie got her plate full. But it's not gonna stop her and that's what I like about the girl; her insecurities are so real to. I was also really fond of Dorian in Storm Born and now I'm in love with the guy! He is just awesome.

If you haven't started this series yet, well run and go buy it! now! Beware that this isn't a young adult series and there are some pretty steamy sex scenes to provide you very neat images *winks* ( )

I had been looking forward to the follow up of Storm Born for quiet some time, so I was surprised when I didn't like it more than I did. Don't get me wrong it was still good but I couldn't put Storm Born down. It might have had something to do with reading it right after Shiver and Destined For An Early Grave. Two great books!

If Eugenie thought she had problems in the first book then she's in for a big surprise. She goes through some very hard things in this one and you can't help but feel heartbroken for her. And all this happens while she is learning how to use and control her powers.

I very much love Dorian even if he does get a little "Let's take over the world." crazy sometimes. He still makes me think Kiyo who?

This one seems to be a stepping stone book of sorts. Something she had to go to to get to the next chapter of her life. All in all I enjoyed this one and I have a feeling that the next installment will be even better. ( )

Eugenie Markham is half human and half faery and is still trying to balance her life of two worlds and two lovers. Now she is the Thorn Queen of Thorn Land and life is getting more difficult as she is spending more time in the Otherworld. Her powers are getting stronger and more deadly. But is this what she wants?

Thorn Queen is the second book in the Dark Swan series and having just read the first, Storm Born, I was able to drift straight back into the story with ease. The writing is easy going and the story grabs you from the first few pages. As with the first book the worlds described are vivid and the characters are well rounded and likable. There is plenty of action, in the bedroom as well at out of it, combined with lots of suspense. Eugenie grows into her powers more, although she is still uncertain if she actually wants them.

Thorn Queen is a bit more serious than Storm Born, there are a few humourous touches but not many. It is slightly darker too, but this only adds more depth to the story and I found myself becoming further involved with Eugenie's character and subsequently liking her more and more.

Verdict:

Eugenie is a terrific heroine; feisty, strong and sexy too. I look forward to reading more about her as the series progresses. I definitely recommend this book. It's a really great read! ( )