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The cover is steel grey and washed with streaks of cold snow. A floral border rides along the edge of the page framing the cold star of the bristling grey wolf within. If you look closely it appears the wolf has a third ear. Don't know if that was an intentional addition or not.
We return to our heroine Thalia in much the same way we met her, grasping at death from the bonds of her torture. But this time it is only a dream, a dream made of memories. Thalia is haunted by these dreams as she makes her way back to a homeland, family, and people she doesn't remember. She learns quickly that she would not like the girl she used to be, controlling, demanding, cold. That is not Thalia. But even here where she is supposed to be safest threats pile up from every side and Thalia is in danger of losing her freedom before she ever gains it.
What I liked:
- The characters in Chanda Hahn's Iron Butterfly world are constantly evolving, deepening, including for the most part Thalia.
- The addition of a second guardian was a nice twist
- The land of Skyfell with its complex network of wires and birds is a beautiful construct.
- The action was alot better than in the first, not once did it feel quite like a simple teen school story as it came skitteringly close to in the first.
- As a second entry "The Steele Wolf" was a perfect addition to the world, closing up holes and plot lines, while introducing new ones.
- I also really liked the introduction of Fanny and the scene in the cellar with the Iron Butterfly machine. To find its creator in such a way was brilliant, if a little convenient.
- The progression of Thalia's powers are intriguing as she grows in confidence in both her magic and ability in battle.
What I disliked:
- After everything that Thalia has been through she still has the most annoying habit of walking off alone and unaccompanied without telling anyone of her thoughts and plans. When will she learn to not set herself out to her enemies on a silver platter? And then she blames Kael for not being there to help? It's your own fault girl.
- Joss becomes a wee bit of an annoying and pushy character. Which I'm surprised cause I rather liked him originally.
- The triangle as it were between Joss and Kael and Thalia is obvious to everyone but, guess who *eyeroll*, Thalia. Are you blind?
- They explain the connection between Kael and Thalia but its not entirely clear that this action was the Septori's doing or something that just happened.
- Now we remember that I made a few predictions for the story line. My predictions about Kael were for the most part way off base, though I was right in the depth of his feelings for Thalia. I was spot on about Joss being a royal figure! And I'm still pretty certain that someone on the council is the Raven. As far as the love triangle, for the moment I'm team Kael, lol.
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5 out of 5 SmiliesRecommended to teens and adult readers.
"After finally settling into her new life at the Citadel, Thalia is reunited with her father, who is disturbed at the changes within her. Risking banishment, Thalia must work to prove to her clan and herself that she is still capable of leading them. The problem is, her memories haven’t returned, and she cannot shake the feeling that she doesn’t belong.
Thalia discovers that betrayal runs deep within her clan, just as she sets out to join Joss and Kael in doing the one thing she fears most: track the Septori to save Joss’ kidnapped sister. Along the way, she must confront her own fears on a journey of self-discovery that will take her deep into the stronghold of Denai; as they travel to the ancient floating city of Skyfell."
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