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Thorn Queen (Dark Swan #2)

by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 10,941 ratings · 593 reviews

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire. She's paid
to bind and banish creatures from the
Otherworld.

But something happened after her last battle. She became queen of the Thorn Land. With her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind, the job's really not all it's cracked up to be.

Now young girls are disap...more

Mass Market Paperback, 480 pages

Published 2009 by Bantam (first published July 13th 2008)

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Aug 16, 2010 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Catherine by: Shannon Doerfler

Shelves: pick-it-for-me-challenge, contemporary, crime-police-mystery-private-invest, excellent, fae, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, halfbreed, magic-mystical-ability, rape-abuse, read-2010, series, were-shifter, cheating-sleeps-with-someone-else

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Oh my God! This book was awesome! The minute I read the last page I jumped up and ran to my laptop to look up when the next book comes out. Not until 2011, nooooooo! I'm already dying to read it!

Well, this book was recommended to me by my GR friend, Shannon. She was hesitant, because our tastes don't always align, but I'm glad she bit the bullet and rec'ed it anyway. I read Storm Born first, so I wouldn't be lost reading this one, and while I did enjoy it, I also didn't think it was that great....more

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May 08, 2011 The Holy Terror rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to The Holy Terror by: The Flooze

Shelves: owned, magic, shifters, fairies, demons, sexy-urban-fantasy, favorite-books, 2010

It's always harder for me to review a book that I gave five stars to, and I think it's just easier for me to point out flaws than to pinpoint what makes a book amazing for me. I'll give it a shot though.

Eugenie is struggling with adapting to her new life of being the Thorn Queen while still trying to continue on as a shaman in the human world. She focuses on something in one world while ultimately neglecting something in the other.

When Eugenie became the Thorn Queen she transformed her lands int...more It's always harder for me to review a book that I gave five stars to, and I think it's just easier for me to point out flaws than to pinpoint what makes a book amazing for me. I'll give it a shot though.

Eugenie is struggling with adapting to her new life of being the Thorn Queen while still trying to continue on as a shaman in the human world. She focuses on something in one world while ultimately neglecting something in the other.

When Eugenie became the Thorn Queen she transformed her lands into the spitting image of Tucson, not realizing that the people would have no idea how to cultivate the land. After visiting Maiwenn, who's still pregnant with Kiyo's child, Eugenie comes across a village. They fear her and ask her why she's punishing them with all the droughts and harsh conditions. She had no idea that her people were even suffering, but with only have knowledge equivalent to medieval times, the people had no idea how to grow food in the desert.

So Eugenie decides to help the people, and she uses her powers to find them water. After visiting with them for a little while she's also told that young girls had been vanishing recently, taken by bandits. This is also news to Eugenie, and she can't help but want to find the girls for them and stop the bandits. This is very similar to the story in Storm Born, except for the fact that it's gentry girls being taken this time.

To say the least, a lot happens in this novel. There are a lot of storylines going on but Mead manages to tie them all together skillfully. Eugenie has also grown and matured immensely, and become more compassionate when it comes to the gentry. Before she barely thought of them as people and now they're her subjects, friends, lovers, and companions.

We get a lot of character development for everyone else as well, but it's hard to say anything without spoiling something. Dorian though, is a complete and utter BADASS. But if you didn't see that coming after reading Storm Born then I don't know what book you were reading.

It's hard to say exactly what makes this book so perfect for me. In a way, it just feels epic. After only reading two books in this series I have a connection with the characters that just doesn't happen all that often. I won't hesitate to buy the next book in the series, and anything else that Mead writes. She has a fan for life.

Here is my review of the next book, Iron Crowned.(less)

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Feb 02, 2012 Elena rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was totally on board with this book for the first 300 pages. Great character dynamics, interesting world, intriguing plot... Then the heroine, Eugenie, was raped. And the rape was nothing more than a plot device. There are so many other things that could have been used to achieve the same goal, plot-wise, but for some reason, Mead chose rape. And she obviously didn't do any research beforehand either, because after the rape bit of the book, she immediately makes the incredibly stupid and well-...more

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Victoria I'm going to have to respectfully disagree about the rape issue. whether or not it should have happened is subject to opinion but I don't believe ther...more
Aug 08, 2012 03:26pm

Kizi180 I am just Saying Mercy Thompson was a freakingly mature and strong woman, not everyone would react like her, I know I wouldn't and she had Adam with h...more
Jan 04, 2013 01:08am

Elena Kizi, I am not actually saying that Mercy's reaction was better because it was stronger--almost the opposite, in fact. (view spoiler)...more
Jan 04, 2013 08:09am

Mar 23, 2011 FlibBityFLooB rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2010, love-triangle, witty-i-am-not, fae-or-elves, shifters, magic, angels-or-demons, loved-the-audiobook-narration, read-more-than-once, read-in-2011, urban-fantasy-or-paranormal, zzauthor-mead-richelle

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4.5/5 stars. A good deal of this book was Eugenie attempting to lose her despot image amongst the gentry and constituents of her kingdom, whether it was through attending baby showers, finding water, having sex to save the land, or searching for young girls who had disappeared. Why did I feel like Eugenie was channeling Meredith Gentry when she brought about the rain through intimate relations? I was honestly afraid that ivy would come curling out of Kiyo or another magical tree would appear. EE...more 4.5/5 stars. A good deal of this book was Eugenie attempting to lose her despot image amongst the gentry and constituents of her kingdom, whether it was through attending baby showers, finding water, having sex to save the land, or searching for young girls who had disappeared. Why did I feel like Eugenie was channeling Meredith Gentry when she brought about the rain through intimate relations? I was honestly afraid that ivy would come curling out of Kiyo or another magical tree would appear. EEK!

Speaking of Mother Nature, it’s hard for me to picture my ideal kingdom as a climate to match Tucson, Arizona -- Eugenie is definitely odd in that respect. Even though I personally lived in Phoenix in years past, if I could make a kingdom to match any climate that would definitely not be my ultimate landscape. Eugenie’s kingdom villagers were convinced she had put a blight on the land as a curse. In Eugenie’s own words: “When Aeson had ruled, this land had been green and lush, filled with forests and fertile farmland. Who in their right mind would turn it into a desert?” Great question, Eugenie -- you ninny! Part of her solution to the problem? A placemat. Ummm. Okay.

Yes, yes… I’m being hard on Eugenie. She’s really not that bad. After all, Dorian likes her, so she can’t be that bad *impish grin* Speaking of Dorian, I missed a lot of his humor in this book. I really loved his character in the first book, so I longed for more of his witty, sarcastic, and playful talk. I was so happy when the author forced Eugenie to “negotiate” with Dorian over copper. Shame on Eugenie for not reading all the papers that she signed. Tsk tsk tsk.. Who knows what sort of lascivious things Dorian could have slipped inside that contract. Then again, he said that he hadn’t, so I suppose he didn’t. Too bad. *innocent whistle*

Unlike my undying worship of Dorian, Kiyo continued to annoy me in this book. It’s hard for me to pinpoint what it is about him, but there is something that just rubs me the wrong way. Okay, I can think of one thing: Kiyo comes off in the book as being selfish in bed. Booo!!!! I don’t hate Kiyo for not killing Leith. I am kind of conflicted about that whole section of the book, in truth. I think that I would have preferred the rape to be handled more like Patricia Briggs handled it. I was a bit skeptical of how quick it seemed that Eugenie was able to recover. In fact, that’s the primary reason I’m rating this 4.5 stars instead of a full five. Well, that and I wanted *MORE* Dorian. MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE! :)

Like the last book, there were even more new types of creatures to be found in the author’s world. As an example, there were paisley suit coated “aliens” who look through windows and do chores at night. (Send ‘em over to my house -- it could use a good cleaning!!!! In reality, I think I would prefer to have Yoda in Osh-Kosh-Be-Gosh overalls gourmet cooking *and* deep cleaning.) The voice on the audiobook that did these creatures sounded a bit like the narrator sucked on some helium or lived with the Munchkins in the Wizard of Oz.

A word used in the book that I happen to love: USURPER! And it was used *multiple* times. Wheee!!!! Usurp this. Usurper that. That’s a word you don’t get to hear everyday. :) :) :)(less)

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Mar 24, 2010 Mel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Maybe it was the big hype created around the book which had me waiting for more things to come, or maybe it was due to the fact that I read this book after reading a lot of PNR books (where intensity and passion on almost every page is a must) which made me not really appreciate Eugenie’s dry tone narrative voice, or maybe it was just me... but it did take me a fair amount of pages to warm up to the book.
After that however I got sucked into an engaging, exciting and at certain times shocking an...more

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Feb 02, 2010 Natasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Thorn Queen is a great second part in the Dark Swan series.
I loved Storm Born and hated that I had to wait a full year to read the next book. But since Mead has 3 amazing series, we get 3 doses of her each year! It's great.
Thorn queen met and went above any exceptions I had. I love the characters and the drama. I liked Eugenie's point of view. She's straightforward, interesting and easy to get attached to even if it's not exactly our type of world she lives in. She has some what of a hard time...more

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Feb 25, 2011 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-fantasy, own-it

4.5 stars - I really enjoyed Storm Born(Dark Swan,#1) and opened this book with high expectations. I was not disappointed! The characters I adored are back with some new and intriguing ones as well. Once again, the plot was engaging and there was never a dull moment.

Plot 4
Cover 4
Writing 5
Originality 5
Characters 5
Romance/Chemistry 5
Good enough to pick up again 5

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Jun 02, 2010 Alisha rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of fae-related books, epic/urban fantasy mixes

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I guess I'll start this review by mentioning what I felt upon finishing this book: despair and pity. Despair for the seemingly unending chasm of time until the next book in the series is released; pity for the next book I was to read after this one, as I was most certainly going to punish it for not being this book. :o)

So. As for the book itself. This second installment in the Dark Swan series revisits Eugenie Markham a few months after the conclusion of Storm Born. Though still the Queen of Tho...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Lacey Ridenhour rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If I have one complaint about Richelle Mead, it is that her world building can get tiresome. The prose used in the universe of her novels gives the first book of the series a clumsy, halting pace.
Having gotten past all that, I was able to completely immerse myself in Thorn Queen and I positively devoured it. Eugenie gets put through hell in this book and she comes out the other side of it, remarkably, with most of her inner strength intact. I'm totally ready to dive into the third installment a...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Angie (Mind Malfunction) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. First Read: April 21, 2011 / Rereading: January 16, 2012

Thorn Queen is book two in the Dark Swan Series by Richelle Mead.
This series is about Eugenie Markham, a strong, powerful shaman and the Thorn Queen of the Otherworld Thorn Lands. Eugenie, Odile Dark Swan, is the daughter of the legendary Storm King and according to the Otherworld Prophecy, she will be the mother to the next ruler of the mortal world. The Dark Swan Series is an incredible HOT story and is expertly written with humour, roma...more First Read: April 21, 2011 / Rereading: January 16, 2012

Thorn Queen is book two in the Dark Swan Series by Richelle Mead.
This series is about Eugenie Markham, a strong, powerful shaman and the Thorn Queen of the Otherworld Thorn Lands. Eugenie, Odile Dark Swan, is the daughter of the legendary Storm King and according to the Otherworld Prophecy, she will be the mother to the next ruler of the mortal world. The Dark Swan Series is an incredible HOT story and is expertly written with humour, romance, and action.
In this story, Eugenie is struggling with her feelings for Dorian and Kiyo. She’s torn between her two worlds; the mortal world and the Otherworld. She wants to learn to use and control her magic but is afraid of turning into her father. She wants to protect the people of the Thorn Lands but she’s afraid of betraying her human side.

Kiyo has moved in with Eugenie but is spending most of his time with Maewinn, the mother of his unborn child. When he’s with Eugenie, it’s about getting off before returning to Maewinn. Eugenie loves Kiyo, but he’s trying to control her use of magic and decisions in the Otherworld. His animalist lovemaking is intense, but it’s all about his end result rather than sharing in pleasure. Eugenie and Dorian are friends, but she finds herself comparing her one night of passion with Dorian to Kiyo. Dorian truly understands her and doesn’t try to change her or manipulate her decisions. Eugenie attends an otherworld baby shower at Maewinn’s castle. Kiyo is proudly standing beside Maewinn, as father-to-be, but Eugenie find herself jealous over Dorian’s consort rather than the bond between Kiyo and Maewinn. Shaya informs her that Dorian went weeks without a consort, a record for the seductively sexy King. Now, his partners all resemble Eugenie with fair skin and red hair. Eugenie finds this brings her comfort, although she’s still jealous of Yzabel.

When Eugenie discovers that her people are dehydrated and starving from the dry lands, she seeks out water and teaches them to thrive in the conditions. She learns that young women in her lands are being kidnapped and promises to find those responsible. Once seen as a Queen to be feared, she’s now their saviour...to be feared. Eugenie and her guard confront a group of drifters who are harassing and stealing from her people. They capture two, but are attacked by fire demons. The fire demons are too strong for Eugenie to banish and they return home to develop a plan. After interrogating the prisoners they learn the drifters are not related to the missing woman but narrow down the location of their kidnapping. As punishment for harassment and theft, the drifters are put on work duty to help restore the villages in the Thorn Lands.

When Kiyo’s daughter is born, he doesn’t contact Eugenie to share the news but instead sends his regrets that he’ll be unable to meet her. She hears of the birth through the royal rumour mill. Dorian arrives to support her; no manipulation, just a shoulder to cry on. Eugenie meets Kiyo’s daughter, who interprets her unhappiness for jealousy of Maewinn. Again, Kiyo doesn’t try to understand her feelings. Eugenie returns home on her own, stopping in one of her villages to check on the progress the copper deposits. She speaks with Prince Leath, who’s assisting with the development of the irrigation system and the local mayor. While there, she finds King Dorian has spent the day in the sun, using his magic to labour the lands. The beautiful King is covered in sweat and exhausted, but pushing forward and putting up a front of ease. In private, she forces him to rehydrate and demands to know his intensions on her lands. She words are harsh, but her heart is warm with gratitude. She realizes that she’s been fighting her feelings for Dorian since the moment they met. She loves Dorian. She loves this man who understands her, but does she still love Kiyo? Could she love both men at the same time? In one moment they’re arguing and the next their bodies are wrapped around each other and Dorian is stroking her body to orgasm. Moments away from penetration, and cheating on her boyfriend, they’re interrupted with news that a kidnapped girl has returned. The girl is traumatized by her captors, her shaman human captors, and is unable to give any further details. Eugenie believes she knows the shaman taking the girls but doesn’t know how to stop him. She contacts Rowan for guidance, but Rowlan only dismisses the accusations.
Eugenie returns to her castle, where she’s discovered the capture of her half-sister, Jasmine. Jasmine assigns her spirit minion to watch over Jasmine, both to protect her people and ensure she doesn’t trigger the prophecy with an heir. Eugenie offers Jasmine a room in the castle, rather than the dungeon, if she agrees to help vanquish the fire demons by conjuring water demons. With a gun to her head, she agrees. Kiyo is disgusted with Eugenie’s actions, accusing her of cruel behaviour towards her sister.

Eugenie presents Dorian with a gift; a sword with a copper hilt and iron blade that he can control with his earth element. Kiyo is bothered by the gift, but Eugenie explains that the sword is a thank you gift for his help on her lands. Dorian and Kiyo go into battle against the fire demons, with Eugenie, Jasmine, and their guards. With their help, the water demons beat the fire demons but Jasmine is too weak to control them and they’re attacked. Eugenie connects her magic with Jasmine and they banish the last demon. Jasmine collapses and Kiyo rushes her to a healer. Eugenie sees a spy and investigates with two of her guard. She is captured and wakes up in a mortal dungeon.

Leith is working with two shaman to capture fairy girls to sell as sex slaves. The ones not sold are used as prostitutes in the dungeon/brothel. For the kidnapping of the girls, Leith receives human technology and the use of the girls. Eugenie was captured for Leith’s personal use; to rape and impregnate before returning to the Otherworld with her as his bride. After a week of daily rapes, she convinces the slaves to replace the drug with another herb. Just when she’s about to lose hope, the drug is switched and she’s able to regain her strength and magic. She calls Velusion who attempts to kill her. She regains control of him and orders him to send word to Dorian. She uses one of the girls as a distraction as she breaks into the garage to find a weapon. She takes out her captors, but is shot in the shoulder. Leith returns for his daily rape, and is shocked to find Eugenie holding a gun to him. Dorian, Kiyo, and Roland arrive. Kiyo stops her from killing Leith, claiming his death isn’t worth the war it will cause. He claims the Prince should return to the Otherworld, knowing a royal would not be punished. A furious Eugenie claims that he must die for raping the Queen and enslaving her people. Kiyo stands against his punishment, just in time for Dorian to slice his blade through the prince. Dorian claims that Leith had to die for what he did to Eugenie and her people. Dorian will take responsibility and if necessary, will go to war against Katrice.
Eugenie returns to her mother’s home to heal. She refuses to see Kiyo and looks to her mother for emotional support. Her mother is a therapist, a victim of rape, and although she’s not happy about the connection to the otherworld, she understands. Rowlan is not as understanding and she returns to her home. When Kiyo tries to console her, she pushes him away. When he says she cannot return to the Otherworld and stop using he magic, she ends their relationship. She will no longer allow him to control her magic use or her connection to the Otherworld. He’s not there when she needs him and when she needed his support, it was Dorian who stepped up and killed Leith. Kiyo accused her of ending their relationship because of Dorian and moved out.
Eugenie later returned to the Otherworld to find her people gathering for war. She looks for another way to end the war, but the option is war or enslavement of her people and Dorian’s to Katrice and marriage to Katrice’s nephew. War it is.

Dorian approaches Eugenie, but gives her the personal space she needs. They talk about the impending battle and he assures her he will take of the battles while she rests. She takes his hand and slowly moves to kiss him. Dorian is shocked and gently pulls away, telling her he can wait for her. Eugenie wants Dorian to wipe away memories of Leith, to have the man she loves be the last man inside of her. Dorian understands immediately, gently and passionately making love to her. Together, they lead their people to war against Katrice.
(less)

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Apr 26, 2011 Emma (BelleBooks) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Dark Swan series by Richelle Mead.
I picked this up and started reading it straight after finishing Storm Born so the story was still fresh in my mind.

The book starts off right where we left Eugeine Markham in Storm Born, confused and still trying to balance her time between to worlds, two sets of friends and maybe even two lovers - if she wanted! Of course her mother and step-father know nothing about her being named a queen in the otherworld, and she would love to...more

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Dec 25, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-list-2009, urban-fantasy

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...more

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Aug 05, 2009 The Flooze rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal, vanquished_2009, owned

First it's an obligation to attend a baby shower. Then it's seeing the devastation her desert-climate changes have wrought upon the land and the people. Then, to top it all off, gentry girls are disappearing from her lands. Even though Eugenie never wanted to be a Faerie Queen, her better nature won't let her ignore her duties for long.

In this fast-paced follow-up to Storm Born, Eugenie becomes further tied to her lands and her people, exploring what kind of monarch she wants to be. It's wonder...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult

Re-reading series in preparation of final book release. Apparently I didn't review this the first time reading, other than to say I liked it better than the book before. Maybe I'll do a review this time around.

*edit* December 2011. Nah, I'll just skip the review. You all know me by now, I'll read anything Richelle Mead writes. Even when her characters frustrate me and the scenarios piss me off, I still keep reading because she's a great storycrafter and character creator.

This is my least favorit...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Yarrow rated it 3 of 5 stars

what i mostly liked about the first volume in this would-be gritty urban fantasy series, Storm Born, is that it is set in Tucson. i love the desert, and have a strong appreciation for non-standard settings in fantasy, since so very, very much of it is set in England, LA, or San Francisco. so, yay, Tucson. An irritating, self-deceiving protagonist, mediocre plot development, and heavy emphasis on sex instead of character development complete the picture.

It does get better in this one. I picked i...more

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Sep 07, 2012 Adrian rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really am loving this series.
Girls are disappearing from Eugenie's queendom. That doesn't go over so well with Eugenie and she starts investigating. Meanwhile, she is still batting off unwanted suitors that are going to fulfill the prophecy.
As much as Eugenie says she doesn't want all the power daddy-dearest had, she finds that knowing how to use her powers makes some things in life easier. I hope that learning to use all of her power doesn't change her core beliefs.
I am excited to continue...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Indiana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: suburban, fantasty, autographed, 2010

[Re the first two books in the series] Enjoyed them! Okay first of all, I'm not sure how to categorize these books. I don't think they qualify as Paranormal Romance because this series isn't yet about the heroine's relationship with one other being. And I hesitate to call them Urban Fantasy because they are in a more suburban setting, not in a city. So is there such a thing as Suburban Fantasy? LOL! In any case, this is a third series by Richelle Mead. I didn't quite get into the first book the...more

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May 14, 2012 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This second installment was outstanding! In the beginning I was getting so annoyed with Eugenie's self-pity and self-absorbed attitude, I just wanted to smack her a good one. A few months have passed since Eugenie has become the Thorn Queen in Otherworld. Reality is settling in on her, that kingdom actually means a place with people in it. Someone has been kidnapping young girls from Eugenie's kingdom, banishing them to the human world and selling them into the sex trade business. Meanwhile, fir...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Primero rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: the-sequels-reading-challenge-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I finished this book at 2:45 am. on a work day. When I reached the last 100 pages I just couldn't put it down. I had to finished it or I couldn't sleep. Little did I knew when I finished it I lied awake for awhile. She just broke up with Kiyo and jump into bed with Dorian after the incident with Leith. It was a good thing that I also like Dorian character or I'd throw the book away. And the hints along the book also told that Eugenie had a feeling for Dorian. That helped a lot. Reading love tria...more

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Jan 19, 2012 Charlotte Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-to-z-challenge

Well this was a somewhat hot and streamy but adrenaline racing book that just had you hooked and holding on, wanting to find out what happened next. There was this part of me that wanted to put it down, to do something else, something different, but the book wouldn't allow me to. there was just a whole lot going on in this novel that it was engaging and intriguing. The imagery seemed to be a vital part in this novel, and although it was the second one in the series, the fact that I had not been...more Well this was a somewhat hot and streamy but adrenaline racing book that just had you hooked and holding on, wanting to find out what happened next. There was this part of me that wanted to put it down, to do something else, something different, but the book wouldn't allow me to. there was just a whole lot going on in this novel that it was engaging and intriguing. The imagery seemed to be a vital part in this novel, and although it was the second one in the series, the fact that I had not been able to read the first one made no difference because it still made sense to the person reading it. I liked the main character and felt that she was very well represented here in the book. She is clearly a strong headed person who knows what they want out of life, but at the same time they are somewhat confused and scared about it as well. When it comes down to Dorian and Kiyo though, I cant settle my heart on who she should be with. Kiyo seems to be the sweet romantic at heart but Dorian seems to be more suiting to her personality which leaves you wanting to side on both parts of the party because at least that way you know you will get it right one way or another.

I loved the whole fact that something always seemed to be going on in this novel. I admit it wasn't the best written book ever, but it was still something! The story was well represented to show you how life can move from one drama to another, it meant that you got this feeling that you were in the story yourself, that you were playing as one of the characters. The book is a little sensitive to read though especially if you have been through abuse or Rape yourself, so I would therefore warn those who take these topics close to heart, to be weary when reading the book. There was clear emotion here, however I wanted to know more about the sister and her role in the whole plot. its clear that she wants the crown and to have a son who can rule the human world, but is she all what she is made out to be or is there more than meets the eyes to her?

I feel that this series has a lot of potential to it and I would love to read the first one if I can ever get my hands on it. A wonderful story with a very adult hot and steamy theme to it.(less)

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Dec 13, 2011 Cristina rated it 3 of 5 stars

I finished this book 15 minutes ago, so my thoughts are a bit jumbled... so I'll keep this short enough. I started this series because I loved The Vampire Academy series, as well as the first installment of Bloodlines. I want to read more of Mead, and for some reason, I cannot get into the idea of the Succubus series... to be honest, both VA & Bloodlines are better than this series. At least that's how I feel. I think that Storm Born may have been stronger than this book, and that this one h...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Novels On The Run rated it 4 of 5 stars

MICHELLE'S REVIEW:

RATING : 4 DECIDING ON DORIAN STARS!!

I enjoyed this second installment in the Dark Swan series but I was left confused over my boys. Dorian or Kiyo? Richelle has got me flipping sides, I think.

Kiyo is doing the right thing by Maiwenn, holding down a job , but his romantic side is a bit wham bam, slam....literally. I know he is part animal, but something is going awry here for me.

Dorian has decided to be there , getting down and dirty with the earth and helping the Thorn Land...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Yazzie rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 11, 2011 Unknow098765 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Where to start. I love Richelle Mead. She is my favourite author to date. I must admit that I picked up Thorn Queen as an impulse buy outside real cheap on a shabby discount table. Admittedly, I did not fall head over heals with the book my looking at the cover but as soon at I saw the author's name I had to have it.. And I'm so glad I saw it. I finished it in one night/morning (once I start reading I can't stop) and it was brilliant.

I love Richelle Mead's characters and Eugenie was no exceptio...more Where to start. I love Richelle Mead. She is my favourite author to date. I must admit that I picked up Thorn Queen as an impulse buy outside real cheap on a shabby discount table. Admittedly, I did not fall head over heals with the book my looking at the cover but as soon at I saw the author's name I had to have it.. And I'm so glad I saw it. I finished it in one night/morning (once I start reading I can't stop) and it was brilliant.

I love Richelle Mead's characters and Eugenie was no exception. Smart, witty, funny, head-strong and the fact that every single male creature in the Otherworld wants to get in her pants, I'd say that Eugenie isn't exactly your normal boring character. I enjoyed the dialogue and relationships between certain characters - in particular the hate/service relationship between Eugenie and Volusian, her unwilling, deadly serviceman who hates Eugenie though she has bound him to her. Volusian, although not a particularly major character was one of my favourites. He reminded me actually of a very evil and sinister Dobby and his role in the novel just added extra depth to the book.

Mead was especially good at expressing what she needed to vividly to the reader. The plot, being so original, could have become confusing for the reader. However, this was not the case. Overall I, on a hole, just really liked the entire style that Mead used/uses. Now onto the main topic of discussion. Dorian vs. Kiyo. Personally, I would prefer Eugenie to end up with Dorian. The entire novel I must admit that I was routing for him. He is dominate and fierce whereas Kiyo is much the same but no as intense and more , for lack of a better word, boyish?... I won't spoil any major details but I must say I much appreciated what Dorian did at the end of the novel to a certain somebody named Leith.

Lastly, on a hole I thought the novel was brilliant - as all of Mead's novels are. I would highly recommend Thorn Queen. However, I do feel the need to warn that in some parts it does get dark and some dark themes are explored. On a brighter note, minutes after I finished it I was eager to find out what happens in the next instalment. Of course this meant flicking over to Goodreads and doing my research. Five minutes after discovering that there was a Third novel I had ordered it as well as pre-orderibg the fourth instalment , Shadow Heir, that will be released in January 2012 (I'm going to be devastated if indeed the Gregorian Calendar does end and with it the world!).. Overall great read, don't miss this one!

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Here is the link to the above review - http://pagenumbered.blogspot.com/2011...(less)

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Jun 20, 2011 Bec rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fae, just-okay, urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 18, 2011 ♆ BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, rape, fae, demons, magic, library-book

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Dear Thorn Queen,

I'm aghast I waited so long to read your book. It's amazing. I liked this book better than the first. Although, the first one was good. I am truly puzzled why Kiyo was such a pussy. Eugenia, you should never had been with him. He basically has a baby mama. WTF. Leave him! He's no good for you. AND he won't defend you. He doesn't understand your power nor is he strong enough for you. He's pathetic. He should be with the pussy Willow queen.

Eugenia, you are the STORM QUEEN. Accept...more Dear Thorn Queen,

I'm aghast I waited so long to read your book. It's amazing. I liked this book better than the first. Although, the first one was good. I am truly puzzled why Kiyo was such a pussy. Eugenia, you should never had been with him. He basically has a baby mama. WTF. Leave him! He's no good for you. AND he won't defend you. He doesn't understand your power nor is he strong enough for you. He's pathetic. He should be with the pussy Willow queen.

Eugenia, you are the STORM QUEEN. Accept it. So your father was cruel and evil, get over yourself. you don't have to be. I understand why you didn't like what Dorian did, but he is the better one for you. He may have ulterior motives but it benefited you. You were always missing a part of yourself. Now you are whole, part of two different worlds. He understands you AND he can protect his own. This squeamishness from being ruthless is unbecoming and I tire of your whiny little confusions about being in two worlds. You can do it. If that pussy Kiyo could, so can you. Learning control over your power is the only smart thing to do, otherwise you are just a loaded gun with no safety trigger in the hands of any person. Suck it up and start behaving like a queen. Kill that bitch of a queen who thought it was fine to have you raped multiple times a day for well over a week. Kill them all. Show them you shall be feared and you will not be treated with such lack of respect. Make them fear you.

Roland is a disappointment. Ignore him. He can't accept you for who you are. Remember, a true father of the heart will love a daughter as promising and just as you. For him not to see how you are just, is his own blindness. You don't need him. You have outgrown him.

I loved watching you grow into the Queen you are becoming. I can't wait to greet you again in the next chapter in your life. Your powers are amazing and glorious. I hope you also enjoy kinky BDSM sex with the delicious Dorian.

Your devoted fan,
BookAddict

I recommend this story to those who have been caught inbetween two worlds and try to fit in. I recommend it to the women who want a book affirming that there is life after rape. You don't need someone to save you; you can save yourself. I recommend this to people who a heroine who can still kick ass even when she's down.(less)

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Jun 06, 2011 Hp Tan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, series, non-ya, reread-someday

Thorn Queen was, as expected, a fully engaging read. It was so full of action, so engaging you never wanted to put it down. But I can't say it was fully enjoyable. People who've read the book would probably know what I'm referring to.

(view spoiler)...more Thorn Queen was, as expected, a fully engaging read. It was so full of action, so engaging you never wanted to put it down. But I can't say it was fully enjoyable. People who've read the book would probably know what I'm referring to.

(view spoiler)[Since the start of Storm Born, we were well aware that Eugenie faced real danger when it comes to those denizens who want to get into her pants. But I never thought she'd actually be raped, not when she was so all-powerful, all kickass awesome. I thought that part, when Leith raped her, that was really difficult to get through. It was so.. horrible.. It's like, I would rather it not have happened, it complicated things too much for me, it makes things horrible. I guess I'm being horrible myself, isn't it? It's like those criticisms you hear often. People switching off when bad stuff happens. They don't want to know, they don't want to listen. And so bad stuff just keep on happening.
I'm not sure if Richelle Mead intended it to be those sort of issues that as a writer, she'll 'tackle', as I've seen on some book interviews with authors (not on the same issue nor the same author). But for me, it was just... nasty, I didn't like to read through it. I didn't like that Eugenie was so helpless, I didn't even like thinking about reality. The aftereffects of the rape, well, apart from all that war-starting, I'm also terrified for Eugenie's mental health and physical health. She had been a hermit before-it's so easy to get herself closed off from all others and all affection. It's so worrying. It's so painful.

I hate that Kiyo didn't kill Leith for her, yet I also hate that Kiyo was right in saying killing him would only start a war-a war that would cause already-suffering people to suffer more. It was a lose-lose situation because, like Eugenie put it, what was it for? To defend "my honour", etc. And yet, how could she not have taken revenge? It was such a painful thing to happen to anyone. She should have the right to exact revenge.. And yet, the decision would have such a huge consequence. It's obvious there's no way out of it. And I'm thankful to Dorian (as I'm sure Eugenie is) for breaking apart choices, leaving no options by killing Leith. That was a pivotal moment for the love triangle, it was easy to tell. You talk about protecting, loving, understanding me? Then help me take revenge. If you can't, if you don't, no matter how rational and logical your explanation, it's a sign of how much you love me. That sort of reasoning... I'm sure everyone understood why Eugenie broke up with Kiyo, and went to Dorian. It was such an easy choice-and yet such a hard one. Of course, what I am more worried about is the state of Eugenie's mind. I'm sure Richelle Mead isn't the type of author to introduce such a thing and brush over it, being all like, oh after (insert some pivotal moment), she totally recovered, and became herself, kicking ass, being awesome.

Truth is, you don't ever really recover from rape, I believe, and I also believe Eugenie will kick MORE ass and be MORE awesome because she has all that fire in her now. All the reasoning wouldn't stop her now-not when she's the Storm Queen. And it's so terrifying the way her story seems to be leading. In a moment of an emotional storm, she blurts it out: I'm the Storm Queen. And intentionally, she uses her magic to choke someone. I never really understood why Kiyo was so against her using her magic, developing it. I mean, I get where Roland was coming from. He didn't even know who she was in the Otherworld. But Kiyo? Shouldn't he get that the magic would help her as a queen, even if it would... change her? And should he really be discouraging her from getting a crown? She IS the Thorn Queen whether she likes it or not, and a crown would solidify her status, and authority which would no doubt be helpful. That left me with a lot of questions, especially since in Storm Born, it was mentioned Kiyo also wanted Eugenie for his personal motivations. I think that was why Dorian held so much appeal-he encouraged the use of magic, knowing how Eugenie felt when she used her magic; and he encouraged a crown, knowing it would help with her status, and also he just understood her in a way Kiyo never did. I believe there was a part when they said something like Kiyo only wanted decisions that were peaceful and good, but not easy to do, or something like that. I think that was a perfect summary of the main difference between Kiyo and Dorian.

OKAY. Rant about Kiyo/Dorian and the rape issue is now over. Back to the other topics! (hide spoiler)]

In Thorn Queen, Eugenie is .. for lack of better phrasing and words.. the Thorn Queen. One part I really disliked though, is how she oh, hated every minute of it; putting on gentry clothing was such a chore; she couldn't even spend a night there when it was she who created that land, causing her subjects to suffer. I mean, yes, I get you're not power-hungry (unlike me :P) and you're not excited to be a queen-at all, but you ARE a queen now, so please just act like it, and stop pushing everything to your regent! It was disappointing how all she wanted to do with Kiyo was make love and all. I expected more from her as a queen.. But I guess at the ending of the book, things have changed, especially with Eugenie finally realising she is a QUEEN. (She kinda needed a crown for confirmation, I suppose). That helped mollify me a little, when she finally accepted that, and it was obvious she would do a great job in Iron Crowned. =)

Oh, and about the plot development. All I can say is Richelle Mead spares no one. In the Succubus Blues series, (view spoiler). And here, well, she doesn't show mercy. And I don't mean just the part when (view spoiler), I mean the part about (view spoiler) and (view spoiler) were doing. That was so heartbreaking, but I guess it was necessary to move things forward.

All in all, (crap, I keep typing Iron Queen!!!) Thorn Queen was a FANTASTIC book and I'm sure glad I bought it. I am SO looking forward to getting my hands on Iron Crowned though I'm not sure if I should because

1) I'll stop doing any resemblance of work, and
2) IT'S LIKE, FREAKING, NEXT YEAR TILL THE LAST BOOK COMES OUT!!!

I hate to join the "OH NO, IT'S NEXT YEAR. COME OUT NOW" group. That's always painful; I sympathise. T_T (less)

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Apr 10, 2011 Bron rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fae, shaman

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Once upon a time a human shaman stepped into the Otherworld to look for a girl that had been kidnapped. This was a big move for her, the dangers of the fae world were many. Little did the shaman realise that the dangers would include finding out her dad was the storm king, finding a sister that wanted to kill her, and taking over her very own kingdom.

Now the shaman is a fairy queen with a kingdom devoid of water (her own doing), and someone is kidnapping her fairy girls and taking them to the h...more

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Feb 24, 2011 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I don't think I'm going to enjoy writing this review very much, because I'm sort of torn about how I feel about the book. I really enjoyed Storm Born and was looking forward with much anticipation to Thorn Queen but I'm left feeling a bit disappointed. I want to preface my review by explaining that I think Richelle Mead is a good author and a solid story teller (no, they aren't the same thing). I find her books to have depth in both plot and characters (she's especially gifted with secondary and...more

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Feb 22, 2011 Kt from A Book Obsession.. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Even though she is very reluctant to accept her new role as Thorn Queen, Eugenie still feels a sense of duty to protect her people when she learns that young girls are disappearing from her kingdom. As she sets out to find the culprit she finds things are not as they seem, and that there will be no easy fix. Meanwhile Kiyo has been tied up with the impending birth of his child, and Dorian continues to try and worm his way into Eugenie's life. She'll have to learn to harness the incredible power...more Even though she is very reluctant to accept her new role as Thorn Queen, Eugenie still feels a sense of duty to protect her people when she learns that young girls are disappearing from her kingdom. As she sets out to find the culprit she finds things are not as they seem, and that there will be no easy fix. Meanwhile Kiyo has been tied up with the impending birth of his child, and Dorian continues to try and worm his way into Eugenie's life. She'll have to learn to harness the incredible power she has if she is to have any hope at protecting her people.

Eugenie is quickly losing much of her human side as she starts to fully integrate into her role as the Thorn Queen. However, I don't think she will ever lose the most important part of her human half, her compassion. Whenever she uses her powers people look at her with fear as they are very similar to the Storm King. However, her morality and compassion will never let her be like him. I have a feeling she will revolutionize the Otherworld as the prophecy says, but not in the way everyone thinks. I think in the end she will bring balance and a better overall existence for many. Perhaps I have illusions of grandeur, but I just cannot see her turning "evil." She has too much heart for that.

When it comes to the men in her life, Eugenie seems to be between a rock and a hard place. While she loves Kiyo dearly, things have been pretty strained lately. Not only is he having a baby with another woman, but he also doesn't understand nor support Eugenie's desire to practice her magic. When she inherited her kingdom it became an irrevocable part of her life, yet he continues to try and separate her from the Otherworld. Now Dorian on the other hand is the complete opposite. He is overly supportive of her powers and her role as queen, almost to the point of pressuring her too far. It is obvious he cares for her, but you can't help but wonder whether he would be so helpful if the prophecy about her potential son didn't exist. It's obvious she has feelings for Dorian as well, no matter how much she may deny it. I'm hoping she stays strong and continues to make choices based on what is best for her and her people, rather than just caving to either one of the men.

While this book was a little less steamy than the last one, there were still plenty of intimate moments mixed in with the action, making this a very well balanced book.Without spoiling anything, I will say that some of the events of this book were absolutely horrifying. Be prepared for an ending that will definitely be a game changer in this series. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment to see where things go, and how Eugenie continues to grow.(less)

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About Richelle Mead

Scorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.

A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away f...more

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Quotes from Thorn Queen

“Dorian used to watch you like a starving man who wants meat. Now he looks at you like he wants seconds.” — 123 people liked it

“The only way to lose a kingdom is if your power drops or..well, if you're killed."
"I'm sure Volusian would love to help with that."
My minion walked near me, needing no horse to move swiftly. Upon hearing his name, he said, "I would perform the deed with great relish and much suffering on your part, mistress."
"You can't put a price on that kind of loyalty," I told Kiyo.” — 62 people liked it

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