Thorn Queen (Dark Swan, Book 2)

by Richelle Mead

Paperback, 2009

Status

Available

Call number

813

Description

Fantasy. Fiction. HTML:Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire, paid to bind and banish creatures from the Otherworld. But after her last battle, she's also become queen of the Thorn Land. It's hardly an envious life, not with her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and Eugenie eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind. And now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one--except Eugenie--seems willing to find out why. Eugenie has spilled plenty of fey blood in her time, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and nursing a very personal grudge. And the men in her life aren't making things any easier. Her boyfriend Kiyo is preoccupied with his pregnant ex, and sexy fey king Dorian always poses a dangerous distraction. With or without their help, Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in an unpredictable power she can barely control. Reluctant queen or not, Eugenie has sworn to do her duty--even if it means facing the darkest--and deadliest--side of her nature. . . Praise for Richelle Mead's Storm Born. . . "My kind of book--great characters, dark worlds, and just the right touch of humor. A great read." --Patricia Briggs, New York Times Bestselling Author.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member BookChickCity

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!

Show Less

17 more

LibraryThing member lizard_698959

I have to say again that Dorian is my all time favorite character in this series. I don’t care if he has motives for his actions he is the most honest and forth coming character in this book. I understand him and know that while he loves Eugenie his main concern is in getting more power. We know

what he wants and that makes him easy to understand. Loved what he did in the end of the book though it will bring trouble in the next. Yet while I love Dorian I’m so tired of Kiyo already and this is only the second in the series not sure what I want to really say about him other than seriously he can’t love her that much after what he does in the end of the book. I just don’t understand how he validates himself his actions are so hypocritical it’s not funny he can kill in defense but not for love really that makes no sense. And he can live in both world but Eugenie can, oh and he can embrace his whole self but Eugenie is not supposed to. He acts like he being part gentry is something she can just turn off like her powers are not a part of her when they are as much a part of her as his fox is him. Seriously him not wanting her to use her magic is so hypocritical it’s not funny I just can’t stand the way he acts. I’m not sure I really felt that sorry for Eugenie at the end of the book I mean sure it wasn’t exactly the best thing to happen to a person but then she goes yo-yoing again between Kiyo and Dorian really I wouldn’t have expected that after everything. Sad to say I wasn’t impressed with the way Eugenie’s character acted in this book. I think she should have figured this out much sooner than she did she should have been paying better attention or at least listened to Dorian when he told her what to do.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Tynga

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*

Show Less

LibraryThing member Badass_Book_Reviews

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.

LibraryThing member nickeemattos

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?

Show Less

LibraryThing member SheLovesMaisie

Terrific second installment in the series. Ms. Mead skillfully develops Eugenie's character as she expands her magical abilities and deepens ties to her people and land in the Otherworld. I'm now eager for Book 3!

LibraryThing member BookWhisperer

I love this author, as a huge fan of the Vampire Academy series, I am familiar with this authors wonderful ability to write a novel that her readers and main character and find their selves in a vicious love triangle. Eugenie is an awesome character that I love following, not all of the hard core

personality, but also a carefully crafted realistic personality that allows readers to really feel a connection. I must admit that the storyline in this particular novel, while enjoyable, was not as flowing as the first novel. I had a few points of struggle when I was pushing myself through the pages. This aside, Mead is a killer with emotional roller coasters and this book just goes to prove the point further. No one can pass up the chance to read a love affair by this author, but I can honestly say that I was a HUGE fan of Dorian after the first novel. I leaned more toward wanting a relationship with this character, and my prayers were answered in Thorn Queen. I have never read a novel that I wanted to push the character into power, especially that which she was being warned away from. I found myself all through this story wanting to shove her into her power. The ending was a bit astonishing to me that once they had found her Kiyo was still the safe contender, and struggling to safe the enemy. Hence, why I was loudly cheering when Dorian stepped up and killed him in honor of the one he loves. GO DORIAN! I am sure that their is much more to the future of the Dark Swan series, and I am anxious to continue reading. Here’s to waiting until early 2011.

Show Less

LibraryThing member SunnySD

Eugenie Markham has mostly come to terms with her parentage, and is trying hard to settle in to her new role as the Thorn Queen on the Otherside. But she's still floundering a bit - okay, a lot - when it comes to her duties as a queen, not to mention keeping ahead of Tuscon-based reality. On the

Otherside her people are suffering from the newly inflicted drought, and young girls are going missing. Back in real life she has bills to pay, a list of jobs to finish, and a step-father who disapproves of her newly acquired magic. Oh yeah, and her lover's ex is about to give birth.... Is it any wonder she's feeling a bit stressed?

I'm glad this was a borrow, not a buy. Eugenie is just not an appealing main character. She's cold, rude, not terribly involved.... I just don't find myself very sympathetic.

Show Less

LibraryThing member PureImagination

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.

Show Less

LibraryThing member JacobsBeloved

I liked this book more than the first in the series, Storm Born, simply because the complaints I had about the first book were answered to in this one. I thought that Dorian was by far a better match for Eugenie than Kiyo, and really, Kiyo just becomes a major wimp in this book. Even his ability in

the bedroom is shown up by Eugenie's mere memories of Dorian - and that's just sad.
The second complaint I had in the first book is also answered for - but definitely not in a good way, as it was about how Richelle Mead wrote Eugenie's reactions to the multiple rape attempts made on her. This book took things much further and really drew an emotional reaction from me. I really hope that the next two books don't revisit this issue. Moving on.
Dorian is nearly perfect in every way in this book, answering to Eugenie's many sensitivities and internal struggles, as well as exacting justice when Kiyo was too cowardly to do the deed. Honestly, I'm at the point where if Dorian says to do it, Eugenie should do it. After all, I loved that Dorian tricked Eugenie into claiming Aeson's kingdom, as she genuinely cares about and wants to help her people just as much as she would want to in the human world.
Oh yes, and some of the other quirks of this plot were quite enjoyable, such as watching Eugenie gain greater access to her storm abilities, as well as her angsty half-sister Jasmine coming to her aid at the end. I look forward to reading the next installment, Iron Crowned.

Show Less

LibraryThing member stephxsu

And I continue to be pleasantly diverted but not blown away by this series. Eugenie is her typical resourceful, appealing, and feisty self. It was cool to see how she deals with her new responsibilities as queen. Once again, though, I'm unimpressed by the love triangle. Kiyo is more believably

flawed in this book, but Dorian never quite does it for me, and I often found Eugenie's unstated attraction to him inexplicable. I guess I will read the next book in the series when my mind needs another break from heavier reading...

Show Less

LibraryThing member HeavenLeAngel

I am falling deeper in love with the series as it moves along. I could not stop reading the last 100 pages well into the night. Any pages before that were great as well. I truly love the long climatic ending! Have you ever read a book where you were enthralled so deeply that when you came to the

climax at the end you were almost sad it was done? Well this novel has that, but the climax continues for a long period of time so you are held in a sort of suspenseful limbo. Perfect.

Show Less

LibraryThing member aoibhealfae

Thorn Queen is the second Urban Fantasy book of Dark Swan series by Richelle Mead. This is actually a reread since I've followed the series for years which have ended earlier in 2012. Eugenie Markham is one of those people who unfortunately have bad things happens to her on days when she think her

day job is bad enough. From the first book, it started with Eugenie receiving an assignment to find a missing sister in the other alternate world where magical creatures live and occasionally leaks into our world. The book subsequently leads to the revelation that she is one of the magical dictator's progeny and one of those who could fulfill the prophecy of giving birth another magical tyrant. Good thing is, she never intended to have kids but it was until she found out that she have a sister.

The title of this book is centered around Eugenie's eventual succession of a country in the fairy world after she killed a king and usurped his power of the land. As the land followed the image of her home, it became a version of Nevada desert. By becoming a queen, she have to juggle her time and responsibility as a shaman in the human world and the politics in the faerie world. This also include trying to control her storm magic and the affection of two man, a japanese kitsune, Kiyo and King Dorian.

What made this book enjoyable to me was that it have more fantasy setting than modern environment like in the Succubus series which I hated completely. By drifting in between worlds, the magical elements in this book is more pronounced and the added noirish detective element would hook you up until you sink. I enjoyed the chemistry and conflicts between the characters, the added sensual heat in the midst of suspense and death was delicious.

I could understand why many have gripes about some of the characters including the main character and have problems with Richelle's consistently trying to not writing a book with predictable storylines, but I enjoyed the series thoroughly and it made me appreciate her as an adult writer than a young adult writer. There are certain ways a person could express as a writer and I think she balanced it well.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc

This picks up almost right after the first book in the series. Eugenie now knowing there is prophesy that says her first born child will rule all of fey and she is trying to stop this from happening. Most of this book has her trying to clean up the mess she inadvertently caused by her actions in

the previous book. There is also a subplot of missing peasant girls in the book as well that Eugenie is also taking on. This was good but I wasn't as keen to read the next one. Not sure if it is because I know there are only two more books.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Cynical_Ames

Ok so I couldn't wait for the actual book to arrive so I downloaded the ebook. It was totally worth it.

Whereas Storm Born was about Eugenie discovering her heritage and inheriting two titles (one by birth and one by accident), three months later Thorn Queen sees her realising that no matter how

much she doesn't want to be a gentry queen she is one and she needs to take responsibility for the land and it's people, half assed as she does it in this. When she sees that the people are starving because of the way the land has conformed to her vision of what she calls "home", the desert of Tuscan, she decides she needs to help them discover water and find ways of growing food but she doesn't want to get too involved because she still sees herself as human and not as a queen. Doing this is an odd experience for her as she's approached by the people with fear and awe due to her parentage and the way in which she killed her predecessor, who did not care a jot about the affairs of those beneath him.

Eugenie's world may be quite narrow in terms of the number of characters and their backgrounds but with characters that there are, are varied - though I would like more personal history on each of them, this is my only criticism.

In this, Kiyo's relationship with Maiwen strains his relationship with Eugenie as does his naivity that she can just ignore the people she's supposed to be ruling, the hard decisions that need to be made as a ruler and her raw unpredictable power. I predicted that he was dangerous for Eugenie but Thorn Queen really demonstrated the numerous reasons why he wasn't just a selfish idealist but an idiot as well.

Dorian is on the opposite end of the scale. He's a fellow ruler so he understands politics, the need to care for your people and the necessity for Eugenie to be trained in her magic so as not to become a danger to herself or others. He also understood that after her traumatic experience she would need space and time to recover. Despite his agenda, he truly cares for Eugenie and was willing to start a war to protect her honour and carries out vengeance on her behalf, whereas Kiyo just stood by and judged Eugenie for using her magic against someone who'd violated her, he never even considered killing the b*stard himself. As Eugenie states:

Kiyo had failed me. Dorian would not.

I applaud Richelle Mead for the way she protrays relationships between her characters, they are completely believable. I think Iron Crowned will see Eugenie fully embrace her new responsibilites as Thorn Queen and as Storm Queen as she prepares to go to war with the faithful Dorian at her side.

Show Less

LibraryThing member brandileigh2003

I wanted to read Thorn Queen because I love Richelle Mead, as well as the first in this series. Eugenie is charismatic, and I love her passion and energy. She is now the queen of a kingdom in the other world since she defeated its king. She is totally inexperienced and didn't have much interest in

it, but as the story goes on and she meets some of the subjects, she can't help but feel responsible and want to help.

She begins splitting her time between the worlds, and trying to figure out her new place in things. She is still with Kiyo, and I like them together, but they aren't without their issues. Kiyo of course is expecting a baby with one of the queens of the Fae world, Maiwenn. When he isn't doing that, or busy with his veterinarian job, Eugenie is balancing her shaman work with her obligations in the Thorn land.

Things get pretty complicated with known issues, and other new characters, ones that are still wanting to rape her, another who is in love with her and trying to win her hand, and having to deal with gentry girls going missing and coming back traumatized, and of course, her sister running around. Dorian is helping her be established as a queen and get her kingdom running by helping her to get staff in place, making trade negotiations, and sending someone to help her learn to work with air magic. There is still the sexual tension between the two, and I have to wonder like Eugenie does what his motivations are at times.

I love the funnies that Richelle writes in her books. It helps keep things from being too heavy, and I love her sense of humor. For example:
“I had a few other things on my mind. Like if it was going to rain every time I got aroused. That was not cool. I guessed I could handle it so long as it rained other times as well. I didn’t want the connection to be so obvious. Hey, it’s raining! The queen must have gotten laid. Ooh…is that hail? Must have been into some kinky shit today.”
But even with the humor and the steam, she doesn't shy away from the complexities of character. Eugenie had so many layers, and she had to deal with lots. She was torn between the worlds. Her and her stepdad Roland fight about how much she's been going to the Otherworld. It is also an argument between her and Kiyo, and they begin having issues that are bigger than him being the father to another woman's baby. Kiyo also encourages her to stay out of the politics and doesn't want her to keep learning and practicing magic. It's sad but inevitable with the way the story was going. Dorian has a play in it, and he has to have his moment to shine, and Richelle may even go with him rather than Kiyo.

Some of her inner monologue really sums up her character struggles and growth in this one.
I'd realized just before my capture that I loved both him and Kiyo, loved them just as my blood and soul were also split in two. The two halves of my nature would always war with each other.
The ending was good, and I liked the wrap up but the huge issues yet to be resolved, and Eugenie on a thin line balancing her control and desire for magic. I will definitely be continuing this series.

Bottom Line: Great second book. Funny, hot, and emotional.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Lauren2013

Thorn Queen
3.5 Stars

Whether it is Eugenie trying to decide between Dorian and Kiyo, or Kiyo’s relationship with Maiwen or Dorian and Ysabel’s dysfunctional issues, the romance quintet (?) reads more like a bad soap opera than well-written urban fantasy.

Eugenie is a strong and resilient heroine

despite her lack of common sense when it comes to men. She is also conflicted by her role as the Thorn Queen, but it is entertaining to see her changing her pre-conceptions about the Shining Ones, learning about her abilities and realizing her role in the Otherworld.

Speaking of Eugenie’s love interests, Dorian is as manipulative and machiavellian as always, but at least he is honest and forthright. He is also there for Eugenie when she needs him the most, which is more than can be said for Kiyo. Eugenie’s attraction to the Kitsune is completely incomprehensible. Yes, he’s a stud but he also lies when it suits him, is overly judgmental and is constantly shoving his relationship with Maiwen in Eugenie’s face.

The mystery subplot involving the disappearance of Gentry girls from the Otherworld is interesting but takes far too long to get going although the climax and resolution are exciting. The rape trope is also unnecessary. Surely Mead could have found a way to advance the story arc without resorting to undermining her heroine. At least, the descriptions are not too excessive and detailed - that would have been an immediate DNF for me.

Despite its problems, the Dark Swan series has potential and I’m interested enough in the new direction the story is going in to continue with it.

Show Less

LibraryThing member RozzieReads

I can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series. Richelle Mead may be my one of my favorite authors. There's so much that goes on, and it's never quite what you expect. Some para rom books I've read where you get the gist that the romance is the key part of the story, but in her books,

the story is better than the romance, and the romance is indeed phenomenal. Loved this series so far.

Show Less

Fewer