Broken Throne: A Red Queen Collection audiobook

“The snow made the choice, not me.Not the party.And certainly not the lure of a young man with bronze eyes and a broken throne.” Broken Throne is a collection of novellas that take place before, during and after the events of the Red Queen series. It features two previously published novellas, Queen Song and Steel Scars, and three brand-new novellas, and contains a few extras such as maps, flags and journal entries written by Julian. Queen Song Queen Song is the first previously published novella and takes place before the events of the Red Queen series and follows Cal’s mother, Coriane. The novella shows how she went from being a girl of a lowly High House to the Queen of Norta. “She was happy, yes, in her own way, as best as she knew. But there’s a difference between a single candle in darkness and a sunrise.” This novella is one of my favourites, mostly because I loved Coriane’s character. I felt such a deep level of sympathy for her because she was clearly unhappy and depressed. Her romance with Tibe was heartwarming and seeing characters such as Julian and Sara, and even Cal himself, through Coriane’s eyes was also such a lovely touch. It makes it that much more heartbreaking when Cal reads her diary in War Storm. But no matter how many times I read this novella, it always leaves me feeling so sad and angry. Angry at Elara because she destroyed Coriane’s life. Sad for Coriane because she didn’t get to see her son grow up and died too early. Coriane honestly deserved more. She deserved so much more. Steel Scars Steel Scars is the second previously published novella and takes place before the events of Red Queen. It follows Farley’s missions in the Scarlet Guard that lead her to meeting Shade and then Mare. “Are you with us, Shade Barrow?”“I’m with you, Diana.”“Then we will rise.”His voice joins mine.“Red as the dawn.” What I like about this novella is that we get to see a more in-depth look into Farley’s character, that we don’t really get from seeing her through Mare’s eyes, at least not in the first book. But what’s also a really nice touch is that we get some well needed interactions in the early stages of the relationship between Shade and Farley and they just warmed my heart. This, coupled with Bright Shadow, a novella in the Glass Sword collector’s edition, are all we have of Farley and Shade. It’s not enough! These two deserved so much more. They deserved better. World Behind World Behind is the first new novella in the collection and takes place during the events of War Storm. It follows Ashe, the captain of a keelboat and Lyrisa, the niece of Prince Bracken and a Silver princess, as they cross paths. “Nowhere is quiet, not in the world ahead or the world behind.” I think this novella was really interesting in that it provided us with two perspectives from characters who aren’t involved with the main events of the series and who have no desire to be a part of the war. “I try to stay out of things, try to keep my focus on what’s right in front of me. I don’t bother with great and terrible people of the world. I only know what I must of them to stay alive, stay ahead, and nothing more.” Ashe was an interesting character because I enjoyed seeing him develop in the short amount of time we get to know him. His interactions with Lyrisa were my favourite and how his feelings for her slowly changed was also nice to see play out. “I’m on a Red Riverman’s keelboat, outnumbered and hated by everyone around me, with nowhere to go but forward, a dead girl on the run.” Lyrisa was also an interesting character and reminded me a little of Evangeline in that what you see is completely different than what is happening under the surface. I enjoyed her character growth throughout the novella, in understanding that there are two kinds of silvers, the good and the bad, and figuring out which one of them she is going to be. The conclusion to this novella was also a nice touch and overall, I really enjoyed it. Iron Heart Iron Heart takes place after War Storm and follows Evangeline and Elane, as they struggle to let go of their past and adjust to life in Monfort. “For now I can rest, and heal my iron heart.” This novella was amazing. Evangeline is one of my favourite characters and has been ever since I read from her perspective in King’s Cage for the first time. And after War Storm, I wanted more of a conclusion for her character arc and this novella delivered it in abundance. “Princess Evangeline. Lady of House Samos. Daughter of Volo and Larentia. I am none of those things anymore. Not after today. I should be glad – I should be relieved to be rid of the name and the life my parents gave me. And parts of me are. But the rest of me can’t help but be reminded of what I traded away to live as who I am now. What I betrayed. What I killed. What I lost forever.” What I like most about Evangeline is that she’s had such character growth throughout the series. Who she is at the start is almost unrecognisable to how she is now in Broken Throne. But even then, she still has growing to do and it’s touching watching her go through it. Evangeline is proof that even if you are brought up a certain way, taught to want something, that you can still change and grow and be a different person. And she really showed me that in this novella, that she’s changed and can change even more. And I’m so happy with how her character arc ended. “I know you like to pretend to be made of iron. Even in your heart, my love. I know better, and you don’t have to hide with me.” We also get to read from the perspective of Elane, who we’ve never heard from before. Reading from her perspective was just as enjoyable as I’d assumed it was going to be. Seeing Evangeline through Elane’s eyes is really interesting because we get to see her vulnerabilities and what really drives her as a character. And I think the love between Elane and Evangeline is so pure, and it really shows through Elane’s determination to follow Evangeline and support her through anything and everything. Fire Light Fire Light takes place two months after the events of War Storm and is told from the perspectives of both Mare and Cal, as they return to Monfort after their time apart. “We were right to come here. To rebuild ourselves, to figure out who we are now, in spite of our missing pieces.” This novella was everything I needed and more. Although I was satisfied with the ending of War Storm, I knew I wanted more regarding Mare and Cal’s relationship and this novella delivered it in abundance. I’ve literally been shipping Mare and Cal since Glass Sword and I was so nervous reading this novella because I wanted only the best for them. I’m so, so happy with how their storyline was concluded and I’m also not ashamed to say that I cried. “I am almost nineteen. I have nothing but time. To choose, to heal. To live.” Mare has gone through so much and she’s grown as a result of it, which is why she is one of my favourite characters of all time. At the end of War Storm, she really made me proud because she was realistic and she displayed maturity beyond her age. Even in this novella, the way she handled things was really good and I’m so glad her and Cal found their way back to each other but also that they’re going to take things slowly. “Even without her lightning, Mare Barrow still manages to strike me through.” Cal has also gone through changes of his own, after abdicating his throne and I’m so proud of him as well. Cal, like Evangeline, is proof that although you may have grown up being taught one thing, you can change yourself and do another. I’m a firm believer that both Mare and Coriane had an effect on Cal and is the reason he made those changes and I think his mother would have been so proud with how he turned out to be in the end. Fare Well Fare Well is the last novella in this collection and is told from the perspective of Maven, as he is confronted by Cal one last time and also Cal himself, as he faces the memory of Maven after his death. “It would hurt him deeply, wound him forever, if I let him glimpse what little is left of me. That I’m still here, in some forgotten corner, just waiting to be found. I could ruin him with one glance, one echo of the brother he remembers. Or I could free him of me. Make the choice for him. Give my brother one last proof of the love I can no longer feel, even if he never knows it.” This novella really surprised me because I thought I knew all I needed to know about Maven but no. I think, at least in my opinion, that Maven’s decision not to show Cal that there was still a part of him left in order to prevent Cal from struggling with his memory after his death was really touching. It showed that although his mind had been warped and twisted beyond repair, there was still a part of him that cared enough to do this last thing for his brother. “But like always, I could not let him go. Even now, I cannot let Maven go. I never will.” Cal’s final goodbye when he visited Maven’s grave was really sad. Cal has such a big heart and I don’t think I realised just how much Maven meant to him until the end of this novella. Cal said he couldn’t ever let Maven go and I think that’s okay. I really do. I’m so proud of how far he’s come, in that’s he’s mature enough to know that it’s okay if he holds on instead of letting go. “History will remember you, mark my words. Make sure it remembers you well.” This collection also came with some extra scenes and journal entries and maps, all of which were such a nice addition to the series. My favourite was the entry right at the end, after the last novella, which basically summarised how the next few decades unravelled. It was so unexpected but such a nice touch to wrap up the series. “We destroy. We rebuild. We destroy again. It is the constant of our kind. We are all a god’s chosen, and we are all a god’s cursed.” Overall, War Storm left some loose threads left untied and Broken Throne tied them all together and did so much more. It’s so bittersweet that this is the last instalment in the Red Queen series but it was such a perfect last instalment. I’ve been with this series since the very beginning in 2015 when the first book came out and I’ve been following it ever since. I feel like I’ve really grown with the series and grown alongside Mare as well. If I could go back and read the series all over again for the first time, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Thank you, Victoria Aveyard, for writing this and for taking my emotions on such a rollercoaster. It’s an experience that I will never forget. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Meanwhile, in an alternative universe...“Keep it down, would you? We're trying to focus here!” sitting with Maven upstairs, Mare Barrow shouts over the deafening, ear-splitting sound of cheering—not that anyone listens, of course. Downstairs, her brother Shade is Jumping around the room and fist-bumping his noisy audience with quite the ceremony, while his losing sparring partner, Ptolemus Samos, stands with a frown.Evangeline patronisingly pats her big brother on the cheek, “Next round, remember that he doesn't just stand there for you to pierce his heart with a blade, huh?” Ptolemus sneers, batting her hand away, and calls to Shade, “Shake a leg, Barrow! I'm getting you this time.”Shade reluctantly puts Farley, who he'd been kissing beyond the inconvenient lines of propriety, down and looks to the smirking Cal, standing beside them and all too happy about the fight's results, “Is that a challenge? Ooh, I feel like that's a challenge,” he Jumps back in the sparring area with a grin, rubbing his hands together, “Bring it on, Little Tolly.”Ptolemus points a finger at him as he slowly advances, “You'll pay for that, bro.”Unfazed and too sure of himself, Shade pretends to be in thought, “Just a question before we start; where would you like me to put the dagger when I beat you—the neck again, or somewhere more creative like, hmmm,” he pauses for dramatic effect, “Your Silver ass? Considering your hair is silver, too. I'm just saying...is your ass silver? Do I even wanna know?”At that, Eve bursts out laughing and covers her mouth, trying to hide it—for the sake of her brother's wounded pride—and, of course failing, while Farley, looking disgusted, says to a fuming Tolly, her mouth crinkling in distaste, “Please, don't answer that, I do not need to know that detail.”Ptolemus smiles cruelly, pieces of metal floating all around him, twisting and sharpening into deadly weapons that make you pray only for a quick death, “Say your goodbyes, Barrow.”As the two start circling each other, Kilorn pulls out a bag of chips, pops some into his mouth, and focuses on the delicious crunching, completely mindless of the silence ruling over the room as everyone stares at that small, inconspicuous, vulnerable package of eatable gems in his hands. That is, until a steel blade whips through the air and hovers dangerously close to his throat. His eyes widening, he quickly stops chewing.“Warren, be a good boy and give that to me before I open your neck from ear to ear,” Evangeline says sweetly, walking up to him.Kilron slowly extends his hand and she snatches the bag, plopping down next to Farley. She takes a few chips as Eve offers her the bag, “At it girl! Seems like you Silvers aren't useless after all. Who knew?”“You didn't want the ones in my mouth?” Kilorn asks, and yelps as one of Eve's metal blades appears out of nowhere, pricking his butt cheek.“Shut that pretty mouth of yours Kilorn,” Cameron says affectionately from his side, giving Evangeline a thumbs up as she passes the bag around. Cal fills both his large hands, revealing an adoration for chips no one knew existed. What do you know, perhaps it was this love of chips that beat his love of the crown.Kilorn gives a double take at Cameron's words, “Hey! You should be taking my side! Why didn't you do your thing, you know, and Silence her?”Cameronn looks offended, “And let you eat the chips all by yourself? No thanks.”“Ouch, my pride is wounded.” Kilorn says grimly, putting his hand on his heart in mock pain.“Lick it, it'll get better. Now hush, the fight is more interesting than your ego.”Just then, Tolly rapid fires sharp pieces of metal at Shade, anticipating his spee. But there's nothing as quick as Shade who Jumps, appearing two feet to the left. Ptolemus redirects them with his swift reflexes, but Shade again disappears into thin air before they get anywhere close to his skin. Frustrated, Ptolemus curses, “Stop jumping around like a scared little rabbit, Barrow, and fight!”Dodging a spear barreling his way, Shade smiles, “As you wish,” and disappears. Tolly quickly turns his bracelet into a blade to defend his back, expecting Barrow's appearance behind him. What he doesn't see coming is a sharp wooden dagger pricking him somewhere uncomfortably and preciously south, with Shade standing right in front of him, looking apologetic with a sheepish smile, “Oops. Sorry bro, had to impress the ladies.”There's a gasp, then maniacal screaming starts to fill the room and leak out the doors and all the way up the stairs, with none other than Kilorn acting as cheerleader. The chanting, “Barrow, Barrow, Barrow,” hits the walls and windows, and my precious eardrums, trying to break through. I am definitely going to have a headache after all this childish fanfare.Standing unnaturally still, Ptolemus gives a nervous laugh and raises his hands in surrender, “Nice one, now just...be careful with that...I use it to impress the ladies, too.”Shade pulls back his magnetron-proof dagger, making Tolly sigh in relief, and pats him on the back, “Fair enough. We wouldn't wanna lose such a blessing now, would we?” he says, grinning.Ptolemus gives a good-natured laugh, “I give up man, you're unbeatable. I do not want to face you on a battle field.” Shade's smile widens, “Why wou—”“My colours!” Tolly shouts.The screaming that leaked upstairs seems to have done its job quite flawlessly, because a fireball shoots out of the door upstairs, which Cal swiftly extinguishes, cutting Shade off and causing everyone to jump up in alarm—well, everyone but Evangeline. “What the hell is Mare doing to Maven up there!??” shouts Kilorn.Evangeline smirks, “The dirty,” and pops some chips into her arrogant mouth....more Continue reading some more with Mare, Maven, Cal, and the rest HERE. (It's short)My pre-read pre-review (a parody of The Greatest Show by Hugh Jackman): (view spoiler)[Ladies and gents,This is the moment you've waited forBeen searchin' for thisSince War Storm left you on the floorDeep in your bonesThere's an ache for Maven you can't ignoreBleeding your heart, stealin' your mindAnd all that was real is left behind...So tell me do you wanna go??Where it's Silverbloods who're ownin' the lightsWhere Red runaways are runnin' the nightsImpossible comes true, Reds takin' over youOh, this is the Red Queen world!It's everything you ever wantIt's everything you ever needAnd it's here right in front of youThis is what you wanna readIt's everything you ever wantIt's everything you ever needAnd it's here right in front o' youThis is what you wanna readA parody by Mary S. R. of The Greatest Show by Hugh Jackman (hide spoiler)]Full review to come :)["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>

[3,5]Broken Throne es un libro compañero de la saga de Red Queen y, si bien tiene algunos relatos y muchos datos que ya conocemos, hay un par de historias que se pueden considerar epílogos oficiales de War Storm, así que yo diría que son vitales para terminar de conocer y experimentar por completo todo el universo que creó Victoria Aveyard. Antes de hablarles sobre cada uno de los relatos, voy a mencionar que los otros extras que trae Broken Throne (las líneas de tiempo, las mini biografías de los reyes de Norta, etc…) los encontré poco relevantes. Sí, son datos que le añaden más dimensión a los siglos de historia de ese continente, pero nunca me he llevado bien con los info dumps porque, total, al final se me olvida todo. Así que nada, están bien si alguien quiere consultar puntualmente quién fue Tiberias III, pero no para leer con el mismo mindset con el que se lee una historia o un relato. QUEEN SONG ★★★★✩”There is nothing so terrible as a story untold”.Este es uno de los relatos “repetidos”, pues ya había sido incluido hace tiempo en Cruel Crown. Yo lo leí en ese momento, pero decidí releerlo para tener la experiencia de Broken Throne completa. Aquí nos encontramos con Norta muchísimos años antes de que nacieran Cal, Maven o Mare. De hecho, los protagonistas son la generación anterior. Queen Song cuenta la historia de Coriane Jacos, quien sería la madre de Cal, y cómo llega a casarse con el rey Tiberias y ganarse de enemiga a la peligrosísima Elara Merandus, madre de Maven. Este relato es brutal, pues realmente entendemos cómo Elara se fue metiendo poco a poco en la mente de Coriane hasta destrozarla por completo. Es muy duro leer los diarios de Coriane y notar que ni ella misma sabe si lo que está pensando o lo que le está pasando es por causas naturales o si Elara está en su mente de nuevo. Y, bueno… el final… wow. Todos conocemos el final si hemos leído Red Queen, pero no deja de ser sorprendente y muy, muy crudo. STEEL SCARS ★★★✩✩”Belief doesn’t make it easy to take a bullett”.Vale, pues si el anterior relato se centra en los de sangre plateada y en las reinas de Norta, este se va al extremo contrario y nos muestra las entrañas de la Guardia Escarlata y de aquellos con sangre roja en las venas. Farley es la protagonista y nos va narrando un poco de las diferentes misiones que cumple para infiltrarse en Norta, obtener información de los países vecinos y mantener a esta gran organización rebelde andando. Si bien este no es mi relato favorito, pues tiene muchísimas comunicaciones en clave que, en mi opinión, entorpecen la lectura, sí hay un elemento que hizo la lectura mucho más llevadera: Shade. Si han leído la saga saben que Shade es uno de los hermanos de Mare Barrow y que su final fue… desgarrador. Por eso leerlo cuando aún está vivo, cuando todavía no entiende muy bien por qué él, teniendo sangre roja, puede teletransportarse y hacer cosas que en teoría están reservadas a los plateados… bueno, digamos que es una patada al corazón, pero también es espectacular. En general, creo que es un relato que no aporta mucho al mundo de Red Queen, más allá del ship de Shade con Farley, pero ni eso lo hizo suficientemente entretenido para mí. ¡Además es larguísimo! WORLD BEHIND ★★★✩✩Este es uno de los relatos más random de todo el libro porque, literalmente, se desarrolla alrededor de dos personajes que nunca hemos visto ni en media página de la saga. Uno de ellos es Ashe, un contrabandista rojo que transporta personas y mercancía a lo largo de un río que está en las Disputed Lands. La otra es Lyrisa, una princesa que está huyendo de su compromiso con Orris Cygnet, un hombre cruel y abusivo. La historia empieza cuando Lyrisa le paga una suma exorbitante de dinero a Ashe para que la lleve río abajo y él, a pesar de sus dudas porque ella es una plateada, acepta. Sin embargo, los problemas empiezan a mitad del viaje cuando Orris y otras personas los atacan. Creo que este es un relato que Victoria Aveyard quiso incluir para que entendiéramos que no todos los plateados son iguales, que algunos quieren escapar de su destino y buscar una vida más libre lejos de las ciudades principales y las monarquías. Además, Victoria logra construir una relación muy interesante entre Ashe y Lyrisa y, cuando terminas el relato, quieres saber un poco más de ellos porque la necesidad de saber que cada uno encontró su futuro feliz es imposible de eludir. Así que nada, es un relato random, pero que tiene un ritmo bastante bueno y logra entretener a pesar de que sus personajes, al principio, no significan nada para nosotros como lectores. IRON HEART ★★★✩✩”It is an odd thing, to be loved and know you are loved as well”.Iron Heart es el primer relato en Broken Throne que podría considerarse como un epílogo de War Storm. Aquí la protagonista es Evangeline, que lleva viviendo ya un tiempo en la nueva república de Montfort. A pesar de la aparente paz, hay muchas jugadas políticas que siguen vigentes y una de ellas es que tanto su hermano como ella deben abdicar al trono del reino que creó su padre, Volo Samos, antes de morir. Así que en Iron Heart vemos a una Evangeline que no termina de adaptarse a Montfort, que sabe que es libre de amar a Elane sin esconderse, pero no es capaz de proclamarlo a los cuatro vientos, que entiende que como ya no será de la realeza tiene que encontrar un trabajo en esta nueva república y que, además, sigue lidiando a su manera con la pérdida de su padre y con la amenaza constante que representa su madre. Creo que esta historia sí que nos ayuda a entender un poco más todo el desorden político que quedó al final de War Storm y, sobre todo, a saber a ciencia cierta en dónde están los personajes ahora, pues Evangeline no es la única que aparece en estas páginas. Además de eso, me gustó que Victoria Aveyard ahondó en la relación de Evangeline y Elane, en los miedos que aún están allí y en los sentimientos de cada una. Especialmente de Elane que, a pesar de ser una sombra, ya está cansada de esconderse y ser cuidadosa en público con la persona que ama. FIRE LIGHT ★★★★✩¡Paren todo el mundo porque por fin llega el relato dedicado a Mare y a Cal! Ay, mis niños… ¿Cómo osaron dejarme con el corazón tan roto después del final de War Storm? Es que, de verdad, esa escena en la que se despiden porque ambos están muy rotos después de la guerra y de todo lo que han vivido es tremendo. Sobre todo cuando Mare le dice a Cal que necesita tiempo, que no sabe cuánto y que él no tiene por qué esperarla. Eso me dolió mucho. Pero en Fire Light el reencuentro es inminente. Los grandes mandatarios y encargados de las alianzas con Montfort, Norta y la Guardia Escarlata van a reunirse en la república y a discutir este nuevo orden mundial. Obviamente Cal irá como parte de la delegación de los estados de Norta y Mare, que ha estado retirada con su familia en las altas montañas del norte de Montforn, debe volver a la ciudad y actuar como una de las representantes de la Guardia Escarlata. Quizá lo que más me gustó de este relato, además de poder ver cómo está funcionando todo este nuevo orden, fue ver a una Mare y a un Cal mucho más recuperados y enteros. Ambos sacrificaron demasiado durante la guerra y necesitaban ese tiempo para recomponerse y sanar. Y ahora, que están a punto de encontrarse, los nervios están tan presentes que ni siquiera saben cómo actuar el uno con el otro. Son adorables y mucho más maduros ahora de lo que lo eran varios meses atrás.Este, definitivamente, es el relato que nos merecíamos, pues está lleno de conversaciones importantes sobre su futuro como pareja, conversaciones que nunca tuvieron tiempo de tener cuando estaban al pie del cañón. Al final amé que decidieran tomárselo todo con calma, viendo cómo se desenvolvía el día a día y cómo se presentaba el futuro ante ellos. FARE WELL ★★★★✩Este es el relato en el que se me rompe el corazón porque literalmente lo narra Maven en uno de sus últimos momentos de vida, pues ya está condenado y falta poco para sus últimos latidos. Cal va a visitarlo y hablan muchísimo sobre el daño que le hizo Elara. Todo es tremendo, de verdad. Sobre todo porque Cal sigue intentando encontrar un pedacito de su hermano dentro del monstruo que creó Elara. Y Maven, muy dentro de sí, todavía siente ese amor de niño pequeño que le profesaba a su hermano, pero a pesar de eso no lo admite ante Cal para que sea más fácil olvidarlo. Toda la historia de Maven es absolutamente trágica, pues siempre fue una marioneta de Elara, la psicópata mayor. Ella lo deformó tanto que incluso Maven disfrutaba con todos los horrores, pero joder, era una situación horrorosa. Y el final de este relato, cuando ya ha muerto Maven y Cal va solo a visitar su tumba en una isla perdida en medio de la nada… ¡Qué crueldad tan inmensa la de Victoria Aveyard! ¿No podía dejarnos terminar Broken Throne con la promesa de una relación preciosa entre Cal y Mare? Noooo, claro que no. Tenía que apuñalarnos en el corazón una vez más.

I just want to start off and say how happy I was to come back into this world. I was absolutely giddy and went into my Target to get my copy at like 7 a.m. before I went into work. The poor worker had to dig through several boxes of new releases to find it. Broken Throne is a compilation of stories set in the Red Queen world. There are multiple novellas, some previously released and some new, as well as maps, journal entries and the part that I was most excited about: stories from post-War Storm. This is what I'll be reviewing here.Broken Throne picks up a few months following the ending of War Storm. Norta, with Cal's leadership, is working on setting up a democracy and bringing red bloods and silvers together. This involves getting silver allies to renounce their place on the throne in favor of democracy. This process is shown through Evangeline and Elane's eyes. The first chapters from this section are purely from their perspectives.As mentioned in War Storm, Evangeline and Elane are now living in the democratic plains and are trying to figure out what to do with their lives now that Evangeline (and Tolly) are no longer headed to the throne. As you can imagine, while Evangeline is content with her choice to renounce, she is struggling to figure out what to do with her life. Eventually, Cal comes into the picture as he works with Tolly and Evangeline, which then leads to Mare and her family joining the group.Similarly, Mare is struggling and trying to work through her mental health following the ending events of War Storm. Her family, after spending time in a remote area, heads back toward civilization as important policy talks are taking place. This is where Cal and Mare are reunited and all the feelings I have toward this couple hit me square in the chest. I seriously love Cal and Mare together so much. I also love Evangeline and Elane, but the Cal/Mare ship is one of my favorite from any series. While I was fine (ok, a little sad, but understanding) with how things ended in War Storm, I was happy to get even more resolution from Broken Throne. If you are looking for a happier ending, then you'll be looking in the right place. My only wish is that selfishly, I wanted even more. I could have used less of the journals/novellas from other characters' perspectives and more of Cal/Mare/Evangeline. That's who I love and that's who I wanted to follow along. There's also one chapter from Maven, but it is fairly short and based in the past. It's fine and I'm sure Maven-lovers will be happy for it, but since I'm not in that camp, I felt just fine with it. From everything Victoria has said on Twitter, this will be the last Red Queen item for a long time and that's fine. Sad, but fine. I'm happy to have gotten more closure from our favorite characters. I'll never stop hoping to get more stories with my fav characters, but I can be very happy with everything that we've gotten.P.S. The Target edition has an annotated chapter featuring the dancing lesson scenes between Cal and Mare. I really liked this and was interesting to see some insight into Victoria's thoughts in writing the scene and the little things she dropped in there. Some of my favorite quotes (some mild spoilers): Mare went up there once, trying to outrun something. I understand the urge. Now she's somewhere farther north, still recuperating. Still mourning. Still running, even if she's finally standing still.Princess Evangeline. Lady of House Samos. Daughter of Volo and Lorentia. I am none of those things anymore. Not after today. I should be glad-I should be relieve to be rid of the name and the life my parents gave me. And parts of me are. But the rest can't help but be reminded of what I traded away to live as who I am now. What I betrayed. What I killed. What I lost forever."Of course it is," Cal replies, his tone light. "It's an exclusive club you're joining. I have to be on hand to welcome you in the Abdicators."My lip curls. All the same, I take Cal's arm, pulling him into a stiff but quick embrace. "Please don't start calling us that," I growlI missed you. I'm glad I went away. It was a mistake to go. It was the right thing to do. I'm sorry I killed him. I'd do it again if I had to. I need you now. I want more time. I love you. I love you.If not for the circumstances, I would laugh at the thought of Gisa scolding Mare into dressing appropriately, and forcing her into the jacket. I blush at the thought of getting her out of it. Focus, my mind screams, and heat flares around me."Could you not?" Julian mutters through clenched teeth. The corner of his mouth twitches, betraying amusement."Why do you keep nudging now?" I drop my voice. Evangeline does no such thing. "There aren't many who deserve to be happy. I'm certainly not one of them, but here I am. I think you might deserve it, Barrow.""Did you wait, Cal?"His fingers weave through mine as he grins. "I'm still waiting." ***Here 👏 for 👏 Evangeline/Elane 👏 and 👏 Mare/Cal 👏Miss me with that Maven obsession. 👊

Realmente pensé que no me iba a gustar, pero lo disfruté y me parece un libro que aporta bastante.Trono destrozado es un libro extra en la saga de la reina roja. Incluye al otro libro extra que es corona cruel. Si o si es necesario leerlo una vez terminada la saga principal.Este libro cuenta con 6 relatos + un montón de contenido, mapas, información sobre los continentes, sobre los reinos y repúblicas, sobre las casas y familias, árboles genealógicos y más.Canción real 👸🏽Este relato es uno de los que aparece en corona cruel, es sobre la madre de Cal. Cuenta quién era ella, como llegó a casarse con quién luego sería el rey, cuál era la situación de su familia en ese momento, etc. Me gustó, ya lo había leído hacía unos cuantos años cuando salió corona cruel. Llegas a encariñarte con el personaje.Cicatrices de Acero ♥️Este relato es sobre Farley, comandante de la guardia escarlata. Es el otro relato de corona cruel. No me gustó demasiado, se me hizo aburrido e interminable y la historia no era muy interesante.Un mundo detrás 🌊Me gustó este relato, si bien transcurre en el mismo mundo los personajes son nuevos. Una princesa plateada que decide escapar de un matrimonio arreglado y para eso toma un barco de un capitán Rojo para cruzar el océano. Estuvo lindo, me encariñé con los personajes y los llegué a shippear, lástima que el romance fue apresurado. Me hubiera gustado leer más de ellosCorazón de hierro ✨El relato de Evangeline, le da un final al personaje que tan presente estuvo en la saga principal. Es uno de mis personajes favoritos y esta vez no me decepcionó. Hacía falta este relato para poder conocer su final.Luz de fuego 🔥Otro relato necesario, el final de tormenta de guerra fue agridulce y apenas nos dejó información sobre Mare y Cal. Este relato nos cuenta un poco más, funciona como un epílogo de la saga principal.Un adiós 😔Y finalmente el relato de Maven y Cal. Lastima que solo haya tenido 20 páginas. Otro relato necesario, tormenta de guerra tuvo un final tan apresurado que no pude despedirme bien de los personajes, este libro lo logró.Yo leyendo trono destrozado: 🥺😬🤣🥰😱🤔

WE HAVE A COVERI REPEAT WE HAVE A COVER

This book was not necessary at all, but is appreciated. If you wanted to know more about the history of silvers, then this is your book. I enjoyed it more than the other books in the series and felt very sorry for Maven.--------------------------------------------------------------------Este libro no era para nada necesario, pero se agradece. Si querías conocer más de la historia de los plateados, este es tu libro. Lo disfruté más que los otros libros de la serie y sentí mucha pena por Maven.

Ahhhhhh, soo good!! I feel like this book was a great way to end the series! And I loved meeting the new Freeland characters!

*4.375* Queen Song - 4/5 Aunque siento que ésta historia no aporta información relevante para la trama, disfrute demasiado conocer más del personaje de Coriane. Ésta historia está casi escrita como una tragedia, o al menos eso me pareció a mi. Siempre me ha encantado como escribe Victoria y me gustó bastante el contraste de hermoso y triste que tiene Queen Song. Steel Scars - 2.75/5 Farley es un personaje al que quiero mucho y una que es sumamente interesante, pero ésta historia fue de lo más aburrida de la vida. Creo que se debe a que todo esto sucede antes de Red Queen y de como fue que la guardia escarlata llegó al punto donde conoce a Mare, y si soy completamente honesto la verdad no me importa mucho. Como ya se a donde llevan todos los eventos hasta el final de la serie, ésta historia no fue de mi total interes. World Behind - 5/5 Dios mio, ésta se llevó mi corazón. Se nos introducen nuevos personajes para ésta historia y se me hace una falta de respeto que solo los hayamos podido leer por 60 páginas. Necesito un libro completo de estos dos. Iron Heart - 4.5/5 Mi bebe Evangeline se merece el mundo entero. Fue muy doloroso leerla y ver la situación donde se encuentra. A partir de ésta historia comienzan las que aportan información para la serie, ya que todo toma lugar después de War Storm. La última linea de este libro me pegó demasiado duro y de verdad espero que en la cabeza macabra e increible de Victoria Aveyard Evangeline tenga el final que se merece.Fire Light - 5/5 Creo que era obvio que ésta iba a ser la que más me iba a gustar. Mare y Cal, mis bebes hermosos que llevo leyendo ya 4 años son los protagonistas de ésta y obviamente considerando ciertas cosas que suceden en el último libro me urgía saber que iba a pasar. Hay varias lineas, DEMASIADAS, que me dieron justo donde duele. Eso es algo que siempre me ha gustado de Victoria: sabe como deliverar un golpe cuando es necesario. Hay mucha información que a mi parecer es muy importante para los eventos que suceden en War Storm así que sí recomendaría leer al menos esta historia corta. El final me pegó por el hecho de que ésta es la última vez que leo a estos personajes y a esta historia. Cuando terminé el 4to libro ya sabía que iba a salir este, entonces tenia esa recomfortación, pero ahora que ya lo terminé no se que hacer de mi vida. Lo que más me gustó de Fire Light es que, a diferencia del tono que tiene toda la serie, lo que predomina aquí es la esperanza, y fue algo muy bonito de leer. Fare Well - 5/5 Fácilmente pudimos haber terminado este libro sin necesidad de demasiado sufrimiento pero aqui andamos. Esto más que nada es como un capítulo extra a algo que sucede en War Storm, algo muy spoilery. Vemos un suceso desde una perspectiva diferente y algo que sucede después de tal suceso.En pocas palabra, demasiado dolor y lágrimas.Y me encantó.Es triste ver a una de mis series favoritas de la vida llegar a su fin, pero estoy muy feliz y agradecido por haber experimentado ésta historia desde sus inicios hasta su final. Es y será una de mis favoritas por siempre.

Genau wie bei der Throne of Glass Reihe blicke ich hier mit einem lachenden und einem weinenden Auge zurück. Diese Reihe wird immer einen ganz eigenen Platz in meinem Herzen haben. ❤️Sie begleitet mich schon so lange und hat jetzt ihren Abschluss gefunden. Das Buch kann nicht nur als Roman gesehen werden. Es besteht aus mehreren Kurzgeschichten, viel Zusatzmaterial und einer sehr interessanten Aufmachung. Die erste Kurzgeschichte fand ich wirklich unheimlich traurig. Obwohl man schon wusste, was in der Vergangenheit passiert ist, hat es das nicht besser gemacht. Nach dem Ende von Teil vier wird hier deutlich, dass die Protagonisten noch alle an etwas zu knacken haben. Niemand ist ohne Narben davongekommen. Physisch und Psychisch. Manche Sachen fand ich sehr sehr emotional. Beispielsweise die Schicksale von Mare, Farley oder auch Cal. Es fällt mir nicht ganz so leicht diese Reihe loszulassen, aber ich weiß, dass letzten Endes alles so gekommen ist, wie es sein musste.

perfect.have you ever read a sequel to a book you just gave 5 stars to but the sequel is so good you have to lower your previous rating just to give this sequel a 5-star review? that's the case.broken throne is way more of an ending to the red queen series than war storm ever was. it gave the series the conclusion i asked for. it could easily stop being the red queen #4.5 to be the #5.i'm gonna miss this world so much.

Started it,Had a breakdown, Bon appètitNo really, Broken Throne is a must have for every Red Queen (probably not for Maven stans but who cares).Victoria once again brings us in her world of politics, betrayal and heartbreak. Her writing is fierce and tempting and exciting. AND I NEED MORE OF IT!!It was amazing to read how the characters have dealt with the after match of the last war and it was exciting to see that they keep growing as humans. Miss Aveyard knows her character so well and didn’t forget where they came from. Non of them was out of character and i really loved it.Every short story gives you all lot more information, joyful moments and a lot of tears!Like i said, if you loved and admired the Red Queen series as much as i did you will love this book so so much!I’m just writing this with tears in my eyes because i still can’t believe that it’s over but let me tell you one thing. Red Queen might me over but it ended with a BANG!!A million stars from me for this masterpiece!!

Okay.. this was the ending I needed from War Storm. I am so glad that this book exists because it sheds light on so many unanswered questions related to the world.. how it got to where it is and its direction following the events in War Storm.Maven's chapter utterly destroyed me, but I finally feel at peace with this series and like I can say goodbye and look to it with adoration.I've been reading these books for years now. I remember when Red Queen was published. I remember the day I picked it up and devoured it and how these characters took over my world. I am so so glad I finally finished Broken Throne and it filled all of the gaps War Storm left.Ugh. I am sad and satisfied at the same time.

I was supposed to give this a 3.5, but damn, that ending got me.WARNING: SPOILERS AND PROFANITY AHEAD! (because I can't help it.)First, I have to admit that I was a tad bit underwhelmed when I read the beginning until Iron Heart. Like, my excitement ebbed away. Not including Queen Song and Steel Scars, though. I've already read those in Cruel Crown. Anyway, it took me a bit of time to really get into Julian's research. I only got more interested in the Monarchs of House Calore part. Moving on however, I found World Behind dragging, BUT my opinion changed halfway through it. I didn't get at first why it had to be included in the series, but it was a great glimpse of the what it was like in the Lakelands and in the Disputed Lands. A great glimpse of what it was like to be Red young man smitten by a Silver princess. And it was really cute, okay?! I loved reading Ashe's POV and the slow-burn romance. Damn, Victoria. Can we get a series for this couple alone? No? Okay.Now, Iron Heart. Honestly, I think it was too long. I know people love Evangeline, and I do too, but I think I could do without this novella. I'm sorry, okay? I hate to say that I forced myself to finish that one, maybe because I was just too excited to begin with Cal and Mare's story, which I would be talking about now.I loved Firelight. The sexual tension, man. I honestly thought it would just take one eye contact and Cal and Mare would be running to the next empty dark room and go take off each other's clothes. I wouldn't be mad at that, really. Anyway, typical slow-burn romance and high sexual tension I've seen in other YA novels, but who cares? I loved it! And putting their hotness aside, they really needed to have a serious talk and decide what they would do from there, which they did. They admitted that they were both still broken, and would probably remain that way for the rest of their lives, but they still chose each other, held on to each other, and moved on together. If only this isn't fantasy world, I'd say get therapy first, though. And can I just say I'm fucking proud of Cal, Evangeline, and Ptolemus? Especially Evangeline, damn. She's fucking hilarious and she just won't admit it, but she absolutely adores Mare and Cal, and I think she sees them as her little siblings.WE BOARD THE FEELS TRAIN for Fare Well. I didn't shed tears, but it broke me. It shattered me that I would probably cry tonight and in the next few nights. Victoria is damn good at writing emotional scenes without being overly detailed and saying things like "he sulked in a corner" or "he cried a river"—you get what I mean. Like Cal, I also cannot let Maven go. And Shade too, damn. Reading his name still breaks my heart. Maven and Shade, two beloved brothers. Anyway, when Maven admitted to himself that there was still that old Maven left in him, unwilling to come out, but waiting to be found, I understood why he had to go. It will truly break Cal, and Mare, too, if Maven chose to be free of his mother's molding. It would only cause more damage, heartache, and it won't change all the atrocities he had committed. It was a sacrifice for him just as much as it was a sacrifice for Cal. This story gave me closure and made me accept that Maven could not be a living and breathing part of their lives anymore. Imagine if he lived, where would he be, anyway? In prison for the rest of his life, wasting away? Or being reformed in Montfort? As much as I also want him to be alive.... Victoria is right. He really had to go. Alright... now where does this leave me? This review is already so long. With all of those being said, I am satisfied with how this series was wrapped up. Oh, and Kilorn! Proud of that guy also. I will always love Red Queen, my first dystopian fantasy YA read. One day, I will re-read the series from book one, and break my heart all over again. Maybe. Who knows? I don't ever regret picking up Red Queen and there isn't a single book that I wasn't happy about. Thank you, Victoria! You're indeed a QUEEN.

Cruel Crown: 3/5Cruel Crown was a bit of a slow start. I could have done without it but it was still good to learn more about Queen Coriane. We also learn more about the Jacos family. Throughout the book, there are notes from Julian, which I loved because one, Julian, and two, they explained a lot of things about how the Red Queen world came to be red and silver. There were also maps scattered along in the book with was very nice.Steel Scars: 5/5Farley. It's already going to be good. This was Farley's story. I know it's weird, but I'm starting with the end of this novella. THE ENDING WAS PERFECTION. It clicked like the last piece in a puzzle. The humor was immaculate there was nothing not to love. We learn about Farley's family and history- even a little more about the Scarlet Guard.(view spoiler)[OhmygoshwhenshemeetsShade (hide spoiler)]World Behind: 5/5This was one of my favorite novellas in the story! I really liked how this story was in the midst of the rebellion but from an unknown character's perspective. World Behind was very engaging and so fun to read. The end of this novella was AMAZING. Not Steel Scars good but leaves a grin on your face good.Iron Heart: 4/5Evangeline's after!! (view spoiler)[ Monfort. Monfort. Monfort. (hide spoiler)] I really liked this one. We get another taste of Evangeline. The new Evangeline. After King's Cage, all of the characters change dramatically, this was the perfect bit that I needed to be satisfied.Fire Light: 5/5I held back. I managed not to skip right to this novella. I had literally been dreaming of what on Earth would I find in Fire Light?! Near perfection, that's what. It was not at all what I was expecting, but still good. The important thing was(view spoiler)[that Mare and Cal were reunited and no one else had to die (hide spoiler)]. I love how each of these novellas have the humor that fits all of the characters. In Cruel Crown, just a sprinkle, Steel Scars had the humor that is in the novels. Everything was a little nostalgic. (view spoiler)[ AND NOW I HAVE QUESTIONS. What happens to Mare and Cal's kids? What abilities do they have? What color is their blood? (hide spoiler)] I'm alright with not knowing all the answers as long as I know(view spoiler)[ that Mare, Cal, Farley, Evangeline, and Davidson are ok. (hide spoiler)] It felt like a good ending. I am satisfied. *folds hands and waits patiently for Realm Breaker*Fare Well: ?/5I don't know how to rate this one. It was good but not bad. There wasn't a moment that I hated but I haven't fallen all over it. I really appreciate this novella. We get to feel Cal's emotions through everything. *cough* That cough is for many things. (view spoiler)[ Maven, Mare, Elara, Coraine, Norta, literally anything. (hide spoiler)] It's Cal, so I like it. We also find out(view spoiler)[ that Cal has a journal, (hide spoiler)] which really touched my heart. I feel very satisfied with this ending. While it was not what I thought it would be like, it was still incredible. With such a loved series with so many opinions on how Red Queen should end, Victoria Aveyard hit the mark.

“Who can say where the paths lead, or how the scales may balance in another decade? We destroy. We rebuild. We destroy again. It is the constant of our kind. We are all god’s chosen, and we are all god’s cursed.”In this book we learn so much about Nortan history, as well as the politics of the other kingdoms. I really liked how this book developed the ending of the series and showed how the Nortan States started to rebuild.I absolutely enjoyed how the book combines novellas, which add background to the storyline of the Red Queen series, with Julian’s notes and pieces of history. We learn so much about the intricate politics of the kingdoms of the continent and how they got to the place where we are now.Every Novella adds something to the story, and even though Fare Well broke my heart, my favourite one must be Iron Heart. Evangeline is such an interesting character, and I could not help falling in love with her. Overall, knowing what happened before, during and after the Red Queen series completes the picture and adds the finishing touches to the world created by the author. Everything makes sense and everything that happens in the story is somehow related.Knowing how the world continues several decades after and seeing how every character found their place in the world made me so so so happy.Although I liked very much this companion, I must say Queen Song was not my cup of tea, as it didn’t really add anything to the story. I guess that’s the reason why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 (I might regret it later).