How on Earth do I get across my feelings about finally reading this book? It's been SO long since I read 'Stolen Songbird', and it's ENTIRELY my own fault. I feel terrible. But I've read it now and I have to say it was very much worth the wait. It wasn't as good as the first book I have to say, I find that's often the case with the second books in various series. It felt a bit too much of a filler book at times. That being said, it still had the charm, the world-building and the loveable characters that I remember and adore from book one and I liked it a lot.

It's difficult to believe that I remember most of the characters from 'Stolen Songbird' considering how long it has been since I read the book. But I actually did! From Cécile and Tristan who, as a couple, I adored in book one, to smaller characters like Victoria and Vincent (the best twins ever). I liked recognising everyone as I re-encountered them all, especially those in Trollus. This book has some great villains as well as heroes (Tristan's Father for one, Cécile's overbearing Mother for another). I liked that the characters were unique too. In book one, Trollus was my favourite place to be. I liked the look at Trianon that we got from Cécile's viewpoint, though comparatively it was far less interesting. One more thing to note: Jensen sure knows how to write! The plot was good despite the extended build and involved plenty of action.

One thing that cost the book the 5 star rating I gave it's predecessor however was the OBVIOUS twist that the whole thing was building towards. I actually figured out Anushka's identity while reading 'Stolen Songbird'. The physical descriptors made it pretty obvious who she was I thought, and I thought it would be an early-ish reveal for this book. Imagine my frustration as I read Cecile overlook and ignore the GLARINGLY OBVIOUS. I have to say that while my love for Cécile and Tristan as a couple was not in any way compromised (I LOVE them) as individual characters I found them a little less likeable. ESPECIALLY Cécile. And that's probably due to the fact that that twist was not in anyway a surprising one. Still a great sequel and worthy of it's four star rating, but I'm definitely hoping for an AWESOME finale to make up for this one's slow pace.

4 Stars.

For a full review, see here: http://chasedbymyimagination.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/book-review-hidden-huntress-danielle-l.html