Witch of the Wolves introduced the reader to the world of Cordelia Levine, who over the course of the first book learns about her heritage and is taken to stay with her father, the Alpha of a pack, for the sake of her safety. She learns the truth about her father and works with Bishop Daniels, her father's second in command, to change things for the pack that will help her future. The Wolf Queen's Curse picks up immediately after the events of book 1, leaving what is left of the pack to make their way out in the world in search of aid. With this change, Archer was able to expand the scope of the book, showing the way other packs are run when Cordelia and Bishop and the rest of their friends and family have to seek help from other packs. The remaining group goes to two separate packs in this book, each one distinctly different from the other, allowing the world to expand and show just how much change is necessary and how Cordelia and Bishop are working to change things in ways that could benefit all lycan. Readers are also given more background information that will show how things fare for Cordelia and her witch connections, which she is working on expanding her power in ways that will help herself and the pack to succeed. All of this worked for the development of the story, showing how much the changes that began in the first book are things that can affect the world. Bishop had a vision for the future and with Cordelia as his motivation, real change is coming for all the wolves, no matter what pack they are in.
As for characters, I'm still utterly charmed by Delia and Bishop. Their banter and the connection they have forged was sweet and spicy in equal measure, showing just how much the two of them together are a force that keeps the other motivated, that their partnership is a working alliance, something that can be an example for others in the supernatural world of this book. I loved how Delia still questioned moments but was able to reasonably work out the truth without adding unnecessary conflict to the story or relationships. I love a lead with a good head on their shoulders. As for Bishop, I greatly enjoyed how much of a natural leader he was, able to defer to his pack mates for the help or information he needed as the story continued on its course. By the time the ending hit, I was impressed with just how many different scenarios Bishop had been developing and the outcome of everything left me surprised and eager to see where things will go in book three. I loved the addition of new character Rufus and the connection he had to Ann, Delia's cousin. I really hope to see more of these two characters in the next installment. Julius is still a sweetheart and I still want to protect Tabitha with all my heart. There are a few more additions in this book but to name more could veer into spoilers so we'll move on.
It's hard to talk about just what transpired in this book without completely spoiling what happened with absolutely everything in this book. What started simply with trying to find aid after losing their home, the pack travels around and manages to show the ways in which other packs are lacking with the way things are run. One pack had a hierarchy in place that only benefited those at the top of the power while another showed a pack with barely any rules with only the hope of finally getting a place to truly call their own. Each revelation showed things that desperately needed to change and Delia and Bishop were perfectly placed to help some changes to start. So many things have changed but one threat still hangs over everyone's heads and the resolution to that is still far into the future. I can't wait to see exactly how Delia will work her way back and finally find peace and safety where she truly belongs.
Read this series if you love strong leads and stakes that get higher with every book. But beware, each book ends on a cliffhanger of impressive proportions that will only make you desperate to read the next book whenever it is finally out in the world.
Rating on my Scale: 9 Stars. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, they always make me feel a little anxious and I'm left feeling bereft for the characters I love until the next book is out. I loved this book but it's not an absolute favorite as so much is still left in the air for the characters I love. I'm sure I'll love this book more in terms of the entire series when it's complete but for now, 9 Stars for a very respectable read and another great adventure for a series I'm starting to really love.
My thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Kaylee Archer for the eARC of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
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