The second entry in the Blackthorn & Grim series. Throughout the book there are enough hints that you can figure out the mystery right along with Blackthorn and Grim and the PoV switches between them both allowing a good insight into how their thoughts work. Together they unravel the mystery of Flidais and the connection to the Dreamer’s Pool. That while it was clear she was frustrated she was bound to help him from her promise, his presence gave her someone who understood that hellscape of a prison they both escaped. I liked how there was a deep platonic support between Blackthorn and Grim.

Overall the book was an excellent read to me. She is presented with a puzzle in the form of the Prince Oran’s betrothed, Flidais, who has recently arrived and appears to be so completely different from the maiden the Oran courted. Once she gets to a place where she will be safe from re-imprisonment and sets up shop so to speak with her cell-mate Grim who was the first to ask her help without words no less. It honestly seems a little random that this comes at the beginning and its clear that Blackthorn will struggle to adhere to the restrictions set.

In return for her freedom from an unjust imprisonment by her enemy, Blackthorn has promised the Fae noble Conmael to use her healers gifts for good, answer all calls for help she hears, and seek no vengence. She chooses life, bitter and regretful with the only thought of getting through those seven years to come right back to the same place to fight for justice. If you were given a second chance at life from an executioner, even if it meant putting aside the one thing you were surviving for and abiding by rules that go against the grain of who you are for seven years, would you take it? This is the choice given to Blackthorn. Blackthorn & Grim series (Dreamer’s Pool, Tower of Thorns, Den of Wolves)

Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier