There is so much to say about this book. First of all, it's an amazing addition to the Throne of Glass series. It added so many new characters and places that I could hardly keep track of them all, and I haven't even started on the plotlines. Now, let's get into specifics.
THE WORLD: When I finished Crown of Midnight, I thought that I knew most of the land in the series. However, I was completely wrong. Celaena's storyline moves across the ocean to Wendlyn, the land of Fae. The way the author describes it is very magical but still with village elements. I enjoy the way Maeve, the queen of Fae, sits at a desk in an office. It puts a nice spin on traditional fantasy. The myths involved in all of the POVs are captivating and really contribute to the plot, I love the backstory about Aelin's (Celaena's) bloodline.
THE CHARACTERS: Celaena experiences a lot of growth in this book. She learns so much about herself throughout her journey. She started the book rejecting her true identity, stuck in a spiral of self-deprecation. By the end, Celaena embraces her identity and becomes Aelin Galathynius. I don't even know what to call her anymore. Chaol and Dorian experience a rift between them, but they each gain new allies. Speaking of, many new characters are introduced to the story. My favorite new character is Rowan. He is Fae royalty, who is sworn under blood oath to Maeve. He is asked to train Celaena to utilize her Fae powers. Throughout their training, their dynamic changes. They have a lot of tension at first, but they gradually connect. I love their partnership at the end of the novel. I also enjoy the character Manon. She is head of the Blackbeak witch clan's most elite group: the Thirteen. At first, she is portrayed as cutthroat and vicious (which is true) but her true intentions are revealed later. Sorscha, a healer at the King's palace, is brought to the story as a new love interest for Dorian. They probably had too many people fighting for Celaena already: Dorian, Chaol, and now Rowan. She bored me a little because she had no real personality. Her POV chapters kept talking about being invisible and even her plot twist wasn't shocking. Finally, Aedion is the last new character who actually has a point of view. He is part of the Ashryver family, making him related to Aelin (Celaena). He is introduced as the King of Adarlan's general. Surprisingly, he fights for the side of the rebels when he finds out his cousin, Aelin, is alive. He is cunning and very intelligent, despite the front he puts up. After learning his true nature, it is not hard to see the resemblance between him and Celaena.
THE PLOT: The first ten or so chapters were a little slow for me, but that was for a good reason. The author was spending that time getting the readers acquainted with the new characters and new stories so that they don't get confused. I felt like these "intro" chapters really helped me immerse myself in the novel a few chapters later. Celaena's and Rowan's chapters are the best because their story progresses well, has a lot of twists, and creates a nice ending for the book. The revelation about Celaena's relation to Brannon really shocked me. I thought I knew everything about her powers at that point. The other shock I had while reading was when I found out about what the creatures are that attack Celaena in the woods. They are actually Valg princes from a demonic realm, who are controlled by the King of Adarlan of all people! Does it make me stupid that I honestly had no idea? And the ending!!!!! SO much emotion in just one chapter! Even thought I didn't like her much, Sorscha's death physically hurt me solely based on the way the king ordered it (I told you there would be spoilers). I really felt for Dorian at that point. Then, there was Aedion's sacrifice. He tells the king that he is the traitor so Chaol could run away and help Celaena. He is taken away in chains. So sad. He even says that he knows he would not get to see his cousin when she returns.
PROS:
- Rowan and Celaena's relationship (whether it's romantic or not)
- THE FEELS!
- Fae and witch folklore
- World-building of Wendlyn
- Celaena's powers and personal journey
- War Games, specifically Manon and Abraxos (her wyvern)
CONS:
- Sorscha and Dorian's "romance" (couldn't see it)
- POV switching in the middle of action
RATING:
