Book 4 of Throne of Glass

I slowed down in my read of this novel when compared to that of the first three books of the series. I felt like I couldn’t put down the first three books, whereas the Queen of Shadows I needed some breaks.

I say that not because I liked this book any less. It is more because it was so intense and rigorous, with such a tremendous amount of action and plot twists, that I simply needed some time to absorb the information. I found myself wanting to skim through the chapters, just to see what happens next. So, I forced myself to slow down, accept the information as I gathered it and take my time reading.

The main focus of this book is Celaena (or I guess Aelin now), returning to Adarlan to save the kingdom and satisfy her vengeance while she is at it. Aelin’s “Kill List” has two primary targets that maintain her focus through the majority of the novel, but the list is lengthy of those that Aelin feels owe her a blood debt. Aelin is set on killing both Arobynn (her former master) and the King of Adarlan, while also rescuing her long lost cousin, Aedion. The plan is intricate, and Maas does not disappoint as she weaves together a formidable mission to both free Adarlan of its tyrant, rescue Aedion and take down the most powerful and wealthy assassin in the world.

While all this is going down in Adarlan, we continue to follow the witch clans, specifically Manon and her 13. The relationships they build with their wyverns as they return to the sky warmed my soul! I admit I did not love this character line of the witches when they were first introduced in the prior novel. However, throughout this novel, I became fully invested. Manon quickly became one of my favorite characters, along with her puppy-like wyvern who loves to smell the wildflowers. Manon’s strength, her growth as a leader, and her somewhat deadly but dry sense of humor when chatting with Dorian – I loved it all!

Speaking of Dorian, my heart truly broke watching him in captivity. He lost a part of his sole he never truly recovers. Gone is the immature, happy and guilt-free prince living the high life. While it was a necessary growth for him to become the man who will rule Adarlan, it was also heart wrenching to see it happen.

Chaol has taken up root as a resistance fighter, and is now leading the underground battles. He went from being one of my least favorite characters at the end of book 3, to maybe a mid-ranking character in book 4. I still don’t quite love him, he has too many flaws to be hands down favorite. I hated his reunion with Aelin. However, he does gain a bit more of my respect as he continues to fight against the King and bring down the evil threatening to encompass the world.

This novel, and the series as a whole, gives us everything we would want in a Fantasy. I’m hooked in the world of Sarah J. Maas – this is a phenomenal read. I think I would rank book number 4 my favorite so far (although I think I said that after each book).

I’m waiting to give my full take until after I read the entire series, which means I have 3 more books to go. So far, I have not left any novel disappointed. Just with the utmost curiosity to pick up the next in the series!