Review: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass
Book #: 2
Pages: 432
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 4.64
T.B.Published: Aug. 27th, 2013.

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

Taschima's POV:

This book...

I will not describe even one more second of the plot because the summary explains it pretty much dead on. It is a book with LOTS of revelations and even though the first half of it was on the slower side the second half more than made up for it! It's like every monster hidden behind castle walls clawed it's way out of it's stinking hole just to piss Celaena off. For some reason I like when this girl is pissed off, she is more likely to act now and ask questions later. Which makes for LOTS of fun.

My only complaint? There is a lot of Chaol in this title. Like, A LOT. This book spent a lot of it's time exploring the relationship between Celaena and Chaol, in every possible scenario. I know they belong together but that doesn't mean I have to LIKE it. My choice? The brooding prince who has a very dark edge and is discovering just how awful his father really is, not to mention his inner strength is wakening. He is just destined to do great things. Kind of like Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender! I looved Zuko, so brooding. And come to think of it we could very well make Dorian's father the Fire Lord Ozai. Perfect match.

"My grandmother used to tell me stories about the old days, a time of peace when the Kingdoms kept balance between the faes, magical folk, witches, and normal folk. But that all changed when the King of Adarlan attacked. Only the lucky bastard that finds all three Wyrdkeys. Only he/she (?) could stop the ruthless Adarlains. But when the world needed them most (keys), they vanished. Ten years passed (give or take?) until Nehemia and I discovered the king's secret, he held one of the keys. And although the keys powers are great, we still have to find them all before we are ready to save anyone. But I believe someone (better not be me) can save the world."

I don't like Chaol because I think he is a bore. I have no idea how Celaena can be in his company and not just bludgeon him 24/7 if only for entertainment. maybe he will get better in the next installment? Dorian on the other hand was interesting to read about since he has a lot going on. Secrets in his blood, dangerous court etiquette to navigate (his father is evil remember), an unreturned love to deal with... Yeap, he is more interesting. to be honest I always knew Dorian didn't have a chance with our girl, but in the end of this novel something was revealed which might make Dorian a very well suited match for Celaena... specially if she is to take her rightful place on the throne

Celaena is absolutely entertaining. I love how aggressive yet utterly feminine she can be. She has a good balance to her character that makes her kickass yet adorable at times. She can eat a whole chocolate cake by herself, and in the next blink stalk you through dark corners, gut you and leave you to bleed. There's a well balanced girl (if not healthy then at least a very entertaining one).   In some ways Celaena is a lot alike a woman Aragorn, think about it! Heir to the throne who hides among the common folk not wanting to remember her heritage and clinging to the shadows

I still have a problem with how stupidly difficult the names are to remember. I had to look them up in order to write this review, specially Celaena, I always think if I misplace an "a" or "e" in her name the world will cease to exist.

Crown of Midnight is full of secret passages, lots of unlawful magic, fae, daggers, blood, revenge, loss, romance, passion, heartache... It is basically a very very well written story with a lot of layers and a marvelously built world. I absolutely enjoyed it and I strongly recommend it at every turn. Sarah J. Maas is a very talented fantasy writer, and her twists and turns will leave you breathless.

ARC acquired @BEA in exchange for an honest review.