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

Crown of Midnight

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass

Pages: 432

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens

Release date: 15^th August 2013

Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy

Amazon - TBD

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so dark and evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her.

Love or loathe Celaena, she will slice open your heart with her dagger and leave you bleeding long after the last page of the highly anticipated sequel in what is undeniably THE hottest new fantasy series.

Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Crown of Midnight has to be my most anticipated read for this year, I absolutely loved Throne of Glass and this book was just as amazing if not better; I was completely consumed by Sarah J. Maas’s compelling story-telling, her well-developed characters and the way the overall story is being pieced together, it’s a book that kept me captivated until the ungodly hours of the morning.

Eighteen year-old Calaena Sardothien is now the kings royal champion and is playing assassin to a number of people he has on his hit list, his motives are unclear and she begins to question what his purpose could possibly be and has quite a few secrets of her own when it comes to this aspect. There was so much character progression for Calaena, we saw her fight, kill and maim in the first book as she competed for champion in the kings competition but it was really kicked up a notch in Crown of Midnight, we see a brutal, unforgiving and ruthless killing machine; she was written to perfection.

I adored Chaol in the first book and there were many surprises in this as their relationship progressed but there were also moments that had my heart breaking for them. I loved how he showed more of himself in this book which I really appreciated; he’s noble, kind and protective and I see him as the perfect match for Calaena. Dorian I still find to be lack-lustre and despite a few discoveries about him, I found he was more or less on the side-lines in this book.

There are so many shocks, twists and turns that had my head spinning, the world-building continues to strengthen and the plot flows well. I love the story progression and the way in which it is coming together, this installment had the perfect blend of action, intrigue and was filled with interesting political drama; the ending left me gaping and eager to read the next book.

The writing is perfection and flows fluidly; Sarah J. Maas’s creative and refreshingly unique series is one that is exciting and vivid in the details and imagery.

Overall, Crown of Midnight more than exceeded my expectations with its fabulous characters, amazing plot development and brilliant world-building. My only gripe is the wait we have until the next book.

Fave quotes:

“The rest of the world quieted into nothing. In that moment, after ten long years, Celaena looked at Chaol and realised she was home.” 

“Dance with me, Celaena," he said again, his voice rough. When her eyes met his she forgot about the cold, and the moon, and the glass palace looming above them. The secret library and the king's plans and Mort and Elena faded into nothing. She took his hand and there was only the music and Chaol.” 

“Roland gave her a courtier’s smile. “And what sort of work do you do for my uncle?”
Dorian shifted on his feet and Chaol went very still, but Celaena returned Roland’s smile and said, “I bury the king’s opponents where nobody will ever find them.” 

About the author: Sarah J. Maas lives in Southern California, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much coffee, and watches absolutely rubbish TV shows. When she's not busy writing YA fantasy novels, she can be found exploring the California coastline.

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