**Disclaimer: There are spoilers below for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire.**
Title Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Author Sarah J. Maas
Description from Amazon
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire-for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…
She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.
Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.
Initial Thoughts
I couldn’t wait to start this book. I was so hyped up after finishing Heir of Fire. There are so many new characters that I want to know more about. Since this is book four of seven (well technically six, with one side story), this is a usually a pivotal point in any saga.
Some Things I Liked
- Elide Lochan. Once again, I love that we have another new character. I feel awful for her, but I really like her as a character. I want so much more for her and I’m so glad that Sarah J. Maas just keeps giving us characters to root for. I also love that she makes Manon a better person.
- Asterin’s backstory. Truthfully, I thought it was awful and I hated it but I loved that it made her a better person. Her story was tragic and, unfortunately, necessary. I thought it was perfect for her character and once again, it made Manon better for learning it.
- Kaltain. Poor Kaltain. She was a villain in Throne of Glass, but she totally redeemed herself in this book.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- CHAOL. Seriously?? I’m glad that Tower of Dawn is going to be all about him, but why did he have to end up the way that he did?? And for Dorian (who’s kinda not worth it in my opinion). So I’m glad about the Chaol-centric spin-off, but I hated what had to happen to get us there.
- Also, in relation to my feelings about Chaol, I’m not really interested in Chaol and Nesryn. I just feel like their relationship is super blah. They can both do better.
Series Value
So many things happened in this book. I don’t even have words to adequately express how much I need to read Empire of Storms ASAP. This series has such a captivating plot and characters. And, I believe it has high re-read value.
Final Thoughts
Queen of Shadows overtook Kingsbane by Claire Legrand as the longest book I’ve read this year. I loved every page of this story. I can’t stop gushing about how good this series is.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas – if you liked this book even a little, you absolutely must read the next book in the series. I am *still* OBSESSED.
- Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts – there are a ton of parallels between these series, one of which includes a kick-ass main character. Also, Tilla and Zell’s relationship strongly parallels Celaena and Rowan’s.
- Roar by Cora Carmack – if you liked the elemental magic explored in this book and the idea of different groups of characters traveling around working toward common goals, give this series by Cora Carmack a try.
Books Over Everything 