Not sure what to make of this. I can see how influenced this book was by the secret history but it failed to deliver what i liked about this genre.
“I have become something wonderful, she thought. I have become something terrible. Was she now a goddess or a monster? Perhaps neither. Perhaps both.”
Reading this book is definitely one of the best experiences of this year.
“One must always be careful of books,” said Tessa, “and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”
I liked this! Vale and Tessla were such a good characters. Also this made me want to reread the series to pay attention more and also for jules.
“The heart he'd offered and had been left to drop on the wooden planks of the river docks. An assassin who had sailed away and a queen who had returned.”
4.5 - That was so good. Probably the best book in the series in terms of writing. I have been desperate for Chaol's healing journey, especially after everything he went through. I was delighted to see him get the story he deserved. I love what Maas did with his characterization. He's definitely her most complex character and she handled his character growth very well. The parts where he acknowledges and accepts his disability were very emotional, leave it to Chaol to break my heart in every book he has been in. We also see a lot of depth in his characterization, from his mixed and bitter feelings towards Aelin (which were so realistic in my opinion) and his reasons behind his loyalty to Dorian and the kingdom. This book should provide enough context for those who claim that Chaol should've handled things better during Queen of Shadows. I loved the journey he took and the resolution of it. My only complaint is about the direction of Chaol's romantic life. I really thought it was unnecessary for every character to end up with someone. But the heroine of this was a wonderful character and I love her and Chaol individually so it didn't bother me that much.
There are side stories and intersecting plots being told in this book. And I loved everything from the new characters (the Khagan family dynamic is both funny and heartwarming) to the shocking twists and reveals.
Also, I never thought I would actually care for Nesryn as a character but her adventure with Sartaq was amazing and boosted my enjoyment of this book.
One of my favorite things about ‘Tower of Dawn' is the southern continent settings. It was refreshing to read the story from another kingdom and different culture. The gorgeous details show how beautifully the author envisioned this place.
“Using the chair is not a punishment. It is not a prison,' he said softly. ‘It never was. And I am as much of a man in that chair, or with that cane, as I am standing on my feet.”
This book is very captivating! The author has created a unique mythology that draws the reader in from the very beginning. The inclusion of dragons and a magic system based on telling forbidden old stories creates a rich and immersive world that is impossible to resist.
The main heroine's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as she discovers her own agency and inner strength. The way the author handles her growth throughout the story is masterfully done, and readers will find themselves completely invested in her character arc.
The writing itself is simply breathtaking. The prose flows effortlessly and the descriptions are vivid and evocative, transporting the reader straight into the heart of the story.
That was fun. A solid detective story with fleshed out characters, this book was very exciting and i enjoyed it immensely.
“A strong woman who recklessly throws away her strength, she is worse than a weak woman who has never had any strength to throw away.”
Kudos to Thomas Hardy for writing a book that depicts valid criticism of society's hypocrisy and injustice toward women in his time. Although, there are some things I couldn't wrap my head around, especially some of the heroine's choices. However, it is a melodramatic story where tragedy is destined to strike the heroine's life no matter her choices and I couldn't help but be drawn to her story.
“Why have you treated me so monstrously, Angel! I do not deserve it. I have thought it all over carefully, and I can never, never forgive you!”
It is quite depressing which was hard to get through at times, and the ending left me hollow. but i found beauty in this book somehow.
This series continues to deliver stunning and heartbreaking plot. The writing is rich and brilliant. I'm very intrigued about how the revelations in this book will play out in the finale. I also thought the addition of the nightbringer chapter was pretty cool.
There were parts that i felt weren't as gripping as the previous installments (especially regarding Elias). But everything i enjoyed in the story is still there and Helene's chapters are more than enough for me to get invested into the book. She's one of my all time favorite characters at this point.
I'm not sure if i'm emotionally ready for the final book. This series easily became one of my favorites. It's been a while since i've felt so much for a story and characters.
“Sometimes the most ruthless heart speaks the most truth”
“Break my heart, he said. “Break it in pieces. I give you my permission.”
2.5
It was fine, but i felt the plot became too convoluted for me and there were many unnecessary plotlines.
However, i liked Lucia and Jonas parts a lot.
I love how dark the story gets with each book and you can already dread the end of the story while reading. I finished this book with one question on my mind, why am I so sympathetic toward the villains? I'm not just talking about Adelina.
"Manon gave the Thirteen her final order. “Run.” Then Manon Blackbeak whirled and brought Wind-Cleaver down upon her grandmother.”
I enjoyed most of what happened in this book. It was easy to fly through 700 pages because of the suspension and anticipation that builds in each chapter. But I can't get myself interested in the heroine's storyline. She's one of the worst protagonist I've ever read about and her romance with Rowan is insufferable.
There were many different perceptive. I personally enjoyed them all. Manon's character continues to amaze me and Lysandra is great as always. but my favorite chapters were anything revolving around Lorcan and Elide. I could read an entire book about them.
One of the few books that literally gave me chills, i felt like i experienced the eerie vibes of the story vividly, everything was shrouded in mystery which made things unputdownable.
Nothing grand but very addictive and an amazing conclusion to one of my favorite trilogies.
I rarely find sequels incredible, but Marie Lu took this book to another level. So much excitement from the beginning to the end. Adelina's corruption arc was satsfying, i know she made a lot of questionable choices but i can't help but to root for her. I also enjoyed all the new characters and their dynamics. I can't predict where the story is going and i'm super excited to see how everything concludes.
“No one is ever the villain of their own story.”
Best Cassandra Clare book so far. I enjoyed the LA institute, the Blackthorn family, and the murder mystery plot. Emma is definitely my favorite shadowhunter.
“The Crown Prince tipped his head back to the sky and roared, and it was the battle cry of a god. Then the glass castle shattered.”
2.5 - That was a roller coaster, of both enjoyment and disappointment. The pacing and action parts were better than Heir of Fire. But I do have so many issues with this book while still finding it wildly entertaining at some parts.
In terms of plot. This book was good. I admit that I had trouble getting through the first parts and I'm still coming to terms with how the story took a different direction. But despite my dislike on how some things went down, the action picked up and pulled me into the story. So much awesomeness and one of the best parts is the Manon and Aelin fight. I also think the final parts were better than the majority of the book.
She was a Blackbeak; she was no one's slave. No one's prize horse to breed.Neither was Elide.”
“We're such refined, genteel ladies.”“Please,” Lysandra said, waving a manicured hand, “you and I are nothing but wild beasts wearing human skins. Don't even try to deny it.”
“Everything- everything was for Dorian, for his friend. For himself, he had nothing left to lose. He was nothing more than a nameless oath-breaker, a liar, a traitor.”
“What if we go on,” he said, “only to more pain and despair? What if we go on, only to find a horrible end waiting for us?”Aelin looked northward, as if she could see all the way to Terrasen. “Then it is not the end.”
“So here we are.The end of the road.No. The beginning of the next.”