Queen of Shadows

Big fan of all these strong female characters! Loved it.

First I just have to thank Destiny for finally getting me to read this series. She's been buddy reading these books with me this year and I am having so much fun chatting through everything with her. I'm actually mad at myself for putting off reading this series for so long because I am so hooked and I become more hooked with each book I read. 

I have to admit since I am behind on my reviews the events of each of these books is kind of blending together so I can't remember exactly what happened in what book. I know this one was action packed and it continues to build on the world and magic. We are introduced to more forms of magic in this one and then of course there's the romance. 

I have to say I have fully been set on the first love interest and I don't want to let go of that but I can't deny the connection between the new love interest. They are perfect for each other but it took me a while to fully get on board not only because of the refusal to let go of the first love interest. There is another factor that kept me from getting on board but I can't really say what that is because of spoilers. 

Honestly I don't have the words to express how much I am loving reading these books at the moment. I can't wait to get through the last 2 books because I want no I need to know how things work out for each of these characters. 

3.5 stars.

Did start this book long time ago and picked it up again.
Made me fall in love with the story again.

Re-read:
5 start
give me strength. This may be the best book of this series.

Okay so #2 and #4 are the best so far. I loved this book. I loved Manon's humanity revelation. I loved that we got a little closer with Rowan and Aelin. I loved that Dorian came back. I don't know how I feel about the king being a valg this whole time. It feels like that wasn't the original plan. I cried when Lysandra came back as the thing Aedion fears most. I'm pretty sure she's my favorite character at this point. I still just do not care about Chaol and every time I put this book down, it was during a Chaol scene. He's just such a whiny dick. He doesn't deserve Nesryn. I know they won't end up together because the series couples were spoiled for me before I even started, but still. I have to wait for a couple weeks before I continue the series, but I think I'm going to try to do the tandem read.

What. The. Actual. Heck.

I did not like this book. It was so disappointing. Am I missing something here? Why the 4 star reviews? Clearly there are GoT references but wow they were just so obvious.

Aelin and Roman - their relationship is creepy. What is it about 900 year old males and teenage girls. Both characters are annoying but none more so than Aelin. I have really grown to dislike her. I don't like how she is described or written. It's all surface, how people look, how ‘gorgeous' she/he is. Both need more depth.

Dorian and Chaol's friendship is the only true relationship in the book. Aelin and Rowan (Chaol and Nesryn as well) they are weird and forced. Aelin snd Rowan we're friends in the previous book and made it clear that was all they were going to be. So how come this changed? Seems like a really cheap thing to do. Aelin doesn't even speak to or help Chaol when he gets hurt. She is literally the worst ‘friend'.

I don't like the character ‘development' for Chaol - if you can call it that. Didn't mind him being a rebel. But the way he is treated by Aelin. Used to a punching bag for blame. Abandoned by Adieon as well. It's almost as though none of what they went through in the previous book mattered or happened at all.

Dorian and Chaol deserved better.

I thought Kaltain's arc was good.

Manon and Asterin are developing into an interesting storyline.

I am going to continue with the next book because I am interested in what happens with Manon, Dorian and Chaol.

2022-
okay yes i love manon and i'm ready to be destroyed again


2018-
Can we all hail Sarah J Maas, the one and only Queen of the mates and ships you want to die for?

This was good! I really like the main plot and story! HOWEVER, I hate the romance plot between Aelina and Rowan... also I don't like AT ALL how men are represented in this book! They are so annoying and possessive! SJM stop romanticizing possession! Women are no longer men's things! Even if you try to disguise it with “she's my queen” and whatever!
Every time that Rowan saw her with her COUSIN (not her love interest, not a crush!) her COUSIN!! He felt jealous. The same goes for Aedion (her cousin). WHY DOES HE FEEL JEALOUS OF ROWAN? What the Hell SJM??? You can't mix romantic and family filings, that is just wrong!
Besides that, I enjoyed the rest of the book (except Aelina plot).

For more of my reviews, check out my blog.

Queen of Shadows is (so far) my favorite book of the Throne of Glass series. So so much happens, so many BIG THINGS happen that the book was a constant thrill ride. I spent many a chapter mentally yelling at fictional characters about really stupid choices they were making, but oh what a fun ride this was. I cannot recommend this one enough.

MORE character growth, YAY. And more backstory and twisty-turny things happen that make Queen of Shadows just so incredibly fun to read. On to the next, because I can't wait to see what happens!

“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.”

This is my favorite of the saga so far, I feel like finally is going somewhere and not just dragging the story to make it longer.
Dorian is still my favorite boy ♥ I'm excited to see what comes next

Whoa, it's official: I'm obsessed with this series.
Heir of Fire was really, really good but Queen of Shadows is definitely my favorite so far.

I'm such trash for this series, it's honestly embarrassing.

Well, for everything in this series except Rowan. Still hate him. I will always hate him.

But Manon and Dorian. My favorite book characters of all time? The loves of my life? I'd die for them. No hesitation.

Do I want to be Manon? Or be with Manon? I don't have a clue.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!!! When I was reading Heir of Fire, I honestly couldn't wait for Manon's chapters to finish, but now, she's become more interesting than Aelin! The character development in this book is marvelous - simply magical. I cannot say anything bad about this book. I will be buying the next one this weekend.

This book has so much sass from both Aelin and Rowan! Their beautiful, fluid, dynamic is really highlighted in this book.

This one just might be my favorite so far, there's just something about it... I love where it's going and the side-story (is it really though?) about Manon and the Blackbeaks is a nice touch. I had to tell myself NOT to start reading the next book right after I finished the last page, I need to savor it a bit. However the next afternoon I was done savoring and ready to read Book 5! I'm so happy I have THE WHOLE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!

4,5

The further I get into this series, the further in love I fall. Aelin (Caelena) is such an all encompassing main female lead that I can't help but get lost in her story. She's strong, intelligent, compassionate, deadly...a queen.

Even with a diverse range of characters, they all have a role and are all equally intriguing, and you will feel something one way or another towards them

El mejor libro hasta el momento de trono de cristal, impresionante cada página.

Really enjoying this series. It was an okay series but now I can definitely see the hype.

I felt like the beginning started slow, but the last half I read in one sitting. And what a ride it was.

2024 update: excellent.

Mi libro favorito hasta ahora, LOS FEELS SON REALES.
Toma Sarah tu corona, se te cayó.

My favorite book of the TOG serie so far !
I literally can't wait to read the sequel and discover the destiny of this world.
I love what happens with the new characters and I was deeply surprise by a couple of twist.
Just an awesome serie !

3 stars for the first and 5 for the second...what a ride at the end. It was a little longer then I would I have liked but, but each book keeps getting better and better. I've really come to care about these characters and what happens to them.

I'd taken a little break in my journey through the Throne of Glass novels, having read Heir of Fire back last year I just hadn't felt myself drawn back to the story. I am aware though that May is creeping ever closer with a new release in the Court of Thorns and Roses Series and with another Throne of Glass novel set for release in September I felt it was time to get back on track and complete the series to date so I am all ready for the release dates of Sarah's new novels in 2018.

The first thing I love about this installment of the series is we are beginning to see Celaena's two worlds collide. She has returned from the Fae world of Book 3 and is now accepting her responsibilities as Queen of Terassen, the action has returned to the city of Adarlan where the first two books took place and she is determined to kill the King who destroyed her home and has been using magic to destroy and conquer the worlds around him.

By taking the action back to Adarlan we have much more interaction between all the characters whose relationships we invested in so deeply in Books 1 and 2, Chaol is back and he and Celaena have unresolved issues they need to work through. When the Fae and human world's start working together, though it all starts getting interesting and blends all the different people together for a common cause which is very satisfying as a reader.

I also love that this book allows us to resolve some of the real conflicts we've had going on since book one. Celaena is back to put an end to the King of Adarlan and she's not going to stop till she achieves it. This is not the only fight she's here to settle though and this is great as we see her face off against the King of the Assassins who trained her and who's shadowy figure has been hovering on the edges of the story since the first chapters four books ago. This book really sees Celaena using everything she's learned and all the allies she's made along the way to help her achieve justice for the people of Adarlan and to allow her to free magic.

In the last book I found the witch Manon and her Blackbeak clan interesting but didn't see how they were fitting in with the story but in this book we spend more time with them and start to see how they are also being manipulated in a way to help the King of Adarlan achieve his dark and dangerous goals. We meet a new character, a witch who has links to Celaena's past and this is a great mystery for us to take forward into Empire of Storms.

I really enjoyed this installment, I liked having conclusions to parts of the story that had been ongoing, I like that it raised questions over whether the evil that had been holding the land was, in fact, all it appeared to be or whether even darker forces are at work. I am thrilled with the development of Celaena's character and the introduction of new allies for her to work with moving forward. I am really excited for Book 5 now as will hopefully see Celaena eventually start moving towards claiming her birthright as Queen of Terrassen.

A great read, absolutely worth of 5 stars and has definitely refreshed my enthusiasm of the series.

First things first, this post is going to be less of a review (totally full of SPOILERS) and more of gushing and fangirling, because I have read this series multiple times and this book is my absolute favorite. This book is totally action packed but also full of emotional moments that make this an amazing read. But everytime I read or listen to this book, all I hope is to see all these amazing scenes on the screen, because this book will make for an even better TV show. I guess it's not a surprise then that the (hopefully) upcoming show is named Queen of Shadows.

Aelin is at her best in this book. She is finally ready to accept her heritage as Queen and kick some ass. But it's a long list to get through before she can go to Terrasen - save Aedion, figure out how to deal with Dorian, free magic and kill the King and boy does she do all of it.... with a BANG!!!!!

The whole sequence of saving Aedion on his execution day is absolutely perfect. The planning, the dramatic backdrop, the impossible rescue, the moment Aelin and Aedion's eyes meet - OH GOD this whole episode gave me chills (happy ones, ofcourse) and was terrifying because I didn't want anything to go wrong. And then the first scene where they finally talk to each other.... I SOBBED A LOT!!!!! Beautiful and poignant and emotional... They are technically not siblings but I think they have one of the best sibling relationships I have ever read.

Aelin and Rowan's reunion and the following banter and angst throughout this book is just HOT!!!! Swoon worthy... I can't wait to see the fireworks that will explode when they finally make love and I really don't mind the wait. They share some amazing moments together and if I start listing them here, my post will be as big as the book. I also loved that Rowan and Aedion got through their initial territorial issues and formed their own bond to protect and serves the ones they love.

The newest addition to my list of favorite characters here is Lysandra. Her history and backstory is heartbreaking, so it was good to see her finally making friends - ones who were ready to risk their lives for her just as much as she did. And she has some of the BESTESTTTT scenes in the book. She is totally badass and I can't even imagine what Aelin and Lysandra will do together from now on. Anyone who takes them on is as good as dead - which is what happened to the King of the Assassins. I didn't think I could hate Arobynn anymore than I already did, but he is truly worse. Though I am glad he is gone, I still think he should have suffered more.

Manon goes through a lot of character development in this book. From being the obedient, disciplined, bloodthirsty witch to one who questions about right and wrong, I never thought I will come to like her. Elide is a very underestimated character but I commend her quiet strength and courage and hope. The whole ending episode in Morath where Kaltain changes the fate of the war completely just blew my mind and I felt bad for misunderstanding her so much. Asterin's backstory is one of the most emotional and heartbreaking moments in the whole series and I weep even thinking about it. It's possibly the single most important moment in changing the character arc of Manon and the Thirteen and I can't wait to see what they do next. Now I have to mention one of the most anticipated scenes I was dying for - Manon and Aelin coming face to face. WOW was that a sight... EXPLOSIVE!!!!! I can't wait to see more of them together and hope they never fight on the opposite side - I don't think my sensitive heart could handle that.

And now coming to my sweet baby Dorian - I wanted to cry every time his chapter came up. Why the most adorable and kindest character in the whole series had to suffer such unspeakable torture, I still don't understand. And what an ending that was - the whole action episode was thrilling and emotional and watching Dorian finally free was unexplainable. The ending again proved why Aelin and Dorian make such a formidable pair (I still ship them in a teeny tiny part of my heart though Rowaelin is perfect) and even if they can't be together, I just hope that they remain BFFs.

I don't even want to talk about Chaol. The ending is very sad for him but it was also good that he finally decided to make it count. However, for most part of the book, I hated him. He was very rude and mean to Aelin and I just couldn't tolerate him blaming her for everything bad happening in Rifthold. He better do something phenomenally great in the upcoming books if I have to like him again (even a little).

I could go on and on and this would never end. This book has great writing, lots of plot twists and revelations, amazing action sequences and deeply emotional episodes. In simple terms, it's a complete package and has everything I could ever ask for in a book.

This review contains spoilers for books four through six in the series! You have been warned!

Random Shit I Wrote Down In My Notes While Re-Reading Queen Of Shadows Because I Just Wanted To TBH:

• Dorian :(((
• We're finally calling her Aelin yessssss
• Y'all already know how I feel about this dude. Fuck Arobynn bro
• Chaol stop being an asshole
• Eeeeeh I forgot Chesryn was a thing
• Lysandra and Evangelineeeee <3
• Poor Aedion :(
• Elideeeee
• I think I must've skipped Chaol's POV chapters when I first read this because I don't remember any of this lmao
• Aelin and Aedion acting kinda sus ngl