Throne of Glass (ToG#1)
Crown of Midnight (ToG#2)
Heir of Fire (ToG#3)

At this stage I may not be able to avoid spoilers from past books, but as always I will try to avoid major spoilers for this particular book.

Queen of Shadows was exactly one million pages long, and it came across my desk at the same time that my job caught on fire, and not like “fire” like when something is so good it’s amazing, fire like things aren’t going so hot. I mean, it’s that time of year, but it seems to be more stressful this year than in years past because 2017 is an even larger dumpster fire than 2016.

But I digress.

There is a lot going on in this book but shit FINALLY happens and while this book doesn’t end with a cliffhanger like the previous three, you’ll be really nervous to know how the next book starts.

I love the inner turmoil that Manon the Ironteeth witch goes through in this book. If you aren’t paying attention, you will miss what I think will become a very important side story. What’s with those golden eyes? Why are the Valg afraid of her? What power does she have that she is not yet aware of? I’m ready to know! But we don’t get answers in this book so Empire of Storms better come into my library holds quick. But what’s happening where the witches and their wyverns are stationed is super gross, scary, and important. Pay close attention.

Another inner battle is happening between Dorian and the Valg prince that entered his body after the king clapped that Wyrdstone collar on him at the end of Heir of Fire. We know Dorian has magic now, and that magic was revealed, motivating the king to act. Will Dorian survive this possession? Or will the Valg prince take over and become heir to the throne of Adarlan?

Hey guys, when did Chaol become such a douche? I mean, I get that he has this sense of honor, and that he’s torn between serving the country he loves and doing what is right, but what’s up with him being such a dick to Aelin? If you have been reading my reviews for awhile you know I hate the petty “you’re responsible for this situation I’m in” kind of guilt circles and I think this is Sarah J Maas’ only time dabbling in that trope. It was irritating for a while but thankfully it goes away. Despite this the bad taste in my mouth for Chaol lingers, and I’m not sure if I can forgive him. I’m almost a little glad about what happens to him in the large battle at the end, but not really because I’m not a monster.

Guys, I don’t think you’re ready for how hot Rowan and Aelin are together. They are a total fucking tease. I did not appreciate Maas playing hard to get with me through this romance, but I better get some closure in the next book or I’m going to have to write a sternly worded letter to the editor.

Overall this book was a journey for all of the characters towards their chosen side in the coming war. Like other fantasy sagas, this war appears to be against something bigger than existence, come to consume all it surveys, and our heroes must come together and fight. There are still distant threats that we are not sure about, but the ultimate big baddie is clear, and now that Aelin has returned to Terrasen, all that’s left to see is how she calls the nations to her side to fight the coming darkness.

I don’t know how to sing the praises of this series any more than I already am. If you haven’t started it yet do yourself a favor and get going. Find Throne of Glass and join Celaena Sardothien on her journey. You will not be disappointed.