Jordon
Written on Nov 5, 2014
The third instalment to the global #1 bestselling series.
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As the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, Celaena Sardothien is bound to serve the tyrant who slaughtered her dear friend. But she has vowed to make him pay. The answers Celaena needs to destroy the king lie across the sea Wendlyn. And Chaol, Captain of the King's Guard, has put his future in jeopardy to send her there.
Yet as Celaena seeks her destiny in Wendlyn, a new threat is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a...
The third instalment to the global #1 bestselling series.
As the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, Celaena Sardothien is bound to serve the tyrant who slaughtered her dear friend. But she has vowed to make him pay. The answers Celaena needs to destroy the king lie across the sea Wendlyn. And Chaol, Captain of the King's Guard, has put his future in jeopardy to send her there.
Yet as Celaena seeks her destiny in Wendlyn, a new threat is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
This third novel in the THRONE OF GLASS sequence, from global #1 bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, is packed with more heart-stopping action, devastating drama and swoonsome romance, and introduces some fierce new heroines to love and hate.
- ISBN10 1408839121
- ISBN13 9781408839126
- Publish Date 11 September 2014 (first published 2 September 2014)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 7 September 2023
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
- Imprint Bloomsbury YA
- Format Paperback
- Pages 576
- Language English
Reviews
Mercy
Written on Nov 3, 2014
Wow. Simplemente wow. Sarah J. Maas: You are the Woman! Really.
En mi reseña de Crrown of midnight dije que había mejorado muchísimo en comparación con el primero, este en parte lo hizo y en parte no, o más bien...Read more
4.5/5
Wow. Simplemente wow. Sarah J. Maas: You are the Woman! Really.
En mi reseña de Crrown of midnight dije que había mejorado muchísimo en comparación con el primero, este en parte lo hizo y en parte no, o más bien estuvo al mismo nivel, entonces ¿porque le puse más puntuación al anterior si me gustaron igual? Lo que pasa es que por ratos había partes más lentas, también tuve un problema con la parte de las brujas, que si bien me interesaba y me gustó, sentí un poco de cariño y admiración hacia Manon y Abraxos, que a pesar de que son malas (las brujas) tienen sueños y deseos y la verdad es que me ganó, pero pasaba que justo aparecían cuando las partes de Cealena, Chaol, Dorian y los demás estaban más interesantes y eso hacía lenta la lectura y me desesperaba, además que no es como si las brujas hayan aportado mucho. Pero estuvo bien porque es parte de ese mundo y me encanta que la autora haya hecho un espacio para explicar estos detalles.
Pasando a lo que interesa, sólo diré que hacía rato que un libro juvenil no me dolía tanto, no me emocionaba tanto, o gritaba de alegría o me llevaba tantas veces al borde de las lágrimas, ya sea de tristeza o de alegría, los últimos de fantasía juvenil que leí sólo eran un: está bien. Pero como dije al inicio, Sarah J. Maas es grande, sabe lo que hace, creo que si el primero no hubiese parecido tanto una sátira a los libros de fantasía épica, esta saga tuviese más seguidores.
A ver, vamos por partes, la Asesina se va de viaje, en una misión para el Rey, lo que no sabe el Rey es que sus enemigos están planeando otras cosas para la Asesina. Ésta llega al país de las hadas, donde tiene que entrenarse para poder ir a la ciudad dónde las hadas habitan, dónde la reina de las hadas le ayudará con las respuestas que necesita, para eso tiene que entrenar CON UN HADO PRECIOSO QUE AY, ME TIENE ENAMORADA -perdón, esa fue mi parte fangirl hablando- PERO ES QUE EN SERIO, ES PRECIOSO Y ADORABLE Y UNA GRAN GUERRERO BIEN BUENO xD Al inicio es odioso pero se le coge cariño :3 La Asesina está destruida por los acontecimientos del libro anterior y tal vez es está otra razón por la que el libro decae, pero hay que entender a la chica pues ha pasado por mucho, pero al final, sigue demostrando esa fuerza que la caracteriza, el deseo por vivir, de buscar venganza para los que creen en ella y saldrá poco a poco adelante, también revelando más de su historia, de como se convirtió en lo que es, en la máquina de matar que le ayudo a sobrevivir por 10 años y es brillante, de verdad, me gustó muchísimo está nueva etapa de Celaena, como poco a poco va superando cada obstáculo, como demuestra que en verdad es una guerrera y va a hacer lo que sea por ayudar a terminar con el yugo de un tirano.
También hay un desarrollo por parte de los otros personajes, Dorian y Chaol y otros más que van apareciendo, como Aedion, que nos da un par de sorpresas. Y es acá dónde también hay dolor, el rey no tiene un poco de misericordia para nadie y su hijo es uno de los que más sufre, lo que me hizo sufrir también a mí, muchísimo.
En éste también seguimos descubriendo cosas, del poder del rey, sus planes para dominar completamente Erilea e incluso otros mundos, el origen de su poder, también porque ya no hay magia en el continente, la guerra y otras cosas más.
En fin, que ha sido una excelente continuación y me muero por el siguiente y por saber como le irá a Rowan , Chaol, Dorian, Celaena y todos mis queridos.
Wow. Simplemente wow. Sarah J. Maas: You are the Woman! Really.
En mi reseña de Crrown of midnight dije que había mejorado muchísimo en comparación con el primero, este en parte lo hizo y en parte no, o más bien estuvo al mismo nivel, entonces ¿porque le puse más puntuación al anterior si me gustaron igual? Lo que pasa es que por ratos había partes más lentas, también tuve un problema con la parte de las brujas, que si bien me interesaba y me gustó, sentí un poco de cariño y admiración hacia Manon y Abraxos, que a pesar de que son malas (las brujas) tienen sueños y deseos y la verdad es que me ganó, pero pasaba que justo aparecían cuando las partes de Cealena, Chaol, Dorian y los demás estaban más interesantes y eso hacía lenta la lectura y me desesperaba, además que no es como si las brujas hayan aportado mucho. Pero estuvo bien porque es parte de ese mundo y me encanta que la autora haya hecho un espacio para explicar estos detalles.
Pasando a lo que interesa, sólo diré que hacía rato que un libro juvenil no me dolía tanto, no me emocionaba tanto, o gritaba de alegría o me llevaba tantas veces al borde de las lágrimas, ya sea de tristeza o de alegría, los últimos de fantasía juvenil que leí sólo eran un: está bien. Pero como dije al inicio, Sarah J. Maas es grande, sabe lo que hace, creo que si el primero no hubiese parecido tanto una sátira a los libros de fantasía épica, esta saga tuviese más seguidores.
A ver, vamos por partes, la Asesina se va de viaje, en una misión para el Rey, lo que no sabe el Rey es que sus enemigos están planeando otras cosas para la Asesina. Ésta llega al país de las hadas, donde tiene que entrenarse para poder ir a la ciudad dónde las hadas habitan, dónde la reina de las hadas le ayudará con las respuestas que necesita, para eso tiene que entrenar CON UN HADO PRECIOSO QUE AY, ME TIENE ENAMORADA -perdón, esa fue mi parte fangirl hablando- PERO ES QUE EN SERIO, ES PRECIOSO Y ADORABLE Y UNA GRAN GUERRERO BIEN BUENO xD Al inicio es odioso pero se le coge cariño :3 La Asesina está destruida por los acontecimientos del libro anterior y tal vez es está otra razón por la que el libro decae, pero hay que entender a la chica pues ha pasado por mucho, pero al final, sigue demostrando esa fuerza que la caracteriza, el deseo por vivir, de buscar venganza para los que creen en ella y saldrá poco a poco adelante, también revelando más de su historia, de como se convirtió en lo que es, en la máquina de matar que le ayudo a sobrevivir por 10 años y es brillante, de verdad, me gustó muchísimo está nueva etapa de Celaena, como poco a poco va superando cada obstáculo, como demuestra que en verdad es una guerrera y va a hacer lo que sea por ayudar a terminar con el yugo de un tirano.
También hay un desarrollo por parte de los otros personajes, Dorian y Chaol y otros más que van apareciendo, como Aedion, que nos da un par de sorpresas. Y es acá dónde también hay dolor, el rey no tiene un poco de misericordia para nadie y su hijo es uno de los que más sufre, lo que me hizo sufrir también a mí, muchísimo.
En éste también seguimos descubriendo cosas, del poder del rey, sus planes para dominar completamente Erilea e incluso otros mundos, el origen de su poder, también porque ya no hay magia en el continente, la guerra y otras cosas más.
En fin, que ha sido una excelente continuación y me muero por el siguiente y por saber como le irá a Rowan , Chaol, Dorian, Celaena y todos mis queridos.
Mackenzie
Written on Oct 13, 2014
How do I even function after finishing this book? I cannot contain the raging emotions inside me. THE FEEEEELS!!! Maas knows how to take your heart, throw in under a train, mend it with awesomeness, and destroy it again in a vicious cycle. I love her for it. This book was just beyond amazing. She's not one to stray from heartbreak and death and destruction. Despite this, there is always that glimmer of hope that makes my heart go aflutter. And Rowan. Thank you for Rowan.
Full, incoherent (due to gushing and flailing) review to come.
Full, incoherent (due to gushing and flailing) review to come.
Berls
Written on Sep 10, 2014
My Initial Reaction...
Despite a slow start, Heir of Fire ended on an epic note. I always enjoyed it, but my attention did wander until about 3/4 of...Read more
This review appeared first on Fantasy is More Fun.
Despite a slow start, Heir of Fire ended on an epic note. I always enjoyed it, but my attention did wander until about 3/4 of the way through part one - "Heir of Ash". But once things really took off, I could hardly put it down.
Note: There are series spoilers, but no book spoilers.
Celaena is a big part of why Heir of Fire dragged for me. After Crown of Midnight she's down and understandably so. And I'd probably be complaining if Maas hadn't adequately written her despair, because no one just bounces back from this level of devastation. But it was rough going. You know that song "I get knocked down"? Well I was wondering what happened to Celaena's "but I get up again"! Thankfully we get the old Celaena back and THEN SOME. The THEN SOME makes all that waiting so worth it. Yeah. Celaena keeps amazing me. Gah!
Another reason that Heir of Fire dragged a lot in the start was the multiple POVs - there were too many of them and they were too quick... sometimes as short as a couple pages. That might have been okay if it was just Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian, because I really did want to know what was happening with all of them. But then we had this other person - Manon. And I was like, "Where the eff did she come from and why am I supposed to care?"
Well - I very gradually changed my tune about Manon and I'm so glad she was such a huge part of Heir of Fire. I just wasn't ready for her from the get-go. So Manon Blackbeak is Heir of the Blackbeak Witch-Clan... and if you remember, witches in this world are not just spell-casters. Nah, there incredible and intense. Claws and iron teeth intense. And Manon is at the top of the top. For a while, I think I liked her but didn't want to admit it because GAH this girl is brutal! But I finally accepted that I LOVE her.
Besides the greatness of Manon and the witches in general - I'm glad they had such a dominant role because there working with these bird-like creatures - Wyverns. I won't say too much on this front, except that if you're someone who likes animal companions in your books you're going to fall for these creatures. I sure did!
If you're like me, you're going crazy wondering what's up with Dorian. Crown of Midnight was pretty monumental for him and also very isolating. This scared me, because I really worried how he'd deal so alone. I enjoyed every minute of watching him try to deal with who he's becoming and what that means for his - and his father's kingdom's - future.
Chaol had quite the huge - EPIC - revelation smacked on him at the close of Crown of Midnight and it's really messing with him throughout Heir of Fire. It's time for Chaol to think about what being honorable really means and figure out where his loyalty lies!
I'd be amiss if I didn't also introduce you to the TWO new male characters on the scene because they were... YEAH!!
First, there's Aedion Ashryver. He's Celaena's cousin and one of the few people that probably would recognize her for who she really is. But he's one of the King's most ruthless generals, lording it over his and Celaena's homeland. He was a great addition to the story - particularly as we start to understand Celaena's past much better.
And last - but most definitely NOT least - is Rowan. *sigh* He actually made me start to question how Team Chaol I am, though I don't really see a romance between him and Celaena. But I'm totally into him because I have a thing for Alpha males - especially ones that seem like total annoying jerks from the get-go. That's Rowan for you. He's a fae (SQUEE!) and he's annoyed to be stuck working with Celaena. But really, he's totally complex and I dare you not to love him by time you're done reading Heir of Fire
Phew! There's just so many characters and would you believe I've left some out? The thing is, there ALL so complex and as a totally character driven reader, that makes this series like a drug for me. I'm addicted and NEED IT!
With all the complex character building you'd think the story wouldn't match up, but that's why Maas is just wonderful - because Heir of Fire delivers the same kind of complexity in the story as it does in the characters.
I, however, will not go into nearly as much detail here because that would be the stuff of spoilers. Let's just say - get ready for: HUGE movements on the part of the evil King, AWESOME immersion into the world of the Fae, TOE-CURLING insight into the Iron Witch clans, OMG insights into a mounting rebellion, and HOLY SHIT details about Celaena's past. Yep, it's that good.
My one beef in the story was the way time passed without any clear reference to Celaena's deadline. She left at the end of Crown of Midnight on the orders of the King and yet, as week after week goes by, we have no idea if her deadline is approaching or already past. And that seemed pretty significant to me, because if she didn't fulfill her mission then that's like a HUGE deal, especially for everyone still in Rifthold.
Clearly you can't write a short (or even medium length) review for a book this long and great... so sorry for going on and on. Point is: We're setup for another incredible book, hopefully we won't have to wait too long!
My Initial Reaction...
Despite a slow start, Heir of Fire ended on an epic note. I always enjoyed it, but my attention did wander until about 3/4 of the way through part one - "Heir of Ash". But once things really took off, I could hardly put it down.
Note: There are series spoilers, but no book spoilers.
The Characters...
Celaena is a big part of why Heir of Fire dragged for me. After Crown of Midnight she's down and understandably so. And I'd probably be complaining if Maas hadn't adequately written her despair, because no one just bounces back from this level of devastation. But it was rough going. You know that song "I get knocked down"? Well I was wondering what happened to Celaena's "but I get up again"! Thankfully we get the old Celaena back and THEN SOME. The THEN SOME makes all that waiting so worth it. Yeah. Celaena keeps amazing me. Gah!
Another reason that Heir of Fire dragged a lot in the start was the multiple POVs - there were too many of them and they were too quick... sometimes as short as a couple pages. That might have been okay if it was just Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian, because I really did want to know what was happening with all of them. But then we had this other person - Manon. And I was like, "Where the eff did she come from and why am I supposed to care?"
Well - I very gradually changed my tune about Manon and I'm so glad she was such a huge part of Heir of Fire. I just wasn't ready for her from the get-go. So Manon Blackbeak is Heir of the Blackbeak Witch-Clan... and if you remember, witches in this world are not just spell-casters. Nah, there incredible and intense. Claws and iron teeth intense. And Manon is at the top of the top. For a while, I think I liked her but didn't want to admit it because GAH this girl is brutal! But I finally accepted that I LOVE her.
Besides the greatness of Manon and the witches in general - I'm glad they had such a dominant role because there working with these bird-like creatures - Wyverns. I won't say too much on this front, except that if you're someone who likes animal companions in your books you're going to fall for these creatures. I sure did!
If you're like me, you're going crazy wondering what's up with Dorian. Crown of Midnight was pretty monumental for him and also very isolating. This scared me, because I really worried how he'd deal so alone. I enjoyed every minute of watching him try to deal with who he's becoming and what that means for his - and his father's kingdom's - future.
Chaol had quite the huge - EPIC - revelation smacked on him at the close of Crown of Midnight and it's really messing with him throughout Heir of Fire. It's time for Chaol to think about what being honorable really means and figure out where his loyalty lies!
I'd be amiss if I didn't also introduce you to the TWO new male characters on the scene because they were... YEAH!!
First, there's Aedion Ashryver. He's Celaena's cousin and one of the few people that probably would recognize her for who she really is. But he's one of the King's most ruthless generals, lording it over his and Celaena's homeland. He was a great addition to the story - particularly as we start to understand Celaena's past much better.
And last - but most definitely NOT least - is Rowan. *sigh* He actually made me start to question how Team Chaol I am, though I don't really see a romance between him and Celaena. But I'm totally into him because I have a thing for Alpha males - especially ones that seem like total annoying jerks from the get-go. That's Rowan for you. He's a fae (SQUEE!) and he's annoyed to be stuck working with Celaena. But really, he's totally complex and I dare you not to love him by time you're done reading Heir of Fire
Phew! There's just so many characters and would you believe I've left some out? The thing is, there ALL so complex and as a totally character driven reader, that makes this series like a drug for me. I'm addicted and NEED IT!
The Story...
With all the complex character building you'd think the story wouldn't match up, but that's why Maas is just wonderful - because Heir of Fire delivers the same kind of complexity in the story as it does in the characters.
I, however, will not go into nearly as much detail here because that would be the stuff of spoilers. Let's just say - get ready for: HUGE movements on the part of the evil King, AWESOME immersion into the world of the Fae, TOE-CURLING insight into the Iron Witch clans, OMG insights into a mounting rebellion, and HOLY SHIT details about Celaena's past. Yep, it's that good.
My one beef in the story was the way time passed without any clear reference to Celaena's deadline. She left at the end of Crown of Midnight on the orders of the King and yet, as week after week goes by, we have no idea if her deadline is approaching or already past. And that seemed pretty significant to me, because if she didn't fulfill her mission then that's like a HUGE deal, especially for everyone still in Rifthold.
Concluding Sentiments...
Clearly you can't write a short (or even medium length) review for a book this long and great... so sorry for going on and on. Point is: We're setup for another incredible book, hopefully we won't have to wait too long!
kimbacaffeinate
Written on Aug 20, 2014
Heir of Fire was stunning and brilliantly executed. It is equal parts plot driven and character driven. The overall question regarding the Wyrdmarks continues and all parties have made progress. The King is more ruthless than ever. Unlike the previous books, romance is not a predominant thread, although a little something develops for Dorian. While some will say it was unnecessary, it did soften my heart and make me dismiss his arrogance. I was team Chaol in the previous books, and now my heart lies with them all. The growth we see in Calaena was phenomenal and I am excited to begin the next stretch of her journey. All of threads had climatic endings, and I closed this book screaming inside my head as once again Maas left my heart unraveling and eager for the next installment.
Copy received from publisher and full review can be found at Caffeinated.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Copy received from publisher and full review can be found at Caffeinated.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Amber
Written on Jul 26, 2014
* CELAENAAAAAAAAAA
* ROWAN x CELAENA = OTP, SEND HELP
* chaol who?
* Wait, no, Dorian/Chaol is also fabulous.
* Aedion needs a bigger role.
ROWAN THOUGH SJFLHSLFIHSLIGHSLGLSBGl
------------
Actual review, now that I have calmed down:
I don’t even know where to begin...Read more
Initial thoughts:
* CELAENAAAAAAAAAA
* ROWAN x CELAENA = OTP, SEND HELP
* chaol who?
* Wait, no, Dorian/Chaol is also fabulous.
* Aedion needs a bigger role.
ROWAN THOUGH SJFLHSLFIHSLIGHSLGLSBGl
------------
Actual review, now that I have calmed down:
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. Just. What. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I wasn’t a huge fan of Throne of Glass. It was good, it was enjoyable, but it was also pretty forgettable. Then Judith forced Crown of Midnight on me, and my interest in this world and the characters was suddenly sparked. I requested Heir of Fire because I thought if it was at least on par with Crown of Midnight, then I couldn’t go wrong. But it blew Crown of Midnight out of the water, and is definitely the best of the series so far.
While Heir of Fire is less action-packed than Crown of Midnight, it has the quiet build up and slow burn that I enjoy almost as much as action sequences. Three quarters of the book novel are one giant build up to an explosive ending, and while I was reading my stress levels kept getting higher and higher.
Because I had grown to really like Celaena in Crown of Midnight, I found myself growing to adore her in Heir of Fire. Gone is the average and cliché girl from Throne of Glass; Celaena is now on her way to becoming a queen and she is amazing and fabulous and badass.
We learn a whole lot about Celaena’s backstory and her family in Heir of Fire, and oh my god, it broke me. Her story is one of the best out there, and it’s what really sold her to me because I was able to understand what happened to her and why she is the way she is. It was beautiful, and some of the scenes made my heart break.
Now I’m going to dedicate the rest of my review to Rowan and Celaena, because I have been holding out on you all. And so has Maas, who clearly had this character and his relationship with Celaena planned pretty early on. Basically, Rowan is the best character in the whole series, next to Celaena. He starts off being pretty closed off, and slowly starts to open up more and becomes more approachable and accepting, and yet at his core he doesn’t change. You just get to know him better.
And the way Rowan parallels Celaena… Oh my GOD, I could write entire essays about those two because PARALLELS ARE MY THING. Back when I was in the Vampire Diaries fandom, I would squeal about parallels all over the place, and then the same thing happened with Avatar: The Last Airbender. Basically, all the best couples have parallels, and Rowan and Celaena have them in droves. And they’re not even romantic! (YET. YETTTTTT.)
I was a Celaena/Dorian shipper in the first two books, but when Heir of Fire happened I quickly switched teams. For several reasons, really, but mostly because Rowan and Celaena compliment each other so fucking much and I cannot deal with the feelings I have for them.
In Heir of Fire, Dorian and Chaol are basically non-existent to me in comparison to Rowan and Celaena. The book was all about the latter pair, with their growth and relationship and everything. Dorian gets a new love interest, which felt pointless and cheap, and Chaol continues to question my mighty queen and make an asshat of himself. The two of them looked like children compared to Rowan and Celaena, and so I paid hardly any attention to them.
There are other new characters who were introduced in this book that are going to make the game interesting later on. There’s one new character called Aedion who showed a lot of promise because of his similarities to Gannicus (Spartacus TV show. Watch it.), but he didn’t really go anywhere by the end of the book. I still love him more than Chaol though. Ha. There is also Manon, who got really interesting towards the end and who is going to be AWESOME in the sequel(s), I know it, and Sorscha, who was dull as crap and not my kind of character at all. Why was she there?
Things you should take away from this “review”:
* Rowan is the best thing to ever happen to this series
* Celaena is a QUEEN
* If Rowan and Celaena don’t become a thing then I will sob into my pillow for eternity
* Chaol is pointless and can go jump off a cliff
* ROWAN AND CELAENA ARE OTP
* Chaol/Dorian would also be a legit ship if the two didn’t seem terribly immature compared to Rowan and Celaena.
I hardly ever share my favourite quotes from books, but I have decided that it’s necessary in this case. BECAUSE CELAENA IS AMAZING. Maybe don’t read these quotes unless you’ve read the book because there are loads of them and you should experience them in context first. To see the quotes, hop on over to Books of Amber where there are gifs and other shiny things!
* CELAENAAAAAAAAAA
* ROWAN x CELAENA = OTP, SEND HELP
* chaol who?
* Wait, no, Dorian/Chaol is also fabulous.
* Aedion needs a bigger role.
ROWAN THOUGH SJFLHSLFIHSLIGHSLGLSBGl
------------
Actual review, now that I have calmed down:
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. Just. What. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I wasn’t a huge fan of Throne of Glass. It was good, it was enjoyable, but it was also pretty forgettable. Then Judith forced Crown of Midnight on me, and my interest in this world and the characters was suddenly sparked. I requested Heir of Fire because I thought if it was at least on par with Crown of Midnight, then I couldn’t go wrong. But it blew Crown of Midnight out of the water, and is definitely the best of the series so far.
While Heir of Fire is less action-packed than Crown of Midnight, it has the quiet build up and slow burn that I enjoy almost as much as action sequences. Three quarters of the book novel are one giant build up to an explosive ending, and while I was reading my stress levels kept getting higher and higher.
Because I had grown to really like Celaena in Crown of Midnight, I found myself growing to adore her in Heir of Fire. Gone is the average and cliché girl from Throne of Glass; Celaena is now on her way to becoming a queen and she is amazing and fabulous and badass.
We learn a whole lot about Celaena’s backstory and her family in Heir of Fire, and oh my god, it broke me. Her story is one of the best out there, and it’s what really sold her to me because I was able to understand what happened to her and why she is the way she is. It was beautiful, and some of the scenes made my heart break.
Now I’m going to dedicate the rest of my review to Rowan and Celaena, because I have been holding out on you all. And so has Maas, who clearly had this character and his relationship with Celaena planned pretty early on. Basically, Rowan is the best character in the whole series, next to Celaena. He starts off being pretty closed off, and slowly starts to open up more and becomes more approachable and accepting, and yet at his core he doesn’t change. You just get to know him better.
And the way Rowan parallels Celaena… Oh my GOD, I could write entire essays about those two because PARALLELS ARE MY THING. Back when I was in the Vampire Diaries fandom, I would squeal about parallels all over the place, and then the same thing happened with Avatar: The Last Airbender. Basically, all the best couples have parallels, and Rowan and Celaena have them in droves. And they’re not even romantic! (YET. YETTTTTT.)
I was a Celaena/Dorian shipper in the first two books, but when Heir of Fire happened I quickly switched teams. For several reasons, really, but mostly because Rowan and Celaena compliment each other so fucking much and I cannot deal with the feelings I have for them.
In Heir of Fire, Dorian and Chaol are basically non-existent to me in comparison to Rowan and Celaena. The book was all about the latter pair, with their growth and relationship and everything. Dorian gets a new love interest, which felt pointless and cheap, and Chaol continues to question my mighty queen and make an asshat of himself. The two of them looked like children compared to Rowan and Celaena, and so I paid hardly any attention to them.
There are other new characters who were introduced in this book that are going to make the game interesting later on. There’s one new character called Aedion who showed a lot of promise because of his similarities to Gannicus (Spartacus TV show. Watch it.), but he didn’t really go anywhere by the end of the book. I still love him more than Chaol though. Ha. There is also Manon, who got really interesting towards the end and who is going to be AWESOME in the sequel(s), I know it, and Sorscha, who was dull as crap and not my kind of character at all. Why was she there?
Things you should take away from this “review”:
* Rowan is the best thing to ever happen to this series
* Celaena is a QUEEN
* If Rowan and Celaena don’t become a thing then I will sob into my pillow for eternity
* Chaol is pointless and can go jump off a cliff
* ROWAN AND CELAENA ARE OTP
* Chaol/Dorian would also be a legit ship if the two didn’t seem terribly immature compared to Rowan and Celaena.
I hardly ever share my favourite quotes from books, but I have decided that it’s necessary in this case. BECAUSE CELAENA IS AMAZING. Maybe don’t read these quotes unless you’ve read the book because there are loads of them and you should experience them in context first. To see the quotes, hop on over to Books of Amber where there are gifs and other shiny things!