Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, #4)

by Sarah J. Maas

[kimbacaffeinate]

Five reasons to grab Queen of Shadows or begin Throne of Glass series

• The characters will pull you in. You will root for them, weep for them, become angry and spend hours trying to pair couples and destinies. Celaena/Aelin kick-ass assassin, Queen, and Fae is complicated, brave, brutal, passionate and leader. As Aelin has developed my emotions for her, have evolved. I have felt frustration, sorrow, awe, anger, confusion, and pride. Her growth, struggles, love of others and need to protect place her on my favorite character list. In Queen of Shadows, Lysandra shines, and I loved the reveals. Eldie proved interesting, and I am curious as to her role. Manon, Wing Leader and Heir to the Blackbeak clan both infuriated and surprised me. We aren't going to be besties, but I was surprised by how much I felt for her. An interaction between her and Dorian had me lifting a brow. Rowan and Aedion are not just sexy, but hilarious. Their banter and snide remarks gave normalcy to all around them. The villains, secondary characters, and creatures all added to the tale and had me flipping the pages lost within this world.



• The world is complex with its four kingdoms. Power plays, manipulation, and politics have wreaked havoc creating enemies and alliances. Maas teased me unmercifully and had me second guessing and plotting possible outcomes. We spend our time between Adarlan and castle where Manon and the other clans work for the Duke. The city and the castle were vividly described. Maas brought them to life in 3D delivering danger, tension, and suspense. At times the tale was gritty, bloody and dark.  All elements necessary to ensnare the reader while lending an air of believability to the tale.



• I'd be remiss not to mention the romance(s) and complicated friendships between these characters. Theories run amuck among fans of the series. I too have matched and made predictions. The sexual tension between Alien and Rowan was both frustrating and delightful. Duty and desire battle, but there is no denying the current of feelings and emotions that pass between them. Alien's teasing seemed at times mean. I don't think she is aloof, but believe she is deliberately taunting him into making the first move.



• Battles, ARC developments, magic, demons, and trickery created a story that despite its length never meander or loss this readers attention. Every morsel only had me craving more. Alien and her secretiveness often frustrated this motley crew she has amassed. I understood her reasons and admired her brilliant tactics and deceptions. She protects first and foremost, and while this might be a weakness to some, it fuels her.



• Queen of Shadows wrapped up several threads and set in motion events that will unfold in Empire of Storms. At times the series take the reader on a macabre ride as Maas drags their emotions from the back of her creative horse. Like most, in her fandom, I cannot wait to go there again. Marketed as a young adult series, fans of fantasy regardless of age will find themselves enthralled.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer