Good book in a good series, but honestly if I had to read any more about a “fairy prince” or the phrases “death incarnate” or “death, destroyer of worlds” one more time I might have screamed ( )

This book was so good in so many ways except the fact that Chaol appears to have left his big boy pants at home. ( )

3.5 - At this point in the series, I've developed a chronic allergy to just about anything Celaena- and Assassins' Guild-related, since that episode of her life was so poorly put together that it was cringy and flimsy at best (world's greatest assassin with a big mouth, enormous ego, no actual stomach for killing, and no street smarts - seems legit). The only exception to that rule was Heir of Fire, where Celaena finally underwent some true character development before accepting her new identity as Aelin. So I wasn't excited to see her slip back into her old assassin guise for the first half of the book, but I suppose it was necessary to tie up some loose ends - Arobynn wasn't very believable at first, but finally became a realistic and ruthless enough antagonist that the stakes involved made sense. The boss battle in the second half was well-written in terms of action and pacing, which has always seemed to be SJM's main strength. But - yes, another but - by that time there had already been too many convenient saves with all the magical artifacts floating around the story, what with copies being made of just about everything that made it super easy to fool Aelin's overpowered enemies... somehow.

As far as the other characters went, I still liked most of our sidekicks, particularly Rowan and his ongoing chemistry with Aelin, but Chaol was insufferable. I could only read so many pages of constant pity parties mixed with bitter commercial breaks where he blames Aelin for breathing, existing, and everything that happened while she was sent away (which he's somehow forgotten was his own doing). He did one good thing in the end, but I still can't say I'm a fan. Lysandra was a new favorite, and I'm glad to see there wasn't any weird love triangle going on with Aedion, because that would have been tiresome to read too. Anyway, the overall plot still held my interest enough to warrant at least a 3-star, and I was glad to say goodbye to Celaena (hopefully) for good. ( )

Finally, at Book #4, I’m really starting to enjoy the Throne of Glass series. I’m disappointed that it took me this long to get into the story, but at last I am looking forward to the next book. ( )

"We'll face it together. To whatever end."

Alright I'll say up front that I started this book and it took me like six months to actually finish it. I got a decent amount read and then needed a breather. It then was super hard to convince myself to pick it back up. I can honestly say that the break had nothing to do with the story and everything to do with how many I binged and the mood I was in. I can say honestly that in this one most of the action didn't feel like it took place until the last like fourty percent of the book. A lot is happening in this one and we have to keep track of a lot of characters. I really wish I had a cheat sheet of who everyone was sometimes.

I can say with absolute certantity that I adore Aelin. I loved that in this one we really get to see how cunning she can be. She has returned to Adarlan and everything is different. I cannot express how many moving parts are taking place in this book at once. I think it was incredibly interesting to watch how all the little pieces are starting to come together. I honestly can't decide which storyline I enjoy more. The witches and Manon have such a mindblowing and intense storyline that is happening alongside the storyline with Aelin trying to restore magic. Chaol and the rebels are also doing their own thing to try and keep the king from being to powerful. I mean all the moving parts are intense and the ways they connect are well done.

My absolute favorite thing about this book was probably the various characters and character development that took place. I mean Aelin shows just how prepared she is to be a queen. She is starting to develop her court and she's decided the people who matter most to her. Aedion is slowly becoming one of my favorite characters. The way he loves Aelin unconditionally is probably the best part of this story. Rowan and Aelin's friendship/relationship dynamic is developing in this one and it's the most beautiful thing I think I have ever seen. I love how it's complex and not just this simple oh here we are dynamic.

I am in love with Aelin's character and Manon's character is phenomenal. I loved the character development for the both of them in this one. Rowan is perfection. I adored watching him and Aedion come to terms with one another. Like I said, I set this aside for a bit and came back to it and I think that really impacted my enjoyment of the first part of the story. It was good and had so many critical moving parts that are necessary to truly enjoy the story. But let me tell you the last fourty percent of this book... holy cow... the emotions were everywhere. The screams I screamed. The emotional upheaval I experienced. I didn't think so much could happen. It honestly has me excited for what comes next. ( )