carlyjoann's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Blood, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Toxic friendship
hollowbound's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This entry was definitely a huge improvement over the first book. We get to see Celaena in action way more and the plot threads and intrigues are much more interesting. Chaol is a bit of a wet blanket and not an engaging romantic lead in my opinion. And, as much as I like Nehemia, she fits the "magical black person" trope a bit too well for my liking—plus, y'know, she fucking dies . I am looking forward to the increasing scope of the narrative in the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault
vereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'M GLAD I GIVE THIS SERIES ANOTHER CHANCE.
Maas improved his writing and honed everything that didn’t work in the first book, bringing the story forward.
I really enjoyed reading about Celaena’s character in this book. She’s a total badass, and it was amazing to witness her in action. Now I understand why everyone was afraid of her - she’s deadly. This book helped me to see how vulnerable she was when Chaol and Dorian took her out of jail. She’s such a complex character, and I didn’t fully appreciate that in the first book.
The relationship between Chaol and Celaena is natural and realistic. Chaol struggles with his own desires and fears. He tries to remain loyal to the crown and resist the temptation to be with Celaena. Unfortunately, this internal conflict leads him to make poor decisions. Resulting in him losing everything. The dynamic between Chaol and Celaena is reminiscent of Valek and Yelena’s relationship in Poison Study.
Dorian is a character that I had a little affection for. But in this book, he conquered me. At first, his presence doesn’t seem relevant. But, as the story progresses, his subplot takes on a lot of weight.
In the first book, I felt his relationship with Celeana was forced. However, in this book, their relationship is fluid and natural. They forged a meaningful and powerful friendship. They understand each other perfectly.
This book’s unexpected twists and turns pleasantly surprised me. The author’s approach to revealing the major plot twist was cleverly executed. The last pages are an emotional wreck. This secret impacts the relationship of Celeana with one of the other characters, changing the dynamic between them and setting the stage for the next book. It’s brilliant.
Crown of Midnight gets dark and bloody with betrayal, revelations, heartbreaks, twists, and turns. The story is way bigger and more complex than it seems. I’m so eager to get the other book.
Maas improved his writing and honed everything that didn’t work in the first book, bringing the story forward.
I really enjoyed reading about Celaena’s character in this book. She’s a total badass, and it was amazing to witness her in action. Now I understand why everyone was afraid of her - she’s deadly. This book helped me to see how vulnerable she was when Chaol and Dorian took her out of jail. She’s such a complex character, and I didn’t fully appreciate that in the first book.
The relationship between Chaol and Celaena is natural and realistic. Chaol struggles with his own desires and fears. He tries to remain loyal to the crown and resist the temptation to be with Celaena. Unfortunately, this internal conflict leads him to make poor decisions. Resulting in him losing everything. The dynamic between Chaol and Celaena is reminiscent of Valek and Yelena’s relationship in Poison Study.
Dorian is a character that I had a little affection for. But in this book, he conquered me. At first, his presence doesn’t seem relevant. But, as the story progresses, his subplot takes on a lot of weight.
In the first book, I felt his relationship with Celeana was forced. However, in this book, their relationship is fluid and natural. They forged a meaningful and powerful friendship. They understand each other perfectly.
This book’s unexpected twists and turns pleasantly surprised me. The author’s approach to revealing the major plot twist was cleverly executed. The last pages are an emotional wreck. This secret impacts the relationship of Celeana with one of the other characters, changing the dynamic between them and setting the stage for the next book. It’s brilliant.
Crown of Midnight gets dark and bloody with betrayal, revelations, heartbreaks, twists, and turns. The story is way bigger and more complex than it seems. I’m so eager to get the other book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Torture, Confinement, Murder, Gore, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, Death, and Grief
britwalsh16's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It’s not my favorite, but this book has officially gotten me invested in the series!
<spoilers>
I saw her true name coming, there were a lot of hints throughout the book. But the fact that she is fae, was a bit of a surprise, looking back, there were a few hints for that too, but I just missed them cause I was waiting for the name reveal.
But also, Dorian has magic? That was a shocker!!! I can’t wait to see how all the magic plays out!
</spoilers>
<spoilers>
I saw her true name coming, there were a lot of hints throughout the book. But the fact that she is fae, was a bit of a surprise, looking back, there were a few hints for that too, but I just missed them cause I was waiting for the name reveal.
But also, Dorian has magic? That was a shocker!!! I can’t wait to see how all the magic plays out!
</spoilers>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Genocide, Gore, Violence, Blood, Torture, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Stalking, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, Classism, Death, Death of parent, and Slavery
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Confinement, Suicide, and Colonisation
Minor: Misogyny, War, Sexual content, and Vomit
christmas_3va's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Death and Gore
aammeess's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Murder, Blood, Classism, Confinement, and Colonisation
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Slavery, Death of parent, and War
neko_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
So this one started a little bit slow for me, but
by the last 150ish pages its safe to say I was a little obsessed. Not kidding the climax of the book had me so mad and celebratory at the same time I was screaming about it lmao
Also the CHARACTERS how am I supposed to choose between dorian and chaol when their both such amazing characters?
Just wasn't enough to be a 5 star BUT it was close.
by the last 150ish pages its safe to say I was a little obsessed. Not kidding the climax of the book had me so mad and celebratory at the same time I was screaming about it lmao
Also the CHARACTERS how am I supposed to choose between dorian and chaol when their both such amazing characters?
Just wasn't enough to be a 5 star BUT it was close.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Slavery, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Vomit and Sexual assault
chemicallynope's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Blood and Kidnapping
sarahbethhh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Sexual content
chelslynn5's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder