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ameydireads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“It was war upon them all. Let them tremble in fear at what they had awoken.”
I was hoping to see more of Celaena’s skills as an assassin and this book definitely fulfilled that! There is so much happening and we learn more about the magic in this world. I do like that both Dorian and Celaena are such avid readers, lol.
I was so invested in Dorian’s arc. He is my favourite character without any doubt. We already know that he is a good guy, but there’s more to him and this made me like him even more. His journey in discoveringhis magical ability was interesting. It’s not easy to understand this part of him, let alone accept it, especially when his father could have him killed for it. Can’t wait to read more about this in the other books. I wouldn’t mind having more Dorian and less Celaena, oops. AND why do we still have this love triangle…
Celaena is still guided by Elena. What I don’t understand is why Elena’s hints are so cryptic. Especially now that time is of the essence, I would expect Elena to give as much crucial information as possible to set Celaena on the right path. Instead, she’s sent on a treasure hunt, only to discover at the end thatthe king has beaten her to the first Wyrdkey. But sure, anything for a plot I guess. Or is it all part of a bigger plan for Celaena? I also wonder what kind of troubles Celaena’s actions will bring in the future. Killing a witch and opening a Wyrdgate are big enough problems that cannot be ignored.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book started off slow, but the pace picked up as the second part drew near. In the second part of the story, grief plays a central role and I found that very interesting. It’s difficult to experience the loss of a loved one. Grief is definitely neither pleasant nor rational, but eventually it has some upsides as well. You might think I'm crazy, so allow me to explain! Grief makes one think about the meaning of life and creates a new perspective. It reminds one of their path and goal in life. If there were none to begin with, it provides an opportunity to set a path or goal. This is what Celaena experiences as well. Celaena is not always a pleasant character and her grief only made it worse. At times, I found her annoying and immature, but then I realised that this is normal when someone’s grieving and of course she is still very young.
“It was hard to care, she realised as she started the trek back to the castle. Incredibly hard to care, when you don't have anyone left to care about.”
We were also in for a bit of a surprise! There will be a big secret revealed at the end, IYKYK. Not fully a surprise I have to say as there were so many clues and suggestions dropped over time, making it possible to piece it all together.
“To escape death, she’d become death.”
I was hoping to see more of Celaena’s skills as an assassin and this book definitely fulfilled that! There is so much happening and we learn more about the magic in this world. I do like that both Dorian and Celaena are such avid readers, lol.
I was so invested in Dorian’s arc. He is my favourite character without any doubt. We already know that he is a good guy, but there’s more to him and this made me like him even more. His journey in discovering
Celaena is still guided by Elena. What I don’t understand is why Elena’s hints are so cryptic. Especially now that time is of the essence, I would expect Elena to give as much crucial information as possible to set Celaena on the right path. Instead, she’s sent on a treasure hunt, only to discover at the end that
The book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book started off slow, but the pace picked up as the second part drew near. In the second part of the story, grief plays a central role and I found that very interesting. It’s difficult to experience the loss of a loved one. Grief is definitely neither pleasant nor rational, but eventually it has some upsides as well. You might think I'm crazy, so allow me to explain! Grief makes one think about the meaning of life and creates a new perspective. It reminds one of their path and goal in life. If there were none to begin with, it provides an opportunity to set a path or goal. This is what Celaena experiences as well. Celaena is not always a pleasant character and her grief only made it worse. At times, I found her annoying and immature, but then I realised that this is normal when someone’s grieving and of course she is still very young.
“It was hard to care, she realised as she started the trek back to the castle. Incredibly hard to care, when you don't have anyone left to care about.”
We were also in for a bit of a surprise! There will be a big secret revealed at the end, IYKYK. Not fully a surprise I have to say as there were so many clues and suggestions dropped over time, making it possible to piece it all together.
“To escape death, she’d become death.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Drug use, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Colonisation and War
birdsandships's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Violence, Grief, and Colonisation
Minor: Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, and Kidnapping
nightingfae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is perfection. I don't know how this series can get any better (I know it does though).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
jmdressel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
still on the edge of my seat with this series—can’t wait to start the next one!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Animal cruelty and Slavery
kristanjenkins's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
literarymary95'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
After 6 years, I am reading this again and I am really enjoying it. Although Celaena's character seems a bit overpowered, I feel that her character (outside of her physical kick*ss abilities) is believable as she's only 18 and still figuring out life so she's going to make mistakes and live as a young and somewhat naive woman would.
I enjoyed the characterization of the other characters and I'm impressed that SJM manages to do a great job with working with 3 POVs. That's no easy feat.
I enjoyed the characterization of the other characters and I'm impressed that SJM manages to do a great job with working with 3 POVs. That's no easy feat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Slavery, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content, Vomit, and War
hxlleann's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
miss_berry315's review against another edition
mysterious
3.25
The storyline in this one was more interesting than TOG was, though it still kinda feels like a setup to the main stories we will get with these characters.
Not a fan oflike 85% of the book being driven by the absolute lack of communication between Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian
Also didn't really likethe whole love triangle thing. Just thruple and be done with it y'all smh. ((Half joking 🤭))
I am very very happy thatFleetfoot is alive and going to be taken care of by Dorian. SJM if something happens to that doggo I will write a strongly worded, tear-stained letter about it!
Not a fan of
Also didn't really like
I am very very happy that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Slavery and Injury/Injury detail
Dog:savage_book_review's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
As with my 'Throne of Glass' listen, I do think I got more out of the physical book (which I have reviewed previously) - my reading pace means I can work my way through the plot quickly and keep things moving, but listening at a predetermined speed means this feels a lot slower. This one is also a LOT of worldbuilding and set up for the main story arc, and this early on there are a lot of unanswered questions, which also drags the narrative down.
I'll say it now; I don't really get all the shade people throw at Chaol. No, he isn't my favourite character, but I get the sense that he genuinely just wants to do the right thing for his country, himself and his friends. He may not always achieve the desired result, but it's not him being malicious, it's just how he's wired. The audiobook for me only reinforces this view.
I appreciate that the 'reveal' in this doesn't come as a surprise to me as this was a reread, but if it was I think I'd have had a bigger reaction to it by reading the physical book. The narration is as good as ever, but there's just something about this section that falls a bit flat for me - it doesn't give me that heightened heartbeat or that build up and crash of a wave that should come from a big moment.
In accordance with SJM's instructions, Assassin's Blade is up next.
I'll say it now; I don't really get all the shade people throw at Chaol. No, he isn't my favourite character, but I get the sense that he genuinely just wants to do the right thing for his country, himself and his friends. He may not always achieve the desired result, but it's not him being malicious, it's just how he's wired. The audiobook for me only reinforces this view.
I appreciate that the 'reveal' in this doesn't come as a surprise to me as this was a reread, but if it was I think I'd have had a bigger reaction to it by reading the physical book. The narration is as good as ever, but there's just something about this section that falls a bit flat for me - it doesn't give me that heightened heartbeat or that build up and crash of a wave that should come from a big moment.
In accordance with SJM's instructions, Assassin's Blade is up next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Gore, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and War
mblanke's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Grief, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement and Sexual content