Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can’t bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back…
The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king – for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?
*** WARNING, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS – BECAUSE IT’S QUITE IMPOSSIBLE TO TALK ABOUT THIS THIRD BOOK IN THE SERIES WITHOUT SPOILING SOMETHING FROM THE PREVIOUS TWO BOOKS! ***
First off, this series just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what Queen of Shadows will bring.
I really loved that this book was about Celaena facing her past and come to grips with who she really is. Because, let’s face it, she’s magnificent! She grew so much in this book and we finally get to see what happened all those years ago, on the night that she woke up between her dead parents. I finally understood what stood in her way, and so did she, and I was so glad that she finally accepted all of her and was kind of happy about it. Although I spent a good portion of this book crying my eyes out…
Now let’s talk a bit about the guys, I’ll start with the “old” ones.
Chaol Westfall, I have to tell you, my irritation with him at the end of Crown of Midnight eased a bit, but this guy had so much trouble choosing a side… please… I mean, MAN you are a grown man, you’re not even a boy like Dorian! I get it, really, I realize that his main concern was not picking a side but keeping everyone safe, but that just didn’t work for me. While I like Chaol a lot, I was screaming internally at him most of the time. I was glad when he FINALLY made up his mind – after a few lovely harsh words from Dorian – and chose the RIGHT side! I’m quite curious to see him reuniting with Celaena now…
Dorian Havilliard, I keep loving him more and more each book that goes by. In this book he moved on from Celaena, while still clearly loving her as a friend. He started to learn how to control his power, and even fell in love. But poor guy, for a boy who’s supposed to be quite promiscuous, he manages to date the only 2 girls in his kingdom that only share his bed fully clothed… I hated when Chaol was not telling him the truth, but I loved his reaction when he finally learned it, he didn’t hesitate! He knew right there and then that the right side was Celaena’s and he would do whatever in his power to help her… against HIS OWN FATHER! I mean, this guy has balls!!! His lessons to Chaol?! EPIC! I’m really worried about that ending though, I don’t know how he’ll get away from that, I just hope he’s still himself by the time Celaena manages to get him.
Now on to some new guy, Aedion Ashryver, yes, Aelin’s cousin. Oh my! What a man! I mean… he’s the male version of Celaena, quite literally… HOT! As soon as he got his first POV, I liked him. This guy will move heavens and mountains to get his Queen back safe and sound. No hesitations. I also liked that after all those years, he was still jealous of Dorian.
But my favorite ever has to be Rowan Whitethorn… I LOVE HIM! He always saw Celaena for what she really is… Aelin. He saw the potential, the fear, he didn’t cuddle her, he pushed her so she would push back. And it worked, he helped her build herself up… Oh, he’s just the best!
– Now, just to make it clear, here’s my standing on the ships. –
1. Aelin and Rowan – Yeah yeah, I know they’re only friends, and I like that friendship a lot, but really, all those nights sleeping in the same bed, seeing each other naked, being carranam, … I don’t know, let’s just say that I wouldn’t mind it at all if their relationship evolved, because I think that out of all the guys in these books, Rowan is the one who understands her better, and who loves her the most just as she is.
2. Aelin and Dorian – Yes, still up high on my list! I always loved them together, but now even more. They both grew up so much, that now I think Celaena would not only understand Dorian’s life, but they could embrace it together (seeing as they’re both heirs to their respective thrones). And he accepts her for who she is – granted, he actually hasn’t seen it yet, but he will… Also, theirs powers are complementary! That has to mean something, right? And Dorian trusts her implicitly and is letting Fleetfoot sleep with him, so there’s that!
3. Aelin and Aedion – Oh, before you kill me, I know they’re cousins, but they both say at least twice that they’re distant enough, that the conversation had actually occurred. And I think there might be something there, at least from Aedion’s side, though I do hope he gets to see her – I’m pretty sure Chaol will be able to get him out somehow.
4. Celaena and Chaol – See how I didn’t use her real name there?! So, I think this ship has sunk! Again, I love Chaol, and I know he’s crazy about the girl, but he still wishes that she was just Celaena, who she’ll never be again, and I don’t think he would be able to manage her real self and all that that entails. Also, I think Celaena is done, she finally took off her ring 🙂 .
I also enjoyed Manon Blackbeak and the witches. Actually, when her POV started, I wasn’t really into it, but then I just found myself rooting for her and Abraxos, and somehow (weirdly) I ship her with Asterin…
I’m so excited for book 4! I want to know how Aedion will be able to get out of his cell, how Chaol will stay hidden from the King and how he’ll fight, how that damn necklace is coming off of Dorian’s throat, how long will Rowan stay away from Adarlan, how Aelin will be able to trick everyone, … I want to know!!!
Also, I missed Elena, Gavin and Mort on this book, I was kind of hoping that Gavin would appear to Dorian and help him control his magic somehow, or at least that Mort would speak to him, like Celaena thought that he might… oh well…
Rating: 4.8 Stars
My Tiny Obsessions 