[Review] Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publication: August 27th 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 418
Format: Hardcover

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena’s world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie… and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

---

Shelf it on Goodreads!

Also, you can buy it on: Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

My thoughts:

The plot twist seriously killed me. Seeing that twist made me completely wide awake. I felt the rush of my blood, and the excitement was getting real. This book gave me more excitement than the first one; however, I still had the same problem with what I had on Throne of Glass.

The start of this book did not really pique my interest. Continuing it was somehow forced because who would not read a book that has been recommended by a lot of times? Even though it was forced, it was worth it. My heart was beating so fast when something (aka plot twist) was announced, and it was the best feeling ever.

“I worry because I care. Gods help me, I know I shouldn’t, but I do. So I will alwaystell you to be careful, because I will always care what happens.”

Moreover, Celaena’s character has developed so much. From a professional assassin to a much darker professional assassin whose curiosity is beyond incomprehensible. Even if Celaena started as strong in the first book, she became smarter and way stronger in the sequel. Also, I still do not know how to ship Celaena because it seems like I’m perfect for her (no? okay).

I find it really great that Sarah J. Maas only writes a book in one direction. In other books, it feels like the story is circulating or going around and going nowhere at all, unlike this series. Not to mention that her style of writing is alluring. It is easy to read even though it is a fantasy book. Most fantasy books have complicated stories and complex vocabulary, but this one is just perfectly balanced.

“I wish you to become who you were born to be. To become queen.”

It is evident that Maas likes guys a lot. She always introduces new guys (i.e. Archer Finn) to the King’s Assassin any time possible, and finally, when that guy gets a good spotlight, we (may) doubt our previous ships. Also, it is not only about ships that may trouble us, but also who really is to trust. That’s why I love this book; it may have elements from other books you’ve read, but this one is unique in its own way that is fresh and captivating that will make you flip for more.

The story in this series progresses from a test Celaena underwent to become the king’s personal assassin to her first mission as being one. If you are having doubts or you are just intimidated to read this series, don’t. I may not always like some parts in the book, but it’s really worth it. You can finally fangirl/fanboy with other people after reading this series because the hype is strong here.

4 swords for Celaena! (woot woot!)

---

About the author:

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series, as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she’s not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.