There’s something magical about that moment in a series when everything starts to click, the stakes skyrocket, and the characters you’ve grown to love (and occasionally want to shake) step fully into their power. Queen of Shadows delivered all of that and more. This book was a ride—from jaw-dropping twists to incredible character growth, I’m officially in awe of Sarah J. Maas. Let’s break it all down.
Introduction
Queen of Shadows is packed with action, intrigue, and moments so tense I had to pause and just breathe. We’ve got old characters and new characters meeting, reunions and revelations that add so much richness to the story and development of the characters. Dorian and Manon, Aelin and Manon, Aelin and Adion, Rowan and Adion, Choal and Aelin and Rowan, Lysandra, Nesryn, Lorcan? SO many powerful encounters who challenge, support or threaten her plans. It’s also pretty cool to see Celaena/Aelin dancing the line of her two identities as this is the first book that both are at the forefront before she eventually leaves one behind.
The king isn’t even the big bad?! Didn’t see that coming! Rowan and Aelin’s relationship is beautiful, Lysandra has become my new favorite, and excuse me Dorian I’ll-bleed-whatever-colour-you-tell-me-to Havilliard?! You are now the King of both Adarlan and Rizz.
Oh, and Chaol? He’s here too. Being annoying, bratty, and occasionally redeemable. But we’ll get to him later.
Plot Overview
Aelin has returned to Rifthold, and she’s not here to play. With Rowan appearing back at her side (that reunion and seeing him in Riftold was so tender and wholesome), she’s on a mission to dismantle the King of Adarlan’s regime, free her people, and settle some old scores—including one with a certain scheming assassin master (finally!).
Meanwhile, Dorian is battling for his soul, Manon is navigating alliances that could shape the future of the witches, and Lysandra proves she’s the definition of a glow-up. The pieces are moving, the stakes are higher than ever, and magic is on the verge of returning to the continent.
My Thoughts
Characters
• Aelin Galathynius: Aelin is in full queen mode here, and it’s glorious. Watching her execute her plans (and her enemies) is a masterclass in badassery. She’s grown so much since the first book, and I loved seeing her embrace her power (even if its only inner power in this book).
• Rowan Whitethorn: He’s a man who uses lavender soap and knows how to power play with oil-related banter. What more can I say? Rowan is perfect, and his relationship with Aelin is one of quiet strength and unspoken understanding. Though they havn’t declared their feelings outright, their connection is undeniably deep, built on shared pain, trust and a growing sense of something more. Rowan serves as a steady presence for Aelin (much to Adions dismay, give that man his blood oath) anchoring her as she navigates her path towards reclaiming her throne and healing from wounds of her past. Their relationship feels fragile yet powerful, like the first spark of a flame (pun absolutely intended) tender in its beginnings but with the potential to burn brightly. (Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate the metaphor of the Lavender soap. SJM knew exactly what she was doing.)
• Lysandra: What a character arc! I didn’t think I’d ever be convonced into liking her after The Assassin’s Blade, but she absolutely stole the show in this book. Her friendship with Aelin is so heartwarming, and her big reveal? After Aedion mentions how scared he is of ghost leopards? Iconic.
• Dorian Havilliard: Dorian’s story was one of the more depressive parts of the book. His struggle with the Valg was heartbreaking, and maybe I was just late to catch on but the way Sarah first described how he was having to watch as the Valg tortured those men for hours to then later realising it was Chaol’s men when they were left spiked outside the castle- such good writing but also that which lead to a double blow of devastation. Dorian having that moment with Manon? Whew, the chemistry is unreal. Lastly, those moments where he broke free of the collar, his dad was himself again and sharing the truth, and dorian being the one to dispatch him and the castle was a lot to process but also I thought it was the perfect metaphor for him growing into a new King that will bring change for Adarlan.
• Chaol Westfall: Chaol… oh, Chaol. He’s not a bad guy, but he is SO ANNOYING in this book. He spends half the time being bratty and the other half making me question whether I like him or not. I think I do? Maybe?
World-Building
The land of Erilea feels even more alive in this installment. From the politics of Rifthold to the witches’ storylines, everything is building toward something epic. The return of magic is a game-changer, and I can’t wait to see how it affects the series moving forward.
Writing Style
Sarah J. Maas knows how to balance humor, heartbreak, and tension like no one else. Her writing is immersive, and every chapter left me wanting more.
Themes and Messages
This book is all about redemption, loyalty, and the power of choice. Whether it’s Aelin confronting her past, Dorian reclaiming his freedom, or Lysandra redefining her future, each character’s journey is deeply impactful.
What I Loved
• Arobynn’s demise. While I expected more of a showdown, it was so satisfying to see Aelin outsmart him at every turn and Lysandra giving the satisfying final blow.
• Rowan and Aelin. From lavender soap and oil banter, to quiet intimacy and mutual respect. It’s perfect. Also how she was able to share riftold with him, from the theatre to Sams grave, such heart melting moments.
• Lysandra’s arc. From hated rival to beloved ally, she’s become one of my favorite characters in the series.
• Dorian’s resilience and rizz
• Magic returning to the continent. The anticipation for what’s coming next is killing me.
What Could Be Improved
• Chaol’s attitude. I get that he’s struggling with Aelin’s transformation, but his constant whining was grating. How Aelin kept popping up at his secret rebel meetings was low key hilarious though.
• Arobynn’s lack of action. For someone who’s been such a looming presence, I expected more from his final moments. Not once did we get to see him fight? That came as a surprise considered how many times Celaena herself had mentioned not wanting to face him in a fight, I feel like we were owed that face-off? But alas good riddance.
Favorite Quotes
“I’ll bleed whatever color you tell me to.”
-Dorian
“Thank you for the oil; my skin was a little dry.”
-Rowan
Final Verdict
Queen of Shadows is the best book in the series so far. It’s action-packed, emotional, and full of twists that had me gasping. The character development is top-notch, the relationships are beautifully written, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Rating:
5/5 stars
This book is a masterpiece, and I’m already counting down the seconds until the next installment.
Share your thoughts
What did you think of Queen of Shadows? Who’s been your favourite character? And how do we feel about Chaol—love him, hate him, or somewhere in between? Let me know in the comments!
Shop the Sarah.J Maas throne of glass collection here
More Reviews From The Throne Of Glass Series:
The Assassins Blade | Throne Of Glass | Crown Of Midnight | Heir Of Fire
