Just when I thought Throne of Glass had me hooked, Crown of Midnight came along, laughed in my face, and snatched my heart. This book has everything—secrets revealed, stakes raised, alliances questioned, and most importantly, some super cute Fleetfoot moments. Let’s dive in!
Introduction
If Throne of Glass set the stage, Crown of Midnight cranks up the intensity and practically sets it on fire. Celaena Sardothien is no longer just a pawn in the king’s deadly game; she’s a blade in the shadows, cutting through lies, betrayal, and her own tangled emotions.
Let me also say, this book changed me. I came into it Team Dorian, still mooning over his princely charm from the last book, only to turn into a full-on Team Chaol stan in record time. Blame those tender Chaol moments, his protectiveness, or maybe even the first of not one but two chocolate cake scenes. (Yes, cake is officially a plot device now.) But don’t let the cake fool you—this book is dark. Nehemia’s death absolutely gutted me (Chaol lost serious aura with this one), Celaena’s feral rampage had me both in awe and on edge, and Archer? Don’t get me started.
While I’m still waiting (impatiently) for that long-overdue showdown with Arobynn Hamel (where is that man hiding?!), this book gave me so much to chew on. Action? Check. Secrets? Double check. And Chaol? Oh, Chaol. Let’s just say I have some concerns.
Plot Overview
Celaena is now the King’s Champion, but don’t let that title fool you—she’s got her own agenda. While she outwardly plays the role of a loyal assassin, she’s secretly working against the crown, doing everything she can to undermine the tyrant’s rule.
But when her missions bring her closer to uncovering dangerous truths about the king’s power, Celaena is forced to make impossible choices—ones that could cost her everything. As alliances shift and new enemies emerge, from explosive confrontations with rebels to devastating personal losses, she must decide who she can trust—and what she’s willing to sacrifice. It’s not just Celaena’s life on the line; it’s the future of an entire kingdom.
My Thoughts
Characters
Celaena continues to be an absolute force of nature and is at her most feral in this book, and I mean that as a compliment. She’s fierce, unpredictable, and still carrying the emotional scars of her past (Sam, I’m looking at you). Her transformation from grieving friend to unstoppable assassin after Nehemia’s death? Chills. Every choice she makes is layered with pain and anger, and I loved every second of it—even when it hurt. Her journey in this book felt more personal, with moments that reminded me just how much she’s still healing.
Now, let’s talk about Chaol. I’m conflicted. On one hand, I adore his protective nature and his dynamic with Celaena. On the other hand, him knowing the truth has me seriously stressed. Please, Chaol, I am begging you—don’t muck this up.
Dorian, sweet Dorian, still holds a special place in my heart. While he’s not front and center this time, his personal growth (and magical revelations!) left me intrigued and eager for more. He’s more than just a charming prince; he’s stepping up in a big way, and I only wish Celaena had trusted him more with her secrets. He deserves a chance to prove himself.
Nehemia—oh, Nehemia. Her death was a gut punch I didn’t see coming. And the fact that she and Elena were conspiring behind Celaena’s back? I still don’t know how to feel about that. Was it betrayal, or was it love? Either way, it broke me.
And Archer? I had a bad vibe from him from the moment he was introduced. Smarmy, manipulative and that fake charm. Every time he showed up, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it eventually did, I was still surprised at what he had actually done. Good riddance Archer!
Fleetfoot deserves a special shoutout for being the best doggo ever.
And as for Arobynn? Still waiting for that face-off. Still seething. Sam deserved better, and Arobynn needs to pay.
World-Building
Crown of Midnight expands the world of Erilea in all the best ways. From the eerie wyrdmarks to the rebels to the sinister secrets hidden beneath the king’s castle, the magical elements are starting to take center stage, and I’m here for it.
Writing Style
Sarah J. Maas’s writing is sharper and more confident in this book. The pacing is relentless, with every chapter leaving me desperate to know what happens next. The action scenes are vivid, the emotional moments hit hard, and the dialogue crackles with tension.
Sarah J. Maas’s writing is sharper and more confident in this book. She knows how to balance action, emotion, and intrigue like a pro. The pacing is relentless, with every chapter leaving me desperate to know what happens next. The action scenes are vivid, the emotional moments hit hard, and the dialogue crackles with tension. One moment, I was sobbing over Nehemia, and the next, I was biting my nails as Celaena went on a bloody rampage. The twists and turns kept me glued to the page.
Themes and Messages
This book dives deep into themes of grief, vengeance, and trust. It’s a reminder that even the strongest relationships can be tested—and that sometimes, doing what’s right comes with an unbearable cost.
What I Loved
• Celaena’s rampage. When she went full assassin mode after Nehemia’s death, I was equal parts horrified and awed. The fact that the rebels ended up being her targets made it all the more devastating.
• The revelations. We finally get some answers, and while they only raise more questions, it feels like the story is truly kicking into high gear. Nehemia and Elena conspiring – even though it stung, their secret plans added another layer of complexity to the story.
• Fleetfoot. Do I need to say more?
• The chocolate cake scenes. Yes, they deserve their own point. Whether it’s Dorian’s lighthearted charm or Chaol’s quieter tenderness, these moments added a sweetness that balanced the darkness.
• Celaena’s growth. She’s evolving into someone who’s not just fighting for herself but for something bigger.
What Could Be Improved
• I wish Celaena had trusted Dorian more. He’s proving himself to be a solid ally, and it felt like a missed opportunity for their dynamic to deepen.
• Chaol’s loyalty to the king has me nervous. I get it, he’s a man of duty, but please don’t let this blow up in everyone’s face more than it already has (Nehemia deserved better!).
Favorite Quotes
“The best lies were always mixed with truth.”
This sums up Crown of Midnight perfectly. Nothing and no one can be trusted completely—and that’s what makes it so thrilling!
Final Verdict
Crown of Midnight is a masterclass in raising the stakes. It’s darker, deeper, and more emotionally charged than its predecessor, and it left me hungry for more. The twists are devastating, the tension is palpable, and the characters? More complex than ever. From Nehemia’s devastating death to Celaena’s feral rampage to the sweet moments with Chaol and Fleetfoot, this book gave me all the feels.
Rating:
5/5 stars
If you thought Throne of Glass was good, Crown of Midnight will blow you away. It’s the kind of sequel that makes you want to cancel all your plans and keep reading.
share your thoughts!
Have you read Crown of Midnight? Are you Team Chaol or Team Dorian? Or neither? And can we all agree that Archer was the worst? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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