Queen of Shadows (ToG #4)
by Sarah J. Maas
5 out of 5 stars
***SERIES SPOILERS AHEAD - DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU PLAN TO READ THIS SERIES - WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO - STAY TUNED FOR MY MORE GENERAL SERIES REVIEW IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS THAT WILL BE SPOILER-FREE***
Oh my gosh, this series just keeps getting better and better!!!
Queen of Shadows, the fourth book in the Throne of Glass series, delivers a thrilling and complex tale. This captivating read is packed with a gripping plot, with both familiar and new dynamic characters and political intrigue that'll have you flipping the pages like there's no tomorrow.
I mean it; it's 4:30 AM, and I finished this book about two hours ago. Around 11:20 PM, I said, "One more chapter," but that turned into me finishing the last 300 pages of the book.
The story continues with Celaena Sardothien, now embracing her true identity as Aelin Galathynius, the lost queen of Terrasen. She's back in Rifthold and ready for some serious payback against those who have wronged her and those she has loved.
Continuing with the multiple points of view, we find familiar faces like Chaol Westfall and Dorian Havilliard, whose lives have changed forever because of the previous books' events. The character relationships are brilliantly crafted, full of depth and emotion that keep you hooked.
Adding to the intricate dynamics, we've got the tension between Rowan Whitethorn, the immortal Fae warrior and Aelin's trusted ally, and Aedion Ashryver, Aelin's long-lost cousin and loyal supporter. Their initial rivalry turns into a growing respect and bond as they find their place in Aelin's life and her fight to take back her kingdom. This tension adds another layer of excitement to the character's interactions.
Queen of Shadows also introduces many fantastic new characters with unique voices and motives that blend seamlessly into the larger story.
Elide Lochan, an intelligent and resourceful survivor, adds a new dimension to the tale. And, of course, we must remember Lysandra, whose friendship with Aelin evolves in fascinating ways.
Maas further explores the world of witches and their fascinating culture, expanding on Manon Blackbeak and her Thirteen. The mix of all these factions creates a thrilling atmosphere full of shifting alliances, betrayals, and tension. Manon is one of my favorite characters!!
The political intrigue that's been brewing throughout the series takes center stage in Queen of Shadows. Maas masterfully weaves multiple subplots together, creating a complex web of alliances and rivalries that keeps you guessing until the end. With twists and turns galore, and plenty of jaw-dropping revelations, you'll be itching to see what happens next.
Alright, here's the deal: Queen of Shadows is an absolute game-changer in the Throne of Glass series. This book takes the series to a new level in a vivid, immersive world and characters that feel so real you could reach out and touch them. Get ready to see some serious growth from your fave characters, plus a lot of political drama and intense relationships.
Even while writing this, I still need to decide if I will read Empire of Storms or Tower of Dawn next. There is also the option to do a tandem read...
I have heard that EoS ends on a cliffhanger, so some recommend reading ToD first or doing the tandem reading to avoid waiting through another book to find out what happens.
...maybe I will just flip a coin.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18006496-queen-of-shadows
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