Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Posted by Jessi (Geo) on August 19, 2013 | 7 Comments


Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. MaasCrown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Published by Bloomsbury USA Children's (8.27.2013)
Genres: High Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: eARC, 432 pages
Source: NetGalley
Buy on Amazon


4.5 Stars

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. 

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

My thoughts

I loved Throne of Glass, and I must say Crown of Midnight was even better! It was intense and heartbreaking, packed with lies and betrayals and shocks at every turn.

“I didn’t really snore, did I?”
His face was utterly serious as he said, “Like a bear.”

The banter I adored between Calaena and Chaol in the first book was present in the sequel. And Chaol was totally jealous of Archer, it was adorable! I was Team Chaol all the way before, and this one only reenforced that fact! There were so many squee-worthy moments! *swoons* Not that I have a problem with Dorian, because he was pretty awesome too. But he just can’t compare to Chaol. Sorry, Dorian!

In that moment, after ten long years, Celaena looked at Chaol and realized she was home.

Celaena irritated me a bit at times. I love how badass she is, but she could be as stubborn as a mule! Even petulant at times. And her reaction to certain things disappointed me, to be honest. I can understand the anger, but she kind of took it out on the wrong people. And the wallowing. Geez, get up and do something about it already.

Awful things happen. There was one part in particular that I was horrified, mouth agape, as the events unfolded. I was hoping against it as desperately as Celaena was, and it totally sucked. And the aftermath broke my heart a little. I hated how things changed and the devastating turn that they took. It made my heart ache and made me feel sick to my stomach!

There were so many shocking revelations! I can’t wander into spoiler territory, but we finally get bits of Celaena’s past, as well as the king and Dorian’s. It was crazy!

There’s not much else to say other than I loved it. It was very engaging! And the ending! It left me staring, gaping at my Kindle. I was speechless!! I can’t wait to get my hands on the third book! If you loved Throne of Glass, you need to read this book asap! And if you haven’t read Throne of Glass yet, what are you waiting for?!

Overall Assessment

Plot: 5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 3.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
World-building: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Cover: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 5/5

Jessi (Geo)

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7 responses to “Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

  1. Eeeks I’m so glad you agree that this book was even more amazing! Not many books get me as excited as this one did! Awesome review. :D And I’m totally team Chaol too. I wasn’t his biggest fan in the first book because I felt like he didn’t say much… but wow, he was definitely present in this book!!

  2. I loved Choal!! He’s so awesome in this book! I definitely cried when reading this!! I also did want to smack Celaena around sometimes because she can be so slow at times for an assassin!

  3. Jess I so agree, I am still dancing after reading this and yes it was bloody brilliant and better than book one and everything a second book should be and more!! My review will post next week..and yeah I might have gone totally fan-girl but can ya blame me? Awesome review!

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