Latest Read: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Here are the basics ...
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas
Publication date: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy
Source: Received ARC at BEA

Summary: 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 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? (Adapted goodreads.com)

My thoughts…

The good: Crown of Midnight brought me to near-tears, made me jaw drop not once but twice, laugh-out-loud, swoon and gave me chills with each shocking reveal.

To say that you need to read this book immediately would be an understatement.

It's been exactly a year since I was last in Celaena's world. A world of forbidden magic, treacherous kings and strong, courageous assassins. Celaena is now the King's Champion and forced to do his bidding and killing anyone he considers a threat. At least that's what she's leading everyone to believe. No one knows she's been secretly defying the king - not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard, not Dorian, and not even Nehemia, Princess of Ellywe and her closest friend. But eventually, her latest target puts her in a position that jeopardizes herself and the people she cares about. And isn't before long that unexpected secrets get revealed not only about Celaena but.. well I can't tell you who else. (I know, I'm such a tease.)

In Throne of Glass, I already loved Celaena and her swagger (not to mention her love of books, food and clothes - obviously a girl after my own heart!). But I also loved Dorian and his charm and the silent intensity of Chaol. In Crown of Midnight, I saw all that I remembered of them plus so many more layers of complexity. Which only intensified my love for them.  We learn about their fears, their dreams and get exposed to the bad and good in each. They all make decisions that are heartbreaking and for the good of those they love, even when it's the last thing you want them to do. But seeing these characters evolve matched the progression of the series. It's darker, more magical, more action-packed and more intense than ever and I can only imagine what the author will do next.

(No) reservations: Except that the author is obviously trying to kill us with that ending. Just kidding! (But seriously.)

Do I recommend?: Yes, a hundred times yes! In this review, I really just wanted to convey my enthusiasm and love for this book. But I purposely left out anything potentially revealing because I went into this book without reading the summary and not having any ideas of what to expect. And I firmly believe that's how you should read it. Just dive in and be prepared to fall even more in love with this series.

Happy reading!