Latest Read: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas
Publication date: Sept. 2, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy
Source: Received at BEA from publisher (Thanks!)
Summary: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love? (Adapted goodreads.com)

My Thoughts

When I finished Heir of Fire and I was done freaking out, savoring the end and proclaiming my love on Twitter for the world to see, my next thought was —

HOW AM I GOING TO REVIEW THIS?

I basically want to gush and a throw a million “!!!!” in your faces because I can’t tell you much else. At least not any of the important details or new characters because you need to read it and meet them yourself. Preferably as soon as possible. But I can and want to talk about the growth between Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire. I still remember the chills I felt and how my jaw dropped when Celaena’s true heritage was revealed. It was a twist I never saw coming. I remember the frustration I felt at Chaol for sending Celeana away even if was in her best interests. And I remember wondering how and if Dorian was going to embrace his magical side and learn to control it. I thought Crown of Midnight was the game-changer but I was wrong. Heir of Fire is. Heir of Fire is the book that proves this series has what it takes to be an epic six (!!) books with a world we’re only beginning to know and understand. For all you hardcore fantasy fans who felt Throne of Glass was on the lighter side, this is the one that’ll have you singing a different tune.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that I was incredibly impressed by the world building here. Maas introduces three new characters: the fierce Manon Blackbeak, Rowan (my new love!) and Aedion who is not-so-secretly defiant of the King and two of them get their own chapters which broaden the overall story and world. I admit, at first I wanted nothing but Celeana, Dorian and Chaol chapters. But the new characters grew on me quickly and if their current roles in Heir of Fire are any indication of what's to come, I can’t wait to see how their stories will continue to intertwine with our three original heroes as the series progresses. I’m already imagining them all together in one room and I think it’s going to be awesome (when and if that happens!). Also I need to take an extra moment to gush about Rowan. I love him and since finishing the book I’ve already re-read his scenes in particular and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way. (If not, we need to talk.)

But now, my #1 reason for loving the Throne of Glass series - Celaena. Our girl has gone through so many hardships with each passing book (novellas included!). But she’s always managed to fight back and come out of it stronger. But with Nehemia’s death, it’s the first time we see the possibility that she might not be able to come back from that loss. Celeana is at her darkest and most vulnerable here and I can honestly say, I’ve never loved her character more. She stumbles and falls a lot throughout the book (with Rowan by her side as a guide!) but little by little we see the feisty assassin we all know and love and it’s so gratifying to be on this journey with her. Because every step is leading towards her taking on the ultimate fight against the King of Adarlan and that’s not a moment you want to miss.

I could go on and on! Chaol’s journey is to figure out where he stands and if he can let go of his strict black & white world. I continue to have a soft spot for Dorian and we see how much he’s evolved from fun-loving prince to someone who can and will be a good King. New villains are introduced, we learn of two new worlds (Wendlyn and one other!). And more importantly, the depth of Celaena’s power and destiny are revealed.

Do I recommend?

Clearly the answer is YES, YES, YES! When it comes to fantasy (or awesome books in general), this series will alway be one of my go-to recommendations.

Happy reading!