DESTROY THE DAY by Brigid Kemmerer

“Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he’s desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken, angry and doesn’t know who to trust. Until Rian – the man she trusts the least – makes her an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane, then see what the future holds. Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He’s struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support – and maybe more – in unexpected places. As outside threats loom and the fires of revolution burn from within, time is running out to save their kingdom.”

What is the book about?

Corrick, Tessa and Harristan are all separated and each going through a terrifying journey of their own with very few allies that they can trust. After being thrown from the Dawn Chaser, Corrick was rescued by Oren Crane and his crew and is now being held captive. The only way he can get free and find his way back to Tessa is to follow Oren’s orders and do things he wished he would never have to do again. However, Corrick is not fully alone as he finds himself having to work together with Lochlan, the rebel leader who until now would have taken every opportunity to kill him, and soon he finds that maybe his anger was misplaced and he will find a friend in an unlikely place. Tessa is only an island away, grieving and furious at Rian for his lies and everything that happened. She has been living as far as she possibly could from Rian, with only a guard for company. But she needs to get back home to Kandala and Rian may be her only way out of Ostriary so she will do anything to get his help, even if it means risking herself in a plan to finally get rid of Oren Crane for good. Meanwhile Harristan is not doing much better in Kandala. He has been dethroned and anyone who finds him and turns him in has been promised unbelievable riches. He doesn’t know who to trust and it seems that every time he tried to find allies he finds himself in the same position, no better off than he previously was. However, when it counts he finds allies and may finally have a chance against those who are spreading lies against him, but in order to save what means the most to him he may need to make an impossible decision and one that will mean losing everything he had been fighting to keep. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The ending to the previous book, Defend the Dawn, was a cliff-hanger ending that left me desperate to start Destroy the Day and find out what would happen next. I had conflicting initial thoughts as I had loved the 2 previous books in this trilogy and was quite confident that this book would be just as amazing and I would love it just as much as the others. However, as this was the last book of the trilogy and I hadn't really loved the ending of the other Brigid Kemmerer series I had read (Cursebreakers), I was terrified to start reading and find that the ending would ruin the series that I had been loving since I started reading. I could kind of feel that the ending wouldn't disappoint but I couldn't be sure. The blurb didn’t give me much more than what I already knew from the previous book, but it did peak my curiosity in some areas and made me much more interested to start reading. As I had started reading the book straight after Defend the Dawn, with no break, I found it so simple to get into the book and had read nearly half without even realising. I was addicted from the very start and was impatiently waiting for the ending to come so I could see what would happen and if I would love it. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was probably Corrick because of how he really became the guy that Tessa knew he was. While he was with Oren Crane he was forced to do things that Cruel Corrick wouldn’t have even hesitated about and in the beginning it was clear that he would have done anything to get back to Tessa, even if that mean sacrificing his humanity and the part of himself that never wanted to be Cruel Corrick. He was in a way forced into the role of King’s Justice and, even though he could have explained everything to his brother, he clearly wanted to protect Harristan from the feelings that he felt every time he made a decision that no one, let alone a 15 year old boy should have had to make. It was clear to me that he used this cruel image of himself as a mask and that in reality he was just the boy that was with Tessa in the workshop and who just wanted to help people. This was made even clearer when he chose to find a way out of the things that Oren wanted him to do and he made this decision not only for Tessa, who always saw the best in him, but also for the part of himself that never wanted to be cruel. When he made this decision, I made mine about who my favourite character was and that didn’t change throughout the rest of the book, though there were several other characters that I liked. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was a series of little moments between Tessa and Erik/Rocco. I loved their whole friendship in this final book and the way that they became so much more than just a guard and the girl he needed to protect. I loved how Tessa started to see him as more of an older brother and he saw her as an annoying little sister too. There weren’t really many friendships shown in the series and that was definitely something that I think the other books really needed, however at least in Destroy the Day I got to see a lot more of those friend/sibling dynamics (also with Lochlan and Corrick). There was something so sweet about how they were both looking out for each other, which may have been linked to the fact that they thought they were the only survivors of the party that travelled from Kandala, and the way that they still managed to lighten things up with some friendly teasing just like true siblings would do.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Destroy the Day was perfect and there was basically nothing that I would have changed. One thing I loved about the book was the plot. It honestly kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and having 3 separate points of view from characters that were each going through their own interesting and shocking plot had me so engrossed in the book. There was no one plot line or perspective that I loved more and definitely none that I was desperate to get through. It was all so amazing and I am so sad that it is finished and I won't ever read anything more about these characters. Another thing I absolutely adored was the ending. I had been absolutely terrified that the ending would not be as good as I was expecting and that it would ruin the whole series, however clearly I shouldn't have worried as it was amazing. It made me feel every emotion possible and had me fully crying. I was torn between throwing the book across the room and hugging it and honestly the plot twist had me completely shocked, which is always great (as that is the purpose of it). It was stunning and I can't wait for any other of this author's books. One final thing that I am obsessed about with the whole series is the map and the covers and the perfectly alliterative titles. I am honestly so happy when I see the books on my shelf because of how perfect they look and I will never stop pointing them out when people ask about my books (or even if they don't!). The map was also a perfect addition to the fantasy series and you wouldn't even believe the amount of time I looked at it to figure out where the characters were. Also in this book the map was even better so that was great. The only thing that I think I really missed in this book and in the whole series in general is the magic that is usually present in fantasy series. It would have made the book even better to have that but even without it I was still in love with Kandala and would have happily been transported to that world. 

Which is your favourite book in The Defy the Night series? (1, 2, or 3)

Overall every single book in the Defy the Night trilogy was absolutely amazing and this is definitely a series I will be forcing my friends to read, hoping they will love it as much as I did. Although all 3 books were absolutely stunning in every respect, I think that my favourite book in this series is probably Destroy the Day (the third and final book). This book was very similar to the previous ones and there wasn’t much that really made me consider it as my favourite, but the few things that did really stood out to me. One thing was that because all 3 of the main characters whose perspectives we are given in the book were separated in this final novel so they didn’t have each other to talk with and spent time with. This meant that they each started to form their own separate bonds and relationships which developed the side characters and main characters and the whole story much more. The relationship between Quint and Harristan wouldn’t have happened if Corrick hadn’t left, the friendship between Lochlan and Corrick (surprisingly) would never have formed if Corrick hadn’t fallen off that boat with him and the connections Tessa formed with Erik and Olive never would have been possible if she had been at Corrick’s side the whole trip in Ostriary. The other books didn’t have much off these relationships with side characters and it felt more like the whole book was being carried by these 3 main characters so that is definitely one thing that made Destroy the Day so much more special. Another thing was the fact that this book connected with me so much more and made me truly feel for the characters. I had felt a connection throughout Defy the Night and Defend the Dawn and had definitely been annoyed at the characters and had definitely smiled from time to time and maybe even laughed or felt sad, however nothing like with this final book. I full on cried and full on laughed and felt true feelings with it which definitely made me love it more. A book’s job is to make you as a reader feel something and this book did its job really well. I honestly can’t believe this story is over and if Brigid Kemmerer ever chooses to dive back into Kandala I will not hesitate to dive in with her. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 10000% recommend Destroy the Day and the whole Defy the Night series. If you love romance, adventure, fantasy and are ready to cry and scream and be shocked by plot twists then this is the perfect book for you (and it's best for over 14s).

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The perfect, twisty and emotional conclusion to an amazing fantasy trilogy.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

DEFEND THE DAWN by Brigid Kemmerer

“Revolution is simmering in the kingdom of Kandala. With sickness on the rise and supplies of the precious Moonflower cure running low, King Harristan and Prince Corrick must fight to maintain control. Tessa Cade has gone from masked outlaw to palace adviser – and she’s more determined than ever to help her people. When an emissary from the neighbouring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa must embark on an uncertain journey with Prince Corrick. The voyage could be their only chance to save the kingdom – but it will hold untold danger for Tessa as she navigates perilous waters…and confronts her feelings for Corrick. No one is who they seem to be, and the consequences will be deadly.”

What is the book about?

After stopping a near revolution, Kandala is in a precarious situation. Now the supply of Moonflower is running low and King Harristan and Price Corrick don’t know how long they can keep control and keep things calm in their kingdom. With Tessa’s knowledge on the correct doses of Moonflower, they have a chance of being able to help more people, which is the thing Tessa has always wanted to do, when she was an outlaw and now that she is the king’s adviser and apothecary. However, it is impossible to keep everyone happy and giving Moonflower to the rebels to keep the kingdom safe means making the consuls angry and risking a rebellion from the inside. When an emissary arrives from the neighbouring kingdom of Ostriary, claiming that the King of Ostriary is willing to start trade negotiations, the goods that he is willing to trade make it an intriguing offer and one Kandala cannot turn down. The only way to keep the citizens of Kandala safe is to board the ship with the emissary and come back with supplies, but that means that Corrick and Tessa must embark on a new adventure and leave behind Harristan to keep control of the kingdom on his own. The voyage will be dangerous, not just physically but also emotionally as Tessa navigates both the waters and her feelings for Corrick. Everything seems too good to be true and soon it is clear that not everyone is who they say and the journey will be much more dangerous than they ever thought. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After finishing Defy the Night I was very intrigued to continue the story and find out what would happen next for Tessa and the royals. It was clear they just barely escaped a revolution, which would have ended with more deaths on both sides of the fight, and if they didn’t keep things under control, next time they wouldn’t be so lucky. My initial thoughts on Defend the Dawn were pretty clear and confident as I had finished the previous book and had been shocked at how much I loved it so I knew that this book was going to be just as good. I was also hoping for more twists and hoping that I wouldn’t see them coming like I had with Defy the Night. Once I started reading I was even surer that I would love the book as I so easily found myself back in the kingdom of Kandala, fully engrossed in a world that wasn’t even real. I finished the book in literally 2 sittings and was soon regretting my decision to read quickly as I was having to move on to the last book and would soon never hear more from the characters I had grown attached to. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

In this book, although I still really loved Corrick, I did find him a bit more annoying. He got so annoyed at Tessa for still seeing his as the boy she had first met and not accepting him as Corrick (which I did understand) and he didn’t even consider than this was just as difficult for her as for him. Because of this I think my favourite character in this book would probably have to be Tessa or even Harristan. I loved how hopeful Tessa was and how she didn’t automatically assume the worst about everyone like Corrick did. Although everyone saw this as Tessa being naïve I saw it more as her not giving up and believing that not everyone is horrible. She had been through so much suffering and still had room for hope and I loved this about her because she was definitely not as cynical as some of the other main characters I have met. Harristan was very similar to Tessa in this way as he also had a lot of hope and cared for his people so much. All he wanted to do was help them, which was made clear at the beginning of the book (another plot twist that I did see coming as well). He believed the best of his people, even when they had staged a revolution that killed many of the people in the Royal Sector in the previous book and he was ready to help lead them as a true king would do, rather than sit and hide and wait for Corrick to come back. I can’t wait to see more of him in the next book and I really hope that neither he nor Tessa lose that hope and light that they have in them, and that Corrick rediscovers his. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was very clear to me when it came up and I didn’t even need to finish the book to know that no part that would come after was going to be superior to this part. This part was near the end of the book when my favourite and pretty much the only couple in the book finally made up. I had had enough of the drama between them to be honest and was prepared to throw the book across the room if there was one more miscommunication or lack of communication. In Defy the Night there had already been enough drama between them with how much they switched between friends to lovers to enemies to lovers and all I wanted was for things to be perfect between them as I knew they deserved and also I deserved. When finally this all happened near the end of the book the relief and happiness on my face was clear and I knew nothing would beat the emotions that I had felt reading this part. Then the ending came and all of the progress that the couple had made was made futile, but at least I had a moment of happiness and eventually it will have a purpose in the third and final book. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really loved Defend the Dawn and am so ready to find out the ending, though also absolutely terrified that Brigid Kemmerer will ruin it like she kind of did with the Cursebreaker series. One thing I really loved about the book was the plot. After reading the first book and seeing how action packed it was I was honestly unsure what could possible happen in this book as Defy the Night had had everything, from revolution to romance. However, when I started to read and realised there would be a whole new adventure, I was even more excited. Now that I think about it nothing much really happened on the boat, however the amount of secrets and tension made it feel like an eventful time (which it certainly was near the end of the book). It also made the book even better to have Harristan’s point of view so we could see what was happening in Kandala while the others were gone and these parts definitely added to the action and tension. Another thing I really enjoyed was the cliff-hanger ending and how much the author toyed with my emotions in these final chapters. I honestly was about to cry and throw the book across the room and then had the shock of realising that it was all just a manipulation and everything was kind of fine. The cliff-hanger had me on the edge of my seat, reaching for the final book, Destroy the Day, before I had even read the last sentence of Defend the Dawn. I am so desperate to find out the ending and have so much hope for this series. One other thing that really surprised me is that this book is written in the first person and it didn’t annoy me in the least. I honestly never thought that at this age I would find a book written in the first person that I would love from the first second I started reading, however when I started Defy the Night I wasn’t annoyed at all and didn’t find it any harder to get into the book. If I’m completely honest because of how much I have been enjoying it I thought for a moment it was written in the third person, but obviously not. Finally, my favourite thing about these books is the absolutely gorgeous covers (honestly they are so amazing) and the way that the 3 books match so perfectly with their alliterative titles. It satisfies my inner perfectionist so much and every time I look at the spines on my shelf I just want to scream at how perfect and gorgeous they are. 

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Overall I loved both the books and found that after the amazing Defy the Night, Defend the Dawn definitely met my expectations, however I think the first book (Defy the Night) is definitely my favourite. There aren’t really many differences between the books and not much helped me make my decision, however there was one very small thing that I enjoyed more in the first book than in the second. This is the romance between Tessa and Corrick. I loved the way that both the characters were struggling so much in Defy the Night and that they were shifting between friends to lovers to enemies and then back to lovers. It was so tense and I loved it. It was clear that Tessa was struggling to see Corrick as the boy she had started to fall for and that Corrick was also struggling as he had never opened up to anyone before. Even though it did annoy me that they didn’t just get together quicker, I understood their doubts. However, in Defend the Dawn there were a lot of the same issues when I thought that it had been resolved already at the end of Defy the Night. There was also a lot of miscommunication and lack of communication which I hated. I was definitely very relieved when finally everything was resolved and I just hope that in the final book I don’t have to go through any more issues with the romance because I really just want a happy ending. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book and think you should absolutely read it (after Defy the Night of course). It is a great book for those over 14 who enjoy romance, fantasy, retellings and adventure. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A twisty, mind-blowing book whose ending will leave you desperate for the next book. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

DEFY THE NIGHT by Brigid Kemmerer

“In a kingdom where sickness stalks the streets and only the richest can afford a cure, King Harristan and his brother Prince Corrick are forced to rule with an iron fist. Tessa Vade is a masked outlaw marked for death, but she likes it that way. Together with the mysterious, handsome Weston, she robs from the rich to help the poor, distributing medicine to those who need it most. As it becomes clear that the only way to save her people is to assassinate the King, Tessa faces a deadly mission that will take her to the dark heart of the kingdom…and force her to work with the very people she intended to destroy.”

What is the book about?

The kingdom of Kandala a mysterious sickness plagues everyone and with no idea how the disease spreads or where it came from, everyone is panicked. The only known cure for this sickness are Moonflower petals that only grow in 2 of the sectors of the kingdom and they are hard to come by for the poor as they are incredibly expensive so only those with the means can survive the sickness. As a result, smugglers and outlaws now try to steal the petals, either for themselves or to help others and King Harristan and Price Corrick are forced to rule with an iron fist to try to keep their country from destroying itself. Tessa and Wes are 2 of the outlaws, risking their lives to steal Moonflower petals from the rich who have too much and distributing them among the poor who would otherwise already have succumbed to the disease. When Tessa realises that her attempts to save people have been pointless and the only real way to change things is to assassinate the King, she heads off on a mission that will likely be her last. But soon she realises that everything is not as simple as it initially seemed and that now she may have to work with the very people she set out to destroy or she will never be able to save the people of Kandala.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I had really enjoyed another of Brigid Kemmerer’s trilogies (Cursebreakers) and when I found out that she was writing another one I knew I had to have it. I didn’t know what to expect exactly as I had completely forgotten everything about the other books of hers, however I knew that I had really enjoyed them so one thing that I was quite confident about before going into this series was that I was going to love it. Once I had purchased all the books of the series (as I hate not having the complete series and having to wait before jumping in to the next book) it didn’t take long for me to start staring at the series, longing to read the gorgeous books. If I’m completely honest I didn’t even read the blurb before buying these books and just put my faith in the author, however before I started reading it I did give it a glance and it made me even more confident in my initial thoughts as it looked like just the kind of story I would love. When I started reading, I initially did have a few chapters where I had no idea what was going on and wasn’t quite in the world yet (which happens with every fantasy book to be honest). However soon I was completely engrossed in the book and coming up with wacky theories and just longing to see how it would end. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Wes, though I also loved Tessa and think she is definitely a great, strong and determined female main character. Wes was just so sweet and the fact that all he wanted to do was help people literally broke my heart. The poor guy spent the last few years being hated by everyone because of the things he had done and the only reason he did them was because he didn’t want someone he loved to have to suffer through making those decisions and doing those things. He never wanted to do them, though, and everyone thought that that was just who he was when in reality he was just a boy who was trying to keep others from being hurt. The scene in the Hold literally broke me and all I wanted to do was give him a hug and tell him that it wasn’t his fault and that no matter what he did I would still be there for him. He uses this cruel version of himself as a mask and deep down he is just Wes and all I want is for him to take off the mask and be the sweet guy I know he is. The way he would make Tessa smile, and he would joke around, and he would bring her food in the beginning of the book made me smile and I just want to see more of this side of him. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was probably the scene near the end of the book (pretty much right before everything started to go downhill for the characters – not that it was going amazing well before that) when Tessa and Wes are in their little workshop and finally have a moment to just be their cute little selves. The slow burn friends to lovers to enemies to lovers of this book literally had me on the edge of my seat and I needed a scene where they did something more than just stare at each other and this scene definitely gave me that. When they were interrupted I almost threw the book across the room and honestly am surprised I didn’t. It was such a cutesy scene and I really want more of these so please don’t let the author complicate their relationship any further, these guys have already suffered enough.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really loved Defy the Night and I am so ready to read the next book and have this be one of my favourite series. One thing that I loved about the book was the amount of tropes and clichés and stereotypical Young Adult and Fantasy things there were in this book. To a lot of people I’m sure this would have been annoying but to me it was so comforting to read a story that had so many things that I have seen in so many other books. I mean it literally has a teenage girl who has no powers and is a nobody having to try to save the world and a morally grey male she is falling for and hundreds of other elements that are so common for this kind of genre, however that’s why I loved it, because it was like all the other books that I loved. Another thing that I really enjoyed was the Robin Hood element and the fact that it is kind of a retelling but is nothing like the original story and just has similar vibes. It was a lot like that with her other books that I read and I loved it. I haven’t read any books with a Robin Hood retelling before so it definitely gave the book some originality. One other thing that I loved was the sort of plot twist there was. I cannot say anything or else I will spoil it but it definitely gave the book something that most other books don’t have as it wasn’t fully predictable. However, and I am not joking, I was actually able to figure out the truth after the second chapter. Initially it was just a joke and I was just like ‘oh I bet that…’ but when it came true I was honestly shocked at my wizarding skills and I think I have just read far too many YA Fantasy novels but I do not care because it is hands down the best genre. One last slight thing I feel the need to mention is how stunning the covers of this book series are. I am pretty sure I said this about all the covers of the Cursebreaker series but oh my goodness does Brigid Kemmerer know how to pick a gorgeous cover that will have readers squealing. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would absolutely recommend Defy the Night and think it is an amazing fantasy, romance novel. It is perfect for people over 14 who enjoy this genre and I am pretty confident this series is going to be a fast favourite of mine and many others. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An original, action-packed fantasy novel that you will not be able to put down.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

KINGDOM OF ASH by Sarah J. Maas

“‘The final battle is here.’ Aelin Galathynius has risked everything to save her people – but at a tremendous cost. Locked in an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must use all her fiery will to endure the torture inflicted on her. If she yields to Maeve she will doom everyone she loves, but her resolve is beginning to unravel… With Aelin imprisoned, her friends must go on without her. Some bonds will deepen, while others will be severed forever. But as destinies weave together at last, all must unite as Aelin fights to save herself – and the promise of a better world.”

What is the book about?

Aelin Galathynius has risked everything, her whole life, for her kingdom and the people she loves. She cashed in every debt owed to her to get the allies she needed so that Terrasen could win this war and did everything she could with no intention in being there in the end. Even though she didn't mean for it to end like this, she has still ended up alone. Maeve has taken her, locked her in an iron coffin that she had had prepared for her years before she had even met Maeve. Now Aelin must use every bit of strength and determination she has left to endure the torture that Cairn, one of Marvel's blood sworn and a sadist, inflicts on her. If she gives in she will doom everyone back in Terrasen and destroy every person she loves, but she is starting to lose hope and lose strength. While she is imprisoned, Aelin's friends must continue to fight and work together to ensure there is a Terrasen for her when she is finally saved. As everyone reunites to save the world, it will either end or begin after this battle. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Honestly I had very mixed feelings about this book and was both dreading and desperate to read it. My initial thoughts on it was that it was going to be absolutely incredible and that I would really enjoy reading it. However, I also knew from a friend of mine that it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster and that I would probably have my heart broken so I wasa little bit skeptical about reading it. Ever since finishing Empire of Storms I have been so desperate to start reading this book, so desperate to find out what happened after the cliffhanger ending that left me screaming. Tower of Dawn at first just felt like a massive obstacle keeping me from finding out what happens next (however I did end up really enjoying it). Although I wanted to find out the ending and finish the series, I also didn't as I didn't want the series to end after I basically dedicated the past month or so to reading the books. I was dreading finally finishing it but that wasn't enough for me to delay reading it. I knew it was going to be an epic read and that I would love it just as much as the other books in the series, and my thoughts were quickly supported once I started reading it as I was already falling in love with the last novel in this incredible series. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

For this book I cannot and will not choose a favourite character because every single character that I could chose from is my favourite and I cannot chose between them. In this book every one of the badass girls that I have loved and I wish I could be like was amazing and developed in her own way in this book and I refuse to pick between all these girls. Elide and the horse, Yrene and the ending scene, Lysandra and how she risked everything for Aelin and Terrasen, Manon and the character development and obviously Aelin for everything she has done since taking back her title. Every single one of these grew so much since I was first introduced to them and became better than I could have ever imagined. I loved all of these characters and I cannot chose between them and once you read the book and understand what I mean by the characters above you will agree with me.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

The whole of Kingdom of Ash was absolutely amazing and I really had to think about it before answering this question and even after that I couldn't quite pick one part as quite a few stood out to me. One of those was when Manon told Abraxos she loved him when there was a chance that she wouldn't make it. I loved this part because of how it showed Manon's character development from a witch who didn't have feelings or refused to feel them to one who loved and who cared, which was later proven even more. Another part that I also enjoyed was when Elide took that horse and rode to save Lorcan. I loved how she didn't even think about herself and just rode. She came such a long way from the little girl who didn't do much and felt like her whole personality was just her injury. There were also quite a few other parts that I enjoyed so I definitely don't think I could chose just one. This whole book was just an emotional wreck of a journey and I loved it. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Kingdom of Ash was amazing and I think the perfect finale for the incredible fantasy series that has been the centre of my world for quite some time. I loved practically everything about the book and, even though it practically destroyed me and I now am in this void that I have no idea how to get out of, it was amazing and I wish I could read it all again for the first time. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was (strangely) how it destroyed me and had me on the brink of tears throughout basically the whole book. It is a books job to make you feel something and this one certainly made me feel everything. It was so well written and I was easily able to connect to the characters and feel what they felt while they reached the final battle. The fact that I had spent 7 novels and 1 prequel getting to know the characters definitely helped to get me attached to them and the character development that I saw in this book had me dying the whole time. Another thing that I really loved about Kingdom of Ash was how finally all the couples that I had been rooting for, all the couples that I wanted together and needed together, got their own happy ending. At the end of Empire of Storms everything had gotten ruined and I was honestly so worried that after this whole series these couples would stay mad at each other. There were also certain points in Kingdom of Ash where I thought everything was going to end and where I didn't know if they would come back from it but I gladly got what I wanted and I couldn't be more grateful. One small thing that I didn't quite like about the book and found a little annoying was the beginning when everyone was separated and had their own point of view and story to tell. Although I appreciated getting all the details, it was so annoying when it would take at least 4 chapters and different perspectives before it got back to the character that I had been waiting for and when the chapters ended in cliffhangers I honestly would lose it as it would be a while before I got the next part. Luckily, gradually characters started coming together and there were less and less separate chapters (though still multiple POVs) until everyone came together. Although I didn't like it, this didn't stop me from liking the book and I'm so sad to say goodbye to these characters. 

Which was your favourite book in the Throne of Glass series? (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7)

Now that I have finished reading all the books I can honestly say that my favourite book in this series has got to be the fourth book, Queen of Shadows. I won't go into the details as to why I chose this as my favourite as it is clear in the previous reviews where I explained why it was my favourite, however the main reason is because its the first book where everyone came together and the start of the real series and not just the world building introduction (which I couldn't tell was the case with the first 3 books at the time but looking back now it is quite clear). Although this final book also had all the characters come together and was absolutely incredible I cannot say it is my favourite book for one main reason: it was the last book. Although I was desperate to read it, I was also dreading it because of this exact reason as it would mean that everything would end. I slightly hate the last book of all series because it means stopping reading, it means leaving this world and these characters that I have grown to love. After the last book finishes, I will no longer get to learn anything more about the characters and will never get to experience the stuff that I did again (unless I reread it and it still won't be the same that way). I loved Kingdom of Ash and I loved this whole series but it's over now and I hate that so Queen of Shadows will have to remain my favourite book in the series. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I 100% recommend Kingdom of Ash and I will never stop recommending it and the whole entire Throne of Glass series. It is an amazing book for a fantasy lover with the perfect amount of romance and adventure and magic. I think it's best for over 17 year olds due to the more explicit scenes but it is not that spicy or detailed so slightly younger readers may enjoy it. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The perfect final novel in a series that will rip out your heart and have a lasting impact on you for the rest of your life.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

TOWER OF DAWN by Sarah J. Maas

“‘A glorious empire. A desperate quest. An ancient secret.’ Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shinning city of Antica to form an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold. After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to help those in need – and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise it could engulf them both. And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on mighty ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival – or doom them all.”

What is the book about?

Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have been sent across the ocean to another continent by Dorian, the new King of Adarlan, and Aelin, the Queen of Terrasen. Their mission, to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast army would help their allies waiting in Erilea win the battle with Erawan that they currently aren't favoured to win. This may be their last hope. However, this mission is not the only reason Chaol finds himself in Antica, but also the legendary Torre Cesme, the sanctuary for skilled and magical healers who may be able to heal Chaol. After the battle with the possessed and now deceased King of Adarlan, Chaol found himself unable to walk and, if he has any chance of regaining feeling in his legs and being able fight in the front lines, then he must get the help of a healer. Yrene Towers is that healer, the one who has been told to help the lord from Adarlan. But she has no desire to heal him, not after the unspeakable horrors she and her mother suffered at the hands of Adarlan's soldiers, soldiers Chaol commanded as Captain of the Guard. Yet she swore an oath and will honour it and help him, but it will prove to be harder than she thought. The injury he possesses is not ordinary as it was given to him by magic, and helping him may just destroy them both...or bring them closer together...or both.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Initially I was so annoyed that I had to read Tower of Dawn, the book simply an obstacle between me and learning what happened after the shocking cliffhanger in Empire of Storms. I had no interest in reading an entire book set in a completely different location with new characters and some old ones that I had entirely forgotten existed after reading the previous book. I knew that this book would either be read incredibly quickly or I would never finish it, and, although I knew I would enjoy it, I didn't know if it would be as good as the other books I had read in this series. However, after reading a few chapters, I started to realise how stupid my initial thoughts had been and I knew that I would love this book, just like the others. Looking back I can't believe that I had been annoyed I had to read this book because I soon realised when reading it that I would have been lost without it and that I would have hated not having experienced the adventure and learnt the information first hand as I was able to do while reading. The book convinced me to change my mind after only a few chapters and I finished it quicker than expected, not simply because of my impatience to read Kingdom of Ash but also because of how much I was enjoying it.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I liked a lot of the characters in this book and most of them were new, or some that I hadn't really gotten to know despite meeting them previously, like Nesryn. One of the characters I really liked, who I suppose will say was my favourite character in this book, was Yrene. This was one of the characters that I had met before, however briefly, in The Assassin's Blade who I never thought I would see again. But I underestimated the genius of Sarah J. Maas and somehow she managed to put in characters that seemed so insignificant initially back into the story, into roles that made a huge difference to the story and will probably play a bit role later on too. Anyways, why I really liked Yrene was the fact that she chose to help Chaol and face everything that was happening even though she had nothing to do with it and didn't need to. She could have easily just remained in the well guarded Torre Cesme where she would have had a future as the Healer on High and would have been safe. However, since arriving in Antica, even after seeing all the beauty and safety it had to offer, her goal remained to head back to Erilea and help her homeland survive the war. She could have hidden away and she chose not to. She could have said no to healing Chaol when she found out that she may get hurt too, that it wasn't an ordinary injury, and yet she chose to keep going and I loved her bravery and courage. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I really enjoyed this whole book and there were a lot of parts that I enjoyed and could easily be my favourite however I would say that my favourite part wasn't a specific part and more of just the parts where there were things revealed and connections that made me laugh. Seeing Yrene again, for example, after I never thought I would see her again since The Assassin's Blade was so entertaining, especially as I realised whose love interest she was supposed to be. However, the main thing was when Nesryn went to see the rukhin and there was a character that had literally appeared for no more than a chapter or two in the prequel. I loved that somehow this character reappeared and would prove to be a great help in the story and that not only that but he was also related to another character which was entirely unexpected. It was the funniest thing ever to see how everything Sarah J. Maas had done and every character she introduced in the prequel book was intentional and was there to serve a purpose, which was made clear after reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. I loved this and can't wait to see what goes on next. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Tower of Dawn was a really great book and, although I was desperate to finish and get to Kingdom of Ash, I really loved reading it. One reason I loved the book and why I have loved this series so far is that everything that Sarah J. Maas has done, every character she introduced, was entirely intentional. I read The Assassin's Blade ages ago and met a few characters that appeared for not much more than a few pages so I believed them to be insignificant and didn't give them a second thought. I thought it was just to show something about Celaena/Aelin or to add something more to the story, yet I was clearly proven wrong when reading this book. There were characters in this book I had met before and somehow they were linked to the story in ways I couldn't even imagine. It was absolutely genius and made the book so entertaining and enjoyable as I realised that everyone was linked together and that Aelin was in the centre of everything. It was so funny and I just can't wait to see everything come together in the next and final book. Another thing I loved about reading this book was that I got to see a whole new continent and location, one free of the destruction that people faced in Adarlan and the whole of Erilea. It showed me and the characters what Erilea could look like if they won the war and if Aelin was able to provide what she promised: a better world. I loved seeing the streets of Antica and the safety and happiness that people felt there. It was a land where magic wasn't forbidden and where people went to be saved by the healers at Torre Cesme. One last thing about the book that made me enjoy it despite how much I just wanted to be done with it (now I'm really thinking I should have done a tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn) was that the plot was so interesting. In the beginning I had no hope for the book as it wasn't going to follow the storyline that I had been so interested in but soon I realised I jumped to conclusions too quickly. Not only did Tower of Dawn have a great plot that kept me on my toes just like the other books, but I also got a lot of information that fed into the plot that I was so desperate to get back to. Without Tower of Dawn I would have been lost and I'm just so glad that I was proven wrong about the book and it was better than I thought. 

Which book did you like better: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6?

Although I really enjoyed reading Tower of Dawn and have found that all the books in the series so far have been amazing, my favourite book is still Queen of Shadows. It was interesting in this sixth book to see an entire new world, one that was safe (or appeared to be) and hadn't been plagued for the past 10 years by a demon king. However, while reading Tower of Dawn I missed some of the characters that I had read about in Empire of Storms and Queen of Shadows before that. It was a big change and one that I enjoyed, though not enough to say that I would pick this book over the fourth book. Queen of Shadows was perfect in every respect and there was so much that I loved that led me to choose it as my favourite. The plot in itself would have already been enough to make me choose it as my favourite, the fact that it was so interesting and that it had so many turns and things that I have never expected. Then the fact that it had all the characters that I loved from the previous books in the series, both those from her life as Aelin and from her life as Celaena. They all came together, the Fae and the human and it is the only book I have read so far where all of the characters I have grown to love were working together. I know that the last book will also be like that and I am so excited and hope it will meet my expectations. Every book in the series so far has been great but without a doubt Queen of Shadows is my favourite one (so far).

Would you recommend this book?  

I would absolutely recommend Tower of Dawn and think it is an amazing book for lovers of all things fantasy, romance and adventure. However, I think it is best for readers 17 and up as there is some more mature content.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An epic, magical and romance-filled adventure in a new world, more wonderful than anything you could ever imagine.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

EMPIRE OF STORMS by Sarah J. Maas

“‘Blood will run. Dreams will shatter. An army must rise.’ The assassin-queen has sworn not to turn her back on her kingdom again. Especially when she might be the only one who can raise an army to keep the Dark King from unleashing his beasts upon them all. But Erawan will wield Aelin's past, her allies, and her enemies against her. With a powerful court trusting Aelin to lead them, and her heart devoted to the warrior-prince at her side, what – or who – is she willing to sacrifice to spare her world from being torn apart?”

What is the book about?

Finally, Aelin is on her way home, back to the place she never thought she would lay her eyes on again, not since her family was butchered within the walls of their own house. However, just as she starts to feel safe and welcome, she is greeted with a new problem, a new issue that for some reasons only she can provide a solution for. It appears that those who still live in Terrasen do not want an assassin as a queen and, unless she forms an alliance and finds an army for her would-be kingdom, she may never officially be the queen she had taken so long to convince herself to become. But Aelin will not turn her back on her country, her people, ever again. She will do everything she can, cash in every favour and debt owed to her to form an army, to save her kingdom. But, while trying to do all of that, Aelin also faces the threat of Erawan, who will wield her past against her. She must lead the way for her court, the people who would follow her through anything. She must make a decision on what she is willing to sacrifice for the freedom and safety she desires for her kingdom and her people. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The ending of Queen of Shadows left me with many questions and a need to keep reading that had made me reach instantly for this next book, Empire of Storms, aching to begin. It had been such a casual and calm and somewhat quick ending that made me so interested in continuing reading. I didn't quite know what to expect of this book other than an amazing experience that would leave me dreading re-entering the real world. I knew that this book was going to be incredible, especially after the amazing Queen of Shadows that left me with a new definition of what is a 5 star book, and I was so excited to start reading. I was even more intrigued after reading the blurb as to how Aelin was planning on raising an army when she didn't possess any contacts that I could think of on the spot that would lend any support to her, yet somehow I knew this insane woman was going to succeed. When I started to read I was so glad to see it picked up right where the first book had left off and was surprised at how easily I slipped back into this world, a world that I know has become my personality and escape and reason for being over the few weeks and will continue to be so for months if the books continue to be this good.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This book had a lot of character that I loved and I definitely had a lot of characters competing for the position as my favourite character. However, this time I would definitely say that Aelin was my favourite character, or definitely one of them. I had enjoyed reading about Aelin in all the books that I have read in the series so far, especially in the past 2 books, Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows. This is because in these last 2 books and in Empire of Storms she finally stopped hiding behind the assassin's identity she created and was willing to become the queen she had tried to push down for so long. Not only that but she started to really use her magic and grow with it as it made her into one of the strongest and most incredible people I have ever seen. I loved her particularly in Empire of Storms because of the way she truly steeped into her role as queen and did all she could to come up with an army to save her kingdom. I loved how she always had a plan and always knew what to do, even when I myself had no clue what she was thinking. She is only 19 and was able to coordinate with so many people to have them all arrive in one place, prepared to help her court fight Erawan. Not only that but she was willing to sacrifice herself for the good of the world and allow the people she loved the chance at a better world. She is so impressive and I am so excited to see what happens in the end. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This question always has and I know always will be the hardest one to answer because after reading an amazing book you never want to have to single out one part that was incredible. Also a good book is never just created by one good part or even several good parts put together, it is the way that the story flows and the way that the author builds the story up that makes a good book. The whole of Empire of Storms was amazing and there were so many different parts that I loved and I don't think I can choose just one. However, there were some moments that I really loved – those with Lysandra and Aedion. I had had an inkling for a bit of the previous book and the whole of this one that these two characters were meant to be, however Empire of Storms confirmed my suspicions and also had several sweet moments that had me squealing. One particular moment after a battle, where Lysandra found herself just barely holding on, Aedion's reaction and what he said had me wishing I could put myself in the shifter's place. I absolutely loved it and thought it was one of the sweetest moments. Later on there was also a moment like that, where the two discussed what they were and I absolutely loved how they decided to take things slow, how Aedion let Lysandra come to that decision and he didn't stop her. I love these two and I just hope to get more of them in the final book, and that they get their happy ending. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I loved reading Empire of Storms and there is nothing that could have been improved because the book was perfect. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the main theme throughout the book where Aelin was trying to come up with an army to help her and her court face Erawan and despite the many people who doubted her, she always had something up her sleeve. Even though it annoyed the hell out of everyone, Aelin kept her plans to herself, all of them surfacing only when she wanted them to be known and she always managed to catch me and all the other characters unawares. It was so entertaining and honestly I do not know how she came up with, let alone managed to succeed with, some of these plans. Aelin was actually crazy but I loved it and I love her. Another think I enjoyed about the book was all the answers I got to some of the things that had been bugging me for a while. I had had several questions that I wasn't sure I would ever get answers for, but this book managed to reveal the truth and shock me with the amount of plot twists that revealed answers to these questions. I really loved the shock and how this book caught me off guard so many times and had me on the edge of my seat for most of it. One last thing about Empire of Storms that I absolutely loved and will always love about the books that I read is the way that it had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. There were so many moments while reading the book where I physically screamed or gasped or spoke aloud or even cried and I absolutely loved it. It is one of my strongest beliefs that a book hasn't done it's job if it doesn't make you feel something and that until you get to experience the emotions that you can feel while reading, you haven't fully lived. Books are one of the magical things this world can give you and the way that they can make you react as if the stuff that you just read and the characters you have grown attached to aren't just a figment of your imagination is one of the best things in the world. I loved this about Empire of Storms, even when I wanted to through the book across the room after the cliffhanger ending that I can't continue reading about until I read a whole entire book on different people. This book was amazing and I am honestly dying to continue reading and finally reach the epic conclusion that I have been waiting for. 

Which book did you like better: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?

So far every book in the Throne of Glass series has been more incredible than I could have ever imagined when I first started it. As I read more it was as if each book was even better than the last, which I still don't know how it was possible as even the first book, Throne of Glass, was perfect. Although I absolutely Empire of Storms and thought it was one of the best I have read in a while, I would probably say that my favourite book is still Queen of Shadows. Empire of Storms was very similar to Queen of Shadows and had all the aspects that I had loved in the fourth book of this incredible series. It had the romance that I don't know how I could ever live without and the characters that I don't think I will ever stop thinking about even in a few years. It also had a lot of magic, one of the things that has always been my favourite in fantasy books, definitely more than Queen of Shadows, which definitely made it a strong contender as my favourite book. However, although Empire of Storms was amazing, there was something about Queen of Shadows that I can't quite describe that made it stand out to me more. Maybe it was because it was the first book where everyone came together, all the big players that I had met coming together to fight the evil that had presented itself. It was also the first book where Aelin really embraced her identity and really used her magic as if it were a part of her her whole life and she hadn't spent years without it, trying to forget it. It was also the first book where Rowan and Aelin admitted to themselves and each other that they had feelings for each other (though their relationship certainly developed in Empire of Storms). It was also the first book that didn't feel like it was just setting the backstory and it actually had a much more substantial plot than the previous 3 books. Queen of Shadows was just a lot better than Empire of Storms and, if I had still had doubts about it, the cliffhanger ending that had me wanting to through the book across the room and the rather explicit scenes would have been enough to have me come to the same conclusion.

Would you recommend this book?  

Yes, yes, yes, I would 100% recommend this book and have no doubt in my mind that anyone who reads it will be left just as stunned as me. It is an amazing book full of romance, adventure and fantasy, however I do think it is for older readers (those over 17) as there are some more mature (or ‘spicy’) scenes.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

Another stunning instalment in the Throne of Glass series whose cliffhanger ending will leave you screaming and reaching for the next book within seconds, aching to continue and never leave the most magical world ever.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

QUEEN OF SHADOWS by Sarah J. Maas

“‘No masters. No limits. No regrets.’ Celaena Sardothien is cloaked in her assassin’s hood once more. She is back in Rifthold, but this time she is no one’s slave. She must delve into her most painful memories and fight for her survival, while resisting a smouldering passion that might very well consumer her heart. And she will face her former master, the King of Assassins, again – to wreak revenge for a decade of pain.”

What is the book about?

Aelin is back in Rifthold after her adventures in Wedlyn and once more is hiding behind her fake identity as Celaena Sardothien, fearless assassin. However, now, she is under no one's control and answers to no one but herself. She has been a slave for too long, killing for whoever ruled over her at that time, and now she is finally free. However, before she can escape her old masters and find her way back home to Terrasen she must get something from her first one, something she once believed was lost but has just been kept hidden from her for too long. Then she can get revenge, on Arobynn, on the king and on anyone else unfortunate enough to cross her path and get in her way. But while she is trying to do all of this and defeat an evil bigger than anything she could ever imagine, she must also face some dark memories she has tried to push back for too long and fight to keep living in a world that has tried to break her too many times. Not only that but she also has to try to ignore some passionate feelings that have just kept growing and would just distract her from what she needs to accomplish. Will she manage to complete the tasks that may finally break her and return to her country, which she once believed she would never see again? And will she get her revenge for the things done to her since her escape from death at 8 years old? 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I (nearly instantly after finishing Heir of Fire) grabbed Queen of Shadows, so insistent to continue the story that had started to become my personality. As I went deeper in the series, reading the books became the thing I most enjoyed and my designated reading time became the time I looked forward to most during the day. I was so excited to see Aelin return to Rifthold as a new person, a stronger person, a person ready to step into the role she had tried so hard to ignore. I was also interested to see the dynamic between some of the characters who had spent the previous book separate, leading their own adventures. My initial thoughts on this book were that it was going to be absolutely amazing and better than all the ones I had read before, which I had decided not just because my friend said it was her favourite book but also because of the fact that once again all the characters were going to be reunited. I was so excited to start reading and finished the book much quicker than I had expected (as it was quite chunky), probably because of how easy and enjoyable it was to read. I was in love from the very start and now I know that I was a complete idiot for not diving into this series sooner. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I loved loads of characters in this book but I would probably say that my favourite character was Lysandra. I honestly didn't think I would say this since reading The Assassin's Blade and didn't even think that I would ever see her again, but I guess her introduction in the prequel stories had a purpose far greater than to just explain some of Aelin's (Celaena's) past. As the book went on, I grew to really like Lysandra. She was brave and strong despite everything that she went through. She wasn't at all like the rude and selfish girl that I though she was, that Aelin thought she was. What she did for Evangeline was one of the kindest things ever and she did it even though she knew it would lead to her being enslaved to Clarisse for even longer. She was smart and so cunning and managed to take her revenge against some of the people who had used her. She could have gotten out and ran, but chose to go back and help, and was a strong friend for Aelin, which she really needed after Nehemia. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I loved many different parts of the book and honestly I don't think I could choose just one as my favourite. This whole book was absolutely amazing and was made that way because of all the different parts of the book. However, some parts that did stand out to me were those with Rowan and Aelin. If I'm completely honest, since reading the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo I never thought I would ever meet another couple who I would ship so passionately that I would literally invest my whole life into them being together and would do anything to ensure they get their happy ending. Somehow, Sarah J. Maas managed to make me feel all that again with Aelin and Rowan so any part where they were together, either as just friends or finally as the something more I knew they had to be, holds a special part in my heart and made me react like some insane person who screams and cries and squeals at characters who do not exist outside their mind. These parts made me crazy but I loved them so much and I can't wait to see much more of the two of them in the next books. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

I honestly can't even put into words how much I loved this book and I just wish I could go back and read it again. There were so many things that contributed to my enjoyment of this book and I don't think there was a single thing that I didn't love. One reason I loved Queen of Shadows was because of the fact that it was the best of both worlds. I had loved reading about Wedlyn in Heir of Fire, with the magic and the Fae and all the things that didn't exist in Rifthold because the King of Adarlan had made it all disappear. However, I had also enjoyed reading about Celaena in Rifthold, with all the people she had grown to care about and the people who made her who she was. In this book, it felt like both these places merged into one, because Celaena was back, but she wasn't the assassin she had been in the first books and instead was the magical and fearless Aelin who had spent time with the Fae overseas. And then when the Fae started to come to Rifthold and Aelin started planning something that would change everything, it was the most incredible thing ever. Another thing I enjoyed about the book was the multiple POVs. In the first 2 books (Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight) it felt like everything was just from Celaena's perspective and we had no real idea about what was happening outside of that. However, in Heir of Fire we got to see outside of Aelin's mind and learnt a lot about what was happening with Chaol and Dorian and the witches. Queen of Shadows took this to a whole new level with new characters and parts with the witches that were actually interesting (a big change from the ones that I had found boring in Heir of Fire). It made the book so interesting and I loved it. One last thing that I loved so much was the romance. In Heir of Fire I had still been a little hung up on Chaol and Celaena, but the introduction of a Fae warrior quickly changed that. However, I was annoyed that the two kept making it clear that they didn't want each other as I really felt they should be together and I finally got what I wanted in this book, which I will never stop ranting about. Queen of Shadows was amazing and I am so excited to continue with Empire of Storms.

Which book did you like better: 1, 2, 3 or 4?

I have loved every book in the series so far and am honestly so excited to keep going as the books just keep getting better as we go on. I believe that my favourite book now is probably Queen of Shadows for many reasons. Firstly, I feel like the books before this one were mainly just world building and were there to give you information so you aren't confused when reading Queen of Shadows and the rest of the books. When reading the first 3 books, I thought they were amazing and full of action and crazy plots, however looking back now that I have read the fourth book I can see that they were nothing compared to Queen of Shadows and the packed storyline that I experienced. Secondly, the romance cannot even be compared between Queen of Shadows and the other books. It is honestly so much better that the one in the previous books pales in comparison and I can't stop thinking about it and never will. It's one of the reasons I said Heir of Fire was better than the first 2 books and it's now one of the biggest reasons that Queen of Shadows is superior to all the other books I have read in this series so far. I am so excited to continue with the series mainly for this romance and know that it's just going to continue to get better. Finally, another thing that made me chose Queen of Shadows as my favourite is the fact that now Aelin is fully herself and has fully embraced the truth about herself and isn't hiding behind the mask of the assassin she grew up as. I love her so much more as Aelin and I am intrigued to see what she does in the rest of the books. 

Would you recommend this book?  

There is no doubt in my mind about how much I enjoyed this book and how much I believe that anyone else who reads it will also love it. I will never stop recommending that you read this book and the whole Throne of Glass series. I think it is the perfect read for over 16 year olds who enjoy romance, fantasy and thrilling adventure.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A wild, magical adventure full of friendship and romance that you will never stop thinking about.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

HEIR OF FIRE by Sarah J. Maas

“Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can’t bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back… The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king – for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?”

What is the book about?

Celaena has been sent to Wedlyn to kill the King and Crown Prince for the King of Adarlan so he can take over yet another continent. But Celaena can't bring herself to do it, to kill for the king who killed so many people she loved and who continues to destroy more and more people. She has finally decided it is time to fight back, time to stop hiding from the truth. Because in Wedlyn not only can she find the Royal family but she can also find the Immortal Fae Queen Maeve who may hold all the answers to the questions Celaena has about the power the king possesses, unlike anything she has ever seen. But when she finally encounters Maeve, the only way she can get her answers is to train with another Fae (a Prince named Rowan) who will decide on when she is worthy enough to go see the queen and get her answers. But as she goes through her training, she begins her battle with herself and the dark memories she has tried so hard to push down and ignore over the years. Can she face her true self and fulfill what the queen has ordered? 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Ever since I finished Crown of Midnight I have been aching to start reading Heir of Fire and to continue the story after the cliffhanger ending. As I had to read The Assassin's Blade first, it only made me more anxious to start reading the next novel in the series. Before I had even started to read, I knew that the book was going to be amazing and initially I believed that Heir of Fire was going to be even better than the previous 2 books in the series. I was so confident about that and was not disappointed when I started to read. I had been so intrigued to start reading and to be introduced to a whole new world that I had heard mentioned but hadn't gotten to see. It took no time at all for me to get used to the characters that I had been so excited to keep reading about and the book started so well, captivating me from the very first page. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character in Heir of Fire was probably Celaena/Aelin. I had loved her in the previous books too but in this one she stood out a lot more probably because she finally started to embrace who she was before she was found by Arobynn and turned into the assassin most feared. She grew much stronger because of it as she was able to practice using her powers and shifting into her Fae form. At the start of her training she was still trying to ignore the truth and ignore the magic that still ran through her veins. However, gradually she began to accept that she was more than just Celaena, that she was actually Aelin, the heir to the throne of Terrasen. I loved how the powers changed her and made her even more unbelievably strong and powerful. She was already a girl with enough strength to win in a battle again many men, however, now, with her magic, she was unstoppable. I loved how hard she worked with her magic, and how she didn't let how difficult it had been for her stop her. She got up early just to practice and to be able to show Rowan that she was worthy to go see Maeve. I loved her and I can't wait to see her in the next books as she steps into her role as queen. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

The whole book was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed many different parts of the book. Most of my favourite parts were when Rowan and Aelin were together. Although I enjoyed the point of view of Dorian and Chaol, I found the parts with Aelin in Wedlyn were much more interesting (and I definitely didn't enjoy the parts from the perspective of the witches). I think the main reason I enjoyed these parts more was because of the fact that there was actual magic being used and it was a new location. Out of all these parts one that I can't quite get out of my mind was when Aelin had been using her power a little too much and nearly burnt out. It was a pretty shocking moment but it led to one of my favourite moments of the book where Rowan was very controlling and protective of her as she healed. Even though they had both made it very clear that they didn't like each other as anything other than friends, this gave me hope that they would one day feel something more. I could just feel that they were meant to be together and this part gave me the proof that I needed that there was a possibility that my dreams would become reality. It was a great part of the book and definitely one that I won't soon forget.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Heir of Fire was an amazing read and I really enjoyed (nearly) everything about it. One reason I loved the book was the flashbacks to Aelin's childhood, which gave me a lot of much needed information. I had been interested for a while where she came from and after finding out Celaena was not her real name I was even more curious to see who she was before being found by Arobynn. The flashbacks gave me the answers that I had been looking for and let me get to know Celaena as Aelin. Flashbacks are something that since I can remember I have always loved as it is a much more interesting way to get information about someone's past so this book definitely stood out to me for it. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was the new location that I got to see besides just Rifthold. It made the book much more interesting because there were several different points of view and they were completely separate as they were in different places. I got to still see what was going on in the main city of Adarlan through the eyes of Chaol and Dorian and also got to see the new lands of Wedlyn, where magic still existed. I loved that because magic is one of my favourite things about fantasy books so I was glad to finally have it introduced. Although I didn't particularly enjoy the chapters told from the witches perspective as I found them quite boring and wanted to get back to Aelin and Rowan, I knew that they would serve a purpose, so overall the book was great. The introduction of Rowan and the Demi Fae was also something that I really loved and I was so glad to meet some of these characters who made the book that much better. Now I can't wait to read Queen of Shadows and see as Aelin makes her way back to Rifthold. 

Which book did you like better, the first, the second or the third?

So far all the books in the Throne of Glass series have been absolutely brilliant and I have enjoyed every second I have spent with these incredible characters in their magical world. All 3 of the first books in the series (Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire) have been amazing but without a doubt my favourite book has got to be Heir of Fire. There was a lot about the book that stood out to me more than the previous 2 novels: the fact that there were 3 main storylines, the fact that magic was introduced and the fact that there were new characters. I had enjoyed reading about Celaena in Rifthold and her adventures there, however there wasn't really much of the things that I love in fantasy books. The magic, the battles with beings that shouldn't even exist and the magical creatures. I loved Heir of Fire as finally Celaena/Aelin was able to use her magic and I was able to see and understand new things that in a world without magic (like Adarlan) I would have never seen. Although I really enjoyed the dynamic between Celaena, Dorian and Chaol and their friendship in the first 2 books, it didn't even compare with Aelin and Rowan which made Heir of Fire really stand out to me. I also got so many more of my questions answered which I always love because I get so confused sometimes with the amount of new things that pop up in fantasy books. Heir of Fire was amazing and I know that the books are just going to get better. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I can't even begin to describe how much I loved the book and how much everyone needs to read it and the previous books in the series. I definitely recommend Heir of Fire and just know it is the perfect book for magic, fantasy and adventure lovers. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A perfect blend of magic, battles, adventures, romance and much more. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE by Sarah J. Maas

“‘The twist of a knife, the birth of a legend…’ Celaena Sardothien owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home at the Assassins’ Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive. Arobynn’s enemies stretch far and wide – from Adarlan’s rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile deserts. Celaena is duty-bound to hunt them down. But behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate – and cut her heart in two forever…”

What is the book about?

This book is made up of a collection of novellas that detail some of Celaena’s life before she was betrayed, captured and sent to Endovier. It shows what she was like as Adarlan’s Assassin and how she became the strong woman that we have grown to love in the Throne of Glass series. Arobynn found her and raised her to become the fearless and ruthless assassin that everyone fears. He helped create her reputation and she owes him everything. However, he expects his kindness to be repaid and Celaena is bound to him until she is able to do so. She must do as he says and follow his orders blindly, but Celaena isn’t one for being told what to do and manages to get into trouble quite easily. As a result, Arobynn punishes her in a way that he hopes will show her that she doesn’t rule the world, but even after he sends her away, he is not satisfied by her behaviour. Celaena knows that he is not pleased but the truth is so dark that it would be enough to destroy her, even after everything she has already endured.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I discovered that I was meant to read this book rather than the third book in the series (Heir of Fire) after Crown of Midnight, I was initially very annoyed as I really wanted to continue with the main story, especially after the reveal at the end of the book which had left me with many questions. However, once I realised that the book wasn’t another full novel and was actually a book made up of shorter novellas, I was much more interested in reading it. Also, once I found out what exactly the novellas would entail and the questions that I would have answered, I was more than just interested in reading it and was bursting to begin. I was really curious to learn more about Celaena, especially after reading Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight and having many questions about her past left unanswered. I wasn’t sure how much I would learn but I knew that any information would help me understand more and answer at least a few of the questions I had. I soon started to read and was once again shocked at how easy it was to fall back into Adarlan and how easily the book convinced me that I wasn’t sat on my bed in my room and was actually in this crazy magical world. The book was great from the very beginning and I loved every story.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Throughout all of the stories in The Assassin’s Blade my favourite character was (unsurprisingly) Celaena Sardothien. She was the main character in all of the novellas and the stories (though written in third person) were essentially all from her point of view as we got to see her inner thoughts and not really anyone else’s. One reason I really liked Celaena was because of what she did in the first novella The Assassin and the Pirate Lord. She helped the slaves and saved many lives, which made it clear to me that she was a good person. Even though she was an assassin and had killed many people, this story made it clear that there was a line that even she wouldn’t cross and that helping to enslave people was definitely over the line. This showed me the good, sweet girl that she once was when she was younger, before she was raised and taught by Arobynn and that, even after all the suffering and pain she endured; she never fully lost that child inside of her. She was clearly not as helpless as she once had been but there was still part of that could never fully be the assassin she was taught to be.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

As this book was comprised of 5 novellas, instead of choosing a favourite part I will chose a favourite novella. Although I enjoyed them all and they were all very different, my favourite story would probably be The Assassin and the Healer. This was the shortest story and was probably to most people one of the less interesting stories and it certainly didn’t have much action, however it was one that really stood out to me. This is because Celaena chose to help someone, someone who was nobody and had nothing, especially when compared with Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s Assassin. Yet despite this, Celaena chose to help her and teach her what she needed to know to be able to survive the rough streets where many women found themselves killed. She also gave her enough more to help her achieve the future that she wanted. This girl had lost all hope, just like Celaena had, but she still had a chance to escape, unlike Celaena, and find a better life. Because of this Celaena chose to help her, so that there would be one less victim and one less person would lose everything because of the King of Adarlan.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, The Assassin’s Blade was an incredible book and I loved getting to see what Celaena’s life was like before Endovier. One reason I enjoyed the book was because it was made up of short stories. It could have easily been one whole book as all the stories flowed into each other, however it was perfect as separate short stories and I found it much more enjoyable this way. This is because it made it feel like the book was much shorter than it actually was and made it much easier to read.  Another reason I loved the book was because it answered many of the questions I had since reading Throne of Glass and also some from Crown of Midnight. I loved that it was a sort of prequel and showed me things from Celaena’s life under Arobynn’s rule that I didn’t think I would have gotten had this particular book not been written. I was also able to meet many of the characters that had been mentioned in the first 2 books in the Throne of Glass series and see how they helped to shape Celaena into the girl that I had been introduced to at the start of Throne of Glass. It was a great book and I hope to learn more about Celaena’s past, especially her childhood, in the next few books. 

Would you recommend this book?  

This book was really enjoyable and I would recommend that anyone who has read the Throne of Glass series reads it as it has some very valuable information. It is a great read for those who love fantasy, adventure, action and some romance and I know anyone who reads it will enjoy it.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An incredible glimpse into Celaena’s past that adds to the already amazing series that will leave you captivated. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT by Sarah J. Maas

“‘Crowned by evil. Bound by duty. Divided by love.’ Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King of Adarlan’s deadliest weapon. She must win her freedom through his enemies’ blood – but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celaena fakes, every lie she tells, puts those she loves at risk. Torn between two protectors – a captain and a prince – and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will fight for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of her kingdom.”

What is the book about?

Celaena Sardothien won the king’s competition to see who would win the title of King’s Champion and the contract to go with it. Now she is the King of Adarlan’s greatest weapon, a skilled assassin, at his disposal to use to dispatch anyone who threatens his rule. She just needs to do as she is told for 4 years and then she will win her freedom and will be able to get as far as she wants without having to watch her back. However, one wrong move and the king will not only have her killed but also kill those she loves, and she knows that he will do it if it comes to it. Despite this, she cannot bring herself to kill for the crown and the cruellest person she knows. However, she risks everything every time she disobeys direct orders and each time she worries the king will discover the truth. Not only is Celaena torn between her duty and her determination to not follow the king’s orders, but she is also tor between two protectors – the Crown Prince and the Captain of the Guard.  While trying to decide she is also facing a greater evil and a power so strong and so dark that if the king even got a taste of it, it would destroy the whole world. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After reading Throne of Glass I had so many questions, mainly about Celaena and the mysterious Wyrdmarks and the power they contained so I was bursting to read this book. I knew before I had even started the book that it was going to be amazing because of the success of the first book in the series and how much the friend I borrowed the books from had loved the whole series. After all I had heard about the series from both my friend and from people on social media I honestly can’t believe that I had waited so long to finally start the series. It is a huge investment though, as it is a very large series, but I had been told it’s worth it so I was really excited to keep reading. The blurb didn’t give me much more information as I already knew what I was going into after reading the first book in the series, however I was still intrigued. Once I started to read, I was immediately transported back to the world that I had grown so accustomed to in Throne of Glass and soon forgot that Adarlan didn’t actually exist and that I had my own world to go back to when I finished the book.  It was an amazing read from the very beginning. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I liked many of the characters in the book and all were really well developed and all had something intriguing about them; however there was one that stood out to me. My favourite character was definitely Nehemia for many reasons, one of those being her friendship with Celaena. Celaena had never really had anyone since she arrived in Rifthold but then Nehemia chose to befriend her, despite everything that she had done, and start a friendship that both really needed. Another reason I really liked Nehemia was because she was the only one who was willing to sacrifice everything to build a better world, one where everyone was free to follow the life they want without fear of the king. She wanted to save her country and her people and was willing to do whatever it took to get it, even to stand up against the king and risking her own life for the sake of others. This was something that not many people were willing to do and she had very few allies, however she still did it. Although she did try to convince people, she wasn’t very pushy and was just trying to help them see that that was the best thing for them and the whole world. She was a very strong, smart girl and did her best to help everyone. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I really enjoyed the book and found it really difficult to decide on a favourite part, however there were some things that did stand out to me and made me enjoy the book even more. My favourite part or parts was the romance between Chaol and Celaena, which took a little while to begin but once it did was really enjoyable. I had been shipping them since the first book and was glad to see them together, especially after having them basically ignore their feelings for half the book. It was so obvious yet it took them both so long to realise how they felt and make their move. It was a great moment for me and made the book that much more interesting as it added some romance to a book that was heavily fantasy and action. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Crown of Midnight was absolutely amazing and I really enjoyed every second of it. One thing that made me love the book was the short chapters. Even if 2 books are exactly the same length, with the same number of pages and the same size text, if one of them has short chapters of only 5 or 6 pages and the other has long chapters then the one with shorter chapters will always feel like it was easier and quicker to read. This is something that I will never understand but it always happens so it was really nice that the book had shorter chapters because it made it a lot more fun to read. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was the amazing world building. It was crazy to think that the world that I had fallen in love with and had practically lived in for the past few days had been created by a single person with only a few words. I love fantasy because it is an escape, an escape from the world that I live in into one that has magic and creatures that I couldn’t even begin to understand. It makes me feel like I have travelled to more places than I actually have and makes me feel alive. This is why I love that this world in this series was created so well that I am once again able to add another world to the vast list of places I have been to through books. Crown of Midnight was an amazing book and I just cannot wait to read the next one in the series, especially after the cliff-hanger ending of this one.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Both Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight were absolutely incredible and definitely contributed to the excitement that I have for reading the next book in the series (Heir of Fire) and I honestly do not know which I liked better. One thing about Throne of Glass that I definitely enjoyed more was the plot. Although Crown of Midnight did have some interesting parts, it really just felt like a bit of an introduction that was just giving me background information to help when reading the rest of the books in the series. Instead Throne of Glass had an actual plot (Celaena trying to win the competition to become the King’s Champion) and so I did enjoy the first book in that respect. However, there was also stuff in Crown of Midnight that made me like it more than Throne of Glass. One thing was the plot twist and shock at the end. Throne of Glass had a more normal conclusion; however Crown of Midnight revealed something that I kind of started to see coming but still found just as shocking as I would have if I hadn’t had any suspicion. It made me even more intrigued to read the next book and made the book stand out to me. Overall I don’t think I could pick a favourite, but I had an inkling that Heir of Fire will definitely be better than both the previous books. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend reading Crown of Midnight (of course after Throne of Glass – the first book in the series) and I have no doubt you will enjoy it. It is a great book for fantasy, romance and adventure lovers and I think it is perfect for those who are over 16 and can’t wait to jump into another fantastic new world. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling novel with mystery and romance that will keep you on your toes. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego