We get to see Celena in a whole different light in this book. Bit by bit we get to see just how broken she is. Now that the truth of who she is is out, she cannot hide anymore. Change is coming and whether or not she is prepared for it is her own choice.
Official Goodreads synopsis:
Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
During this book Celena is trained by the exceedingly awesome Rowan. I adored Rowan. He almost made up for Chaol being the world's most idiotic male. Almost.
Speaking of Chaol. I used to ship Chaol and Celena, but after this book...I just don't know if I want her with him anymore. He wavered between alliances, wouldn't make concrete choices, omitted important information from his best friend, and abandoned the woman he loves. Chaol. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I was really disappointed in his character.
Dorian. Finally. For the past two books Dorian has been a bit unsure and irresponsible. He finally grows into his own skin in this book. The end of his story line in this book ripped my heart apart. I kept having to tell myself that book 4 will make everything right. It has to.
Manon. Manon was an interesting addition to the story. She is fierce and awesome. She reminded me a lot of the witches in Joseph Delaney's The Last Apprentice Series. At first I thought she would be just a static, secondary antagonist. A leader of one string of the King's forces. But now... I am not so sure. She isn't good, not by a long shot, but I think there might be some very interesting additional character development in book four that will make me adore her even more.
Queen Maeve. I hated her. She's an awesome character, but I HATE her.
King of Adarlan. This book made me hate him even more. The intricate plots and movements of his followers in the general world were astounding. While in the capitol we didn't really get a sense of just how evil he is. Yeah, he's a bad dude, but in Heir of Fire we get to see just how long he has been planning this. We also got to see several more pieces of his master plan fall into place. I'm terrified. Celena is going to need more than just her own abilities to stop him. She's going to need a miracle.
My only complaint about this book is the cover. DID THE DESIGNER EVEN READ IT BEFORE DRAWING IT?! Celena trains with magic in this book. Shifting and fire. Not a bow. And the back?
Despite the cover and the slow start, I give this book 5 stars. Yet another amazing novel from Sarah J Maas.
Hurray! Excited to read your thoughts on it :D
ReplyDeleteI do have to add, I think the bow is primarily a reference to her lineage, since the bow is her grandmother's symbol. I agree that it doesn't fit the plot of the book, but I think that's why she's always depicted with one.