Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

December 9th, 2016 Kimberly Review 44 Comments

9th Dec
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
Queen of Shadows
by Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

The queen has returned. Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past… She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return. The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world

Young Adult fantasy KICKASS magical

*Mutters* Why did I hold off reading Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas despite buying the book on release day? I had forgotten how much I had enjoyed the brilliant world and characters within the Throne of Glass series. I love how this series has evolved as different story threads have woven together. Queen of Shadows offered another addictive installment.

Five reasons to grab Queen of Shadows or begin Throne of Glass series

  • The characters will pull you in. You will root for them, weep for them, become angry and spend hours trying to pair couples and destinies. Celaena/Aelin is a kick-ass assassin, Queen, and Fae. She is complicated, brave, brutal, and passionate. She is a born leader. As Aelin has developed my emotions for her, have evolved. I have felt frustration, sorrow, awe, anger, confusion, and pride. Her growth, struggles, love of others and need to protect place her on my favorite character list. In Queen of Shadows, Lysandra shines, and I loved the reveals. Eldie proved interesting, and I am curious as to her role. Manon, Wing Leader and Heir to the Blackbeak clan both infuriated and surprised me. We aren’t going to be besties, but I was surprised by how much I felt for her. An interaction between her and Dorian had me lifting a brow. Rowan and Aedion are not just sexy, but hilarious. Their banter and snide remarks gave normalcy to all around them. The villains, secondary characters, and creatures all added to the tale and had me flipping the pages lost within this world.
  • The world is complex with its four kingdoms. Power plays, manipulation, and politics have wreaked havoc creating enemies and alliances. Maas teased me unmercifully and had me second guessing and plotting possible outcomes. We spend our time between Adarlan and castle where Manon and the other clans work for the Duke. The city and the castle were vividly described. Maas brought them to life in 3D delivering danger, tension, and suspense. At times the tale was gritty, bloody and dark.  All elements necessary to ensnare the reader while lending an air of believability to the tale.
  • I’d be remiss not to mention the romance(s) and complicated friendships between these characters. Theories run amuck among fans of the series. I too have matched and made predictions. The sexual tension between Alien and Rowan was both frustrating and delightful. Duty and desire battle, but there is no denying the current of feelings and emotions that pass between them. Alien’s teasing seemed at times mean. I don’t think she is aloof, but believe she is deliberately taunting him into making the first move.
  • Battles, ARC developments, magic, demons, and trickery created a story that despite its length never meander or loss this readers attention. Every morsel only had me craving more. Alien and her secretiveness often frustrated this motley crew she has amassed. I understood her reasons and admired her brilliant tactics and deceptions. She protects first and foremost, and while this might be a weakness to some, it fuels her.
  • Queen of Shadows wrapped up several threads and set in motion events that will unfold in Empire of Storms. At times the series take the reader on a macabre ride as Maas drags their emotions from the back of her creative horse. Like most, in her fandom, I cannot wait to go there again. Marketed as a young adult series, fans of fantasy regardless of age will find themselves enthralled.

Queen of Shadows left my head spinning and my heart racing. I cannot wait to devour Empires of Storm. Yes, I bought it on release day and no worries I will not wait as long before picking it up.

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas was an addictive heart-stopping ride Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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44 Responses to “Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas”

  1. Olivia Roach

    Hehee, I am glad you’re enjoying this series so much! I actually have the first two books now, but just haven’t embarked on this journey yet. There’s so much hype for this one, but I guess I should try it regardless :3

  3. Di

    I’m so glad you read this one and loved it.

    I agree – I’m not going to be besties with Manon but that woman rocks. I love her arc and I can’t help rooting for her!

    A’m also glad to hear that you won’t wait tooooo long to get to Empire of Storms. 🙂

    Also – you should try A Court of Thorns and Roses if you haven’t already. The second, ACOMAF was my favourite of the year – and that includes Empire of Storms. 🙂

  4. Rita

    I read the first two of this series and really enjoyed them! The author was able to let me step outside my comfort zone and read a genre that I don’t pick up very often (or maybe not often enough). Anyway, after reading this review, I want to get to #3 asap, so I can get to #4 also 🙂

  7. Bookworm Brandee

    This sounds exactly like something I’d love, Kimberly, with it’s complex world building and characters.,..similar to Harrison’s The Hollows? I’ve always meant to read this series but haven’t yet. Hmm, it’s not too late to put it on my wishlist for Hubs. 🙂

  9. Debbie Haupt

    Kim I love all your caffeinated reasons to read this book/series but I love the first one because its exactly what I do. Trying to pair off people and love and love to hate them. But then your other reasons aren’t too shabby either. This will have to be wish listed but on the top!

  11. Sophia Rose

    Oh yep, this is the series my SIL insists that I HAVE TO read. She was enthusiastic about similar points. Guess I really need to get going with it. 🙂

  14. Michelle

    The author name was so familiar and when I checked it out, I realized that my student actually read one of her books in my class earlier! I should probably introduce this series to my student. Great review!

  16. Sandy

    I’ve written my review of this one, but it isn’t set to publish on my blog until January (unless it gets pushed back for review books). Either way, your review is so great it makes me want to re-read this book! Although, to be truthful I already have the entire series marked as “want to re-read” in the future. Empire of Storms is even better if you’ve not read it yet. I’m intrigued by your theory between Aelin and Aedion (unless you meant Rowan–totally Team Rowan here!). Nice review!

    Sandy @ Somewhere Only We Know

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Bwahaha..Sandy your comment about pushing it back for review books. I have two reviews that I wrote back in March last year. One is finally getting published this month and the other hopefully in January! I love Rowan, but alas I don’t think so.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Crap, your comment gave me pause..so I went back and read my review. Yes, I meant the flirting and sexual teasing between Rowan and Aelin…I am just not convinced they will end up together. Unless he mans up.

      • Sandy

        Oh okay, good! I was wondering! 🙂 I’m excited to see what you think about Empire of Storms!

  17. kindlemom1

    This series never fails to astonish and entertain. I still haven’t read the recent one but my daughter did and loved it! I’m trying really hard to wait until the last book is out, I’m so sad it is almost all over. It’s been quite a journey.

  18. Bee

    Honestly I am superhappy a lot of people are still loving these books but sadly I broke up with this series after failing to get through Heir of Fire after a whopping 6 or 7 tries. It ain’t gonna happen, sadly. I’m just over it. BUT as I said, I’m very happy people are still loving these books. 🙂

  19. Kristin

    AAAAAAACCCCKKKK!!!! *runs to book shelf to grab hard copy of Throne of Glass* I must read this!!! I have owned this book for years!!! It was a gift from Lisa/Silverlight, it’s THAT old!!! o.O I hope no one burns the kingdom down! I need to catch up!! 😉 Awesome review!!!!!!

  20. Cyn

    Glad you enjoyed this! I had some mixed feelings with this one (I struggled with the romance) but I’m too invested in the story so I will get to Empire of Storm at some point! Hope that one is awesome for you too, lovely review Kim!

  21. Ailyn Koay

    sad to say i think it is a bit draggy now, it would be nice if she picks up her darn pace and burn the kingdom down