Queen of Shadows

Aelin, formerly Celaena Sardothien, has come a long way since we first met her in the mines of Endovier. She has unleashed her magic in the lands beyond the King’s reach but must return to Rifthold where magic is still trapped. There is one man who claims to know how to free it, the downside that it is Chaol, once her love but an irreparable chasm now exists between them. If he thinks her a monster without her powers, what could she be capable of with them?

I liked the darker side of this instalment. Previously left with a cliffhanger ending, we know that Dorian is suffering a fate worth than death, trapped in his own body. The Valg are a sinister enemy, and those who invite them into their hosts are despicable. Not to mention some of the horrors that occur in the depths of Morath.

I managed to read Heir of Fire without quite grasping that the Ironteeth witches are the enemy. I was so caught up in Manon and Abraxos’ personal story arc, I never placed them in the world as a whole. So the witches are working for Duke Perrington, who is up to some dark and evil plans with the Valg. Manon is only following orders but she is starting to question some of the things they do. Manon is such a strong and complex character, I hope she plays a big part in the future to come.

I wasn’t so keen on the romance aspect this time. The storyline has rather burnt bridges with Chaol, which is disappointing but I accept that characters don’t always end up with the ones we want them to. Given their hostility to each other, romantic reconciliation will be a bit of a stretch. There was an excessive amount of territorial posturing from Rowan and Aedion, which bored me a little. Aelin doesn’t need possessive men to look after her and it made her seem like an object to be fought over.

There’s no cliffhanger this time. It felt like a conclusion of sorts, but there’s plenty left to explore in this world, and certainly more challenges to come.

Review copy provided by publisher.