Live, Laugh, Love with Gladz: Book Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas | Throne of Glass #3

“When she returns, what she will do to the King of Adarlan
will make slaughtering ten years ago look merciful.”

Heir of Fire is the third installment in the Throne of Glass series where we'll follow Celaena as she travels to Wendlyn, a continent where magic is not prohibited. Where she'll master her mystical skills with the help of Fae Prince Rowan Whitethorn, a legendary Fae warrior, and where she'll need to welcome her fae heritage. Along the way, her experiences as she trains with the prince will ultimately lead her accept the path that she is destined to take.

Intriguing new characters were introduced in this book, interesting alliances were built, unexpected turn of events happened, unimaginable creatures were featured and expect a lot of surprises. There's a bit of confusion with the new characters but as the story unfolds, secrets were slowly revealed but there are still a lot of thoughts to ponder on.

The story is so immense, so complex, that it is written in a very fascinating way. There is even a small scene from Crown of Midnight that I thought were just a filler, but in this book, it shows that it forms part of a bigger picture as it greatly affects out leads.

Celaena felt that she doesn't have anyone to rely on. She is on a foreign place, with no one with her. But with the Fae Prince Rowan, she felt that, finally she has someone. Rowan teaches her not only how to master her mystical skills, but how to be truly strong, how to pick up the pieces, move on and become a better version of herself. I seemed to be confused as to the purpose of their bond. But as the story unfolds, I get to realize that it is no ordinary bond, but way beyond that is something special.

"The people you love are just weapons that will be used against you."

Romance is definitely lacking in this book, as Chaol and Celaena were a continent away from each other but it is never a hindrance to make them think of each other, even if it breaks their heart. Celaena and Rowan's bond is very interesting. It made me torn in choosing as to who between Rowan and Chaol will I love more for Celaena.

The connection that Chaol and Celaena have in Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight is really something special but then a tragedy occurred that have shattered the trust and the connection that they have, which is really the foundation of any relationship. But then, the bond that Rowan and Celaena have developed has so much depth and intensity. That I am confused if I will still hold on to that hope that Chaol and Celaena will eventually forgive each other, or I have to accept the fact that I have to move on for Celaena and move forward with her special relationship with Rowan. Since the book ended with no assurance as to whom Celaena will ultimately be with, the anticipation is brutal.

I had been confused on Chaol's loyalty in a while, but as the story goes, it seems that he knows where, though not evidently, his actions proves it. That's why when he took a risk with the new character Aedion Ashryver, it totally surprised me. That is such a huge step, and the risk has been so high. Yet, it shows where his loyalties lies. In the end, the story really gets more interesting.

My heart breaks for Dorian. He deserves to be happy. Unfortunately, his father is just so vile, so selfish and totally evil. I just truly hope and pray that the current King of Adarlan will suffer tremendously in the hands of Aelin Ashryver Galathynius and that S.M. will make a way for our heroine to serve the justice that all had been asking for. And, that Dorian will finally become the King of Adarlan.

Heir of Fire introduced us to new interesting characters in the story. There are quite a few, but those that really left a mark are Rowan Whitethorn, Aedion Ashryver and Manon Blackbeak. As for Aedion, I definitely look forward on what part will he play on our heroine's journey. It is quite evident, but there are still missing pieces left to be found.

Manon Blackbeak is the new character that we will surely look forward to on the next books. Her importance in the story is truly intriguing, as the book ended with no assurance as to what role will she play on. Is she truly an enemy or will she become an ally? We will soon find out.

Heir of Fire seemed to be a back story for the next books. It feels like there's a lot of information dump and it is such a difficult read. The second half is better than the first, so just hold on to it, because it's definitely worth it. Writing style is a bit different, more realistic but slow-paced. It is a bit of an emotional read but definitely interesting and inspirational and definitely worth continuing on.

The story brought back a lot of Celaena's memories, specially the tormenting ones. At first she doesn't want to accept her given name, her birthright, because of what she has done for the past ten years and for what she has become. She believes that she's a coward, and a murderer. But in this story, it made her and the readers realized that one will not feel completely full, if one haven't feel empty inside. It truly shows how strong one can become if she accepts her own weaknesses and use it as a leverage. Aelin Ashryver Galathynius truly signifies hope to everyone. Hence, the people depends on Celaena's acceptance of her destiny and to her future actions.

Expect a lot of intense and disturbing scenes. Character development has been meaningful and realistic. All the sacrifices that were made in the end are totally heart breaking. But it all gave a lot of hope, that after all the hardships, good things will soon come. That's why, I can't wait to start digging on Queen of Shadows, as the story definitely gets better and more interesting.

Lead Characters: Celaena Sardothien/ Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, Chaol Westfall, Dorian Havilliard, Rowan Whitethorn and Manon Blackbeak

Point of View: Multiple

Ratings
Heroes: 4.5 stars
Heroine: 4.5 stars
Intimate scenes: 3 stars
Imagery: 4.5 stars
Setting: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Dialogue: 4.5 stars
Plot: 4.5 stars
Climax: 5 stars
Ending: 5 stars
Story: 4.5 stars
Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

Do I recommend this book? Definitely Yes!
Will I re-read this book? Probably once the final book is released.
Will I read other books from the same author? Most definitely.

Throne of Glass Reading Order: