Live, Laugh, Love with Gladz: Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas | Throne of Glass #4

“You and I are nothing but wild beasts wearing human skins."

Our heroine is no longer the notorious assassin that we've been introduced to in Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight. She is now an experienced warrior and the Fire Queen of Terrasen - Aelin Ashryver Galathynius. She has finally embraced her destiny, is now ready to avenge her kingdom and claim what was rightfully hers. But first, she must rescue her cousin from the latter's forthcoming execution, retrieve the third powerful key in the possession of her former master, release Crown Prince Dorian in his unconventional prison, free magic in the entire continent and put an end to the evil reign of the current King of Adarlan. Only then she can return to her homeland - Terrasen.

Aelin has totally developed from the Celaena we knew of in Throne of Glass. She is no longer a princess but the Queen of Terrasen, the rightful heir to the throne. The way she carry herself, makes even others think that her character and personality has evolved, truly deserved to be called a Queen. She's confident, fiercer, wiser, braver, definitely stronger and more powerful.

Aelin and her cousin Aedion must first overcome the challenge of rescuing the latter in his forthcoming execution. Only then, they can finally be reunited. And when Aelin did, it is totally amusing, but seems to be lacking some action. If the fight scenes had been much more detailed, it would have been undeniably fascinating. Also, learning Aedion's roots is surprising but very much welcomed. It makes the next two books so much to look forward for.

"You make me want to live. Not survive; not exist. Live"

~Spoiler Hint!~
(highlight to reveal)

"I spent centuries wandering the world,
from empires to kingdoms to wastelands, never settling, never stopping
- not for one moment.
I was always looking toward the horizon, always wondering what waited
across the next ocean, over the next mountain.
But I think... I think that whole time, all those centuries,
I was just looking for you."

I was relatively saddened by where the importance of Chaol's character's to the story is leading. He has made mistakes, but he is still honorable and yet it felt that his character were slowly being set aside, considering the number of his appearances and what happened to him in the ending of this book. I just wish that Chaol's character will not be sort-of sacrificed as he still deserved to be a key player in the story.

The Fae Prince Rowan's appearance in this book has been quite surprising but very much welcomed. The bond that he and Aelin have developed is really special that him being with her is something to look forward to.

Dorian in this book unfortunately makes me sad. His appearances were relatively short but mostly troublesome. Throughout reading, I just hold on to that very little hope that he will be freed from his unconventional prison. Though, the ending in this book for him seems to be a victory, it doesn't totally feel that way. Because, we all know that he still has to be prepared for an upcoming war.

Manon Blackbeak has been a very interesting character in the story even when she was introduced in Heir of Fire. I still have that hope that she will eventually become an ally. And when the anticipated meeting of Manon and Aelin happened... Wow!!!! That scene in itself is explosive! I wouldn't simply call them cat fight, but maybe jaguar type of fight. Roar! :P Kidding aside, what I somehow secretly hoped for is the way her character develop. She may be part of what we considered the villain party, but her character is truly different of what is expected of her.

We got to be introduced to two new important female characters in the story - Lysandra and Elide. Elide seemed to be an ordinary girl in desperately need of help at first, but her heritage and importance to the story and her relationship with Aelin makes everything about her undeniably interesting.

I am happy that Aelin found Lysandra. She deserved to have a female bond. Lysandra is a very amusing character. Her abilities are totally fascinating. The sacrifices that she have made in the past and what she is even willing to give in the current situation is truly admirable. After all what she went through, she totally deserve the gift that was given to her by Aelin.

We get to be reacquainted with Kaltain, no longer a prisoner in a dark cell, but held captive in a way more powerful evil force. Surprisingly, Duke Perrington turned out to be a key player in this story which is something to watch out for.

This book is such a long and slow read. About three quarters of the book seemed to be a lot of preparation and explanation of the upcoming climax and ending of the book. There are way too little action scenes, but luckily the last quarter turns out to be undeniably exciting. Thus, it made the wait totally worth it.

The connection and bond of all the characters made the story very interesting and made the readers undeniably hooked. The bromance between Chaol and Dorian is something to be coveted. Rowan and Aedion's unexpected bond is truly fascinating. Aelin and Lysandra's friendship is truly admirable. Lastly, Aelin and Manon's encounter, Aelin and Elide's reunion and Dorian and Manon's connection are something to look forward to.

Once I started a series, I can't help but continue, specially if I have already invested so much time with the story. I am always curious on what's going to happen next, how the story will end, how the characters will develop, how the leads will achieve their goal and how the villain will be stopped. It is the question of what and how that made me continue reading this series. Knowing that the final book is yet to be released, I know the anxiety will definitely be high. But I just couldn't stop. Definitely not now. Hence, Empire of Storms, here I come...

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

Point of View: Multiple

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

Do I recommend this book? Definitely Yes! Once you started the series, it so hard not to continue reading.
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: