Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass, 2)

The perfect sequel! A thrilling, highly addicting read. Crown of Midnight was one book I had a hard time putting down. It has all the elements I love in a sequel and then some. If you read Throne of Glass you know how enticing Sarah's writing is. She weaves together these exciting plot twists, and complex characters that I can't help but want to know more about them, to create a simply irresistible read. Between the secrets, forbidden romance, betrayals, shocking deaths and danger that lurks within the walls of the castle, Crown of Midnight kept me glued to the pages until the last word. Now I'm wishing book three was already in my hands. I need more! Celaena has already endured so much. Now an assassin for the King, her role in this complex story takes a twisted turn. Nothing is quite as it seems, and it's hard to gage who's a friend and an enemy. One thing is for certain, Calaena isn't the only one with secrets. Celaena's relationship with the crown Prince, Dorian, gets complicated, as does her relationship with the swoon worthy Captain of the Guard, Chaol, whom always seems to be there when she needs him most. Her relationship with Princess Nehemia is the one that harbors the most secrets, and is also one of the most stable things she has in her life. One thing is for certain though, each of these characters plays such a crucial role in Celaena's life. Celaena is a character who grows a lot in this story. Her past makes her hold her head high, and the untold future is what drives her. A character with many secrets of her own, things unravel quickly around her as she uncovers the many hidden secrets of the castle that could forever change her fate, as well as those around her. Celaena herself is a character who I felt I got to really see her true self. She's a character who holds so much in, and closely guards the secrets that could kill her. She comes across as fierce killer whom most wouldn't cross, but when betrayals happen, and someone close to her is killed, something snaps in her. It's during this time that my heart broke for her. She makes choices I can't say I blame her for making, and man alive does Sarah rip my heart out during this time. It's also during this time that Celaena finds that inner strength she's always had, and becomes more determined than ever in her quest to reclaim that which is her destiny. Though it was hard to read some of the things she deals with, I loved the journey Celaena goes on. She is more driven than ever to get answers. I loved the friendships and relationships in this book. I don't know how many times I find myself swooning over the forbidden relationship she and Chaol have. I loved their friendship. They have this fabulously written hot chemistry. Their stolen glances, and slight touches were awesome. Not to mention a few other things that happen *evil grin* You'll have to read the book to find out more.... The relationship Celaena and Nehemia have is so well written. I loved that these two could confide in each other, but at the same time, they both kept secrets from each other. They also had this friendship that felt real. Prince Dorian is a character I'm really anxious to find out what he does in book two. My feelings toward him are changing. I was seriously surprised at some of the things he does. Crown of Midnight is a book rip with betrayal, fueled by love and loyalty, and given plenty of action. There isn't a moment in this book that there isn't something going on. Every moment has a purpose. Each character in this book is there for a reason, and I loved seeing how some thing unraveled, and how other things still aren't answered, as it keeps me wanting more from this series. Nothing is what it seems, and even I was shocked at some of the turn of events. Normally I find it easy to figure out what's going to happen next. Sarah J. Maas has done a fabulous job with keeping me wanting more. I loved this book! I can't wait for more. Crown of Midnight is a must read!

Rebellion is coming. Can you feel it? Do you see it? Is it too late? In the second instalment of Sarah J. Maas's death defying, blood curdling, heart a pumping series we are sucked back into the world of assassins and magic as Celaena must endure the King's wrath as he makes her do his bidding..she is the Kings Champion after all. If you haven't read the first one, well you need to! Like go and do it now..stop reading this. GO! Spoilers ahead: Anyway..sorry about that. Where was I..oh yes. I truly loved this sequel, especially because we are over the whole setting up of the story and the world etc..(all that first book good stuff) and now can really enjoy the mysteries and marvellous plot points created in the imaginative brain of Maas. I still love Celaena as a main character, she is truly everything a heroine should be. The fact that she has this softer side, erkrm Chaol, but at the same time maintains her sense of power is riveting to read. She is unique in that she is so deadly but at the same time develops this conscience, I guess, that enables her to grow as an individual. When we realise how much Nehemia gave up to push Celaena into embracing a higher purpose it gutted me. Why? well because I was the sap who wouldn't believe that she had actually d.i.e.d. She was so brutally murdered that I figured it was staged and she had finally escaped..but in fact she had sacrificed herself in the hopes that Celaena would take a step toward the path destiny had planned for her. Can I say what a woman, or what? I really, truly, upmostly love this world. Just the intricacies amaze me as Maas builds the layers of the castle, or describes the items of clothing, even the fighting scenes just immerse you and pull you under. If you can't imagine yourself there, well then. Concentrate a little bit harder readers and let this world encompass your imagination. The whole Chaol and Celaena thing I find to be ok. Yes I found their relationship to be uber cute and all sorts of sweetness, but I think I am a Dorian fan. Don't hate me. Maybe it is his charm and well, Chaol is such a nice guy, like a really nice guy. He gives up a possible future with the one he loves so that Celaena can uncover the truth about her magic and save the masses..he is truly a great guy. I think i'm just more attracted to Dorians smartassiness and his storyline with discovering his powers. Although I do think he should have fought for her a little bit more, or just at least get angry at Chaol..but he didn't because he too is a nice guy but oh so witty. (Also he realised that 'it had always been about Chaol and Celaena) I do wonder if he isn't actually the Kings son..if his mother lied about the conception if you catch my drift. Or maybe because Elena had waited all of this time to break through the barriers in the other worlds, that it is just a symbol of everything changing. Such mystery. These Wyrdgates are really interesting, and since Celaena can open them without the keys I'm sure the next book will be amazing as well. I like that we now know how the King has conquered realms so quickly, and overthrown the rulers of Terresan. Is his final goal just to be an all powerful ruler? He hasn't yet succeeded in taking over realms across the seas, I wonder if this would help the rebellion? Maybe he wants to unleash the demons back onto this world.? The manipulation of Katlain and Roland is really interesting, and I think the 'flapping wings' are actually the winged beasts that Celaena saw in the first book when she was drugged..of course I could be wrong. But maybe the mind melding due to the black rings can mess with your mind, and give you the sight or something..like what Nehemia had..although I think that was due to her families power. On a side note I thought Celaena had a bit of a stupid moment, since it took her forever to see the connection between Roland and Katlain. I don't like it when I figure things out way before the characters do..especially something so obvious. There is so much happening with Celaena being the rightful ruler (which I so saw coming...:p), the revolution, the Kings ultimate plans and these weapons he apparently created also his creepy monster...OH! And why couldn't the King have the sword? Maybe it chooses its owner..only the purest of hearts may wield it or something. Oo and I can't wait until Arobynn comes back into the picture...maybe Sam isn't dead after all. Someone who has died must come back...so I can be happy and not sad like with Nehemia. But now that Celaena can open portals we might get to see her again. Yesss. Loved this one, can't wait for the next one. Curse your world for the lengthy wait I now must endure. *shakes fist at no one in particular..just the air really*

I love everything about the book 📕 the characters and the adventures and fantasies I can immerse myself in

Rezension Seit dem gewonnen Wettkampf ist Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s größte Assassinin, nun der Champion des Königs. Ihre Aufgabe: Seine Feinde zu eliminieren und ihm ihre Köpfe zu liefern. Und um ihre Freiheit wieder zu erlangen, muss sie vier Jahre in den Diensten des Königs stehen. Doch Celaena kann und will die Unschuldigen nicht töten – und täuscht deren Tode vor. Was passiert jedoch, wenn der König jemals herausfinden sollte, dass sie ihn hintergeht? Denn mit jeder weiteren Lüge die sie erzählt, ist nicht ihr eigenes Leben in Gefahr – sondern das der Menschen, die ihr am meisten bedeuten. Als es zudem zu einigen mysteriösen Ereignissen kommt, muss Celaena ihr Schicksal in die Hand nehmen und für ihre Ideale einstehen - auch, wenn das Opfer dafür groß ist… »If they wanted Adarlan’s Assassin, they’d get her. And Wryd help them when she arrived.« (Aus: Crown of Midnight, S. 215) Mit Crown of midnight schafft Autorin Sarah J. Maas einen beeindruckenden und phänomenalen zweiten Band ihrer Fantasyserie um Celaena Sardothien, welcher schon den sehr guten ersten Band der Serie, Throne of Glass, völlig in den Schatten stellt. Beeindruckende und unglaublich nahe Charaktere, eine extrem spannende Handlung und ein ausgeweiteter Rahmen, in welchem die Story ausgebaut wird, sowie die sich ständig verschiebenden und sich verstrickenden Charakterbeziehungen und Intrigen innerhalb der Handlung lassen den Roman zu einem grandiosen Pageturner werden, in welchem Celaena, Protagonistin der Geschichte, zu einer wahren Rachegöttin heranwächst, der sich nichts und niemand in den Weg stellen kann. Von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite wird der Leser dabei gefangen genommen in einer Geschichte, die ihn nicht zu lösen vermag, in der man sich völlig in dieser detaillierten und absolut glaubwürdigen Welt verliert. »Some things you hear with your ears. Others, you here with your heart. « (Aus: Crown of midnight, S. 168) Dabei stellt die Autorin nicht nur die voranschreitende Handlung oder gar die Dreiecksbeziehung der Charaktere, sondern vor allem deren Entwicklung untereinander und zu sich selbst dar. Nicht nur Celaena macht in diesem Roman eine enorme Entwicklung durch, sondern auch die beiden anderen Hauptfiguren, Chaol, Hauptmann der Leibgarde des Königs, und Prinz Dorian, erleben einige Überraschungen, welche sie in ihrem Tun und Handeln und in ihren Gefühlen beeinflussen. Das Besondere dabei ist vor allem, dass alle drei Charaktere einstecken müssen: Geheimnisse aufdecken, Verrat wegstecken und Brüche in den Freundschaften überstehen. Dabei gibt es riesige Gefühlsachterbahnen, Emotionen wie Verlust, Trauer, Hoffnung und Glück, Verrat und Vertrauen –alles Gefühle, mit welchen die drei Figuren zu den unterschiedlichsten Zeitpunkten zu kämpfen haben. Celaenas Arroganz leidet dabei und bricht ebenso, wie Vertrauen für sie neue Maßstäbe annimmt. Und dasselbe gilt auch für die beiden Männer, deren Herz an ihr hängen und eine neue Basis zu ihr finden müssen, um die schwierigen Zeiten zu durchstehen und sie alle ihren Weg zu sich selbst wiederfinden werden. Neben den unglaublich nahen Protagonisten schafft es die Autorin aber auch auf gekonnte Art und Weise Nebenfiguren zu inszenieren, die nicht nur die Handlung voranbringen, sondern auch ein gewisses Bild der Authentizität mit sich zu bringen wissen. Dabei erstreckt sich eine enorme Vielfalt an Figuren, welche weit entfernt von stereotypen Figuren verkehren und die Handlung umso spannender gestalten, eben weil sie nicht durchschaubar agieren. Und genau diese Mischung macht die Sympathie aus, welchen den Leser für die Figuren des Romans einnimmt. Und vor allem ist die Zeichung des Antagonisten, Prinz Dorians Vater und König von Adarlan, gelungen, denn weil so wenige Informationen über ihn preisgegeben werden, wirkt er nicht nur unberechenbar – sondern wird zu einem gefährlichen Gegner, den niemand unterschätzen sollte. »It was hard to care, she realized as she started the trek back to the castle. Incredibly hard to care, when you didn’t have anyone left to care about. « (Aus: Crown of midnight, S. 297) Neben den Charakteren ändert auch die Handlung sich deutlich gegenüber Band eins, welche durch ruhigere Phasen und das erste Setting doch sehr ausgeglichen war. Ganz anders kommt Crown of midnight daher. Als absoluter Pageturner wartet der Roman mit Rasanz, Spannung und Überraschungen auf. Immer wenn man denkt, man weiß was passiert, wird man vom Gegenteil belehrt. Unberechenbar ist die Handlung, wie auch die Hauptfigur selbst. Sehr gut gelungen ist der Autorin auch die detaillierte Zeichnung der Welt, auch wenn die Geschehnisse noch immer in Adarlan selbst passieren. Aber der Roman schafft einen Blick über den Tellerrand und bietet auf, was an Potenzial von Band eins noch liegen blieb. Mit voranschreitender Seitenzahl kann der Leser nur ungläubig den Kopf schütteln, denn die Geschehnisse sprudeln nur so vor sich hin und immer wieder wird man überrascht. Entsetzt, erstaunt, mitfühlend – so erlebt man als Leser die Geschichte hautnah mit und wird mit einem überragenden Ende belohnt, welcher es faustig hinter den Ohren hat. Fazit Crown of Midnight von Sarah J. Maas ist ein phänomenaler Roman und ein Pageturner ohnegleichen. Band eins war schon sehr gut – aber Band zwei ist einfach nur grandios. Sowohl Charaktere, als auch Handlung und Grundidee können restlos überzeugen. Zweifler des ersten Bandes sollten sich bereithalten, denn hier wird alles ausgemerzt, was je als Kritikpunkt hätte gelten können. Ein absolut phänomenaler Roman, welcher es locker mit den Spitzentiteln der hiesigen Fantasyliteratur aufnehmen kann und viel Potenzial für weitere Folgebände bietet. Bitte, bitte mehr davon! Pro & Contra + Handlung verdichtet sich + Entwicklung der Figuren + Beziehungsstrukturen + Celaena als potenzielle Rachegöttin & unglaublich ambivalente Figur + Spannend von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite + Pageturner ohnegleichen +Tolle & passende Aufmachung + Überzeugende Grundidee + Überraschende und unerwartete Wendungen + Undurchsichtiger Antagonist + Unglaublich viel Potenzial Bewertung: Handlung: 5/5 Charaktere: 5/5 Lesespaß: 5/5 Preis/Leistung: 5/5

I just love this series. It's beautifully written. I can kick myself for not starting it sooner.

Loved it sm

Love this author. I have bought most of her books. Great read.EXCITING series.