Review: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Published: September 2, 2014 Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary

She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.

Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth...a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever.

Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.

The king's assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this follow-up to the New York Times bestselling Crown of Midnight.

“She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.” 

*Beware of spoilers if you have not read the series

The Good

There is an entirely new setting for the book and a bunch of new characters. It's great to see this fortress for demi-fae to live and the different powers some of them possess. Celaena goes by about 3 different names and none of them seem to fit her until the end.

In the beginning, she's broken. She doesn't want to feel anything, just wants to complete her promise. She finally works through the grief and emptiness and emerges even more badass than she was before. Her other friends from the first two that are still alive, we get to follow what transpires for them as well. We swing back and forth watching different characters in their own situations.

I feel like the story keeps building and building. Each book is entirely separate yet a full piece of the puzzle. I'm so invested in the characters, especially Celaena, and really want to see her succeed.

The Bad

I was a little bored with the parts that followed Manon around, but I have faith that she serves a large purpose in the story so I'm happy to take it all in.

The Romance

There is no romance for Celaena in this one to speak of, though I've got to say I adore Rowan. I'm very much hoping something comes of this pair. Their bickering in the beginning turns into a solid understand and acceptance of each other as well as that feeling of being worthy. Everything that I couldn't see working out with the other two, I'm praying for with him.

Conclusion

Each book just builds and builds. While I'm reading, I'm right there with her, clenching my fists, and praying that she makes it through. The characters keep growing and mysteries keep coming up and getting solved only to have more mysteries revealed. Heir of Fire ends on both a heart-breaking and hope-filled note. If you haven't started this series, you absolutely should!

Excerpts

“Because I am lost," she whispered onto the earth. "And I do not know the way.” 

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

“As for Celaena," he said again, "you do not have the right to wish she were not what she is. The only thing you have a right to do is decide whether you are her enemy or her friend.” 


“It would not take a monster to destroy a monster - but light, light to drive out darkness.”