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erindarlyn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
I am loving the covers on this series of books! They have such rich, vivid colors and the matte coating and embossing make them feel so lush.
I have breezed through the first two books in the Throne of Glass series so far. The first book captured my interest and in this second one, the stakes for our main character, Celaena, are even higher than they were in book one. The relationship dynamics between characters have more layers in this book, and it was interesting to see Celaena work through different puzzles and threats as the story unfolded.
Crown of Midnight is a bit more gruesome in places than book one was, so I ended up liking it a little less than Throne of Glass. The twists in the plot were generally good, but there was a bit near the end that kind of jumped out of nowhere at me. As someone who didn’t have much exposure to the world of SJM or her books (or even this subgenre) before picking up these two books, that last twist didn’t really make sense to me when I first read it. It seemed to throw the series in a new direction that I wasn’t expecting, so I’m still processing how I feel about that. I’ll still continue on with the next book, though. I’ve started reading the prequel novella collection now, then will follow with the third book in the series, as I’ve seen some readers recommend that reading order.
For those who are considering this series for younger readers, there is some closed door / fade to black romance in this book.
I have breezed through the first two books in the Throne of Glass series so far. The first book captured my interest and in this second one, the stakes for our main character, Celaena, are even higher than they were in book one. The relationship dynamics between characters have more layers in this book, and it was interesting to see Celaena work through different puzzles and threats as the story unfolded.
Crown of Midnight is a bit more gruesome in places than book one was, so I ended up liking it a little less than Throne of Glass. The twists in the plot were generally good, but there was a bit near the end that kind of jumped out of nowhere at me. As someone who didn’t have much exposure to the world of SJM or her books (or even this subgenre) before picking up these two books, that last twist didn’t really make sense to me when I first read it. It seemed to throw the series in a new direction that I wasn’t expecting, so I’m still processing how I feel about that. I’ll still continue on with the next book, though. I’ve started reading the prequel novella collection now, then will follow with the third book in the series, as I’ve seen some readers recommend that reading order.
For those who are considering this series for younger readers, there is some closed door / fade to black romance in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, and Murder
majagroen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Sexual assault and Kidnapping
adrianaslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Gore, and Death
mary_do_12's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i have so much to say, so let me put this into a summary in 3 points:
1. AAGSAJSJFKEDKSKS
2. celaena, what THE ACTUAL FUCK?!
3. chaol please stfu. stop being annoying.
1. AAGSAJSJFKEDKSKS
2. celaena, what THE ACTUAL FUCK?!
3. chaol please stfu. stop being annoying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Hate crime, Forced institutionalization, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Genocide, Gore, Kidnapping, Slavery, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Toxic friendship, Vomit, and Violence
lababyxx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
mizchirfmanaged's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
** 4.5 Stars **
SJM took Throne of Glass and said, "You know what? What if we took the formulaic approach like we did with Throne of Glass and completely toss that out the window." and it WORKED. I saw another review that said the first half is kinda slow and exposition-y but then the back half picks up and you can't put the book down. I'd say the back half does more than that, it walks up and b*tch slaps you in the face and you just can't stop reading. That's what happened to me here, although I shouldn't be shocked after knowing about SJM's habit of making the last 100-200 pages making the reader beg for mercy.
We go from 1 dimensional characters in TOG to multi faceted, many of them having to make hard decisions that will affect everyone around them, and so much more. Their relationships are grown and tested. They behave much more like real , believable people who are trapped in a dictatorship and trying their best to walk the tightrope of obeying their king and deciding whether or not to support or join the revolution. We are introduced to new plot points that not only drive this novel, but will drive the rest of the series as well. We seriously go from book 1 reading as a YA novel and potential standalone to book 2 absolutely rocket launching what the rest of the series could be.
My only qualm was that, yes, it was slow to start but it definitely sets us up for a hell of an ending.
Will I re-read? I have to get through the rest of the series first but I definitely see myself picking this up again in the future
Will I continue the series? Hell yea!! already started Heir of Fire :)
SJM took Throne of Glass and said, "You know what? What if we took the formulaic approach like we did with Throne of Glass and completely toss that out the window." and it WORKED. I saw another review that said the first half is kinda slow and exposition-y but then the back half picks up and you can't put the book down. I'd say the back half does more than that, it walks up and b*tch slaps you in the face and you just can't stop reading. That's what happened to me here, although I shouldn't be shocked after knowing about SJM's habit of making the last 100-200 pages making the reader beg for mercy.
We go from 1 dimensional characters in TOG to multi faceted, many of them having to make hard decisions that will affect everyone around them, and so much more. Their relationships are grown and tested. They behave much more like real , believable people who are trapped in a dictatorship and trying their best to walk the tightrope of obeying their king and deciding whether or not to support or join the revolution. We are introduced to new plot points that not only drive this novel, but will drive the rest of the series as well. We seriously go from book 1 reading as a YA novel and potential standalone to book 2 absolutely rocket launching what the rest of the series could be.
My only qualm was that, yes, it was slow to start but it definitely sets us up for a hell of an ending.
Will I re-read? I have to get through the rest of the series first but I definitely see myself picking this up again in the future
Will I continue the series? Hell yea!! already started Heir of Fire :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Blood
autumnrh's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
There were definitely some parts that were as slow as the first book but this was such a good sequel. So many more secrets that will definitely keep me glued to the rest of the series. The action in this one was way better than the first book in my opinion. It’s also really cool and kinda scary uncovering just how much The King knows, he is such a well written character in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
noerlund's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really liked this one! A lot better than book number one! It’s like the story is really taking off now. Looking forward to read the next one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Racism, Genocide, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Slavery, Death, Torture, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual content
tiredtori's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Grief, Torture, Confinement, Death of parent, Gore, and Kidnapping
Minor: Toxic friendship, Gaslighting, Vomit, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Hate crime, and Sexual content
emis_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Really great book. I love Sarah J. Maas’ writing style. I love the characters so much and it really made me feel everything. Screaming, crying, throwing up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Death, Gaslighting, and Murder
Minor: Slavery, War, and Torture