A review by clairemct
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark 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? No

4.5

Each book in the series continues to develop more plot and character complexity—mostly for the better. I loved the addition of Lysandra and am super happy that Aelin has a new female best friend. The banter and tension between Aelin and Rowan were great, too. I’m interested in Nesryn as well; I just wish she was given more personality. At this point, I felt like her only role is to be support and a love interest for Chaol. Unrelated: Does anyone else’s brain autocorrect Nesryn to Nesta, or is it just me?

I thought the inclusion of Manon’s POV made more sense in this book, and the Ironteeth Witch plot line was more compelling to me as well. (Content Warning: forced birth) Manon’s grandma deserves to be killed, or at the very least, punched in the face. Manon is supposed to be Aelin’s enemy, but I feel like their interests will align sooner rather than later.

I’m interested to see what will happen now that

Aelin is back in Terrasen, Dorian is free of evil influence, and magic has been restored

.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood

Moderate: Torture, Pregnancy

Minor: Miscarriage, Vomit