Title: Heir of Fire
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Pages: 565
Published: Sep 2nd 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children
In the third instalment of the 'Throne of Glass' series, 'Heir of Fire', Sarah J. Maas has brought this young adult high fantasy series to a new level. We have moved away from the King's court and actions have a larger, more political meaning. Our assassin is no longer just Celeana Sardothian, Arobynn Hamel's heir. No, she is Aelin Galathynius, heir to Terrasen and fae.
This book had me hooked from the first page, it was so intriguing. This book is at a completely different place than where we started off in 'Throne of Glass'. Things are getting serious and we're starting to see the bigger picture. The book is significantly longer and more complicated, but stays true to the young adult high fantasy genre. Definitely one of the best high fantasy series out there, especially for young adults who don't want to be overwhelmed by 900 pages long books full of complicated politics and names. 'Heir of Fire' is easy to follow, yet constantly intriguing and has you captured by its plot and characters.
As plots unfold and questions are answered, new characters are introduced. Heir of Fire is an incredible example of strong and fascinated characters. I sometimes find myself nervous with new characters, being afraid that they may take up to much space in the novel or ruin exciting relationships or influence the plot in a negative way. This was not the case. Our new character Rowan was an absolutely positive character that improved not just the plot, but Celeana as a character. He brought out things of her personality that made me laugh and cry at random places and I appreciated that their relationship was at a friendly basis rather than leading into romance. Personally I still have faith in Celeana and Chaol, despite what happened in the second book, and I hope, for both of their sakes that they solve their feud.
Aedion was an interesting character that I at first found myself hard to get my head around, not unlike Chaol. He appeared like the dominant self centred male character until later on in the book where his emotions shine through. Sarah J. Maas has managed to created a series with constantly new characters, that all have such depth. Having said that, I did struggle to connect with Manon several times. Manon had some really interesting chapters that added to the plot, but I found myself wanting to rather read about the other characters that I already knew or truly felt for. It's clear, however, that Manon's chapters have meaning and are important for the further books and I believe I'll enjoy her story more later.
Plot Summary:
"Consumed by guilt and rage Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...
The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?"
- back of book
Favourite Quote:
'What are you doing?'
'What?'
Emrys didn't raise his voice as he said, 'To that girl. What are you doing that makes her come in here with such emptiness in her eyes?'
'That's none of your concern.'
Emrys pressed his lips into a tight line. 'What do you see when you look at her, Prince?'
He didn't know. These days, he didn't know a damn thing. 'That's none of your concern either.'
Emrys ran a hand over his weathered face. 'I see her slipping away, bit by bit, because you shove her down when she so desperately needs someone to help her back up.
- Emrys and Rowan from 'Heir of Fire ' by Sarah J. Maas
My Rating:
9/10
Only brought it down one because I'm still getting to know Manon and adapting to a storyline where Chaol and Celaena are not together.
Other Books in These Series:
The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Emperor of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
This review is also available on YouTube on Wicked Ideas.
