Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
First published August 15, 2013
420 pages, Hardcover
Rating: 4.35
Overview
In the sequel to Throne of Glass, Celaena Sardothien has become the Champion of the king with a black soul. But Celaena is not one to follow blindly.
She knows the king’s true intentions, and she’s not alone. As she uncovers the secrets of the castle, her relationships with those closest to her begin to crumble.
No one is safe from suspicion, not even the Crown Prince or the Captain of the Guard. But when tragedy strikes, Celaena is forced to make a difficult decision.
She must choose where her loyalties truly lie and who she’s willing to fight for. In Crown of Midnight, Sarah J.
Maas weaves a tale of betrayal, mystery, and sacrifice that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
About the Author
Meet Sarah J. Maas, a renowned author who has made it to the #1 position on the New York Times bestsellers list.
Her books, including Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Throne of Glass series, have been sold over twelve million times and translated into 37 languages. Sarah currently resides in Philadelphia with her family, including her husband, son, and dog.
To learn more about this talented author, visit sarahjmaas.com or follow @therealsjmaas on Instagram.
Editoral Review
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas is the second book in her bestselling Throne of Glass series.
Maas is a New York Times bestselling author, known for her gripping fantasy novels. The Throne of Glass series is a young adult, high fantasy novel set in the land of Erilea.
The book was first published on August 15, 2013, by Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. The book follows Celaena Sardothien, a trained assassin who serves as the King of Adarlan’s Champion.
While on her missions, Celaena stumbles upon clues about the king’s plans for the land of Adarlan. She teams up with a group of rebels to uncover the truth and stop the king’s plans.
However, when Celaena’s past comes back to haunt her, she must stay on her toes to survive. Maas uses her vivid imagination to create a rich and elaborate world with detailed characters and intricate plotlines.
The story is fast-paced, and there is never a dull moment. The author keeps the reader on edge with plot twists and turns, giving them no time to catch their breath.
The narrative has an excellent blend of action, romance, and political intrigue. The plot is tightly woven, and the suspense and intensity are maintained throughout the book.
One of the strengths of Crown of Midnight is the development of the main character, Celaena. She is a strong, complex, and believable character.
Her backstory is explored in greater depth in this book, which makes readers understand her motivations and personality better. Maas does an excellent job of showcasing Celaena’s vulnerability and strength, making her an empathetic character that readers can root for.
The other characters are also well developed, with each having their own backstory, motives, and personality. Maas’s writing style is engaging and poetic, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the world of Celaena.
The pacing is excellent, with steady progress of the plot and development of the characters. However, the book could have benefited from more worldbuilding, especially for readers who are new to the series.
Comparing Crown of Midnight to the other books in the Throne of Glass series, it stands out as one of the strongest. The book has a darker, grittier tone than the first one, which makes it more intense and emotionally engaging.
The worldbuilding is also more coherent and developed, which gives the reader a better understanding of the world and its history. Despite its strengths, Crown of Midnight has some flaws.
The romance subplot feels forced and unrealistic, detracting from the urgency of the plot. The book also has some issues with pacing, with some scenes feeling rushed or unnecessary.
However, these issues are minor and do not detract from the overall reading experience. In conclusion, Crown of Midnight is a gripping, intense, and emotional read with complex characters and intricate plotlines.
Maas’s writing style is engaging, and her imagination is rich and vivid. The book is highly recommended for young adult fantasy readers who enjoy political intrigue, romance, and action.
The book receives a score of 4 out of 5, based on its quality of writing, character development, pacing, and themes.
