A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas

Published: May 1, 2018

Published by: Bloomsbury

Pages: 272

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated--scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court. 

Review:

I bought this when it was first released and had it read by the end of the week.  I know, I know. I didn't blog about it but in my defense, life has been busy. But I am slowly starting to catch up.  I like weekends when my dogs decide to wake me up at 6am (apparently they can't tell between weekday and weekend wake up times) and I have at least a couple hours of "me" time before the rest of the household begins.

The first thing I noticed when I bought this book was hey! It's not 500-700 pages long like some of the others!  Did I get a bad copy? But as I was reading, I was actually happy to see how the author has been taking the time to get us back to the characters and their histories.  It has been so long since A Court of Wings and Ruin that I had forgotten a lot of the last big fight scene.  

Life now is tumultuous for Feyre and her ever-expanding extended family.  There is a lot of tension between her and her sisters.  Things are unspoken between friends.  Relationships are tenuous, some stretching to the brink of breaking.  BUT Sarah J Maas took this opportunity to begin building up the framework for the next big book to come (Goodreads considers this 3.1 rather than book #4).  It wasn't until the Sneak Peek section where I really began to understand Nesta's role in the war to come.  And believe me, it's gonna be AMAZING!!  If you are a big fan of The Court of Thorns and Roses series, you need to read this title...especially since Book #4 won't be released until 2019.  

On a side note, Hulu is doing a TV show based on the Throne of Glass series.  Filmrights have also been optioned by Tempo Productions.  So if you are as big of a fan of these two series as I am, you should be fist-pumping right now.

One last thing, if you were ever trying to picture the map of Prythian in your head, don't bother.  You can view it here.

Ms. Maas has been busy writing two series at a time. And she has DC's Catwoman title to contend with.  I guess I can forgive her this once for having such a short series title.  Great insight into what is planned in the next book of the series.  Worth every penny!

Waiting on Wednesday - A Court of Mist and Fury

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court--but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms--and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future--and the future of a world cleaved in two.

I am TOTALLY pumped to read the second book in this series.  Sarah J Maas wound up with a fantastic first book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and I've got high expectations for Book #2. Especially since I feel her Throne of Glass series is fairly epic. Don't fail me now Miss Maas!!

- Christinabean

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas

Published: Sept 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

Pages: 648

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series contrinues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world. 

Review:

I think this was the best book I have read all year.  No seriously.  Have you read the Throne of Glass series?  If you haven't, stop whatever you are reading, start with Book #1 and then read about Celaena Sardothian.  This woman is absolutely amazing and unstoppable. And just when you think someone is stopping her momentum, something happens to give her one little sliver of hope to save her kingdom.  This series was NOTHING like I was imagining.  There are so many stories playing into the main character's life that it is hard to keep track of. Once I started reading Book #4, I considered re-reading Book #3 just as a refresher because I had a hard time remember what had happened.  

One of the things that I REALLY enjoyed in this series is how Sarah J Maas managed to break down Celaena's identity and re-build her as Aelin.  They are two different characters fused into one unique and incredibly strong woman.  As Aelin she takes responsibility for the people.  For her court. As Celaena she is angry and has trouble controlling her emotions to do anything but slaughter anyone who comes in her path.  Queen of Shadows exemplifies how Aelin's priorities have changed.  How much stronger and in control she is of herself. She is self-assured and exhibits leadership.  Another aspect of this novel that turned me upside down is how her relationship with Lyssandra changes.  Yes, that's right. I said Lyssandra.

Other characters play a key role in this edition as well.  Rowan and Aedion, Chaol and Dorian.  They are all major players in what goes down in Queen of Shadows.  Rowan....sigh...why can't we all have a handsome fae prince around? I love her private conversations with Rowan.  Ms. Mass does a great job of building up the tension between the two of these characters.  They become strongly attached and nearly animalistic towards one another.  I used to cheer for Chaol but now I can barely remember his name.  Yup.  He never had a chance once Rowan stepped into the picture.  

A couple notes I made while I was reading...perhaps you will also feel this way as you read

Chapter 44 - WHY???!!!!!!

Chapter 47 - Holy heck!  This just got incredibly interesting.  She is absolutely brilliant!!  

From this point on, I actually stopped taking notes because I didn't want to stop reading.  I was pretty much non-stop until the end of the novel.  So it is hard to get into the story without giving anything away but if you have read Books #1-3, you NEED to read this one.  It is PACKED from the get go with action and adventure.  There will be death and dying and lots of gruesomeness.  Plus witches.  The witches are discussed throughout the book and I have a feeling they will play a major part in Books #5 and 6.  Have tissue ready, a comfortable chair, plenty of good reading light and perhaps a small snack.  Oh, and turn off your phone because you aren't going want to get up for ANYTHING once you start reading this book.  It was STUNNING.  Absolutely, positively STUNNING.  Well done Ms. Maas.  Throne of Glass just bumped up a couple spots on my Top Ten best YA series of all time.  

Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

Published: May 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's

Pages: 416

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary: 

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!


Review:


I'm a huge fan of Sarah J Mass' Throne of Glass series so I was very excited for this new series to arrive...but a little hesitant. It is hard to read your favourite author when you already have pre-conceived expectations about the likability of a new series.  Well people, I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED.  Court of Thorns is spell-binding and action packed and I found it very difficult to put it down.  In fact, I believe I may even have put my entire life on hold to finish the last half of the book.  I think I told my 6 year old that she was free to choose any cereal she wanted for dinner as long as I was able to keep reading.  Tsk! tsk!  Bad Mommy!!

So let's dive in, shall we?  Feyre is the main character in the story and she grows up in a brutal environment.  She is has to hunt in order to find food for her entire family and her sisters are almost like the wicked sisters in Cinderella (although not as NASTY but definitely ungrateful).  About 11% of the way through I was already feeling like this novel was a bit of Cinderella/Hunger Games and Beauty and the beast all swirled together in a fairy mash-up!

Not too long after we learn of her harsh life, a situation occurs whereby fairies come and take Feyre away.  She is not a slave though.  Nor is she a prisoner.  But she does have to commit the rest of her life to living with the fairies for an accidental injustice.  They may taunt her a little but they are hardly torturous.  She has heard of all these fables of fairies but has never met one until now and while he seems harsh, he brings her to his castle and has not hurt or harmed her. The problem is, despite his "caring" for her basic needs, Feyre is very suspicious of Tamlin and she is so stubborn and angry and cannot accept the kindness he has offered.

Something happens about 37% of the way in and I have to hand it to Freyre, she has guts. Either she is fearless or incredibly stupid to do the the things that she does in pursuing her goals. She faces unknown creatures with knowledge that may or may not be accurate.  Yet she strikes out into the unknown to find the answers she needs.  Further down in the book, Freyre does more to make me wonder if she has a death wish.  Her listening skills are horrible!!  Why would she not stay in the safety of the house during the festival?  How reckless is she when there are creatures roaming about (again, with unknown abilities, skills and natures).  Not only that but she was very strongly THREATENED NOT TO attend the ceremony and yet she did and caused undo stress upon herself and Lucien.

A few notes on the characters

Tamlin is one of the other main characters in Court of Thorns and Roses.  I like how he becomes less of a beast and more human-like with complex emotions rather than the raw power and instinct of an animal. In his court, he doesn't seem to play the same fairy games as the rest of the courts and is very conscientious of caring for his subjects.

As the story progresses, you see Freyre change in amazing ways. The strength of this character is phenomenal.  I was expecting the novel to revolve around Tamlin and the fairy realm but it really did revolve around Freyre and how she gains an understanding of herself and conquers fears, faces incredible odds and does it all for someone she loves.

Although I hated Rhysand to begin with, especially when he made Tamlin beg, I started to develop a liking to him as we learned how he was also trapped by Amarantha. I guess it is a case of choosing the lesser evil when you befriend or assist the fae.  I am expecting to like him more and more as the series progresses.

The ending to this story just blew me away. I LOVED IT. In fact, for the last 3/4 of the book, I stopped writing notes because I didn't want to take the time out to stop reading!!

So my conclusion about Court of Thorns is to definitely read this title. It is an exhilarating beginning to Sarah J Mass' new series.  Can't wait for book 2!!

For those of you recommending this title, you should know that things get to be highly sexually charged at one point in the book and sex does play a role in this series.  You might want to hold back from recommending it to a younger audience.  It definitely has more mature themes.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas

 

Published: September 2014

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

Pages: 562

Copy Provided by: Borrowed from the Library

Summary: Goodreads

 

 

Summary:

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

 

Review:

 

First of all, Heir of Fire is book #3 in the Throne of Glass series and I don't recommend jumping in and reading from here.  Read books 1 and 2 first before you tackle this one or you will be completely lost.

 

At first I found it very difficult to jump back into the plot of this novel and recount what had happened in previous books.  However, once I got into the thick of things, it was such a hard novel to put down. I found myself reading whenever I had a chance...waiting in line at the bank....going up in the elevator....sitting as a passenger in the car...thank god for e-books!!

 

There is a new set of characters that are introduced into this book - the witches.    They seem incredibly fierce and hell bent on taking over the world and righting long-held grudges.  I wonder what kind of role they will take on in this final battle?

 

As I was reading Heir of Fire, I found myself comparing the story to a YA version of Game of Thrones.  You've got lost heritage lines, people coming back from the grave, a magical mystery element, mythical creatures, lots to keep a reader interested!

 

The relationship between Nehemiah and Celena plays a big role in how she copes with her abilities in this book.  She is barely hanging on emotionally and the guilt she has in Nehemiah's death drags her to the utter depths of despair.  Their friendship was more of a sisterhood.  I'm not sure that men have the same kind of bonds that layer emotionally.

 

About halfway through my heart broke for Celena.  Sarah J Maas set this up perfectly for her main character to crash and burn all the very long way down only to be built back up again.  I was so sad for Celena but I felt like I was cheering on the sidelines for her recovery.

 

A couple things to note.  There is language in this book and the subject matter is quite involved.  The story is intricate and I would highly recommend it to a reader who likes to read back stories as well. The accompanying novellas to this series make it quite interesting.

 

This is such an intricate and intriguing tale that I have enjoyed immensely over the past couple years that I believe I would add it to one of my top favorite series.  I though this was a trilogy and wasn't sure whether to jump up and down cheering or crying when I discovered when there was a Book 4.  Cheer because the story will continue or cry because I have to wait until SEPTEMBER 2015!!! According to Goodreads, there will be 6 titles in the series.  Yay for Sarah J Maas!!  Sad for me and my patience.....



Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

Published: August 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

Pages: 420

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.

But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. 

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

Review:

I had Throne of Glass on my Kobo for AGES before I had time to read the book.  Please, do not make the same mistake.  This is a phenomenal series.  I was a little concerned about Crown of Midnight coming out.  I have extremely high expectations from Book #2 in a series.  If the first book was good enough to convince me to keep reading a series, book #2 must be outstanding for me to continue.  Last week I confessed to loving Fire with Fire, Book #2 in the Burn for Burn series.  Well, Crown of Midnight just stole the best Book 2 of 2013 for me.  Sarah J Maas packed this novel with all kinds of goodies.  Kind of like bashing open a pinata Celaena style!

Maas begins with a Celaena doing the King's dirty work in tracking down those who may be disloyal to the crown.  She certainly doesn't skimp on the details as the King's Champion tosses body parts to the king as proof her duties have been fulfilled.  This was an incredibly disturbing opening scene.  I should warn readers that this series has more bloodshed than other books I've reviewed.  Maas applies detailed scenes which may not be appropriate for a younger reading audience. It is important to remember, she IS an assassin.  Book #1 did not detail Celena's murderous tactics so explicitly as Crown of Midnight. 

It is hard to review this title without giving much away.  After reading about 40% of the book, I finally figured out Celaena's role and how epic this novel has the potential for.  In all of her life, Celaena has been searching and wandering the kingdom finding bits and pieces of herself.  She has many faces.  One minute she is a stealthy assassin, the next a beautiful dancing noblewoman.  One of the things I loved about this book is how Calaena has grown.  As a reader, you can see her slowly finding her place in this world.

A rumbling of war is starting to gain momentum throughout the land and forces are quietly gathering to usurp this evil King.  A King who has found a supernatural force to bend at his will and give him an advantage over neighboring countries.  Little do the rebels know that there are new players to challenge the King and his powers.  New players who have yet to unleash the magic within themselves.  

OK, so that's all I'm going to give you for now.  I LOVED this title.  In fact, I will probably buy it and loan it to all of my friends to read.  For now, I will give you my favorite line in the book - 

"Some things you hear with your ears.  Others you hear with your heart"

Same Book, Second Look - Throne of Glass - Sarah J Maas

Published: August 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

Pages: 404

Copy Provided by: 

Summary: Goodreads

Goodreads:

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. 

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. 

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Review:

I love reading about strong female heroines.  Don't get me wrong, some guys exhibit some fairly awesome traits as well but there is something about a kick butt heroine who can look feminine and demure one minute and then turn around and pull open a can of whoop ass.  This is how I pictured Celaena Sardothien at first.  When she was first pulled out of the mines, she was so incredibly suspicious and mistrusting.  I did not see her necessarily as an assassin but more of creature of caution.  She had a right to be mistrustful of her captors and their motives.  Slowly, she began to open up and strip away the layers of complexity that she had built up over the years.  At 18 years old, I still found it hard to believe that she was the world's greatest assassin but I grew to like her and appreciate how young she had to grow up and miss her youth.  

At first I found it odd that an assassin would enjoy balls, parties and dressing up in gowns, wearing make-up and being such a girly girl but it was refreshing to also see another side of Celaena.  Something that was not so harsh but softer and more human.  

Throne of Glass brings together some fantasy and a bit of the supernatural which I was surprised about.  Overall, it was a great title and I wish I would have read it sooner BUT the upside to reading it so long after the original release date is that the story is now fresh in my mind for book #2 - Crown of Midnight.  I would highly recommend this read for someone who enjoys fantasy and is looking for a fast-paced title with action, mystery and a little bit of lovin'....

Not 100% sure you may be interested in this assassin?  There are some awesome shorter novellas  that can be purchased for your e-reader (I REALLY enjoyed The Assassin and the Desert).  In fact, I enjoyed this title so much that I downloaded a whole swack of the novellas to tide me over until Crown of Midnight came out (currently on shelves now).

Anyone interested in a SIGNED copy of Omens by Kelley Armstrong? 

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

Published: August 7th, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Pages: 416

Copy: Publisher and Netgalley

Summary: Goodreads

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

First off, I have to say I loved Throne of Glass.  I have read countless reviews over the past few weeks saying what is right and wrong with the characters and the story, but to my mind you just have to get over one thing.  The world's best assassin is 18 years old?  Uh, uh!  Never going to happen! She just couldn't possibly have had the experience to make her 'the world's best' at that age.  One of the best - definitely - that's plausible.  But THE best - sorry, no.

Once we get that little inconsistency out of the way, all the little niggly things about the story just disappear and you can enjoy it for what it is.   A superb romantic fantasy, with great characters, wonderful action and intriguing mystery.  Enough said.  Bring on number 2, I can't wait.