Queen of Shadows

"Amazing progression of the storyline. Things start coming together, secrets are revealed, friendships and bonds are broken and reborn, and a king and queen arise from the ashes of a shattered kingdom. I can't wait to read the next book and have my heart broken, mended, and rebroken a couple more times. 💔"

"Hot DAMN the ending to this book was so good. My jaw fell open for another SJM plot twist. Asterin’s story… omg. This book made me so happy and I was glad to get so much Rowan time. The slow burn hurt a little but it was worth it. I’m glad SJM gave us the chaol/aelin closure we needed. This book had so many good quotable moments."

"Book 4- knowing her true identity she is ready to fight for her people "

"One story arc is over and this book perfectly sets up for the major conflict. Highly entertaining and addictive. I didn't think i could love these characters more and here i am frothing at the mouth for more. 8/10."

"I enjoyed this piece of the series, but must admit that it has some pieces that drag. I found myself looking forward to Mannon’s pieces more than our protagonist’s. That being said, towards the end it was hard to put down."

"Wow! What a book! Now that I have read this one, I can see why some prefer to read The Assassins Blade after Heir of Fire. It is a very smooth segue into Queen of Shadows. I think it totally works to read Assassins Blade 1st, 3rd or 4th and it ultimately boils down to personal preference. That being said this book rocked my world. All of the pieces coming together. Secrets revealed. So many layers and characters to love! I could not put it down. I am absolutely loving this series! "

"Well then since you made it this far I'll start by saying this will be less of a review and more or less a recap about everything that I loved so I can look over it from time to time and remember.<br/><br/>"With a gloved hand, she plucked up one of the coppers Arobynn had left on the table. She stuck out her tongue at the brutish, unforgiving profile of the king stamped on one side." <br/><br/>Yes. If I had to pick a character from a book to call my Queen, or just an amazing ruthless female to follow, Aelin would be it. I started this series two weeks ago, so there is no exaggeration when I say that I have consumed this story. To watch Aelin grow and change with her friends by her side was a pleasure. But what most impressed me was how Maas feeds information to her readers. She writes down common details you wouldn't look twice at, then a few chapters later she rips the rug from beneath your feet.<br/><br/>"Tell me what I must do to atone; tell me to crawl over hot coals, to sleep on a bed of nails, to carve up my flesh. Say the word, and it is done. But let me care for you as I once did, before.... before that madness poisoned my heart. Punish me torture me, wreck me, but let me help you. Do this small thing for me -‐ and let me lay the world at your feet." <br/><br/>While consuming the words, it is sad to think that I will never feel this way again, not entirely. When you first breath in the pages, the fear, joy, and love are so tangible and new. That is why there is always a little tinge of pain as I read because I know deep down it's the end. <br/><br/>"When you shatter the chains of the world and forge the next , remember that art is as vital as food to a kingdom. Without it the kingdom is nothing and will be forgotten by time." <br/><br/>Still surprise after sweet surprise. Of course I started off hating Lysandra....THATS WHAT MAAS WANTED. Then as if I have been blind this whole time a flicker of hope and redemption. Lysandra and Aelin's unexpected friendship reminded me so much of my bestie it warmed my heart as I cackled aloud. The feline beast friendship I shall call it haha. And all the shadow cat pouncing when Aedion wasn't looking. I want to remember it forever.<br/><br/>"Even though he's a handsome bastard, it'd be like kissing you." Aelin grimaced. "I could have lived without knowing that."<br/><br/>Chaol turned into a self righteous ***** sometimes but I guess it was just to mask his guilt. But come on, Chaol was running his mouth to Aelin and him and Rowan didn't get in a brawl. What a let down. But I definitely couldn't get over Aelin always sneaking up on the bastard thinking he was being stealthy. Bahahaha. You should have known better bro.<br/><br/>I relish knowing that two creatures such as Aelin and Rowan could be so made for each other, so caught up in one another, the world could burn down around them and all they would see would be the embers in one another's eyes. Aedion and Aelin's bond was so precious to me. A blood bond formed from family in which you know without a shadow of a doubt they would give their life for you. And when Rowan called Aedion brother uuggghhh I just want to rutting walk into this book and demand to be apart of the court.<br/><br/>"Why are you crying." Rowan asked. "I'm crying," she sniffled, "because you smell so rutting bad my eyes are watering." <br/><br/>"He would have known her even if he were blind." -Aedion<br/><br/>The Witches still kept winning me over to their side. Countless more twist and turns had me rooting for even more characters. I feel like my heart can only get so full yet it keeps stretching. Learning about Asterin's witchling broke my ever loving heart. The Author I swear holds so much back just to bash it over my head later. And I never would have dreamed of sharing this story with any other characters besides the originals and now I can't have it any other way.<br/><br/>"Her enemy--her new enemy, who would have killed her and Rowan if given the chance. A monster incarnate. But perhaps the monsters needed to look out for each other every now and then." <br/><br/>I became so lost in this world. Soaring with Abraxos, running on feline feet with Lysandra, I stopped breathing as did the crowd during Aelin's speach, screeched war cries through the clouds with Rowan, and felt at home with the Queen in the north. And hell yes I would flip back through and do it again."

"Ugh seriously just so amazing. All of it. I have no words. "

"I didn’t have a lot of time to read lately but i had this weekend and read all day this book was so good once again I loved it so much I loved the intensity and suspense I love the relationships of the characters and I loved getting back in Sarah j mass world again! "

"Another 5 star book. Every moment of this book was so good. So many emotions. This book just made me love Ailen even more. I love how the various relationships grew and changed. I'm excited to start the next two! "