Queen of Shadows

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass

Genre: Fiction, High fantasy, epic fantasy

Format: Digital Purchase via Kindle

Publish Date: September 2015

Read: August 2023

Favorite Quote: “When you shatter the chains of this world and forge the next, remember that art is as vital as food to a kingdom. Without it, a kingdom is nothing, and will be forgotten by time.”

Spoilers ahead for Previous Books in Throne of Glass!

Story Synopsis: Celeana - now Aelin - is back in Rifthold to rescue her cousin Aedion from the King’s dungeons. Chaol has quietly been helping the rebels and fighting the scourge of Valg soldiers the King now has in his guard. Dorian continues to fight the collar his father, the King, trapped him in, while Manon fights her grandmother’s upbringing as she learns more about the world and herself. Aelin’s goal while in Rifthold: settle old scores by freeing magic, rescuing Aedion, and killing her former master, Arobynn Hamel.

When Aelin’s best-laid plans go awry, she must step into her heritage as Queen of Terrasen and allow others to help her - even if it means laying down their lives.

Why does this book beguile? I followed Heir of Fire with The Assassin’s Blade, a series of novellas released after the novels, before diving into Queen of Shadows. I loved this order and think the story is best set up in this order. You learn so much in The Assassin’s Blade about Celaena’s history and other characters that become extremely important in Queen of Shadows. Queen of Shadows is action-packed, and there is rarely a dull moment throughout the book. You experience tension and anguish, just as the characters do, as lives are lost, love blossoms, and hearts break. Queen of Shadows flows immediately into Empire of Storms, so grab some coffee and a blanket and settle in for an adventure!

Rating: 5/5

Link*: Queen of Shadows (Book 4 of Throne of Glass) by Sarah J. Maas - Amazon

If you’re interested in this, read*: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas