My Thoughts: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight
(Throne of Glass #2)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: August 27th 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 418
ISBN: 9781619630628
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for. (Goodreads)

After having *finally* read Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas last month, I absolutely couldn’t wait to get started on Crown of Midnight. If you read my post about Throne of Glass, you’ll know that I’m currently working my way through this series one book per month, in hopes of being completely caught up by the time the newest book, Kingdom of Ash, is released in October. Since I’ve been meaning to read this series for a while now anyways, it seemed like a good time to get started on the series, and I’m really enjoying it so far!

Crown of Midnight picks up not long after where Throne of Glass leaves off. The storyline for this book was just as addictive as the previous book, though it did seem a little slower at times. Well, right up until the last half of the book, where things got a little crazy! One thing that I really like about this series, is that while some things are a little predictable, it *still* manages to keep me guessing at times. I love that! I have absolutely no idea what to expect from the next book in the series, but I’m super excited to have it on my TBR for next month!

I don’t remember if I mentioned this in review of the last book, but I really, really like the characters in this book. I love Celaena for her fierceness and her snarky attitude. I love Chaol and Dorian as well, but if you asked me to pick between the two, I don’t think that I could. And after the ending for this book, I have no idea what is in store next for these characters.

Overall; Crown of Midnight was a really interesting sequel to Throne of Glass, and now having read it, I’m really excited now to move along to the next book in the series, Heir of Fire! I’m so glad that I own these books already, and that I can read them back to back, instead of having to wait a year or more for the next book to release. Here’s hoping that I can be completely caught up by the time the newest book is released in October.

My Thoughts: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Audiobook)

Throne of Glass
(Throne of Glass #1)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: May 7th 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Pages: 404
ISBN: 9781619630345
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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"Nothing is a coincidence. Everything has a purpose. You were meant to come to this castle, just as you were meant to be an assassin."

When magic has gone from the world, and a vicious king rules from his throne of glass, an assassin comes to the castle. She does not come to kill, but to win her freedom. If she can defeat twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition to find the greatest assassin in the land, she will become the King's Champion and be released from prison.

Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her.

And a princess from a foreign land will become the one thing Celaena never thought she'd have again: a friend.

But something evil dwells in the castle—and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying, horribly, one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival—and a desperate quest to root out the source of the evil before it destroys her world. (Goodreads)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is one of those books that have been sitting on my shelf for forever, but that I never really got around to reading, even though I really, really wanted to. I own all of the books in this series that have been released so far, and every day I pass them on my shelf, but never picked them up. This year I made a goal to finish reading some of the book series that I had started on the past but had not yet finished, AND to finally start a few books series that I had been meaning to read, but still hadn't gotten to. Throne of Glass was definitively on my list of series to start reading, and I'm thrilled to say I finally read the book! And, if I read one book from this series a month over the next few months, I will be completely caught up by the time the seventh and final book is released in October!!

My first thought after finally finishing it was: WHY had I not read this book sooner!? A lot of people warned me that I would really enjoy it, and I did.  There were a lot of things to like about the story, including the main character, Celaena/Aelin, who is pretty fierce and quite the badass. I'm looking forward to seeing what the rest of the books in this series have in store for her. I also really liked both Chaol and Dorian, thought it did take me a bit to warm up to Dorian. Nehemia was really awesome as well, and I hope we get to see her again in the next book.

The storyline for this book was definitely unique, and highly entertaining. I had a few different fantasy books on my TBR this month, including Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard which I just recently finished, and also Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo, which I just started. I was a little worried that reading so many different fantasy stories together in one month would be confusing, but they are all so different and unique, I don't think I will have to worry about that after all.

I opted to listen to the audiobook version of Throne of Glass, even though I own physical copies all the books, mostly because I found it on Audible for less than $5, and it seemed like really good deal. Elizabeth Evans did a great job narrating the story, and I just recently discovered that she narrates for the whole series, so that is pretty awesome. I definitely plan to read the rest of the series in audio format as well.

Overall; Throne of Glass is an interesting start to what should hopefully be a highly addictive series for me to read! I'm really looking forward to starting Crown of Midnight in April, and continuing along with the rest of the series until I get to the final book. I'm so glad I finally decided to get started on this series! I can totally see what the fuss is all about. :)

Waiting on Wednesday #308 - War Storm by Victoria Aveyard & A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

War Storm
by Victoria Aveyard
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Publication Date: May 15th 2018
Publisher: Harper Teen
ISBN: 9780062422996

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VICTORY COMES AT A PRICE.

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all… starting with the crown on Maven’s head.

But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolishing everything—and everyone—in his path.

War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms? Or will the little lightning girl be forever silenced?

In the epic conclusion to Victoria Aveyard’s stunning series, Mare must embrace her fate and summon all her power… for all will be tested, but not all will survive. (Goodreads)

I know I shouldn't be as excited as I am for this book to release, as I've not completely finished the series yet, but... I am SO excited for this book! And I do believe that it was that excitement that finally got me off my tush to finally get caught up on this series. I just finished re-reading the first book, and if things go as planned, I will be all caught up when War Storm is released in May!!

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A Court of Frost and Starlight
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #3.1)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: May 1st 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
ISBN: 9781681196312

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The Winter Solstice. In a week. I was still new enough to being High Lady that I had no idea what my formal role was to be. If we'd have a High Priestess do some odious ceremony, as lanthe had done the year before. A year. Gods, nearly a year since Rhys had called in his bargain, desperate to get me away from the poison of the Spring Court to save me from my despair. Had he been only a minute later, the Mother knew what would have happened. Where I'd now be. Snow swirled and eddied in the garden, catching in the brown fibers of the burlap covering the shrubs My mate who had worked so hard and so selflessly, all without hope that I would ever be with him We had both fought for that love, bled for it. Rhys had died for it. (Goodreads)

Ah, but this is yet another series I still need to get caught up on! I had hoped to re-read the first book in the series last month, but I unfortunately didn't get to it, so I'm going to try again this month. And, hopefully, I will be caught up on this series as well when this new book is released! It sounds interesting!!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Waiting on Wednesday #271 - A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: May 2nd 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
ISBN: 9781408857908


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Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all. (Goodreads)

Ahhh, the cover for this book is SO pretty!
I had to admit, this series definitely has the best covers.
I still need to read A Court of Mist and Fury, which I'm hoping to get to soon,
but I can't wait to add this book to my collection. :)

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Waiting on Wednesday #229 - A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: May 3rd 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
ISBN: 9781619634466



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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.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights. (Goodreads)

So last week the cover for A Court of Mist and Fury was released, and OMG it's so gorgeous!! I seriously can't wait to have this book in my hands.
If you have not yet read the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, I highly recommend that you do so. It's great!
I can't wait to continue the story. :)

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Review: A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: May 5th 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9781619634442
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Retelling
Source: Publisher

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A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Times bestselling 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! (Goodreads)

A Court of Thorns and Roses was my first experience with the brilliant author Sarah J. Maas. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started the book, but once I finished it, I could definitely see what all the fuss was about. The storyline was highly addictive and the characters were made to fall in love with. This book is a wonderful beginning to what should prove to be a really awesome series. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next books in the series!

The main characters in the story are Feyre and Tamlin, who meet one frosty evening after Feyre kills a wolf in the woods. Tamlin is seeking revenge for the wolf’s death, who happened to be his friend, and he will only spare Feyre’s family if she agrees to spend the rest of her life with him in the dangerous world of the fae.

Feyre is a bit of a bad ass, but also has a good heart as well. I love how much she loved her family, even when some of her family members were a bit unlovable at times. She still cared for them so deeply, and was obviously willing to do whatever she had to do to keep them safe. Tamlin is a mystery. He has many different sides, and all of them you will see throughout the story. You absolutely can’t help but fall in love with him, even when you wonder what in the world he is up to. I absolutely loved watching the relationship grow between Feyre and Tamlin; it was one that grew out of hatred and bloomed into something lovely and special. Also, the sexy times in the novel were super intense. (This made the book feel somewhat more like a New Adult novel instead of a Young Adult novel.)

The secondary characters in the novel are wonderful as well. Lucien, who I worried about in the beginning of the series, proves to be a great friend to both Tamlin and Feyre. Rhysand, who is introduced near the middle of the book, is quite the charming and mysterious character. I can’t wait to for the next books in the series, as we will hopefully get more information about him. I have to admit, I’m pretty intrigued by him. There are even more characters that I could go on and on about, but instead of doing so, I suggest you read the novel so that you can ‘meet’ them yourself! There are some you are really going to love, and a few that you are really going to hate.

The storyline for the book was really unique and highly addictive. I had a really hard time putting the book down when all I wanted to do was keep breezing through the pages. While there is some fairytale influence in the story, Maas’ mixed it in with the faerie theme in a way that makes it her own story. I love how unique the story felt, but also the hints of the fairytale as well.

Overall; A Court of Thorns and Roses such a great read; so much more than I expected. I have my finished copy pre-ordered, and I can’t wait for it to arrive on my doorstep so I can read it over and over again. Whether you’ve never read a Sarah J. Maas book or if you’re already a fan, you’re definitely going to want to check out this book. It’s a great start to what should prove to be a fantastic series.

Waiting on Wednesday #171 - A Court of Thorns and Roses By Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
by Sarah J. Maas
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: May 5th 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
ISBN: 9781619634442



Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

When 19-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 over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it ... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever. (Goodreads)

Confession: I've never read anything by Sarah J. Maas before.
GASP!
I know, right?!
I must remedy this soon.

A Court of Thorns and Roses has the most stunning cover.
And the story sounds pretty fantastic as well.
I can't wait to read it!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**