A Court of Mist and Fury

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2
Genre: Romance, Action/Adventure
Release Date: May 3, 2016
Summary: 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.

Review: Holy cow. I mean . . . HOLY COW!!! This isn't the first time I've said this about Maas' work and it definitely will not be the last time. Sarah J. Maas is literally out of this world AMAZING!! Everything I could have ever wanted in this sequel happened, and perfectly I might add! Maas had me feeling all the feels over and over and over! Such an incredibly magical and breath-taking piece of work!

I should start off by saying that from the first encounter Feyre had with Rhysand in ACOTAR (click on the title for my full review), I knew I was always going to root for him. So I was way more than excited when he made his first, quite dramatic, entrance. The character and relationship development between Feyre and Rhys during this installment was spot on! You get to see a new, and unexpected side to Rhys throughout this novel and learn a lot about his background.

I adored the Night Court! It was like walking into an entire new universe! The new characters that are introduced are amazing, although I am really curious to know more about Amren! She was such an intriguing character and I can't wait to read more about her!

This was such an explosive and other-worldly worthy sequel! As always, I am nothing but pleased with Maas' work, as stated earlier! Definitely one you'll want to pick up!

***PLEASE NOTE: This novel does have some extremely explicit scenes and language. ***

Queen of Shadows

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #4
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Release Date: September 1, 2015

Summary: 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 will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. 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. Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

Review: 

If you have yet to read the first three installments in the Throne of Glass series, please beware that this review INCLUDES SPOILERS FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED NOVELS!! Proceed with caution! You've been warned!

Alright! So quick recap on what's happened over the previous novels so far. *click on the title of the book for my full review* In Throne of Glass we meet the absolutely incredible Celaena Sardothien. She's 'rescued' from the slave camp, Endovier, and put in a contest to become the King of Adarlan's champion aka personal assassin. Not surprising, she wins(!!) and makes some new friends along the way including, but not limited to, the crown prince of Adarlan, Dorian, the captain of the king's guard, Chaol, and the princess from a foreign land, Nehemia. Moving on to book 2, Crown of Midnight. So although Throne of Glass hinted towards a lot of things, Crown of Midnight is where those hints are actually solidified into facts . . . and where my mind was blown . . . multiple times! Chaol and Celaena decide to try and have a relationship, Celaena is secretly not assassinating people, and we lose one of our dearest friends! The second book ends with Chaol and Celaena breaking things off, Chaol going back to his homeland, and Celaena decides to go find her aunt and get some answers . . . she is after all, the lost princess of Terrasen, Aelin Ashyrver Galathynius. Moving onto book three! In Heir of Fire  there are now three different points of view, Dorian/Chaol's, the witches, and Celaena's. In the third book, Celaena embraces her fae heritage and trains with the sexy, yet brooding Rowan, an ancient fae warrior with more than enough skill to help Celaena.  Dorian falls in love with a servant girl, Sorscha, and Chaol is trying to keep everything together after finding out Celaena's true identity. And concluding book three, Celaena leaves Rowan to go back to Rifthold (where a rebellion has started) and take care of some unfinished business with the king.

Okay, so I'm going to try my darnedest to keep the rest of this review spoiler free!! 

Queen of Shadows starts with Celaena getting back to Rifthold. Maas did an excellent job of seamlessly connecting her books. I'm always so impressed!

In case you were wondering, Arobynn Hamel FINALLY makes an actual appearance! If you're like me, you have been waiting since the first time he was mentioned in Throne of Glass to actually meet him. I was a tad disappointed with where everything ended up going with him, but as Maas stated herself, he is a total "douche-canoe". Those words couldn't be more fitting! However, a lot of answers surrounding Celaena's time with the King of the Assassins are answered.

Let's talk about Sam. Sam is a fairly minor character, but his importance and the impact he had on Celaena was epic! A lot of things were put to rest when it came to Sam. And there were definitely some tears shed on my end whilst reading about it. Maas did a wonderful job of closing out that part in Celaena's life. But honestly, I looked something similar to this:

Overall, there were a lot of questions that were answered! And many more that arose! Queen of Shadows had me on the edge of my seat! The action was non-stop and engrossing! The hardest part was reading something and then doing a face palm because I hadn't caught on and realized that sooner! This happened too many times to count throughout Queen of Shadows which totally upped it's already awesome-ness to me! Sarah, thank you for being so fantastic! Jimmy says is best:

If you've read the other books in this series and have yet to read Queen of Shadows, I honestly have no idea why you're still here! GO!! READ!!! Then come back and fan-girl with me about how completely amazing Sarah J. Maas is!! Not to mention how sweet!! I had the greatest opportunity to be able to meet her!    *photographic evidence included*

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Re-telling

Release Date: May 5, 2015

Summary: 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.

Review: I finished this book in one sitting. ONE SITTING! Okay, by this point in time, you guys should have found out that I am quite the fan of Sarah's work. I literally devour everything she writes! It's insane really . . .

Me reading anything by Sarah . . . except it's literature and not cheese . . . though I do like cheese . . .

So when I found out she was writing a new series that was combining Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore. Well, how could I say no?! I COULDN'T!! I was fortunate enough to get an ARC of this back in February. After totally pounding my way through it the first time, I read it again . . . and again . . . and again. 

Now you're probably thinking, "Okay, this girl is way too obsessed and needs some help." To some extent you may be right. But let me try and justify my addiction to this particular novel. 1) It's a freaking Beauty and the Beast re-telling! This is one of my favorite Disney movies. I adore many of the re-tellings, both on page and screen so why not this one?? When I found out about that small detail alone I was ensnared.

2) The MC Feyre totally killed it. The comical sarcastic banter between her, Lucien, and Tamlin was so on point it's not even funny! One of my (many) favorite parts is: 

Feyre: Would you like me to grovel with gratitude for bringing me here, High Lord?"

Tamlin: Ah, The Suriel told you nothing important, did it?"

Feyre: That smile of his sparked something bold in my chest. "He also said that you like being brushed, and if I'm a clever girl, I might train you with treats."

Tamlin tipped his head to the sky and roared with laughter. Despite myself, I let out a quiet laugh. 

"I might die of surprise," Lucien said behind me. "You made a joke, Feyre."

This is just a small sample of many encounters between these three. I loved her back story as well and how she came from a fairly wealthy family that had lost all of their money and was scrounging for any and everything. Also, that fact that Feyre can't read . . . ugh! I had the hardest time with that! Mainly because I love reading and find it so enjoyable and for her it's the complete opposite. I can't even imagine. 

3) Tamlin was, well, *SIGH* perfect. He had the perfect blend of broodiness, gentle-manliness, and thoughtfulness. (wow that was a lot of -ness's). Seeing the relationship between him and Feyre evolve was like magic. I loved that it happened in real time and that they slowly got to know each other.

Last but not least! 4) Lucien was probably my favorite character. It's odd for me to not have the MC be my favorite, but Lucien outshines them all in my opinion. He is such a sassy dude. Every scene with him was spot on. I loved that he brings Tamlin to his senses and helps guide the two (Feyre and Tamlin) together. I also loved the friendship that grew between him and Feyre by the end of the novel.

Okay, now there were a few things that I didn't enjoy. Like how long it too for Feyre to go through the trials. I felt like it was taking forever and also that there were some unnecessary scenes. This could have also been because her and Tamlin are apart though . . . Also, although I enjoyed the beginning, whilst reading it the multiple times after my first round, I found the beginning (basically the entire time before Tamlin arrives) rather dull. I understand that the story and setting needing constructing, but come on . . . 

Let's talk about that ending! Um, well this is going to be a trilogy . . . but let's just say that I'm totally fine with it being a stand alone. There is some foreshadowing for the next book(s) but I'm totally cool with just keeping this one all by itself.  My final thoughts on A Court of Thorns and Roses:

and Sarah J. Maas, you totally:

Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

Release Date: September 2, 2014

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: You can find my reviews for the first two books in this series, Throne of Glass, and Crown of Midnight, by clicking on the aforementioned titles.

After reading the first couple of chapters of Heir of Fire  my feelings were something similar to;

Mainly because I realized that the whole story was going to take place away from Adarlan (more importantly Chaol), and instead in Wendlyn. Although, after actually giving the book a chance, because I knew Sarah wouldn't let me down, by the end of the book I was feeling more like "I WANT MORE! GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK!!" 

This book was incredible! Even though it takes place away from Chaol (sad day I know!) I enjoyed it quite thoroughly. I love how Celaena's character developed throughout the book. It was also extremely interesting to read more of Celaena's background, especially after the huge reveal at the end of Crown of Midnight. 

Something I wasn't a big fan of, and found myself skimming at times were the chapters involving the witches. I didn't mention previously but the book takes place from 3 different points of view: 1) Adarlan/Chaol/Dorian, 2) Witches, and 3) Celaena. For the most part, I found those chapters (involving the witches) a tad boring. Although those particular chapters also give way to another obstacle in Celaena's way that is looking like it will be a definite strong point in the next installment in this series. The plot twists Sarah has intertwined were also spot on, and sometimes came out of no where. Kind of like this:

Like, I thought I new everything, and then BAM!! Plot twist!!

I will admit that the next time I read this book I will read those certain chapters, but the first time, yeah, it wasn't going to happen. I really just wanted to get through this book as fast as I could! 

I will admit that at the end of the book I was almost, okay, really wishing that there would have been more romance between Celaena and . . . well I'm sure if you read the book you'll be able to figure out who I'm talking about. So go and grap this book asap!!

Overall, this book was absolutely mind-blowingly fantastic! Maas has done a great job of continuing Celaena's story smoothly and also keeping it interesting! I am very pleased and cannot wait for the next book in the series, although I have a mighty long wait ahead of me. . .

Crown of Midnight

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Summary: 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.
Review: Let me start off by saying that even though I think Throne of Glass (click here for review) was super kick-but and all, Crown of Midnight totally took things up, like, a billion notches. If you ended up on the fence after reading Throne of Glass, I definitely recommend that you give this one a try. Also, if you haven't read the first book, I'm warning that

this review will contain some minor spoilers!

I have a feeling that this series is only going to get better and better the farther we go (with a total of 6 books, the options are limitless at this point). Crown of Midnight starts up just a few months after the end of Throne of Glass. Celaena is the king's champion and doing his dirty work aka assassinating anyone he doesn't like. After being assigned to murder one of her old friends from the assassin's keep (Archer) we find out the truth as to just what Celaena has been doing to her intended targets. Let's just say, Celaena is freaking boss! (Like this little child)

I absolutely loved where Sarah took this book! The mystery that started in Throne of Glass is really starting to all come together . . . though it seems that for every piece of the puzzle that has started to make sense, another new clue/piece has been added. I was never bored! This novel kept me on my toes!!
So, I liked Dorian in TOG but I never really felt the connection between him and Celaena. But Chaol and Celaena . . . that's a completely different story. After breaking it off with Dorian after being named the king's assassin, Celaena starts to really embrace her feelings for Chaol. Needless to say, when these two finally decided to get their act together all I could think was, "Bring on the fireworks!"

There was definitely a lot more talk about Celaena's background as well as the assassination and fall of her home kingdom throughout this novel. The main question (no, really, who is Celaena Sardothien?) was answered at the end of this book. HOORAY!! Crown of Midnight has everything. It had me laughing, on the verge of tears, and then so freaking stunned and excited! (in that order). Seriously though, all the feels with this one!

Overall, this was an incredible read. I'll definitely be reading it again and cannot wait to see what is in store for the next 4 books! 

Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Release Date: August 7, 2012

Summary: 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, Chaol Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. 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: First, let me start off by saying that I finished this book in ONE DAY!! If that isn't an indication of how much I loved it, I don't really know what is. Throne of Glass starts off with an attention grabber and continually blows the roof off for the remainder of the book. After finishing the first chapter I knew I was going to be in very capable hands. Even when there was nothing extremely crucial to the plot happening, I was still totally engrossed in everything and anything that deals with Celaena's world. Throne of Glass was unique in its own way (and I'm extremely impressed that Maas wrote the first draft when she was only 16 years old!), but also could see some similarities between Touch of Power and Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. I loved both of those books though so I didn't really mind!

The overall mystery hidden within this book was excellent! Maas has woven in plot twists and foreshadowing like nobody's business so when everything started to finally click I looked somewhat like so:

Celaena's character was by far my favorite. Her sarcastic, witty banter with everyone she comes in contact with was refreshing. She was a strong main character and one that I enjoyed reading about. I didn't love Prince Dorian, but I didn't hate him either. It bothered me that Celaena was so drawn to him . . . I mean . . . what about Mr. Hottie Captain of the Guard Chaol?! (.......insert cricket noises....) I often felt that Chaol was overlooked and under-appreciated, but I guess I can understand why; he doesn't have a butt load of money to his name or the power to free Celaena. The ending left me breathless and completely ready for Crown at Midnight. 

If you have yet to read this book, definitely give it a try. This was an amazing read and one I plan on reading again and again.

The 4th book in this series (Queen of Shadows) is set to release September 1, 2015.