Book Review: HEIR OF FIRE by Sarah J. Maas

Description from GOODREADS:

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?

FINALLY!!!!!

HEIR OF FIRE by the amazing Sarah J. Maas is probably the book I’ve been most excited/anxious about for 2014 and it did NOT disappoint!

If you love Fantasy books or epic assassins who kick some serious ass, then HEIR OF FIRE probably needs no introduction. If, however, you are new to the genre or the world of Celaena Sardothien, then welcome. Forget that you’re a little late to the party. The important thing is that you’re here now, because you should not wait a minute longer to read this series!

HEIR OF FIRE is the third book in the Throne of Glass series, picking up where CROWN OF MIDNIGHT left off. Celaena has arrived in Wendlyn, broken, mourning the loss of her friend and seeking answers. What she finds is more than she hoped or bargained for. Being in a new land, we are introduced to a whole new imaginative setting where magic is alive, the creatures are darker and scarier and the Fae are a force to be reckoned with. Celaena is forced to face her past, her fears and to choose what role she is willing to play going forward. SJM truly created an amazing heroine in this series. Celaena is broken time and time again throughout this book, but you just keep rooting for her and by the end, you love her even more than before (if that’s possible!).

Along with all new settings, we are also introduced to a host of new characters. This seemed like it should be daunting as I went into it wanting to only care about Chaol and Dorian!!! But again, these characters were so 3-dimensional and well developed that by the end, it would be hard to imagine them NOT existing! They each come with their own unique back stories and motivations and even though I fought not to make room for them in my heart, they all managed to squeeze in and make themselves comfortable. From the loud and obnoxious Aedion, general in the King’s army as well as Celeana’s cousin, to Rowan, the brooding Fae, who seems void of all emotions and is in charge of pushing Celeana to reach her full potential. From the dark mountain caves where the Wyvern are being kept to the healing rooms of the Palace, we meet some very interesting characters.

Don’t be discouraged, Chaol and Dorian are still present and dealing with their own internal struggles and choices. And we see them really mature throughout the story. Dorian muddles through his magical abilities and how to gain control. In doing so he finds an unexpected ally in quiet, gentle Sorcha. Loyal to a fault, Chaol has other decisions he battles with. How to stay loyal to his kingdom, his friends, and the woman he loves. In sending Celaena away, he sacrificed himself and now must return home to his family and responsibilities, though he puts it off as long as possible in order to offer help where he can. Even if that means giving aid to the rebellion. I had secret hopes for a Chaol/Celaena reunion though it became more and more obvious that it wasn’t likely to happen in this book. I’ll still hold out hope for book 4!

In what I’m discovering to be true SJM fashion, there was no sparing of heartache. There were definitely a couple jaw-dropping, teary moments. All I can say is this, “Please, Sarah. Please don’t kill anyone else!” Though that is probably an unrealistic plea. Despite or because of the heart-wrenching moments, I loved HEIR OF FIRE so, so much! It is the kind of book that sits with you for days after and you just have to talk to someone about it.

The only thing I don’t like is having to wait a whole year before finding out what happens next to Celaena and company! If you haven’t read this series yet, do it! You won’t regret it!