Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Publisher: Bloomsbury UK
Publication date: August 15th 2013.
My rating: 4 stars

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt. But her heart never wavers. After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes. Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?  

Crown of Midnight was one of those books which left me in awe. It was full with beautiful passages, scenes which I had been highly anticipating for the last year and parts which had me completely thrown. I had been eager to be reunited once more with our strong kickass MC Celaena ever since she left one heck of a lasting impression with me in Throne of Glass. We find Celaena in Crown of Midnight still upon her arduous task. Despite living in a castle constantly surrounded by people, she really was on her own in trying to accomplish what had to be done. Being under the order of a powerful king and he being able to change her circumstances in an instance, Celaena had to remain strong and try to remain one step ahead of him each time. Her intelligence and quick wit definitely came out strong in this story, but we also got to see a different side to her too. Celaena did have her fair share of heartbreak to deal with in the past, so I fully understood her need to appear strong and show no weaknesses. But I appreciated Maas letting Celeana finally having the guts to let somebody else in. I was so happy the way things went in this novel, but my heart did really go out to the other character that had to watch everything from the side lines.

The three characters, Celaena, Dorian and Chaol really gripped at my heart in this book. Each had their own secrets which they knew if they were ever revealed could break the strong ties between each other. I was so fully invested in each of their lives that with everything going on I knew something could go wrong, but never did I think that Maas would leave us reeling with such an awful blow. I was thoroughly heartbroken, I could appreciate both characters feelings and because I was so immersed with their lives, I found it hugely difficult to carry on with the story at times.

Crown of Midnight was a beautiful read. Books which completely mess with my emotions and leave me a complete wreck afterwards are always books which find a special place in my heart. Maas has done a hugely incredible job with this book that I am truly at a loss for words.  

Fans of Throne of Glass will certainly devour this book right up, it certainly puts a different spin on things from the first book, with it taking a rawer and heartbreaking route but this for me is what stood out for me as the best part. There was also once again non-stop action, and scenes which left you hanging onto your frail nerves in eager anticipation. And those of you who haven’t read this series yet or unsure of giving the second book a try I encourage you to pick this book up right away. It is in my eyes one of the best reads of 2013.