MAAS STRIKES AGAIN | 'Crown of Midnight' Book Review
'Crown of Midnight' is the second novel in the six-part Young Adult Fantasy series 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas.
The story continues on from its previous novel 'Throne of Glass' following brilliant assassin Celaena Sardothien, who becomes the king’s champion upon winning a brutal battle. However, Celaena is hardly loyal to the king, well aware of his evil intentions.
Calaena's charade becomes increasingly difficult in this novel. When she realises she is not the only one seeking justice to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her relationships begin to suffer. Everyone she knows - the Captain of the Guard Chaol, Crown Prince Dorian, or foreign princess and best friend Nehemia - questions her allegiance. Celaena’s whole world shatters when stumbling upon secrets leads to tragedy, and she is forced to decide who she is willing to fight for.
The 'Throne of Glass' series is one of author Maas' strongest pieces of work, and it doesn't stop here at the novel number two as there are five books in total. ‘Crown of Midnight’ plays with the readers’ emotions, taking them to the peak of happiness before throwing them into a river of despair. Its compelling narrative and well-written characterisation, pace and imagery make this novel a difficult one to put down; it is next to impossible not to read it all in one sitting.
Though eventful and engaging throughout, the love triangle trope is not an overarching addition to the narrative; and Calaena’s inability to fulfil her role as an assassin seems inclusive only to cover up her arrogance - a characterisation that acts to hinder her development.
Compared to the first 'Throne of Glass' release (originally titled 'Queen of Shadows' and posted as a 'Cinderella' retelling on FictionPress.com before its acquisition by Bloomsbury in 2010), Maas’ writing has definitely improved, developing an authorial voice and writing style of her own, and forging herself as one of the strongest new voices in Young Adult Fiction.
The 'Crown of Midnight' plot is fairly straightforward, with strong hints of Celaena's past interwoven into the novel, gaining our interest as to who she really is as a person. The big reveal at the end of the novel is neatly established, and ties in strongly with the third book in the series.
Maas proves she has taken time to flesh out Calaena’s character. The thing readers will most likely notice about the protagonist of this series is that she isn't indecisive like many of her fictional counterparts throughout the fantasy genre. She makes clear and definitive choices, and deals with the complications and aftermath to come with it – especially when it comes to romance. This is, after all, a Young Adult series, so it cannot be completely devoid of romantic possibilities and dramatic love triangles, but Maas handles the complication quite well, distancing it from the main story arc and insisting it remain a sub-plot instead.
If you're a fan of the likes of Victoria Aveyard or Sabaa Tahir, or in need of some good action-based reading, with strong female character lead novels without the complications, 'Crown of Midnight' is the book for you. It is part of a rare series that really does exceed all reader expectations.
'Crown of Midnight' is available now at your local bookstore, newsagents, and online.
