Heir of Fire - Book Review

Heir of Fire - Book Review

Sara J Maas

YA Fantasy 

(Book #3 in the Throne of Glass Series)

UK Publisher: Bloomsbury 

Synopsis:

Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak - but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth… a truth about her heritage that could change her life - and her future - forever.

Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat the, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.

The King’s assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before…

Review:

I completely adore this series! Sara. J. Maas never fails to astound me with the depth and imagination of her writing. Just like the rest of the books in the series, Heir of Fire was a brilliant and spellbinding read.

After becoming the King’s assassin, defeating otherworldly demons and revealing to the man she loves the well guarded secret of her heritage, Celaena is at last, ready to face her past. Now, this book sees her returning to the land of magick, where her fae aunt rules over the land with a firm hand. 

Insisting that Celaena be trained in the fae arts of magic, Celaena must face down old fears and learn to control her natural powers. But Celaena has been running from her past for so long, that facing it will take her down a perilous path that will attack her mind, body and soul… It is a journey that will either make her, or break her!

Celaena’s character development in this book is phenomenal. For the first time we see her weighing the decisions of her past by looking at the person she was, to the person that she’s become. This gives the reader real insight into Celaena’s mind and I loved how, as strong as she is, she secretly hates herself for abandoning her kingdom - admitting to her own cowardice - only now she is ready to do something about it. I cant wait for the next book where I hope we get to really see Celaena leave the assassin behind, and emerge the Queen she was born to be. 

This book also includes some new characters… and a new love interest, who comes in the form of Fae Prince, Rowan. Stoic, series and otherworldly handsome, he is a great addition to the cast. He challenges Celaena in a way most people aren’t capable of, and pushes her to excel beyond her limits, (even if it means beating her up everyday) yet beneath his tough exterior, he is quite the softy underneath.

Yet my heart still went out to the other important men in Celaena’s life. First Dorian Havilliard - the Prince and only child of the evil King of Ardalan. He has really grown from a womanising boy into a mature, and strong man. But he still has a ways to go. Not only in mastering his powers, but standing up to his father too. But I really liked that he is at last moving on from Celaena and has began a fresh romance of his own.

Of course there is also Chaol, the gorgeous captain of the guards. I loved when him and Celaena became a couple, even though it did damage his friendship with Dorian. However with their friendship on the mend, now I can only hope that Chaol comes to accept Celaena for who and what she really is. Because I think at the core, it is with Chaol that Celaena’s heart truly lies. 

Another great addition to this book is the witch, and Princess of her clan, Manon Blackbeak. Part of the Ironteeth covern of witches, she is strong, determined and feisty. If she were not currently fighting for the King of Ardalan, I believe she and Celaena would be (if not friends) deadly allies. There and similarities between their personalities and I hope they get to meet in the next book. 

In terms of plot, the POV’s are divided between the above characters and now each character is working to their own agenda, but I feel they all want the same goal. The death of the king of Ardalan. Yet the plot moves at a fast pace, jumping from one life threatening situation to the next. The stakes are high in this book and the suspense will keep you turning pages.

The world building in this story is also mind-blowing, but overall it was Celaena’s emotional journey that truly blew me away. With her past now come to light, I feel the reader now fully understands her as a character and I cant wait to see where her story will take us next. With a cliff hanger of an ending that will leave you thirsting for more, I consider Heir of Fire to be Fantasy writing at its finest. A truly epic read - 5 stars!