Crown of Midnight

Author of the book: Sarah J. Maas

Spoiler Warning for Crown of Midnight!

This Is Where Everything Changes.

If Throne of Glass was the introduction, Crown of Midnight is where the real story begins. The stakes are higher, the betrayals cut deeper, and Celaena? She is done playing games.

This book had me sobbing, gasping, and pacing my room in full-on emotional distress. Every chapter took the story to a darker, more intense place, and by the end, I knew there was no turning back.

Betrayal. Secrets. Celaena unhinged. If you weren’t sold on the series before, this book will change that.

My Thoughts on Crown of Midnight

Nehemia – The Moment That Broke Me

Let’s just get this out of the way: Nehemia’s death shattered me. I was not prepared for the sheer rage, grief, and destruction that followed.

Celaena’s reaction? 100% valid. Every ounce of bloodshed, every brutal decision, she had every right. This moment shifted the entire story, and I love that it wasn’t just brushed off, it became a defining turning point for Celaena and the series itself.

Celaena in Full Assassin Mode – Finally.

We’ve heard about Celaena’s reputation, but this is the book where we actually see her become the ruthless assassin she was always meant to be.

The way she tore through her enemies after Nehemia’s death? I got chills. She wasn’t just fighting, she was delivering vengeance.

And let’s talk about Grave and Archer. What happened to them? Absolutely deserved. No regrets.

Chaol, I Cannot Stand You.

OH MY GOD. Chaol Westfall, you infuriate me.

He really sat there all shocked and judgmental because Celaena (an assassin?? gasp!) actually kills people. Sir, what did you think she was doing in Endovier, knitting?!

Between his secrecy, his self-righteousness, and his complete inability to handle Celaena’s reality, he lost me in this book. And honestly? He deserved that scratch to the face.

Dorian & Celaena – GIVE ME MORE.

Dorian was such a highlight in this book. His magic reveal, his internal struggles, his growing defiance, everything about him kept getting better.

And those little moments between him and Celaena? My heart. I just know things would have been so different if… well, if certain things hadn’t happened.

The King & Perrington – Actual Trash.

The King? A tyrant.

Perrington? Disgusting.

Their control over the kingdom and the terrifying grip they have on people like Kaltain was disturbing. This book really solidified just how deep their dark magic and manipulation runs.

Elena – Ancient Queen, Mysterious Guide, and So. Many. Secrets.

Elena’s presence in this book is both intriguing and frustrating. Every time she appears, she drops cryptic wisdom, refuses to explain anything, and then disappears into the mist like some fantasy-world mic drop.

Just tell Celaena what she needs to know!

That being said, her influence is huge, and it’s clear her role in the story is far from over.

Kaltain – Something Is Seriously Wrong Here

At first, I thought Kaltain was just your typical jealous noblewoman, but Crown of Midnight completely flipped that expectation on its head.

There is something deeply, deeply wrong with whatever’s happening to her, and I know this is leading to something so much bigger.

The Moments That Changed Everything

The Portal Scene

WHAT. THE. HELL. That entire portal sequence?? I was on edge. Celaena throwing herself into that nightmare realm, risking everything, was pure desperation, and I FELT IT.

And then Chaol sees her ears.

You know what that means.

The Fire – Are You KIDDING Me?!

When the fire consumed Celaena, I was SCREAMING. It was so obvious this was more than just a random moment. The book was screaming at us to figure it out, and honestly, I still wasn’t ready for what was coming.

Fleetfoot – My Heart Stopped.

I have never been more stressed out over a fictional dog. When Fleetfoot was in danger, I lost it. That moment was more terrifying than half the book.

Celaena risking herself to save Fleetfoot?? That sealed my love for her forever.

That Ending. THAT. ENDING.

Celaena’s identity reveal???

The truth about the Wyrdkeys???

Dorian’s powers awakening???

Everything about that final scene???

I was not breathing. The way this book completely shifts the story, I knew there was no going back.

Final Thoughts – Should You Read Crown of Midnight?

If you love:

• Dark betrayals, emotional gut punches, and shocking twists
• A fantasy world expanding into something BIGGER than you expected

Then YES. This book cements the series as a must-read.

⭐ Final Verdict: 5/5 – This book DESTROYED me, and I loved every second of it.

Let’s Chat!

How did you handle Nehemia’s death?

Did Chaol make you want to throw the book?

Were you living for Celaena’s assassin rampage?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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