This series is getting better and better by the second. Months later, after finishing it, is all I can think about. With each book, the story and the characters become more tangible. More real.
*CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS*
“There was no force in any world that could keep her contained..”
–Sarah J. Maas
What Is It About?
The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.
With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.
My Opinion
11/5
Pain level 100/10
DISCLAIMER: I've already finished the series. But I'm super behind my reviews haha
This book utterly destroyed me. It completely and utterly destroyed me. What a rollercoaster of emotions… I am so full of emotions and feelings that I'm speechless. Is that even possible?
I have been dragging this review since November. But every time I have tried to sit down and write it, I get emotional and start crying. So this review has been written in pieces over the past months. Sorry in advance if it doesn't make any sense. It doesn't help that each time I put the playlist I made for the book series. Reliving everything again.
Sarah J. Maas's ability to make a book of 700 pages feel like 200 or so pages is beyond me. She writes so well! Every emotion, every action the characters make feels so real and tangible. She makes her characters have real-life problems that feel so relatable. And that's why she is my favorite author of all time.
The radical change between the first book and this one is impressive it shows the capacity that SJM has as a writer.
All the plot twists she gave us were mind blown, I don't know how I survived this book.
In a small plot summary, Aelin travels to Terrasen alongside Rowan, Aedion, and Lysandra to reclaim her throne. But the people ruling Terrasen don't see her as the rightful heir to the throne. Since she was "who knows where" during all this time. But being the Heir of Fire, Aelin makes one promise: that she will not stop fighting for her people and defend her home.
Meanwhile, the Witches allied themselves with Erawan. Dorian is now free from the Valg prince but almost killed by one Witch. Thankfully Manon comes to the rescue (#TeamManorian). Rowan arrives shortly and takes him to Skull's Bay.
EoS left me in a puddle of tears. I have to confess: I cried myself to sleep thinking about this book. More days than I should admit.
Aelin's journey has been a gigantic one. She has matured so much over the books. Taught me so much. I think I grew alongside her too. She was this broken girl with no hopes whatsoever. Until she came across a group of people (Dorian, Chaol, Nehemia, ROWAN, Manon, the list is way too long) that taught her she deserved to be loved. They taught her that she could be a friend. She needed a friend to become her better self.
On the other hand, the relationship between Rowan and Aelin is beyond perfect. This ship has made me realize what I want in a partner. And I know that sets the bar WAY TOO HIGH, but it's the truth. Rowaelin taught me that a partner should be the one who pushes and challenges you, not in an impossible way. But rather, in the way to make you grow and analyze the person you are to become your better self.
Aelin is a mastermind behind scheming. A lot of times, she would plan something huge and nobody would notice until it happened. She left me speechless at most of them.
I could go on and on. Vent every day about how each one had to mature and grow. How each one taught me something. Show me who I am and what kind of person I want to become.
Besides Aelin's development, Manon was my favorite one. I looked forward to her chapters. I love how she had a real moral character plot. She became this fierce woman able to stand up for herself and those she cares about. She realized who the bad ones were and how her friendship with Elide bloomed.
The way Manon stands up for her 13th is astounding. She showed us that friends matter. Sometimes even more than we realize.
She had to defy her grandmother when she was ordered to kill Asterin. How she saved her friends even though it would probably mean death for her. It broke me when she was seriously injured, and Abraxos was there for her.
A great and unexpected ship I started to be invested in was Elorcan. The travel and adventures they had to endure were a mix of happiness, romance, and bittersweet moments. I loved every single one of them. The way Lorcan grew on me is insane. He was a bad guy. Full of anger with himself and the world, Elide made him realize the beauty of life. That there are some things, and people, who are worth fighting for.
Other characters I fell in love with were Fenrys and Gavriel. So bad it hurts. Rowan didn't have friends, and The Cadre was created by Maeve for her benefit. I believe these males made the best of their situation. Which shows me how resilient we must be.
If you haven't read The Assassin's Blade, you have to. Because in EoS, we yet again learn of some schemes Aelin had up her sleeve. She is a box of surprises and scheming.
By the end of the book, Aelin and Manon learn about why the gods were angry and why Elena did the bargain with them to forge the lock. I don't like Elena. She was just a hindrance. And because of her, Aelin and the rest of her friends had to suffer.
Aelin and Manon learn that Aelin or Dorian will have to sacrifice for a new lock to be forged. The rest of her people are fighting Maeve's armada in the middle of the sea.
Aelin, Manon, Elide, Fenrys, and Lorcan meet Maeve at the beach. Manon tells Aelin to surrender. Maeve rejoices telling how she manipulated all of them from the very beginning. How she faked the mating bond between Rowan and Lydia. Because… Aelin is his true mate. AELIN KNEW ABOUT IT SHE FIRST ENCOUNTERED MANON!!!!
With the little power, Aelin has left after fighting, Maeve overcomes her. If I hated Maeve, now I despise her. She threatened to strike Elide if Aelin didn't turn herself voluntarily. But the daughter of… lashes Aelin multiple times. How much I cried during these last chapters is immeasurable. Finally, she puts Aelin in an iron box, relieves Lorcan and Gavriel of their blood oath, and keeps Fenrys as punishment. She leaves with Aelin as her prisoner.
THE AMOUNT OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS THIS BOOK GAVE IS CAN NOT BE MEASURED!!!!! Just by writing this review is like reliving it all over again.
The book ends with Rowan arriving, too late, to the beach. Demanding to know WHERE HIS WIFE IS!! Yes, that's right! They got married, and SJM again didn't give us a wedding. He learns that Aelin is his mate and that utterly BROKE ME. The misery, sorrow, and heartache Rowan felt were horrible. This is the first time a book has broken me and left me in a state of anguish and eternal tears. I have never read a book so well written that had me tearing up in the last 100 pages or so. Well done, Sarah... You've traumatized an entire generation.
I can keep going on and on about how this book made me feel, but it would be endless. If you want to vent and cry simultaneously, my DM's are open. I will finish with this: this book was breathtaking and magnificent. I love every chapter in it. It taught me so much. Gave so much. But in the end, it broke me in a way I will never know how to repair the emotional damage it gave me.
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