This is the 2nd book in the Throne of Glass series, and it is just as amazing as the first. It picks up right where it left off at the end of Throne of Glass.Celaena is now the King's Champion, a position that grants her freedom in 4 years, but a position she despises. She is tasked by the King to kill of the people standing in his way, people who may actually be on her side, the side of freedom and peace. In her own small way, she is standing up to the King as well, though no one knows it. Everyone around her thinks she's a monster because she's killing off all these people, but what they don't know is that she's faking all of their deaths. She can't tell anyone this for fear of putting them in danger too.
Her next target is in Rifthold, the capital city of Adarlan and where the Glass Castle and the King are located. Archer Flynn, a good friend from her past, is supposedly plotting treason against the King, and the King isn't pleased. To fake his death will be more difficult, but she's willing to do it to protect those she loves.
When she approaches Archer, he panics and begs for mercy. She promises a month before he must leave, but she also wants names of others involved, names that she can give the King instead of Archer. He promises all the help she wants because he's not really involved, but he knows things. Things like that this rebel group is trying to put the lost princess of Terrasen, Aelin Galanthynius.
In the meantime, Celaena and Chaol, the Captain of the Guard, are growing closer and closer, neither seeing the love blossoming between them. Dorian, the Prince, has backed off because he sees their attraction, but he's sad because he also loves Celaena. Nehemia, the Princess from Eyllwe, is still visiting the castle and is Celaena's best friend. Nehemia starts teaching Celaena about Wyrdmarks, ancient symbols of power, and how to use them.
Chaol hears about a threat to Nehemia's life and keeps a closer eye on her and her guard, but finds no reason to share it with Celaena. Also, Dorian discovers he has magic awakening within him, a power so raw and powerful that he can't control it. And in a country where magic is outlawed and those who have it are killed, Dorian is afraid to reveal it to anyone.
One morning, while Nehemia is teaching Celaena, Nehemia begs Celaena to help her stand up to the King, to fight to take him down. Celaena refuses to help because she knows what the King is capable of, of his wicked strength and cruel power. She is terrified of him, and Nehemia calls her a coward. They storm away from each other.
Some nights after Celaena and Chaol finally admit they love each other, Chaol is kidnapped to draw Celaena away from the castle. She chases after him in a blaze of fury, annihilating all in her path. She follows the trail to a warehouse where the rebel group awaits with Chaol chained up. Archer appears and reveals that a threat was made on Nehemia's life, a threat that Chaol knew about and kept secret. Celaena is furious and speeds back to the castle to save Nehemia, but she's too late. Nehemia and her guards have been massacred in a gruesome way. Celaena snaps, lunging for Chaol because it's his fault. She tries to kill him, but she's knocked out and carried to the dungeon.
Once she is released, she figures out that there is only one person who would be responsible for the death of Nehemia, an assassin from the King's Champion tournament who failed, a man named Grave. She tracks him down one night and slaughters him, taking her time in killing him so that he can feel what Nehemia felt.
Celaena also finds out that there are three powerful, magical Wyrdstones, or keys that could open a Wyrdgate, a gate into other realms that would let in terrible beings and monsters. The King has at least one of these Wyrdstones, which is the reason he's so powerful and no one can stop him. Celaena is determined to find the others and stop him. But first she wants to say good-bye to Nehemia. She knows enough about Wyrdmarks now that she can open a portal into another realm, one where Nehemia will be let through. While she's finishing with Nehemia, Archer shows up, and Celaena discovers that he was behind it all. He also wants the Wyrdstones so he can rule. He also was the one behind Nehemia's death. In the ensuing fight, the portal is changed to open to another world, a deadly world with evil creatures all to happy to come through.
Chaol and Dorian rush in to help. Archer escapes, and Chaol, Dorian, and Celaena fight one of the creatures that have come through the portal. The creature takes Celaena's dog into the other world and Chaol follows, leaving Celaena no choice but to follow. In the other world where magic abounds, her Fae (fairy) nature breaks free, frightening Chaol. She defeats the creature and they escape back through the portal before it closes.
After all is over, Chaol, who still loves her and wants to protect her, has the King send Celaena across the ocean to Wendlyn, a country that the King has been trying to conquer for a while. Celaena is sent there to kill the King and Prince of Wendlyn. Before Celaena leaves on the boat, she whispers a date to Chaol, a date that reveals more about her past. When Chaol checks it out and follows the clues, he discovers that Celaena is Aelin Galathynius, the Lost Queen of Terrasen. And he has just sent her to a country where she could find allies and help. He's terrified.
And that's where the book ends. On that big cliffhanger! There is so much more within this book. These are just the big details, but there are lots of little stories of intrigue and excitement that just add so much more to this series and book. I can't say enough good things about it!
What I liked about this book: Everything (of course)! It brought more depth to characters, revealing more about who they really are. This book takes the story and jacks it up another level, building and building until the end...and then it leaves you wanting more.
I would recommend this book to middle school boys and girls who love action and adventure (with a little romance). It's just so amazing!
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