Review: Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Date of Publication: September 2, 2014
Pages: 562
Source: Library

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. 

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

GOODREADS

Review:

Exactly how many ways can one explain their undying love and still sound original, because I can't find any words to write this review. Can we please just bow down to Sarah J Maas and her epic story telling? This book took a story set in a small place, Adarlan, and expanded it seamlessly. I think I just witnessed the Big Bang.

Wendelyn wasn’t the show-stopper. Instead, it was the characters we met in this magical land. The little folks, the demi-fae and the greatest of all, the fae prince, Rowan!!! There was also a cameo from the frosty Maeve... she was very cold… Back to Rowan! I can’t say his name without adding exclamations. Will I anger many if I say that I kind of wished for a romantic plot between Celaena and Rowan? Either way, these two are probably the most compatible pair in history. Their relationship was one of camaraderie at its best.

Heir of Fire is a connective book. A lot happens but it’s evident that the real plot lies in Adarlan, where things are being set up for Celaena’s return. 

This is where Celaena grows the most. She comes to Rowan a heartbroken brat but leaves a Warrior Queen who has challenged her demons and come out on top. Finally getting to see the depth of what haunted her brought me so much closer to understanding her. I finally think I know Celaena; I know what makes her tick.

There are so many fantastic new characters introduced in this book. Prince Rowan of Maeve’s Court is a shining star. He was this cold brute of a fae warrior who I didn't even blink over until I realized the guy was here to stay and how happy am I that he did. Rowan is ruthless and uncouth but he is soft and scarred from a long life filled with battle scars.

Another worthy mention is Aedion, The Wolf of the North, Celaena’s childhood betrothed and the current Kind of Adarlan’s pawn. I wish I learned more about him, but from what I did see, I respect the man; especially with what he did in the end.

I don’t have many complaints, but I wish Chaol did more in this one. Obviously this was a bridge book for Celaena and there was progress in Chaol’s side of the story as well but I guess it’s just not the same without having both of them in the same place. 

I cannot wait for the next book. It hurts my heart to think that I’ve waited 3 year to get to the third book and have to wait another 3 to finally finish this series, but I’ll do what I have to do to get to the bottom of this epic tale. 

-MARI