Heir of Fire

Shocked

I first started listening to this series because i found it was suggested on a "books similar to Harry Potter" search I did. I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much.
The first book was good. It seemed a little cliche at first, and it felt like the narrator hadn't quite mastered her craft. And yet, I downloaded the second book immediately after I finished the first. The second was better. There were some palpable plot twists, more complex characters, and the boom wasn't afraid to get a little darker, which I loved.
But then, bam, this third novel hits you like a freight train. Intense, emotionally and psychologically gripping writing. And the narrator has really come into her own. She's like a different person!
Honestly, never thought I'd be recommending this series so strongly, but you should read it. I'm downloading the 4th one right now :)

15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Amazing Story, Just What the Series Needed

If you have read the other books... This is the book you have been waiting for. Not only was it a great story in itself, but it also provides a lot of the back story about Celaena, including flashbacks from her childhood as princess and early use of magic. The book is full of Fay, Demi-Fay, monsters, LOTS of magic, battles, betrayals, and on, and on.

If you haven't already read the rest of the series, then you probably won't get nearly as much from this book as you would have if you started from the beginning. Even if you haven't though, you will certainly still appreciate it.

Celaena spends the entire book in Wendlyn, where she was sent at the end of the last book. She goes through a great deal of self discovery and understanding while learning how to use (and more importantly control) her magic under the direction of a bitter yet likeable warrior Fay. Although she fears the power she hasn't been able to access since childhood, she none-the-less rediscovers how powerful and unique her gifts are, and how valuable and necessary they will be in defeating the King.
Chaol and Dorian tell the story from back in Rifthold where both of them, despite being at odds, plot against the King in their own efforts. One of the new characters, a cousin to Celaena and general to the king, joins the two of them in an attempt to destroy the King's ability to suppress magic.
A new character also gives a perspective of the kings plans from elsewhere on the continent, in a very interesting independent story line. Even though this character is completely isolated from the others, I have a feeling she will become a major player in the next book.

Another thing I liked about the book was that is wasn't just told primarily from Celaena's point of view (as in the last two books), but all the characters get an equal share of the story. In many other book series, I find this annoying because I really only care about what is happening with the main character, but the other story lines are interesting enough that I was just as happy to hear from them.

Although this book is (unfortunately) just as much of a cliffhanger as the last was, it at least left off in a good place. I also finished feeling satisfied given all that that happened, all the new developments, and all of the new material.

With as great a story as this was, and another excellent performance by the narrator, this is without a doubt worth the credit I spent...

29 of 34 people found this review helpful

Exactly Where the Series Needs to Go

Okay, so I am going to be 100% honest. I wasn't a huge fan of this series. I enjoyed the first book, but I felt like Maas focused too much on a possible love triangle than on this incrediblely awesome world she has created! It was also extremely frustrating that the characters didn't know what was going on like what "wyrds" were, and it seemed like we were never going to learn. Then the end of the second book happened...

I am absolutely thrilled with where this series is going. We are FINALLY getting some answers! I'm crazy about the world-building that is going on, and, yes, everything is starting to click together. I almost feel like re-listening to the first two now, so I can understand the hints at what is happening.

So, if you know me, you know what sets books apart from being "good" to "amazing" is character development. And, boy oh boy, did I get some character development. Let's break down by characters since it's a mixed POV:

1. Celaena
Poor Celaena. I will admit I really didn't care for her at first! I didn't find her arrogance charming. She seemed one-dimensional to me...Until now. She has so. much. depth. I loved learning about her past and why she is the way she is. I was a little weary that we, the listeners, were going to be bogged down by her despair (like in Mockingjay), but we weren't. Her fears are tangible, and it was thrilling to watch her become the woman she was born to be.
The training scenes were beautiful. The development of her magic was beautiful. Her friendship with Ronan was beautiful.


2. Ronan
I am always hesitant about the introduction of new males. Celanea was just coming out of a terrible break-up, and I truly did not want to have another book focusing on Celaena developing a new boyfriend. Ronan was not that. They had a wonderful friendship, where, if it developed into a romance, I would be completely fine. Ronan was broken, just as Celaena was. They healed each other. I'm still not over how beautiful there last couple scenes with Ronan were. My only complaint is that he probably won't be too prominent in the next book.

3. Manon
We are introduced to another new character...which, again, scary. But, Manon's POV ended up being my second favorite to listen to! She is a witch, but in a different clan than the only witch we have been introduced to - Baba Yellowlegs. She is a cruel creature that revels in violence. I've never read anything where you are hearing from a deeply mean person's perspective, so that was neat. Her development gave me chills. The witches are preparing for war, and they are given these creatures as their mounts. The mounts are supposed to be mindless killing, flying machines. However, Manon develops a relationship with her mount, Abraxos. Abraxos is a literal slave, and he shows Manon that she is a slave to her culture. I cannot wait to see where the series takes her - hopefully with an alliance with Celaena.

4. Dorian and Chaol
I didn't want to hear from these two. Is that bad? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed them both in the past books. They just aren't as exciting as witches or fay. I'm sad for Dorian, and that is all I have to say on that front. Chaol was annoying. He could not chose a side; he felt like it was between Caleana and Dorian BUT THEY ARE ON THE SAME SIDE. That just annoyed me. Chaol ended up making his choice in the worst possible moment...I won't spoil it.

Overall:

Yes, I loved it. Yes, you will love it. Yes, you need to drop everything and listen immediately. You will laugh, and you will probably cry. It is worth it.

14 of 17 people found this review helpful

Heir of Greatness

In the third installment of the Throne of Glass series, Heir of Fire, Celaena Sardothien embarks on a life-changing journey. New alliances are formed as tensions run high in the kingdoms.

Though I don’t usually have a lot of luck with fantasy series, I do enjoy this character-driven series quite a lot. Celaena’s a great heroine who has grown a lot over the course of the series. And the stakes keep getting higher for her. With the action moved to unfamiliar territory and Celaena on a new path, this is a transitional phase for her. I did miss Celaena’s interactions with her friends from the first two books, but we do meet a kick-ass new character in exchange so that’s almost a fair trade-off.

The fantasy elements really ramp up in this installment, and we get more acquainted with fae and witches. The action shifts between three separate but related stories in Heir of Fire- Celaena’s journey, the characters left behind in Adarlan (Dorian, Chaol, etc.) and the Blackbeak coven. I have to admit the chapters with the witches went over my head. There is a new character named Manon Blackbeak who seems important but for the life of me I couldn’t keep up with that storyline. I will definitely have to read a Recaptains recap before the next book.

What kept my interest is Celaena’s personal journey and revelations. I liked her alliance with Rowan, the fae prince. The prickly Rowan is a great addition to the series, and I’m curious to see what role he takes going forward.

Back in Adarlan, Chaol and Dorian are quite downcast without Celaena’s company, though it’s not long before they get distracted other pressing matters. Chaol seemed kind of lost in this installment and I hope for more Chaol and Celaena in the next book. A new character causes some trouble for Dorian and Chaol and I’m interested to see how the situation in Adarlan shakes out. Dorian really got to me in this book – lots of character growth there.

The romance is downplayed in this installment compared to Crown of Midnight, but that makes sense considering the journey Celaena is on. The strong friendships that build in Heir of Fire make you (almost) not notice the lack of romance.

This series really shines in audiobook format, with the excellent performance by Elizabeth Evans. She pronounces all those tricky words for you so you don’t have to try to make sense of them on your own. Evans gives a strong and consistent performance here and doesn’t distract for the story. She brings many different types of characters to life and is especially successful with capturing Celaena’s essence. Since Heir of Fire is over 20-hours long, you’ll get your money’s worth of your Audible credit.

This installment is a game changer in a lot of ways with so much to ponder and digest. The slow-burn action pays off in the end and leaves you clamoring for the next book.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

awesomeness

what an amazing story the narrator did such a fantastic job I've listened to the series three times now. can't wait till the next book comes out

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My favorite Throne of Glass book

Would you listen to Heir of Fire again? Why?

I've already listened to this book twice since I bought it. I think the narrator does a good job with character voices; they match personalities well enough, although Rowan sounds so gruff!

What did you like best about this story?

Not only do I love this story because I love seeing how characters tackle trauma, but because Celaena's friendship with Rowan is beautiful. Manon was a nice addition to the books as well. My problem lies in how I feel Chaol's character was butchered for the sake of plot.

Which scene was your favorite?

It's so hard to pick a favorite scene here, but I really love the scene where Celaena tells Rowan the story of her scars, and the Doranelle scene.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed at certain points in this book, which is a feat on itself. I hardly laugh when I read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Best so far

Celaena has come a long way and she's much more relatable and less annoying in this book. Her growth is mostly due to Her awesome friendship with Rowan. Who is the best character introduction thus far. The writing is much better in this book and narrator is better too. I like Rowan better than I do Chaol or Dorian. Maas world has become a lot more magically, a lot more mesmerizing, and thus loads more fun!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Each book pulls you in deeper

What did you love best about Heir of Fire?

The series is layered and uplifting bringing character after character entering as the under dog and leaving victorious. I look forward to the next books in this well thought and marvelously narrated series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Aelin Galathynius of course. She has strength, tenderness, and compassion. A great example for young women that speaks to navigating the world.

What does Elizabeth Evans bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her vocalizations of the characters and inflections giving insight into the words.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Must Read!

Great book. Lots of humor, suspense and twists. I can't wait to read the rest of the next book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

love this series

This book does not disappoint! Maas makes you care about her characters deeply and Evans does a great job reading.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful