This Girl Is On Fire ~ Heir of Fire Review

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
By Sarah J. Maas 

Rating: 5+


'It wasn't the carved oak furniture, or the faded green drapes, or the warmth of the fire that made her stop dead. It was the dark-haired woman seated behind the desk. Maeve, Queen of the Fae.

Her aunt.

And then came the words she had been dreading for ten years.

"Hello, Aelin Galathynius."'



'That girl, that princess, had died in a river a decade ago. Celaena was no more Aelin Galathynius than she was any other person.'

Although Chaol Westfall may be reeling from the shock of discovering that Celaena is Terrasen's rightful queen, Celaena has no true feelings on the matter.

Her past - and who she used to be - are buried deep inside her. And she plans on keeping it that way.

Too much has happened for her to ever consider taking up a crown. Wendlyn offers nothing more than a chance to drink herself into oblivion, as she tries fruitlessly to forget what sent her there in the first place. 

Nehemia. Chaol. And a tyrant on a throne that is not his own.

'Celaena was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, heir to the throne and rightful Queen of Terrasen. It made her his mortal enemy. It made her Dorian's enemy. The future he'd once dreamed of was irrevocably gone.'

Back at the palace, Chaol struggles to deal with the truth behind Celaena's parting words. And they're made no easier to handle by the appearance of a person who looks all too familiar. 

Aedion Ashryver, the King of Adarlan's General of the North.

And Celaena's - Aelin's - cousin.

Chaol has a heavy choice to make. Can he trust anyone with Celaena's secret...even someone who shares the same blood as her?

'She'd been running for so long that she didn't know what it was to stand and fight.' 

Although the humans of Wendlyn may not know a queen is in their midst, some powers certainly do. Especially Maeve, Queen of the Fae and Celaena's aunt. 

Coming face-to-face with the woman her mother, when alive, had kept her hidden from is not a wise move to make. But Celaena needs answers. Answers that could change the fate of the kingdom and that could allow her to return to Adarlan at last.

But everything has a price. And Maeve isn't going to give those answers to her for free.

'I wish you to become who you were born to be. To become queen.'

Celaena is to reside at Mistward, under the experienced eye of Prince Rowan, nephew of Maeve and bound to the fae queen's service. There, he will test her until she has proven worthy of gaining the answers she desperately seeks.

But these tests, unlike the ones that made her King's Champion, are not concentrated on mere mundane methods of combat and killing. 

They require Celaena to use her magic.

Which is easier said than done. No matter how hard she tries, she cannot seem to summon up even a spark - something that infuriates Rowan to no end. 
  
The light inside her is barely flickering. For what does she have live for? For what purpose does her existence serve? Such questions Celaena must answer for herself.

'She has no hope, Prince. She has no hope left in her heart. Help her. If not for her sake, then at least for what she represents - what she could offer all of us, you included. (...) A better world.'

Rowan Whitethorn has better things to do than babysit a spoiled princess who refuses to tap into her own magic. He may not know much about Celaena, but what he does know doesn't exactly inspire him to aid her. 

Yet the more time he spends with Celaena, the more he comes to realise that the girl before him is only one side she shows the world. Every now and then he gets glimpses of a fiery, passionate woman who would do anything for those she holds dear.

And he can't help but think that maybe, just maybe, she has the potential to be the queen she was meant to be - if only she'd find the strength to face her fears head-on.

'You do not have a heart, Manon. We are not born with them, and we are glad of it.'

Over in the Western Wastes, Manon Blackbeak - the heir of the Blackbeak Witch Clan - has only one goal. 

To win the War Games, so she can one day become Queen of the Waste.

She is a killer, but the skills that got her that title won't help her in the Games. To do that, she will have to train Abraxos, her chosen wyvern, and get it to make the Crossing successfully.

But time is against her, as is the stubborn Abraxos. But Manon has never backed down from a challenge before and she'll be damned if she will this time, when it really counts.

'Behold my power (...) Behold what I grapple with in the deep dark, what prowls under my skin.'

Will Celaena accept her past and find a way to start a court that will change the world? What secrets will lie in Maeve's much sought-after answers? And what tricks does the evil king on his stolen throne have up his sleeve?

Only time will tell.

'She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, heir of two mighty bloodlines, protector of a once-glorious people, and Queen of Terrasen.

She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius - and she would not be afraid.'


**A big thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book and to Sarah J Maas for writing it!**

Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas ~ Cover Reveal

Want to know what I thought of Heir of Fire? Check out my review here

The Throne of Glass series by author Sarah J Maas is known for its brilliant content both on the covers of its books, as well as inside of them. 

And the latest addition to the series Heir of Fire (TBR September 2014) is sure to be no different. The book's cover was officially released today and has made quite the impression with Throne of Glass fans worldwide.

If you haven't seen the much-anticipated cover yet - or, you want to take another look! - check out the images below: (both the US & UK versions)

What do you think of the covers? Are you excited for the release of Heir of Fire? Let us know below!

Booknut 101's TOP 13 of 2013

2013 is almost over! Who can believe it?! 

It's been a brilliant year filled with tonnes of amazing books. Having reached my Goodreads reading goal of 500 books, I have to say it was a tad daunting picking just thirteen books. But, I have taken on the challenge...and will now present you all with my Top 13 Books of 2013.

(This list does not include any of the ARCs I've read that will be published in 2014. Those may feature on next year's list)

#13.) Acid by Emma Pass

She's out for revenge. 

She's on the run. 

She's their worst fear.

She's the key to ACID's destruction.

She's Jenna Strong. And she's coming for you.

An incredible book that matches its gorgeous cover, Acid has so much potential. It pushes the dystopian genre to new heights, and introduces readers to a feisty heroine who is as strong as her last name suggests.

#12.) Unremembered by Jessica Brody

Who is she? 

Where does she come from?

The concept of time travel has never been more addictive. Unremembered was a roller coaster of a read - never a lull, never a dull moment. An enticing mix of romance and action, it was a definitely one of the highlights of my reading year.

#11.) The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

Whilst the occupants of 1897 London slumber, a sinister force awakens below...

Steampunk is one of my fave genres.

And Kady Cross handles it like a master, creating a vivid world filled with enticing inventions and characters who capture your imagination and your heart.

Be prepared to immerse yourself in a world of mystery and intrigue, joining Finley and her motley band of friends on their latest adventure.

So strap on your goggles and tighten your corset - the battle for London is about to begin!

#10.) The Highwayman of Tanglewood by Marcia Lynn McClure

This highwayman will steal more than your riches...he'll steal your heart.

If books were treasure, McClure's The Highwayman of Tanglewood would certainly be a diamond among diamonds. 

A story that is truly gripping, tantalising, magical and beautifully woven in every way, it rekindles a reader's love for historical fiction - presenting a clean, yet intense romance novel that is sure to have you swooning over The Highwayman every bit as much as its heroine Faris does!

#9.) The Falconer by Elizabeth May

Heiress. Debutant. Murderer. A new generation of heroines has arrived.

The Falconer is a refreshing combination of steampunk and fae mythology. It gives us a spectacularly flawed heroine, a dangerous love interest and plenty of witty dialogue to accompany the swordplay and magical battles.

All in all, an absolute treat to read.

#8.) Salvation by Skyla Madi

Filled with adventure, Salvation is the next gripping instalment in the Guardian Angel series by Skyla Madi. Open the book and let yourself be pulled between the pages into a world unlike any other!

There are stories about angels. And then there's Skyla Madi's Guardian Angel series.

Move over Fallen! Salvation brings a great twist on the angelic legend, as well as a romance that will be tested against the storms of society, war, loyalties and powers beyond our understanding.  

#7.) Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend by Louise Rozett

If they can't handle Rose 2.0, then that's their loss.

This painfully raw series reaches an all new high in Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend. Louise Rozett captures those moments in life that change us for better or for worse - and she captures them with a skill rarely seen in modern literature. Her characters are as flawed as you and me, their words aren't mediated before hand. 

It's a true gem of a book, that is sure to become a much-loved classic.

#6.) Geek Girl by Holly Smale

It's going to take more than a mathematical formula to solve this problem...

You haven't read a book until you've read Holly Smale's Geek Girl. Fresh, funny, and full of quirky goodness, this is a book for everyone who needs a laugh...or needs to be reminded about what truly matters in life. With a loveable protagonist, Geek Girl is definitely a Cinderella story like no other. 

From geek to chic, Harriet Manners is in for the ride of her life!

#5.) Pivot Point by Kasie West

With its brilliant concepts, its flair for presenting readers with a poignant storyline and an intense narrative voice - as well as its creative structure - Pivot Point is a must-read.

Kasie West has once again delivered a memorable novel that finds its home in the nooks and crannies of our bookworm hearts. Unpredictable and addictive, Pivot Point will have you questioning the way we live our lives...as well as the 'ripple effect' of even the smallest of our actions.

#4.) Sentinel by Jennifer L Armentrout

This book contains high quantities of perfect males, kick-assery, pointy weapons, annoying gods and awesomeness. You have been warned.

The much-anticipated conclusion to a wickedly amazing series, Sentinel delivers above and beyond my expectations. Romance? Check. Action? Check. Perfectly executed humour? Check. Tears? Check. Hot demigods? Double check!

Nothing can prepare you for the magic J Armentrout has in store. So hold on tight and be prepared to expect the unexpected!

#3.) Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes

Feelings become the deadliest weapons of all, and the line between friend and foe blurs in the latest instalment in the thrilling Falling Kingdoms series.

Morgan Rhodes takes readers on the adventure of a lifetime. In an epic struggle between magic, force, and sacrifice, Rebel Spring is a fantasy novel that is terribly addictive, and emotionally destructive. With a rebellion that puts Les Miserables to shame, and an amazing cast of characters, this is definitely a series to have on your bookshelf.  

#2.) Crown of Midnight by Sarah J Maas

The making of a literary legend, Sarah J Maas' Crown of Midnight is a thrilling sequel which will have you sitting on daggers, awaiting her storytelling magic and more of Celaena's passionate spirit!

Assassins, pointy weapons, tantalising mysteries and action combine to create a story which has thrilled readers and broken their hearts. Maas' ability to transport readers into another world - to allow them to experience it as if it were right in front of them, so vividly - is a rare gift, and one that makes this series all the more memorable. 

I can't wait to see where this series goes next, and to continue to accompany Celaena on her journey.

#1.) Whirl by Emma Raveling 

A thrilling example of YA fiction at its best, Whirl is an electric mix of J Armentrout'sCovenant series and Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy books. 

Emma Raveling spins a tale full of dark mystery, intense fighting, adventure, love and perfectly executed humour that will make you fall hook, line and sinker for this series and its feisty heroine Kendra Irisavie. 

You cannot read this book enough times. There is something that draws you to it, like a moth to a flame! It's so, so addictive, and a story that is intriguing on so many levels - conceptually, with the twist on mer mythology, as well as emotionally, with the complexity of the relationships between sets of characters.

Each book in the series fits in perfectly with the first, building upon the various mysteries and main plot points flawlessly. But as the first, Whirl holds a special place in my heart...and is sure to enchant readers worldwide for years to come.

An Assassin's Heart. A Will of Steel ~ Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas ARC Review

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
By Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5+


'"Is it done?"

Celaena reached a gloved hand into the sack and tossed the severed head toward him. No one spoke as it bounced, a vulgar thudding of stiff and rotting flesh on marble. It rolled to a stop at the foot of the dais, milky eyes turned towards the ornate glass chandelier overhead.

Dorian straightened, glancing away from the head. Chaol just stared at her.

"He put up a fight," Celaena said.'


'She was a beautiful wraith - and when she looked at him, it was like she didn't even know who he was.'

As the Crown Prince, the son of the King of Adarlan, Dorian has grown up in the cold shadow of his father. He's seen cruel things, watched silently as death was handed out swiftly - and horribly - to those who dared to oppose his father. 

But watching Celaena become the King's Champion is a whole new experience.

Gone is the girl with the teasing grin and the fancy for trinkets and pretty gowns. Gone is the soft-eyed pianist with gentle waves of golden hair falling around her face. In her place stands a woman, made up of edges sharp enough to cut, clothed from head to foot in black. 

The King's Champion...the King's Hand of Death.

And Dorian can't help but wonder if she really has transformed...or whether Celaena is simply showing her true colours. The colours of an assassin. The colours of a cold-blooded, cold-hearted killer.

'Of course Chaol would notice the difference - he noticed everything. She couldn't tell if it pleased her or not.'

Celaena's duties are smothering her, choking her like an iron collar around her neck. Killing off the king's enemies one by one is a gruesome and difficult task. Especially when her trips are not at all what they seem. Though from the outside, it may look like Celaena's nothing more than the king's pet assassin, her iron will is far from broken. 

But she cannot afford for her loyalty to the crown to be in doubt...so her plans, hopes and efforts remain a secret, locked up away inside of her, behind her cold and hard facade.

Keeping up the charade may not be the death of her. But it could be the death of everyone she loves.

'He's got little to lose and a lot to gain. That makes people dangerous. Ruthless.'

Secrets are not the only things hidden within the castle walls. Enemies hide behind saccharine-sweet smiles. Ancient powers rise to the surface. And above it all, the chess master scanning the board, sits the King of Adarlan - whose every move is deliberate, malicious. All aimed towards one end. The securing of power. Supreme rulership. 

Not only must Celaena deal with physical threats to her safety and that of those who she cares for, but she must face a horrible truth - a supernatural force that threatens to unravel the framework of the kingdom and plunge it into chaos. 

Fate calls. And Celaena isn't convinced that she should answer its summons - the stakes are too high. The price too heavy to pay.

'Do not let the light go out.'

Choices. Loyalties. Sacrifices. Love. Celaena is at the forefront of an epic battle that has the power to change the kingdom forever - for better or for worse. But she must remember who she is. What she is fighting for. 

Or lose herself to the madness and to the darkness that lurks within her, in the depths of her eyes of brightest blue, ringed with gold.

The making of a literary legend, Sarah J Maas' Crown of Midnight is a thrilling sequel which will have you sitting on daggers, awaiting her storytelling magic and more of Celaena's passionate spirit!


A big thank you to Sarah J Maas, Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Publishing for the chance to read and review an ARC copy of the book :)