This book is the beginning of it all. It’s the culmination of all of the prior books and surprise, I didn’t end up thinking the witches were useless (though still not my fave). I don’t want to spoil any of the plot but this is the first book in this series that I couldn’t put down. It’s fast moving and epic and I absolutely loved it. In this book Celeana comes into her own, fights her demons and awakens the queen within. This book is also where we really get to know Rowan and he has all the vibes of a great Sarah Maas Fae male warrior. I’m telling you, every character comes back better, more clearly written, with characters you want to fight for and rage with. There is romance and intrigue and magic create the delectable Maas books I love. So good. 5 stars. Plus a little kissing. Still very G rated.

I’m not one for ratings over 3.5 stars. I prefer to be strict, I like to save my 4+ stars for really good books so that I can always look back on them for having made me feel something. And this book did just that, multiple times. With amazing character developments, plot twists that I couldn’t have expected, sorrows and triumphs, I really loved this book.

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this book is. I'm sure you've heard this by now, but it truly is. At first, I was a little worried because this is a whopper of a book, coming in at 656 pages. I was very concerned that the book might drag, or...and I would hate to say it...be boring. But I had nothing to fear, as this was 656 pages of thrills, adventure, pain, love, and growth. Sarah J. Maas has delivered yet another astonishing novel that you will want to get your hands on as soon as possible. Every single scene blew me away, and I relished every word on the page. Sarah J. Maas has such a unique talent, a talent that allows the reader to become so immersed in the world that she has created that it feels that they are part of the book. I feel like these characters that I have read about over the past 3 books and collection of novellas, have become part of my life. Their heartbreaks are my heartbreaks, and their joys are my joys. Quite simple, every time I pick up a book in this series, I feel like I'm coming home. And very few authors are able to achieve this. Celaena is gone, and Aelin has finally accepted her past and her role in becoming a leader and a Queen. While she is the same, she is different, and this is a very important thing to note. Even though she is no longer the "assassin," she still has no problem killing or getting rid of those in her way. Aelin is not as ruthless as Celaena was, but still a badass woman that takes no prisoners. She is out for revenge, and no one will prevent her from doing just that. The one thing that was absolutely fascinating for me while reading this book was to reflect on just how far Aelin has come in this series. The amount of character development for her is quite simply something of beauty and something to admire. In some ways, you actually feel like you aren't reading about the same person anymore because she is so different and has come so far since the first novel. She fully embraces her role as Queen of Terrasen, but she remembers and respects her past and those who have played a role in getting her to where she is today. Many people have shaped Aelin into the person she is now, and while they might not all have been the best of influences, they have all made her into a strong leader that is willing to fight until her very last breath for her people. The other aspect of this book that I absolutely loved was how much of her past came back into the spotlight. Not just things she did in the past, but also the people. Arobynn Hamel is a very prevalent character in this novel, and I loved every scene between Aelin and him. He has played a major role in shaping her into the fierce warrior she is now, and I can see why Celaena loved him in her own way. I was very interested to see where Sarah J. Maas would take Aelin and Chaol's relationship. Let's just say I went through a couple of stages of anger, disbelief, and then fury when Chaol came onto the scene. Not because of how Sarah J. Maas wrote it (in fact I thought it was so realistic and the perfect way to go about their relationship), but because of Chaol acted. I knew that he wouldn't be happy, but by God Chaol, man up a bit! I seriously wanted to smack him for a good majority of this book, and kept wanting to tell him to get over himself. However, this being said, I understood why he acted the way he did. I admire his dedication to Dorian, and I can't blame Chaol for wanting to try every possible way before doing the worst thing he could ever imagine. Have no fear though, he and Aelin finally come together, and make amends. I think that both of them are in a better place now in terms of their relationship, and fully understand each other. They have a loyalty and bond to each other that is hard to break. Dorian, my beloved Dorian, goes through so much in this book. I can't say too much on him because I don't want to spoil anything in regards to his character. However, I will say this...Sarah J. Maas did an excellent job with his character, and set his story up very well for the next book in this series. Dorian is going to be facing some major struggles in the fifth book in this series, but with Chaol and Aelin at his side, he'll be able to conquer anything that comes his way. And finally there is Rowan. Let me just tell you, I was extremely excited when I heard that Rowan was getting his own POV in this book. I think his perspective was crucial to the story, and it let us in on how his head works. I love him even more after this book, and from the very moment he enters this book, your love for him just escalates. There are some truly breathtaking and beautiful scenes between him and Aelin and they brought a tear to my eyes sometimes. The protectiveness that both Rowan and Aelin have for each other is yet another admirable aspect of this book, and they have quite the development towards the end of this book. I'll just let your imagination run wild with the possibilities ;) While I wasn't the biggest fan of Manon's POV in the last book, I actually greatly enjoyed it in this novel. Perhaps it was because there was more action and development with her character, but I loved her fierceness in this book. There is one particular scene where Aelin and Manon meet, that is AMAZING. The epicness that is that chapter is just mind-blowing. And then there are a couple scenes when she meets a certain person. That certain person makes her realize that there is something more to life than being a bloodthirsty witch. I'm so excited to see where this aspect of the story goes because I think it's bloody brilliant!!! Overall, this was such an amazing installment in the Throne of Glass series, and sets up the fifth book in the series very well. There are endless possibilities in which Sarah J. Maas could take this story, and I am so excited and eager to see what happens next! Just a little bit of good news...there is NO CLIFFHANGER! Let us all thank the gods above that this happened because I don't know what I would have done if there was a brutal cliffhanger like we all know Sarah J. Maas can write. Check this book out as soon as you can because this is not to be missed! Happy reading :)

Where everything starts to come together. Queen of Shadows brings all of the world building, character introduction, and character development to a wonderful and action packed point. It all makes sense now! QoS is packed to the brim in order to fit all of the above in, but is done in an interesting and easy to read way that makes the pages fly by. Having read another series by Maas - ACOTAR - first, I feel as though I can sense some foreshadowing that will be important later. Maas has an amazing ability to add these elements throughout her series without missing a beat; this brings emotional punches as the series progresses. I’m excited to see how these items play out! The twists and turns in QoS took me by surprise; I found myself gasping and needing to set the book down for a few minutes in certain places. The delivery of these shocking events was delicious and left me begging for more! This is definitely a book that refuses to be put down. With a hopeful ending wrapping up Queen of Shadows, this almost feels like it could be the end. Instead, it’s an energizing start to my tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.

"Queen of Shadows," the fourth book in Sarah J. Maas's exhilarating Throne of Glass series, propels its heroine, Celaena Sardothien, into new heights of adventure and personal stakes. The narrative intricately plots our main character’s strategies as she navigates a minefield of political intrigue and dark magic. Her transformation from a tormented assassin to a queen with a cause is compelling and richly detailed, showcasing Maas's skill in character development. This installment expands the series' universe, introducing new allies and adversaries, each adding complexity to the web of alliances our main character must forge to challenge a tyrannical ruler. The dynamics between characters are tense, charged with both conflict and unbreakable bonds, making every interaction significant. The novel not only lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors but also enriches the ongoing saga with new layers of mythology and intrigue. Maas's writing is fluid and masterful, weaving a tale that is as emotionally potent as it is action-packed.