Heir off Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Publication Date: September 2nd, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Status: Book 3 in the Throne of Glass series
Rating: 4 Stars
Book Synopsis (Goodreads):
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?
Review:
I received an advanced reading copy of Heir of Fire by the publisher. Let me begin by saying that I am a huge fan of the Throne of Glass series! Heir of Fire is told from multiple POV’s: Celaena, Chaol, Dorian, Rowan, Aedion and Manon Blackbeak. But really this book is divided up into three main stories, Celaena’s and her time in Wendlyn with the help of her new trainer Rowan. Chaol, Dorian, and General Aedion and their story in Adarlan. And Manon Blackbeak whom resides with the Thirteen and the other Iron Witch covens in the Ferian Gap. Overall Heir of Fire is deeply moving and a highly enjoyable read. It’s an adventurous read about overcoming fears.
What I didn’t like about the book:
When I first began reading Heir of Fire I did have difficulty connecting with Manon Blackbeak, whom is one of the Iron Witches. Every time her story arose I set the book down and had to come back to it later. I wanted to read the stories of the people I have grown to love, Chaol, Damion, and Celaena. I wanted their stories, not an Iron Witch that didn’t make sense why she was important enough to have her own sideline story. I didn’t understand this new character, and I couldn’t see what importance this new character would bring to the overall story. It took me till nearly halfway through the book to get over my misconception of the character and to look at Manon Blackbeak in a new light and what she really brought to Heir of Fire. Once I reached this point I couldn’t put the book down, and I even began understanding Manon Blackbeak and really enjoyed her story as well.
Another thing that I felt could have been better was to offer more story telling from Dorian’s POV. As much as I loved the book there should have been more Dorian in it. He had such a wonderful story. Dorian played a critical part to the ending, an ending I did enjoyed, however if I had more time to spend with Dorian that it would have caused a bigger reaction from me. It could have been even more epic than what it was.
What I did like about the book:
All the characters in this story are wonderfully crafted! They definitely have their faults, but they each have the ability to overcome them and in even a few instances, arise to the occasion. Each of Sarah J. Maas’ characters, with their brilliantly crafted faults, are seen as less fictional… and more real. I can promise you, at least one character in Heir of Fire will reach for you through the pages. You will understand this character, identify with this character, connect with this character, and feel what this character is going through. That is one of my favorite things about how Sarah J. Maas writes. You feel what her characters feel because of her wonderful way to express and develop their emotions to a point where we can feel it!
Main Characters:
Chaol is such an interesting character. He has so many inner battles. In Heir of Fire his conflicts dominantly revolve around choosing a side to fight for, instead of balancing on the thin wire like he has been in previous books. Does he fight for his ruthless King? Or does he stand by his friend Celaena? Does he help the rebels in return for information? Or does he turn them in for treachery? Does he accept the people he loves completely? Or does he wish he could remove the parts of them that he doesn’t understand? So much hidden turmoil for Chaol. Chaol is one of my favorite characters and has been since book one! I loved his interactions with the General in this book, and I loved seeing his character grow into a person we can all believe in. Chaol is becoming such a solid character. I can’t wait to see how his story will play out in future Throne of Glass books.
Dorian’s point of view was one of my favorites in this book. And honestly, we didn’t get enough Dorian! His story is vital to the overall plot of Throne of Glass and Heir of Fire should have presented more from him. It’s disappointing that Dorian’s story took the backseat to Chaol’s. At the moment I feel as if Dorian’s character is slightly more important than Chaol’s and crucial to the overall story of Heir of Fire. If I had spent more time with Damion in this book, then I would have been an emotional firework at the end. However that lack of connection and time with the character made me more detached at the ending. I love Dorian because when he makes a decision he sticks by it. I love his interactions with Sorscha, the healer, and I love how determined he is. For the past three book he has been shaping and transforming from a prince to a noble King. His heart is pure and he only hides it to protect himself and those he cares about.
General Aeidon was an interesting addition to the Throne of Glass series. To avoid spoilers I unfortunately cannot say much about it, but I can tell you that he’s a warrior with many scars, seems a bit arrogant, a charmer, and fancies the ladies. He is a man of secrets. I can also tell you that Aeidon was a great addition to the story, and I look forward to learning more about him.
The introduction to Manon Blackbeak was unsettling. She’s a very dark character and I was bored with her at first. She’s a hard character to understand and identify with. I expect her to play an important role in stories to come, but even knowing this it took me a long time to really connect with her. She was the wild card for me in this book. It takes a long time to understand her and even longer to develop the barest connection with her. At the middle and on through the end her story does get interesting. And I must say that even with my lack of emotional investment with the character that I do look forward to seeing what sort of mayhem she will bring about the next book. My advice with others if they too struggle with reading Manon Blackbeak’s character is to stick with it, the end of the book in its entirety (including hers) is completely worth it.
Celaena starts out with hitting rock bottom. Her tale is so amazingly written. Sarah J. Maas’ writing skills truly shine when she writes from Celaena’s POV. Celaena struggles through past memories and feels the pain of everyone she’s ever lost. As a reader, you feel it too. Celaena is such a tough character, and it was heartbreaking to see and feel how broken she felt. Celaena believes she has failed everyone she has ever cared about. And how do you rise above that? Her story takes place in Wendlyn where she makes a deal with Maeve to learn her magic in return for information. Celaena becomes Rowan’s charge, who trains her how to use her magic. He’s new to the Throne of Glass series in this book, and I absolutely loved the immortal Fae in this story. At first he’s a selfish jerk. But he is exactly what Celaena needs. And their friendship that blooms and develops through the story is purely enchanting. Celaena is an inspiring character! She will amaze you!
Rowan I loved from the very beginning! He begins as a cold, rude jerk whom barely acknowledges or says a word to Celaena. She’s pretty much his charge and I got the impression he really hated it. He’s very hard on Celaena too and he doesn’t let her get away with anything. He knows her full potential and pushes her over the limit, which probably isn’t the smartest idea. Over time though as Rowan and Celaena share stories with each other, as they face dangers together, they become a formidable team. I can’t wait to read more about Rowan in books to come! What a wonderful addition to the story!
The Author:
Sarah J. Maas has really blossomed as an author. Her writing is beautifully scripted. Her ability to tell stories from different points of view, and to really convey their emotions and faults allows us as readers to really connect to these characters and feel something for them. When they are in pain, we feel it. When they are inspiring, we in turn can feel an uplift in our hearts. Heir of Fire begins a little slow, but gives so much depth to our characters that I felt it was key to the story. Celaena’s story begins in a dark, dark place and I’m glad we got to see her really struggle, survive, and overcome that darkness. It’s inspiring!
From evil creatures, to powerful magic, from angry foes to everlasting friendships, from sentimental moments to mystery and action, this book has it all! It’s an enchanting tale of overcoming fears, reaching for help when needed, and realizing that together, you can overcome darkness with your inner light. If you haven’t read Throne of Glass or Crown of Midnight read them now before the third installment is released! Heir of Fire is a wonderful addition to the Throne of Glass series! It’s a MUST read!
Who I would recommend this book/series too: Honestly, anyone whom enjoys fantasy and magic.
To learn more about Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire click on the title.
Favorite Lines:
“You made it to the other side of the field, but I said to face the wights–not throw a magical tantrum.”
“Please tell me you brought food,” Luca said again
“Is that why you came? Rowan promised you snacks?”
“I’m a growing boy.” He winced when he looked at Rowan. “And you don’t say no to him.”
“I claim you, Rowan Whitethorn. I don’t care what you say and how much you protest. I claim you as my friend.”
“Together, Fireheart,” he said, pushing back the sleeve of her tunic. “We’ll find a way together.”
About the Author (Goodreads):
Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Heir of Fire, Book 3, will be out in September 2014). Starting in Spring 2015, her New Adult Fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, will be published by Bloomsbury as well.
Sarah lives in Southern California, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much coffee, and watches absolutely rubbish TV shows. When she’s not busy writing, she can be found exploring the California coastline with her husband.
To learn more about Sarah J. Maas check out her website here: Sarah J. Maas
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