I think I need to buy these books. I'm currently borrowing them from the library, but the gap between each book coming in is having an effect on my enjoyment and the flow of the story. I remember the broad strokes of what came before, but I think some of the detail is slipping my mind and so when I get to the next one, it's harder to slip back into the world seamlessly. That being said, I have the next one ready and waiting, so it shouldn't be a problem this time!

Overall, this feels like the 'exposition' book; it's getting all of the 'secondary' characters who are going to play a part in the rest of the series introduced and moved to the right places on the board. There is definitely a story there, and an enjoyable one at that, but it doesn't do a whole lot to move Celaena's story along until towards the end of the book. The last third of the book is definitely the best part; all of the real action and a very good climax to the book is contained there

Indeed, there are several intertwined narratives in this book, but the one with the most movement is the story of a newly introduced character. In my head, I have to admit all I can see is Hiccup and Toothless from 'How to Train your Dragon', but with a but more violence. I did enjoy reading these sections, but you don't get any real indication as to why the character is important enough to warrant having her story told, or the role she's going to play in the wider story, so it feels a little hollow. I can try and guess, but as it's Sarah J Maas I feel like that's just setting me up for a fall!

Rowan definitely feels like the template for Rhys in ACOTAR, and I am not complaining! Very much liking that character! There's just something about the snarky, dark, brooding man with a heart of gold that Maas just nails when she writes! 

However, I feel like there's a huge plot hole here - Celaena has been sent to assassinate the Wendlyn royal family, but 'disappears' for an extended period. And nothing is said by her employer? No retribution meted out as threatened? I'll be interested to see how the next book deals with this.

It's not dampened my interest in continuing with this series, but this one isn't quite as enthralling as the others. I think the fun is definitely about to begin, so jumping straight into Queen of Shadows!