So Throne of Glass one wasn't all that impressive - generally overdone, in my opinion. But I decided to give it a chance because ACOTR was ok but ACOMF literally blew me out of the water. And I figured, maybe this series will do that too, maybe that's where all the accolades are from, cause after the first book I just didn't get it. Well, this didn't even come close to ACOMF, but it was so so much better that the first. I enjoyed the continued character development of the triangle between Celaena, Chaol and Dorian - I respect the inclusion of a love triangle whose edges are super defined (as in, the girl has clearly picked). It is a relatively newer take on an old story - with one party working to "get over it" after the lines are drawn, but the tension stays and can still affect the story line. The whole betrayed by a loved one plot line is frustratingly overdone, but I realize I read a lot of books in the genre and maybe that's why I feel that way. It's an overused device for a reason. (Again, ACOMF is just so much better in this regard - the triangle is over with before the reader even knew it was there - SO refreshing). And I'm glad the whole "Celaena is the heir of Terrasen and lynchpin to everything" plot line is uncovered so that we can get over the excessive foreshadowing. However, if she always does something crazy on the same date every year, related to her parents deaths, and it's not a secret, how the hell did no one figure anything out earlier?? I mean, Nehemia did (cause, of course she did, she somehow knows everything...), which explains why she was willing to sacrifice herself to get Celaena involved (and also why she kept it secret), but really, no one else?? The Wyrdkey vs magic mutually exclusive existence thing is an interesting development, as is how Celaena's past had remained hidden and Dorian's sudden abilities. Nehemia's death was sad, but I'm a little glad she's gone. She is too easy a character to have - the answer to everything character - and I think that takes away from the author's ability to reveal information in more creative ways. Plus, I'm glad the "big loss" referred to was her and not Chaol, phew. Archer was an interesting and totally reasonable "bad guy" (I say that because, honestly, I feel like compared to the current king he would be better - maybe a chaotic good, but better than all bad). Interesting matter of perspective. But his handling on Nehemia's death, knowing how Grave worked, was, truly, unforgivable. Definitely not just a "bridge" book between the beginning of the story and the end - great new information and plots came to light here in their own right. All in all, much better follow up than where is started and I'm definitely pretty intrigued to see where things go now.