Wow. This is definitely the best book in the series so far. This is not a review, but rather rambles about what I liked and what I want to see happen, because I do not have an analytical enough mind when it comes to fantasy series to write anything else.

THIS is the Aelin I've been waiting for. The cunning, deception, and absolute willpower of Aelin really comes to a head in this book. I loved watching her planning unfold throughout the book (and making Rowan and Aedion mad in the process). She is the epitome of the strong and clever FMC, the Queen of Terrasen is truly born in this book.

I cannot wait to see

Spoiler

Dorian as king. I love that he remembers Manon and I know something happens with them just based on minor spoilers I've seen, I know that is going to be SO good. I continue to be skeptical of Chaol. I know he has done a lot to prove his loyalty to Dorian and save the people of Rifthold, but I still do not trust him 100% and am worried he is going to try and align Dorian against Aelin somehow. I really hope that is not the case. I am rooting for Lysandra and Aedion to get together in some capacity and the Rowan/Aelin tension HAS to break at some point, talk about a slow burn

.

Anyways, I'm glad to see this series is getting better and better with each book. Queen of Shadows definitely seems to be one of the earliest examples of the SJM writing I've come to know and love.