This will not be a traditional review of mine. Heir of Fire follows Celaena to Wendlyn where she meets many new characters, so I thought this time I’m going to focus more on individual characters rather than scenes. I will be looking at the introductions to Rowan, Sorscha, Manon and Abraxos, Aedion and Maeve.
"Tall, broad-shouldered, every inch of him seemingly corded with muscle, he was a male blooded with power. He paused in a dusty shaft of sunlight, his silver hair gleaming. As if his delicately pointed ears and slightly elongated canines weren't enough to scare the living shit out of everyone in that alley, including the now- whimpering madwoman behind Celaena, a wicked looking tattoo was etched down the left side of his harsh face, the whorls of black ink stark against his sun-kissed skin. It would have been a mistake to call him young-- just as it would have been a mistake to call him anything but a warrior, even without the sword strapped across his back and the vicious knives at his sides. He moved with lethal grace and surety, scanning the alley as if he were walking onto a killing field."
Since immersing myself into bookstagram, it’s been easy to see that Rowan Whitethorn is a very popular subject on everyone’s minds. The crowd favourite. So I was really excited to see this character because I knew it would be a treat but (and don’t kill me!!) I didn’t really like him in this book. He wasn’t this swoon worthy fae that I had in my mind (don’t worry that all changed after reading Queen of Shadows). But I gave him a second chance and near the end he was definitely getting better, but I still was unsure of how to feel. He was very broody in the beginning with an Everest sized chip on his shoulder. He was angry at everything and treated Celaena like she was a spoiled, royal brat despite her past (which he didn’t bother to ask before making this assumption) So you know me and Rowan didn’t hit it off. I did like how he could change into a white hawk. That was cool I have to admit. And it got even better when Celaena asked him where his clothes go once he shifts. Who hasn’t wondered that same question when any shapeshifting is involved?
The dynamic between Celaena and Rowan definitely saved his character. They played off of each other and it made this charged bond between them (and you know later we find out that they are carranum). Page 292 was definitely important for these two. Despite how strong and powerful a fae male like Rowan is, Celaena disregarded it and attacked him anyway like a fool and he let her! And this is where she threatens to kill him if he endangers anyone else for the sake of his mission for Maeve. So ballsy of Celaena!
“Dorian stepped into the room and the young woman looked up from the book she was scanning, a finger pausing on the page. Not beautiful, but—pretty. Clean, elegant lines, chestnut hair woven in a braid, and golden-tan skin that suggested at least one family member came from Ellywe.”
Remember that very convenient healer who was always there to patch up Celaena? Yup that’s Sorscha. Before now we never really saw a servant’s perspective. Celaena and Nehemia had both seen and experienced the treatment of the poor and were striving to change it but this gave insight into working at the palace in a profession that was borderline magic in a kingdom that hated it, so you know she’s in a pretty difficult situation. I like how skeptical she was of Dorian at the beginning and I ended up really liking this pairing! They were good for each other and it was nice to see Dorian happy. Sorscha gave him a good look at what it was like to be a servant and this definitely helped further his drive to be different than his father.
I admired her brazenness towards Dorian and it reminded me a lot of Celaena! If things turned out differently I think they would have been great friends!
“The man began whispering a plea to his soft-hearted gods as Manon let him back toward the lone window. Let him think he stood a chance while she stalked toward him, still smiling. The man didn’t even scream before she ripped out his throat. The second man also didn’t get the chance to scream before she gutted him with two swipes of her iron nails. But the third farmer came looking for his companions. And when he beheld her standing there, one hand twisted in his friend’s insides, the other holding him to her as she used her iron teeth to tear out his throat, he ran.”
What a gruesome first scene with Manon! Manon is also a favourite among ToG fans and now I know why! She is awesome! Ruthless, dark, and fierce. She walks with an elegance that cannot be matched by anyone and her red cloak is the very definition of savage. She is not afraid to lead the charge or get her hands dirty to further her cause and that is what makes her so strong. The introduction to the witches was a lovely addition to this world and I really liked reading Manon’s chapters! Her perspective was so refreshing!
And Abraxos?
“His gray hide was warm and surprisingly soft—thick but supple, like worn leather. Up close, the variation of colouring was striking—not just gray, but dark green, brown, black. It was marred all over by thick scars, so many that they could have been the stripes of a jungle cat. Abraxos’s teeth, yellow and cracked, gleamed in the torchlight. Some were missing, but those that remained were as long as a finger and twice as thick.”
He’s a survivor and I loved how they bonded over that!! And they never give up on each other! Its adorable!! I respected her so much when she chose Abraxos despite her grandmother telling her not to! Major Respect! Clearly I love these two! He’s loyal to a fault and despite being through so much, he can still appreciate the small things like wildflowers (Yes I am referring to that scene where he got distracted by them).
“Each of the scars, the chipped teeth and broken claws, the mutilated tail—they weren’t the markings of a victim. Oh, no. They were the trophies of a survivor. Abraxos was a warrior who’d had all the odds stacked against him and survived. Learned from it. Triumphed.
Manon didn’t bother to look at the men behind her as she said, ‘Get out.’ She kept staring into those dark eyes. ‘Leave the saddle and get out. If you bring a whip in here again, I’ll use it on you myself.”
“Handsome was a light way of describing what Aedion was. Overwhelming was more like it. Towering and heavily muscled. Aedion was every inch the warrior rumor claimed him to be. Even though his clothes were mostly for function, Chaol could tell that the leather of his light armor was of fine make and exquisitely detailed. A white wolf pelt was slung across his broad shoulders, and a round shield had been strapped to his back—along with an ancient-looking sword. But his face. And his eyes…Holy gods. They were Celaena’s eyes. Ashryver eyes. A stunning turquoise with a core of gold as bright as their hair. Their hair—even the shade of it was the same. They could have been twins, if Aedion weren’t twenty-four and tanned from the many years in the snow-bright mountains of Terrasen.”
Just like Rowan, I was very unsure of Aedion or "the Wolf of the North". He seemed very brutish and for some reason I could never get a reading on him. But behind his grin, plots were definitely brewing! Although off-putting at first, Aedion’s two-faced, double agent scheme was brilliant. It was really fascinating to read because his actions surprised me at every turn! The best scenes were hands down when he used his humor at court! He set Chaol on edge and it was hilarious! I am definitely glad he turned out to be loyal to his cousin and true Queen of Terrasen, Aelin and I can’t wait to see how these two will get along!!!
The jury is still out on Maeve. She’s definitely evil. She radiates it. But I’m still unsure what her end game is and how she will deal with Aelin and Rowan, now that they are bonded. But it will definitely be juicy to read!!
Ok, I’m still reeling from everything that happened at the end! Maas hit ToG fans hard with this ending!
*****SPOILER ALERTS!!!
Sorscha was beheaded.
Dorian loses control in front of his magic hating father and is shackled with a wyrdstone collar.
Chaol narrowly escaping the king.
Aedion is imprisoned by the king in the hopes of drawing out Aelin.
Rowan becomes the first member of Aelin’s court.
Celaena is now Aelin and she’s coming back. Back to Adarlan. Back to claim the third key.
This is a lot to take in! But I am so ready for Queen of Shadows. So many people are in danger, their fates unknown!! I must know!!
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